LAWT 08-02-2012

W E E K E N D E R SEE PAGES 8

Vol. XXX, No. 1295

www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, August 2, 2012

L.A. Watts Times

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Thursday, August 2, 2012

HOROSCOPES Aug. 2 - 8 A

RIES ~ It’s easy to take it easy! Just slow down and let each moment arrive at its own speed. You’ll get a lot done this week if you get in tune with the rhythm of the week. Each moment has its own beat.

Stay with it. Soul Affirmation: The wisdom of the ages is revealed as my spirit.

AURUS ~ Change is near, and it’s going to be good. Clear your desk of pesky tasks this week and get your mind free to receive what life brings. Positive results help you feel even more positive.

Soul Affirmation: Someone wonderful is looking to find me.

EMINI ~ You are the boss of your week this week, so act like the leader you are and let the week follow you around.

Your creativity is soaring; schedule enough time to get some of your brilliant ideas on paper. Soul Affirmation: Trust gives me a deep sense of peace and joy.

ANCER ~ A steady stream of opportunities is beaming your way, lucky you and they contain endless variations of possibilities. Wear your instincts like a rainbow colored coat this week and gather the good resources that you need. Soul Affirmation: Hope is future’s way of shining on me this week.

EO ~ Some down time will work wonders for you this week. You’ve been running fast with your projects, and now it’s time to slow it down. Try to spend time outdoors and with nature. Enjoy! Soul Affirmation: Hope is a beautify jewel. I enjoy owning it.

IRGO ~ Center yourself at every opportunity during this busy week and keep your quest for emotional and spiritual balance in the forefront. Make an effort to take your time; that way you’ll recognize opportunity from impulse-control problems immediately. Soul Affirmation: My spirit gives me limitless possibilities.

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IBRA ~ Happiness arrives and sits on your shoulder like a bright butterfly this week. A relationship can make significant progress if you stay open to love. Keep your evening free for romance in a social setting. Soul Affirmation: I give thanks for who I am this week.

CORPIO ~ Take charge of a project at work and get it finished up. It’s been languishing on someone else’s shoulders and desk for way too long. A sensible outlook will get you far this week. Forget about all grudges and move forward in love. Soul Affirmation: My hunches work well for me this week.

AGITTARIUS ~ You may find yourself faced with many distractions this week but you’ll sail through and accomplish much if you stay focused on each task and take them one at a time. You know you can do it this evening. Soul Affirmation: Money opens doors for friendship to enter.

APRICORN ~ Creativity is favored and yours is especially favored with some project that you’ve been working especially hard on. For the next few days watch for a romance that will bring special gifts. Soul Affirmation: I care deeply about the feelings of others.

QUARIUS ~ Your new ideas combine well with your will and skill. You get a lot done at work this week. Be soft and forceful. Make time for family life this week. Your rewards come from those who are related to you by blood. Soul Affirmation: I let positive emotions carry me through the week.

ISCES ~ Before you spend your money check the quality of the goods.

This rule applies to intangible goods as well. Make the first move with your honey this week. Be sweetly aggressive. Soul Affirmation: The enjoyment of good food is high on my agenda this week.

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L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER Published Weekly – Updates 3800 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008 Administration – Sales – Graphics – Editorial 323.299.3800 - office 323.291.6804 - fax

Inside This Edition Calif. Congresswoman to

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accept ethics punishment

BY LARRY MARGASAK ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Beverly Cook – Publisher, Managing Editor 1976 – 1993 Charles Cook – Publisher 1976 – 1998 Melanie Polk – Publisher 1998 – 2010 WWW.LAWATTSTIMES.COM Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. ............Executive Publisher & Executive Editor Brenda Marsh Mitchell ..................................Executive Vice President Tracey Mitchell ......................................................................Controller Brandon I. Brooks ..................................................Co-Managing Editor Yussuf J. Simmonds ..............................................Co-Managing Editor Jennifer Bihm................................................................Assistant Editor Bernard Lloyd ....................................................Director of Advertising Benjamin Samuels ....................................................Graphic Designer Chris Martin ..........................................................Production Designer EMAIL: wattsweekender@yahoo.com Circulation ..................................................................................50,000 The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the L.A. Watts Times.

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13 BlackFacts.com August 2, 1966 The Charles R. Drew Postgraduate Medical School (later Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science) is chartered in Los Angeles. It is the only African American focused medical school west of the Mississippi.

Rep. Laura Richardson, DCalif., improperly compelled her congressional staff to do campaign work and should be reprimanded and fined for violating standards of conduct, the House Ethics Committee announced Wednesday August 1.

The committee said she admitted to all seven counts of violations and agreed to the proposed punishment, which awaits House action.

The committee unanimously adopted the report of its investigative panel, in which investigators detailed the thirdAP Photo term lawmaker’s coercion, attempts to alter evidence and Congresswoman Laura Richardson efforts to influence the testimoShe contended that she had never ny of staff members who would be taken or intended action against any witnesses.

Adoption of the report by the aide who failed to volunteer for camHouse would constitute a reprimand. paign work and accused the commitThe House also was asked by the tee of intimidating and frightening committee to impose a $10,000 fine her employees. She also claimed she was unable to fairly present her side to be paid by Dec. 1.

The committee said it discour- of the case.

The committee said she had acted aged Richardson from permitting any staff members to work in her cam- “with utter disdain” for the process paign. She's in a tough re-election and by agreeing to a deal, “rendered race against fellow Democratic Rep. her own arguments moot.”

Among the findings by the invesJanice Hahn. Although Hahn beat Richardson by a 60-39 margin in the tigative subcommittee in connection primary, the state allows the top two with Richardson’s 2010 campaign finishers to run against each other in were: —Richardson’s chief of staff, in the general election regardless of early 2010, told district staff memparty affiliation.

The ethics charges have been a bers that they would be expected to drag on Richardson’s fundraising as work on the campaign. When one her campaign was greatly outspent in asked what would happen if he declined, he was told he probably the primary.

The investigative report said the wouldn’t have a job.

—Employees were expected to coercion of the staff began in early 2010 and continued in the current close the congresswoman’s Long campaign even though Richardson Beach office at 6 p.m. every workday and then go to the campaign office to knew she was under investigation.

Investigators said Richardson answer the phone and perform infuriated the committee by appear- “precinct walks.” Staff members ing to contradict her own admission were not permitted to take a break for that she violated House rules, as well dinner or perform any personal tasks as federal law governing proper use before starting the daily campaign of federal appropriations.

See RICHARDSON, page 14

Thursday, August 2, 2012

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African American woman Person Of The Week | Cynthia Bridges CA BOE Appoints Cynthia Bridges Executive Director shows girls they are of Tax Administration Agency ‘Positively Perfect’ with doll line

BY CHIDA R. WARRENDARBY SPECIAL TO THE NNPA THE SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSPAPER Dr. Lisa Williams is a petite, beautiful brown skinned woman, with a broad endearing smile.

She’s genuine, compassionate, soulful, and is the creator of Positively Perfect Dolls. No this isn’t a story about a woman who all her life desired to make dolls and sell them to little girls, and this isn’t a story about a woman seeking fortune and fame. This is a story about a woman who had the greater desire to fill a need. “I don’t create dolls.

I show the beauty in our children. I see myself as healing generations,” says Williams.

A visionary leader, Dr. Lisa Williams, CEO, World of EPI award winning speaker and author, Dr. Lisa (as she is affec- Beyond Excellence,” Williams develtionately known) is the CEO of the oped a partnership with Walmart, in World Of Entertainment, Publishing which her books sold extremely well. and Inspiration (World of EPI), LLC. It was something in her book that The World of EPI was formed with the showed Walmart, she could offer mission to be an expression of joy. something to their customers that they Williams is also known for her ability had been longing to do, which was to to motivate executives, future leaders sell children’s books that reflected and audiences of all sizes. In addition multiculturalism. Williams believed to winning numerous teaching awards she could tackle the job and was sucfrom major universities such as Penn cessful at helping to produce State, Ohio State and the University of “Brandon’s Really Bad, Really Good Arkansas, Williams is the first female Day,” and “Amelia Asks Why?,” both to hold a multimillion dollar endowed books depicting African American chair in her field, the first African children in a manner that young chilAmerican female to graduate from the dren of color could relate to. In a Ohio State University’s Marketing and review of “Amelia Asks Why?,” one Logistics Department, and the second parent wrote “This book is perfect for woman in her discipline to become a my African-American daughter named Amelia. However not only does it full professor.

Williams has dedicated her life to work for her because of her name, she educating and developing future and enjoys the story. She is learning about current leaders. Major corporations her surroundings and this book has and President Clinton’s Commission encouraged her curiosity. In addition it on Critical Infrastructure Protection gets her to clean her room.” Another have sought her advice. Williams’ parent wrote “The topic is appreciated research has practical and global and timely. My 2 year old daughter implications and as such she has spo- loves this book. We have read it often ken to audiences in the United States, over the last year and at this point, we Belgium, Austria, Canada, London are using tape to keep it intact. I personally love the illustrations.” After and Australia.

With numerous accolades under great sales, and tremendous feedback her wings, Williams has triumphantly at this level, Walmart decided to throw created a flight path to success. But Williams another challenge, and that while on her journey of enlightening was to create dolls! “Walmart underpeople through education, she realized stands and is sensitive to the needs in that God yet required more of her. our community,” she said. When After publishing her book “Leading beginning the process to create the dolls, Williams said that she wanted to find value in the project for our community.

“I wanted to do something that was respectful to our community and our race.

[Walmart] was saying ‘We think you understand the community, and we want you to do a line of multicultural dolls’.”

Williams See DOLL LINE, page 15

Cynthia Bridges made history recently as the first African American to be appointed executive director of the nation’s only elected tax commission.

Jerome E. Horton, Chairman of the California State Board of Equalization (BOE) welcomed Bridges as its executive director. Horton announced the appointment after the Board met in closed session during its June 27 Sacramento meeting.

Bridges assumed her new role on August 1.

“Ms. Bridges is a proactive and visionary executive who brings extensive experience to the BOE,” said Horton. “She offers proven leadership that will help guide the BOE in fulfilling its mission of providing fair, effective and efficient tax administration.”

“I am honored and humbled to be appointed Executive Director," said Bridges. “I look forward to working with the Board and staff to advance BOE's vision and create innovative solutions to help the citizens and businesses of California succeed.”

Prior to being selected as BOE’s executive director, Bridges served as secretary of the Louisiana Department

Cynthia Bridges of Revenue, a position to which she was appointed by three Louisiana Governors. During her 12 years in that role, Bridges helped to transform the agency into a recognized leader in customer service; one of many accomplishments during a 30-year career with the LDR.

Former Louisiana Governor Murphy ‘Mike’ Foster noted, “I couldn't be more pleased that the California Board of Equalization has chosen Ms. Cynthia Bridges as their next executive director.

She was an incredibly efficient and principled secretary who brought the Department of Revenue into the 21st Century.”

Louisiana Senator Karen Carter Peterson lauded the appointment, saying, “Secretary Bridges will undoubtedly serve the people of California with integrity and professionalism as she did here in Louisiana. I know I speak for many others in wishing her much success in her new endeavor.”

Various state and national organizations have honored Bridges for her outstanding contributions. Last year, Bridges was selected as one of the “Top 10 Tax Administrators” by the publication State Tax Notes, and the Baton Rouge Business Reports named her as one of the “Most Influential Women in Business” in 2007.

Bridges replaces Ms. Kristine Cazadd who is retiring in the fall after serving the Board for 22 years.

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PUBLIC NOTICE Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) Available for the Interstate-710 (I-710) Corridor Project Announcement of Public Hearings WHAT IS BEING PLANNED? The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in cooperation with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, the Southern California Association of Governments, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and the Interstate 5 Joint Powers Authority, are proposing to improve Interstate 710 (I-710) in Los Angeles County between Ocean Blvd. and State Route 60 (SR-60). Major features include widening I710 up to ten general purpose lanes (five lanes in each direction), modernize and reconfigure the I-405, SR-91 and a portion of the I-5 interchanges with I-710, modernize and reconfigure most local arterial interchanges along I710, and provision of a separated four-lane freight corridor to be used by conventional or zero-emission trucks.

WHY THIS NOTICE? Caltrans has studied the potential effects this project may have on the environment. The study that explains these findings is called a Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) which has recently been approved for public circulation.

YOU ARE INVITED Public hearings will be held at the dates and locations provided below • Tuesday August 7, 2012 (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) – Progress Park, 15500 Downey Ave., Paramount, CA 90723 • Wednesday August 8, 2012 (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) – Silverado Park Community Center, 1545 W. 31st St., Long Beach, CA 90810 • Thursday August 9, 2012 (4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) – Rosewood Park, 5600 Harbor St., Commerce, CA 90040 WHAT IS AVAILABLE? Copies of the Draft EIR/EIS are available for review at the following locations: • Caltrans District 7 Office, 100 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 on weekdays from 9 am to 3 pm.

• Metro – Dorothy Peyton Grey Transportation Library, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Monday – Thursday 9 am to 4pm, or Friday by appointment.

• Gateway Cities Council of Governments, 16401 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723 on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm.

• City of Commerce Public Library – Bristow Park Branch – 1466 S. McDonnell Ave., Commerce, CA 90040 • County of Los Angeles Public Library – Hollydale Library – 12000 S. Garfield Ave., South Gate, CA 90280 • County of Los Angeles Public Library – East Rancho Dominguez Library – 4205 E. Compton Blvd., Compton CA 90221 • Long Beach Public Library – Main Library – 101 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, CA 90822 • Long Beach Public Library – Bret Harte Library – 1595 W. Willow St., Long Beach, CA 90810 Electronic versions of the Draft EIR/EIS on compact discs are available for review at public libraries throughout the I-710 Corridor.

The Draft EIR/EIS may also be viewed online at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/resources/envdocs/docs/710corridor/ WHERE YOU COME IN Have the potential impacts been addressed? Do you have information that should be included? If you wish to make a comment on the Draft EIR/EIS, you may submit your written comments until August 29, 2012 to: Ronald Kosinski Caltrans District 7, Division of Environmental Planning 100 South Main Street, MS 16A Los Angeles, CA 90012 or send an e-mail through the project website at http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/resources/envdocs/docs/710corridor/ CONTACT/SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS Individuals who require special accommodation (American Sign Language interpreter, accessible seating, documentation in alternate formats, etc.) are requested to contact Caltrans District 7, Attn: Garrett Damrath at (213) 8979016 at least 21 days prior to the scheduled public hearings. TDD users may contact the California Relay Service TTY line at 711.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Feds: Calif. man attempts to smuggle meth as candy

AP Photo/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

This undated photo provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Monday, July 30, 2012 shows more than four pounds of methamphetamine disguised to look like the popular Snickers Bars.

Rogelio Mauricio Harris of Long Beach, Calif,. was arrested last week at Los Angeles International Airport as he prepared to board a flight to Japan. Harris was charged in Los Angeles with drug possession and faces at least 10 years in prison if convicted.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A California man faces federal drug charges for allegedly trying to smuggle more than 4 pounds of methamphetamine to Japan in what looked like dozens of Snickers bars.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said Monday that 34-year-old Rogelio Mauricio Harris of Long Beach was arrested last week at Los Angeles International Airport as he prepared to board a flight to Japan.

Harris was charged in Los

Angeles with drug possession and faces at least 10 years in prison if convicted.

Federal agents conducting routine baggage inspections found 45 full-sized Snickers bars inside Harris’ luggage. Each bar was coated in a chocolate-like substance to make it look like a candy bar, but tests revealed the so-called candy contained methamphetamine.

Authorities estimate the 4 pounds of meth is worth about $250,000.

Missing FBI agent found dead in Burbank ASSOCIATED PRESS The body of an FBI agent who vanished more than two months ago was found near his home in Burbank, authorities said this week.

Steven Ivens, 35, was found by two hikers in a wooded area behind a church on July 30, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said. His gun was found near his body.

The cause and time of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County coroner's office.

Ivens was being treated for depression and was said to be distraught at the time of his disappearance, authorities said.

A massive air and ground search was unsuccessful after Ivens walked away from his home on May 10 with his keys and his service weapon. His wife, Thea, later made a public plea for him to return home.

Ivens is survived by his wife and 1-year-old son.

BlackFacts.com August 2, 1920 Marcus Garvey presents his “Back To Africa” program in New York City, 1920.

August 2, 1982 Jackie Robinson is honored by the U.S. Postal Service with a commemorative stamp, the fifth in its Black Heritage USA series.

August 5, 1892 Harriet Tubman receives a pension from Congress for her work as a nurse, spy, and scout during the Civil War.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

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Councilwoman Jan Perry The Jan Perry for Mayor Campaign has raised $1,162,908. The June 30th campaign filing will show that Jan Perry, has raised over $327,000 since January 1st with more than $175,000 in public matching funds. The over $1.1 million raised to date represents 1500 donors with nearly 2000 individual donations. This large number of individual donors shows the power of grassroots activism in Los Angeles and the power of Jan Perry’s vision to revitalize Los Angeles. Thousands have rallied to support Councilwoman Jan Perry, who would be the first African American woman elected Mayor of Los Angeles.

“I am truly humbled by the outpouring of local support for my campaign for Mayor of Los Angeles. I know my supporters believe in our vision for a prosperous Los Angeles, where entrepreneurs and small businesses drive job creation, we provide affordable housing near public transit systems that link our working families to job centers, and offer a public education system that truly prepares our children for the jobs of tomorrow. I will not stop until we reach our goals,” said Perry.

Councilwoman Jan Perry is the only woman currently serving on the

15 member city council and is the first African American woman to have held the position of President Pro Tempore.

She has championed private investment and job creation in Los Angeles.

During her tenure on the city council, Jan has helped deliver over $15 billion in private investment resulting in the creation of over 90,000 jobs. She recently broke ground on the Dunbar Village project to revitalize the historic African American Dunbar Hotel located on Central Ave in South Los Angeles. Central Avenue was the West Coast jazz mecca of the 1940’s.

In its heyday the Dunbar Hotel hosted such greats as Billie Holliday, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. The historic landmark project is expected to reopen in February 2013 and will provide affordable housing for families and seniors.

“Jan Perry has demonstrated the most strategic vision for economic development and job creation. She has the most compelling message and best personal story of anyone running for Mayor next year. By raising more than a million dollars, she has once again shown that she will have the resources necessary to run a winning campaign,” said Eric Hacopian, Jan Perry’s campaign consultant.

Most Calif. for-profit colleges lose state grants

BY JUDY LIN | ASSOCIATED PRESS SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California’s move to tighten eligibility requirements for its Cal Grant program will eliminate or reduce awards to 14,500 students, most of them enrolled in for-profit colleges such as the University of Phoenix, the California Student Aid Commission announced Tuesday.

The commission released a list of colleges that are no longer eligible to receive Cal Grants under tougher standards passed by the Legislature and signed by Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown in June. The rules were adopted to save an estimated $55 million and address the state’s budget deficit.

California’s public universities and most nonprofit, private colleges met the new standards for graduation rates and student loan defaults.

Of the 170 for-profit schools that participate in the state financial aid program, 137 could not meet them.

They include the University of Phoenix, ITT Technical Institute, Kaplan College, Heald College and others.

More than a dozen private colleges, including Christian colleges, also could not meet the higher standards.

Overall, about 4 percent of the 354,500 students eligible for Cal Grants will be affected. According to the commission, the change will eliminate aid to 7,800 new students and reduce 20 percent of the awards to 6,700 returning students this fall.

California is the first state to set such high benchmarks, which are tougher than federal requirements, said Diana Fuentes-Michel, executive director of the commission.

“In a tight budget situation, the Legislature was prudent in terms of looking at how we fund not only students but institutions,” she said.

The state now requires a graduation rate of at least 30 percent and a federal student loan default rate of less than 15.5 percent for one year.

By comparison, Fuentes-Michel said the federal government requires a higher education institution to have a student default rate of less than 30 percent for three years.

University of Phoenix spokesman Ryan Rauzon said the change disproportionately hurts working adults, many of whom attend for-profit schools because they better accommodate their work schedules. He said between 2,000 and 3,000 of the university's students will see their Cal Grants eliminated or cut.

“It’s a really unfortunate policy choice,” Rauzon said.

California community colleges, California State University, the University of California and most nonprofit, private colleges such as Stanford and the University of Southern California met the tougher state requirements.

Nevertheless, all Cal Grant recipients will feel the pinch because of a 5 percent, across-the-board cut to

financial aid this fall. The top Cal Grant award will be reduced from $9,708 to $9,223.

The commission's announcement of ineligible schools comes on the heels of a report requested by

Democrats in the U.S. Senate that criticizes for-profit colleges for putting revenue above education.

A full list of ineligible schools is posted on the commission’s website, www.csac.ca.gov.

Metro Briefs Now Metro Runs Til 2am Now Metro Rail trains and the Metro Orange Line run until approximately 2am on Friday and Saturday nights. So now you can catch the overtime action, stay for the encore or take time for that bite to eat and still count on Metro for your ride home! For schedules and discounts on late-night venues, check metro.net.

Go Metro to USC Football Games For USC football fans heading to the Coliseum this fall, Go Metro on game day. We’ll get you past the traªc and parking hassles, giving you more time to catch all the action and festivities. Exit at the Expo/Vermont or Expo Park/USC stations on the Metro Expo Line, or the 37th St/USC Station on the Metro Silver Line. Find out more at metro.net.

Feds Give Regional Connector Go Ahead The Federal Transit Administration oªcially certified that the Regional Connector has satisfied all environmental guidelines and Metro can now begin the final design phase of the two-mile underground route through Downtown LA. It will connect with the Metro Blue and Expo lines at 7th Street/Metro Center Station and the Metro Gold Line at Alameda Street. For more information visit: metro.net/regionalconnector.

Measure R Projects Moving Forward Metro continues to make progress on more than 70 transportation improvement projects throughout LA County funded by voter-approved Measure R. Included in those projects are 48 for highway and traªc reduction, 16 for rail and rapid transit and nine for public transit. Follow their progress at metro.net/measurer.

Explore Dining Options On The Gold Line Ride the Metro Gold Line and discover dining experiences ranging from the exquisite purity of sushi in little Tokyo to an explosion of Latin flavors in East LA. Whatever your taste, Metro delivers you to the doorstep of a wide array of diverse restaurants. Download the Eastside Dining Guide at metro.net.

If you’d like to know more, visit metro.net.

13-0147ps_gen-ce-13-002 ©2012 lacmta

Councilwoman Jan Perry raises funds for Mayor Campaign

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Thursday, August 2, 2012

The National Bar Association hit record numbers for its 87th Annual Convention John Page, Esq. Takes Over as NBA’s 70th President

John Page, Esq. sworn in as 70th President by Judge Joseph Greenaway, US Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

Past President Daryl Parks, Esq. awards Attorney Ben Crump with the Equal Justice Award. He is joined by Trayvon Martin's family.

The National Bar Association (NBA), the largest group of AfricanAmerican lawyers and judges, showed

up in record numbers for their 87th Annual Convention and Exhibits at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, July 14-19.

More than 1,300 guests filled meeting rooms to listen to the best and brightest on various issues including voter

Past President Daryl Parks, Barbara Arwine, Esq., Donna Brazile and Gary Flowers at Presidential Showcase Forum. empowerment, gaming law, corporate Law), Donna Brazile (Democratic leadership, education and more. “I am National Committee) and Gary Flowers pleased at the display of dedication and (Black Leadership Forum). commitment from our NBA members,” The three political advocates led the said Demetris Cheatham, executive Presidential Showcase Forum on voter director. “Their willingness to share empowerment and election protection. information and work collectively as a High-profile case attorneys Benjamin body is encouraging and admirable. Crump, Esq. and President Daryl Parks, With the leadership of our executive Esq. (attorneys for Trayvon Martin’s team, we will continue to grow and family) along with Chris Chestnut, Esq. make an impact throughout the nation.” (attorney for Robert Champion’s family The NBA recognized several lead- in the FAMU hazing case) were featured ers for their outstanding work in the speakers for the “Update from the legal field and within their communities. Experts” panel and offered details on Sixteen awards were presented to their respective cases. The parents of deserving members at the annual awards Trayvon Martin, Sybrina Fulton and gala by past president Daryl Parks, Esq. Tracy Martin, were in attendance and The recipients included Benjamin shared a few words of thanks to the Crump, Esq; Linnes Finney, Jr., Esq.; D. NBA. The Lawyers’ Committee also Peter Herbert, Esq. (O.B.E.); John W. honored the parents for their strength Boyd, Jr., Esq.; Greg Francis, Esq. and and courageous spirit.

Toyota. Other award recipients includThe convention members had a ed The Minority Corporate Counsel chance to go into the community for two Association (MCCA), VAULT, Juliette See BAR ASSOCIATION, page 10 Pryor, Esq. and Laurie N. Robinson, Esq., who were all presented with the 2012 Pinnacle Award. In addition, the National Bar teamed with Impact to recognize the Nation’s Best Advocates: Top 40 Lawyers Under 40. The recipients of the Nation's Best Advocate of the Year, Excellence in Leadership, Service, Activism, and Innovation Awards were also presented.

The event welcomed several special guests including panelists Barbara Arnwine Chris Chestnut, Esq., attorney for Robert Champion (Lawyers’ Committee in FAMU hazing death, listens to audience quesfor Civil Rights Under tions/comments about his case.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

CSU Dominguez Hills makes grade for granting degrees to minority students

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UC Davis police officer in spraying incident out

AP Photo/The Enterprise, Wayne Tilcock, File

In this Nov. 18, 2011 file photo, University of California, Davis Police Lt. John Pike uses pepper spray to move Occupy UC Davis protesters while blocking their exit from the school’s quad in Davis, Calif. Pike, the riot-clad police officer who pepper sprayed a row of peaceful Occupy Wall Street protesters at a California university, is a retired U.S. Marine sergeant twice honored for his police work on campus.

California State University, Dominguez Hills is among the nation’s top degree grantors to minority students, according to the magazine Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, which each year publishes its Top 100 Undergraduate Degree Producers and Top 100 Graduate Degree Producers lists.

Overall, CSU Dominguez Hills came in at 60th for granting bachelor’s degrees to 1,406 students of color in 2011 — the graduation year used in the 2012 rankings — and 64th for conferring master’s degrees to 492 students of color. That year, the university granted 3,005 degrees in total.

Using data reported by universities to the National Center for Education Statistics to compile its two lists, the magazine gives several rankings, from an overall standing for total number of degrees conferred on all minority groups combined to degrees by individual minority group, as well as breakdowns by disciplines for each group.

The university ranked in the Top 100 – and even in the top 50 — in a number of the rankings, including 38th for undergraduate and 36th for graduate degrees granted to Hispanic students, and 82nd for graduate degrees to Asian American students.

CSU Dominguez Hills was also the only public university in California to make the magazine’s list for the number of master’s degrees conferred on African American students, coming in at 87th, and was one of only two public universities in the state to make the list for bachelor’s degrees granted to African American students, ranking 88th.

“The story behind these numbers is one of successful students, period,” said University Interim President Willie Hagan. “Our service area has a high number of underserved, underrepresented students, and their success positively impacts their families and our community. At CSU Dominguez Hills, we work hard to provide an intentional network of support that includes excellent academic programs and services that enhance student success. As we improve current efforts and add new initiatives in the area of student retention and graduation, our minority student graduation rankings will climb even higher in the future.”

Other highlights in the undergraduate ranking included fourth for liberal arts/humanities and 12th for public administration/social service degrees to Hispanic students; 8th for degrees in public administration/social service and 11th for liberal arts to all minority students; 14th for degrees granted in the public administration/social service professions to African American students; and 17th in the same degree field to Asian American students. By total minority groups for specific disciplines at the undergraduate level, the university ranked eighth for public administration/social service.

Highlights of the many master’s degree rankings by categories the university received included third for rehabilitation/therapeutic professions and fifth for nursing degrees to Asian American students; fifth in nursing, seventh in interdisciplinary study, and ninth in engineering-related fields degrees to Hispanic students; seventh in interdisciplinary degrees to African American.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A University of California, Davis, police officer who sprayed demonstrators with pepper spray during a campus protest last fall no longer works for the university.

The Sacramento Bee reports that a spokesman for UC Davis says Lt. John Pike’s employment with the uni-

versity ended Tuesday.

Spokesman Barry Shiller told the newspaper that he could not discuss the details of Pike's departure because of privacy rules.

When reached by The Bee, Pike declined to comment.

The 39-year-old Pike had been on paid leave since the incident last

November when video images showed him and another officer spraying demonstrators who were seated on a sidewalk and refused police orders to disperse during an Occupy protest.

The images were watched online and on broadcast stations around the world.

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Thursday, August 2, 2012

L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

African American Gymnast Leads U.S. to Olympic Gold 16-Year Old Gabrielle Douglas sparkles in London

By Kenneth Miller | LA Watts Times Correspondent From the moment she was a pint size three year-old toddler and her sister Arielle taught her how to do a cartwheel, Gabrielle ‘Gabby’ Douglas wanted more. So on her own she began doing cartwheels on one hand.

Douglas participates in a sport that is not just void of African Americans; it rarely attracts them because from an economic standpoint in many instances it’s not feasible.

Gymnastics is one of those elite individual sports that require a lot of time and a whole lot of money, but if you are really good as Douglas has proven to be you can push your way onto the Olympic stage.

Douglas, born in Virginia Beach, VA, didn’t just qualify for the London Olympics, but she has taken the Olympics and sport by storm leading the American women team to a team gold medal on Tuesday and qualifying in the all around category.

It was only the second time in Olympic history that American women had captured team gold.

Douglas is the first African American to share such honors.

The U.S. women’s gymnastics team won its first gold medal since 1996 Atlanta Games, and thanks in large part to the girl they call ‘Flying Squirrel’ the 2012 team is in the history books again.

After reigning world champion Jordyn Weiber

AP PHOTO/JEFF ROBERSON

of was knocked out of the finals for the all-around title two days earlier by Douglas, Gabby then turned her attention to the team finals and as usual was dynamic and courageous posting an eye popping 15.966.

Again she bested Wieber who had set the tone by earning 15.933 points.

Douglas qualified at the U.S. Olympic trials on June 28 through July 1 and thus joined the ranks of other African-American Olympic gymnasts, including Dominique Dawes and Betty Okino, who won, along with their U.S. teammates, the Olympic Team Bronze medal in 1992, and Tasha Schwikert, who joined Dawes on the U.S. team in 2000.

Now, Douglas aims to win an individual medal in the sport, which would make her the first black woman to do so since Dawes’ bronze-medal win in 1996.

She will have her opportunity when she competes for the all around title, a competition she nearly won at the USA gymnastics national championships in St. Louis.

On the greatest stage of all she is inspired to regain her winning ways at the London Olympics.

The road to the Olympics has been a challenging one.

This daughter of Timothy Douglas and Natalie Hawkins had to move from her family in 2012 to West Des Moines, Iowa so that she could receive the essential training to be an elite gymnast.

It was in Iowa where she trained with 2008 Olympic coach Liang Chow to hone her gifted skills. She lives with a host family, but the separation from home and family has been a diƥcult adjustment for her.

Douglas had demonstrated early on that she would be special, winning the 2004 State Championship title in Virginia.

Gabby, as she is aơectionately called, burst onto the nation scene in 2012 at the Nastia Liukin SuperGirl Cup in Massachusetts where she finished fourth in the all around.

From there it was onto Chicago where she placed third on the balance beam, 6th on the vault and 9th in the all around junior division.

She then went on to the 2010 U.S. Junior National Championships and captured a silver medal on balance beam, placed fourth all-around and on vault, and tied for eighth on floor exercise.

Douglas competed at in the 2010 Pan American Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico where she won the uneven bars crown, and she also won a share of the U.S. team gold medal.

She has competed at the world famous Madison Square Garden and soon will be a household name after her monumental achievements at the London Olympics.

Gabby’s accomplishments at the London Olympics might be greater than any African American Olympian, including the highly decorated USA men basketball team.

That glowing smile, those elegant and graceful moves in a sport that is placed on a shelf for too many to reach. She didn’t just get there, but is soon to be standing alone with an Olympic medal draped around her neck for the world to see.

GABBY DOUGLAS COVER AP PHOTO/GREGORY BULL

www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, August 2, 2012

9

The Sport of Swimming has Silver Lining for Cullen Jones African American earns Silver medal at London Olympics

By Kenneth Miller | LA Watts Times Correspondent It has been 25 years since the late Dodgers General Manager Al Campanis made the infamous statement those Blacks lacked the buoyancy to become good swimmers during a televised Nightline interview with Ted Koppel on ABC in 1987.

African American Olympic swimmer Cullen Jones nearly drowned of a water slide incident at the age of five, two years after Campanis raciest quote which led to ouster from baseball and brought about national embarrassment to the Dodgers which had introduced us to the man who broke baseball’s color barrier---Jackie Robinson.

Twenty-three years after Jones near fatal incident, the Bronx, and NY native was chuckling about the incident as he was preparing for the 100 meter free style at the London Olympics.

“I almost drowned and now I am an Olympic swimmer,” Jones said laughing. “I can definitely appreciate the irony.”

That childhood incident subsequently led Jones to swimming lessons. He became a member of the Metro

CULLEN JONES COVER AP PHOTO/MARK J. TERRILL

Express swim club in West Orange, New Jersey at the Jewish Community Center after the family moved to New Jersey from the Bronx.

Eventually he would switch teams and swam for the Jersey Gators Swim Club in Cranford.

Following his youth experience he attended North Carolina State University where he swam for the Wolfpack and also participated on the diving team from 2003-2006.

His 6’5, 210 stature suggest he could have excelled as either of shooting guard in basketball or tight end or linebacker in football, but undeterred by his incident at the Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Pennsylvania he became a swimmer.

His ironic twist of fate is what makes Jones success on the world stage of the Olympics all the more fascinating.

Jones is not just splashing in the pool he is a world record holder in the 4x100 meter freestyle relay (long course and it was Jones who maintained his advantage in the event that propelled the United States men to a silver medal in London.

He was also responsible for an Olympic gold in Beijing four years ago in the same event.

Although he failed to qualify in the individual freestyle in London, the future is bright for the 28- year old who has a sponsorship deal with Nike, signed after he burst upon the scene shortly after set the meet record for the 50 meter freestyle at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in 2006.

“I love being on relays, but being in an individual

event j u s t means so much more,” he added.

Jones’ coaches say that he has always been fast, but he has never put it altogether at the right time. Coaches say his skills are tremendous and he is essential to the U.S. Team.

He is only the second African American to hold or share a world record in swimming since Anthony Ervin. He is also only the third Black to make the U.S. Olympic team since Ervin and Maritza Correia.

Rare company indeed, but even more remarkable considering he only took up the sport to prevent his fear of a child incident.

Campanis aside, it’s safe to say he not only has buoyancy to be a good swimmer, but the courage and talent to demonstrate that he is one of the best in all of the world.

AP PHOTO/CHUCK BURTON

10

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Boxer Mayweather due for PSU top RB Silas Friday release from Vegas jail Redd to Southern Floyd Mayweather Jr. is due for release from a Las Vegas jail by the Provocative Public Issues Talk! with Earl Ofari Hutchinson

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weekend after serving two months in a domestic battery case.

Records show the 35-year-old undefeated champion is due for release August 3 from the Clark County Detention Center.

Las Vegas police Officer Jose Hernandez said on August 1that Mayweather was granted time off his 90-day sentence for work and good behavior.

Mayweather surrendered for jail May 1 after pleading AP Photo/Julie Jacobson guilty in December to misdemeanour Floyd Mayweather Jr., is led away by court marshall charges in a Ron Johnson, Friday, June 1, 2012, in Las Vegas, to September 2010 begin a 90-day jail term for attacking his ex-girlscuffle with his girl- friend in September 2010 while two of their children friend, Josie Harris, watched. The undefeated five-division champion surwhile two of their rendered before the judge who sentenced him in December, and then allowed him to remain free long children watched.

The plea deal enough to headline a May 5 fight. avoided a trial on Mayweather promoter Leonard felony charges that could have gotten Mayweather up to 34 years in Ellerbe didn’t respond this week to messages. prison.

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AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File

This July 13, 2012 file photo shows Penn State running back Silas Redd taking a break during a competition against the defense during the 10th annual Uplifting Athletes Lift for Life on the main campus of Penn State University in State College, Pa. A pep band and more than 1,000 fans bearing signs and shouting their support for Penn State football turned out Tuesday morning, July 31, 2012 to greet players gathering for offseason workouts. The Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal could cost Penn State current players, most notably Redd, who visited Southern California during the weekend and didn’t attend Tuesday’s workout.

BY GENARO C. ARMAS ASSOCIATED PRESS Star tailback Silas Redd is bolting Penn State for Southern California.

The 1,200-yard rusher opted Tuesday July 31 to leave a Nittany Lions program facing heavy NCAA sanctions handed down because of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal.

Among the penalties was a fouryear postseason ban.

The NCAA gave Penn State players the option to transfer immediately and play for another school this year. Redd visited USC over the weekend and heard coach Lane Kiffin’s pitch to be a key cog for a Trojans team expected to be highly ranked and contend for the Pac-12 title.

Redd is the second player to leave Penn State since the sanctions were announced July 23. The other

was backup safety Tim Buckley, who joined North Carolina State on July 30.

“We welcome Silas Redd to the Trojan Family,” USC athletic director Pat Haden said in a statement.

“He is an outstanding student and athlete.”

“At USC, we’ve seen both sides of this issue, having lost a number of players to transfer due to our NCAA sanctions in 2010. But Lane Kiffin and his coaches would not be doing their job if they did not try to improve our team every single day.

There is a specific need here for a player like Silas Redd, so Lane and our coaches recruited him within the guidelines set up in this instance by the NCAA.” Penn State coach Bill O’Brien and his staff have been working hard to keep the team together despite the sanctions, but Redd was his best offensive player. Backup Bill Belton is a converted wideout.

BAR ASSOCIATION Continued from page 6 of their events including the Young Lawyers Pro-Bono Clinic where they offered free legal advice and answered questions for Las Vegas community residents at First A.M.E. Church.

The 6th Annual Linnes Finney, Jr. NBA Youth Day welcomed teens ages 13-18 at the Boyd School of Law-UNLV. The daylong program provided Las Vegas students with a chance to learn about careers in the legal profession. In addition, 12 teens from around the country competed

for national titles and $5,000 in the Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Advocacy Competition.

More than $25,000 was awarded at the national competition.

John Page, Esq. was sworn in as the new NBA president, taking over the leadership position for Daryl Parks, Esq. The 88th Annual Convention is scheduled for July 27August 1, 2013 at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

11

Some Olympians want marketing rules changed

Packers top firstever AP Pro32 rankings

BY BARRY WILNER ASSOCIATED PRESS The Green Bay Packers top the first-ever AP Pro32 NFL power rankings, a new pro football version of the AP Top 25 college football and basketball polls.

Once the NFL season starts, the AP Pro32 rankings will be updated weekly.

Green Bay is followed by New England and the New York Giants.

Indianapolis is projected as the worst team in the NFL heading into the 2012 season.

The Packers, coming off a 15-1 record but without a championship, received 374 points from a panel of 12 sports writers and broadcasters who regularly cover the league. The Packers got five first-place votes, as did the Giants, who beat Green Bay on their way to a Super Bowl win over the Patriots last season.

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

United States runner Sanya Richards-Ross speaks during a news conference at Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 30, 2012, in London. Richards-Ross is one of the U.S. athletes who are part of a Twitter campaign demanding changes in Olympic Rule 40 — which, among other things, does not permit athletes “to promote any brand, product or service within a posting, blog or tweet or otherwise on any social media platforms or on any websites.”

BY TIM REYNOLDS ASSOCIATED PRESS Money is probably not a worry for Sanya Richards-Ross. She has endorsement deals with BMW and Nike and is married to Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Aaron Ross, who will earn $15 million over the next three seasons.

But there are restrictions on what Richards-Ross and other Olympians can promote at the London Games.

That has upset some competitors, who want organizers to change the policy — especially to help athletes without lucrative sponsorship deals.

“I’ve been very fortunate to do very well around the Olympics, but so many of my peers struggle in this sport. And I just think it’s unjust,” Richards-Ross, an American sprinter, said recently.

Richards-Ross, who also sells autographed photos and posters on her website, was among the athletes taking part in a Twitter campaign, using the hashtags “WeDemandChange2012” and “Rule40.”

Rule 40 is the International Olympic Committee policy barring Olympic athletes from using their names or likenesses for advertising during the games. The rule is in effect from July 18 through Aug. 15, three days after the closing ceremony.

The IOC says it pours 94 percent of its commercial revenue back into sports, and is only trying to protect the money that comes into the

Olympic movement.

“A huge number of 10,500 athletes who are here would understand why we are doing this,” spokesman Mark Jones said. “For one month, we ask them not to endorse products not related to the Olympics that don’t actually give money back to the movement.”

Sponsorship is everywhere at the Olympics — but official sponsors only.

Richards-Ross spoke at a U.S. Track and Field news conference in the Main Press Centre at Olympic Park, where someone setting up the room neatly arranged bottles of CocaCola and Powerade on the dais.

A banner at a park entrance reads: “There would be no goosebumps, gasps, pounding hearts, tears of joy, records smashed, strangers hugged, or a whole world brought together without” followed by the logos of McDonald’s, Adidas and Procter & Gamble.

That may explain why U.S. flagbearer and fencing gold medalist Mariel Zagunis was allowed to post this to her social media accounts: “Big thanks to P&G for taking care of my mom when she flew in early to watch me carry the flag in the Opening Ceremony!”

P&G has a facility in London to host families of U.S. athletes, offering food, drink, laundry and salon services. U.S. Olympic Committee See OLYMPIC MARKETING, page 15

AP Photo/Mike Roemer

Green Bay Packers defensive back Charles Woodson (21) catches a ball during NFL football training camp Thursday, July. 26, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis.

12

Thursday, August 2, 2012

King’s Men 1st gospel Snoop Dogg concert tour for Live Nation becomes Snoop Lion, readies reggae CD

BY MESFIN FEKADU ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP Photo/David Goldman

In this June 11, 2012 photo, gospel singers Donnie McClurkin, from left, Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp and Kirk Franklin, are photographed backstage before taping a television show in Atlanta. The King’s Men concert series will be the first gospel tour backed by Live Nation Inc., the world’s largest concert promoter. It’s also the first step toward proving that the genre can broaden its fan base and become a lucrative business for the promotional company.

BY JONATHAN LANDRUM JR. ASSOCIATED PRESS Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Donnie McClurkin and Israel Houghton believe if they collectively raise their voices high enough, believ-

ers will come in droves. And Live Nation is banking on it.

The four gospel superstars feel confident entering the upcoming King’s Men tour, the first gospel concert tour backed by Live Nation Inc., the world’s largest concert promoter.

The concert series will be the first step toward proving the genre can broaden its fan base and become a lucrative business for the promotional company.

“The hope is that the tour does so See GOSPEL TOUR, page 14

Snoop Dogg says he was “born again” during a visit to Jamaica in January, is changing his name to Snoop Lion and is ready to make music that his “kids and grandparents can listen to.”

The artist known for gangster rap is releasing a reggae album called “Reincarnated” in the fall.

The West Coast rapper held a news conference in New York on earlier this week. Later he played five songs for a small crowd, including one called “No Guns Allowed.” It features his daughter.

The album will be followed with a documentary of the same name. It features him making music and will include some personal elements of his life, a producer of the film said.

It will debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

Photo by Victoria Will/Invision/AP

This Monday, July 30, 2012 photo shows Snoop Dogg, who now goes by Snoop Lion, posing for a portrait at Miss Lily's in New York. Snoop Dogg says he was “born again” during a visit to Jamaica in February, changed his name to Snoop Lion and is ready to make music that his “kids and grandparents can listen to.” The artist known for gangster rap is releasing a reggae album called “Reincarnated” in the fall.

Cuba Gooding Jr. sought on warrant in New Orleans

AP Photo/Joel Ryan, file

This May 25, 2012 file photo shows actor Cuba Gooding Jr. arriving for the screening of “Cosmopolis” at the 65th international film festival, in Cannes, southern France. New Orleans police say an arrest warrant has been issued on a municipal battery charge for the actor after an incident Tuesday, July 31, at a New Orleans bar. Gooding was in New Orleans filming.

New Orleans police say an arrest warrant has been issued for actor Cuba Gooding Jr. after an incident at a Bourbon Street bar.

Police said in a news release that a bartender told officers that Gooding was there at 3 a.m. on July 31 when he became upset with other patrons who started asking him to take photographs with them.

The bartender told officers that Gooding pushed her after she asked him to calm down, and again after she told him he needed to leave and police had been called.

Gooding left the bar before police arrived. Police issued an arrest warrant for municipal battery, a misdemeanor.

Gooding’s publicist declined comment. The actor is in New Orleans filming “The Butler,” a movie about a White House butler who serves eight American presidents.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

13

Michael Jackson’s Jay-Z serves as exec producer siblings resume for ‘NBA 2K13’ game attack on will

BY JONATHAN LANDRUM JR. ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jay-Z is taking another step into the pro basketball realm: The Grammy-winning rapper and minority owner of the Brooklyn Nets will serve as the executive producer for the coming “NBA 2K13” video game.

2K Sports announced the partnership with Jay-Z in July. The rapper, who designed the Nets new logo and color scheme, selected 24 songs for the soundtrack, and offered input for the game’s interactive in-game menus and other visual presentations.

Jay-Z said in a statement that his involvement was a “unique opportunity” to collaborate and help produce “NBA 2K13,” the latest installment of the best-selling basketball video game franchise. Last year’s game sold more than 5 million copies.

“This has been a unique opportunity to collaborate with 2K Sports and be a part of one of the best sports video games in history,” Jay-Z said.

“NBA 2K13 will be the next evolution in sports and basketball culture, and I’m ready to usher in the new era of the franchise.”

Some of the songs featured on the game’s soundtrack are Jay-Z’s “Public Service Announcement,” Kanye West’s “Amazing,” Coldplay’s “Viva

AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File

In this Monday, May 14, 2012 file photo, entertainer Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter is at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, in Philadelphia. Jay-Z is taking another step into the pro basketball realm: The Grammy-winning rapper and minority owner of the Brooklyn Nets will serve as the executive producer for the upcoming “NBA 2K13” video game.

La Vida,” Roy Ayers’ “We Live in Brooklyn, Baby,” U2’s “Shove It,” Nas’ “The World is Yours” and an

instrumental version of Meek Mill’s “Ima Boss.” Other music acts featured See JAY-Z, page 15

AP Photo/Matt Sayles, file

In this Sept. 4, 2008 file photo, Randy Jackson, of the The Jacksons, arrives at the 8th annual BMI Urban Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif.

BY ANTHONY MCCARTNEY ASSOCIATED PRESS More than three years after Michael Jackson’s death, his youngest brother continues to raise questions about the validity of the pop superstar’s will.

On Twitter and cable TV, Randy Jackson has called the five-page document signed in 2002 a fake. The one place he hasn't made the claims is a courtroom, where legal experts say he faces almost insurmountable hurdles to invalidate the will and stiff odds against ousting the men who run the lucrative estate.

In a recent letter, Randy Jackson and three of his siblings called on Jackson’s estate executors to resign and renewed claims that the will is a fake.

The letter states the family was too overwhelmed after the singer's death to meaningfully challenge the will that gave only family matriarch Katherine Jackson and Michael's three children — Prince, 15, Paris, 14, and Blanket, 10 — a stake in the estate.

“At that time we couldn’t possibly fathom what is so obvious to us now: that the Will, without question, it's Fake, Flawed and Fraudulent,” the letter originally signed by Randy, Jermaine, Janet and Rebbie Jackson states.

Recently, Jermaine Jackson rescinded his support for the letter and said it never should have been made public.

The delayed challenge likely

dooms any effort to invalidate the will. Even if it was thrown out, it would not alter the stake received by the King of Pop’s three children, experts say and an appeals court has noted.

Randy Jackson has since posted on Twitter that he believes the estate is trying to isolate his mother to the detriment of her health. “It is my fear and belief, that they are trying to take my mother’s life,” Randy Jackson wrote last month.

The estate has denied the accusations. “We are saddened that false and defamatory accusations grounded in stale Internet conspiracy theories are now being made by certain members of Michael’s family whom he chose to leave out of his will,” it wrote in a statement.

Jermaine Jackson said he still has concerns about the estate’s operations but realizes “the way to address such matters is through the proper channels and via a private dialogue, not public conflict.”

Almost from the moment it was filed, the will has been a topic of controversy for some members of the Jackson family. The pop superstar’s father Joe Jackson attempted to get a stipend from the estate, but like his children, he was excluded from any share.

Katherine Jackson explored the possibility of challenging the executors and was given permission by a judge but settled before a full hearing was held.

The document is straightforward See JACKSON SIBLINGS, page 15

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH RELATIVITY MEDIA A KENNEDY/MARSHALL PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH CAPTIVATEMUSICENTERTAINMENT “THE BOURNEEXECUTIVE LEGACY” JEREMY RENNER RACHEL WEISINSPIRED Z EDWARD NORTON STACY KEACH OSCARPRODUCEDISAAC JOAN ALLEN ALBERT FINNEY DAVID STRATHAIRN SCOTT GLENN STORYBY JAMES NEWTONSCREENPLAY HOWARD PRODUCERS HENRY MORRISDIRECTED ON JENNIFER FOX BY THE BOURNECREATEDSERIESBY ROBERT LUDLUM A UNIVERSAL PICTURE

BY FRANK MARSHALL PATRICK CROWLEY JEFFREY M. WEINER BEN SMITH BY TONY GILROY

BY TONY GILROY & DAN GILROY BY TONY GILROY THIS FILM CONTAINS DEPICTIONS OF TOBACCO CONSUMPTION

SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC AND VARÈSE SARABANDE

© 2012 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

STARTS FRIDAY, AUGUST 10

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

14

GOSPEL TOUR Continued from page 12 well that the demand continues to grow,” Houghton said in a recent interview. “I think if we play it right, and executed it the way we hope, it's going to be a game changer.”

The 16-city tour kicks off Sept. 16 in Phoenix. Franklin views it as an opportunity to pave the way for other top gospel acts. As a follow-up to King's Men, he hopes there will be an all-women gospel tour that'll include acts such as Mary Mary and Yolanda Adams.

“This tour is an extension of all (our) sacrifice and hard work,” he said.

“It’s an extension of the Fred Hammonds, the Commissioned. ... It’s important that everybody sees us as an extension of them. The success of this will continue to open up those doors to celebrate those men, ladies and daughters of the King’s Men tour.”

Franklin assembled the team of gospel's heavyweight singers to join him, and then approached Live Nation with the idea of the King’s Men tour.

He invited one of the company's executives to attend the recent Stellar Awards with him.

That’s all Franklin needed to hook Live Nation, and everything else fell into place.

“I saw how amazing the emotional side of gospel is,” said Kevin Morrow, the senior vice president of touring at Live Nation and a former manager for gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama. “I had forgotten how unbelievably great the singers are in gospel. I went back and told everyone else at Live Nation that we need to get in business with them.”

Morrow said he was impressed by the different elements of musical talent the self-proclaimed “King’s Men” bring to the table. He was attracted by McClurkin’s smooth crooning, Franklin’s ability to mesh a hip-hop melody with gospel as a producer and choir director, Sapp’s soaring voice and Houghton’s jazzy rock presence.

“When you see those four guys together, the only thing you can compare them to in the rock world are the Traveling Wilburys,” Morrow said of the supergroup that included Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty. “With the King’s Men, these are four guys, four different parts of their lives with four different types of music. This just seems like the right time and the right movement for them and gospel.”

Morrow said the tour could lead to additional cities for the King’s Men. He said Live Nation also is looking into promoting gospel tours through House of Blues venues for up-andcoming artists in the genre. But it’s predicated on how well the King's Men tour packs venues in each city.

Live Nation isn’t concerned how the tour will do in larger cities like Los Angeles and Houston, but will certainly keep a close eye on smaller markets like Tampa, Fla.; Hartford, Conn.; and Norfolk, Va. The cities for the tour were chosen based on the foursome’s strongest markets and their hometowns.

Sapp knows there are no guarantees. However, he feels optimistic that people from the gospel community will come out and support the tour.

“They are extremely loyal to the genre,” Sapp said. “This is our chance.

This is our time to promote the King’s music to another level.”

Thursday, August 2, 2012

NOTICE INVITING BIDS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Long Beach, California, acting by and through the City’s Board of Harbor Commissioners (“City”) will receive, before the Bid Deadline established below, sealed Bids for the following Work: PIER E TERMINAL PIER E TERMINAL, NORTH GATE REDEVELOPMENT, PHASE 1 AT LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA AS DESCRIBED IN SPECIFICATION NO. HD-S2378 Bid Deadline:

Prior to 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 Bid packages will be time/date stamped on the 4th floor or in the Lobby and shall be submitted prior to 10 a.m.

Place for Submission of Bids: 1. By Delivery Any Calendar Day Before the Bid Deadline Harbor Department Administration Building 4th Floor, Plans and Specifications/Program Management Office 925 Harbor Plaza Long Beach, CA 90802 2. By Delivery on the Same Calendar Day as the Bid Deadline Harbor Department Administration Building Ground Floor Lobby 925 Harbor Plaza Long Beach, CA 90802 Bid Opening: As soon as practical after the Bid Deadline Harbor Department Administration Building 6th Floor Board Room 925 Harbor Plaza Long Beach, CA 90802 Contract Documents Available: Date/Time: Beginning Thursday, August 2, 2012 Monday –Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Harbor Department Administration Building 4th Floor, Plans and Specifications 925 Harbor Plaza Long Beach, CA 90802 Mandatory Date/Time: Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

Pre-Bid Meeting Location: Harbor Department Administration Building and Site Visit: 5th Floor Conference Room Project Contact Person: Tom Baldwin, Fax: 562-283-7352, Baldwin@polb.com NIB -1 Contract Documents. Copies of Contract Documents in DVD format may be obtained, at no cost, at the Plans and Specifications Office, 4th floor, Harbor Department Administration Building, 925 Harbor Plaza, Long Beach, CA 90802 during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To arrange to receive a DVD of the Contract Documents by courier at the expense of the Bidder, call (562) 283-7353.

For information on this Project and other upcoming Port projects, you may view the Port website at http://www.polb.com/economics/contractors/out_for_bid.asp.

Copies of all Port insurance endorsement forms, SBE/VSBE Program forms, Harbor Development Permit Applications and other Port forms are available at http://www.polb.com/economics/contractors/forms_permits/default.asp.

NIB -2 Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting and Site Visit. The engineering staff of the City’s Harbor department will conduct a pre-bid meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2012 in the Conference Room, 5th floor, of the Harbor Department Administration Building.

Attendance is mandatory. All attendees of the mandatory Site Visit must bring and wear their own Person Protective Equipment (PPE), including, but not limited to: hard hat, safety vest and closed toe shoes. Note that attendance at the pre-bid meeting can be used to satisfy a portion of a Bidder’s good faith efforts to meet the SBE/VSBE participation goals listed below. EACH BIDDER MUST ATTEND THE MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING AND SITE VISIT. FAILURE TO ATTEND THE MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING AND SITE VISIT SHALL DISQUALIFY YOUR BID. NIB -3 Summary Description of the Work. The Work required by this Contract includes, but is not limited to, the following: A. Demolition of existing improvements including recycling of AC and PCC pavement.

B. Grading of the site.

C. Construction of water, storm drain, sewer including lift stations, electrical and communication systems.

D. Installation of area lighting E. Installation of gate signage.

F. Construction of in and out gate portal buildings.

G. Installation of various AC and PCC pavement systems.

H. Striping of the gate area.

I. Installation of fencing and K-rail.

J. Installation of gate arms and traffic signals.

K. Construction of concrete pedestals and other miscellaneous concrete structures.

L. Installation of truck scales.

M. Installation of Radiation Portal Monitors (RPM) and Customs and Border Protection booths.

N. Construction of parking lot.

NIB -4 Contract Time and Liquidated Damages. The Work shall be completed within three hundred ninety five (395) calendar days as provided in Paragraph SC - 6.1 of the

Special Conditions, from a date specified in a written “Notice to Proceed” issued by the City and subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3.1 of the General Conditions. FAILURE OF THE CONTRACTOR TO COMPLETE THE WORK WITHIN THE CONTRACT TIME AND OTHER MILESTONES WILL RESULT IN ASSESSMENT OF LIQUIDATED DAMAGES IN THE AMOUNTS ESTABLISHED IN THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS. NIB -5 Contractor’s License. Each Bidder shall hold a current and valid Class “A” California Contractor’s License to bid this Project.

NIB -6 Contractor Performed Work. The Contractor shall perform, with its own employees, Contract Work amounting to at least 30% of the Contract Price, except that any designated “Specialty Items” may be performed by subcontract and the amount of any such “Specialty Items” so performed may be deducted from the Contract Price before computing the amount required to be performed by the Contractor with its own employees. “Specialty Items” will be identified by the City in the Schedule of Bid Items.

NIB -7 SBE/VSBE. This project is subject to the Port of Long Beach (POLB) Small Business Enterprises (SBE)/Very Small Business Enterprises (VSBE) Program. The combined SBE/VSBE participation goal for this project is thirty percent (30%), of which a minimum of five percent (5%) must be allocated to VSBEs. POLB expects all Bidders to achieve the combined SBE/VSBE participation goal. Award of the Contract will be conditioned on the Bidder submitting an SBE-2C Commitment Plan demonstrating the Bidder’s intent to meet the combined SBE/VSBE participation goal. If the Bidder’s Commitment Plan does not demonstrate intent to meet the combined goal, the Bidder shall demonstrate that it made an adequate good faith effort to do so, as specified in the Instructions to Bidders (ITB 18). The Port’s SBE Program staff is available to provide information on the program requirements, including SBE certification assistance. Please contact the SBE Office at (562) 283-7598 or sbeprogram@polb.com. You may also view the Port’s SBE program requirements at www.polb.com/sbe.

NIB -8 Prevailing Wage Rates and Employment of Apprentices. This Project is a public work as defined in Labor Code Section 1720. The Contractor receiving award of the Contract and Subcontractors of any tier shall pay not less than the prevailing wage rates to all workers employed in execution of the Contract. The Director of Industrial Relations of the State of California has determined the general prevailing rates of wages in the locality in which the Work is to be performed. The rate schedules are available on the internet at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlsr/DPreWageDetermination.htm. Bidders are directed to Article 15 of the General Conditions for requirements concerning payment of prevailing wages, payroll records, hours of work and employment of apprentices.

NIB -9 Trade Names and Substitution of Equals. With the exception of any sole source determination that may be identified in this paragraph, Bidders wishing to obtain City’s authorization for substitution of equivalent material, product, or equipment, are required to submit a written request for an Or Equal Substitution using the form included in Appendix A together with data substantiating Bidder’s representation that the nonspecified item is of equal quality to the item specified, thirty five (35) calendar days after Bid Opening. Authorization of a substitution is solely within the discretion of the City.

NIB -10 Additional Requirements. A Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is required under this Contract. By submitting a bid, the Contractor is representing that it is prepared to sign the Letter of Assent and comply with the PLA requirements as defined in Appendix FF if awarded the Contract..

NIB -11 Bid Security, Signed Contract, Insurance and Bonds. Each Bid shall be accompanied by a satisfactory Bidder’s Bond or other acceptable Bid Security in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the Base Bid as a guarantee that the Bidder will, if Conditionally Awarded a Contract by the Board, within thirty (30) calendar days after the Contract is conditionally awarded to the Contractor by the City, execute and deliver such Contract to the Chief Harbor Engineer together with all required documents including insurance forms, a Payment Bond for one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, and a Performance Bond for one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price. All Bonds shall be on forms provided by the City.

NIB -12 Conditional Award of Contract and Reservation of Rights. The Board, acting through the Executive Director, reserves the right at any time before the execution of the Contract by the City, to reject any or all Bids, and to waive any informality or irregularity. The Conditional Award of the Contract, if any, will be to the responsible Bidder submitting the lowest responsive and responsible Bid. If the lowest responsive responsible Bidder fails to submit the required documents including insurance forms, bonds and signed Contract within thirty (30) calendar days after Conditional Award of Contract, the Board reserves the right to rescind the Conditional Award and Conditionally Award the Contract to the next lowest responsive and responsible Bidder.

NIB -13 Period of Bid Irrevocability. Bids shall remain open and valid and Bidder’s Bonds shall be guaranteed for ninety (90) calendar days after the Bid Deadline or until the Executive Director executes a Contract, whichever occurs first.

NIB -14 Substitution of Securities. Substitution of Securities for retainage is permitted in accordance with Section 22300 of the Public Contract Code.

Issued at Long Beach, California, this 16th day of July, 2012.

J. Christopher Lytle Executive Director of the Harbor Department City of Long Beach, California

RICHARDSON Continued from page 2 work. Staff members also were expected to attend campaign events on weekends.

—During the fall of 2010, Richardson directed a staff member to

volunteer for her opponent’s campaign under a fake name to gather information.

—Richardson repeatedly called staff members who failed to attend campaign events, in order to secure their future appearances. This was an

attempt to pressure and intimidate the employees.

—In an October 2010 meeting in the Long Beach office, with the Washington staff watching by teleconference, Richardson explained she was under investigation by the House

committee. She “attempted to influence the testimony of members of her staff by suggesting that they tell the committee that their work on her campaign had been voluntary, even though some of it had not,” the report said.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

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

323-293-9495

JAY-Z Continued from page 13 are Too Short, Eric B. and Rakim, The Hours, Phoenix, Puff Daddy and the Family, Daft Punk, Santigold, The Dirty Projectors, Justice and Mobb Deep.

“He’s been unbelievably involved,” said Jason Argent, vice president of marketing at Take-Two’s 2K Sports. “We’ve had hour-long sessions and his input has been super valuable. He put together an amazing job creating the soundtrack, and was very integral in the creative visual process of the game. He’s a true artist.”

The game, which will feature Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin on the front cover, is expected to go on sale Oct. 2.

DOLL LINE Continued from page 3 believes that this venture was an avenue to promote a ministry of positive selfesteem.

From concept to production, Positively Perfect Dolls took approximately a year to complete. While the process was extraordinary, Williams shared that by no means was it effortless. “When I tell the story it sounds like it was easy. It wasn’t easy.” Williams didn’t have distribution, and she didn’t have experience. “I had to create a learning curve overnight. There was no other company I could go to, to get help,” she said. Williams had to negotiate with suppliers, which proved difficult because she didn’t have a reputation or any years in the business. She also learned that Walmart doesn’t do business with every supplier, so qualifying a supplier also proved arduous.

While maintaining her residency in San Diego, Williams set out to develop a relationship with manufacturers in China. “I don’t speak the language, and I got no support from banks,” she said, even though she could prove she had Walmart’s support. “I had to use all of my personal resources,” but finance are not her driving force. Through it all, Williams said it was a labor of love.

While birthing this product, Williams shared that the biggest change she has encountered was having to grow more spiritually. “I have all these degrees and education, and for a long time I leaned on that. When God brought this to me, it required education, but it also required other traits that I had to develop. It required me to have a meditation and prayer life.” Williams said that she had to tap into God’s infinite knowledge and well of wisdom to see what He’d have her to do. She said she’s also learned to walk by faith and not by sight. “When I started we weren’t making any money. I was doing the books because I believed in literacy in our community. When I did this people thought I was crazy saying ‘you have a doctorate, why are you doing this?’,” she said. “But I viewed it as a higher calling, in which I could do more and give more.” In a time when many are looking to change careers, start businesses and do what they love best, Williams understands that you have to

15

GOVERNMENT

from the internet at www.hacla.org/ps. Bids will be accepted at 2600 Wilshire Blvd., 4th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90057, until 2:00 p.m. (local time), August 24, 2012.

7/19, 8/2/12 CNS-2348136# WATTS TIMES

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS 2012 CONTINUUM OF CARE HOMELESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) in partnership with 4 Housing Authorities, including the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, invites proposals for the Continuum of Care’s 2012 application to HUD for the Shelter Plus Care and Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy programs. A copy of the RFP may be obtained by the end of the day on July 27, 2012 at http://www.lahsa.org/fundingopportunities.asp or by calling (213) 225-6573. The proposal submittal deadline is August 24, 2012 at 3 pm.

8/2, 8/9/12 CNS-2353991# WATTS TIMES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP #7566) NEW DANA STRAND PHASE IV REDEVELOPMENT The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles invites proposals from qualified for-profit or nonprofit developers of affordable housing to develop a multi-family housing site. Copy of the RFP may be obtained beginning July 23, 2012 via http: //www.hacla.org/ps/ or call 252-5405. Proposals will be accepted at 2600 Wilshire Blvd., 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90057, until 2:00 P.M., by September 7, 2012.

7/26, 8/2/12 CNS-2349326# WATTS TIMES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) NO. 7564 JANITORIAL SERVICES The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles invites vendors to submit bids for Janitorial Services at five Housing Authority sites: 2600 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 515 Columbia, Los Angeles, CA, 19600 Hamilton Ave., Torrance, CA, 19610 Hamilton Ave., Torrance, CA, and 6946 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA. Copies of the IFB may be downloaded

do what God is telling you. “You don’t always do what makes sense, but what’s in your heart,” she said. “When I would take a step, things and information would appear, info I needed would appear.”

Williams shared that as a youth, there weren’t any African American dolls. All you saw were Barbies. “You go through life thinking that Caucasian girls were the model of beauty,” she said, “and that [African Americans] were somewhere down at the bottom of the totem pole. Our skin is gorgeous, coming in so many deep hues.”

Williams believes if she would’ve had a doll like this as a child, it would have taught her greater confidence. At many points on this journey, Williams said she wanted to give up, at times thinking it all was too hard, or that she didn’t have enough help. But at every point when she wanted to call it quits, she was reminded of why she needed to press on. “I saw that Anderson Cooper special, and cried,” she said, referring to “Black and White: Kids on Race.”

Reflecting on the one particular episode, Williams recalled seeing a little girl who thought her skin was ugly and ashy. “She pointed to the white doll and said ‘she’s pretty,’ that was a sign to me.”

Since hitting the shelves, Positively Perfect Dolls have sold out. Consumers thought the dolls were very positive, cute and fun, and enjoyed their joyful

LEGAL NOTICES ORDER OF PUBLICATION Case No. LC094427 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES LORI BERRY, a.k.a LORI TROMBLER, Plaintiff v.

CRISP CANYON LAND TRUST, ALVIN E, WALTON, as Trustee, Defendant UPON READING the within Affidavit of Due Diligence and upon consideration of the same, and it being made to appear to my satisfaction that Crisp Canyon Land Trust Alvin E. Walton, as Trustee named in said Affidavit of Due Diligence, cannot, with reasonable diligence, be located nor his address or whereabouts ascertained, it is therefore ORDERED THAT the Notice of Hearing in the within case be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in, a newspaper general circulation in Los Angeles County, California. This pubication would likely give the Defendant proper notice of the Final Hearing of this action.

AND IT IS SO ORDERED. MARIA E. STRATTON PRESIDING JUDGE, SUPERIOR COURT LOS ANGELES COUNTY Van Nuys, CA This 10 day of May 2012 NATURE OF PROCEEDINGS: STATUS CONFERENCE Status Conference is called for hearing.

Order of publication was filed on May 10, 2012 and proof of publication has not been filed.

Order to Show Cause re: Service by publication is set for August 21, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. in this Department.

Plaintiff to give notice, if possible.

7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16/12 CNS-2353877# WATTS TIMES

expressions. Positive affirmations were printed on the dolls’ clothing, and people loved that. Williams’ next line of dolls are scheduled to release in August.

The line has expanded from infant dolls, to include a few more, totaling 9 dolls. New to the family are Angela and her sister Brianna. “I wanted to have older girls and preteen dolls, which is the DIVA Collection.” DIVA stands for Dignified, Intelligent, Vivacious and Attractive. “That’s how I see these girls.

These dolls aren’t sexy. You’ll never see them in a sexy outfit,” asserted Williams. “Our little girls are growing up too.”

Williams hopes that when she leaves this earth, she’s left something positive, and left a child feeling beautiful. This thought is what drives her to get up every morning, and hope that if one little girl looks in the mirror happy at who she is, because she played with a Positively Perfect Doll, she’s done her work. Williams is a strong believer that “play” helps to strengthen little girls in regards to dealing with life’s issues. If they can find positive reinforcement in a toy, then hopefully those good thoughts will segue into their day-to-day thinking when it comes to their self-esteem, thoughts toward themselves, and even others.

For more information on the Positively Perfect Doll Collection visit www.positivelyperfectdolls.com and or visit your local Walmart store.

OLYMPIC MARKETING Continued from page 11 spokesman Patrick Sandusky said a comment like Zagunis’ is permissible if the sponsor has requested a waiver from the USOC on the IOC’s behalf.

Richards-Ross said only 2 percent of American athletes can tweet about their sponsors because they have USOC or IOC sponsors.

With the games generating billions of dollars, “Athletes just want to be considered,” she said. “The Olympic reality and the Olympic ideal ... right

now are different.”

The Twitter campaign and IOC response dominated part of the USATF news conference Monday, prompting USATF spokeswoman Jill Geer to good-naturedly remind reporters that “we also have a track meet coming up.”

After the news conference, Richards-Ross said she was headed to a sponsor appearance with British oil giant BP — an IOC sponsor.

JACKSON SIBLINGS Continued from page 13 and simple, and many key provisions of how Jackson's estate is constructed are set out in a trust. That document has never been publicly released.

Many of the misgivings stem from the will's final page, which bears the signatures of three witnesses who claim Michael Jackson signed the document on July 7, 2002, in Los Angeles. Jackson’s family points out that the singer was in New York on that day, a point the Rev. Al Sharpton recently bolstered by showing video of the “Thriller” singer appearing with him at an event in Harlem that day.

“I don’t think that kind of extrinsic fraud would be enough to overturn the order admitting the will to probate,” said Marshall Oldman, a probate attorney who represented Peter Falk’s wife in a conservatorship proceeding.

He said the only valid argument of Jackson’s siblings is that they did not receive proper notice that their brother's will had been accepted into probate. Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff accepted the will in November 2009. Any challenge would have had to been filed within four months, Oldman said.

The California 2nd District Court of Appeal noted in an October 2010 ruling against the singer’s father that the period to challenge the will had already expired. Even if the will were thrown out, the court noted, California law would require the estate to benefit Michael Jackson’s children.

“I don’t see how you come in three years later, and say, ‘oh, by the way, the will’s a fraud, a forgery, because he wasn’t in LA when he was purported to be,’ ” said Howard Klein, a probate attorney for nearly 50 years and partner in the Los Angeles firm Feinberg Mindel Brandt Klein & Kline. “It’s something that should have been brought up a long time

ago.”

Randy Jackson, in comments on Twitter and to Sharpton on his MSNBC show, has repeatedly accused the estate’s executors of criminal conduct. Both Klein and Oldman said even if the executors were charged with wrongdoing, it wouldn’t open the door for more of Jackson’s relatives to gain access to the estate.

Jackson’s children are deemed his heirs without the will, and a 1997 version lodged with the court but never publicly released also doesn’t name the singer’s siblings as beneficiaries of his estate.

Klein said even if Jackson or other siblings try to challenge the document, their bid would likely be rejected because it is too late. The judge could also rule, as he did against family patriarch Joe Jackson, that because he isn’t a beneficiary of the will, he isn’t entitled to contest it.

“It would be a tough sell,” Klein said of any effort by another Jackson relative to challenge the will now.

The executors recently informed a judge that there have been $475 million in gross earnings for the estate since Michael Jackson died in June 2009 from an overdose of the powerful anesthetic propofol. Jackson died with more than $500 million in debts, and the earnings have been used to repay many of the singer’s creditors and provide a spacious hilltop home for Katherine Jackson and the children along with private schooling, staff, security, vacations and other perks.

Katherine Jackson has requested and the estate is recommending approval of a nearly $35,000 a month increase in her stipend so she can retain her own attorney, accountant and homes in Indiana and Las Vegas, court filings show.

W E E K E N D E R SEE PAGES 9

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Thursday, August 2, 2012

L.A. Watts Times