LAWT-9-17-2009

September 17, 2009

SERVING LOS ANGELES COUNTY WITH NEWS YOU CAN USE

Vol. XXX, No. 1145 FIRST COLUMN

The World’s Oldest Person Dies in Los Angeles at 115

BY JOHN ROGERS AP WRITER

(AP) — Although she liked her bacon crispy and her chicken fried, she never drank, smoked or fooled around, Gertrude Baines once said, describing a life that lasted an astonishing 115 years and earned her the title of oldest person on the planet.

It was a title Baines quietly relinquished Sept. 11 when she died in her sleep at Western Convalescent Hospital, her home away from home on West Adams Boulevard. She gave up living alone at age 107 after breaking a hip.

Baines likely suffered a heart attack, said her longtime physician, Dr. Charles Witt, although an autopsy was scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

“I saw her two days ago, and she was just doing fine,” Witt told The Associated Press on Sept. 11.

“She was in excellent shape. She was mentally alert. She smiled frequently.”

Baines was born in Shellman, Ga., on April 6, 1894, when Grover Cleveland was in the White House, radio communication was just being developed and See BAINES, page 16

Photo Courtesy of SUPERVISOR MARK-RIDLEY THOMAS’ OFFICE

FAREWELL — This photo of Gertrude Baines, center, was taken on her 115th birthday, April 6, 2009. Baines, who was the world’s oldest known living person, passed away in her sleep Sept. 11. Pictured here with Baines are Dr. Azmy Ghaly, left, and on the right, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.

California Lawmakers Will be Back for Unsolved Issues

BY JULIET WILLIAMS AP WRITER

SACRAMENTO (AP) — California lawmakers wrapped up a legislative session dominated by deep budget cuts Sept. 12 with few major accomplishments, putting off critical decisions on water policy and other reforms until special sessions this fall.

Legislators already are expected to meet in special sessions Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called to overhaul California’s tax structure and reform education.

After a last-minute effort to make critical improvements to the state’s water delivery system failed Sept. 11, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg said he would ask the governor to add a special session on water to the already long policy agenda.

Hanging over it all is the threat of a budget deficit the Schwarzenegger administration has already pegged at $7 billion to $8 billion in 2010-11, which could again divert lawmakers’ attention from critical issues.

What’s not clear is whether legislators will feel any more urgency during a series of special sessions than they felt during the regular legislative session. It ended early Sept. 12 with a partisan feud in the state Senate, where Republicans refused to provide votes for

Aging in the Inland Empire: African American Elders in Peril Part One — The Unraveling of the Safety Net

BY LINNIE FRANK BAILEY NEW AMERICA MEDIA

Aug. 31 was D-Day for Barbara Porter, director of the Inland Empire Adult Day Health Care Center in Corona. That is

when, due to recent state budget cuts, MediCal (the Medicaid program in California), slashed its funding level for users of the center’s from five to three days a week.

“Our families are scrambling,”

A WNBA LEGEND — Former Morningside High School and University of Southern California standout Lisa Leslie played her last regular-season game as a Los Angeles Spark at the Staples Center Sept. 11 against the Minnesota Lynx. Leslie, the Sparks’ starting center, announced her plans to retire from the WNBA in February. Leslie scored 19 points in the Sparks’ 90-61 win over the Lynx. She joined the WNBA in 1997.

According to the WNBA, as of Sept. 16, Leslie had a career total of 6,263 points scored; 3,307 rebounds; 874 assists; 822 blocked shots; 492 steals, and she ranks No. 6 in the WNBA in field-goal percentage.

Photo by NOAH GRAM OF NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

Porter said. “I know of at least 10 elderly participants who will be put into nursing homes immediately because there is no one to care for them those two days they can’t come here.”

The Inland Empire ADHC is one of 340 adult day programs in California. An ADHC is a licensed MediCal-certified health facility that treats the health and other needs of older adults with multiple chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

The centers provide an organized day program of therapeutic, social and health services, and offer a respite for families caring for loved ones who can’t be left alone.

Because two days of the work week have been cut, the options left for families are not easy. For most family caregivers, reducing their hours or quitting their jobs to provide care is not an option during these tough economic times. Many will either pay the ADHC out-ofpocket rate, hire a “sitter,” put relatives in a nursing home or risk leaving them home alone.

“Some of our participants require 24-hour care,” Porter said.

“Leaving them alone would be considered abuse.”

See ELDERS, page 11

any bills requiring two-thirds support.

Republicans rejected a Democratic water package that included $12 billion in bonds, half of which they said would go toward reservoirs, underground water storage, and restoring the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the heart of California’s water-delivery system.

Senate Minority Leader Dennis Hollingsworth, R-Murrieta, blamed failed Democratic leadership.

“Senator Steinberg spent too much time catering to the views of extreme environmentalists and left less than a day to reach agreement on improving our failing water infrastructure,” Hollingsworth said in a news release.

Steinberg, D-Sacramento, said his side made unprecedented concessions, but GOP leaders seemed intent on killing a deal.

“They seem unable or unwilling to declare victory and say ‘Let’s do this,’ quibbling over language in the bond, quibbling over things that they say they want and need,” he said Sept. 11 before declaring the deal dead.

While she tried to put a positive spin on the year, noting that lawmakers struggled with an epic

budget crisis, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, too, tried to spread the blame.

Bass, D-Los Angeles, said Schwarzenegger’s threat earlier last week to veto all bills unless the Legislature tackled the most pressing matters didn’t help.

“We have been working tirelessly on this issue and we’ve been working in partnership with his office and so to send us threats that we were not able to accomplish what he hasn’t been able to accomplish either, I don’t see how that moves us forward,” she said.

The remaining agenda is much larger than the list of what’s been achieved so far in 2009.

California must change some of its education laws in order to compete for up to $4.3 billion in federal education funding, and a bipartisan commission on California’s tax structure is expected to present its recommendations to Schwarzenegger by Sept. 20.

The 14-member commission had a testy hearing recently on a broad plan to overhaul the state’s tax collection system to end California’s boom-and-bust state revenue cycles. The suggestions include eliminating corporate sales See LAWMAKERS, page 10

NEWS IN BRIEF THE SOUTHLAND Officials Find No Crimes in Jackson Leak Probe (AP) — Los Angeles County sheriff’s investigators have finished an inquiry into whether coroner’s employees illegally leaked or sold private information related to the investigation of Michael Jackson’s death.

Sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore said on Sept. 11 that no criminal violations occurred, though employees may have violated department policies.

Officials launched the probe after Jackson’s death certificate was improperly viewed by at least a half-dozen employees who had no role in investigating the cause of his death.

Whitmore said investigators had done their due diligence and found no sign of employees illegally accessing or selling information.

A call to the coroner’s office was not immediately returned.

2 Police Officers On Leave in Rihanna Probe (AP) — Two police officers have been placed on leave as part of a probe into who leaked a photo of pop singer Rihanna’s battered face after she was assaulted by her former boyfriend Chris Brown, the officers’ attorneys said Sept. 11.

Rihanna

Rebecca Reyes and Blanca Lopez were “assigned to home” with pay, pending the outcome of criminal and administrative investigations into how celebrity Web si t e T MZ . c o m o b t a i n e d t h e graphic photograph, which showed Rihanna’s face and mouth with multiple bruises.

Reyes’ attorney, Ira Salzman, confirmed his client was assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department’s division that handled Rihanna’s beating but said she had not sold the picture.

Lopez’s attorney, Robert Rico, said his client, who’s been with the department about 18 months, had nothing to do with the photo’s leak.

He said Lopez and Reyes had been roommates and that Lopez was assigned to a different part of the See BRIEFS, page 6

www.LAWattsTimes.com

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L.A. WATTS TIMES

September 17, 2009

OPINION EARL OFARI HUTCHINSON

Poverty is Still a Dirty Word in America The figure on real poverty in America is far worse than the Census Bureau recently reported.

The bureau found that nearly 40 million Americans are living in official poverty (less than $22,000 for a family of four). This is an 11-year high.

The bureau figure does not take into account the number of persons tossed into poverty in the past year, the worst year so far of the recession.

It also undercounts real unemployment.

Officially, nearly 10 percent of Americans are unemployed. Economists say that if seasonal and discouraged workers are counted, the real unemployment figure exceeds 16 percent. As always, blacks and Hispanics have by far the highest poverty rate. Despite the massive economic hardship, poverty is still a dirty word. Politicians, much of the media, and the public have largely ignored the crisis.

There was a brief glimmer of hope during the presidential campaign that top Democratic presidential contenders Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards would put the fight against poverty on the front burner of their agenda.

The three contenders thundered in speeches in April 2007 that America had failed the poor and especially the black poor.

With the exception of Edwards, whose candidacy soon disintegrated

after public revelations about his love tryst, the candidates didn’t utter another word about poverty for the rest of the campaign.

President Obama and most leading Democrats have been closed-mouth on poverty for a reason: The poor don’t have an active and viable political lobby to fight for their interests. The sole exception to this was a brief moment during the 1960s when Martin Luther King Jr. launched his Poor People Campaign.

King, however, was murdered and his dream of uniting the poor quickly fell apart amid organizational and personal squabbles and disorganization.

A small band of anti-poverty groups and organizers did shout, cajole and actively lobby for a major expansion of anti-poverty programs, funding and initiatives to reduce poverty in the nation.

They attained some success in getting funds and a few new programs, but it didn’t last. The antipoverty crusade quickly fell victim to Lyndon Johnson’s Vietnam war ramp-up, increased shrill attacks from conservatives that the war on poverty was a scam to reward deadbeats and loafers, and sharp budget cutbacks.

By the close of the ’60s, poverty had not only disappeared from the nation’s table, but it again became a dirty word. The poor became a political embarrassment. Their existence

flew in the face of the embedded laissez-faire notion that the poor in America aren’t poor because of any failing of the system, but because of their personal failings.

Conservatives vehemently oppose spending endless dollars on job skills training, education, health and expanded child care programs to assure jobs for all. The widespread view that government should play a minimal role in assisting the poor has crept through in President Obama’s speeches and talks in which he touts personal responsibility as the key to uplift.

Obama’s economic stimulus plan didn’t earmark any dollars specifically for anti-poverty programs or projects. There is no indication that Obama or Congress will propose any new initiatives or increased funding specifically targeting chronic minority unemployment or for low-income family support programs.

There’s yet another reason Democrats have made poverty a dirty word. In two failed presidential jousts with George W. Bush, Democratic presidential candidates Al Gore and John Kerry figured that the only way they could win was to out Bush. That meant talking and acting tough on national security, the war on terrorism, and greater defense spending and preparedness, adopting bland positions on health care See HUTCHINSON, page 15

A Part of That World

BY MAYA RUPERT CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I remember very vividly the day I realized I couldn’t be Ariel.

I had just seen “The Little Mermaid” days earlier and hadn’t been able to get it out of my mind. I twirled around constantly, singing the songs softly (and off-key) to myself as I imagined my life under the sea.

Lost in a make-believe world, the way only an 8-year-old can be, I disappeared from my front porch and appeared in Atlantis. I perfectly envisioned myself swimming to the surface to spy on the human world. I warbled out the lyrics to “A Part of Your World,” and I felt the water and my face getting warmer as I swam upward. As I emerged from the water, I was conscious that my long, red hair would fall in my face, and I’d have to shake it out before I could see.

It took me opening my eyes and looking from side to side to remind me that I didn’t have long, red hair. Or the alabaster skin I’d been imagining. And just like that, my fantasy evaporated and it hit me: I couldn’t be Ariel.

Mermaids don’t exist. And even if they did, I certainly wasn’t one. But not having fins or the ability to breathe underwater isn’t what made my fantasy unrealistic to me.

I realized I would never be white before I realized I would never be a mermaid.

And that ridiculous (yet sadly true) story sums up my profound giddiness over Disney’s upcoming “Princess and the Frog” film, featuring a black — and darkskinned! — Princess Tiana.

I recently saw Princess Tiana in a toy store. I typically pass the doll aisle with a disdainful eye roll because I object to the glorification of Maya Rupert princess culture in a world where little girls should dream of growing up to be president. Princess culture teaches them to focus on appearance at the expense of their other attributes, to find self-worth in their ability to find a husband. It reinforces unrealistic and untrue standards of beauty and happiness ... and I could go on forever. And normally I would. But, this time the feminist in me was interrupted by the 8year-old in me, who saw a black Disney princess and shed a tear at the realization that she could be a princess, too.

Ideally, we wouldn’t need a black Disney princess. Ideally, we’d stop giving little girls the message that cartoon princesses, Barbie, and fashion magazines define beauty and that beauty defines worth. But while we’re fighting that fight, a black Disney princess will certainly help.

Because Princess Tiana isn’t a victory for black politics or feminism. She’s a victory for little black girls. And I remember needing that victory.

I was at the age where you start wondering whether or not you’re pretty and that’s usually based on how much you look like everyone else. And I didn’t look See RUPERT, page 12

THE RECORD Don’t Be Afraid of the Black Girl: Serena Williams FOR A Sept. 3 L.A. Watts Times article, “Entertainment Gigs Behind the

BY JASMYNE A. CANNICK NEW AMERICA MEDIA

What happened Sept. 12 during the women’s semifinals at the U.S. Open between Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters is just another example of how black women are still seen as threatening and hostile.

Serena Williams may be one of the world’s greatest tennis players, but don’t get it twisted: She’s still a sista who is known to be a very serious and intense player. So if she feels that she is being intentionally targeted with bad calls, she’s not going to just take it lying down. This includes challenging foot faults on a match point.

Was Serena intense? Yes. It was an intense moment in the match. After all, this is the U.S. Open’s women’s semifinals. Under an extreme amount of pressure, maybe it got to her. It can happen to the best of us.

After all, a person can only take so much and it’s not as if the field of tennis rolled out the red carpet for her and her sister Venus.

From day one, the Williams sisters have had to fight for everything they’ve accomplished in tennis; they’ve had to fight the continuing racism that keeps the Williams sisters from the Palm Springs Indian Wells Tournament and allows for commentators to credit the sisters’ “strength” and “athleticism” for their victories while their white counterparts win because they

“play smart” and “strategize.”

It’s also the reason that the Los Angeles Times can feel confident in reporting this latest news while using a photo of Serena Williams from the back, seemingly towering over the lineswoman, and giving license to every other news outlet to have a field day.

In fact, it wasn’t that long ago that Serena Williams wrote on her blog about an incident at the German Open where she lost to Dinara Safina.

She wrote: “It was funny when I lost I was in the locker room and I could hear the entire players lounge really loud like really happy and joyous. Like down goes the champ! Someone beat her!!! It was like a big hoopla….”

What ensued Sept. 12 was nothing more than a few angry curse words that led Serena Williams to have to defend herself against unmade threats toward the lineswoman who was obviously suffering from a typical case of afraid-of-the-black-girl syndrome.

How else do you explain the lineswoman’s alleged accusations that Serena Williams was threatening to kill her?

Serena Williams could be heard saying to the lineswoman, “I didn’t say I would kill you. Are you serious?” Yeah, are you serious?

Most black women can relate to what happened to Serena. We get mad like everyone else. The only difference is that for some

reason, when white women get angry, they’re not perceived to be as threatening as we are.

Maybe it’s the expression on our face. Maybe Jasmyne A. it’s the seriousCannick ness with which we address issues when we are upset. Maybe it’s the tone of our voice.

You know that “Don’t mess with me today” tone that can stop a person dead in their tracks and scares the life out of most white people.

Like comedian Dick Gregory said about black people’s hair: when we’re “relaxed,” white people are “relaxed.” You could say the same applies in tennis.

I’ve said nothing more than “good morning” to a white person and had that taken the wrong way.

Maybe I didn’t smile big enough when I said it; I don’t know. What I do know is that I can count the many times I have had to explain something I did or said that someone took out of context or found “troubling.” So I would not be surprised if Serena’s outburst on the court to the lineswoman was turned into a death threat.

Serena Williams is a very smart woman. She knew that when she opened her mouth to contest See CANNICK, page 12

Scenes,” reported that Shondalia White does a standup routine and received the First Annual Chris Farley Scholarship. However, White doesn’t do standup and didn’t win the first annual scholarship. In fact, she does improv and won the scholarship, but it was not the first annual.

In an Aug. 27 front page photo credit, Alexandra Aversenti’s name was misspelled.

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September 17, 2009

L.A. WATTS TIMES

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BUSINESS Ready for a Rainy Day? Save for Emergencies

BIZSHORTS Harvard Study: Businesses Not Ready for H1N1 Flu BOSTON (AP) — Many American businesses are unprepared to deal with widespread employee absenteeism in the event of an outbreak of swine flu, according to a Harvard School of Public Health study released Sept. 9.

The survey, conducted between July 16 and Aug. 12, found that twothirds of the more than 1,000 businesses questioned nationwide said they could not maintain normal operations if half their workers were out for two weeks.

“What we found is that a minority of businesses have started some sort of emergency planning,” said Robert Blendon, a professor of health policy and leader of the project sponsored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The survey found that about three-quarters of businesses offer paid sick leave for some employees, but only 35 percent offer paid leave for workers who need to stay home to take care of sick family members or children forced to stay home if schools are closed.

Those policies should be loosened during an outbreak, Blendon said.

The survey also found that nearly half of all companies required a doctor’s note before granting someone sick leave, and about 70

percent required a note before someone can return to work.

The CDC is suggesting that companies waive that rule during a flu pandemic to relieve strain on overworked doctor’s offices.

Skirball to Host Twitter Conference “Twitter Conference LA: Tapping Into the Real Time Web” will take place Sept. 22 to 23, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles.

The event is designed for people in business both new to and familiar with Twitter. Panelists will include Mark Geragos, LeVar Burton, Dr. Drew Pinsky and others.

Information: www.parnassusgroup.com/twitterconference.

Consumers Cut Down on Borrowing WASHINGTON (AP) — Consumers slashed their borrowing in July by the largest amount on record as job losses and uncertainty about the economic recovery prompted Americans to rein in their debt.

Economists expect consumers will continue to spend less, save more and trim debt to get household finances decimated by the recession into better shape. However, such action is a recipe for a lethargic See BIZSHORTS page 7

It has long seemed like trivial advice: Set three to six months of money aside in an emergency fund.

Well, that advice — given the effects of the recession and the fact that nearly one in 10 workers is now unemployed — is no longer something you can ignore, financial planners say.

“Unfortunately the recent recession has caused many people to reevaluate their emergency savings accounts,” said John P. Daly, president of Daly Investment Management. “There are a lot of people out there who were not properly prepared for the tough economic times we have seen.”

Recent surveys have shown the following: • Six in 10 Americans surveyed

by HSBC Bank USA said they could last financially for 90 days or less without a job, while 38 percent said their nest egg wouldn’t make it for four weeks. Nearly four in 10 of those surveyed (39 percent) reported being able to live on their savings for three to six months if unemployed.

And, 51 percent of respondents with a household income of less than $50,000 could only live on savings for less than one month.

• If they were to be laid off, more than a third (34 percent) of those participating in a recent Monster.com survey said their “rainy day” fund would last a week or less.

And only 20 percent of respondents

indicated they could live on funds in their nest egg for six months.

According to Daly, having an emergency savings fund is critical for the following reasons: First, it provides liquid cash to cover living expenses in case an emergency occurs (i.e. job loss). Second, it allows you to keep your investments working for you while you get things back in order.

“A lot of people look to their investment or retirement accounts as a source of replacement income in the event of an emergency,” Daly said. “It might be true that sufficient funds are available in those accounts but taking money from those sources could drastically affect your investment returns and goals.”

For example, Daly said you might be forced to pay penalties for taking money out of a retirement account early. The other risk is selling your securities at inopportune times, like early March 2009 for example.

“If an investor would have done that, they would have missed the 50 percent-plus rally we’ve had since then, which is something that is not easily duplicated,” Daly said.

How Much Money to Put in Your Emergency Fund Typically, the rule of thumb is to have three to six months of living expenses in emergency savings.

“The variation between the three to six months would depend on your personal situation,” Daly said. “For

example, if there is only one source of income, you probably need to have six months of income in reserve. If you have two sources of income, three months of income for living expenses might be sufficient in an emergency fund.”

Michael Anderson, of True North Advisors LLC recommends that couples and individuals whose sources are what would traditionally be more “secure” should set aside six months of expenses in their emergency fund.

“For example, if you have a husband who is a fireman and a wife who is a school teacher, I would consider their incomes more recessionproof than others,” he said.

But if you have income that might be viewed as volatile, Anderson recommends setting aside 12 months of expenses.

“A good example of this would be if the husband works in financial services and the wife works at a car dealership or other retail,” he said.

Meanwhile, other planners say the amount you need depends on many factors.

“The old three- to six-month savings rule doesn’t really work in this economy, if it ever worked,” said Ginita Wall, of Plan for Wealth. “The true amount you need in savings is the funds you’d need if you lost your job, through layoff or illness, until you could get back to work again. So See EMERGENCIES, page 7

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L.A. WATTS TIMES

September 17, 2009

COMMUNITY

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

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

FIGHTIN’ WORDS — A monthly fundraiser for the October 22 Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, this open mic spoken word will be held Sept. 17, 8 to 10:30 p.m., at Chuco’s Justice Center, 1137 E. Redondo Blvd., Inglewood. The event will be hosted by Aidge34 of the Aesthetics Crew, with sounds provided by DJ Starchild from Divine Forces Radio, and special guest (Sis)tem. There is a $5 donation but no one will be turned away.

Information: (323) 235-4243, free lanow@yahoo.com.

DINNER AND A MOVIE —

Other Sponsors:

VFW 4th District (23) Posts VFW Post 5394

Chapter #17

South Bay Veterans Employment Committee (SBVEC)

“Sushi Night” is the theme at this week’s DreamFruit Loft Kitchen.

The chefs of “Back to The Table” will teach a sushi class, and the movie of the evening will be “House of Flying Daggers.” Karaoke is also planned for the evening. This event will take place Sept. 18, 7 to 11 p.m., at the DreamFruit Loft Kitchen, 727 W. 42nd Place, Los Angeles. The cost for the evening is $35 or $25 without a bar beverage. Information: (323) 232-3502, b2thetable@gmail.com.

CARNIVAL — Optimal Christian Academy will celebrate its 30th year with a carnival Sept. 25 to 27, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and a festival Sept. 26 to 27, noon to 7 p.m., at 1300 E. Palmer Ave., Compton. Information: (310) 603-0378.

TENNIS MIXER — The Rancho Cienega Tennis Club will hold an all-night mixer Sept. 18, 7 p.m. to 7

a.m. The event will be held Sept. 19 at the Rancho Cienega Sports Complex’s Arthur Ashe Tennis Courts, 5001 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles. Tennis enthusiasts of all levels can enjoy a summer night of singles and doubles along with music and a potluck. All ages are welcomed, but children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.

Information: (323) 392-6864, info@tenniswithlegeorge.com.

LUAU — The Sarah Allen Women’s Missionary Society of First African Methodist Episcopal Church will sponsor a luau Sept. 19, 3 to 6 p.m., at First AME’s Allen House Garden, 2751 S. Harvard Blvd., Los Angeles. Festivities will include island music, food, dance, entertainment and a silent auction. Proceeds from this event will support the Handy-Simmons Scholarship fund.

Information: (323) 730-7750.

Photo by MARTY COTWRIGHT

PRAISES — The City of Compton held its annual Gospel Concert Sept. 12, which featured the Kurt Carr Singers, the Rev. Shirley Caesar, the Williams Brothers and several other groups. The event was a “family friendly” day at the grounds of the Compton Golf Course. Pictured: Caesar performs during the concert.

BEACH GATHERING — Families, students and youth can take advantage of public spaces that are free and open to the public while celebrating the birth of Kwame Nkrumah. The gathering will take place Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., at

Dockweiler Beach, 11401 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey. This event is absolutely free but you must bring your own supplies, such as wood, food, blankets, etc. There will be surfing lessons, spoken word and martial arts. This event will be sponsored by the Black Surfing Association and others. Information: (323) 646-4814.

FIREFIGHTER TRIBUTE — Versatile Productions will present a “pool party” as a tribute to Los Angeles’ peace officers and firefighters. This event will take place Sept.

20, 4 to 10 p.m., at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, 6101 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles. Miki Howard will be the headlining performer.

Tickets are $20. Ticket information: www.VersatileProd.com; Inglewood Tickets, (310) 671-6400; Versatile Productions, (310) 641-1588.

TOWN HALL MEETING — Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and the 47th Assembly District People’s Council will sponsor a 2009 Policy Outcomes and Opportunities Town Hall Sept. 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Junior Blind of America, 5300 Angeles Vista Blvd., Los Angeles.

Bass will recap the past legislative session and provide an insider’s scoop on the California economy, health care, clean energy, public safety and more. RSVP information: (323) 937-4747, e-mail amanda.martin@asm.ca.gov.

SANKOFA’S WORD — The community is invited to participate in an evening of spoken word. The list to present is open, but performers should come early to sign up, as the list will be closed after the first 30 poets. This event is absolutely free, but a love offering will be accepted.

This event will occur Sept. 23, 7 to 10 p.m., at the 27th Street Bakery, 4308 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles. Massages, vegan food and visual arts will be available. Information: (323) 517-3222, e-mail SanKofa39Word@ yahoo.com.

PHYLLIS HYMAN TRIBUTE — Chicago songstress Lori Jenaire will perform the songs of Phyllis Hyman in a free show Sept. 24, 9:30 p.m. to midnight, at the Café Cordiale, 14015 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Dinner reservation information: (818) 785-1985. More information: www.LoriJenaire.com.

E. LYNN HARRIS — Author Tananarive Due will be part of a special evening for the late E. Lynn Harris, featuring Lynn’s last book “Mama Dearest.” This event will take place Sept. 25, 7 p.m., at Leimert Park’s Eso Won Books, 4331 S. Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles. Information: (323) 290-1048.

See WGO, page 8

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September 17, 2009

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Continued from page 1 city and was not involved in Rihanna’s domestic violence case.

As well as being investigated for the potentially criminal act of profiting from the leaking of a confidential photo, the officers could face a board of rights hearing that could lead to a recommendation for their termination from the department.

THE STATE Lawmakers Agree to Reduce Prison Spending SACRAMENTO (AP) — The state Senate on Sept. 11 approved nearly $1 billion in cuts to California’s prison system, resolving a key piece of the budget-balancing plan lawmakers struck earlier this summer.

The amount is less than lawmakers and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had intended to cut but represented a compromise between a more ambitious bill passed previously by the Senate and a watered-down version approved by the Assembly.

The 21-15 vote sends the legislation to the governor. Rachel Cameron, a spokeswoman for Schwarzenegger, said the governor will sign it.

The spending cuts will reduce the prison population by about 16,000 inmates through a variety of steps. Among them is a change in parole supervision that will focus on only the most violent offenders, giving parole agents fewer cases but concentrating their efforts on the most dangerous ones. Nonviolent parolees who are considered a lower risk will no longer be subject to having their parole revoked and being sent back to prison.

It also expands the availability of credits for inmates participating in rehabilitation programs and changes some property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. The version passed by the Senate would have reduced the inmate population by 27,000.

THE NATION 4 Sentenced in Election Night Attacks On Blacks NEW YORK (AP) — The white instigator of a New York City election night rampage against black people in retaliation for President Barack Obama’s victory has been sentenced to prison for nine years.

A federal judge in Brooklyn, N.Y., also on Sept. 10 gave two other white defendants and one Hispanic defendant prison terms ranging from about 41/2 years to nearly six years.

In a guilty plea earlier this year, ringleader Michael Nicoletti said he and the other defendants grew angry while monitoring election returns on the Internet at a makeshift clubhouse. He said they decided that if Obama won they would “go after black people” they assumed had voted for the Illinois Democrat.

The 2008 bias attacks on Staten Island left one victim in a coma.

Judge Bars Parish from Blocking Housing Plans NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge on Sept. 11 barred officials in a suburban New Orleans parish from blocking a developer’s plans to build mixed-income housing in a community devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

U.S. District Judge Helen Berrigan said St. Bernard Parish has continued to defy her order last month to lift a moratorium on the construction of new multifamily homes in the aftermath of the August 2005 hurricane.

In her ruling last month, Berrigan said parish officials had a racially discriminatory intent in trying to block Provident Realty Advisors Inc.’s proposal to build 288 units of mixed-income housing in the predominantly white parish. She heard testimony that black families are twice as likely as white households to live in rental housing in greater New Orleans.

On Sept. 11, the judge held the parish in contempt of court and said it risks fines of up to $10,000 a day if officials fail to meet deadlines she set for acting on Provident’s plans.

“Defendants are not free to defy this Court simply because they think they know better,” Berrigan wrote.

A parish attorney didn’t immediately return a call for comment.

Prosecutor Wants 2 Trials for Plot Against Obama JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee prosecutor says he will request separate trials for two men charged with plotting to kill President Barack Obama and dozens of other black people.

The Jackson Sun reported that U.S. Attorney Lawrence Laurenzi said during a federal court hearing Sept. 11 that statements made by Daniel Cowart, of Bells, and Paul Schlesselman, of Helena-West Helena, Ark., implicate each other, making it hard to try them in the same trial.

Authorities describe the two as white supremacist skinheads who hatched a plot for a cross-country robbery and killing spree that was to culminate with an attack on Obama, then the Democratic candidate for president.

They were arrested in October and have been held without bond. U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen said that if approved, the first of the two trials would start on Feb. 22.

Information from: The Jackson Sun, www.jacksonsun.com.

Thousands of Downtown D.C. Protesters Blast Obama WASHINGTON (AP) — Tens of thousands of protesters fed up with government spending marched to the U.S. Capitol on Sept.

12, showing their disdain for the president’s health care plan with slogans such as “Obamacare makes me sick” and “I’m not your ATM.” The line of protesters clogged several blocks near the Capitol, according to the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. Demonstrators chanted “enough, enough” and “We the People.”

Others yelled “You lie, you lie!” and “Pelosi has to go,” referring to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Throngs of people waved U.S. flags and held signs reading “Go Green Recycle Congress” and “Obama Bin Lyin.’ ” Men wore colonial costumes as they listened to speakers who warned of “judgment day” — Election Day 2010.

THE DIASPORA South African Official Files Complaint JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa’s minister for women and children has filed a complaint with the United Nations over how the runner Caster Semenya’s case was handled.

Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya said the international athletics governing body failed to safeguard the confidentiality of Semenya, whose sex has been questioned. She said it showed “blatant disregard” for Semenya’s “human dignity.”

The International Association of Athletics Federations ordered sex tests on the runner in August, saying questions had been raised about her muscular physique, running style, and recent stunning improvement in times. It has refused to confirm or deny recent Australian media reports that Semenya has both male and female characteristics, saying it is reviewing test results and will issue a decision in November on whether Semenya will be allowed to continue to compete in women’s events.

Semenya won the 800 at the world championships in Berlin in 1 minute, 55.45 seconds to finish 2.45 seconds ahead of her closest competitor on Aug. 19. It was the best 800 time in the world this year.

Leonard Chuene, president of Athletics South Africa, said Semenya, a university student in Pretoria, had been receiving counseling, and was also supported by friends and family.

He also said she has been composed as the storm has grown in recent days.

September 17, 2009

L.A. WATTS TIMES

Page 7

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY MEETINGS, FORUMS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Gallery Opening Weekend

Photo Courtesy of COMMUNITY COALITION

MAKING DEMANDS — Members of Californians for Accountable Leadership (CAL) held a rally in front of the Ronald Reagan State Office Building Sept. 10, calling for the impeachment of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The coalition charged that the governor illegally cut millions of dollars from crucial programs and services in the state budget, with more cuts scheduled for the near future.

BIZSHORTS Continued from page 3 revival, as consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of economic activity.

The Federal Reserve reported Sept. 8 that consumers ratcheted back their credit by a larger-thananticipated $21.6 billion from June, the most on records dating to 1943.

Economists expected credit to drop by $4 billion.

Trade, Jobless Claims Figures Show Recession Fades WASHINGTON (AP) — The ending of the recession is reviving global trade, increasing U.S. imports by a record amount in July, and boosting foreign demand for American goods for a third straight month.

While the job market remains a long way from recovering, first-time claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, offering some cause for optimism.

The jump in imports could be a sign that U.S. consumer spending is recovering, economists said.

That’s good news because such spending accounts for 70 percent of economic activity.

The Obama administration is increasingly citing its $787 billion stimulus package as a critical reason the economy is turning around, even as officials acknowledge that jobs remain scarce.

The White House’s Council of Economic Advisers said Sept.10 the administration’s efforts have saved or created a million jobs. President Barack Obama has promised that the stimulus plan will create or save 3.5 million jobs by the end of next year.

Republican lawmakers point out that a net total of 2.4 million jobs have been lost since the stimulus legislation was signed in February.

The unemployment rate is still rising and jumped to 9.7 percent in August, the highest in 26 years, from 9.4 percent the previous month.

EMERGENCIES Continued from page 3 if you become disabled and have disability insurance that kicks in six months, you need six months of living expenses in emergency funds.

“But if you lost your job and it took you a year to find another one, you need a year’s worth of living expenses in emergency funds, minus the unemployment insurance you’d receive. Now, if you are in a recession-proof job and have disability insurance that begins immediately, then your need for emergency funds is very low. Not many people fit that category these days, unfortunately.”

Anderson said other factors need to be considered when deciding how much to put aside.

“When making a decision about an emergency fund you need to take into account your marketability,” he said. “Are you very experienced?

Well-educated? In-demand profession? Willing to relocate? Willing to accept less than current pay?”

In addition, Anderson noted that you need to be careful to distinguish necessary expenses versus income when deciding how much to put aside in an emergency fund.

“Expenses are just that: living expenses; not Starbucks, not eating out, not Coach purses, not golf, not even retirement or other savings — it’s getting by until you can add to income,” Anderson said.

Where to Invest Your Emergency Fund Anderson said you need to be

cautious how you invest your emergency fund.

“Keep the funds liquid and fairly short-term,” he said. “I probably wouldn’t go any more risky than an intermediate bond fund when talking emergency reserve.”

Other Items to Consider Building an emergency fund is easier said than done. So how do you boost your savings?

“It’s easy,” Wall said. “Pretend you just lost your job. Cut your spending to a nub, and hoard as much of your earnings as you can. It’s a pay-me-now-or-pay-me-later kind of situation — the money you save today will get you through in lean times. That’s why squirrels store nuts for the winter.”

Besides an emergency fund, Anderson recommends creating what he calls a natural disaster “emergency fund.”

“Living in Florida, made me cognizant of that,” Anderson said. “I am not talking a militia cement compound here and barrels of gas, but I always say have some cash on hand, enough food and water put aside to live for a couple of weeks, stock up on any medications, first aid kit, a way to cook, flashlights, radio, and extra blankets. Seriously, you would be surprised how few people have a basic emergency kit put together.”

This column is produced by the Financial Planning Association, a membership organization for the financial planning community.

The Grass Roots Grand Opening of Eclectic Order Gallery Manchester, featuring REDIC “Unveiled,” a two-night cultural extravaganza, will take place Sept. 24 to 25.

The first night will feature visual art, spoken word, jazz and neosoul. Proceeds will benefit Eclectic Order Foundation and the Morehouse College Scholarship Fund.

The event will take place at the Eclectic Order Performing Arts Gallery, 1514 Manchester Blvd., Los Angeles.

The second night will feature “REDIC Unveiled,” a black carpet/REDIC carpet affair highlighting the artistic works of REDIC. Proceeds will benefit Eclectic Order Foundation and Save Africa’s Children.

The art show will be curated by Tiffini Bowers of the California African American Museum, www. caam.ca.gov.

Information: www.eclecticorder. com.

Learning Academy Begins Program for Preschoolers The Urban Scholar Learning Academy, at 1454 W. Century Blvd. in Los Angeles, is now teaching preschoolers ages 2 to 6 in its new location. The academy is offering fulland half-day sessions, featuring games, songs and field trips.

Preschool is from 6 a.m. to 6

p.m. Also, there will be an after school program and tutoring for all ages.

Information: (310) 686- 0630, urbanscholarlearningacademy@yah oo.com, www.geocities.com/adomalearningacademy.

Bilby, prosecutors on Sept. 10 launched a campaign to remind pet owners that it is a crime to leave a pet unattended in a hot car.

The poster shows Bilby sitting in a pan in an open oven. It reads: “Hot oven, hot car ... It’s the same thing.”

Deputy District Attorney Deborah Knaan, the department’s animal cruelty case coordinator, says loving your pet means leaving it home when it’s hot.

See MEETINGS, page 12

Campaign Targets Those Who Leave Dogs in Hot Cars (AP) — Authorities want to get rid of hot dogs in Los Angeles.

Using a poster dog named

Notice to Owners of Unclaimed Property

The State of California may have received Property belonging to You The State Controller’s Office has received unclaimed property belonging to over 8.7 million individuals and companies. This includes bank accounts, stocks, bonds, uncashed checks, and safe deposit box contents. Most accounts become unclaimed when there is no owner contact with the institution or account activity for three (3) years. Often the owner forgets the account exists, moves and does not leave a forwarding address or the forwarding address expires.

Property, or the proceeds of its sale if any, may be claimed by its rightful owner.

STATE CONTROLLER’S OFFICE Search our Web site at

http://www.ClaimIt.ca.gov Visit our home site at http://www.sco.ca.gov

or Call 1-800-992-4647.

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday Unclaimed Property Division P.O. Box 942850, Sacramento, CA 94250-5873

California Relay (Telephone) Service for the Deaf or Hearing Impaired from TDD phones: 1-800-735-2929 and ask for 1-800-992-4647

Hello, There are some ugly household items just hanging around my parkway and sidewalk.

No problem, We will come and pick it up.

Want FREE pickup of large bulky items from your apartment, condo or townhome?

CALL 3-1-1 or 800-773-2489 Make the Call. L.A. will haul!

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

Page 8

L.A. WATTS TIMES

September 17, 2009

ARTS & CULTURE

Tyler Perry’s Latest is Another Family Drama

BY DARLENE DONLOE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Tyler Perry is doing something right.

For the second time, he has cast Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button�), in one of his films. The first was 2008’s “The Family That Preys,� in which Henson played Pam, the wife of Perry’s character.

This year, she stars in Perry’s latest film “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,� a drama about a fiery, boozing, nightclub singer named April, who is suddenly cast in the role of provider when her deceased sister’s three children show up on her doorstep after their grandmother (April’s mother) goes missing.

The trio — 16-year-old Jennifer (Hope Olaide Wilson) and her two younger brothers Manny (Kwesi Boakye) and Byron (Freddy Siglar) — were caught trying to rob the home of none other than sassy, shoot-from-the-lip Madea, who promptly turns them over to April, which more than annoys her livein, married boyfriend Randy (Brian White).

The story gets spicy when the community’s Pastor Brian (Marvin L. Winans) brings a sexy Columbian immigrant named Sandino (Adam Rodriguez) to April’s home

Taraji P. Henson

and convinces her to let him work as a handyman in exchange for room and board in her basement.

Uh huh.

Well, you know where that’s going.

Sandino soon insinuates himself into almost every aspect of April’s life, developing a genuine fondness for both her and the kids.

The cast is rounded out with a nosey church member named Wilma (Gladys Knight) and April’s best friend and co-worker Tanya (Mary J. Blige), who runs Club Indigo, the nightclub where they work.

Music has always played a big role in Perry’s films. So, of course

with the likes of powerhouses like Winans, Knight and Blige, there has to be a scene or two — or three, or four — where each can blow — and blow they do.

Blige lets loose with the film’s theme, “I Can Do Bad,� a piece she wrote in collaboration with Chuck Harmon and R&B star Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Smith.

Henson also manages to get into the musical act, mouthing the opening scene’s song, “Rock Steady,� voiced by Cheryl Pepsii Riley.

As it is with all of his films, Perry is big on family-based themes and life-lessons-learned dramas. That’s actually a welcomed move as long as it doesn’t become routine and too familiar.

But Perry insists on weaving a moral dilemma within the fabric of the script. There’s an ethical quandary, a setup, an unexpected change, reversal, climax and then the “I’ve seen the light� moment.

At least with Henson at the helm, the light isn’t an oncoming train.

She brings her acting chops to the project with vigor and confidence. Newcomer Hope Olaide Wilson is superb and affecting in her role as the tired-of-being-in-charge older sister. White is convincingly terrorizing and overbearing.

Graciously, Perry’s Madea doesn’t overpower the movie. In

‘BAD’ IS GOOD — Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson stars in Tyler Perry’s latest film, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,� which opened at No. 1 this past weekend. Henson plays a nightclub singer who must suddenly care for her deceased sister’s children.

fact, she is strategically placed to lure her ever-faithful audience.

The storyline in this film is interesting and dramatic. The script is a bit fragmented, but likable.

However, even with Henson, the movie doesn’t kick it up a notch for Perry. It’s more of the same, which for his core audience is probably just fine. “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,� which came in No. 1 in its opening weekend, is based on Perry’s play of the same title. It is

written, produced and directed by Perry. “I Can Do Bad All By Myself�

(Lionsgate), currently in theaters, is rated PG-13 (for mature thematic material involving a sexual assault on a minor, violence, drug references and smoking). Running time: 113 minutes.

On the Donloe Scale, D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likable), O (Outstanding) and E (exquisite), “I Can Do Bad All By Myself� gets an L (Likable).

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BRIGHT AND SHINING — “An Evening of Stars,� the annual celebration of the United Negro College Fund, was taped live at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium Sept. 12. The program, which will air in January 2010, was a tribute to Lionel Richie, formerly of the legendary Commodores and graduate of UNCF member school Tuskegee University in Alabama. Ritchie received the organization’s Award of Excellence for his long and distinguished career as a singer-songwriter-producer and for his history of supporting minority education.

Pictured (top): Actress Gina Ravera, Richie and actress Dawnn Lewis; (bottom) radio host Tom Joyner and wife, Richie.

105

WGO Continued from page 4

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DAY OF REMEMBRANCE — The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims will be held Sept.

25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hall of Administration Building, 500 W. Temple St., Los Angeles. State

Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. will be a guest speaker. Local sponsors include Project Cry No More, Parents of Murdered Children, the Jamiel Shaw Foundation and many others. Information: (310) 5475362.

See WGO, page 12

September 17, 2009

L.A. WATTS TIMES

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Page 9

Page 10

L.A. WATTS TIMES

September 17, 2009

ARTS & CULTURE SHORT TAKES BOOKS • NAACP award-winning actor and New York Times bestselling author Hill Harper has released his first book for adults. “The Conversation: How Black Men and Women Can Build Trusting Relationships” was released Sept. 8, and covers a wide variety of topics,

including: the roots of the breakdown in the black family, the difference between sex and intimacy, and gender-specific issues such as what men can do to break the cycle of being a “player” and what women can do to alleviate the “heaviness” they sometimes attach to dating.

The 288-page hardcover book costs $22.50. Information: www.theconversationonline.com.

• Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard Derek Fisher’s new book, “Character Driven: Life, Lessons and Basketball,” was Evil Credit” is for people with fair to very poor credit, those who have been denied credit, anyone who rents an apartment or furniture or who has used a payday lending facility. The book draws from Jones’ experiences in order to educate readers on the perils of mismanaging personal finance. The 67-page softcover book cost about $9. Information: www.altonjjones. com.

Jacqui Hylton and The Ladies of Jazz

CONCERTS

Presents

The Power of Women in Music Charity Event Sunday, Sept. 20 • 3-6 p.m.

(Doors open at 2 p.m.)

Admission $25 & $37 for Dinner Seats (VIP seating available)

The Upper Room 4747 W. Century Blvd., L.A. CA 90304 For information call

(310) 927-7491 or visit

www.powerofwomeninmusic.com

• The Common Ground Foundation will hold its second annual “Common & Friends” concert Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m., at the Hollywood Palladium, 6125 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. The show, which will raise funds for the foundation created by actor and hip-hop artist Lonnie Rashid Lynn (“Common”), will feature live performances from Common, Ludacris, Nas, The Roots, De La Soul and many others. Tickets are $100 for general admission and $200 for VIP Balcony seating. The Common Ground Foundation is committed to the empowerment and development of urban youth in the United States.

Information: www.livenation.com.

• Legendary jazz master Ahmad Jamal will be at the Ebony Repertory Theatre for a two-night, four-performance concert. Spanning

released Sept. 8. The 272-page hardcover book shares many of the lessons Fisher has learned during hard times in life. Fisher will sign copies of the book, which costs $24.99, on Sept. 24, 7 p.m., at Leimert Park’s Eso Won Books, 4331 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles.

Information: (323) 290-1048.

• Motivational speaker, author and disabled veteran Alton Jones has written an explanation and guidelines for enhancing individual credit performance. “Evil Money

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• The Power of Women in Music are monthly concerts designed to celebrate the contributions of exceptional female musicians and promote their equality in the music industry, while supporting nonprofit organizations for women and children. This month’s concert will be held Sept. 20, 3 to 6 p.m., at The Upper Room, 4747 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, above the LAX department store. Guests include Nedra Wheeler (acoustic bass), Lesa Terry (violin) and host Jacqui Hylton (vocals). Partial proceeds from the event will be donated to The HerShe Group, a nonprofit mentoring program for young women in the foster care system, and the Foundation for Special People, for children with developmental disabilities. Actress and entrepreneur Barbara Walden of Barbara Walden Cosmetics Inc. will also be honored. Admission is $25, or $37 which includes dinner. Information: (323) 551-8235, e-mail jacqui@powerofwomeninmusic. com.

• The Watts Labor Community Action Committee sponsors “Bones and Blues” the last Friday of every month. This month, worldrenowned percussionist Pete Escovedo will be the featured artist on Sept. 25, 8 p.m. to midnight, at WLCAC’s Phoenix Hall, 10950 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles. Admission is $15 in advance or $25 at the door. Free parking is available.

Information: (323) 563-5639, email events@wlcac.org.

renowned Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the bestselling classic “Autobiography of a Yogi.” During this wide-ranging talk, Kriyananda will share stories of his time with Yogananda, give insight into the life and mission of Yogananda, and present Yogananda’s vision for the world in the coming years. This event will take place Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., at the Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood. Information: www.Ananda LA.org.

THEATER • “Eclipsed,” written by Danai Gurira and directed by Robert O’Hara, is the first production in the 2009-10 season at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. The play, which will run through Oct. 18, centers on the lives of a group of women in civil war-torn Liberia. It features Edwina Findley, Miriam F. Glover and others. The theatre is at 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City.

Information: (213) 628-2772, www.

CenterTheatreGroup.org.

CELEBRATION

Pianist Ahmad Jamal

more than six decades, Jamal is one of the last giants from the “goldenage of jazz.” Jamal’s performances will take place at the theatre’s Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, on Sept. 25 and 26, with shows beginning at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. He will be accompanied by Kenny Washington on drums, percussionist Manolo Badrena, and acoustic and electric bass player James “Chicago Fire” Cammack.

Ticket information: www.ebonyrep. org, (323) 964-9766.

LECTURES • Author, historian, research specialist and world traveler Runoko Rashidi will speak on the

• “Jabulani!” is a celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA). A night of music and performances are scheduled to pay tribute to Barbara Hogan, Ahmed “Kathy” Kathrada and Alfre Woodard on Sept. 22, 8 p.m., at the Wiltern Theatre, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech. The program will be directed by actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson, participation from Samuel L. Jackson, Ted Danson, CCH Pounder, Hill Harper and many others. General admission tickets ranging from $30 to $100 are available online through www.livenation.com, and VIP tickets start at $250. All proceeds will benefit ANSA’s work to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS, to advance human rights, safeguard voting rights, and assist and empower AIDS orphans and other atrisk youth in the United States and South Africa. Information: Michael Teta Associates, ansa@mtaevents. com, (818) 906-0240.

LAWMAKERS Continued from page 1

Queen Tiye

“Images of Afrika” Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m., at the KRST Unity Center of Afrikan Spirituality, 7825 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles. The author of scores of articles and books on the African presence in the world, Rashidi will also be promoting his 2010 group tours. Information: (210) 232-7272, e-mail runoko@yahoo.com.

• Yoga master Swami Kriyananda will speak at a one-nightonly engagement that will be a combined talk and international launch for the new edition of his autobiography, “The New Path: My Life with Paramhansa Yogananda.” Kriyananda is one of the last living direct disciples of the

taxes and simplifying personal income tax rates, but commissioners appeared far from agreement.

Half its members were appointed by the Republican governor and half by the Legislature’s Democratic leaders.

On education, Schwarzenegger’s long-sought proposals to increase the number of charter schools and to tie teacher evaluations to student performance have a greater likelihood of success this fall than before, thanks to the $4.3 billion carrot from the Obama administration.

Teachers unions that support Democrats oppose many of the initiatives, but if lawmakers don’t agree to changes in state law, California will be unable to compete with other states for the federal stimulus funding, which schools say is desperately needed after a series of deep budget cuts.

Associated Press Writer Judy Lin contributed to this report.

September 17, 2009

L.A. WATTS TIMES

Page 11

EDUCATION NOTEBOOK UC Proposes Raising Student Fees by 32 Percent OAKLAND (AP) — The University of California has proposed raising tuition by more than 30 percent next year as part of its plan to address rising costs and deep cuts in state funding.

UC officials released a plan Sept. 10 that calls for a 15 percent increase in undergraduate fees starting in the winter and spring 2010 terms, followed by another 15 percent hike next fall.

If approved, in-state undergraduate fees would rise by 32 percent to $10,302, which doesn’t include campus fees that average $930. The proposed increases would come on top of a 9.3 percent fee increase approved in May. Fees for graduate students and nonresident undergraduates would rise by similar amounts.

The 10-campus system is also considering charging additional fees for undergraduates who major in professional degree programs in fields such as business and engineering, starting in 2010-11.

The UC Board of Regents was expected to discuss the fee increases and other measures to raise revenue and cut costs this week. It is also expected to vote on the proposals at its November meeting.

The university also is proposing to cut freshman enrollment by an additional 2,300 students, or 7

ELDERS percent. That would follow a similar enrollment cut that brought the size of this fall’s entering class to about 35,300 freshmen.

UC officials say the moves are needed to preserve the quality of education as the university grapples with a 20 percent drop in state funding and increased operating costs.

The university is laying off hundreds of employees, cutting courses and academic programs, and imposing furloughs for most of its 180,000 workers.

Bill Cosby Returns to Help Detroit Schools DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit school district says comedian and activist Bill Cosby will come back to town to continue boosting efforts to keep students in the troubled system.

Enrollment at the Detroit School District dropped below 100,000 last year, and emergency financial manager Robert Bobb has budgeted for 83,777 students this fall. Classes began Sept. 8.

The 72-year-old Cosby recently went door-to-door with Bobb. Gov. Jennifer Granholm appointed Bobb in March to fix the district’s finances.

The schools issued a statement saying Cosby would return to Detroit on Sept. 13. The statement said details would be announced later.

See NOTEBOOK, page 16

Continued from page 1 The elders who come to the Inland Empire ADHC fall into two groups — those who have been developmentally disabled for most of their lives, and others struggling with the ravages of aging, such as dementia and other chronic illnesses.

“People come to us when grandpa forgets and leaves the stove on, or when grandma has a stroke and needs daytime care,” Porter said. About 100 participants come to her center regularly.

Years ago, developmentally disabled adults seldom reached old age. However, because of advances in treatments over the years, life expectancy is growing longer.

“Some of these people are over 60 and being cared for by aging siblings because the parents have passed on,” Porter said. “Because people are living longer, it is not uncommon for us to see frail elderly children caring for sick elderly parents, or vice-versa.”

‘Our Son is Helpless’ Family caregivers, such as 63year-old Corona resident Sandy Davis, depend on ADHCs to give them a break from the constant demands of caring for a severely disabled loved one.

Sandy’s son Desmond, 36, suffers from a complex mental illness called schizoaffective disorder, which includes paranoid bipolar disorder and major depression. To con-

trol the condition, Desmond takes a host of medications. However, prolonged use has caused medically induced Parkinson’s disease.

“There have been times when Desmond has been hospitalized over 20 times in a single year,” Davis said.

“My husband and I assist him in taking his medication, eating, dressing and bathing. Our son is helpless.”

Davis feels “blessed” to have a daughter and grandchildren who can help with Desmond’s future care. For now, though, Inland Empire ADHC has given the family a respite from 24-hour caregiving and provided Desmond a chance to exercise and interact with others in a safe, medically-controlled environment.

Davis is still employed, so her retired husband will have to pick up the slack during the additional two days. “I know Desmond will be disappointed,” she says. “He loves the time he spends with friends at the day center.”

Family caregivers and advocates for elders are searching for alternative

ways to counter the missing two days of service. While some residents of more affluent coastal cities can afford to pay as much as $200 daily in out-ofpocket costs for adult day health care, many family caregivers in the Inland area cannot afford the $80-a-day rate the Inland Empire ADHC charges.

MediCal covers $76.50 per day for ADHC services, and $170 to $200 per day for nursing home care — so it will cost the state more if caregivers resort to putting their loved ones in nursing homes.

In addition, not all nursing homes accept MediCal. Some only allot a small number of beds to the lowincome MediCal patients. Recently, in an impromptu survey of nursing homes within a 50-mile radius of the Inland Empire ADHC, Porter found only one MediCal bed available.

‘They Don’t Know What They Are Going to Do’ The situation is especially grave for family caregivers in the See ELDERS, page 13

• Strong Arts, P.E. and Technology Programs • Emphasis on Self-Reliance and Mutual Respect • Pre-K through 6th Grade • Challenging and Individualized Curriculum 3430 McManus Ave., Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 838-2442 • echohorizon.org

Page 12

L.A. WATTS TIMES

September 17, 2009

HEALTH THE PULSE County supervisors have called on the University of California to help re-open the hospital.

L.A. Medical School Settles King-Drew Case (AP) — A South Los Angeles medical school has dropped its $125 million lawsuit over the closure of inpatient services at the troubled Martin Luther King Jr.-Drew Medical Center.

Details of last month’s settlement between Charles R. Drew University and Los Angeles County were reported by the Los Angeles Times on Sept. 11.

After repeated lapses in quality of care forced the partial closure of the hospital, the university had to scramble to find placements for its 250 medical residents.

For dropping the case, Drew University will get favorable rental terms on L.A. County building space and a long-term payment plan for its share of a multimillion-dollar age bias lawsuit payout.

CANNICK Continued from page 2 the call and the first curse word rolled off her tongue that there was going to be a price to pay for it. And

Faithful Central to Present Health Care Summit The Faithful Central Bible Church Community Development Corp. will present a Health Care Summit Sept. 18, 7 to 9 p.m.

Last month, more than 6,000 uninsured or underinsured people were served by the Remote Area Medical Clinic held at The Forum, owned by Faithful Central.

On Sept. 18, the church’s Community Development Corp. will hold a panel discussion for the purpose of moving forward an agenda that focuses on the need for quality and affordable health care rather than partisan politics.

Topics for discussion include: emergency room expenses; escalating costs of prescription drugs, she did. She lost the match to Kim Clijsters. It was obviously important enough to her at the time to say it.

What’s more of a concern to me as a black woman is that people recognize that we all aren’t foot-stomp-

Testosterone Dose Response in Surgically Menopausal Women Principal Investigator: Matthew H. Ho, Ph.D., M.D. “Thank you for your interest in our research program. The purpose of this particular study is to find out the effects of testosterone, in women. Women who are post-menopause often have low testosterone levels in their blood. Some doctors recommend giving testosterone to women after menopause, but it is not clear whether this helps women health. This study may find out whether it is beneficial to replace testosterone in women who are post-menopause and therefore have low testosterone in their blood. This research study may also find out the most appropriate dose of testosterone that shows beneficial effects on women’s sex life, muscle and fat mass, physical function, and ability to solve some types of problems with the least amount of side effects.

“We will measure the effects of testosterone on fat and muscle size, muscle strength, sexual desire and activity, and higher functions of the brain. Approximately 140 women will take part in this study that is approved and funded by the National Institutes of Health. The protocol of this study has also been reviewed and approved by our Institutional Review Board.

“For this study, we are looking for women between the ages of 21 to 60, who are post-menopausal (either menopause occurred naturally with their ovaries intact or occurred surgically with their ovaries removed) and have had their uterus removed by surgery, and who do not have breast or uterine cancer. Do you meet these criteria?”

For information call (323) 357-3697 “If you are interested in obtaining more information about this study or taking part in this study, I can set up an appointment for you to come to our Clinical Study Center at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. During this visit, I will explain all the procedures in great detail, describe the risks and benefits involved, and answer any questions that you might have about this research study.”

and Physicians without Borders legislation.

Information: Karen Lewis, (310) 846-3238.

Parsley Recalled Because of Possible Salmonella MOORPARK (AP) — Muranaka Farm Inc. is recalling 1,005 cases of parsley distributed in 10 states because it may be contaminated with salmonella.

The Moorpark-based company says it’s voluntarily recalling cases of 60-count fresh bunched parsley, lot code 0023909, after sampling conducted in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration showed bacteria.

Thirty cases of the parsley were distributed in Arizona; 574 were distributed in California; 35 in Colorado; 60 in Florida; three in Iowa; one in Illinois; seven in Missouri; five in Tennessee; 278 in ing, “Aw, heck!” kind of girls when we get upset. Some of us are “What the *%!*?” kind of girls. But that doesn’t mean that our words should be taken out of context, our actions generalized to represent all black women.

Because come the beginning of this week, from Rush Limbaugh to Los Angeles’ shock jock Bill Handel, that’s exactly what I expected would happen. And once again, black women are going find themselves the brunt of crude and tasteless jokes meant to further demean and dehumanize Serena Williams and all black women.

Just ask former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney about her run-in with the Capitol Hill police. Or better yet, ask first lady Michelle Obama, who endured months of ridicule and scrutiny at the hands of the mainstream media that eventually resulted in an immediate campaign to “change” her image to a much kinder and gentler Michelle right before the election that catapulted her husband into the presidency.

MEETINGS Continued from page 7

You are not alone living with Bipolar Depression. Let us help.

Participants needed for a research study on

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Have you been struggling with DEPRESSION, including: • Loss of interest or low energy • Sleeping problems or change in appetite • Feelings of worthlessness Have you ever had a period of time when you had increased energy or irritability, needed less sleep, had too many ideas to keep track of, or your thoughts jumped from topic to topic?

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She says studies show that if it is 85 degrees outside, it can climb to 102 degrees in a car within 10 minutes and 120 degrees within 30 minutes, even if the windows are slightly open. A healthy dog can last only a short time before suffering brain damage or death.

L.A. County Sheriff's Electric Mini Coopers (AP) — The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is leasing electric-powered Mini Coopers for $10 a month each.

Sheriff Lee Baca showed off the 17 vehicles Sept. 14. The twoseat Mini E sports a sheriff’s decal and will be used by units in charge of recruitment, the volunteer program and other nonemergency services.

Sheriff’s spokeswoman Nicole Nishida says during the one-year lease the department will provide feedback to Mini USA on how the vehicles drive and handle on county roads. Nishida says the trial also gives the department a chance to check out alternative-fuel vehicles for possible use in the future.

Texas; and 12 in Wisconsin.

Salmonella can cause serious infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The company says no illnesses have been reported.

Consumers with questions can contact Muranaka Farm at (805) 529-0201 or visit www.muranakafarm.com.

Study: New Drug Fights Flu as Well as Tamiflu SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Researchers delivered a double dose of good news Sept. 13 in the fight against flu: successful tests of what could become the first new flu medicine in a decade, and the strongest evidence yet that such drugs save lives, not just shorten illness.

A single intravenous dose of the experimental drug peramivir cleared up flu symptoms as well as And while many will say that Michelle’s image-enhancement campaign was a success, I must say that I never did quite understand what was wrong with the old Michelle.

There’s nothing wrong with Serena Williams either. Perhaps when more black women tennis players ascend to the level of the Williams sisters and the Women’s Tennis Association has the opportunity to

RUPERT Continued from page 2 like anyone else.

I grew up in an extremely white area where I stuck out in class pictures like a sore thumb.

My sister and mother are both beautiful and both shades lighter than I am, while my father and I are both dark-skinned. And to a child with no other black women around and a precious few on television, that equation means the only way to be pretty is to be white or to be light. I was neither, and it made me feel like I’d never be beautiful.

Today, little black girls see Michelle Obama and her stunning dark skin on television almost every day being heralded as a glamorous fashion icon. And now they get a Disney princess, with an undeniable curl in her hair and chocolate-colored skin, to remind them that beautiful women look like them, too.

five days of Tamiflu pills did, a large study in Asia found.

Several other studies showed the value of treatment with Tamiflu.

In one study of hundreds of people stricken with bird flu around the world, half of those given Tamiflu survived, while nearly 90 percent of those not given flu medicines died.

Other research showed Tamiflu improved survival from regular seasonal flu, too.

Results were reported Sept. 13 at an American Society for Microbiology conference in California. It is the first big meeting of infectious disease specialists since the new H1N1 swine flu emerged in April.

In the meantime, Swine flu now accounts for most flu cases in the United States. More than 1 million Americans have been infected and nearly 600 have died from it, the CDC estimates. interact with more black women besides Serena and Venus, they won’t be so afraid of the black girls.

Perhaps.

Jasmyne Cannick is a critic and commentator based in Los Angeles who writes about the worlds of pop culture, race, class, sexuality and politics as it relates to the African American community. She can be reached at www.jasmynecannick.com.

That’s a powerful way to change the way black girls — who will turn into black women — look at themselves and at their communities.

I’m sure there will be things about the “Princess and the Frog” that I find culturally insensitive, if for no other reason than it’s being made by Disney and not the NAACP (a voodoo witch doctor as the villain? Really?)

But for every moment I roll my eyes, I’m still going to be thrilled knowing that a generation of black girls will get to see her and feel like they’re a part of that world, too.

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

WGO Continued from page 8 VOLUNTEER NEEDED — Black Women for Wellness, a Leimert Park-based organization that aims to heal, educate, inspire, and support black women, is in need of a communications/media volunteer. By providing outreach to the community and the media in support of BWW’s efforts to enhance the community’s health and well-being, this volunteer will be a key member of the BWW team. Some training will be provided, but prior experience is helpful. Information: (323) 290-5955, www. bwwla.com.

LEADERSHIP — Leadership Development in Interethnic Relations (LDIR) will sponsor “Facilitation for Social Change,” which is part of its “LDIRS In Health” program.

Participants will be able to build stronger communication and facilitation skills and broaden their ideas about community health through this eight-session program. The program runs Oct. 24 through Dec. 6 and the deadline to apply is Sept. 25 at 5 p.m.

Adults and youth are welcomed to apply and scholarship assistance is available. Information: (213) 2410263, info@ldir.org.

GOSPEL’S NEXT SENSATION — From Above Records is inviting gospel singers to take part in a statewide talent search Sept. 19, 3 p.m., at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. The winner will receive a one-CD recording contract, a cash prize, and the title of “Gospel’s Next Sensation.” Information: (310) 4291054, (310) 352-1100.

September 17, 2009

L.A. WATTS TIMES

Page 13

SPORTS BRAD PYE JR.

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

The University of Southern California and UCLA were on the road Sept. 12 at Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio, and at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn., respectively. Both teams came up winners before record-setting crowds of more than 100,000 fans, 18-15 and 19-15, respectively.

Yes, there are six black head coaches in the NFL — three in the AFC and another trio in the NFC. Two could have a shot of meeting up in the Super Bowl XLIV Feb. 7 in South Florida. For the record, the Pro Bowl All-Star game will be played before the Super Bowl on Jan. 21, 2010, in South Florida. The

Yankees star, rejoined his former Yankee teammate Tim Raines, the Newark Bears manager, as the team’s senior vice president.

And the beat continues‌ Michael Jordan was one of three people of color inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame Sept.

10. The San Antonio Spurs’ David

AFC trio of black coaches is Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati Bengals), Mike Tomlin (Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers) and Jim Caldwell (Indianapolis Colts).

The NFC’s three are Lovie Smith (Chicago Bears), Mike Singletary (San Francisco 49ers), and Raheem Morris (Tampa Bay Bucs).

Lewis is the senior member of the six. Three of the six black head coaches came up winners opening day. Singletary’s 49ers edged the Arizona Cardinals 19-15, and Caldwell’s Colts came up 14-12 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburg Steelers beat the Tennessee Titans, 13-10, in overtime. Caldwell was a winner in his NFL debut as the replacement for Tony Dungy.

Opening week wasn’t a happy

return for the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Donovan McNabb, even though he ran for a touchdown and his team won 38-10 over the Carolina Panthers. He suffered some rib injuries and may be out Sept. 20.

USC, the University of California in Los Angeles and Crenshaw High School all have something in common: They were all 2-0 to start the season.

Coach Robert Garrett’s Cougars pulled out a 47-44 victory over Norco High.

Also, Coach Randy Shannon’s Miami Hurricanes beat Bobby Bowden’s No. 18-ranked Florida State, 38-34.

And the beat continues‌ Dwight Gooden, the former New York Mets and New York

Robinson and Rutgers coach G. Vivian Stringer were the other two.

And the beat continues‌ The Williams sisters — Serena and Venus — left the U.S. Open with another doubles championship. Serena lost her cool in a semi-finals match against Kim

aged 65 and over was 3.1 million in 2007 and is expected to grow to nearly 10 million by 2050.

Aging is affecting every part of the country.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in California.

According to the most recent census data, the country’s most populous state also ranks first in the number of adults aged 65 and over. And while Los Angeles County has the largest senior population of all of the counties in the country as reported in the 2000 census, current projections suggest that Riverside and San Bernardino counties combined will soon have the largest number of seniors of any geographic area in the country.

The Graying of the Inland Empire The Inland Empire, which includes Riverside and San Bernardino counties, has seen explosive growth the past two decades — particularly the western-most areas which include the cities of Riverside and San Bernardino.

Much of the growth has been fueled by the housing boom that began in the 1990s and brought families from the coastal areas of L.A. and Orange counties, to newly built affordable Inland tracts.

African American elders in the Inland Empire are made up of longtime residents (some with family roots stretching back to the early 1900s) and immigrants from the Los Angeles area that populated the area the past 20 years in search of affordable housing, less crime, and better city services.

Inland elders of all races are competing for resources with a large population of younger families that also has moved into the area in recent years. The current recession is hitting both groups hard.

The housing boom came to an abrupt end and subsequently, many area jobs, which were based on constructing, selling, and financing the new homes, came to an end.

Many retirees who used their life savings to open small shops and restaurants catering to residents in new neighborhoods suddenly found themselves bankrupt.

Today, for both young and old, the Inland Empire has some of the highest foreclosure and unemployment rates in the country.

In addition to economic concerns, the health challenges facing African American elders in the Inland Empire are many, and include the ravages of heart disease and diabetes — afflictions that take a high toll on blacks across the country.

The U.S. Department of Aging reported that for the years 2004 to 2005, most African American seniors reported having at least one chronic condition and many have multiple conditions.

HIV infection rates are also growing within the African American elder community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults represented 24 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS in 2005, and

rates of the disease in older adults are 12 times higher for African Americans than whites. “The senior population in the Inland Empire is especially vulnerable,� says Lois Carson, executive director of the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County.

Carson, whose organization runs countywide “cooling centers� to provide shelter from the sweltering Inland heat, reports seeing more seniors using county services.

Carson says there is increasing need among the elders of her community and added, “This comes at a time when state and local services are being cut.�

Said Carson: “I won’t say the safety net is entirely gone, but it is wearing around the edges.�

This is the first in a two-part series examining the plight of African American elders and people with disabilities in Southern California’s Inland Empire. Part Two of this series looks at other recent California budget cuts affecting elders, some resulting from Gov. Schwarzenegger’s line-

Photo by JET MAGBANUA

Serena Williams

Michael Jordan

Clijsters and was docked two points for unsportsmanlike conduct and fined $10,500.

The L.A. Sparks clinched a playoff berth with a 76-68 victory over the San Antonio Silver Stars Sept. 8 at the Staples Center. Lisa Leslie had 18 points, while Noelle Quinn had 15, and Tina Thompson had 13.

And the beat ends.

Brad Pye Jr. can be reached at switchreel@aol.com.

ELDERS Continued from page 11 Inland Empire, an area devastated by high unemployment and foreclosure rates. “Families are calling me crying because they don’t know what they are going to do,� Porter said. “Few can afford to pay because they are already dealing with housing and employment issues.�

Porter admits the situation could be much worse. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had initially recommended eliminating funding for ADHCs entirely, prompting family caregivers throughout the state to write impassioned letters to the State Budget Committee, asking that the funding be saved.

The lost two days of MediCal funding for adult day health care resulted from a compromise between the governor and state Assembly Democrats.

In a conference call with ethnic media following the budget agreement, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass said her goal was “to prevent the proposed elimination of California’s safety net� for families, children and seniors.

Still, California became the only state in the country to cap ADHC at three days per week. In the short run, the measure will save the state an estimated $24 million.

However, all agree that these savings will be lost if families are forced to place their loved ones in nursing homes.

An Aging World According to a recently released National Institute on Aging report, “An Aging World,� the worldwide population of adults aged 65 and over is projected to grow from an estimated 506 million in 2008 to 1.3 billion in 2040.

The report shows that elders will grow from 7 percent of the world’s population, to 14 percent in just under 30 years.

The growth among African Americans over 65 will follow these global patterns. According to the U.S. Census, the African American population of adults

item vetoes, and a bill moving through the California Assembly that would create a new poverty index for elders.

Facts Sept. 17, 1861 The first day school for freedmen is founded at Fortress Monroe, Va., by the American Missionary Association. The school’s sole teacher is a black woman, Mary Peake.

Source: blackfacts.com

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Page 14

L.A. WATTS TIMES

September 17, 2009

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** Rates, availability and itinerary are subject to change. Rates are per person and based on double occupancy. Former and current Dodgers subject to change.

September 17, 2009

L.A. WATTS TIMES

Page 15

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20091060191-REVISED The following person is doing business as: Domino LA Domino Los Angeles 11822 Gorham Ave. #9 Los Angeles, CA 90049 Amira F. Shaif 11822 Gorham Ave. #9 Los Angeles, CA 90049 This business is conducted by an individual.

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

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on July 14, 2009.

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

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

First Filing: 9/17/09, 9/24/09, 10/1/09, 10/8/09 LAWT 378-REVISED

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20091279705 The following person is doing business as: PL Financial Group 400 W. 9th St., Suite #512 Los Angeles, CA 90015 Patricia Law 400 W. 9th St., Suite 512 Los Angeles, CA 90015 This business is conducted by an Individual..

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct (The registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) is Patricia Law. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on August 19, 2009.

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

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

First Filing: 8/27/09, 9/3/2009, 9/10/09, 9/17/2009 LAWT 381

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20091221939 The following person is doing business as: EEH! Music * Creative Enterprises 4095 W. 132nd Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90250 Eriq E. Hayles 2044 Asilomar Drive Antioca, CA 94509 Eriq E. Hayles 4095 W. 132nd Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90250 This business is conducted by an Individual.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct (The registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) is Eriq E. Hayles. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on August 10, 2009.

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

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

First Filing: 9/3/2009, 9/10/09, 9/17/2009, 9/24/09 LAWT 382

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20091315498 The following person is doing business as: Cornel, Cary & Associates 9461 Charleville Blvd., Ste.. 358 Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Jerome Cornel Metcalf 8501/2 So. Plymouth Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90005 This business is conducted by an Individual.

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

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on August 26, 2009.

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

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

First Filing: 9/3/2009, 9/10/09, 9/17/2009, 9/24/09 LAWT 383

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) NO. 1677 THE ABATEMENT AND DEMOLITION FOR THE RENOVATION OF HACLA HEADQUARTERS (A FIVE STORY OFFICE BUILDING) The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) invites vendors to submit bids for The Abatement and Demolition for the Renovation of HACLA Headquarters (A Five Story Office Building) located at 2600 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90057.

Copies of the IFB may be obtained, at no charge, at the Authority's General Services Department, 2600 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 3100, Los Angeles, CA 90057. Copies of the IFB may also be downloaded from the Internet at www.HACLA.org/cgs. Bids will be accepted at the same location until 2:00 p.m. (local time), September 30, 2009.

9/10, 9/17/09 CNS-1684601# WATTS TIMES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20091378228 The following person is doing business as: Theme Parties by Knight 1504 Turmont St. Carson, CA 90746 Amer Knight 1504 Turmont St. Carson. CA 90746 This business is conducted by an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct (The registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) is Amer Knight. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on September 9, 2009.

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

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

First Filing: 9/10/09, 9/17/2009, 9/24/09, 10/1/09 LAWT 384

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20091329332 The following person is doing business as: EventChalet 447 S. Robertson Bl., Ste. 102 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Event Chalet 447 S. Robertson Bl., Ste. 102 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Cheryl Dawson 447 S. Robertson Bl., Ste. 102 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Deelyn Woodson 447 S. Robertson Bl., Ste. 102 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Dellis Frank 447 S. Robertson Bl., Ste. 102 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 This business is conducted by a General Partnership. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct (The registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) is Cheryl Dawson, Deelyn Woodson, and Dellis Frank.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on August 28, 2009.

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

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

First Filing: 9/17/2009, 9/24/09, 10/1/09, 10/8/09 LAWT 385

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors is seeking a qualified and experienced janitorial service firm to clean offices and public buildings at various locations in Marina del Rey and one location in Redondo Beach. Selection of a contractor will be based on the qualifications of the firms submitting Proposals as well as their prices for performing the work.

A Mandatory Proposers' Conference will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 29, 2009 at the Chace Park Community Building, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey. The deadline for submitting proposals will be 2:00 p.m., October 15, 2009.

Firms submitting proposals must have a minimum of five years' experience providing janitorial services. The County may require additional minimum qualifications. The contract will be subject to the County's Living Wage Ordinance, County Code Chapter 2.201.

To receive a copy of the RFP, either telephone (310) 306-0495, send an e-mail with JANITORIAL SERVICES in the subject line to ttate@bh.lacounty.gov, visit http://lacounty.info/doing_business/main_db.htm, or write: Department of Beaches and Harbors Janitorial Services RFP/Attn: Contracts Unit 13837 Fiji Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292 Fax: (310) 821-8155 The County reserves the right to cancel the RFP and to modify any and all terms and conditions of the RFP, including minimum requirements. For further information, call Nicolette Taylor at (310) 577-5736.

L.A. Watts Times CN826288 PQ10-00304 Sep 17, 2009

HUTCHINSON Continued from page 2 and social security that appeal to the white middle class, and saying as little as possible about poverty.

The Democrats trembled that such talk would only stir up white anger by reinforcing the old perception that Democrats tilt toward minorities.

Obama, Clinton and Edwards briefly talked about the plight of the poor for a couple of reasons.

Bush wasn’t running again, so terrorism wasn’t the big trump-card issue for the Republicans in 2008.

Black and Latino political activists also pounded on the Democrats after the Katrina debacle to make poverty an issue. But that was a couple of years ago.

There’s little pressure on Obama and other Democrats now to speak out about poverty.

With Obama and the Democrats locked in a hard battle over health care reform and the economy showing only weak and sputtering signs of recovery, there’s even less sense of a need, let alone urgency, for the White House and Congress to specifically address the problems of the chronic poor.

The poor, however, aren’t going away. Their numbers are

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is conducting a disparity study of our contracting in Southern California.

Five Southern California agencies participated in this regional study. The disparity study includes experiences of business owners and whether or not there is evidence of discrimination based on race, gender or ethnicity in the transportation contracting industry. Metro will review this information as it considers implementation of the Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program on Federal Transit Administration-funded contracts.

The Metro draft disparity study report will be available online for review at metro.net/disparitystudy starting September 25, 2009.

Two Public Forums will be held on October 20, 2009 at Metro Headquarters, One Gateway Plaza, Board Room 3rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 92336 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on October 21, 2009 at the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), 401 B Street, Board Room 7th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101-4231 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Public Forums offer vendors, contractors, industry representatives, and others the opportunity to share experiences and other information related to implementation of the DBE Program including: working with the above agencies, whether or not there is discrimination affecting contracting in the transportation industry; and assistance programs. The public is invited to attend and participate by giving testimony. Testimony will become part of the public record for the disparity study.

Deadline for submitting written testimony is 5:00 p.m. on November 10, 2009. Submit written comments electronically via email with “DS Public Comment” as the subject line to dscomment@metro.net and by US mail to Metro, Diversity & Economic Opportunity Department (DEOD), Attn: DS Public Comment, One Gateway Plaza, 99-13-2, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

DEOD Hotline: (213) 922-2600.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FCI / Fluor / Parsons, J. V. (FFP) will accept bids by fax at (760) 471-4860 until 2:00 P.M. PDST on Friday, September 25, 2009, for the furnish and installation of all material, labor, equipment and incidentals in accordance with the available design documents and bid documents for the Traction Power Substation and Pad Mounted Switch Grounding Grids on the MidCity/Exposition Light Rail Line Project.

The associated bidding documents may be downloaded from the FFP website at http://www.ffpexpoline.com/Business Opportunities/Listing of Advertised Projects. In order to be notified about changes in bid information you must register as a document holder. Prospective bidders may also request a CD-ROM containing the documents from FFP. NOTE THAT ALL SUBCONTRACTORS BIDDING WORK MUST BE UNION. FFP ENCOURAGES DISADVANTAGE BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (DBE) PARTICIPATION. FCI/Fluor/Parsons, a Joint Venture, is committed to implementing and maintaining a Community Jobs Outreach Program within the Exposition Light Rail Transit Corridor. This program utilizes the services of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms at a goal of 20% through each phase of the project and employs construction craft workers from the local community to work at a goal of 30% of all construction work hours over the life of the project.

If you have any questions about accessing the bid package, please call Christine Burton at (760) 613-4856.

likely to grow. Eventually that fact may force Obama and the Democrats to do something they haven’t done in decades, and that’s to take the dire plight of the poor seriously. There’s nothing dirty about that.

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

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L.A. WATTS TIMES

September 17, 2009

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FREE MONEY U.S. Government Grants To Buy Homes Call Joe (310) 674-8822 BAINES Continued from page 1 television was still more than a halfcentury from becoming a ubiquitous household presence.

She was 4 years old when the Spanish-American War broke out and 9 when the first World Series was played. She had already reached middle age by the time the United States entered World War II in 1941.

Throughout it all, Baines said last year, it was a life she thoroughly enjoyed.

“I’m glad I’m here. I don’t care if I live a hundred more,” she said with a hearty laugh after casting her vote for Barack Obama for president. “I enjoy nothing but eating and sleeping.”

Her vote for Obama, she added, had helped fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing a black man elected president.

“We all the same, only our skin

is dark and theirs is white,” said Baines, who was black.

The centenarian, who worked as a maid at Ohio State University dormitories until her retirement, had outlived all of her family members. Her only daughter died of typhoid at age 18.

In her final years, she passed her days watching her favorite television program, “The Jerry Springer Show,” and consuming her favorite foods: bacon, fried chicken and ice cream. She complained often, however, that the bacon served to her was too soft.

“Two days ago, when I saw her, she was talking about the fact that the bacon wasn’t crisp enough, that it was soggy,” Witt said.

She became the world’s oldest person in January when Maria de Jesus died in Portugal at 115.

The title brought with it a spotlight of attention, and Baines was asked frequently about the secret to a long life. She shrugged off such

questions, telling people to ask God instead.

“She told me that she owes her longevity to the Lord, that she never did drink, she never did smoke and she never did fool around,” Witt said at a party marking her 115th birthday.

At the party, Baines sat quietly, paying little attention as nursing home staffers and residents sang “Happy Birthday” and presented congratulatory notices from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and others. But she laughed when told the Los Angeles Dodgers had given her a cooler filled with hot dogs.

With Baines’ death, 114-yearold Kama Chinen of Japan becomes the world’s oldest person, said Dr. L. Stephen Coles of the Gerontology Research Group, which tracks claims of extreme old age. Chinen was born May 10, 1895.

Associated Press writer Solvej Schou contributed to this report.

NOTEBOOK Continued from page 11

Black Families Sue Wis. District Over Threat WHITEWATER, Wis. (AP) — Three black students and their families allege the Whitewater Unified School District failed to provide adequate safety last spring after a racist threat was discovered.

The families filed a federal lawsuit this month seeking unspecified damages and changes to school policies.

The lawsuit says a racist message was found May 14 on a stall door in a boys’ restroom at Whitewater High School. It says the message used the N-word and threatened death to six black students identified by name.

The lawsuit says school officials did not place the school in lockdown mode or cancel classes, and were slow to contact parents. A

number of district officials named as defendants did not immediately return messages Sept. 11.

Whitewater police Chief James Coan says the investigation is ongoing.

University Of Wisconsin Studying Hip-Hop MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin-Madison is devoting its semester-long fall lecture series to the scholarship and art of hip-hop.

Over the nine-week series, university and college experts in the emerging academic field of hiphop will speak on topics including sociology, history, women’s studies and communication arts.

The first speakers expected on Sept. 14 were American Book Award winner Jeff Change and Drake University professor Mark Anthony Neal. Neal is a professor of African and African American studies who specializes in popular culture.