LAWT 07-21-2011

W E E K E N D E R

L.A. Watts Times Vol. XXX, No. 1241

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

HOROSCOPES A

RIES ~ If you feel blessed this week, don’t be surprised. With last week’s soul vibration you were able to see a wonderful truth about yourself. Did you look? If you did then this week that truth will shine in everything you do.

AURUS ~ You may feel a bit frustrated that some of the miscellaneous items from your “to do” list reappear for this week.

Chill. Find ways to exert excess stress positively. Everything you need to get done will be done. You’ve got what it takes! Continue to shine!

EMINI ~ The sincere emotions that should have flowed through you last week will begin to glow more brightly this week. No matter what the emotions were, you can find the good in them this week. If you have to search deeply, do so. The good is there in abundance this week.

ANCER ~ Energy is higher than it was last week. You might feel like the sunshine inside yourself provides blinding light.

Walk into it. There are no dangers. Put dark glasses on your soul vibrations and be cool.

This day is too light, too bright.

EO ~ You might get negative answers to an important question this week so you should have a backup plan. And you should know that in the long run it is better that the answer was not yes. Be daring! Make efforts to move beyond your comfort zone. You’ll be glad you did.

IRGO ~ Don’t waste your shine on solitude. Get out and let other people see it this week. The cheerfulness that should have come into your life last week is looking for places to express. Find them. Your winning ways can win big this week.

JULY 21 - 27

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IBRA ~ You like to shine. Everyone might not know it but you like to be a little superficial and playful. That side of your soul vibration is pleading for expression this week. Listen to the plea. Give it a chance but be careful of the sensitive feelings of those who experience you in another way.

CORPIO ~ Some say optimism is fantasy. Suppose the good thing you’re optimistic about never comes. This week you’ll know that the joy of anticipating it is joy enough. Just the certainty of coming goodness is present goodness. The joy of tomorrow is available this week.

AGITTARIUS ~ The joy that you get from good results can make you a hero this week.

Others will easily see how valuable your soul vibration is to them. It will be easy for them to see why they are glad they know you. Feel pride in your ability to move towards distant goals.

APRICORN ~ Did you enjoy what flowed in last week? Tell someone about it. Sure you like to gossip. So what. Enjoy going over in conversation what you enjoyed in consciousness last week. Did you make the consciousness into reality? You could have. You still can.

QUARIUS ~ Well enough of being satisfied and being still and letting the wealth inside yourself be your joy. Spend some of that wealth. Get into your real bank account. Use some hard cash and buy something to make you look as good as you feel.

ISCES ~ You find that waiting pays off, doesn’t it. Now is a better time to charge ahead. Good communication is favored.

You’ll be more convincing. Others are more eager to work with you. Love is easier.

Business is easier. People give approval in ways that they would not have last week.

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Winners of the 2011 Inter-Ethnic Relations Awards The Los Angeles Multicultural Leadership Network and New America Media (NAM) announced the winners of the first-ever InterEthnic Relations Awards.

These awards are given to the most illuminating reporting about relations between different ethnic communities and areas of intersection whether involved in collaborative projects or constructively confronting differences with each other.

The Awards invited mainstream, ethnic, newcomer, and community news organizations (print, online, radio and television of any size) in the greater Los Angeles area

MOMBASA SQUARE ANSWERS FROM 7-14-11

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

as well as individuals whose work published or aired by these media outlets to submit entries.

California Community Foundation was supportive of this recognition.

The winners the 2011 InterEthnic Relations and their winning entries are: Professional Print • Larry Aubry of the LA Sentinel - Award Prize of $1,000 “A Black Perspective on Immigration” • Sheannette Virtue of the Carib Press - Award Prize of $1,000 “Iraqi Immigrant’s Formula for Success in South L.A.” • Nalea Ko of the Pacific Citizen - Award Prize of $1,000 “Former Asian American Gang Members Erase Tattoos, Their Past” • Nora Estrada of Impulso Award Prize of $1,000 “More Than Latinos at May Day March” Professional Online • Darlene Donloe of the LA Watts Times - Award Prize of $1,000 “Phi Wilkes Fixico - A True Native Son” • Walter Melton of LA Beez Award Prize of $1,000 “Collaborators in South Los Angeles” Student Online • Alhambra Youth Feed of the Alhambra Source - Award Prize of $500 “Summer Workshop Takes on Main Street”

Darlene Donloe

Larry Aubry • Anthony Perez of the Alhambra Source - Award Prize of $500 “Why So Few Other Latino Students are in Leadership Positions?”

See AWARDS, page 6

Inside This Edition

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

Rep. Maxine Waters seeks dismissal of ethics case

BY LARRY MARGASAK ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP Photo

Marion Barry, now a Washington, D.C. council member for the 8th Ward, shows support for his son Christopher.

Marion Barry’s Son Arrested on Drug Charges Alleged Possession and Intent to Distribute PCP

BY VALENCIA MOHAMMED SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER Marion “Christopher” Barry, 31, son of Marion S. Barry, the former mayor of the District, was arrested on May 28 for the alleged possession and intent to distribute PCP. Barry’s next court date is July 27.

According to court documents, around 10:44 p.m. on May 28, a citizen who claimed she heard fighting and screaming inside an apartment flagged a police officer down.

As the officer approached the building, the fighting continued, along with sounds of items being tossed around the room and people

yelling. The officer knocked on the door of the apartment and announced himself but the yelling and screaming continued. A few minutes later the noise ceased, and though a male voice answered from behind the locked door, the person refused to open it.

Another officer arrived on the scene and called for the assistance of the fire department to gain entry.

When the fire department successfully opened the door, a male jumped out of the window and escaped.

Inside the apartment, blood was discovered at the entrance. Police searched the premises for victims but found none. However, officers See BARRY, page 18

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters on Tuesday sought dismissal of House Ethics Committee allegations that she tried to obtain a federal bailout for a bank where her husband is an investor. Her lawyer said misconduct and partisanship in the committee made a fair ethics proceeding impossible.

Waters’ attorney Stanley Brand cited internal documents showing a close relationship between two former committee lawyers in the case and Republican committee members.

Waters, a California Democrat, is a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee.

“Based on the facts of the case and the record of committee misconduct, the only remedy that vindicates the principals of the quasi-judicial functions of the committee is immediate dismissal with prejudice. No other remedy exists to cure this misconduct,” Brand said.

In a follow-up letter to the committee, Brand wrote, “This misconduct is of such a fundamentally improper level that it cannot be cured by reliance on any other device, including employment of an outside counsel. Simply put ... this committee can never conduct an impartial and unbiased inquiry into this matter.”

Waters has repeatedly said she did nothing improper and had no role in the Obama administration’s decision to bail out Boston-based

OneUnited Bank. The congresswoman’s husband, Sidney Williams, owns stock in the bank, and his investment was in danger of becoming worthless during the near-financial collapse of late 2008.

OneUnited received $12 million in bailout money in December 2008. But Treasury Department officials have told House investigators that Waters was not involved AP Photo in that decision.

Rep. Maxine Waters has repeatedly maintained her Waters contended innocence. she had supported legislation to help all troubled, minori- Bonner’s offer earlier this year to ty-owned banks like OneUnited— reinstate them.

The committee had charged and specifically those, like OneUnited, that were hurt by their Waters with violating House rules investments in the then-collapsing and was ready to begin a proceeding mortgage giants Fannie Mae and on her conduct late last year, but the case was sent back for further invesFreddie Mac. Brand said that the conduct of tigation after the controversy erupted some committee members and staff over the conduct of the two lawyers.

Brand said in his statement that violated Waters’ constitutional rights. Internal documents showed if there is prosecutorial misconduct that the two former lawyers regular- in a criminal case, a judge would ly corresponded exclusively last year usually dismiss the charges. He also with Rep. Jo Bonner of Alabama, said the case was flawed.

“Given that both current memthen the ranking Republican and now bers and staff are implicated in these the chairman.

The two lawyers, C. Morgan documents, any other suggested remKim and Stacy Sovereign, were sus- edy would lack legal credibility and pended last year by the previous would confirm an unprecedented Democratic chairman, Zoe Lofgren level of bias against my client,” of California. Neither accepted Brand added.

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

Welcome to L.A., NAACP! As the nation’s oldest civil rights institution, the NAACP has been a major force for civil rights in the courts for more than 100 years.

BY YUSSUF J. SIMMONDS SENTINEL MANAGING EDITOR From the ballot box to the classroom, the thousands of dedicated workers, organizers, leaders and members who make up the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) have been fighting in the courts for social justice for all Americans, determined to maintain and sustain the American creed that all men are equal under the law.

One of the greatest landmark cases in the nation’s civil rights history came about due to the vigilance and stick-to-itiveness of the NAACP. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka stands as a monument to the legal prowess of the organization. Brown’s legal team was headed by the late Thurgood Marshall, who would later become the nation’s first Black associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

In July 2011, the NAACP has convened its annual meeting in Los Angeles as it continues to fight for equal justice under the law—and though much progress has been made, much is still to be done. And that is why wherever there is injustice, the NAACP is there trying to right pervasive wrongs.

One such wrong is the disparity in the guidelines of the U. S. Sentencing Commission on the disparity as related to crack cocaine sentences (mostly used in cases involving Blacks and Browns) versus the same for powder cocaine (mostly used in cases involving Whites and the wealthy). As outspoken and well-respected U.S.

District Court Judge Terry Hatter commented, “You can’t get crack [cocaine] without powder [cocaine].” Yet, in the past, crack cocaine users have been given draconian prison sentences, and powder cocaine users mostly get the proverbial “slap on the wrist.”

And though there has been some movement by the sentencing commission to level the sentencing playing field, there is still quite a way to go.

And that is where the NAACP does much of its work—trying to right blatant—and some covert— wrongs in the interests of all concerned.

Examples abound. The NAACP challenges big banks to adopt fair, equitable and nondiscriminatory lending practices; it helps fight the stark inequities in the conditions in New York City public schools; it keeps tabs on the EPA to hold power plants accountable for cross-state air pollution rules that impact health conditions. In short, the NAACP stays in the forefront of the legal issues that affect the lives of those who are most vulnerable.

Some of the men and women in leadership positions at the NAACP whose work makes a difference are national president, Benjamin T. Jealous; national chair, Roslyn Brock; California state president, Alice Huffman; president of the L.A. branch, Leon Jenkins; and national board member, Willis Edwards.

Several local clergymen will play prominent roles when the convention debuts in L.A. They are Rev. Melvin Wade, Bishop Charles E. Blake and Bishop T. Larry Kirkland. Here are a few key facts about these civil rights warriors.

WELCOME L O S AN N G E LES, C A

AFFIRMING

AMERICA’S P R O M I S E

NA NAA AACP P 10 102ND AN ANNU NUAL CONVEN CONV VENT NTION ION

JULY 23–28, 2011 011 1 LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER www.naacp.org

COMMERCE & INDUSTRY SHOW HEALTH FAIR RETAIL EXPO AUTHOR PAVILION H O U R S : S AT U R D AY 2 P M – 6 P M

S U N D AY / M O N D AY / T U E S D AY 1 0 A M – 6 P M

GRAND OPENING OF THE COMMERCE & INDUSTRY SHOW SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2:00PM

JOB FAIR TUESDAY, JULY 26, NOON – 8PM AND WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 10AM – 4PM

Benjamin T. Jealous, national president and CEO

Roslyn Brock, national chairwoman BENJAMIN T. JEALOUS Though he did not have a high profile nationally, NAACP’s current national president and CEO, Benjamin Jealous, was the president of a private, nonprofit, venture capital foundation prior to his ascendancy to lead the organization in 2008.

His experience as director of the U.S. Human Rights Program at Amnesty International (AI) has been a great asset to him in facing some of the legal challenges at the helm of the NAACP. While at AI, he focused on issues such as federal legislation against prison rape, racial profiling and the sentencing of children to life without the possibility of parole.

Jealous also served as executive director of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which consists of over than 200 black community newspapers; and as the managing editor of the Jackson Advocate, Mississippi’s oldest historically Black newspaper, he exposed corruption among high-ranking officials at the state prison in Parchman.

With those credentials, Jealous was a natural to lead the NAACP. At 38, he is the youngest national leader of the organization.

ROSLYN BROCK Roslyn Brock made history when she became the youngest ever, and fourth woman, to serve as chairwoman of the national board of directors of the NAACP. For over two decades, Brock served the NAACP in several leadership roles. She is a Diamond Life Member, having joined the Association as a freshman while at Virginia Union University.

In 1989, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks, Brock wrote her master’s thesis on “Developing an NAACP Health Outreach Program for Minorities”—and that may have laid the foundation for her to assume her present position. She is a skilled grant writer and secured millions of dollars in grants since for NAACP programs even before assuming leadership of the board of directors. Some of those grant funds initiated the health symposiums that are held at the NAACP’s national conventions.

Then in 1999, Brock was appointed chair of the Board Convention Planning Committee, where she led that Committee to institute fiscal policies that resulted in the convention becoming a profit center for the organization with average net revenues of at least $1 million dollars a year.

And in 2005, Brock created the Leadership 500 Summit with several other young adult members of the NAACP. The Summit’s goal has been to recruit, train and retain a new generation of civil rights leaders aged 30-50 to the NAACP. Since its inception, Leadership 500 has contributed handsomely to the NAACP national treasury and has led to the support of many more new and other organizational activities.

See NAACP, page 6

Alice Huffman, California state president

Leon Jenkins, L.A. branch president

Willis Edwards

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

The Kwame Kilpatrick interview SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE MICHIGAN CITIZEN Since May 2010, former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been serving an 18-month to five-year sentence for violating the terms of his parole — not paying restitution. He served 99 days in 2008 for lying under oath in a civil trial. Soon to be released, he faces federal charges.

His new book, “Surrendered: The Rise, Fall & Revelation,� will be released July 25. The Michigan Citizen spoke with Kilpatrick about the city of Detroit, failing his constituents and his future.

MC: If you think about the rebellions, first wave of Black mayors, Black power agenda, what does Detroit now represent in the continuum of Black history?

KK: Detroit is the place that was home to The Honorable Elijah Muhammad, who began the Nation of Islam. It is where Albert B. Cleage founded the Shrine of the Black Madonna ‌ the place where the young Malcolm X visited Aretha Franklin’s father’s church, the Rev. C.L. Franklin’s New Bethel Baptist.

[The city where] Malcolm X went on to deliver “Message to the Grassroots.â€? The most famous trade unionists of all times came from Detroit: Robert “Buddyâ€? Battle, Robert Millender. The ecumenical, union, social justice movements can all trace something powerful back to Detroit. I believe in rhythm, and the pendulum has swung away ‌ now it has to swing back. [Detroit] is the last place in America where there is still a remnant of rebellion and revolution in the African American community.

Detroit is fighting for an identity ‌ its identity as a place a young African American child can believe he can be a doctor, surgeon or dentist. Across America, you don’t see that same audacity in young people.

That is what is being attacked in Detroit. For the kids on 7 Mile and Dexter, that is what is being diminished. What is developing is a permanent underclass mentality. There will always be individuals who believe they can be [doctors, lawyers] but if you can’t find that amongst a community ‌ that is how pivotal it is for this 80 percent [Black] community. Detroit is a role model not just for America, but the world.

MC: Why do you think we have such a gap in perspective when it comes to deciding what is best for the city and who will be in charge?

KK: The polarity creates the instability. The power of Detroit is in its unity. The siege always happens when you start attacking the blocks — Black press, civil rights organizations, unions. Right now there is no common understanding of what we want because there is no leadership. Everyone wants a better school system, everyone wants civil rights and social justice, but we want to make sure our church gets money. Selfish ambition. It is specifically and intelligently designed to keep people from uniting.

If you are going to lead the NAACP ‌ step up. If you are going to lead the Baptist pastors ‌ step up. This is an emergency. [We need] action in unity that is moved in love, not hate. There are specific people, like our prosecutor ‌ she is someone who continuously works to disrupt the flow, the vibe in the city of Detroit. Those who are antiunification need to not be included.

People are still looking for a mayor, a person in political office.

Movements start with people.

People need to come together not just with their shoe leather, but with their minds.

MC: Many say you represent a setback in Black leadership? How do you respond?

KK: They would be right. I definitely ascended to a place my talents and gifts took me, but I didn’t develop my character in the same way, which gave the devil a foothold. I gave people the right to say everything and anything about me. There have been so many lies and mistruths, I don’t think anyone knows what Kwame Kilpatrick did anymore. I have reconciled with God, my wife and family. Now I want to have a conversation with Detroit. It’s time for me to reconcile with Detroit ‌ The whole characterization— this is how dangerous it is in Detroit—I was called a murderer for nearly 7 or 8 years. The FBI concluded I had no involvement. The prosecutor’s office investigated, state attorney general, but still the newspapers continued to beat the drum, even though they had all the information. Why? What that allowed is, now, if you are known as a thief, a murderer, [that reputation] goes with you. That is why I am here. No one in Michigan’s history has been thrown in for what I have done ‌ They have been using all of these things to say he stole or is corrupt. [People] don’t care because they have you engrossed in this soap opera about another man’s life.

That is why I have to have a conversation with Detroit. We are about to lose the whole thing and it is not just about us, but our children. If they can put this Black man on TV, what do you think they are going to do about your brother, son? When they were beating Kwame Kilpatrick, they were beating you. And it was supposed to be better when I left ‌ I have never stolen a damn dime from anybody in my life. I never embezzled or misappropriated public funds. So, I want to talk to Detroiters about the truth ‌ I want to talk to Detroit about who I am and what I did. I served this community with everything I had ‌ If you want to meet me, it’s going to be just like the campaign in 2005. I will come to your house. The next generation of Detroiters cannot be railroaded in this system that I have seen firsthand.

MC: For many Black people, prison has often been a political experience, and some of the most alive parts of your book are when you talk about the number of Black

men who are locked up. Has prison radicalized you? How? KK: Absolutely—not radicalized, but given me a more full education— spiritual and mental. It has drawn something inside me out.

Something I had to suppress because I was a politician. As mayor, I had to be a manager, but we are called on to be producers ‌ There are no titles here [in prison] so you have to have a lot of respect for your fellow man.

Not respecting people will get you hurt. You have a wide spread of ages and have an opportunity to see what our country has done, what the crisis of massive incarceration has done to America. It has also given me some powerful ideas for the city—[things] that I can do outside of job as mayor.

I am free. I have never been this free in my life. This experience has sparked a new light in me, and I am ready to help serve somebody. I think until we start to understand our men are here ‌ I am locked in this unit with 100 fathers and fathers [who] are serving time with their sons. Grandfathers are meeting grandsons. Until we start doing something about this cycle, we won’t do anything for our community ‌ we need to start engaging with young people now.

MC: You are facing federal charges. Can you really write a book that you say tells the whole story?

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

“Detroit is the last place in America where there is still a remnant of rebellion and revolution in the African American community ‌ â€? says its former mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

KK: When all this stuff started to hit I was terrified and then I was trying to hold my family together.

So, I shut up and I haven’t done any interviews, really, since 2008. I was

I N T E R - E T H N I C

the leader of the city and I should have been speaking and facing some of the criminal charges and the federal charges ‌ I need to tell the truth. I need to speak.

R E L A T I O N S

A W A R D S

Darlene Donloe ofofthethe LALA Watts Times Watts Winner of the Inter-Ethnic Relations Awards in the Print Journalism Category.

The Inter-Ethnic Relations Awards recognizes journalists whose reporting on ethnic relations is helping to create better understanding among diverse communities in the Greater Los Angeles area.

The Awards is sponsored by the partnership between The Los Angeles Multicultural Leadership Network and New America Media.

The Los Angeles Multicultural Leadership Network is composed

organizations in Los Angeles. One of its initiatives is to recognize the contributions of journalists, both professionals and students, who write or broadcast stories about common ground on important issues and our diverse ethnic and cultural groupings in Greater Los Angeles.

New America Media, headquartered in San Francisco, is the country’s

news organizations. Over 57 million ethnic adults connect to each other, to home countries and to America through

American journalism.

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

Fears about debt send gold price to record

BY STAN CHOE AP BUSINESS WRITER NEW YORK (AP) — Gold’s reputation as a safe place for your money sent it above $1,600 for the first time.

Investors are worried about debt problems on both sides of the Atlantic.

So they bid gold up $12.30 an ounce Monday to settle at $1,602.40. That’s a record for the market price for gold, but below its 1980 peak after adjusting for inflation. An ounce of gold at that time cost $850, or about $2,400, in today’s dollars.

Gold is looking better by the day because debt problems in the U.S. and Europe are making two other so-called safe havens, the dollar and the euro, seem shaky. The U.S. could default on its debt on August 2 if Congress and the White House don’t agree to raise the country’s borrowing limit.

In Europe, investors worry that Greece may default. Countries including Italy, Spain and Ireland are also struggling to pay their bills. Defaults could mean losses for the banks that own bonds issued by those countries, and that could trigger widespread disruption in financial markets.

Why own gold? It’s because gold has a long history as a way of preserving wealth, said Tom Winmill, portfolio manager of the $96 million Midas Fund. The fund owns gold and

stocks in gold mines. “In 6,000 years, gold is one of the very few assets that have never gone to zero.” Winmill expects gold to rise to $1,800 by the end of 2012.

Investors believe gold is safe because it doesn’t depend on a government’s ability to repay a bond, like a Treasury or a Greek note. Neither do other commodities like crude oil, which has the added use of powering automobiles. “But it’s much easier to pick up a bar of gold than a swimming pool of oil,” says James Steel, an analyst with HSBC. Gold rose 21 percent in dollar terms in the 12 months through June 30, according to the World Gold Council, an industry group. It rose against other currencies too: up 2.2 percent in euros, 10.4 percent in Japanese yen and 16.5 percent in Indian rupees. But gold fell 5.5 percent against the Swiss franc, which is seen as one of the world’s safest currencies.

Gold’s rise has accelerated in the last two weeks: Monday was its 10th straight day of gains after it closed at $1,482.60 July 1. Gold has also steadily risen since the start of 2009, when it cost $880. The Federal Reserve has kept short-term interest rates at a record low of nearly zero since December 2008. Low interest rates weaken the appeal of the dollar, and that in turn sends gold higher.

Investors are behind much of the increase in the price of gold. Demand from investors rose 26 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier, according to industry data. Demand for gold from dentists for crowns and from companies for use in electronics was flat. Demand for gold in jewelry rose 7 percent.

The amount of gold held by exchange-traded funds and similar investments is at a record, according to Barclays Capital. Exchange-traded funds, also known as ETFs, trade like stocks and are a way for investors to own gold without having to store and insure actual gold bars or coins.

But much of that demand has been from speculative investors, such as hedge funds, says Jon Nadler, senior metals analyst with Kitco Metals.

Gold could plunge—if investors regain their confidence that the U.S. won’t default and that the 27-nation European Union won’t be threatened by the region’s debt problems.

“I wish this was all about the man on the street, pension funds, but it’s not,” Nadler says. “It’s the type of player that tends to get up at the very next opportunity to find something hot elsewhere. Will all this end in tears? Quite likely yes, because I see that the demise of the European Union and the United States as a debt entity is really not in the cards.”

AP Photo/Newmont Mining

Go for the gold: The surge in prices is something the average person should take note of.

AWARDS

Continued from page 2 Judges for the Inter-Ethnic Relations Awards are: Stewart Kwoh, President of Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Prof. Jose Luis Benavides of CSU-Northridge, Yolie Flores of LA Unified School District, Carmen Morgan of Asian Pacific American Legal Center, and Prof. Ken Wong of UCLA. The Los Angeles Multicultural Leadership Network (LAMLN) is composed of leaders from business, media, nonprofit, and philanthropic organizations. LAMLN meets to discuss significant challenges and solutions for the residents of the greater Los Angeles area. One of LAMLN’s goals is to foster better communications and understanding amongst the many racial and ethnic

groups in greater Los Angeles. The Inter-Ethnic Relations Awards is part of this effort.

New America Media (NAM) is the country’s first and largest national collaboration and advocate of 2000 ethnic news organizations.

Over 51 million ethnic adults connect to each other, to home countries and to America through 3000+ ethnic media, the fastest growing sector of American journalism. Founded by the nonprofit Pacific News Service in 1996, NAM is headquartered in California with offices in Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C., and partnerships with journalism schools to grow local associations of ethnic media. Learn more at newamericamedia.org.

NAACP

Continued from page 4 And at 45, Brock is also the youngest chair of the NAACP’s national board.

ALICE HUFFMAN Since 2000, Alice Huffman has been the president of the California NAACP, where her aggressive-styled leadership has led to the organization being one of the most sought-after organizations in the state in the public policy arena. The office, located in downtown Sacramento, has become a hub of activity for politicians of all stripes seeking the support of the NAACP for myriad activities. From fiscal to redistricting to educational and political issues, Huffman’s finger is on the pulse of what’s going on. Employing a small staff to focus on key community issues, she believes that the NAACP is the constant voice for lowincome African Americans and students trapped in low-performing schools. She

is also a member of the National Board of Directors of the NAACP. Huffman as a business owner of her own consulting firm that specializes in initiative campaigns, strategic public policy issues and grass roots organizing. She is adept at adapting to the power structure, be it Democratic or Republican. She was appointed by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (a Republican) to the State Parks and Recreation Commission and to the California Complete Count Committee for the 2010 Census, even though she openly supports Democrats.

Huffman is president of Future PAC, a national organization that supports the election of progressive African American women. She also serves on the Board of the Center for Democratic Participation and is a member of the California Democratic Party

See NAACP, page 7

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

The world’s foremost symbol of hope

BY JENNIFER BIHM “Madiba continues to be a beacon of hope for the global community and all who work for democracy, justice and reconciliation,” said United States President Barack Obama in a statement July 18, a day now internationally recognized as Nelson Mandela Day. “On behalf of the United States we congratulate Nelson Mandela and honor his vision for a better world.”

The United Nations proclaimed the date, which is Mandela’s birthday, an international holiday in November 2009. The celebration involves 67 minutes of altruism, (i.e., giving to the poor, helping the elderly, making a new friend) as the former South African president dedicated his life to others for 67 years, according to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. “[But] we want people to go beyond only doing good on one day,” said NMF spokesperson Sello Hatang.

“It doesn’t matter when you do your 67 minutes and certainly, we would hope people would do more than just that.”

As for his part, Mandela spent the day quietly resting and relaxing.

He had been hospitalized earlier this

year for a lung infection. Current South African president Jacob Zuma visited Mandela, according to international news reports. He shared a cake with him and told reporters that he was in good health. Former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and grandson Chief Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela were also among the visitors, it was reported.

“He laid the foundation for all of us to work tirelessly to improve the quality of life of all our people,” Zuma said, adding that more needed to be done to improve conditions among the country’s poverty-stricken.

Nelson Mandela was born Rolihlahla Mandela July 18, 1917, to the third of his father Gadla Mphakanyiswa’s four wives. His was given his English name, Nelson, upon attending school. He had been the first in his family to do so.

By about age 20 in 1937, Mandela began his coursework toward a Bachelor of Arts from the Fort Hare University. His time there was short lived however after protesting school policies. He eventually left Fort Hare, escaping to Johannesburg, from an arranged marriage. He eventually did marry, three times, and fathered six children.

His political involvement began

NAACP

Continued from page 6 Executive Committee and the Democratic National Committee.

Huffman also enjoys outstanding relations with state and national leaders.

LEON JENKINS Leon Jenkins is the current president of the Los Angeles NAACP; he has been a community leader and activist in the South Los Angeles community for over 25 years. His community involvement includes judicial and legal intervention programs for at-risk youth; challenging the Los Angeles Unified School District and City of L. A. to provide better educational opportunities and resources in the African-American community; mentoring and sponsoring community youth groups; and spearheading gang intervention, prison reform, and rehabilitation programs.

As one concerned about democracy and the civil rights of all citizens, Jenkins aligned himself with the NAACP, became an active Life member and began advocating for the rights of others. He served on the executive committee of the L. A. branch, where he held the chairmanship for the Legal Redress Committee for over ten years.

That position led to him being elected as first vice president of the branch. In 2008, Jenkins was elected as president of the L.A. NAACP and two years later, he was re-elected to another twoyear term, in which he currently serves.

WILLIS EDWARDS Willis’ center of activity has long been the NAACP. His activist role in the organization has earned him the title in some circles as “Mr. NAACP.” He became active in the NAACP through the Beverly Hills/Hollywood branch. He and the branch took a gigantic leap of faith when they embarked on the journey to have the NAACP Image Awards nationally broadcast on television. Under Edwards’ leadership, the NAACP Image Awards was created by the

Beverly Hills/Hollywood branch in 1967.

When Edwards became active in the 70’s, he thought that Blacks should be recognized publicly and in the Hollywood tradition of awards shows for what they have contributed to the entertainment industry and that the event should be used as a showcase and power base to further influence Hollywood to open the doors of job opportunities.

That meant the program should be nationally televised. With the help and advice of Tabu Records President Clarence Avant, and NBC Vice President of Children’s Programming, Phyllis Tucker Vincent, a meeting was set with the late NBC President Brandon Tartikoff—and the rest is history. The Image Awards went national on NBC in 1986.

According to Avant, “Because of Edwards’ tenacity, committed activism and leadership, the Beverly Hills/Hollywood Branch of the NAACP is responsible for more people working in Hollywood both in front of and behind the cameras today.”

Edwards is also one of the founders of the NAACP Beverly Hills/Hollywood Branch Theater Awards, which recognizes the accomplishments and talents of African American actors, writers, directors and producers in live theater. The awards presentation now has a theater festival component where young artists can display their talents and attend seminars and workshops on the ins and outs of a theater career.

This year, Edwards is serving as co-chair of the NAACP Theater Festival that will be held August 26-28, culminating in the NAACP Theater Awards on August 29.

Edwards has served on the National Board of the NAACP for 12 years.

in earnest after the Afrikaners National Party took hold of South Africa in 1948. The governing group, consisting primarily of French, Dutch and German descendents, set out to create a racially segregated land via the policy of apartheid. The policy included convoluted land and voting legislation that skillfully formed an oppressive and impoverished construct under which blacks were forced to live.

The system required classification of nonWhite citizens (Black, White, Colored and Asian).

Classifications determined privileges.

Under the system Blacks had to use separate and inferior services like schools, medical care and recreation and were not allowed to own land.

They were made to carry passes in order to move about the land, and any opposition could incur ‘banning,’ which would inhibit already limited freedoms.

Mandela initially intended to fight back nonviolently, taking his cue from Mahatma Gandhi. As leader of the African National Congress, he formed the Defiance Campaign in 1952 and the Congress of the People in 1955. He opened a law firm with partner Oliver Tambo to provide free and low-cost legal services to blacks.

But the Afrikaner’s regime proved to be insurmountably oppressive. By the early 1960s, frustration with the anti-apartheid movement’s slow results became the catalyst for Mandela’s change in approach. As a last resort, one of his fellow protesters told an interviewer back then, Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation, the armed wing of ANC), made plans to bomb “symbols of apartheid,” like passes and other government offices on December 16, 1961. Violence had been inevitable, Mandela said at the time.

“We felt that without violence there would be no way open to the African people to succeed in their struggle against the principle of white supremacy. All lawful modes of expressing opposition to this principle had been closed by legislation, and we were placed in a position in which we had either to accept a permanent state of inferiority, or to defy the government. We chose to defy the law.

We first broke the law in a way which avoided any recourse to violence; when this form was legislated against, and then the Government resorted to a show of force to crush opposition to its policies, only then did we decide to answer violence with violence ... ” He and seven other members of Umkhonto we Sizwe were arrested in 1964, convicted of sabotage and sentenced to life in prison. Mandela remained on Robben Island until March 1982. Imprisonment didn’t quell his hunger for justice, however.

While there, he fought for better conditions for the lowest group of political prisoners, who were subject to low rations, harder labor than other prisoners and dismal visitation policies.

The Island had also become his university, where he received his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of London External Programme via correspondence. He was offered conditional freedom

AP Photo/Themba Hadebe

Mangosuthu Buthelezi, leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said in a statement Monday, “Mr. Mandela is no longer merely a man, but a symbol. He represents the achievement of the seemingly impossible; he represents hope.” in1985 from Pollsmor Prison, where he had been transferred. The condition was for him to call off the ANC’s armed struggle against apartheid.

He refused. Five years later, with some slack in the apartheid laws came his release. He was 71-years-old by then but still would not retire from his fight against oppression.

“Now is the time to intensify the struggle on all fronts. To relax now would be a mistake which future generations would not forgive,” he told reporters back then.

A series of violent “negotiations” between 1990 and 1994 led to the final dismantling of the apartheid regime in South Africa. Mandela won the land’s first democratic election.

He served his country as president from 1994 to 1999, focusing on mending black and white relationships and promoting peace.

He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

Meanwhile, the group Bikers for Mandela Day contributed with a ride through some of the country’s most poverty-stricken areas. They built a room divider for a place that houses

abandoned children, children orphaned by HIV/AIDS or young, pregnant teens forced to leave their homes. They also planted a garden at a home for abused children.

“Doing something that continues Mr. Mandela’s example of humanity is not a one-way activity,” NMF Resource Development Manager Ruth Rensburg told reporters.

“We have all been profoundly touched by what we have seen on this trip. It’s not just the fact that so many communities are battling just to survive but it’s also about seeing how people keep their spirits up even under the worst conditions.”

Mangosuthu Buthelezi, leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said in a statement Monday, “Mr. Mandela is no longer merely a man, but a symbol. He represents the achievement of the seemingly impossible; he represents hope. In the midst of all we face as a nation, on international Nelson Mandela Day we celebrate hope, which has become both rare and indispensable.

We cannot afford not to celebrate Nelson Mandela Day … ”

8

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

South Sudan to give women long-denied rights SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE GLOBAL INFORMATION NETWORK Tens of thousands of South Sudanese danced and cheered as their new country formally declared its independence on July 9. Much

remains to be done, however, to undo the legacy of the oppression of women.

“The statistics of domestic violence cases are increasing,” said Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare Agnes Kwaje

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Lasuba. “This is unacceptable and must be stopped.” She commented on a recent report of a girl beaten to death by a relative over a disputed marital gift.

“We have a lot of gender-based violence in the rural areas where men still beat their women to instill discipline”, said Lasuba. “The government condemns such practice and looks forward to ensuring that those who commit such crimes are tried in court without delay.”

Ms. Lasuba was in Juba, leading a 10-day capacity-building workshop on traditional beliefs.

The new national Constitution provides for equal pay, benefits such as maternity leave, equal participation in public life, equal property and inheritance rights and the development of laws to combat traditional practices that are harmful to women.

Meanwhile, Northern Sudan President Omar Hassan al-Bashir said the North will launch austerity measures to compensate for the loss of oil revenues after the South’s secession. North Sudan lost 75 percent of its 500,000 barrel a day oil production after the South became independent last week.

Oil is vital to both economies.

AP Photo/David Azia

South Sudan raised the flag of its new nation for the first time on Saturday, as thousands of South Sudanese citizens swarmed the capital of Juba to celebrate the country’s birth.

Now it’s even easier to get between the South Bay and Downtown along the Harbor Freeway thanks to the Metro Silver Line. Service now runs every 10 minutes during peak hours. Non-peak and weekend service is more frequent too.

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Secret U.S. prison camp in Somalia revealed in new report

Public Hearings On Bus Service August 6-18

SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE GLOBAL INFORMATION NETWORK

Proposed bus service changes will be discussed at four public meetings being held August 6-18 throughout LA County. For details about the proposed changes along with the time, date and location of the hearing nearest you, check online at metro.net.

Show Us Why You Like Transit – Win A Free Pass Lights…camera…you! Create a brief video about what you like best about riding buses and trains for the “Transit Flicks” video contest and you might win a free pass for a year. Top contenders will be posted on the web so everyone can help select the winner. The deadline to enter is September 2. Find out more at metro.net.

Go Metro To Bob Hope Airport

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Save on parking and reach Burbank’s Bob Hope Airport the easy way. Go Metro to the North Hollywood Station and hop on a free SuperShuttle van straight to your terminal.

SuperShuttles operate between 6am-10pm daily. Call 1.800.224.7767 to reserve a van in advance, or 818.558.3179 to request one without a reservation.

In what appears to be the opening of a new U.S. war on an African front, a secret walled compound with an underground prison has become the center of interrogation of suspected terrorists in Somalia.

The U.S.-run operation is on the coast of the Indian Ocean, according to a detailed expose in the current Nation magazine.

According to investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill, the site has its own airport and is guarded

by Somali soldiers, but the Americans control access.

Staffed by Central Intelligence Agency operatives, this latest initiative targets the al-Shabab insurgency, an Islamist group linked to Al Qaeda, and aims to build “an indigenous strike force capable of snatch operations and targeted ‘combat’ operations” against the Shabab, Scahill says.

Reports of CIA operatives interrogating terrorism suspects in Somalia was recently confirmed by a senior U.S. official on CNN. Currently, Somali government forces, fortified by U.S. funds and weapons, control about 30 square miles of territory in Mogadishu while much of the rest of the city is under the control of the Shabab, or

AP Photo/ Farah Abdi Warsameh

Hard-line Islamist Al Shabab fighters conduct military exercises in northern Mogadishu, in Somalia. warlords.

At least three U.S. citizens of Somali descent were among the suicide bombers the Shabab has deployed; at least seven other Americans have died fighting alongside the Shabab.

In a related development,

Somali citizen Ahmed Abdulkadir Warsame was transferred this month for trial after being held incommunicado on a U.S. Navy vessel for more than two months. Warsame’s case has ignited a legal debate over the Obama administration’s policies on capturing and detaining terror suspects.

www.lawattstimes.com 9

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Mexico cartel issues booklets for proper conduct

BY E. EDUARDO CASTILLO AND MARK STEVENSON ASSOCIATED PRESS MORELIA, Mexico (AP) — An organized crime group calling itself the Knights Templar is distributing booklets saying it is fighting a war against poverty, tyranny and injustice, publicly appealing to hearts and minds in a part of Mexico where the government claims it has largely taken down the major drug traffickers.

Federal police said they seized copies of the cartel’s “code of conduct” booklet during an arrest of cartel members in the western state of Michoacan last week but refused to release its contents Tuesday, saying they didn’t want fan the flames of the quasi-religious movement.

But a copy of the 22-page “The Code of the Knights Templar of Michoacan,” illustrated with knights on horseback bearing lances and crosses, was obtained by The Associated Press this week. It says the group “will begin a challenging ideological battle to defend the values of a society based on ethics.”

The Knights Templar have been blamed for murders, extortion, drug trafficking and attacks on police. Analysts say the propaganda is part of an effort to transform a

drug cartel into a social movement, along the lines of what right-wing paramilitary groups did in Colombia in the 1990s against leftist rebels—a fight in which both sides used the drug trade to finance their causes.

“I think the main intent is to create a social base in Michoacan ... and that way they are different from other criminal organizations,” said Jorge Chabat, a veteran analyst of the drug trade in Mexico. “They say they are defending the people against attacks. In the case of Colombia it was the guerrillas; here it is against who knows what.”

The Knights Templar was founded in March, according to the booklet, whose illustrations were lifted from an artist, a website of a company that sells swords and another promoting the 2007 Swedish film “Arn: The Knight Templar,” according to an AP image search.

Named for a medieval Roman Catholic order of religious warriors who fought Muslim armies for control of Jerusalem, Knights Templar is a splinter group of La Familia, another cult-like cartel whose leader, Nazario Moreno Gonzalez, published a motivational pamphlet called “The Sayings of the Craziest One.” While La Familia claimed

strict codes of conduct among its members, including prohibiting using or selling drugs within Mexican territory, it didn’t distribute its booklets publicly. The contents of its “bible,” reportedly based on the teachings of U.S. evangelist John Eldredge, have never been revealed by authorities. The cartel became one of Mexico’s major sources of methamphetamine.

The Mexican government claims to have all but dismantled La Familia since Moreno was killed in a shootout with federal police last December and another founder, Jose de Jesus Mendez Vargas, was arrested last month.

But the mayhem and killing has continued in Michoacan as Knights Templar gunmen battle both the Zetas cartel and remnants of La Familia seeking to control President Felipe Calderon’s home state more than 41/2 years after Calderon launched his crackdown on organized crime here in 2006.

More than 35,000 people have died in drug violence across Mexico since then, according to government figures—and some groups put the number at more than 40,000.

Calderon has said he took on the cartels to prevent organized crime from spreading to the roots of Mexican society.

See MEXICO CARTEL, page 19

AP Photo/Marco Ugarte

The professionally printed, pocket-sized booklet was obtained by The Associated Press by a person who did not want to be identified.

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

T

A COMMUNITY

F E AT U R E

REASURE

L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

PASSES ON...

The community was her child and she was its mother. She was ready, willing and able whenever and wherever she was needed.

By Yussuf J. Simmonds Co-Managing Editor Mother Lillian Mobley was a comforter to the afflicted, a protector of the innocent, a defender in times of peril, a teacher, a guide—and the epitome of Black motherhood.

She was always there for the community, front and center, to protect and serve, to defend in good times and to fight in times of trouble—in the streets or the suites, in City Hall, Sacramento or Washington D.C., with the powerful for the powerless. When the

community called for help, Mother Mobley answered that call. And she has left a legacy that will live on for generations to come.

She transitioned peacefully Monday evening surrounded by her family, friends and supporters, all of whom she loved and who in turn loved her tremendously.

Born Lillian Harkless in Macon, GA, on March 29, 1930, to Charlie Harkless and Corene Basley Harkless, she graduated from Hudson High in 1948 and married James Otis Mobley that same year. Together they had four children: Phillip, Charles, Kenneth and Corene, who preceded her in death.

Known as “Mother Mobley,” she was a community activist and was aơectionately known as the “Community Mother”. She was founder of the South Central Multi-Purpose Senior Citizen’s Center on Central Avenue in Los Angeles, which services people in the community of all ages. She realized her dream of bringing a chapter of the Birthing Project USA to South Central with the Grandma’s Hands Los Angeles Birthing Project. It is a volunteer eơort put forth to encourage better birth outcomes by providing practical support to women during and after pregnancy.

She also worked tirelessly to bring equality, justice and resources to the South Los Angeles and Watts neighborhoods. Mother Mobley served on several boards of directors, councils and committees, and was a current board member of the Brotherhood Crusade,

www.lawattstimes.com

the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC), and the Tessie Cleveland Community Services Corporation.

She was the co-founder of Mothers in Action, the chairperson of the Watts Towers Community Action Council and the Black Women’s Forum Health Task Force. Mother Mobley was also a member of the Black Community Health Task Force and the Black Education Task Force. She received a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science in 2007.

Each day presented itself with a new challenge for the 81-year-young great grandmother, as she continued to do as much as she could despite tremendous odds. Even with the challenge of having dialysis three times a week, Mother Mobley mustered up the

Thursday, July 21, 2011

energy to visit oƥces as well as attend meetings and many community events.

She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. According to her great niece Chioma, “Being recognized is not her first priority; it never has been.”

Mother Mobley is known for what she has done for others—with no fuss, no fanfare—she just did for the community. “Her priority is getting things done and finding resources ... getting access to resources that are out there that the people in Watts and South Los Angeles know nothing about. That’s her main goal,” Chioma continued.

As one of the most beloved activists in South Los Angeles, Mother Mobley had a hand in most of the projects that were meaningful to the community— be they social services, healthcare issues, funding for community organizations, police brutality and issues aơecting senior citizens, notwithstanding the fact that

11

she herself was a senior. She never stopped. She kept right on pushing for a better quality of life and for the betterment of her beloved community.

Many of her remarkable accomplishments can be seen—and there are a lot more that are not readily seen—but as far as work for the community is concerned, there are this: After the 1965 Watts rebellion, she joined with a host of other community giants—including the late Mary Henry, Caƥe Green, Johnnie Tillman and Nona Carter—to fight for a hospital—namely, Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Hospital—and the Charles Drew University Medical School, monuments which stand today, despite problems, as a testament to the leadership and courage of Mother Mobley. Lillian Mobley’s funeral will be on Friday, July 29, at Ward AME Church, located at 1177 W. 25th St. in Los Angeles, CA 90007 at 11:00 a.m. Please send all condolences to 1111 W. 51st St., Los Angeles, CA 90037.

PHOTO CREDIT: VALERIE GOODLOE SPECIAL THANKS TO CAAM (CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM)

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

Michael Vick takes Mendenhall sues Champion over anti-dogfighting tweet dispute message to Congress

BY TOM BREEN ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Philadelphia Eagles football quarterback Michael Vick supports a bill that will penalize criminals who finance and bring children to dogfights and cockfights.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick brought his anti-dogfighting message to Congress on Tuesday, backing legislation that would penalize those who knowingly attend animal fights and allow minors to attend.

Vick, who served 18 months in prison on dogfighting charges, said he wants to teach kids not to repeat his mistakes and to take profits away from sponsors of these events.

The football star has been speaking at churches and schools along with Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States. Pacelle told the news conference, “I had a lot of soul searching to do” before deciding to partner with Vick in efforts to stop animal fighting events.

“Help us to reach out to these kids before they go down the wrong path,” Vick said.

The Hampton, VA., native said that while he became involved in dogfighting in his youth, he was

unaware that more children are now attending these gruesome events. He said his own experience taught him that attending animal fights has an impact on children.

“It’s up to the parents to take responsibility and make sure it doesn’t happen,” he said.

Sponsors of the legislation said the laws against animal fighting need to be strengthened.

It is illegal in 49 states to be a knowing spectator at an animal fight, while 28 impose felony-level penalties on those attending.

The bill would impose penalties of up to a year in prison and fines for attending an animal fight, and a penalty of up to three years in prison and fines for bringing or allowing a minor to attend.

The main sponsors of the legislation are Reps. Betty Sutton, DOhio, and Tom Marino, R-Pa., with Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va., co-chairman of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, among its cosponsors.

Report: Killing of former NFL player within policy BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say a California sheriff's deputy did not violate department policy when he fatally shot a former NFL player after a scuffle at a convenience store.

The Bakersfield Californian reports that the Kern County Sheriff’s Incident Review Board issued its finding Monday, a day after NAACP members questioned whether the shooting of David Lee “Deacon” Turner was justified.

The 56-year-old one-time Cincinnati Bengals running back died July 10.

He was shot twice after authorities say he hit a deputy with a bag containing two cans of beer.

Turner’s adult son and daughter were arrested when they lashed out at law enforcement officials upon learning of the death.

Turner played with the Bengals from 1978 to 1980. He had long arrest history after his playing career was finished.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall is suing the parent company of the Champion sports apparel maker, calling the decision to drop his endorsement deal over his tweets about the death of Osama bin Laden and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks a breach of contract.

Mendenhall’s lawyers filed suit Monday in U.S. District Court in North Carolina, seeking roughly $1 million in damages from Hanesbrands, Inc., the Winston-Salem-based corporate parent of Champion.

The complaint says Champion’s decision to end its endorsement deal with Mendenhall in May, days after he questioned the public celebration of bin Laden’s death, violates a contract extension the two parties signed in 2010, worth over $1 million. Mendenhall first signed a deal to endorse Champion products when he entered the league in 2008.

“For Rashard, this really is not about the money. This is about whether he can express his opinion,” said Steven Thompson, a Chicago-based attorney representing Mendenhall.

A spokesman for Hanesbrands did not return a call seeking comment by early Tuesday afternoon. But legal experts said Mendenhall may have a difficult time proving his case.

“An athlete contracts away his free speech rights in signing his endorsement deal,” said Jeffrey Standen, a sports law professor and associate dean at Willamette University College of Law in Salem, OR. “What the sponsor is buying is the athlete’s name and image, and their name and image are related to public behavior and opinions.”

Shortly after bin Laden was killed by a team of Navy SEALs, Mendenhall tweeted, in response to scenes of euphoria around the U.S., “What kind of person celebrates death? It’s amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We’ve only heard one side...” He also tweeted on the Sept. 11 attacks: “We’ll never know what really happened. I just have a hard time believing a plane could take a skyscraper down demolition style.”

The comments prompted significant anger, leading to a clarification by Mendenhall and a separate statement

by Steelers team president Art Rooney II distancing the organization from Mendenhall’s remarks. But his number of Twitter followers nearly doubled to around 37,000 within a few days of the tweets.

Hanesbrands’ decision to drop the Steelers star was likely a “kneejerk reaction” made within 48 hours of the tweets, Thompson said. The swiftness of that move contrasts with Champion’s silence regarding other contentious tweets by Mendenhall, the lawsuit claims.

On March 15, for example, Mendenhall tweeted about his agreement with Minnesota Vikings running

back Adrian Peterson’s comments comparing the NFL to “modernday slavery.”

“Anyone with knowledge of the slave trade and the NFL could say that these two parallel each other,” Mendenhall wrote.

About six weeks later, he tweeted that women who decline to perform oral sex on a partner should be AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar aware that “It’s either gonna be According to Rashard Mendenhall’s attorney, “This you, OR some [lawsuit] really is not about the money. This is about whether [Mendenhall] can express his opinion.” other chick.”

“Hanesbrands at no time prior to May 2011 suggested contract of any kind in the future must that it disagreed with Mr. Mendenhall’s have a Twitter/Social Media clause,” comments or that his tweets were in any Taylor wrote in an email. “I will be so way inconsistent with the values of the bold as to state that the failure to not have such a clause would be tantaChampion brand,” the lawsuit says.

That might not matter, according mount to endorsement contract-draftto Michael McCann, director of the ing malpractice.”

Sports Law Institute at the Vermont Law School.

“The company’s concern, I would imagine, is not really the content of what he’s saying, but the public reaction to what he’s saying,” McCann said.

Most athlete endorsers have contracts that include deliberately vague language concerning off-the-field behavior that companies can use in situations exactly like these, McCann said. Such language was cited in a May 11 letter to Mendenhall’s representatives, written by Lynette FullerAndrews, a lawyer for Hanesbrands.

The running back’s contract included provisions barring Mendenhall from actions that would bring him “into public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule, or tending to shock, insult, or offend the majority of the consuming public,” along with other terms, Fuller-Andrews wrote.

“It’s going to be tough for him to prevail, because that gives the company a lot of leeway,” McCann said.

“Once you sign off on very generic, allinclusive phraseology, it’s very hard to get out of that.”

“Morals clauses” are commonly invoked when an athlete’s behavior makes the wrong kind of headlines.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick lost endorsement deals after revelations about his participation in a dogfighting ring, and Tiger Woods was dropped by some of his sponsors following the disintegration of his marriage over accusations of serial infidelity.

But the ease with which athletes can land in trouble with social media tools like Twitter likely means endorsement deals in the future will be different, said Porcher Taylor, a professor in the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond.

“Every celebrity endorsement

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

AP Photo/Bill Haber

BY BRETT MARTEL AP SPORTS WRITER

Let me assist you.

There is NO Fee until we win.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Seventy-five former players are suing the National Football League, claiming the league concealed information about the danger of concussions for decades.

The negligence and liability suit filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court lists Raymond Clayborn, Ottis Anderson and Mark Duper as plaintiffs, among others. Most players listed their wives as co-plaintiffs.

Helmet maker Riddell also is a defendant.

The suit alleges the NFL knew as early as the 1920s of the harmful effects of concussions and claims that information was concealed from coaches, trainers, players and the public until June 2010.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says the league hasn’t seen the suit but would “vigorously” contest any claims of that kind.

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75 NFL retirees sue league over concussions

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American Antonio Tarver is the new cruiserweight boxing champion.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — LSU committed major violations while recruiting a junior college football player, but won’t be slapped with any postseason bans or future scholarship reductions, the NCAA ruled Tuesday. The governing body decided to place the school on probation for a year and cited a former assistant coach for unethical conduct.

The investigation found that exassistant coach D.J. McCarthy improperly arranged for transportation and housing for former defensive lineman Akiem Hicks in 2009, then later tried to cover up those actions.

The NCAA accepted LSU’s self-imposed reduction of two scholarships during the 2010-11 academic year, as well as a 10- percent reduction in official visits and reductions in recruiting calls. LSU already had begun reducing official visits during 2010-11, but the NCAA expanded the punishment to include 2011-12.

McCarthy resigned in December 2009. Hicks never played for the Tigers before he left LSU. NCAA Committee on Infractions Chairman Dennis Thomas said LSU’s violations all were considered “major.” Yet he stressed that punishment could have been more severe if not for the efforts of LSU’s compliance department to discover and report the violations and to cooperate with subsequent NCAA inquiries.

“The committee really felt that the LSU compliance staff and institution did an excellent job and that they assisted the (NCAA) enforcement staff in the investigation regarding these violations,” Thomas said.

He pointed specifically to Senior Associate Athletic Director Miriam Segar, who became suspicious of Hicks’ living arrangements from the time he arrived in Baton

Rouge. According to an earlier LSU report on the matter, Segar spent weeks pressing for answers and made the decision to bar Hicks from traveling to LSU’s 2009 seasonopening game at Washington because she was unsatisfied with the information she had received.

“That was critical,” said Thomas, who is also the commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. “If that had not been done, the institution could have really been under more severe and serious penalties as well.”

The violations reported in the case also included more than 3,600 phone calls that three noncoaching staff members either made to or received from high school coaches and administrators, prospects and family members of prospective students.

LSU has said most of those calls concerned clerical matters, were not football related and resulted from a misinterpretation of NCAA rules. Still, LSU also reported those violations after seeking clarification on the NCAA’s interpretation of the rules regarding permissible phone calls.

LSU chancellor Michael Martin said the university does not plan to appeal.

In effect, LSU already has served its punishment regarding scholarships, having limited itself to 83 total scholarships during the 2010-11 academic year. That means the Tigers will be playing with the maximum 85 allowed scholarships in the 2011 season.

LSU has a lot of key players returning and is a popular pick to contend for Southeastern Conference and national titles this season.

“A situation that could have been much worse was made better by the dedicated work of the LSU athletics compliance staff, and I am pleased that the NCAA recognized LSU’s effort to cooperate and be See LSU, page 15

SYDNEY (AP) — Antonio Tarver stopped defending champion Danny Green in the ninth round Wednesday to claim the IBO cruiserweight world boxing title.

The 42-year-old American was in control from the start at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and twice hurt Green in the first round. He then knocked him in the second. The referee stopped the fight following the ninth after a punishing round for Green, who was defending the IBO title for the fifth time.

Tarver, a three-time light heavyweight world champion, improved to 29-6 with 20 knockouts, while Green is 31-4 (27 KOs) after his first defeat since 2006.

business

Ex-LSU receivers coach D.J. MCarthy resigned back in late 2009.

Tarver NCAA beats gives Green to LSU take IBO 1-year cruiserweight probation title for violations

14

www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, July 21, 2011

EVENT

LISTINGS

7-21-11 KHAIRA ARBY AND HER BAND: 9 p.m. at Saint Rocke (142 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa, CA). A mix of regal-jam rock and ancient West

KISSED BY THE DEVIL MOVIE SCREENING: 8-11 p.m. at the Falcon Restaurant (7213 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA). A riveting drama about a well-known radio personality who spends most of her time caring for her mentally ill brother who witnessed their father commit an unspeakable act. Tickets $10 presale at http://kissedbythedevilla.eventbrite.com / $12 at the door (cash only).

07/11

happening this month

7-23-11 FIRST POWERFUL BLACK FAMILY CELEBRATION: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Van Ness Recreation Center (5720 2nd Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

102ND NAACP CONVENTION: July 23-28 at the L.A. Convention Center and J.W. Marriott Hotel. A full schedule of events with fantastic speakers and attendees from across the country. See www.naacp.org for full convention schedule and more info.

7-22-11 CUSTOM MADE, PART OF THE AMERICAN LEGION SUMMER Image from her MySpa ce SERIES: 9 p.m. at the American African sounds, Legion Jackie Robinson Post #252 Khaira is a force to be reckoned with.

(3828 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA Tickets $15 in advance, $20 day of show.

90043). A musical variety show and dance band, playing everything from Motown and AFRO-CUBAN SALSA WITH RICARDO Disco to Top 40 and Latin. $10 donation.

LEMVO AND MAKINA LOCA: 7 p.m. at the Culver City City Hall Courtyard (9770 102ND NAACP CONVENTION KICKCulver Blvd., Culver City, CA). Part of the OFF REVIVAL: 7 p.m. at the Second 17th Annual Culver City Music Festival, Baptist Church (2412 Griffith Ave., Los come see Ricardo Lemvo blend African and Angeles, CA 90011). “Let Justice Roll” with Cuban rhythms with the help of his band, guest Speaker Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Makina Loca. This event is free with free Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal parking under City Hall (courtyard opens at A.M.E. District.

4:30 p.m.)!

HEZEKIAH WALKER AND NIKKI POTTS WITH MCDONALD’S INSPIRATION CELEBRATION GOSPEL TOUR: 7 p.m. at the West Angeles COGIC Cathedral (3600 ca Lo a kin Ma Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA). A free concert celebrating the rich musical history of the African American community.

Tickets available while supplies last at http://mcdgospella. eventbrite.com/.

7-24-11

90043). Hosted by the American Heart Association, this event aims to educate and empower the Black community to live healthier lives, and features health screenings, basketball, dancing and much more fun for the whole family.

WESTCHESTER TOWN HALL MEETING W/ REP. MAXINE WATERS: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the Westchester

Maxine Waters

Community Center (7166 W. Manchester Blvd., Westchester, CA) or 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Inglewood Public Library (101 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA). A free discussion on the federal budget and chance for your comments to be heard.

13TH ANNUAL DESIGNCARE EVENT: 6 p.m. cocktails, food and silent auction; 8 p.m. program, live auction and fashion show at a private estate in Beverly Hills. Enjoy a lovely night of food and fashion to raise money for the Hollyrod Foundation for Autism and Parkinson’s Disease. Contact MTA events at 818-906-0240 or designcare@mtaevents.com for more info.

LOS FELIZ FASHION FESTIVAL: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Hollywood Blvd. between Vermont Ave. and Hillhurst Ave. (Sunset/Vermont Metro stop). Featuring food and fashion vendors, beer/wine gardens, carnival rides and live performances all day!

Free to the public.

2ND ANNUAL MY BROTHER CHARLIE FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL: 124 p.m. at the Historic Culver Studios (9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA). A fun afternoon of crafts, games, music, food and family fun, provided by the Hollyrod Foundation for Autism and Parkinson’s Disease.

KCRW PRESENTS UPCLOSE WITH AUTHOR SAPPHIRE (PUSH): 5 p.m. at Soho House West Hollywood (9200 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA). Join KCRW’s Bookworm Michael Silverblatt for a live conversation and book reading with Sapphire, author of Push, the book that inspired Academy Award winning film Sapphire Precious.

Her newest book, The Kid, follows the tumultuous life of Precious’ son Abdul.

Tickets $50 at www.kcrw.com/upclose.

7-26-11 CONCERNED BLACK MEN OF LOS ANGELES NEW MEMBER AND VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION: 10 a.m. 12 p.m. at the Los Angeles Council District Eight Constituent Service Center (8475 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA). CBMLA is a non-profit youth mentoring organization, offering programs for youth from the ages of 11 to 19. Another orientation will be held September 10, 2011. Please call 213-3593378 to RSVP.

7-27-11 GLADYS KNIGHT AND JAMES INGRAM IN JAZZ AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL: 8 p.m. Tickets range from $1-$101, available online or at (323) 850-2000.

www.lawattstimes.com 15

Thursday, July 21, 2011 LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING: 5:30 p.m. at Los Angeles City Hall (200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA). Offering the public a chance to review the Memorandum of Understanding on proposed stadium & convention center modernizations.

7-28-11 LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING: 5:30 p.m. at Van Nuys City Hall (14410 Sylvan St., Van Nuys, CA). Offering the public a chance to review the Memorandum of Understanding on proposed stadium & convention center modernizations.

MUSIC IN THE L.A. ZOO CLASSIC ROCK NIGHT: 6-9 p.m. at the L.A. Zoo in Griffith Park. A fun night of cover band music from iconic groups like The Beatles, Journey and the Grateful Dead, and a chance to see the animals after dark! Food will be sold but picnics are permitted. Tickets $17 for adults / $11 for kids 6-15 ($13 / $8 for members of the Greater L.A. Zoo Association). Children under 5 free!

KOSMOND RUSSELL’S HOLLYWOOD SUMMER THEATER FESTIVAL: 7:30 p.m. (previews) at the Barnsdall Gallery Theater (4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA). See 5 plays by up-and-coming Black actors all in one night! Tickets $25, free parking. Call 310-671-6400 or check out www.inglewoodtickets.com.

7-29-11 HANK CARBO BLUES BAND, PART OF THE AMERICAN LEGION SUMMER SERIES: 9 p.m. at the American Legion Jackie Robinson Post #252 (3828 W. Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA). $10 donation.

sion, $35 with gala, free parking. Call 310671-6400 or check out www.inglewoodtickets.com.

CITY OF CARSON VETERAN’S JOB & HEALTH FAIR: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Veteran’s Park (22400 Moneta Ave., Carson, CA). Featuring many vendors looking to hire (dress to impress! Interviews may be held on site) as well as free haircuts and health screenings. Free admission with DD Form 214, Military ID, or current Veterans Card.

For more info, email veteransjobfair2011@gmail.com.

“NATIONAL NIGHT OUT” A DAY IN THE PARK: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. community walk beginning at Helen Keller Park (1045 W. 126th St., Los Angeles, CA) and ending at Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park (905 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles, CA). Join the L.A. County Sheriff’s County Park Bureau and many other community members for food, music and fun in a free and healthy event.

7-30-11 KOSMOND RUSSELL’S HOLLYWOOD SUMMER THEATER FESTIVAL: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Barnsdall Gallery Theater (4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA). See 5 plays by up-and-coming Black actors all in one night! Tickets $25, free parking. Call 310-671-6400 or check out www.inglewoodtickets.com.

“AN EVENING OF JAZZ” WITH PAUL JACKSON, JR. AND FRIENDS: 6:30 p.m.

(V.I.P. reception at 5 p.m.) at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center (1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA). Presented by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter.

See the Grammy nominated Tonight Show guitarist live! Tickets $65 / $120 V.I.P. at http://dstla-evening.eventbrite.com.

18TH ANNUAL LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL: 12-11 p.m. at Rainbow Lagoon (400-403 Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach, CA – take the Metro Blue Line for easy access!). Come enjoy fantastic live music and mouth-watering

KOSMOND RUSSELL’S HOLLYWOOD SUMMER THEATER FESTIVAL: 6:30 p.m. (opening night gala), 7:30 p.m. curtain at the Barnsdall Gallery Theater (4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA). See 5 plays by up-and-coming Black actors all in one night! Tickets $25 gen. admis-

LSU

Continued from page 13 proactive,” Martin said. “The compliance staff ... made an exemplary showing of how a university should react when mistakes are made.”

The NCAA’s report details violations that included McCarthy’s use of a cellphone that was not registered with LSU’s athletic department. He did not log those calls, which caused other coaches to inadvertently break the rules by making further calls that put LSU over the NCAA’s one-call-per-week limit.

McCarthy also held a conference call with Hicks and another female student who worked in the athletic department, during which the three agreed to provide false information about Hicks’ living arrangements for the summer of 2009 to LSU compliance staff.

Hicks met the female student during his official visit to LSU and kept in touch with her. Because she worked for the athletic department, their phone calls to one another amounted to violations relating to excessive calls to a recruit, the report said. Hicks also stayed with her, free of charge, during an unofficial visit, and later moved into the vacant Baton Rouge apartment of a former LSU player in an arrangement made by

southern food, along with fun activities for the kids. Tickets $13-$30 presale / $15-$40 at the gate, see www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com for details.

McCarthy, according to the report.

To comply with the NCAA’s ruling, LSU will have to issue a report next year on measures it has taken to avoid a recurrence of the infractions revealed by the probe. LSU also will have to inform prospective recruits that it is on probation and explain why.

Meanwhile, the NCAA also placed restrictions on McCarthy’s ability to work for any NCAA football program he works for in the near future. He must avoid phone contact with recruits, their relatives or legal guardians for a year and enroll in an NCAA rules seminar as well as ethics training.

After McCarthy left LSU, he was hired by the WRA Receiver Academy, which conducts instructional camps. According to the academy’s website on Tuesday, McCarthy was still part of the staff. A phone message left with the organization was not returned.

McCarthy played receiver in college for Washington in the early 1990s. Before arriving at LSU as a receivers coach in 2007, he was an assistant at UCLA, Central Florida and Nevada. He also coached defensive backs for the Oakland Raiders from 1998-2000.

CHOCOLATE ~ THE EVENT! 10 a.m. 10 p.m. on the Center Street Promenade in Anaheim, CA. Chocolate, wine tastings and live music galore, with tickets funding a good cause. What more could you want? See http://chocolatetheevent.com/ for more info.

7-31-11 KOSMOND RUSSELL’S HOLLYWOOD SUMMER THEATER FESTIVAL: 5 p.m. (closing night gala to follow) at the Barnsdall Gallery Theater (4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA). See 5 plays by upand-coming Black actors all in one night!

Tickets $25 gen. admission, $30 with gala, free parking. Call 310-671-6400 or check out www.inglewoodtickets.com.

REGGAE NIGHT X: TUFF GONG WORLD WIDE & ZIGGY MARLEY SALUTE LEGENDS OF REGGAE: 7 p.m. at the Hollywood Bowl. Celebrating the

10th anniversary of reggae at the Hollywood Bowl. Also featuring the I-Threes, The Wailing Souls, Mighty Diamonds and Ras Michael. Call 323-850-2000 for tickets and more info.

HEY GIRLFRIEND NETWORK ANNUAL GIRLFRIENDS LUNCHEON: 11:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. at the Marina Del Rey Marriott (4100 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA). A fun chance to network and fundraise for a great cause! Attire is summer chic with your most stylish footwear. RSVP & monies due by Friday, July 22nd – call 310-4283950 for info, or visit www.heygirlfriendnetwork.com.

18TH ANNUAL LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL: 12-10 p.m. at Rainbow Lagoon (400-403 Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach, CA – take the Metro Blue Line for easy access!). Come enjoy fantastic live music and mouth-watering southern food, along with fun activities for the kids.

Tickets $13-$30 presale / $15-$40 at the gate, see www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com for details.

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www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, July 21, 2011

‘Treme,’ a winning show, suffers Emmy neglect

Ziggy Marley underlines differences with father

BY RYAN PEARSON AP ENTERTAINMENT WRITER

AP Photo/HBO, Paul Schiraldi

Wendell Pierce, who plays Antoine Batiste on “Treme,” was, along with the show, overlooked in this year’s Emmy nominations. The series is set in postKatrina New Orleans and follows a wide sample of its residents coping with the disaster’s aftermath.

BY FRAZIER MOORE AP TELEVISION WRITER It would’ve been embarrassing to overlook Melissa Leo when handing out the Emmy nominations this year. After all, just five months ago, she won herself an Oscar. So on Thursday, she got a well-deserved nod for the HBO miniseries “Mildred Pierce.”

That got Emmy voters off the hook. In the process, it spared them the burden of examining Leo’s work in “Treme,” the HBO drama series of which she is one of many Emmy-worthy cast members.

Leo was probably the best shot “Treme” had at recognition. But, instead of landing even one nomination—for acting, writing or anything else—the series got the back of Emmy’s hand.

What a shame. “Treme” is easily among the best drama series on the air, and takes a backseat to no show for the breadth and excellence of its cast. One more thing that makes “Treme” praiseworthy: its uniqueness.

For viewers (and, apparently, a crop of Emmy voters) who don’t know, “Treme” is set in post-Katrina New Orleans and follows a broad sample of its residents coping with the disaster’s aftermath and otherwise living their lives. If “Seinfeld” was famously a show about nothing, “Treme” is a show about everything—everything human—which it manages to pull off without feeling overstuffed, overwrought or artificial.

“Treme” is not dense or dark or difficult, which were words that seemed to attach themselves to a previous extraordinary series created by David Simon. Instead, “Treme” is hopeful and, befitting its setting, filled with music and stout-heartedness.

Moments big and little comingle in its narrative, the way they do in real life. In the exotic, challenged world

that is New Orleans after the storm, “Treme” identities the common themes that unite its characters with its audience.

The actors make the whole thing look easy. They are a diverse crowd, diverse without a sense of satisfying any quota. However beautiful or ordinary-looking, each of them seems part of a relatable community—not members of a heightened actors’ class.

Consider, just for starters: Wendell Pierce and Clarke Peters (both memorable from “The Wire”); Kim Dickens (“Deadwood”); Khandi Alexander (“CSI: Miami,” HBO’s “The Corner”); Steve Zahn (“Riding in Cars With Boys”); and Melissa Leo. All of them belong on Emmy’s lists of nominees.

But “Treme” has no exaggerated violence, sex, villainy or glamour. It just feels natural. And natural can be a tough sell in TV drama. So on Thursday, just as last year at this time, “Treme” lost out.

Of course, “Treme” wasn’t alone among the sadly snubbed. But it stands tall as the saddest. And as this year’s towering example of the Mariska Hargitay Syndrome.

Nothing against Mariska Hargitay, who, for the record, won an Emmy in 2006. But for the past eight years and counting, she has been nominated for the same leading role (Detective Olivia Benson) in the same show (NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”), a show and a performance that by now are both on automatic pilot.

Hargitay is lovely, reliable and furnished with plenty of scenery to chew on. By now, watching her is as much a habit for the audience as performing the role seems to be for her.

And as habitual for the Emmy voters who select her.

In the process, a show such as “Treme” (as if another show were like “Treme”) gets the cold shoulder, along with its stars.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ziggy Marley is proudly carrying on his father’s musical legacy, but he wants to remind reggae lovers of their differences.

In a new album, the 42-yearold eldest son of Bob Marley reflects on lessons learned from his dad, who died at age 36 after contracting cancer.

On the tune “The Roads Less Traveled,” he sings about his father’s womanizing ways and inability to shed “yes men” in success: “My daddy had a lot of women, and my mama had a lot of grief. The bredrens (friends) that surrounded him became the enemies.”

Marley said in an interview that while he’s happy to expand his and his family’s brand — whether with a “Marijuana Man” comic book or a Marley’s Mellow Mood “relaxation drink” — he’s kept his circle of friends small and purposefully avoided accumulating any sort of entourage.

“I’d rather be by myself really than have like a million posse around me,” Marley said in an interview at his Los Angeles home.

“Some of them you don’t even know what’s in their hearts. You don’t know who you can trust.”

“That’s why I sing that song, because I learned from what I saw as a child and decided that I would take another way,” added Marley, who was just 12 when his father died. “My father, we bumped heads when I was younger, much younger ... I had different ideas that I shared with him. He didn’t like them as much. He gets upset or whatever. I guess I had a strong opinion from when I was a little boy, you know.”

Marley’s fourth solo studio album, “Wild and Free,” also includes a song obliquely about leaving behind his birthplace of Jamaica, titled “Get Out of Town.”

The five-time Grammy winner now lives primarily in Miami.

“He’s from the country and I was born in the town. One day I told him that. I don’t want to be a country boy,” Marley said of his father.

“He was upset with those things.

And then another time it was about dreadlocks. I said to him, ‘You cannot have dreadlocks. You can be dread in your heart.’ He was very upset. Each father want their sons to be just like them, really.”

But now that Marley—who does sport dreadlocks—has matured, his singing voice and his take on reggae music is arguably more evocative of Bob than others in his famously musical family.

“If it wasn’t natural to be like him, it wouldn’t happen. But since it naturally evolved to have a lot of the ideas and traits of my father, then

AP Photo/Keystone, Laurent Gillieron

In his new album, Jamaican singer Ziggy Marley reflects on lessons learned from his dad, Bob Marley, who died at age 36. that’s fine,” he said.

Like his father, Marley couches some downbeat themes in sunnysounding tunes.

“Welcome to the world. I can’t promise it’s a good place,” he sings to his children in one song.

Marley also gets political on the album, singing alongside Woody Harrelson of legalizing marijuana.

And though his home proudly displays a picture of his family visiting the Obamas in the White House, he’s not enthusiastic about the president’s performance.

“I believe that he is a good person and wants to see the best, but politics is a game. If you want to be a politician you have to play it, and you have to skirt around the truth.

And you have to kind of shift things differently, so you can’t really be true as a politician,” Marley said. “If you did that, you are going to be out in a second. You cannot. You have to play the game. So he has to play the game. And we had hope that someone would be brave enough to change that, but it is very hard to change that.”

Jackson doc’s defense wants jury sequestered

BY LINDA DEUTSCH AP SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT LOS ANGELES (AP) — An attorney for Michael Jackson’s doctor says the jury in his involuntary manslaughter trial should be sequestered to prevent contamination by TV pundits.

J. Michael Flanagan referred in a pretrial hearing Wednesday to coverage of the Casey Anthony trial in Florida and said Dr. Conrad Murray's trial is expected to get even wider coverage. He said

telling jurors not to watch TV will be insufficient.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said the courts can’t afford to put up jurors at a hotel and he thinks it’s unnecessary.

Murray has pleaded not guilty to causing Jackson’s death on June 25, 2009, with an overdose of propofol and other sedatives.

The judge said the trial will begin on September 8 with prospective jurors being given questionnaires.

www.lawattstimes.com 17

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Boyz II Men celebrate 20th anniversary with new CD

BY NEKESA MUMBI MOODY AP MUSIC WRITER NEW YORK (AP) — After 20 years, Boyz II Men haven’t reached the end of the road in their music career. In fact, the group is preparing to celebrate their milestone anniversary this fall with a new album, including reworked versions of their classic hits.

“Nothing too extreme or dramatic, but we’ve added a few things here and there,” says Shawn Stockman of their upcoming project.

Boyz II Men brought their Motown-Philly harmonies to the masses when they made their debut with “Cooleyhighharmony” in 1991; propelled by hits like “End of the Road” and “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” the

Philadelphia-based group’s first album sold more than 9 million copies. Their sophomore CD, “II,” sold 12 million copies.

Stockman says the group — which originally included Wanya Morris, Nathan Morris and Michael McCary — had no idea how huge their achievements were.

“We were so busy just working ... we didn’t think too much about how it would impact the world, which is probably a good thing, because it kept us sharp and kept us focused, even to this present day,” he said. “Looking back, it’s a great thing. It’s hard to talk about it because it’s something that we think it’s a great milestone in our careers, but we’re still hungry, and we still feel like we have so much more to contribute, musically and otherwise.”

The group—which became a trio after McCary left — still records and performs regularly. Their last CD, 2009’s “Love,” had them performing standard love songs.

They have never replicated the sales, or the radio success, of those first two multimillion-selling albums. Still, Stockman says they haven’t stopped being successful.

“It wasn’t the kind of thing

AP Photo/Matt Sayles

Boyz II Men, from left, Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman— are celebrating their 20th anniversary with reworked versions of their Motown-Philly harmonies. where we made flop albums, and someone got on drugs, and then all kind of craziness happened. The industry just changed, and tastes changed,” he said. “We didn’t fall off ... Time and how things have gone in the industry and in life, it kind of preserved us to be able to have some sort of success.”

The trio’s upcoming album, “Twenty,” will feature new songs and new renditions of some of their best-known work.

“We’ve always been true to our love songs, and the type of music

that we do, we feel this type of music is timeless,” he said. “It’s our 20th anniversary, so we wanted to not only give our listeners something new, but our new listeners I guess an anthology.”

Stockman hopes the group will capture a younger generation, but also a few fans they may have lost along the way.

“We hope that those people that we’ve touched before, we’ll be able to touch again, because they haven’t gone anywhere, they’ve just grown up,” he said.

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Boyz II Men—from left, Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman and Nathan Morris—are celebrating their 20th anniversary with reworked versions of their Motown-Philly harmonies.

Rapper DMX released from an Arizona prison PHOENIX (AP) — Rap star DMX has been released from an Arizona state prison after serving an extra week behind bars for failing a drug test while incarcerated.

Arizona Department of Corrections spokesman Bill Lamoreaux says family members were at the facility in Yuma to pick up the multiplatinum selling recording artist Tuesday.

DMX, whose DMX real name is Earl Simmons, was given a year in prison in December after his probation was revoked for failing to submit to drug testing and driving on a suspended license.

The 40-year-old Simmons was credited with 117 days he had already served.

Simmons had been earning 20 cents an hour as a porter.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES/DREAMWORKS PICTURES/RELIANCE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH RELATIVITY MEDIA AN IMAGINE ENTERTAINMENT/K/O PAPER PRODUCTS/ FAIRVIEWENTERTAINMENT/PLATINUMSTUDIOS PRODUCTION A JON FAVREAU FILM DANIELCRAIG HARRISONFORD “COWBOYS&ALIENS” OLIVIAWILDE SAMROCKWELL ADAMBEACH EXECUTIVE STEVEN SPIELBERG JON FAVREAU DENIS L.STEWART BOBBY COHEN RANDY GREENBERG RYAN KAVANAUGH PAULPRODUCED DANO NOAH RINGER MUSICBY HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS PRODUCERS BASED ON PLATINUM STUDIOS’ “COWBOYS AND ALIENS” BY SCOTT MITCHELL ROSENBERG

BY BRIAN GRAZER RON HOWARD ALEX KURTZMAN ROBERTO ORCI SCOTT MITCHELL ROSENBERG SCREEN STORY SCREENPLAY

BY MARK FERGUS & HAWK OSTBY AND STEVE OEDEKERK

BY ROBERTO ORCI & ALEX KURTZMAN & DAMON LINDELOF AND MARK FERGUS & HAWK OSTBY DIRECTED

BY JON FAVREAU A UNIVERSAL PICTURE VISUAL EFFECTS AND ANIMATION BY INDUSTRIAL LIGHT & MAGIC SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC AND VARÈSE SARABANDE

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

Budget brinksmanship Global salute to Nelson Mandela: baffles and bewilders Insight for President Barack Obama

BY JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA COLUMNIST Exactly how long have we known that August 2 is the dropdead date to increase the debt ceiling? If we don’t do it, our nation

Julianne Malveaux will precipitate an international crisis by defaulting on debt that dozens of other countries carry and by signaling that the nation that still sees itself as the biggest and the baddest is nothing more than the shallowest and the weakest.

Of course we can avert the crisis; there are still two weeks to go before it all implodes. But why step off on the brink of disaster, except to make a point? Why attempt to diminish our nation, except to be so shortsighted as to think that diminishing a president has no impact on the nation.

Does the tearful John Boehner (ROH), that House Speaker who claims to so love his country, plan to ruin it because he simply cannot compromise with Democrats? What in the world is going on?

When Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said he could offer a compromise that would allow President Obama to raise the debt ceiling while reducing the deficit but in separate actions, I felt that the logjam had broken. And as I write this, I understand that the powers are conferring to make it so.

Still, I am disturbed by those who would dig their heels in and take us to the limit. What do they hope to gain by holding fast to an untenable position? Do they really expect to throw Social Security, Medicare, Pell Grants, and other worthy government programs out of the window because they are beholden to the Tea Party?

While I embrace Senator McConnell’s plan as a way to broker compromise, I am also amused by a plan that will force President Obama to take responsibility for rising debt in the middle of a recession (that some say is over—but ask Pookie).

Who ever asked President George Bush to take responsibility for his profligate spending? And speaking of profligate spending, why are cuts in the defense budget off the table for so many? We can spend money like it is water when we are seeking “democracy” and “order” in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, but we can’t spend a penny when we want to establish peace at home.

Thus, the forces to suppress democracy here in these United States are thriving.

In preparation for the 2012 election, there are deliberate acts of voter suppression. On one hand, some congressional representatives would cut social security. On the other hand, those who are most likely to preserve it— elderly people, especially the elderly of color—are finding their voting rights imperiled.

Similarly, there have been attacks on the unemployed, the hungry and those with health challenges. These are the very people who might, in 2012, roar back voting vengeance on those who sip tea.

The unfortunate truth is that slashing entitlements and social programs will not fix our nation’s financial challenges. Investing in the next generation will. How can we expect to compete when others on the global scene are investing in education, in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and in young people while we are divesting.

Our young people graduate from college shackled by debt, while others graduate with the world on a string.

Our young people find doors slammed in their faces, even for unpaid work, while their counterparts in China and India are allowed to soar.

If we had a five-year plan, a 10-year plan or a generational plan, we’d move forward. The Tea Party is living for the weekend, living for the opportunity to embarrass President Obama.

Haven’t they gotten it yet?

Embarrassing President Obama is embarrassing all of us. This debt ceiling budget brinkmanship simply baffles and bewilders the rest of the world and makes us wonder what happened to a once-great nation.

To be sure, our weaknesses are minor compared to meltdowns in Greece and in Italy. Still, we who once dominated the world are now on the verge of default because we can’t get along, can’t forge a compromise, are strangled by the absences of vision, soul and energy.

We have a few days to put a band-aid on the problem. How long will it take for us to get to the root of our dysfunction?

Julianne Malveaux, president of Bennett College for Women, is the author of “Surviving and Thriving: 365 Facts in Black Economic History,” available at www.lastwordprod.com.

BY DR. BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS, JR. NNPA COLUMNIST Literally millions of people on each continent throughout the world paused on July 18 to recognize and celebrate the birthday of the living legend, Nelson Mandela.

As an African American, I personally joined the ranks of the African National Congress (ANC) more than 40 years ago when I was a younger Black community activist and organizer for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the United Church of Christ Commission for Racial Justice.

Today, at the wisdom age of 93, Nelson Mandela still stands tall as a living symbol of the triumph of the long protracted struggle of humanity for freedom, justice and equality. We celebrate the birth and continuing leadership of one of the world’s greatest freedom fighters.

Nelson Mandela is a father, grandfather and a serious family man. Even during his long unjust imprisonment for over 27 years, he never lost his sense of perspective about the importance of his family and the leadership of the ANC investing the spirit and ideology of the freedom struggle in the youth of South Africa. The youth of the ANC later would rise up in such an irrepressible unity and focus as to cause even the rigid foundations of apartheid to collapse and fall.

Mandela embodies what it means to be an African transformation visionary who not only fought hard and long to free South Africa from the ruthless apartheid regime, but also who became the first Black president of South Africa with a universal sense of global dignity, integrity and respect. I believe today that the first Black President of the United States of America, President Barack H. Obama can also learn from the legacy of Nelson Mandela.

When Mandela became president of South Africa, it was not an easy task. It was difficult and trying on every issue because of the history of racial oppression and economic exploitation. But Mandela rose to the occasion with a masterful astuteness that even brought his political opponents to see and value his inclusive vision for a “new” South Africa.

Yes, there are vast differences between the United States and South Africa. My point, however, is that President Obama has a similar trial and tribulation that Mandela had: how to unite a divided nation in order to summon a common, inclusive, transformative and participatory agenda that takes the nation forward in the face of fierce “reactionary” headwinds that are determined to take the nation backwards.

The current divisive debate in the United States on increasing the national debt limit to avoid economic default and catastrophe is yet another classic example of politicians putting their narrow political

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and economic views over the common good for the nation. But some would join me in saying that this was exactly why the majority of people who voted in the United States elected President Barack Obama to rise to every occasion to help the nation move forward and not backward.

President Obama, like President Mandela in the past, will have to transcend the retrenchment boundaries of partisan politics toward a “new” America that cares more about all its people without the stagnate lethargy of the status quo elite who have little or no concern for the downtrodden and marginalized masses of people who are crying out for a better way of life in America.

Neither South Africa nor the United States is perfect but both nations are still evolving, and it will take strong leadership to lead both nations in the broader context of the global community to achieve greater progress for all of humanity. The global economy needs global leadership that views and values diversity but bonds and binds the global community together with the best of governmental, as well as grass roots, leadership and empowerment for all.

In my last face-to-face private visit with Nelson Mandela and Russell Simmons in southern

Africa, we discussed how important it was for the diamond industry and other extractive industries to invest in the empowerment of Africa. Shortly thereafter ,and taking the wisdom of Mandela seriously, Russell, I and others from the industry established the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) to provide financial support for the higher education of young African leaders from diamondproducing nations in Africa.

Business leaders and government leaders can and should do so much more. Africans can learn from us but equally important, there is so much we can learn from Africans. We are working now in South Africa and Botswana. Soon we will be in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We are advocating concern about all the minerals and other extractive industries. But as in every neighborhood in America and in Africa, the greatest resource is not the oil, diamonds, copper, gold, silver, platinum, uranium or other precious metals and minerals. The greatest resource is the human resource: that is, the youth, families, communities, villages and neighborhoods where people want and deserve the best of life.

The elders in every society should always be consulted by the youth leaders in every community.

God has blessed us with Nelson Mandela. Let’s learn from our elder statesman. We should learn from history, not repeat history.

President Barack Obama can and should gain invaluable insight from Nelson Mandela. The world is still changing, and we should all desire to be change agents rather than change spectators.

Lastly, in 1993, I was honored to present Nelson Mandela to the National Convention of the NAACP in Indianapolis, IN. He spoke about the historic bond between the ANC and the NAACP as two “freedomfighting” organizations.

We have to overcome our “weary years and our silent tears.”

Nelson Mandela continues to show us the way.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is Senior Advisor to the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) and President of Education Online Services Corporation.

BARRY

Continued from page 3 observed five sandwich bags filled with a green weed-like substance and a vial filled with a liquid with a strong chemical odor. The green-like substance was field tested and was identified as marijuana. The officer claimed the odor of the liquid smelled like PCP. “Christopher” Barry returned to the apartment, where he was treated for a bloody foot and arrested.

His attorney, Frederick Cooke,

Jr., refused to comment on the case.

However, he did confirm that Barry owns a construction contracting company.

For years, young Barry watched as his father was the subject of ridicule for brushes with the law. He vowed to never get involved in politics. However, Christopher is no stranger to trouble. He was previously arrested in February 2005 for assault on an officer.

www.lawattstimes.com 19

Thursday, July 21, 2011 Trustee Sale No. CA09003794-10-1 APN 6005-002-017 Title Order No. 4940914 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED May 21, 2007.

UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On August 1, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL INC. dba TRUSTEE CORPS, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on May 30, 2007, as Instrument No. 20071296675, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, executed by JESUS S FERNANDEZ A SINGLE MAN AND SERAPIA CARCAMO A SINGLE WOMAN AS JOINT TENANTS, as Trustor(s), in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 318 W 63 RD PLACE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90003 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $318,862.68 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale.

Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: June 28, 2011 TRUSTEE CORPS TS No. CA09003794-10-1 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Rowena Paz, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #13569 2011-07-07 2011-07-14 2011-07-21 Trustee Sale No. CA09001588-10-1 APN 6083-003-016 Title Order No. 100528715-CA-LPI NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED April 25, 2007.

UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On August 2, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL INC. dba TRUSTEE CORPS, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on May 1, 2007, as Instrument No. 20071045044, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, executed by ERMINIO MUNOZ, A MARRIED MAN, AS HIS SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY, as Trustor(s), in favor of Mortgage Electronics Registration Systems, Inc as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 212 -212 1/2 EAST LANZITAVENUE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90061 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $407,395.97 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: June 28, 2011 TRUSTEE CORPS TS No. CA09001588-10-1 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Paul Gutierrez, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #13570 2011-07-07 2011-07-14 2011-07-21 Trustee Sale # CA0960419-2 Loan# 159093402 Order # 4308610 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 04/02/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC

SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 08/01/2011 at 1 :00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 04/13/2007 as Document No. 20070889049 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, LOURDES MORALES, A MARRIED WOMAN AS HER SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY, as Trustor, COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC., as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 6069-015-003 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1713 EAST 111TH PLACE , LOS ANGELES, CA 90059-1913 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $326,816.57 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse.

The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell.

The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1. Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 06/29/2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as By: ROWENA PAZ, TRUSTEE SALES Successor Trustee OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #13630 2011-07-07 2011-07-14 2011-07-21

Trustee Sale No. CA09001628-11-1 APN 6069-027-022 Title Order No. 5207774 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED September 22, 2008. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On August 1, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL INC. dba TRUSTEE CORPS, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on September 30, 2008, as Instrument No. 20081749637, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, executed by ELODIO SANTIBANEZ, A SINGLE MAN AND RUDY LENORE CARDENAS, A SINGLE MAN, AS JOINT TENANTS, as Trustor(s), in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1667 E 115TH ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90059-2501 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $321,130.65 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale.

Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: June 30, 2011 TRUSTEE CORPS TS No. CA09001628-11-1 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Rowena Paz, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #13671 2011-07-07 2011-07-14 2011-07-21

Trustee Sale # CA0958766-2 Loan# 153459152 Order # 55010530 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 11/16/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 08/09/2011 at 1 :00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 11/29/2006 as Document No. 20062635977 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, WILLIE LEE STEELE, AND MARCIA E STEELE, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS, as Trustor, COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC., as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 6134-006-005 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 13125 STANFORD AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90059-3341, The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $390,578.72 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse.

The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell.

The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1. Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 07/07/2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: PAUL GUTIERREZ, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #13867 2011-07-14 2011-07-21 2011-07-28 Trustee Sale No. CA09000270-10-1 APN 5116-020-023 Title Order No. 100073634-CA-GTI NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED January 15, 2009. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On August 15, 2011, at 01:00 PM, at the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL INC. dba TRUSTEE CORPS, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on January 27, 2009, as Instrument No. 20090106200, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, executed by OLGA M. RODRIGUEZ, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN, as Trustor(s), in favor of HSBC MORTGAGE CORPORATION (USA) as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 4311 HONDURAS STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90011 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $397,731.83 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale.

Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: July 14, 2011 TRUSTEE CORPS TS No. CA09000270-10-1 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Rowena Paz, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #14089 2011-07-21 2011-07-28 2011-08-04

GOVERNMENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMES

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP #7544) INDEPENDENT AUDIT AND TAX RETURNS SERVICES The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles invites proposals from qualified firms interested in providing independent audit and tax returns services. Copy of the RFP may be obtained beginning July 11, 2011via www.hacla.org/ps or call (213) 2525405 or 252-1832. Proposals will be accepted at 2600 Wilshire Blvd, #3100, Los Angeles CA 90057, until 2:00 P.M., by August 12, 2011.

7/14, 7/21/11 CNS-2133816# WATTS TIMES

MEXICO CARTEL Continued from page 9

Like La Familia, Knights Templar claims to be highly religious, but unlike La Familia, the new cartel has sought to distribute its teachings to the general public with kitschy but florid posters, banners, emblems and even medieval robes.

“God is the truth and there is no truth without God,” reads one passage in the booklet.

The person who gave the AP the professionally printed, pocketsize booklet said it was distributed earlier this month by two men in regular clothing aboard a bus traveling in rural Michoacan. He said the men handing out the material then sat down among the other passengers and, without saying a word, got off at the next stop. He asked that his name not be used for fear of retaliation.

The booklet says cartel members “must fight against materialism” and respect women and children. It prohibits them from killing for money and says, “for all members of the order, the use of any drugs or any hallucinogen is strictly prohibited.” It mandates drug testing for members.

The Knights Templar have criticized federal police for failing to protect Michoacan against incursions by the ultra-violent Zetas.

The group may have helped organize a demonstration last week in the Michoacan city of Apatzingan, where people chanted “Federal police, get out!” Some young men scrawled slogans like “100 percent Knights Templar” on their T-shirts.

Government security spokesman Alejandro Poire did not respond to a reporter’s question about whether the cartel had organized last Wednesday’s demonstration, but said it had been known to do so in the past.

“It would not be the first time that various criminal organizations seek to use propaganda or publicity tools, but I stress that there is no criminal propaganda that can weaken the efforts of federal forces,” Poire said Tuesday. “The steppedup federal police presence will remain there.”

While authorities at three government law enforcement agencies refused to confirm the authenticity of the AP’s copy, the title is the same as three booklets that federal police found in a July 15 raid in Apatzingan that netted a suspect identified as the chief hit man for the cartel.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2011058295 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Scholastic Tennis Academy, 1753 Preuss Rd., LA, CA 90035, County of L.A. P.O. Box 35735, L.A, Calif. 90035.

Registered owner(s): Larry Smith, 1753 Preuss Rd., LA, CA 90035.

This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.)

S/ Larry Smith, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on July 6, 2011.

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

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

Original 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4/11 CNS-2135590# WATTS TIMES

Along with the booklet, which also preaches loyalty to family and country, police also have confiscated banners with messages from the gang, trucks emblazoned with Templar “shields” and even white robes with red crosses like the ones worn by the original Knights Templar order.

The original knights were outlawed in Europe and executed, their order dismantled beginning in 1307.

Photos from a Mexican army raid the previous day on a Templar training camp in Zacapu, Michoacan, show pages like those in the booklet as well as a medievalstyle helmet made of steel grating and the white tunics.

National security expert Javier Oliva at Mexico’s National Autonomous University said the propaganda may have some pull in rural areas where the government is weak and lawlessness and violence are rampant.

“They mirror a bit the sociological, anthropological logic of the Mafia,” he said. “They seek to take justice into their own hands in a Mexico where no functional justice system exists.”

The propaganda campaign isn’t winning over everyone.

The Mexico chapter of the modern-day Knights Templar Order issued a statement saying that “we disown completely and totally this disagreeable situation ... we have never had nor will we have contact with any of these people who display banners depicting themselves as Templars, and using this sacred name.”

Welsh-born painter Mark Churms, who works from a studio in West Virginia, said he was never contacted by anyone in Mexico seeking to use his painting of a medieval knight, which appears in the booklet.

“When I was painting that image, I wasn’t thinking, ‘Wow, this would look good on a drug cartel leaflet,’” Churms said. “I hope people don’t look at this and believe the hype that they are in any way connected with a monastic order.”

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Thursday, July 21, 2011