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Pacifico Family Reaches Almost $2 Million In Scholarships Broad Street
BID Retry Back Again See Page 2
A scholarship program started 52 years ago by a local auto dealer with two $500 scholarships, one to Southeast Catholic HS and the other to Southern HS, is now close to having awarded close to $2 million to well over 1,000 deserving students on their way to college. That dealer is Kerry Pacifico, whose Pacifico Ford dealership has mushroomed to include Hyundai and Mazda, and is one of the leading auto agencies at the Airport Automall. Kerry awarded the first two checks in memory of his dad Joseph, who had started the new-car dealership. This year the Pacifico Family foundation awarded $137,000 in scholarships, an increase of $15,000 over last year. Receiving the scholarships were students from 24 high schools, selected by
their teachers. Each high school distributed $5,000. Another $5,000 went to another group of high schools, while $13,000 and $12,000 respectively were distributed to trade schools. Kerry remembers well the first two checks. “$500 was big money back then,” he says. “But our small car dealership sweated out the dollars and the feedback we got made us realize this was something we needed to do. I began sending checks to the alumni association and finally figured out, it was time I needed to get more involved and to involve more schools as my business grew.” Today, he doesn’t choose the deserving youngsters, “leaving it to the schools. They know best. And best of all is, there are no strings attached.” (Cont. Page 2))
MARIE PACIFICO addresses crowd of students, school administrators and families attending 52nd scholarship awards by her family.
6915 Essington Ave.
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Sam Staten, Sr., Memorial Service Memorial Services for Sam Staten, Sr., will be held tomorrow, May 20, at Bright Hope Baptist Church, 12th Street & Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
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Pacifico Family Keeps Giving (Cont. From page 1) His greatest pleasure is the emails and letters he receives thanking him. “It’s amazing how our awards get these youngsters over the expensive hurdles facing them. Money goes to needed books and for other essentials, money they did not have.” Many students and their families crowding the huge Pacifico Ford Showroom on Essington Avenue did not know Pacifico is also a hero of World War II. He regrets never getting to college. “The Army called me
first, and then my family auto business.” He has to be prodded to recall having his two legs riddled with shrapnel on his 21st birthday while in the Battle of the Rhineland and, before that, how he and his buddies were pleased to be rescued by elements of the 3rd Army in which he served under Gen. George Patton. For his six months in an Army service hospital recovering from his wounds, he received the Purple Heart. He will admit, “I was very lucky STUDENT receives her scholarship from Marie Pacifico, as dad, Kerry Pacifico, and School to make it out alive.” Superintendent William Hite look on.
S. Philadelphia Business Association Awards Scholarships by Maria Merlino The South Philadelphia Business Association was proud to present scholarships to 14 outstanding high-school seniors on their way to college and a bright future. The event on May 10 was held at Galdo’s Catering & Entertainment Complex at 20th Street & Moyamensing Avenue. The students exemplified a dedication to South Philadelphia through community service and commitment to education. They assured everyone they will come back and set up their businesses or careers in South Philadelphia. The following students were awarded: Nicolette Alessi, John Birkmire, David
Crudele, James Harrity, George Leone, Toni Lombertino, Nicolette Procopio, Christian Reda, Nicolette Retallick, Katie Singley, Giavana Tenuto, Sophia Valenti, Julius Wibisono, Alexa Zepp. The Philadelphia Energy Solutions Scholarship was presented to Alec Powers.
S. PHILA. Business Association board members were so proud of raising enough money for 14 scholarships. Here they are: Louis Panza, Chris Trantas, Dr. Steve Cohen, Bill Ciampitti, President Jackie Fitzpatrick, Vince Giusini, Esq., “Watch King” Danny Olivieri, Vince DeFino Esq., Judge Vince Melchiorre and Funeral Dir. Mark Rago. Photo by Maria Merlino JOHN BIRKMIRE, a finance major, and George Leone, an engineering major, are going to Drexel and Julius Wibisono, also in finance and economy, is heading off to Lehigh University. Photo by Maria Merlino
ALEC POWERS will be going to Penn State for biomedical engineering, James Harrity is going to Coastal Carolina to study intelligence and national security, and Gia Tenuto will be attending Holy Family University to study nursing. Her inspiration was her cousin, an anesthesiologist. Photo by Maria Merlino
Enters Student In Art Contest Broad Street BID Back Again For Retry Brady Congressman Robert A. case the talents of creative Peter Zutter, president of South Broad Street Neighbors Association (SBSNA), has a project for the neighborhood. The area covered is from Broad and Washington Avenue to Broad and Oregon Avenue. The SBSNA will be possibly starting a Business Improvement District or BID. It was rejected the last time it was introduced by property owners who realized they would have to pay an additional property tax for the services they felt were not necessary. To start the fundraising,
Zutter tells me that “this effort that has some expense, and so we are having our first fundraiser on Thursday, May 19, 5:00-9:00 pm, at 1903 South Broad, 2nd floor (first floor is Dr. Mestichelli’s dentist office). It will be Bingo! And there will be food, cash and other prizes. The Grand Prize of $250 will be donated by Monti-Rago Funeral Home, which is on South Broad Street. This is to fund the BID formation, if property owners support it. This can fund cleaning, recruiting quality businesses to
fill vacant properties, facade improvement, obtaining the commerce department funding, and streetscape improvement like new flags and planters in appropriate locations. And just what is a BID? It’s a legal mechanism for property owners and businesses, in a defined geographic area, to jointly plan and put in place a sustainable funding source that can pay for a set of services to improve their area. It gathers taxes to pay for an administrative staff as well as the initiatives the new group will initiate.
Brady (D., PA) has selected the artwork of Na Lin, a senior at Furness High School in South Philadelphia, to represent the First Congressional District in the 2016 Annual Congressional High School Art Competition. The artwork, a mixed-media collage, is a self-portrait. It will be displayed with the work other students from across the nation in a 10-month exhibition in the U.S. Capitol. The nationwide art showcase provides members of Congress with the opportunity to show-
young artists in their districts. “Year after year I am impressed by the level of artistic talent there is in the First Congressional District,” Congressman Brady said. “We have talented young people but we also have talented and dedicated art teachers throughout the District. I am proud that the work of Ms. Tan will be on display with the best young artists in the country.” Ms. Tan, a resident of South Philadelphia, will continue her studies at Temple University in the fall.
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for the problems associated with our system of legislative redistricting. For 12 years, Monroe County was split among six Pennsylvania Senate districts, even though the population justified one or two. This was corrected in the latest round of redistricting, but to ensure that this does not occur again to any of the commonwealth’s counties, my bill (HB 1835) contains language to prevent counties from being carved up to the point where they lose representation. The measure also establishes a citizen commission and new updated standards to ensure a more open, transparent and fair process.” In honing in on what specific bill the work group will support, its members announced that any reform measure should contain these seven core principles: Assign redistricting authority to an independent citizens commission; reform both congressional and legislative redis-
tricting; prohibit districts from being drawn to favor or discriminate against a political party or candidate; use sound methodology when setting district boundariesl; ensure transparency in the process with meaningful opportunities for active public participation; make all districts as equal in population as possible with a minimum range of deviation; and respect political subdivisions and communities of interest. Formed last June, the group said it hopes to soon hammer out an agreement on legislation that can pass both the House and Senate. To get a new redistricting process in place before the next redistricting round in 2020, lawmakers must pass legislation twice to change the State’s constitution – within two consecutive two-year legislative sessions. The proposal must also be approved by voters via referendum. Responding to local government leaders who criticize the
process for needlessly splitting municipalities between different districts, the group said it is urging municipal leaders around the state to pass resolutions in support of redistricting reform. Group members said the last Legislative Reapportionment Commission largely ignored sound redistricting tenets such as compactness and community of interest. After the state Supreme Court ruled the commission’s maps were “contrary to law,” lawmakers were forced to go back to the drawing board. This culminated in the reapportionment process finishing up two years late, causing confusion and the need to use of the old maps for the 2012 elections. Many members of the work group also criticized the current system for producing Pennsylvania’s many oddly shaped, gerrymandered districts. They claim the current
system is unfair, discourages competition and is used by political powe brokers to protect allies and isolate opponents. With huge majorities of Democratic or Republican voters packed into districts, critics also claim primary elections have become more important than general elections in those regions, producing lawmakers who are more likely to toe the party line and less willing to negotiate and find common ground on issues. “The protracted budget impasse is a good example of what can happen when so many legislators are politically hesitant about supporting negotiated agreements because they are afraid of being ‘primaried,’” Boscola said. “During the 112th Congress, a meager seven members accounted for 98% of crossparty votes. The public needs to understand gridlock is just a symptom. Our corrupt reapportionment system is the dis-
ease.” Other lawmakers at the news conference included State Sens. Rob Teplitz (DDauphin), John Eichelberger (R-Blair), Mario Scavello (RMonroe), John Blake (DLackawanna) and John Wozniak (D-Cambria); and State Reps. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery), Pam DeLissio (D-Northwest), Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland), Brian Sims (D-S. Phila.) and Mike Carroll (DLuzerne). Also on hand were advocates and organizations that favor redistricting reform. Carol Kuniholm, executive director of the Fair Districts PA coalition, said, “We applaud the legislators who are working to make our electoral mapping process transparent, impartial and fair. We encourage public support for this effort and ask all of our legislators to help restore a government of, by and for the people.”
The Public Record • May 19, 2016
Stressing the urgency to act soon, a bipartisan, bicameral legislative work group has announced agreement on redistricting-reform principles and said they hope to reach consensus on a specific bill soon. The group urged the inclusion of these principles into any redistricting-reform bill. “The rallying cry is our shared determination to jettison politics from the redistricting process,” said State Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton), who has introduced legislation (SB 484) that would establish an 11member independent citizens’ commission to draw state and congressional district boundaries. “As we advance in our effort to build a legislative consensus, I am pleased that our group is calling for an open, transparent and publicly accountable redistricting process.” State Rep. David Parker (RMonroe) added, “My home county has been the poster child
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Legislative Redistricting Work Group Agrees On Reform Principles
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Does Your Vote Count If Electoral College Decides Presidency?
The Public Record • May 19, 2016
Page 4
Cooking Up Business
by Joe Shaheeli Mike Reed, longtime political activist and gang fighter, poses the question and then answers it with his dissertation on why the Electoral College should be eliminated in favor of majority vote for President. He states both Democratic presidential candidates have weighed in on Mayor Jim Kenney’s sugary-drink tax. Hillary Clinton supports Kenney and Bernie Sanders has sided with the opposition. Sanders now finds he’s getting short shrift with delegate counts, winning a state and losing the delegates. “Imagine how the next presidential candidate will feel, and his or her millions of voters, winning the popular vote and losing the Electoral College vote and the election?” asks Reed. When it comes to presidential elections, it seems our votes don’t count.
Councilman Wm.
Greenlee
Room 506 City Hall P. 215-686-3446/7 F. 215-686-1927
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Rep.Maria P.
Donatucci D-185th District 2115 W. Oregon Ave. Phila PA 19145 P: 215-468-1515 F: 215-952-1164
AT BREAKFAST workshop for small businesses on Lancaster Avenue, State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown showed them how – by cooking breakfast for 50 attendees herself! Lowery Brown paid her son’s tuition by running a catering business. “The Electoral College, which is not a college but a process used to elect the President and Vice President of the United States, was created by the Founding Fathers who were the Framers of the US Constitution. “Each State selects a group of people called Electors. Each State has two US Senators and a number of Congress Members, based on its population. For instance, the State of Delaware has two US Senators and one Congressman, which gives it Electors. Even though Washington, D.C. does not have statehood, it is treated as a state and has three Electors just like the state of Delaware. “The State of Pennsylvania has two US Senators and 18 US Congressman, which gives us a total of 20 Electors. The State of California has a State Rep.
Kevin J.
Boyle 172nd Dist. 7518 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136
215-331-2600
total of 55 Electors, the State of Texas has a total of 38 Electors followed by New York and Florida with each having 29 Electors. “Except in three presidential elections, the winner has been the individual with the most popular votes as well as the most electoral votes. “Not so in 1876. Rutherford B. Hayes lost the popular vote but won the electoral votes. In 1888, Benjamin Harrison lost the popular vote but won the electoral votes. In the 2000 presidential election, George W. Bush lost the popular vote but did receive 271 electoral votes to Al Gore’s 266 electoral votes and was elected President of the United States even though Gore had almost 4 million more popular votes than did Bush. “It is time for a change. Voters in this country need to
wake up. The system is broken and we need to repair it. There is definitely something wrong anytime you have more than 100 million voters cast their precious votes in a presidential election and only 270 Electors decide who will be the President of the United States.” Reed has dedicated over 40 years to working with the public. Since 1973, he has been fighting to stem the rise of gang violence. He is presently working to establish the “Philadelphia Brain Aneurysm Organization.”
Sanctuary City: Boom Or Bust? Former Mayor Michael Nutter installed a Sanctuary City title on Philadelphia, which didn’t mean much to him politically. He was sure to be reelected and opponents were few in this city. Mayor
Parker Graduates Fels
State Rep
State Rep. Jason
Councilman
Joanna E. McClinton
Dawkins
Mark
District Office: 4915 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (215) 744-7901
Squilla
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Jim Kenney’s continuation of She could take a tip from that policy won’t hurt him ei- Donald Trump, who smartly ther, for the same reasons. backtracks on utterances that But Katie McGinty has have created a lot of flak and fearlessly picked up that ban- would have possibly lost votes ner as well. She now has to for him. hope enough Democrats turn McGinty replaced Camout in Pennsylvania’s big cities paign Mgr. Mike Mikus last for this November’s election week, according to press rein appreciation of her Sanctu- ports, naming Jordan Marks as ary City support to ensure she a replacement. Mikus moves wins the US Senate seat now into a role as chief strategist. held by Republican US Sen. Ammunition For Kenney Pat Toomey. She has to work With These State Stats harder for that to happen, unPennsylvania court data less she announces her support will be to eliminate elements in show 18,339 children were that policy now vigorously op- under supervision of dependposed by growing numbers of ency court in 2014, with 45% the state’s District Attorneys of those children under court and Sheriffs, who might have supervision for 12 months or supported her. They are urg- less. That could be used as a ing her to end Kenney’s policy telling argument for the pasand instead work with Presisage of Mayor Jim Kenney’s dent Barack Obama’s efforts sugary-drink tax. to track criminals entering the (Cont. Page 5) country illegally. COUNCILWOMAN Cherelle Parker was congratulated by colleagues and family on receiving public-service award at graduation of University of Penna.’s Fels Institute of Government School of Arts & Sciences. Parker was among candidates for master’s degrees and certificates. In photo are former Councilwoman Marian Tasco, Rep. Tonyelle Cook-Artis, former Congresswoman Marjorie Margolies and State Rep. Dwight Photo by Robert Mendelsohn Evans.
John
Taylor (R) 177th Dist. 4725 Richmond St. Phila., PA 19137
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State Rep.
Donna Bullock 195th Leg. Dist. 2839 W. Girard Ave Phila, PA 19130 T: (215) 684-3738 F: (215) 235-4629
State Rep. Leslie
ACOSTA D-197th District 511 W. Courtland St. #197 Phila PA 19140 (215) 457-5281 (215) 457-5285
State Rep.
William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street
215-271-9190 State Rep.
Mark B.
COHEN 215-342-6340 202nd Legislative District
7012 Castor Ave. Philadelphia PA 19149
City Councilwoman
Cherelle L. Parker 9th District City Hall, Room 577, Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-686-3454 or 3455 www.phlcouncil.com/CherelleParker Facebook: CouncilwomanCherelleLParker Twitter: @CherelleParker9
(Cont. From Page 4) Dependency often results from a parent’s inability to provide for the child. If a judge finds there are concerns for the child’s safety or other serious concerns, the child can be declared “dependent.” Dependent children receive regular reviews by a judge to ensure their safety and care regardless of their placement type. Of those children under court supervision, 38% were placed in traditional foster care, and 48% were placed in kinship care (family and friends) or were able to safely remain at home. Sometimes, the judge determines it’s in the best interest of the child to remain in the home while the family addresses the court’s concerns. Maybe the State can kick in some funds to make his effort doable.
We mentioned a week or two back there needed to be an accommodation for anti-Democratic National Convention
groups. They would be here, welcome or not. They will protest, arrests or not. So what does the City do? It gives them ammo they need to draw additional publicity to themselves. That is why Cheri Honkala, long-time, Philadelphia-born and -bred human-rights activist, with a son who is a Hollywood star, staged a press conference Tuesday in City Hall courtyard to protest the City’s refusal to honor the “Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign” request for a permit to stage a “March for Our Lives” Jul. 25, opening day of the Democratic National Convention. She charges the “City of Philadelphia will spend upwards of $60 million to house millionaires and billionaires but yet continues to fail in providing for its most-vulnerable citizens. The denied demonstration intends to shed light on the city’s unemployment and homelessness issues and demand accessible housing and (Cont. Page 6)
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Giving Ammunition To Anti-DNC Groups
MAYOR Jim Kenney is flanked by Self Help PRESIDENT and CEO Bob Dellavella President and CEO Bob Dellavella and Founder confers honorary trophy on Mayor Jim Dr. Joseph Ruggiero, also renowned film writer and author. Kenney for his support of Self Help.
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PHILA.’S prestigious Self Help Movement drug and alcohol rehabilitation agency honored Mayor Jim Kenney and Plumbers’ Union Business Mgr. John Kane at its annual fundraiser. Among attendees were, from left, CEO Bob Dellavella, Bill Dolbow, Judge Chris Mallios, Donna DeRose, Dorothy Connell, Councilman Mark Squilla, Dan Muroff, Mike Boyle and Photo by Harry Leech Councilman Al Taubenberger.
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Self Help Marks Another Anniversary Celebration
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Green’s 100 Days Saluted
UNION LEAGUE fundraiser commemorated Councilman Derek Green’s first 100 days in office with elite turnout. Among leaders who dropped by were, from left, Sheriff Jewell Williams, Council President Darrell Clarke, Green, Mayor Jim Kenney and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. Photo by Alist Events Marketing, LLC conservatism in the Keystone Rep. Leslie Acosta in the genState,” PA GOP Chairman eral election. He already has an online Rob Gleason said. “As dean of the Pennsylvania Delega- advertisement. Since he has tion, Joe Pitts has led the ef- until Aug. 1 to file, he’s forts to speak out against the telegraphing his effort ahead of (Cont. From Page 5) failed Obama-Clinton liberal time, which could mean good living wages in Philadelphia.” agenda, including his efforts news for Leslie, since she can Look for national television to highlight the dangerous ef- gear up for that challenge, innews crews to have a field day. fects of Obamacare. From his cluding her putting a team to Penna., GOP time as a teacher to his service study and change his petitions. Orlando knows he has to be in the Air Force and elected Honoring Pitts Retiring 16th Dist. Con- office, Joe Pitts has spent a on sure footing and needs to gressman Joe Pitts (R-Chester) lifetime working to improve comply with more than the will be the draw at the State our communities, our Com- minimum amount of signaRepublican Party’s 2016 Con- monwealth and our country. tures to qualify. He emailed us gressional Delegation Dinner The Republican Party of to the effect he is now registomorrow at the Lancaster Pennsylvania is excited to tered “independent” and exhave the opportunity to honor pects to get his petitions in County Convention Center. The dinner will also in- such an icon of Republican earlier than deadline. Though this could be an include a question-and-answer politics as Joe Pitts.” teresting challenge, odds still session with 4th Dist. ConIt Might Be Acosta favor Leslie, who is obviously gressman Scott Perry (RVs. Acosta In 197th serving her constituents well. York), the 10th Dist.’s Tom Same-name candidates can Marino (R-Lycoming), the Trump Could Take be a headache, causing chal15th Dist.’s Charlie Dent (RTip From Allan Domb lenged incumbents to concenLehigh) and the 18th Dist.’s trate on their reelection Trump enthusiasts in this Tim Murphy (R-Washington) efforts. This may well be the state should reach out to for dinner attendees. case in the 197th if Orlando Councilman at Large Allan “Congressman Joe Pitts is Acosta files his independent Domb. Maybe, like Domb, a an unquestioned champion of petitions to challenge State (Cont. Page 12)
Remembering Segregated Negro Baseball
SEEN at historic Negro Baseball Park in W. Phila. at commemoration of Jackie Robinson’s break into all-white baseball were Councilmembers Derek Green, Helen Gym and Bill GreenPhoto by Leona Dixon lee. With them, at left, is State Rep. Vanessa Brown.
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Girard Park Is Shovel-Ready!
Wedding Song
Coach Williams Honored
LAUNCHING $900,000 worth of improvements to Girard Park, community leaders dug in Tuesday evening. From left are Francesco Cerrai of Dept. of Public Property, who supervises Parks & Rec investments; Father Joseph Kelley, St. Monica’s pastor; Councilman Kenyatta Johnson; Jody Della Barba of GEAR; Tommy Donatucci, representing State Rep. Maria Donatucci; and Maggie Dunn of Phila. Water Dept. Project will go in stages. Stephen Girard LEGENDARY S. Phila. HS basketball coach would approve. Photo by Maria Merlino Billy Williams received City Council citation from Councilman Kenyatta Johnson’s aide Chris Sample at crowded Galdo’s reception.
Dreaming And Being
Only in S. Phila. is the classic Italian wedding serenade – a traditional event that has now morphed into something like a block party with a DJ and great food – alive and well. It also gives families the ability to invite anyone they want. This way, if you were not invited to the wedding, you can still be involved in the festivities and to see the bride and groom before the big day. Block-party atmosphere on 13th St. for bride Kristen Giangiordano and her groom Christopher Pizzano GATHERED at DaVinci Art Alliance’s was magical with twinkling lights and decorated “Mixed Feelings Dreaming & Being” exhibit tents. Happy couple will be honeymooning in – were these contributors and staffers. Photo by Bill Myers where else? – Italy. Photo by Maria Merlino
Photo by Wendell Douglas
THRONGS of fellow coaches and legion of players told of Billy Williams’ lifetime of service. Photo by Wendell Douglas RASHEED WALLACE was among many basketball players who came out to celebrate Coach Williams’ career. Photo by Wendell Douglas
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1st Person: Honoring Asian Americans In The Arts by Sydney Rae Chin May is a time for blooming, but it is also the month to celebrate and acknowledge the strides that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made in the world of arts and culture. Previous generations of Asian American and Pacific Islander actors and creatives overcame numerous obstacles to make my matriculation at Emerson College possible, among them: Anna May Wong, who became the first Chinese American actress to achieve crossover film success in the United States; George Takei of Star Trek fame and the recent Broadway show Allegiance; and Oscar-winning director Ang Lee, who has created a place for Asian American filmmakers like myself. Finally, with PAAFF (Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival), a new genera-
tion of Asian American and Pacific Islander filmmakers is coming up in recognition. In the past, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been either underrepresented or misrepresented by the media. Granted, light-skinned East Asian Americans like myself have been given the most media representation, while South Asian Americans, Southeast Asian Americans, West Asians, Central Asians, mixed-race Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have often been left out the equation of representation. As a monoracial East Asian American, I recognize the privilege I hold when it comes to media representation. But this needs to change – we should accurately reflect the diversity within our Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Historically, Asian American women like me have been
hypersexualized while the men have been emasculated. Furthermore, as a whole, we have been stamped with the “perpetual foreigner” and “model minority” labels. In the media, the “perpetual foreigner” stereotypes persist that Asian Americans aren’t “actually American,” despite their American-born status and contributions to America. The “model minority” assumes Asian Americans are only interested in math and science and are smart due to genetics. Luckily, representation has been slowly changing with shows like “Hamilton” on Broadway and “Master of None,” “Fresh Off the Boat” and “Quantico” on television. Phillipa Soo, a mixed-race white/Chinese American, is Eliza Schuyler in Hamilton, while Aziz Ansari plays Dev Patel on Master of None bringing first-generation In-
dian American perspectives to the forefront. Constance Wu as Jessica Huang on Fresh Off the Boat is bringing a new dimension to what it means to be a Chinese American immigrant woman. But this representation is not nearly enough: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are rarely behind the camera or and the stage. As a freshman at Emerson College, I find I’m one of the few Asian American filmmakers in the room. In fact, my school is a good reflection of the actual industry: My program is very white except for the sparse number of people of color. Ninety-eight percent of producers and writers in Hollywood are white. Likewise, studio heads of major media networks are mainly white, straight males. Thus, perspectives in Hollywood are limited by who is in charge. I’m lucky enough to be part
of Flawless Brown, the only all-women-of-color arts collective at Emerson, where I’ve been able to create stories that matter to me. The women in the sisterhood have inspired me to actively fight for diverse representation and advocate for proper representation when it’s not given by other creators. By working with them over the past year, I have realized that I eventually want to be a showrunner/producer. After graduation, I aspire to move to either Los Angeles or New York City to pursue a career in showrunning. As a showrunner/producer, my goal will be to continually create diverse representations for not only Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, but also other non-Asian people of color. During Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration Month, I share my goals for the media industry. For
example, I would love to see Asian American women of all shapes and sizes. I would love to see Asian American men dominating film and stage as sexy men who are able to get the girls – it would reflect the reality for many Asian American men that I’ve encountered. I would love to see Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with lovers from across the gender spectrum. I would love to see Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders portrayed beyond being strictly in the maths/sciences and as “perpetual foreigners” laced with heavy accents. Furthermore, I would love to see young Asian American and Pacific Islander creatives being encouraged to continue their artistry. We need the diverse, intersectional voices present in our community to be heard through our stories, both on screen and on stage.
Soda Tax Lacks Fizz
The Public Record • May 19, 2016
May 19- Phila. Association of Black Journalists in partnership with PhillyCam will host Muslims in the Media, a town hall on local coverage of Islamic community at PhillyCam, 699 Ranstead St., starting 7 p.m., doors open 6:30 p.m. Admission $5. May 20- Phila. Chinatown Development Corp. hosts “Voting Is Power” Event in City Hall Courtyard, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free live entertainment. Food trucks. May 20- State Rep candidate Jim Pio is hosting Jammin’ with Jimmy Fundraiser at Curran’s Irish Inn, 6900 State Rd., starting 6 p.m. Tickets $40. May 21- 2016 Mayfair Fallen Heroes Run has raised over $50,000 for families of police and fire personnel killed in line of duty. This year honoring memory of Lt. Robert Neary. For info: www.Mayfairrun.com; Sam Siegel (267) 961-6767. May 21- State Rep. Stephen Kinsey hosts Salute to Veter-
ans memorial at Vernon Pk., 5800 Germantown Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Host of attractions, food and beverages. Veterans wishing to receive certificate must register by May 2 (215) 849-6592. May 21- Chapel of 4 Chaplains hosts POW-MIA Nat’l Chair of Honor Program at Navy Yard, 1201 Constitution Ave., Bldg. 649, 11 a.m. For info: (215) 218-1943. May 21- State Sen. Anthony Williams sponsors Hip-Hop at Universal Audenreid Charter HS, 32nd & Tasker Sts., 1:30 p.m. May 21- Preakness Stakes at The Piazza, Germantown Ave. & Front St., 5-9:30 p.m. Benefits Nat’l Multiple Sclerosis Society. May 22- Golf Benefit for St. Ann’s Parish, Juniata G.C., 1391 E. Cayuga St., Registration 8:30 a.m., Shotgun 9 a.m. $80 per person, foursome $320. All-day burgers, hot dogs, awards, beverages, and luncheon. For info: (215) 739-4590. May 22- St. Mary Magdalen di Pazzi’s Street Procession coincides with Italian Market Festival. Mass is at St. Mary’s, 714 Montrose St.,
Mass 10 a.m., procession after Mass and blessing of Italian Market on Washington Ave. Benediction is on steps of St. Paul’s. Large party afterward. Over 20 statues are brought out along with band. Invited are Mayor Kenney, Councilman Mark Squilla and Italian Consul General. For info: Marc A. Hauad (215) 593-6161. May 22- 53rd GOP ward, local small businesses and Gary Grisafi Jazz Trio host Sunday Jazz & Shopping Spring Fling, 3525 Cottman Ave., 12-4 p.m. 50-50 raffle baskets, food. Entrance fee $5. May 24- State Sen. Anthony Williams sponsors Line Dancing at Eastwick Rec Ctr., 80th & Mars Pl., 5:30 p.m. May 24- RCC hosts Cigar Night at United Republican Cl., 3156 Frankford. $95. Jazz trio, Hors d’oeuvres, free valet parking. Must RSVP: Bill Pettigrew (215) 743-2000. May 25- State Rep. candidate Bill Pounds is hosting a fundraiser at Manayunk Kildare’s Irish Pub, 4417 Main St., 6-9 p.m. 3-hour open bar, buffet. Tickets $55, couples $95. Tickets available at door. For info: Scott Walker (267)
226-5771. May 25- State Sen. Anthony Williams sponsors Jazzmat Pilates at Yeadon Borough Hall, 600 Church La., Yeadon, Pa., 6 p.m. May 26- State Sen. Anthony Williams sponsors Dancercize at Kingsessing Rec Ctr., 4900 Kingsessing Ave., 6 p.m. May 26- State Reps. Stephen Kinsey & Rosita C. Youngblood host Conversation with Ted Dallas, Sec. of Human Services, at Horizon House, 3275 Stokeley St., 10 a.m.-12 p.m. For info: (215) 849-6592 or 849-6426. May 26- Councilman Cindy Bass hosts Monthly Workshop at Nicetown CDC Community Rm., 4414 Germantown Ave., 6-8 p.m. Light dinner served. RSVP: (215) 6859182.
for complete further listings, see
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by State Sen. John Sabatina, Jr. One doesn’t need a degree from the Wharton School to recognize the controversial soda-tax proposal now being debated in Philadelphia City Council contains more carbonation and hot air than sound public reasoning. Though no one can fault Mayor Kenney for attempting to come up with additional funds for cash-strapped educational programs in the city, his proposal to establish a tax on sugary drinks – both soda and juice – would be counter-productive on a number of levels. Many low- and moderateincome families would be severely impacted by a whopping three-cents-anounce tax on their favorite sodas and sports drinks, not to mention their children’s favorite apple-, cranberry- or grape-juice beverages. Those without private vehicles or the fare for public transit will be victimized. Low-income folks and seniors on fixed incomes will be stranded in the city and forced to pay higher prices. Though destined with good intentions in mind, resentment will be one of the outgrowths of the new tax. With a quarter of the city’s population below the poverty line, economically hard-pressed citizens don’t need public officials making well over $100,000 a year telling them what they should drink and how they should spend their money. And while Philadelphians are all in a lather debating the pros and cons of the soda-tax proposal, surrounding communities – from New Jersey to Montgomery, Delaware, Chester and Bucks counties – are looking with anticipation at the economic boon they’ll inherit. Thousands of Philadelphians will now be loading up on their favorite beverages across county lines and in the Garden State, rather than pay
the extra freight for a similar purchase closer to home. Not to mention the distinct possibility this could well be the tipping point that companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi see as another reason to escape the tax trappings of doing business in Philadelphia and move their plants and jobs to a more business friendly area. Already viewed by many as a high-tax city, Philadelphia need not double down on its already well-established, anti-business reputation by instituting a beverage tax that would go well beyond anything else like it in the nation. Granted, the City of Brotherly Love wouldn’t be the first to institute such a tax – Berkeley, Cal. has declared war on soft drinks as well – but Berkeley’s soda tax is a fraction of what Mayor Kenney is proposing, and Berkeley’s median household income is nearly double that of Philadelphia. Balancing municipal budgets for Rust Belt cities like Philadelphia – especially after the economic downturn of the last half-dozen years – is no walk in the park, but residents expect more from their elected leaders than a new tax every time an agency’s budget discloses a deficit. Public safety is a key component of urban life, but will a sin tax on soft pretzels (remember, there is salt on those pretzels) be the best the administration can come up with if a monetary shortfall should arise in the Police Dept.’s 2017 budget? Kenney ran an extraordinarily astute campaign for Mayor last year. A soda tax was not one of his campaign promises. In fact, as Councilman he was on record as opposed to the concept. Some citizens may admire his philosophical flexibility, but others may have been hoping for more creativity and less taxation when addressing one of the city’s many problems. Sabatina (D) represents the 5th Sen. Dist. in N.E. Phila.
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Another Opinion
PHILA. Regional Port Aut h o r i t y Chairman Jerry Sweeney, joined here by wife Jackie, received Global Business Leadership Award from World Trade Center Greater Phila.
The Public Record • May 19, 2016
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World Trade Center Awards Jerry Sweeney
Photo by Wendell Douglas
COMMERCE Dir. Harold Epps, Brandywine Realty Trust’s Jerry Sweeney, State Sen. Larry Farnese’s aide Tony Mannino and power lawyer Robert J. Clark turned out for World Photo by Wendell Douglas Trade Center awards.
11th Grader Touted For Cancer Research Research
ATTORNEY Danilo Chavarro Orozco, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and Navy Yard Corporate Center’s Michaela Petrongolo share interest in fostering global trade at Phila. Photo by Wendell Douglas
Congrats To Rosa
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INDUSTRY and labor leaders packed Independence Seaport Museum for award reception, among them, from left, Joe Fox, Jamie McDermott, Benjamin Ramos, John Dempsey Photo by Wendell Douglas and Nicholas Walsh.
PRESIDENT of World Trade Center Greater Phila. Linda Conlin is flanked here by African American Chamber of Commerce chief Steven Bradley and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. Photo by Wendell Douglas
JOEL KOSHY’S family history of cancer inspires his award-winning science-fair project and suggests new classifications for some cancers, earning him Health Partners Foundation Health Tech Award. Health Partners Foundation Exec. Dir. Claudia Tucker-Keto presents 11th-grader with Health Tech award.
Honoring Dr. Robinson At Book Signing OCA Promotes Prof. Xi’s Cause
ROSA CASTILLO of City Office of Property Assessment has earned master’s degree at Gwynedd Mercy College, joining her sister who also got her master’s. Rosa is congratulated by Mike Piper, executive director of Office of Property As- LIFE and legacy of Dr. Edward Robinson, Jr., was commemorated at African American sessment. Courtesy Joe Stivala History Museum. Panelists and guest speakers included Kenny Gamble, Christina Wiggins, Michael Coard and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. Photo by Leona Dixon
TEMPLE Physics Dept. Chair Dr. Xiaoxing Xi, who has drawn national attention for being charged with selling military secrets to China – a charge abruptly dropped – was guest of honor at Asian Pacific American Heritage Month banquet for OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates at Sang Kee Peking Duck House. This group works to defend Asian Americans from discrimination. From left are Jenny & Albert Wong, Prof. Xi and attorney Tsiwen Law.
Donatucci’s 911 Privacy Bill Passes State Senate
McClinton Hosts Workshop For 1st-Time Homebuyers
Driscoll, Acosta Advocate Financial Literacy Courses In Public Schools State Reps. Mike Driscoll (D-Northeast) and Leslie Acosta (D-North) have authored legislation requiring
Sabatina’s Home Protection Legislation Passes the Senate
State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Kensington) easily won approval of a resolution marking May as “Older Americans Month” in Pennsylvania. “When we think about our future, it is important to think about the past and the hard work of those that came before us,” Tartaglione said on the floor of the Senate. “The efforts of those older Americans have made our lives and dreams possible. “I feel that it is our duty to recognize all the individuals that have gone before us that have paved the way for our future. We, as a nation, owe all older Americans a few moments of our time, and pay them the respect that they deserve. “We must focus on how older adults in our community are leading and inspiring others, how we can support and learn from them, and how we might follow their examples to blaze trails of our own. “And we must demonstrate our appreciation for them, so that they know how important their past contributions are and how much their wisdom and knowledge continues to inspire us,” the Senator said.
The State Senate has unanimously passed State Sen. John Sabatina’s (D-Northeast) bill targeting the perpetrators of violent home-invasion robberies. SB 1062, authored by Sabatina, a Philadelphia Democrat, and State Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery), a Republican who represents parts of several Southeastern counties, will expand the maximum penalty for home invasions, giving judges the option of sentencing perpetrators to up to 40 years in prison. “We have seen a surge in these mindlessly violent and disturbing crimes,” said Sabatina, a former prosecutor. The legislation creates a distinction for home invasion – a robbery committed with the intent to inflict bodily harm – and gives judges discretion by expanding sentencing parameters. “Sen. Rafferty and I worked along with the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association as well as the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to provide harsher penalties for those who commit these crimes,” Sabatina said. The bill does not create a mandatory minimum for those convicted of a home invasion. However, it provides the judges with latitude of a sentencing enhancement under “Burglary and Serious Bodily Injury” (under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code) when making their decisions. Sabatina said the bipartisan vote is an indication that, despite the surge in his district, home-invasion burglaries are a concern to families in every
Tartaglione’s Senate Resolution Marks ‘Older Americans Month’
Acosta Expungement Measure Passes House; Honors Military Also A bill recently passed by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives includes an amendment authored by State Rep. Leslie Acosta designed to expunge the records of students with minor school-attendance issues. “I certainly believe truancy is a serious issue, but many times, a summary truancy violation on a student’s record can limit their ability to enroll
in college or post-secondary schooling, find a job or locate housing,” Acosta said. “I hope the Senate moves quickly on this legislation to help cut down on the unintended consequences these summary offenses can have.” Acosta’s amendment to HB 1907 would allow a student to petition a magisterial district court or court of common pleas to have their summary truancy convictions expunged from their record, as long as the student does not have more than two summary truancy convictions; the student has graduated from high school or obtained an equivalent diploma; and the student has satisfied any associated court sentence, including the payment of fines and costs. “According to a recent Juvenile Law Center study, data shows most young people who have summary convictions for nonviolent offenses, such as truancy, typically mature and learn from these mistakes as they move into adulthood,” Acosta said. “Many of them never have further run-ins with the law. We don’t want to punish these students for life, which is why I was proud to sponsor this amendment.” She also honored military service as an opportunity. Thanks to her, May 2016 is Military Service Opportunity Month in Pennsylvania. “The goal of this resolution is to recognize the United States military for its positive impact on Pennsylvania’s educational system and its students,” Acosta said. “The military is one of the leading federal organizations to invest in educational initiatives around the country, beginning at the high-school level.” Acosta’s HR 846 noted military recruiters provide programs in areas such as leadership development, antibullying, anti-drug, patriotism, and those that enhance the science, technology, engineering and math curricula. They also offer physical-fitness training to students to help fight the growing obesity epidemic in the United States.
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State Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-W. Phila.) will host a seminar for first-time homebuyers 4-7 p.m. Jun. 2 at the Paschalville Branch of the Free Library, 6942 Woodland Avenue. Those looking to buy their first home will learn about hunting for the right home, purchasing the home and acquiring a mortgage and the need for homeowners’ insurance. “Buying a home is an exciting but possibly overwhelming process,” McClinton said. “Doing it right can ensure the homeowner gets the best mortgage rate, has appropriate legal protection and is treated fairly in the entire process. Getting the best deal up front can help reduce the risk of later foreclosure.” In addition to the homepurchasing information, attendees will also learn about other important financial information, such as building or rebuilding a solid credit rating, savings and other ways to increase or protect your finances. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact McClinton’s office staff at (215) 748-6712.
corner of the state. “No community is immune from predators looking for opportunity and lacking morality,” Sabatina said. “Getting them off the streets is a top priority.”
The Public Record • May 19, 2016
The Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation authored by State Rep. Maria Donatucci (D-S. Phila.) designed to better protect the identity of crime victims, witnesses and other people placing 911 calls. “I commend the Senate for taking such important action to look after those who find themselves in these unfortunate situations,” Donatucci said. “Sometimes, people are hesitant to call 911, whether they are a crime victim or witness, or become aware of a crime through other means. We never want to deter anyone from calling 911 for fear of retribution. This bill will go a long way to give people peace of mind and keep them safe.” The Senate amended Donatucci’s HB 1310 so that, in response to a request under the State’s Right-to-Know Law, a public-safety access point is prohibited from releasing the name, telephone number, and home address of a person calling 911, the crime victim, and the crime witness. The only instance in which this information would be made available is if the 911 center or court determines it is in the public’s best interest to have such information. The location of the incident would still be made public, unless the location is the home address of the caller, victim or witness, or the disclosure of the location would compromise the identity of the caller, victim or witness. In addition, the street-block identifier, cross street or mile marker nearest the incident location would still be public information. “By keeping this particular information public, we can ensure our emergency-service professionals are responding to calls in a timely manner,” Donatucci said. “This bill
strikes the perfect balance between keeping personal information private and allowing the public access to information affecting the safety of their communities.” The bill moves back to the House for a concurrence vote on the Senate changes.
cation found less than 50 of Pennsylvania’s school districts require a course in personal finance for graduation, and these courses vary widely in their content. They added a uniform financial personal-literacy curriculum would ensure students across the state would be equally equipped to handle their personal finances.
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Heard on the Hill And City Hall
public high-school students in the commonwealth to complete a financial-literacy capstone course in order to graduate. “A financial-literacy course will help students make responsible decisions with their money, whether it be with student loans after they graduate or with applying for a mortgage further down the road,” Driscoll said. “These financial interactions have become such an important component of living a successful life, we are doing our students a disservice by not preparing them for them to make the right choices.” “Too many young people enter college and the workforce without the knowledge needed to track their finances or make responsible, informed decisions about their money,” Acosta said. “By giving these students the tools needed to better understand their financial options, we are helping to empower them for life.” HB 1961 would mandate that school districts incorporate personal finance into an appropriate curriculum and create a capstone course addressing the following issues: money management, earning income, borrowing money, financial services, risk management, saving and investing. Students would be required to take the course in 11th or 12th grade and would need to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of financial literacy. In addition, the State Board of Education would be required to submit a report to the State House and Senate Education Committees with data of statewide assessment results for financial-literacy comprehension. The State Treasury would also establish the Personal Finance Education Fund, which would partly be funded by voluntary contributions of State income-tax returns. Acosta and Driscoll noted a recent report released by the Pennsylvania Task Force on Economic Education & Personal Financial Literacy Edu-
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Sharing Joy Of Nat’l Championship
The Public Record • May 19, 2016
COUNCIL MEMBERS Curtis Jones and Kenyatta Johnson share moment with three of Villanova’s basketball champions in ceremony honoring team for its achievements. Photo by Leona Dixon
Aument Family Buzzed (Cont. From Page 6) successful real-estate investor, he could donate what salary he does earn to help reduce the national debt. Domb yesterday donated three checks running around $2,500 to three public schools, the money coming from his councilmanic salary. Schools were chosen on the basis of need. The more he earns as a public servant, the more he will be donating to public service. Could be a winning move for Trump to emulate!
W A R D L e a d e r Donna Aument had her head shaved to aid battle against cancer. Her family buzzed off as well. God bless you all!
Congressman Brady Cites USCG
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Pa. Treasurers’ Race For Now About Credit Republican State Treasurer candidate Otto Voit has an idea called PACheckbook.com which would make State government more accountable to taxpayers. It would enable taxpayers to more easily track how public dollars are being spent. This idea will be an initiative in the new term of that (Cont. Page 14) MEMBERS of Liberty USO of Phila. and Mission BBQ cooked meals for crew of visiting military ship Alexander Hamilton. Crew of 150 enjoyed Philly-style steaks and barbecue. Photo by Joe Stivala
CONGRESSMAN Bob Brady staffer Kyle Wherrity presented a Brady congressional citation to Capt. Scott Glendenning, Springfield, Pa., native, who commands the US Coast Guard vessel Alexander Hamilton on her port visit to Photo by Joe Stivala Philadelphia.
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You wouldn’t blame Congressman Chaka Fattah if he just wanted to go somewhere and be alone for a while. He was indicted in late July by the Dept. of Justice on a variety of charges including conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering. His son, Chip, has been in prison since February after being convicted on bank and tax fraud charges. And to make matters worse, he lost the Pennsylvania primary in April to State Rep. Dwight Evans, meaning he won’t be a Congressman anymore after his term ends. This was after telling the original legal team representing him before the Feds that he couldn’t pay them because getting reelected was more important and all of his money had to go to that. But when I saw him at the Federal Courthouse on Market Street on Monday as he was going into the courtroom on the first day of his trial, Fattah looked upbeat and confident. By the time you read this, it’ll be Day Four of a trial that’s expected to take eight weeks. Much of that time will be spent by lawyers for Fattah and his co-defendants – Karen Nicholas, former CEO of the Education Advancement Alliance; former Fattah aide Bonnie Bowser; lobbyist (and former Deputy Mayor) Herbert Vederman; and former Solutions for Progress CEO Robert Brand – as they cross-examine the litany of witnesses the government will put up. The linchpin of the indictment is an illegally obtained $1 million loan that the Congressman had taken out to shore up his flagging mayoral campaign in 2007. He’s also accused of funneling money through a group of educational organizations (Cont. Page 15)
STATE SEN. STEWART GREENLEAF and STATE SEN. JOHN RAFFERTY joined SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE JAMES FITZGERALD for a celebration of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the US Constitution at the Pennsylvania Capitol’s Supreme Court hearing room. These are the amendments that were needed for the Constitution after the Civil War when it was clear there was still racial discrimination in America. DEAN CARTER from the University of Pittsburgh was the main speaker and LT. GOV. MIKE STACK was also on the panel with CHIEF JUSTICE TOM SAYLOR and SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE MIKE TURZAI. GARY TENNIS is the Cabinet Secretary responsible for solving the drug- and alcohol-addiction problem in Pennsylvania. He is the only carryover from the TOM CORBETT administration and served as a District Attorney in Philadelphia. He recently met with several important law-enforcement leaders from Philadelphia including former Northeast Detectives CHIEF JEREMIAH DAILEY and US attorney ZANE MEMEGER. Included in the conversation were some important people who advocated for more treatment. Among them was WARD LEADER and CEO for Self Help Inc. BOB DELLAVELLA. CHS has heard a rumor STATE SEN. JOHN SABATINA will be introducing legislation to restrict Philadelphia’s ability to raise a soda tax. He recently published an op-ed in the Northeast Times criticizing soda taxes for their regressive and job-cutting nature. Such action will probably not be received well by the City’s chief executive JIM KENNEY, but the soda taxes failed a number of times because it kills mostly Teamster jobs. It makes an iconic American product, soda, that truck drivers with family-sustaining union jobs haul, more expensive and thus cuts sales and jobs. A new Delaware County Senator was just sworn into the State Senate in Harrisburg. TOM KILLION at times has showed moderate streaks as a member of the Pennsylvania house. Many from the Philadelphia area are hoping he does the same in the Senate. The Republican majority has grown stronger and much more conservative over the past 20 years. Philadelphia has often depended on moderate members from suburban districts near the city for more school funding and move the city forward. That assistance has been sorely missing over the last several years. (Cont. Page 16)
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Yo! If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps were played; this will bring out a new meaning of it. I received this from a friend. We have all heard the haunting song, “Taps.” It is the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But do you know the story behind the song? Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Capt. Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison’s Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Capt. Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy’s tattoos. His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him one musician. The captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth’s uniform. This wish was granted. The haunting melody we now know as “Taps” used at military funerals was born. The words are: Day is done. (Cont. Page 16)
WHAT A WONDERFUL WEEKEND to read the daily press. There was a great story on the remains of Indian kids going home for burial. And of Drexel University development. A German Shepherd who saved a young girl. All positive and upbeat. No prophets of gloom and doom. It was as if the editors used writers who can do POSITIVE articles. The DREARY DRUMPF stuff was not in sight – save one which was buried – just HAPPY news that people enjoy reading. The dark-news writers seemed like pigeons on a phone line, WAITING to pounce and pillory. I read a grungy report on Chaka FATTAH and his trial which asked if Chaka helped his district or himself. That is NOT the gist of the case. And anyone who served as many years as Chaka HAD to do good for the district through much legislation and constituent service. Another article said that Chaka was booted out by the voters. He was voted out, not booted. Chaka lost with 28% of the votes cast – more than his critics would have gotten in a run for DOG-CATCHER. Hal Rosenthal, Esq. and lovely wife Sue just returned from an Israeli tour which included Tel Aviv, where Israel declared its Independence, the coast, Jaffa, then the Negev. It included climbing through the Rimon Crater, visiting the remains of a more than 1,000-year-old church which had been occupied serially by four religions, Ben Gurion’s home and more. More importantly – they are back with us.... Gone from us is Dolores DiVERGILIS, mother of Jim DiVergilis, Esq., now in Heavenly Peace. HAPPY BIRTH(Cont. Page 16)
The South Philadelphia Public Record • May 19, 2016
When MAYOR JIM KENNEY made Philadelphia a Sanctuary City, I doubt he expected it to be an issue in the Pennsylvania Senate campaign and more. The Obama administration asked Kenney to reconsider his decision not to enforce Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s requests to detain those for whom the federal government has issued deportation warrants. The Obama administration has demonstrated that it is loath to deport people. They are not for most part looking for the gentleman who buses tables in your favorite restaurant. Yes, we need immigration freeform, but ignoring warrants from the Obama adminstration for bad actors is not the way. Thus, why is the Kenney administration ignoring federal warrants? Senate candidate KATIE McGINTY has lauded Kenney’s position. This means she is to the left of PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA. Conversely, incumbent US SEN. PAT TOOMEY has come out against Sanctuary Cities. Hopefully not repeating myself, but Sanctuary Cities are refusing to enforce deportation warrants from the Obama administration. Yet Obama endorsed McGinty in the primary against retired ADM. JOE SESTAK. Toomey is very critical of Sanctuary Cities. His criticism is on a number of levels. Immigration policy is based on federal laws and is one of those areas that are clearly in the federal domain. While I (and, to my understanding, Toomey) do believe the Obama administration has engaged in executive overreach, issuing warrants for people who are (Cont. Page 15)
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(Cont. From Page 12) office, whoever the holder, since his Democratic opponent Joe Torsella indicates he likes the concept, but credits his following example of another Treasurer in another state. Now that both agree, we think they should eliminate taking the credit by each telling voters this concept will be initiated for sure, rather than “who’s on first!”
Gender-Bender In Pa. For Clinton-Trump Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll, reports its polls reveal a major gender gap between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. In Pennsylvania, Trump leads among men by 21 points, while Clinton enjoys a 19-point margin among women. The state is split roughly even as a result, 43% for Clinton versus 42% for Trump, well within the poll’s 3% margin for error. In Florida, Trump leads with men by 13 points and Clinton leads with women by 13 points. That state too breaks 43-42% for Clinton.
Brown says statistics revealed in the poll indicate the gender gap, and it appears Trump could win because of it. In Ohio, Trump is up 15 points among men, but Clinton is only up 7 points among women. As a result, Trump is leading in Ohio, 43-39%. For Trump then, the polling suggests, the path to victory is maximizing his advantage among men and neutralizing Clinton’s advantage among women. For Clinton, obviously, the opposite strategy comes into play. But Clinton may be the one playing at a disadvantage: overtly running as the first female party nominee who would be the first female president. What the polling indicates is Clinton’s message, targeted directly at females, is repelling males.
Butkovitz Queries ASPIRA, Universal Schools City Controller Alan Butkovitz has released a review of charter school management practices by ASPIRA, Inc., of Pennsylvania and the Universal Cos. that found minimal oversight of the education providers due to an outdated Pennsylvania Charter School law. The current State law does not cover the activities of ASPIRA and Universal, which operate five and seven schools, respectively. The Controller identified several areas of concern such as incomplete financial data, lack of transparency, noncompliance with the Ethics Act and questionable leasing agreements between the education companies and their related parties. This included uncovering Muevete Dance Studio, a salsa/bachata dance studio that was located on the same floor as the ASPIRA cyber school and also the location for ASPIRA’s headquarters. The Controller’s investigators identified social-media postings featuring photographs of in-studio
dance classes, recitals as well as flyers advertising schedules, rates and auditions. “Allowing an entity to use public nonprofit space for an unregistered and unregulated commercial use is problematic,” said Butkovitz. “We welcome community outreach to local children and adults, but it needs to be operated in full compliance with regulatory and safety procedures. “There was no sufficient documentation provided to ensure this business was operating by the books.” During the course of the Controller’s review, a fire in December 2015 damaged the first and second floors of ASPIRA’s headquarters including the dance studio. Classes are no longer held in the building and ASPIRA indicated that it is fully cooperating with the City’s Arson Task Force. When reviewing documents for Universal, The Controller’s Office determined that an apparent conflict of interest
existed between Universal Institute Charter School, Universal Community Homes and Universal Education Co. Several board members at the charter school serve on the boards of other Universalassociated entities including the Universal Cos. Board, the company that oversees the entities. “It is a conflict when a person is involved in multiple interests, one of which could possibly affect the motivation for an act in the other,” said Butkovitz. “These overlapping board memberships call into question which interests were being served first.” Furthermore, Universal indicated it is operated by an entity known as, “The Universal Education Cos., Inc.” a Delaware non-profit corporation registered to do business within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. However, Universal provided no evidence its company was registered to do business within Pennsylvania.
Kentucky Derby Watched By Local Fans Staten, Sr. Golf Classic To Honor Dougherty
THE KENTUCKY Derby Watch Party was at Alma Mater, 7165 Germantown Avenue, including State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, Thomas Butler, Councilman Derek Green, Huntley Palmer and Stephen Robertson. Photo by Leona Dixon
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Postal Workers Hold Awards Banquet
PHILA./S. JERSEY Chapter of African American Postal League United for Success held its 30th Awards Banquet at Renaissance Hotel. They were entertained by Postal Workers Choir Group. Photo by David Ford
The Samuel Staten, Sr. Charitable Trust, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, will hold its 17th Annual Charity Golf Classic on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Spring Mill Country Club in Ivyland, Pa. The outing is being held in honor of John J. Dougherty, business manager of the Philadelphia Building Trades. Dougherty will be presented with the “Making A Difference” Award at the evening banquet. Founder Samuel Staten, Sr., who passed away last month, would be proud of the accomplishments of the charity he lent his name to. The Samuel Staten, Sr. Charitable Trust 17th annual Charity Golf Classic has brought the total funds raised over 17-plus years to an astounding $2 million. “The sheer amount of funds this charity has raised proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that organized labor is making a difference in our community,” said Samuel Staten, Jr., business manager LIUNA Local Union 332 and Secretary Treasurer of Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia & Vicinity. Staten, Jr. continued,
“When Mr. Staten, Sr. spoke about this charity in 2012 he said, ‘We chose our charities based on how they relate to our members. We have given to charities that research disease, educate youth, teach life values and provide a safe haven to disadvantaged children and much more. Our events continue to be magnificent successes. The longevity of the golf event and the funds we have raised for various charities prove that organized labor can truly make a difference in the community.’” Proceeds from this event benefits various 501(c)3 charities including the Qaâid Staten Memorial Scholarship Fund. This year, John Dougherty has chosen the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, a nonprofit organization that supports families of seriously ill children by creating a community of comfort and hope, as one of the charities to benefit from the funds raised at this event. Susan Campbell, executive director, Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, said, “The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House is honored to be a beneficiary of the Samuel Staten, Sr. Charitable Trust.”
ELEPHANT
law enforcement is to enforce the law is not the way to start the dialogue. White is advocating for her constituents, who constitute a broad group of Philadelphians. Last Thursday, Republican City Committee Fundraising CHAIRMAN BILL PETTIGREW showed his creative side. Pettigrew held the first in a series of “paint nights.” Pettigrew hopes to replicate this event in other parts of the city. The event was held at Republican City Committee headquarters in Mayfair. An art teacher instructed attendees on the use of acrylic paints to
design (of course) a picture of an elephant. Honestly, I had reservations about the premise of the event, but actually it was a lot of fun. A number of candidates stopped by to say hello, including incumbent STATE REPS. MARTINA WHITE and JIM PIO, who is running to oust STATE REP. KEVIN BOYLE in Dist. 172, as well as State Senate candidate ROSS FEINBERG, who is opposing incumbent STATE SEN. JOHN SABATINA (Dist. 5). Last Sunday, a number of local Republicans attended a
memorial service at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Haddon Heights for long-serving West Philadelphia Republican Committeeman and activist MAURICIO MENDEZ-VAZ. MendezVaz was a US Army veteran, merchant seaman and gradeschool teacher. He was known for his love of church music and sang in choirs throughout the city.
elsewhere. Prosecutors didn’t indict her, but they’re insinuating she was in on one of the alleged schemes, the one that sold her Porsche on paper to Vederman to cover up a bribe the Congressman allegedly paid him. I probably wouldn’t have been there either. Among the witnesses called on Tuesday, the trial’s second day, was Thomas Butler, the CEO and founder of Thom Educates, an organization that connects the city’s underprivileged children with educational opportunities. He was, at one time, executive director of Mercruiser/Yamaha/Volvopenta Johnson/Evinrude/Mercury Honda/Nissan/Tohatsu
CORE Philly, an organization that Fattah founded to provide last-dollar college scholarships to Philadelphia’s kids. He testified about some of the financial transactions between CORE Philly, EAA and Solutions for Progress. That he was there kinda bugged me, as did the fact these were all educational organizations that shouldn’t have been tied up in mayoral politics or illegal loans of any of this other nonsense. I’ll be at the courthouse most days throughout the eight-week trial. So watch this space.
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(Cont. From Page 13) here illegally is not one of them. Furthermore, prohibiting law enforcement from communicating with federal counterparts about criminals is not good for all of us. “This is very, very bad policy, very dangerous. It is driven by politicians that are overruling the judgment of the law-enforcement community, and we have already seen very tragic consequences,” stated Toomey. Closer to home, freshman STATE REP. MARTINA WHITE (Philadelphia Dist. 170) has proposed legislation that would require municipalities in the Commonwealth which refuse to honor federal warrants to be held financially responsible for losses incurred by victims of illegal immigrants’ crimes. White has been vilified for this proposal. She was cornered in her State House office by a group of immigration proponents who were screaming at her and blocking her ability to leave to go to the House floor. They accused her of being a racist. They believe the only reason White could possibly think people should not live here illegally is because she does not like minorities. That is an irrational and self-serving conclusion. If you want to modify US immigration policy, vilifying those who think the job of
ments in them. This whole thing looks like the Feds are prosecuting a Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations, or RICO, case. Which, since conspiracy is the first word that came up in the indictment, makes sense. On Monday, I sat in the same row as Fattah’s daughter Fran, her Mom, and Fattah’s Dad David. The Congressman’s wife, former NBC-10 anchor Renee Chenault Fattah, wasn’t there, something that didn’t escape the notice of the reporters in the courtroom. But it also made sense that Chenault Fattah was
The Public Record • May 19, 2016
(Cont. From Page 13) he created or worked with and taking bribes. Political consultants Gregory Naylor and Thomas Lingenfeld, the two men who secured the illegal loan, have already pled guilty and are expected to testify against Fattah. Al Lord II, the former Sallie Mae CEO who made the loan, testified on Tuesday after obtaining a grant of immunity from prosecution. What I’ve found most fascinating about the trial so far is the visual presentation of
Since conspiracy is the name of the game here, it is of course structured like a RICO. So here’s what I got from the afternoon session of the Chaka Fattah trial: One, most of the day was taken up with opening statements. The ones I caught were those of the attorneys representing Karen Nicholas and Bonnie Bowser. Two, because there are five defendants in this case, there have been a lot of trees killed in service to it. The government has thick binders marked “Schemes” that have thousands of pages of docu-
Page 15
OUT & ABOUT
this indictment. I spoke to a lawyer friend who says that drama is a big part of how a case like this gets presented. The drama is being set up. Every morning, the government’s attorneys – US Attorney Paul Gray, and Eric Gibson and Paul Kravis, the two attorneys brought in from Public Integrity – wheel in two carts filled with large binders filled with documents ranging from canceled checks to a litany of emails exchanged between the defendants and others. They’re numbered by “scheme,” which is what the charges are being called.
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Page 16
WALKING (Cont. From Page 13) DAY to Deputy Mayor Wilhelmina MOORE; not a “suit” coiffured aide, just a REAL person. Also to Nelson DIAZ, Esq. - a man who has done it all in public service! The COURT OF JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE removed Traffic Court Judge Michael SULLIVAN from office and stated he was ineligible to seek judicial office again. THREE QUESTIONS: Did we expect
them to rule otherwise? What makes them think Sullivan wants to seek judicial office again? Lastly, you gave another jurist back pay, and reinstatement?? Judges Carmella MULLEN and David SCHRAGER wisely issued a DISSENTING OPINION.... A timely line which is getting many posts on Facebook: “IF WE LIE TO THE GOVERNMENT, IT IS A FELONY. WHEN THE GOVERNMENT LIES TO US, IT IS POLITICS.”
In The Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action – Law No. 140503273 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Green Tree Servicing LLC, Plaintiff vs. The Unknown Heirs of Shirley Rembert, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s) To: The Unknown Heirs of Shirley Rembert, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 8633 Thouron Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19150. This firm is a debt collector and we are attempting to collect a debt owed to our client. Any information obtained from you will be used for the purpose of collecting the debt. You are hereby notified that Plaintiff, Green Tree Servicing LLC, has filed a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint endorsed with a notice to defend against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, docketed to No. 140503273, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 8633 Thouron Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19150, whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Phila. County. Notice: You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after the Complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. You should take this paper to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, go to or telephone the office set forth below. This office can provide you with information about hiring a lawyer. If you cannot afford to hire a Lawyer, this office may be able to provide you with information about agencies that may offer legal services to eligible persons at a reduced fee or no fee. Phila. Bar Assoc., One Reading Center, Phila., PA 19104, 215-238-6333. Michael T. McKeever, Atty. for Plaintiff, KML Law Group, P.C., Ste. 5000, Mellon Independence Center, 701 Market St., Phila., PA 19106-1532, 215.627.1322.
When Judge Glenn BRONSON set aside the defense motions in the Campbell wall-collapse case, it did not end the contention race had to do with those charged in the matter. The proper ruling was taken because Campbell’s counsel did not explain how witnesses, if called, would have helped the defendant. Period!... THREE STRIKEOUTS for editorial lovers. In one, Philly is consumed by corruption. It read that State Sen. Larry FARNESE never rose above being a backbencher in Harrisburg. Because Farnese has not been IN OFFICE long enough! I then wondered how they could remark about
by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: Bankruptcy judges: How are they picked? Answer: Bankruptcy judges were upgraded from magistrate status when bankruptcy laws were rewritten effective 1979. Bankruptcy judges are now appointed for terms of 14 years by the US
a favor culture here while riding to work on the Paoli Local (?). Philly lawmakers were not making strong alliances, it said (they make them every day). Another writing was against dropping the college requirement for police jobs, due to our convoluted way of governing. (Replace “governing” with “editorializing”). It discusses the Mayor’s thought process (there is a mind-reading job open in a local carnival for that one). One about City Council on trial – as a result of the jury award of $34,000 to Ori Feibush. Maybe the jury told us something in the MEAGER money award –
Court of Appeals for the Circuit in which the bankruptcy court is located. Bankruptcy judges are not judges under Article III of the Constitution, but like federal magistrate judges preside over Article I tribunals. Perhaps because the appointment process is devoid of involvement by politicians, it is endorsed by all involved.
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when $250,000 was sought? Council is NOT on trial, and the verdict will be appealed. A curious story stated that Council President Darrell CLARKE appears to favor keeping City Commissioners. But the Budget Hearings were NOT hearings to eliminate that office (?). Slow newsroom day?... An opinion piece in our Philadelphia Public Record wondered why the FBI charged State Sen. Larry Farnese on such a BS matter when there is the drug epidemic to deal with. One answer is that the FBI gotten too soft for such work (?). Another might be that US Attorney Zane David Memeger left prosecutorial work in 2006
and joined a local law firm where he dealt with white-collar crime and corporate investigations. The Dept. of Justice newsletter cites success with a felon with an illegal gun; a Lehigh County man enticing a child; an ambulance driver who gave false statements on health care; settlement; with a defense contractor over YACHT EXPENSES; and an Allentown man charged with child porn. That adds to wins over THREE PERSONS and a company with a YACHT. Meanwhile, our ELECTED officials are picked off by the unelected, while Eastern Pennsylvania quakes under the WEIGHT OF ILLEGAL DRUGS.
Each Circuit sets up an evaluation process, and protocols, for applicants to undergo. With feedback from those in the know, there is sufficient information for good choices to be made. There is even solicitation of anonymous feedback from bankruptcy practitioners when Judges are up for reappointment. However, bankruptcy judges serve as judicial officers of the United States District
Court under which they are established. The district courts are United States Courts under Article III of the Constitution. Bankruptcy judges serve their term unless they resign, retire, or removed, or die. A bankruptcy judge can only be removed for incompetence, misconduct, neglect of duty, or physical or mental disability. Next Week’s Question: Is a reverse mortgage an alternative to bankruptcy?
CITY HALL
was one of the key figures to try and block the implementation of Obamacare. Obamacare is probably the most-identifiable initiative of the Democrats of the last 20 years, yet a key person in the party apparatus was a staunch opponent. Perhaps BERNIE SANDERS has a point when he says the Democratic Party has been taken over by wealthy special interests. For our days. Neath the sun. Neath the stars. From the sky. All is well. Neath the sky. As we go. From the lakes. From the hills. This we know. God is nigh. I too have felt the chills while listening to “Taps”, but I have never seen all the words to this song until now.
(Cont. From Page 13) An interesting aspect about the Democratic National Committee’s convention coming up this summer in Philadelphia is ow they are funded. DAN HILFERTY is the CEO of Independence Blue Cross and chairman of the DNC’s Finance Committee. Hilferty
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(Cont. From Page 13) Day is done. Gone the sun. Fading light. If dims the sight. And a star. Gems the sky. Gleaming bright. From afar. Drawing nigh. Falls the night. Safely rest. God is nigh. Thanks and praise.
Dept. Of State Launches Voter Education Initiative The Pennsylvania Dept. of State has launched a voter-education initiative aimed at increasing participation in the electoral process. “Everyone votesPA” will provide a web-based educational toolkit as well as a series of inperson trainings to be held at locations around the state. Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés introduced the program during a press conference held at Harrisburg Area Community College. Also on hand were HACC President John J. “Ski” Sygielski; Susan Carty, president of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania; and Marian K. Schneider, Deputy Secretary for Elections and Administration. “Everyone votesPA will guide Pennsylvania electors through all aspects of voting, from registration to the actual experience at the polling place,” said Cortés. “Our goal is sim-
ple. We want to increase voter registration and the number of eligible citizens who go to the polls.” Approximately 2 million eligible Pennsylvanians are not registered to vote, according to Dept. of State statistics. The Everyone votesPA material is aimed at the voting public, civic-engagement groups and educational institutions. DOS is partnering with a variety of community groups, colleges
and universities, and county library systems to distribute the voter toolkit. During launch events, DOS staff presented the live program at HACC and at Shippensburg University. Schneider said education is key to making voting more accessible to all.“Already, we have greatly simplified the registration process through our online voter registration site,” Schneider said.
AT PENN’S 260th commencement, President Amy Gutmann walks into Franklin Field just ahead of Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Broadway hit show Hamilton, who gave commencement address at Franklin Field after being awarded an honorary doctorate degree. Photo by Bonnie Squires
City of Philadelphia
The Public Record • May 19, 2016
MASTERMAN Odyssey of the Mind Team heads to World Finals in Iowa to compete with over 800 other school students from around country after sendoff by City Council. Students are Julia Powers (5th Grade); Samuel Njogu (6th Grade); Drew Brown (7th Grade); Jordan Carrier (7th Grade); Regan Riley (7th Grade); Ariel Weinbaum (7th Grade) and William Cousineau (7th Grade). Photo by Leona Dixon
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Yeah, Masterman! Stars Light Up Franklin Field
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