Carson South Bay Communitty News

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Volume 5, No. 22 SmithPublish.com

Black History Month

Inside What’s Happening Around Town… 2 Government/Business ………..........4 Education/Sports…………………. .5 Asts & Entertainment………….…..6 Inspiration & Church News…….…7 Special Section…..…………………9 Just for Fun……….………..……..15 Calendar of Events…………....…..16 Business Directory……….……….17

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News & Entertainment from the Community!

Serving the cities that make up the South Bay in Southern California

February 1-15, 2011 Smithpublish@yahoo.com

Home Depot Hosts Job Fair Don't pass on the opportunity to work at one of the nation's elite sports and entertainment venues, and home to the LA Galaxy and Chivas USA. The Job Fair will take place at The Home Depot Center at 18400 Avalon Blvd.,Carson, California 90746, Friday, Feb. 4th -2pm and Sat. Feb. 5th, beginning at 9am.

Please enter the facility through Gate A, off of Avalon Blvd. The application and interview process at the Job Fair will take approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Available part time positions at the Job Fair include: Concessions Cashiers/Supervisors Restaurant positions - Bartenders, Servers, Cooks Parking Attendants Additional positions are available by applying online only**: Guest Service Representatives/Ticket Takers Box Office Ticket Sellers Retail Sales Associates Security Officers **Apply online for the positions listed above. CLICK HERE The Home Depot Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For questions, please call (310) 630-2000.

Miss Lolo has been serving the communities of Long Beach and Carson for over ten years. Miss LoLo just celebrated her 1st complete year in the South Pavilion Mall. Her company is based on the belief that her customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Her entire team works together and is committed to meeting those needs. Miss LoLo is really hands on and want to give her clientele a home away from home feel.

As a result, a high percentage of her business is from repeat customers and referrals.

Miss LoLo would love to welcome you into her world and earn your trust as your fashion expert.

Location: South Pavilion Mall 20700 Avalon Blvd Carson, CA 90746 www.misslolosfashions.com

Lula Davis-Holmes Candidate for Council Member, City of Carson Biographical Highlights Occupation: City of Carson Councilwoman Master's Degree in Public Administration Honored as one of 6 Magnificant Women 37th Congressional District Volunteer Award Member MLK Democratic Club Member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Member NAACP Carson/Torrance Branch Top Priorities if Elected Public Safety Unemployment and Prevailing Wages Housing for Seniors, and Residents with low Income

Upcoming City Council Meetings City of Carson – Tuesday, Feb. 1st - 6:30pm City of Long Beach – Tuesday, Feb. 1st – 5pm City of Torrance – Tuesday, Feb. 2st – 7pm City of Gardena – Tuesday, Feb. 8th – 7:30pm

Learn more CLICK HERE

Special Election for Jenny Oropeza Senate Seat Scheduled The Governor has set a special election date of February 15, 2011 to fill the 28th District State Senate seat occupied by the late Jenny Oropeza who was posthumously re-elected in November.

Former Assemblyman Ted Lieu (AD-53) is the frontrunner for the seat, having announced more than a month ago. Lieu was termed out of his Assembly seat and ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General. The special election is somewhat controversial, because it will be the first election to be held using Proposition 14's "Top 2" open primary structure. Every voter in a primary will get the same ballot, and the top 2 vote getters will go to the general election. In the February 15th election if no candidate gets a majority then the Top 2 will run-off on April 19th.

Carson Chamber of Commerce Presents The 11th Annual Business Expo Thursday, February 24, 2011 – 11:00am – 8:00pm Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center Call the Chamber to get your registration form 310-217-4590

YaYa's Designer Jewelry and Accessories El Segundo, California Designer Jewelry and Accessories.

Located at The Edge at Plaza El Segundo 700-D Allied Way El Segundo, Ca 90425 Open from 11am-8pm Daily phone# 310-615-1928 fax# 310-615-1927

Important Resources City of Carson City of Inglewood Southern California Gas Company Time Warner Cable City of Long Beach City of Compton Southern California Edison City of Los Angeles City of Torrance City of Gardena AT&T State of California City of Redondo Beach Carson Sheriff’s DirecTV White House

J.R. Smith & Friends Host The NBA All-Star Weekend TIP-OFF Friday, Feb 18 9:00p at Vertigos Bar & Grill, Los Angeles, CA Price: $40.00 - $50.00 Age Suitability: 21 and up

Great entertainment, dj mike smoove, & total entertainment group presents.....

J.R. Smith (Denver Nuggets & Young Money) & friends host **the NBA All-Star Weekend tip-off** February 18th 2011 | Door's open at 9pm-3am | 21+

On Heels of Oprah, Here Comes Compton Cricket Team

By Richard Horgan It’s been a while since The Homies and the Popz, a cricket team based in Compton, has hit the international road. But after UK visits in 1995, 97, 99 and 2001, the group is getting ready to bring its unique brand of gangland avoidance to Australia next month.

The team plans to visit Melbourne, Sydney and Alice Springs. The Down Under trip is the culmination of four years’ work by Australian university student Hugh Snelgrove, who became fascinated with the group several years back and traveled to LA in 2009 to watch them do a photo shoot. At that time, he was quickly (and sadly) reminded of the importance of the Homies mission. Writes Snelgrove: Team member Jesse Cazarez, 20, was not present at the UMBRO photo shoot with his older brother Emidio, because he wanted to watch the Super Bowl. After the game, while standing in the street talking to his neighbours about the outcome, he was killed in a random drive by shooting. The humble performance fee the team earned from the UMBRO photo shoot to be used to expand training programs, was spent burying one of their own instead.

When Snelgrove returned to Australia, he immediately had the words “Cricket Outta Compton” tattooed onto his left shoulder. Media coverage of the Compton cricket team has always been more generous overseas, and there’s no doubt that the Australian media will go bonkers over these guys once they arrive. Learn more at http://www.comptoncricketclub.org/.

Carson High School’s Darreus Rogers commits to USC Rogers (6-1, 190) committed to USC, after Trojan head coach Lane Kiffin visited his school.

According to Carson head coach Elijah Asante, he told Rogers that Kiffin was on campus today and that his scholarship offer from the Trojans was still on the table. In turn, Rogers told his high school coach that he was ready to call the Trojan coaches and commit. Rogers said that he had spoken to his parents about the decision and was ready to pull the trigger.

"He loves the tradition, he loves the environment and he wanted to say close to home," Asante told ESPN's Greg Biggins. "He camped with them last summer and he loved it."

Rogers is also friends with many of the 2011 recruits heading to USC.

Cal State Dominguez Hosting Author Terry McMillan Lecture & Book Signing Author of "Waiting to Exhale" will be talking about the power of the written word and signing copies of her book, Tuesday, February 15th, 6:00pm - 9:00pm.

The lecture is sponsored by the following on-campus organizations: Toro Productions, the Loker Student Union, the 50th Anniversary Committee, Black Faculty and Staff Association, the Multicultural Center, the Office of Alumni Programs, and the University Bookstore.

For more info, contact Toro Productions at (310) 243-2640

The Whale & Ale First Thursday’s Art Walk 327 W. 7th Street (310) 832-0363 www.whaleandale.com Come take a break at The Whale and Ale in between checkout out art galleries and activities of the night! From 5pm – 10pm you can enjoy a special 2 course dinner with live music from Izon Eden.

Featured Ministry 370 Amapola Ave., Suite 208 Torrance, CA 90501 (310) 972-2910 Saturday Service: 5pm at Hope Chapel Gateway Sunday Service: 9:30 and 11am Holiday Inn Enjoy a video performance of the worship service featuring Cato Webb.

CLICK THE PICTURE

It’s A Love Affair Banquet Greater Open Door COGIC Saturday, February 19th – 5pm – 9pm Long Beach Bible College 455 East Artesia Blvd.

Long Beach, CA For tickets, call 562-423-8653

A Word…….

Life Dance Without Him

by Gina Johnson Smith (www.thoughtsdecisionsactions.com) We are born and we die and in between we attempt to figure this life out.

As children we are at our purest place. We see things with fresh eyes and a fresh mind. We don't read much into things. We take things at face value. This is the closest we ever get to being at the beginning - like Adam and Eve. We are pure. We see people.

As time goes by and experiences color our world through hurt and deception, we become jaded. We expect the hurt of disappointment. We steel ourselves for it to dull the pain. We know it’s coming, but we want it blurred. We want it softened. As years tumble on we learn to medicate ourselves through illicit acts - through sex, drugs, alcohol, ugly behavior and the like. We medicate ourselves against the hurts of this life. Our medication of choice helps us make it through the day.

As adults, out from under the watchful gaze of our parents, we discover our free will. We embrace the illicitness of "stolen waters" - and justify that everyone else is doing it, so too must we. For a season we eat and drink our fill. And along the way we are told about Him. We are given a glimpse of who He is and what He has to offer, yet we continue the life dance without Him. READ MORE CLICK HERE

Carson/South Bay Community News Talks Exclusively to of

Toushonta Hogan has always been creative, but life demanded that she be practical….that is until one day a gift of handmade soap from a friend changed her life. This moment opened her mind to possibilities…and Scentsational Soaps was born.

Today Scensational Soaps brings you an array of products made with only the best ingredients, with NO water, NO preservatives, NO mineral oil, and NO animal testing. CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO COMMERCIAL

A&A: Thank you for taking the time to talk with Authors & Artists Magazine about you and your business “Scentsational Soaps”.

A&A: First, what a beautiful name you have – Toushonta.

Who named you? What does your name mean?

Thank you. I was named by my father who named me after Toussaint-L'Ouverture; the leader of the Haitian Revolution. My father added the last syllable to complete the name.

A&A: What were you like as a child? Were you creative? If so, in what ways?

As a child, I was very creative. I enjoyed drawing and making handmade cards.

A&A: Who closely identified with your creativity in your family?

My mom, she is very creative and loves crafts. She always said using her hands while being creative gives her “peace.”

“I knew I had to take control of my future and create a job. – Toushonta Hogan A&A: We understand you attended Cal State Dominguez Hills – Go Toros! Tell us about your experiences there?

Yes, I did. I loved Cal State Dominguez Hills. My experience there was very gratifying. I received my Business Administration Degree with an emphasis in Human Resources in 2007. I met some wonderful people there as well as teachers, whom I still stay in contact with today.

A&A: What were your plans after graduation?

My plan after graduation was to get a job and contribute to the household. I went on several interviews with the intention that I would work at either Sony Pictures or Neutrogena in their Human Resources Department. However, after not receiving a phone call from either company, I knew that I had to take control of my future and create a job. I immediately asked God what my purpose was, and before I knew it, within a month after completing college, he had revealed to me my talent and purpose that had always been within me!

A&A: We heard you started Scentsational Soaps after receiving a bar of handmade soap from a friend. Tell us about this?

Yes, my girlfriend has very sensitive skin and she would travel very far to purchase her soap from a Farmers Market. One day she brought back a bar of soap for me. As I was taking a shower, I was so fascinated with the color, the smell and the quality of the soap that I was excited to start making my own.

A&A: I would say your inability to find a job was divine intervention!

How did you come to the decision to start this business?

After seeing the bar of soap that my girlfriend gave me and noticing that I could not find a job, I began teaching myself how to make soap with my kids. After making several bars of soap and testing the market with close friends and colleagues, I noticed that I had created a business. I would stay up for long hours researching and educating myself about the different products, ingredients, packaging, etc. to make the right selection to incorporate in my line.

A&A: How much support or opposition did you experience?

When I first started my business, I believe that the only opposition that I had experienced was trying to establish my identity in the market. Being that there’s lots of competition in the health &beauty industry, I had to position myself with the right target audience. As far as support, my husband, mother, best friend and my marketing manager have all played an instrumental part of my life since Scentsational Soaps inception.

A&A: Despite the challenges of starting a business, what has made you persevere to the level of success you’ve currently experienced?

Despite the challenges of starting a business, what has made me persevere to the level of success that I’m currently experiencing has everything to do with my kids. I have both a girl and a boy who actively help me (mommy) with the business. I work hard for my children because I want them to be exposed to what “life” has to offer. The world is full of opportunities!

A&A: You started with handmade, natural soaps and have expanded to other products. Tell us about them.

Yes, originally we started with glycerin soap and later expanded to the cold process way of making soap. The cold process way of making soap is a tedious but joyous process to make the best natural soap. With different soap oils to choose from, it makes customizing a soap for various types of skin, exciting! Our product line consist of soy candles, bath salts, body butters, lip balms, salt glows, massage oils, bath teas and bath melts. Recently, we just added our massage candles.

A&A: You have an “Awareness” Soap. Tell us about this product.

Our “ Awareness” Soap was made in recognition of my mom who is a two time Breast Cancer Survivor. I wanted to show others how to turn a bad situation into a blessing for others. Each time we sell a soap, a percentage of the proceeds goes to a non-profit organization helping individuals fight against cancer; A Daughters Heart.

A&A: What is the philosophy of your company?

Our philosophy is that nature has already provided us with the resources to develop and sustain healthy living. Through careful research and investigation while exercising moral discipline our company can discover, develop and distribute such a product at an affordable price. It is only with this directive that we can truly promote better living.

A&A: You offer individuals an opportunity to become a consultant. How does this program work?

Yes, we do. For a small fee, an individual can become a consultant and earn up to 50% with our program. Within a few days of signing our agreement, they’ll receive the necessary tools to start selling immediately online, face to face, or through private parties.

A&A: You also have a line of products for men. Tell us about the products and the response from men that have used them?

When we started developing our business, we wanted to incorporate a men’s line that would allow men to look, feel and smell “attractive.” We offer body butters, salt glows, and soap. The responses from the men have been amazing. Most only wear our product without cologne as our products are scented especially for the “manly” man.

A&A: Your products are available in some stores. How did this distribution angle come into play?

The distribution angle came into play when we wanted to appear on the shelves of spas, salons, etc. To test the market, we first started on a consignment basis and later transitioned those stores into wholesale accounts.

A&A: Where do you see your business in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see my business as an international brand working in an auto pilot mode.

A&A: What advice would you give other individuals passionate about starting their own business?

The advice that I would give others who are passionate about starting their own business would be three words “ Believe In Yourself.” Too many times, myself included, we find fault in ourselves. We have the ability to do anything imaginable if we believe. I encourage other entrepreneurs to do just that “BELIEVE” and soar “HIGH.” A&A: Lastly, what do you know for sure? What I know for sure is that staying positive and being persistent DEFINITELY pays off. Don’t give up! Even when it looks dim, it’s a must that you continue and carry on!

For more information on Toushonta Hogan and Scentsational Soaps, visit www.scentsationalsoaps.biz .

Movie Actors

Think About It...

Jude Law Judy Davis Julianna Marguilles Juliette Lewis Kate Beckinsale Kate Nelligan Kathleen Turner Katrin Cartldge Keith David Kenneth Branagh Kevin Conway Kevin J. O’Connor

Judge Reinhold Julia Roberts Julie Hagerty Justin Theroux Kate Capshaw Kate Winslet Kathy Bates Keanu Reeves Kelly Lynch Kenneth Mars Kevin Costner

Judi Dench Julia Stiles Juliet Stevenson Karen Allen Kate Hudson Kathleen Quinlan Katie Holmes Keith Carradine Kelly Preston Kevin Bacon Kevin Dunn

Life is a gift. It offers us the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to give something back by becoming more. – Anthony Robins

Learn Salsa Dancing!

Southbay Pavilion at Carson Food Court Area Saturday, Feb. 5th 2pm – 5pm 20700 Avalon Blvd.

Carson, CA

Zumba Classes Shear Rhythm Dance Studio Saturday, Feb. 19th 9am 4126 Viking Way #220 Long Beach, CA 90808 Come Join the Party! The goal of Zumba® is “to move fast and have fun”. No dance experience necessary.

CLASSES HELD: 7:00 p.m. Thursday & 9:00 a.m. Saturday at Shear Rhythm Dance Studio 4126 Viking Way, #220, L.B. (upstairs and directly across from Cirivello’s Sport Stop)

Noah's Ark Sunday February 20, 2011 from 10:00am - 5:00pm Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd Los Angeles, California 90049

Inspired by the ancient flood story, which has parallels in diverse cultures around the world, this one-of-a-kind exhibition invites visitors of all generations to have fun, connect with one another, learn the value of community, and help build a better world.

Carson/South Bay Community News Business & Service Directory Submit your listing for $200 per year: Listing in 24 digital editions, linked to website of your choice, listing included in www.smithpublish.com business directory, blog/comment about your business once per month. Submit your listing TODAY!

NON-PROFITS/ ORGANIZATIONS African American Coalition 1771 Avalon Blvd. #410 Carson, CA 90746 310-538-9318 City of Carson 701 E. Carson Street Carson, CA 90745 310-830-7600 http://ci.carson.ca.us

PEST CONTROL Dewey Pest Control 21111 S. Figueroa St. Carson, CA 90745 310-328-0553 www.deweypest.com

FOOD/RESTAURANTS Diana Mexican Food Products 16330 S. Pioneer Blvd.

Norwalk, CA 90650 Carson Chamber of Commerce 530 E. Del Amo Blvd.

Carson, CA 90746 310-217-4590 http://www.carsonchamber.com/i ndex.php

FINANCE Ace Home Loans, Inc. 940 E. Dominguez St. Ste. G Carson, CA 90746 310-353-5600 www.acehomeloans.net

PARTY RENTAL Ace Party Rentals 305 W. Torrance Blvd.

Carson, CA 90745 310-324-8100 www.acepartyrents.com

Get Listed TODAY!