Valley's News Observer 10.5.23

Gov. Newsom Names Gay Black Woman to Succeed Sen. Dianne Feinstein

The Valley’s The Valley’s One!Take News Observer Grant Program for Black Women Entrepreneurs

Blocked by Court

NEW YORK (AP) –– A grant program for businesses run by Black women was temporarily blocked by a federal appeals court in a case epitomizing the escalating battle over corporate diversity policies.

The 2-1 decision by the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily prevents the Fearless Fund from running the Strivers Grant Contest, which awards $20,000 to businesses that are at least 51% owned by Black women, among other requirements.

Antonio Ray Harvey

California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that his choice to succeed U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who passed away on Sept. 29, is Laphonza Butler, a labor leader and the president of EMILY’s List – the country’s most extensive resource for women in politics.

“As we mourn the enormous loss of Senator Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for — reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence — have never been under greater assault. Laphonza will carry the baton left by Senator Feinstein, continue to break glass ceilings, and fight for all Californians in Washington D.C.,” said Newsom in a statement released Oct. 1.

Butler will make history as California’s first openly LGBTQ+ U.S Senator and the first Black lesbian to openly serve in the U.S. Congress. She will join 47 other Democrats and three independents who caucus with the Democrats in the Senate for the remainder of Feinstein’s term, which ends in December 2024.

“An advocate for women and girls, a second-generation fighter for working people, and a trusted adviser to Vice President Harris, Laphonza Butler represents the best of California, and she’ll represent us proudly in the United States Senate,” Newsom stated.

Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), says he is proud of Newsom’s choice.

“As a proud member of @CABlackCaucus and Assemblymember for #AD65, I am extremely proud that @GavinNewsom stood by his commitment as he always has,” Gipson wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “And I appreciate him for standing by his word and providing a great successor amidst the passing of the honorable Senator Feinstein,”

“I am always excited when a Black Woman is elevated. Laphonza Butler will represent California well and will bring a perspective to the US Senate that is desperately needed as a Black, LGBTQ+, mother, organizer, and labor leader,” said Kellie Todd Griffin, founding convener of the California Black Women’s Collective.

“My goal is to lift up the voices and needs of Black Women throughout state,” continued Todd Griffin. “That’s what we did three years ago when we created Keep the Seat and what we did in this case. We will keep pushing for what we believe is right regardless of the outcomes.”

Butler, recognized as a Democratic Strategist and a labor leader, served for seven years as President of SEIU United Long Term Care Workers (ULTCW). The union she led represents over 325,000 nursing home and home- care workers across California.  Newsom, who has the constitutional responsibility to appoint a replacement, promised he would select a Black woman if Feinstein chose to step down before her term ended in 2024. He made that statement in 2021 after he chose Alex Padilla to fill the vacancy left by Sen. Kamala Harris when she resigned to become vice president. Black women groups had been urging him to appoint a Black woman to succeed Harris.

Until Butler is seated, the U.S. Senate has no Black women members even though Black women are the most influential – and most loyal – voting group within the Democratic party. More than 90 % of Black women

voted for Joe Biden in the last presidential election. Before Newsom’s announcement that he had been chosen her to succeed Feinstein, Butler expressed her condolences on X. She wrote, “I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Sen.@DianneFeinstein. Not only was she a titan in the Senate, but a legendary figure for women in politics and around the country. Her legacy and achievements will not be forgotten. My prayers are with her family. She will be deeply missed.”

Since Feinstein’s passing was announced, pressure had been mounting on Newsom to quickly appoint an interim Senator in her place.  Three well known candidates running to succeed her in the 2024 election are Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-CA-28) and Rep. Katie Porter (D – CA-45). Lee, the only Black woman contending for Feinstein’s seat, congratulated Butler in a post on X. “I wish Laphonza well and look forward to working closely with her to deliver for the people of the Golden State,” she wrote.

On Oct.1, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) wrote a letter to Newsom urging him to appoint Lee. “She is the only person with the courage, the vision, and the record to eradicate poverty, face down the fossil fuel industry, defend our democracy, and tirelessly advance the progressive agenda,” CBC Chairman Steven Horsford (D-Nevada), stated in the letter to Newsom. “For these reasons, we strongly urge you to appoint Congresswoman Barbara Lee to the United States Senate.”

Newsom had expressed that his appointee would not participate in the 2024 election out of respect for the candidates already running. However, this stance has changed. Now the decision to run in the 2024 election lies with Butler. The deadline for candidates to file for the office is Dec. 8.

Butler, a native of Magnolia, Mississippi, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Jackson State University, an HBCU located in Mississippi.

“I’m honored to accept Gov. Gavin Newsom’s nomination to be U.S. Senator for a state I have made my home and honored by his trust in me to serve the people of California and this great nation,”, Butler posted on X.

Nelson Mandela’s Granddaughter Dies from Cancer

Senior National Correspondent

According to a family spokesperson, Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of South Africa’s inaugural democratically elected President and global icon Nelson Mandela, succumbed to cancer at the age of 43.

Recently, the younger Mandela has garnered recognition for her candid accounts of her battle with cancer, offering a poignant insight into her treatment journey. She was equally forthright about her history of drug addiction, shedding light on issues many faces in silence.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation expressed deep reverence for her work, stating that she inspired cancer awareness and played a pivotal role in dismantling the stigma associated with the disease.

Mandela was a champion for cancer awareness, bravely shared her struggles with depression, and disclosed that she had endured childhood sexual abuse. Additionally, she proved at the forefront of the cause of improved road safety after a tragic car accident claimed the life of her 13-yearold daughter in 2010. Tragically, she also lost a prematurely born son. Mandela leaves behind four children.

Hailing from the lineage of Nelson Mandela’s second wife, Winnie, Mandela penned her remarkable journey in

Claudine Gay

her autobiography,  When Hope Whispers. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 32, she initially went into remission, only to face a recurrence of the illness. Last year, she revealed the disheartening news of cancer’s presence in her liver and lungs, subsequently spreading to other vital organs. Though she received outpatient care, Mandela checked into a hospital over a week ago.

In a poignant Instagram post from August 2022, she reflected, “What do I tell my children? How do I tell them that this time around I may not get to live my life as a survivor? How do I tell them everything will be OK when it’s not? I’m dying... I don’t want to die.” During an interview with Kaya FM in April, Mandela shared, “I’m learning to be okay with my eventuality.” Her unvarnished revelations garnered her a substantial following on social media platforms, where heartfelt tributes continue to pour in.

“Utterly tragic loss of a human being in her grandfather’s footsteps. A decent, honest human being in a dishonest, hypocritical world,” lamented one individual on social media. Another wrote on Instagram beneath the Mandela family’s announcement, “You were one of the bravest people I know, and you inspired many people on your life’s journey of hope.”

Assumes Historic Role as

Harvard University’s First Black President

National Correspondent

Harvard University now has its first Black president, Claudine Gay, who already has made her mark in the institution’s history. Gay also stands as only the second woman to helm the university since its founding in 1640 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

During her inaugural address, Gay articulated her vision for the Ivy League institution, acknowledging the weight and honor of this groundbreaking appointment. (Photo Credit: Washington Informer)

During her inaugural address, Gay articulated her vision for the Ivy League institution, acknowledging the weight and honor of this groundbreaking appointment. “I stand before you today humbled by the prospect of leading Harvard,” remarked Gay amidst a rainy inauguration ceremony last Friday. “Emboldened by the trust you have placed in me and energized by your own commitment to this singular institution and to the common cause of higher education.” The new president went on to emphasize Harvard’s historical role as an agent of change, stating, “The courage of this University — our resolve, against all odds — to question the world as it is and imagine and make a better one: It is what Harvard was made to do,” she

exclaimed.

Harvard Corporation, the university’s main governing body, chose Gay after an extensive search process. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, who attended Harvard, praised Gay’s presidency in a speech. She called it a “truly historic” moment and expressed her admiration and support. Gay earned her Ph.D. in government from Harvard in 1998 and joined the faculty in 2006. She previously held the distinguished position of Edgerley Family Dean of Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences and is recognized as an expert in political behavior. She also serves as the founding chair of the Inequality in America Initiative which was launched in 2017 to examine social and economic inequalities.

Outgoing president Lawrence Bacow characterized her as “a person of bedrock integrity,” according to CNN. Bacow also expressed confidence in Gay’s “moral compass,” which he said remains essential for guiding the prestigious university. He praised the search committee for choosing Gay and predicted a bright future under her leadership.

In a statement Sunday, the Atlanta-based Fearless Fund said it would comply with the order but remained confident of ultimately prevailing in the lawsuit. The case was brought by the American Alliance for Equal Rights, a group run by conservative activist Edward Blum, who argues that the fund violates a section of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which prohibits racial discrimination in contracts. “We strongly disagree with the decision and remain resolute in our mission and commitment to address the unacceptable disparities that exist for Black women and other women of color in the venture capital space,” the Fearless Fund said.

The order, issued Saturday, reversed a ruling Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash which denied the American Alliance`s request to halt the program. The majority on the three-judge panel wrote that the Fearless Fund`s program`s is “racially exclusionary” and that Blum`s group is likely to prevail.

“The members of the American Alliance for Equal Rights are gratified that the 11th Circuit has recognized the likelihood that the Fearless Strivers Grant Contest is illegal,” Blum said in a statement. “We look forward to the final resolution of this lawsuit.”

In his dissent, Judge Charles R. Wilson said it was a “perversion of Congressional intent” to use the 1866 act against the Fearless Fund`s program, given that the Reconstruction-era law was intended to protect Black people from economic exclusion. Wilson said the lawsuit was unlikely to succeed. The case has become a test case as the battle over racial considerations shifts to the workplace following the U.S. Supreme Court’s June ruling ending affirmative action in college admissions.

The grant contest is among several programs run by the Fearless Fund, which was established to bridge the gap in funding access for Black female entrepreneurs, who receive less than 1% of venture capital funding. To be eligible for the grants, a business must be at least 51% owned by a Black woman, among otherInqualifications. its majority opinion, the appellate panel disagreed, writing that the First Amendment “does not give the defendants the right to exclude persons from a contractual regime based on their race.”

Nooses Found at Construction Site Lead to Lawsuit Against Amazon

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) –– Five Black and Hispanic electricians who felt threatened when several nooses were found at an Amazon warehouse construction site in Connecticut have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the company and two contractors, accusing them of inaction, retaliation and racial discrimination.

The state chapter of the NAACP had called for hate crime charges, but no one was ever arrested.

“Plaintiffs were terrified to be in the crosshairs of an FBI investigation,” says the lawsuit, which was filed Sept. 21 in U.S. District Court. “As men of color from poor and working-class backgrounds, they all had tenuous relationships with law enforcement. Here, they had vocally complained as witnesses to hateful criminal conduct in their workplace and yet they were now being treated as perpetrators.”

Seattle-based Amazon, Wayne J. Griffin Electric and RC Andersen are named as defendants in the lawsuit. The electricians worked for Wayne J. Griffin Electric, based in Holliston, Massachusetts, while RC Andersen, based in Fairfield, New Jersey, was the construction manager for the distribution center project.Phone and email messages seeking comment were left Thursday for Amazon, the two contractors, the companies` lawyers and the FBI.

The lawsuit alleges violations of federal and state laws, including racial discrimination and creating a hostile work environment. It seeks an undisclosed amount of money for damages.

“One of the primary points of the case is obviously that no people of color should have to work in an environment where even one noose is hung,” said Stephen Fitzgerald, a New Haven lawyer for the electricians. “A noose is the most hateful symbol of racism in this country.”

The plaintiffs were among about 50 Griffin electricians working at the site, along with iron workers from Texas, who were displaying confederate flags. Some of the nooses were hung up, while others were found on the floor, the lawsuit states.

After the first two nooses were found in late April 2021, Amazon and the contractors did not do anything to prevent further incidents, such as instituting security patrols, the lawsuit alleges.

The electricians installed security cameras at the site, but the cameras were never turned on and were pointed away from areas inside the building were nooses might be hung, the suit claims.

While law enforcement authorities investigated, Griffin officials made comments to the plaintiffs accusing them of leaving the nooses in efforts to be transferred to other jobs that paid a higher rate, the suit alleges.

The electricians also allege that FBI officials first talked to Griffin managers. The way an FBI agent later questioned the plaintiffs suggested he believed the electricians were the perpetrators, the suit says.

The lawsuit says Amazon, Griffin and RC Andersen failed to take adequate steps to stop the noose incidents. It alleges the companies were aware of the problem of nooses at Amazon work sites as early as 2017, when a noose was found at an Amazon distribution center in Bloomfield, Connecticut, also near Hartford. Another noose was found at an Amazon construction site in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, in March 2022, the lawsuit says.

House Republicans Target Title I Education Grants in Controversial Spending Cuts

The

Senior National Correspondent

House Republicans are set to decide the fate of Title I education grants, a federal program providing critical support for low-income students nationwide. The proposed cuts, amounting to nearly 80 percent, have raised concerns about the future of educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.

The vote, which hinges on a procedural motion to advance spending bills, represents a final play to appease hardline Republicans and demonstrate the party’s commitment to enacting sweeping, year-long spending reductions. However, experts caution that this move will do little to avert an impending government shutdown scheduled for Sunday.

An in-depth analysis by Bobby Kogan and Jean Ross of the Center for American Progress, a leading liberal think tank, reveals that Republicans had proposed 12 bills that would slash nondefense discretionary spending by an alarming $58 billion beyond the previously agreed amount between President Biden and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy in May when they brokered a deal to raise the debt limit. Notably, the analysis excludes Department of Veterans Affairs medical care spending.

The proposed cuts are far from uniform, with some government programs set to face more severe reductions than others. Surprisingly, several bills championed by House Republicans would result in increased spending rather than the anticipated reductions.

Of particular concern is the analysis showing that a quarter of all projected savings from the House Republicans’ bills hinge on an unprecedented 80 percent reduction in funding for Title I education grants, a cornerstone of

support for low-income schools, potentially saving $14.7 billion.

Even the recommendations made by the Center for Renewing America, a think tank run by Russ Vought, the former director of the White House budget, are less drastic than the proposed cuts to Title I education grants. Title I is instrumental in providing essential financial assistance to local educational agencies striving to meet state content and performance standards in reading, language arts, and mathematics. The impact of such cuts would be felt nationwide. For example, District of Columbia Public Schools (DPS) have 88 Title 1 schools and campuses, which means each possess a poverty rate of at least 35%. According to DPS, Title I schools allocate 1% of the Title funding for parent and family engagement activities that strengthen the collaborative relationship between the school and the families.

“Title I funding helps fill in the gaps that have existed in all our systems for generations, especially in our public schools,” Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, told reporters. “It is unconscionable that House Republicans would try to strip away desperately needed funds from our most vulnerable, most marginalized students.”

Title I is instrumental in providing essential financial assistance to local educational agencies striving to meet state content and performance standards in reading, language arts, and mathematics.

Government Shutdown Averted With Little Time to Spare as Biden Signs Funding Before Midnight

Kevin Freking And Stephen Groves

WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a federal government shutdown suddenly lifted late Saturday as President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open with little time to spare after Congress rushed to approve the bipartisan deal.

The package drops aid to Ukraine, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases federal disaster assistance by $16 billion, meeting Biden’s full request. The bill funds government until Nov. 17.

After chaotic days of turmoil in the House, Speaker Kevin McCarthy abruptly abandoned demands for steep spending cuts from his right flank and instead relied on Democrats to pass the bill, at risk to his own job. The Senate followed with final passage closing a whirlwind day at the Capitol.

“This is good news for the American people,” Biden said in a statement.

He also said the United States “cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted” and expected McCarthy “will keep his commitment to the people of Ukraine and secure passage of the support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment.”

It’s been a sudden head-spinning turn of events in Congress ahead of the midnight funding deadline after grueling days in the House pushed the government to the brink of a disruptive federal shutdown.

The outcome ends, for now, the threat of a shutdown,

but the reprieve may be short-lived. Congress will again need to fund the government in coming weeks risking a crisis as views are hardening, particularly among the rightflank lawmakers whose demands were ultimately swept aside this time in favor of a more bipartisan approach.

“We’re going to do our job,” McCarthy, R-Calif., said before the House vote. “We’re going to be adults in the room. And we’re going to keep government open.”

If no deal was in place before Sunday, federal workers would have faced furloughs, more than 2 million activeduty and reserve military troops would have had to work without pay and programs and services that Americans rely on from coast to coast would have begun to face shutdown disruptions.

“It has been a day full of twists and turns, but the American people can breathe a sigh of relief: There will be no government shutdown,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

The package funds government at current 2023 levels until mid-November, and also extends other provisions, including for the Federal Aviation Administration. The package was approved by the House 335-91, with most Republicans and almost all Democrats supporting. Senate passage came by an 88-9 vote.

But the loss of Ukraine aid was devastating for lawmakers of both parties vowing to support President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after his recent Washington visit. The Senate bill included $6 billion for Ukraine, and both chambers came to a standstill Saturday as lawmakers assessed their options.

“The American people deserve better,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, warning in a lengthy floor speech that “extreme” Republicans were risking a shutdown.

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For the House package to be approved, McCarthy was forced to rely on Democrats because the speaker’s hardright flank has said it will oppose any short-term funding measure, denying him the votes needed from his slim majority. It’s a move that is sure to intensify calls for his ouster.

After leaving the conservative holdouts behind, McCarthy is almost certain to be facing a motion to try to remove him from office, though it is not at all certain there would be enough votes to topple the speaker. Most Republicans voted for the package Saturday while 90 opposed.

“If somebody wants to remove me because I want to be the adult in the room, go ahead and try,” McCarthy said of the threat to oust him. “But I think this country is too important.”

The White House was tracking the developments on Capitol Hill and aides were briefing the president, who was spending the weekend in Washington.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who has championed Ukraine aid despite resistance from his own ranks, is expected to keep pursuing U.S. support for Kyiv in the fight against Russia.

“I have agreed to keep fighting for more economic and security aid for Ukraine,” McConnell, R-Ky., said before the vote.

Late at night, the Senate stalled when Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., held up the vote, seeking assurances Ukraine funds would be reconsidered.

“I know important moments are like this, for the

United States, to lead the rest of the world,” Bennet said, noting his mother was born in Poland in 1938 and survived the Holocaust. “We can’t fail.”

The House’s quick pivot comes after the collapse Friday of McCarthy’s earlier plan to pass a Republican-only bill with steep spending cuts up to 30% to most government agencies and strict border provisions that the White House and Democrats rejected as too extreme. A faction of 21 hard-right Republican holdouts opposed it.

“Our options are slipping away every minute,” said one senior Republican, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida.

The federal government had been heading straight into a shutdown that posed grave uncertainty for federal workers in states all across America and the people who depend on them — from troops to border control agents to office workers, scientists and others.

Families that rely on Head Start for children, food benefits and countless other programs large and small were confronting potential interruptions or outright closures.

At the airports, Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers had been expected to work without pay, but travelers could have faced delays in updating their U.S. passports or other travel documents.

The White House has brushed aside McCarthy’s overtures to meet with Biden after the speaker walked away from the debt deal they brokered earlier this year that set budget levels.

Catering to his hard-right flank, McCarthy had made

multiple concessions including returning to the spending limits the conservatives demanded back in January as part of the deal-making to help him become the House speaker. But it was not enough as the conservatives insisted the House follow regular rules, and debate and approve each of the 12 separate spending bills needed to fund the government agencies, typically a months-long process. In the Senate, all the no votes against the package came from Republicans.

McCarthy’s chief Republican critic, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, has warned he will file a motion calling a vote to oust the speaker.

Some of the Republican holdouts, including Gaetz, are allies of former President Donald Trump, who is Biden’s chief rival in the 2024 race. Trump has been encouraging the Republicans to fight hard for their priorities and even to “shut it down.”

At an early closed-door meeting at the Capitol, several House Republicans, particularly those facing tough reelections next year, urged their colleagues to find a way to prevent a shutdown.

“All of us have a responsibility to lead and to govern,” said Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York.

The lone House Democrat to vote against the package, Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois, the co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, said, “Protecting Ukraine is in our national interest.”

proposed cuts are far from uniform, with some government programs set to face more severe reductions than others. Surprisingly, several bills championed by House Republicans would result in increased spending rather than the anticipated reductions.

Twenty-Seven Years Later: Suspect Arrested in Murder of Tupac Shakur

Duane Keith Davis is a member of the California-based gang known as The South Side Compton Crips and was a childhood friend of N.W.A. member Eazy-E. During the early ‘90s, Davis built a friendly relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs. Rumors that someone would be charged in Shakur’s death have swirled for years with no arrests made.

Twenty-seven years after the death of one of the most noted rappers in history of the genre, a man has been arrested for the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur.

As the years have gone by some suspects have come into the news while others have passed away. On September 29, 2023, a man named Duane Keith Davis was arrested in Las Vegas and charged in connection with the murder of Shakur.

The rapper and actor was killed on September 13, 1996 in Las Vegas, at the age of 25, after being shot four times. He died less than a week later at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. Since then, Shakur’s death has lingered on as a mystery that has never been brought to a conclusion.

Davis is a member of the California-based gang known as The South Side Compton Crips and was a childhood friend of N.W.A. member Eazy-E. During the early ‘90s, Davis built a friendly relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs. Rumors that someone would be charged in Shakur’s death have swirled for years with no arrests made.

Tupac’s life was short but marked by artistic achievement in music and acting. His family moved to Baltimore and he attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, where he studied acting, poetry, jazz, and ballet. In the late 1980s, Tupac moved to California, where he joined the hip-hop group Digital Underground as a backup dancer and rapper. He gained recognition for his skills and charisma on stage.

In addition to his storied music career, Shakur pursued acting and appeared in films such as “Juice” (1992), “Poetic

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Justice” (1993), “Above the Rim” (1994), and “Gridlock’d” (1997). He received praise for his acting talent.

Tupac Shakur was born in East Harlem to Afeni Shakur, a

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Fentanyl is being used to make counterfeit pills and is being laced into other illicit drugs. Make sure your teens know the facts.

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attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación. Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es

recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, www.sucorte. ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte

California Black Media Political Playback: News You Might Have Missed

Candidacy for Governor of California

On Sept. 26, California Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) Tony Thurmond released a video announcing that he is running for governor in 2026.

In the video, Thurmond, 55, said his candidacy is “about people.”

“California has had a lot of governors,” Thurmond states in the introduction of his announcement. “My story is nothing like theirs.”

“I didn’t come from money, power or influence,” he continued. “Mom emigrated from Panama and became a classroom teacher, but died when I was six years old. My dad served the nation but left us after the Vietnam war.”

Raised by his mother’s cousin, Thurmond, who represented Richmond in the State Legislature from 2014 to 2018, shared the many lessons he learned from his childhood -- about the value of hard work, pushing through adverse circumstances and focusing on success.

Also in the race for governor are Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounilakis and former California state Controller Betty Yee.

Secretary of State Weber, Atty. Gen. Bonta Warn

Huntington Beach: Voting Proposal Would Violate State Law

On Oct. 5, 2023, the Huntington Beach City Council will decide whether it will approve a plan to put a proposal before voters in March 2024 asking them whether the city should require voter identification during the city municipal polls.

However, on Sept. 28, Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Weber wrote a letter to Huntington Beach warning the city’s leaders that the proposal is in violation of California Elections Code section 18543.

“The right to freely cast your vote is the foundation of our democracy,” said Bonta.

“State elections law are in place to ensure the fundamental right to vote without imposing unnecessary obstacles that can reduce voter participation or disproportionately burden low-income voters, racial and ethnic minorities, the elderly, or people with disabilities,” the Attorney General continued. “If the city moves forward and places it on the ballot, we stand ready to take appropriate action to ensure that voters’ rights are protected.”

Weber said California “cannot turn back the clock on voting rights.”

“Voter ID requirements at the polls have historically been used to turn eligible voters away from exercising the franchise, especially low-income voters and voters of color,” said Weber. “Not only is the action unlawful, it is also unnecessary because California already has guardrails in place for establishing both eligibility of each voter and for confirming their identity when returning their ballot.”

The letter points out that voter eligibility functions are the duty of the Secretary of State and the County Registrar.

WGA Strike: Hollywood Writers Return to Work

After Reaching Deal with Studios

The Writers Guild of America West (WGA) and SAGAFTRA unions have reached a tentative agreement to end a historic and highly publicized strike that shut Hollywood down and lasted nearly five months.

“I am grateful that the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have reached a fair agreement and I’m hopeful that the same can happen soon with the Screen Actors Guild,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Now, we must focus on getting the entertainment industry, and all the small businesses that depend on it, back on their feet and stronger than ever before.”

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) – the organization that represents the studios – approved a potential new deal on Sept. 24 that allows 11,500 writers to return to work beginning

Sept. 27 while the ratification process takes place. The new agreement will run until 2026.

The unions were protesting for higher wages and protections from studios using artificial intelligence in the creative process.

In the end, negotiations included streaming compensations and set a minimum number for writing staffs. Staff writers reportedly received a 5% increase in weekly pay, while story editors and executive editors saw a 3.5 to 4% increase in their compensation.

“What we have won in this contract – most particularly, everything we have gained since May 2nd – is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days,” the WGA stated in and email to members.

Annual Celebration of Allensworth, Historic Tulare County Black Township, Is Oct. 14

On Oct. 14, visitors will make the annual trek to Allensworth, a historic township in Tulare County founded by Blacks, to celebrate a little-known piece of California history, and the spirit of self-reliance and determination that marked its establishment.

In 1974, the California Department of Parks and Recreation purchased the land where Allensworth was located and created a state park called Allensworth State

Historic Park.

“Allensworth holds a unique place in our state’s history,” writes a press release about the event. “The annual Rededication event is a time to reflect on this legacy, celebrate the accomplishments of its founders, and inspire future generations to recognize and cherish this rich history.”

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the day of the rededication, Amtrak San Joaquins is offering fares at 50% off for visitors traveling to Allensworth. There will also be a shuttle at the station to take guests to the park. Get train schedule and tickets here.

Unions Come Out Strong in Support of Asm.

Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Michelle Chambers

Last week, Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) and former Compton city councilmember Michelle Chambers received key endorsements from powerful California unions in their respective candidacies for elected office.

Teamsters Joint Council 42, which represents 250,000 members in 23 local branches across Southern California, Southern Nevada, Guam, Saipan and Hawaii, endorsed Jones-Sawyer his run for L.A. City Council.

The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFLCIO is supporting Chambers, who is a former AFSCME member and the former external affairs manager for California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Chambers is running to represent Senate District 35, currently being

represented by Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), who terms out next year.

Jones-Sawyer, who is termed out from his Assembly seat, has received the support of more than 20 unions and professional organizations in his bid to represent Council District 10 in California’s largest city.

“Teamsters Joint Council 42 is proud to support Reggie Jones-Sawyer for Los Angeles City Council because as a state lawmaker, he has been a champion on behalf of our members and all of California’s working families,” said Teamsters 42 President Hector Delgado in a statement.\

“Throughout his decades-long career in public service, Reggie has fought tirelessly for better conditions, wages, and benefits for working families time and time again, while demonstrating a profound commitment to social and economic justice,” Delgado continued.

Yvonne Wheeler of the LA County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO said she looks forward to partnering with Chambers when she is a lawmaker in Sacramento.

“On behalf of over three hundred affiliated union and labor organizations representing more than 800,000 members, I am excited to announce that the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor has endorsed Michelle Chambers for State Senate, said Wheeler. Michelle proved her support for workers as an elected official, and as a former union member she understands the issues facing California.

Tenth Annual Wrongful Conviction Day Shines Light on Injustice

October 2, 2023, marks the Tenth Annual Wrongful Conviction Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of wrongful convictions and its profound impact on innocent individuals and their families.

Founded by the Innocence Network, a collective of organizations dedicated to offering pro-bono legal and investigative services for those seeking exoneration, Wrongful Conviction Day aims to rectify the root causes of these miscarriages of justice while also providing support to the exonerated as they reintegrate into society.

Since its inception in 1989, over 3,320 wrongful convictions have been unearthed nationwide, resulting in a staggering cumulative loss of 29,500 years for those unjustly incarcerated. Today, it remains impossible to ascertain the exact number of innocent individuals still languishing behind bars. However, experts estimate that between 2% and 5% of the nearly 2 million incarcerated in the US are victims of wrongful convictions, indicating that anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 people are presently suffering this grave injustice.

Recent studies show a 70% increase in wrongful convictions in five years. Analysis of those cases showed race is a significant influence in wrongful convictions.

Race and Wrongful Convictions in the United States 2022 examined 3,200 innocent people exonerated in the U.S. from 1989. They concluded that Black Americans are seven times more likely than white Americans to be wrongfully convicted of severe crimes. This applies to all significant crimes except white-collar crime.

White homicide victims are roughly twice as likely to be wrongfully convicted. Black people are eight times more likely to be wrongfully convicted for sexual assault than white people. White victims are much more likely to be wrongfully convicted than Black victims.

Drug offenses show the most significant racial differences. African Americans are 19 times more likely to be wrongfully convicted of drug crimes. Wrongfully convicted Black persons serve harsher sentences than innocent white people in all crime categories.

Organizers at The Innocence Network noted that this Wrongful Conviction Day is a rallying call to educate and disseminate knowledge about this pressing issue. The Innocence Network, a loose coalition of independent innocence organizations, has remained at the forefront of the battle, working tirelessly to combat wrongful convictions globally and advocate for systemic reform in the criminal legal system.

While most Network members focus on providing legal representation for the wrongfully convicted, a select few are exclusively dedicated to aiding and assisting those

exonerated, helping them transition back into society. As the Tenth Annual Wrongful Conviction Day unfolds, the Network said they are urging individuals worldwide to join the cause, advocating for justice,

and supporting the fight against wrongful convictions, ultimately striving to ensure that every person receives the fair and just treatment they deserve under the law.

“The number of innocent Americans in prison or jail is disturbing,” NBA coaching legend Doc Rivers, an

advocate of the Innocent Project, stated. “Our system fails too many of us, and any person who has been wrongfully convicted deserves justice.”

Electrocution, Jailing Political Enemies, and Indictments:

The Rantings of a Madman, President, or Both?

Former President Donald Trump found himself at the center of a whirlwind of legal and political controversies as he appeared in a New York courtroom on Monday, Oct. 2, for a civil trial. Letitia James, the attorney general of New York, brought the case, and the presiding judge has already found him guilty of extensive fraud involving the hundreds of millions of dollars in overvaluation of his wealth and business properties.

James seeks to prevent Trump from doing business in New York, and she wants the judge to slam the demagogue with crippling fines totaling as much as $250 million. The twice-impeached former president, already four criminal indictments, and a staggering 91 felony counts. Earlier this year, a separate civil jury found him responsible for sexually assaulting a writer. Further adding to his legal woes, the civil case in New York.

“While it may be one thing to exaggerate for Forbes magazine… you cannot do it while conducting business in the state of New York,” asserted Kevin Wallace of the New York Attorneys General’s office. “Year after year, loan after loan, the defendants misrepresented Mr. Trump’s net worth to maintain those favorable interest rates,” Wallace argued. The attorney general’s office said Trump inflated his net worth by as much as $3.6 billion in three separate years between 2011 and 2021. They contend he did so to

get favorable loan and insurance rates, and to try and prove he was something he wasn’t.

Meanwhile, Trump’s recent behavior has also raised eyebrows in a stunning turn of events. Over just 48 hours, he made headlines for expressing controversial views, including stating his desire for police to shoot anyone stealing from a store, ranting about reverse racism against white Americans, imprisoning his political adversaries, and even musing about jailing President Joe Biden. Trump has also stated that the outgoing Joint Chiefs of Staff Chaiman Mark Milley should be executed. Furthermore, he continued his long-standing and contentious obsession with former President Obama.

What’s more, the controversy surrounding Trump deepened with the release of a tell-all book by Michael Lewis titled “Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon.”

The book alleges that Trump demanded a jaw-dropping $5 billion from failed FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried as a payoff for not entering the 2020 presidential election. Despite initially considering not running for reelection, Trump eventually did run and lost to Biden before later cheering on a mob of supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to keep Trump in power.

An excerpt from Lewis’s book revealed that BankmanFried was contemplating giving $15 million to $30 million to Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell to defeat more

“Trumpier” candidates in Senate races. However, the shocking revelation came when Bankman-Fried explored the possibility of paying Trump himself not to run, with sources suggesting Trump’s price tag for withdrawal was a staggering $5 billion.

Trump’s erratic behavior continued at a campaign rally in Iowa, where he made bizarre remarks about his preferred method of demise. During the speech in Ottumwa, Trump discussed electric boat batteries and recounted a conversation with a boat manufacturer in South Carolina. He stated, “If I’m sitting down and that boat is going down, and I’m on top of a battery and the water starts flooding in, I’m getting concerned, but then I look 10 yards to my left, and there’s a shark over there, so I have a choice of electrocution and a shark; you know what I’m going to take? Electrocution. I will take electrocution every single time; do we agree?”

In addition to these remarks, Trump criticized various sustainable energy technologies and vowed to reverse the Joe Biden White House’s mandate for electric vehicles. Ron Filipkowski, a Florida criminal defense attorney, told The Guardian that he witnessed Trump “slurring his words” when he started “riffing about how he would rather be electrocuted to death than be eaten by a shark.”

New California Law Stiffens Penalties for Trafficking Children for Sex

Antonio Ray Harvey California BlackMedia

Senate Bill (SB) 14 --legislation that makes trafficking of a minor for purposes of a commercial sex act a serious felony -- is now the law in California.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill on Sept. 25 accompanied by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, State Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), who authored the bill, State Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Merced), as well as survivors and advocates.

SB 14 classifies human trafficking a serious felony, subjecting it to the state’s “Three Strikes” law, which imposes harsher penalties and sentencing enhancements for individuals convicted of the offense.

“Human trafficking is a sick crime. With this new law, California is going further to protect kids. I’m grateful for the leadership of Senator Grove, Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), and Pro Tem (Sen. Toni) Atkins (D-San Diego) in spearheading this bipartisan effort to make our communities and children safer,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom at the signing ceremony.

According to the US Drug Enforcement Agency, “Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide.”

Advocates of SB 14 believe it will be a deterrent for the men and women who exploit children using the internet or force them into labor in red-light districts in major California cities such as the 5.7-mile stretch on Figueroa Boulevard in Los Angeles, Capp Street in San Francisco, International Way in Oakland, Stockton Boulevard in Sacramento, Dalbergia Street in San Diego, and Wilson Way in Stockton.

“We got some stats and numbers from Figueroa from people that work in that area to rescue women and children,” Grove said at the State Capitol on Sept. 13. “They made comments that this bill disproportionately affects people of color…and it does. (SB 14) gives women and children an opportunity to be rescued and the perpetrator to be prisoned for many years.

The United States operates a national hotline, which serves as a platform for individuals to report suspected trafficking or seek assistance. According to data gathered from the hotline in 2015 through 2021, the number of people trafficking victims nationwide rose from 12,000 in 2015 to more than 22,200 in 2019 and then fell to 16,700 in 2021.  Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), reports that from 2015 to 2021, the share of human trafficking cases involving sex trafficking increased from 87% to 89% in California, and from 85% to 88% nationally.  Statewide and nationally, sex trafficking is most common in pornography, massage parlors, and hotels. Among those trafficked for their labor, about one in five works in private homes, according to PPIC’s data.

SB 14 was hotly debated as it made its way through the legislative process this past summer. Some members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), including Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), chair of the Assembly Public Safety Committee were the targets of threats and racial slurs for not initially supporting the bill.

Jones-Sawyer and other CLBC members on the Public Safety Committee -- Majority Leader Assemblymember

Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) and Assemblymember

Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) – argued that that trafficking was already a crime under California law punishable by 15 years to life in prison. They argued that SB 14 was ineffective as a deterrent to the crime, and that it would perpetuate the

poverty-to-prison pipeline.

Jones-Sawyer, who later voted to pass SB 14, said he was never against the bill, only parts of its language, which he deemed unacceptable because he felt it would cause more harm to trafficking victims rather than aid them.

A conviction under SB 14, including previous felonies, would increase prison sentences to 25 years to life. The trafficking of minors currently carries a prison term up to 12 years, or 15 years to life.

“We definitely thought there were a lot of merits to the bill, including how do we make sure these individuals are charged with serious felonies? We wanted to make sure that actually happens,” Jones-Sawyer told California Black Media. “It’s really about making sure that this doesn’t harm victims of human trafficking.”

SB 14, which passed the Assembly and Senate unanimously, is a bipartisan measure co-authored by 64 members of the Legislature. The legislation is supported by over a hundred local, national and international organizations, including a coalition of human trafficking survivors and advocates.

Since 2019, California has taken a comprehensive approach to fight human trafficking. The state has invested a total of $280.1 million to dismantle trafficking networks and support victims and survivors, according to the Newsom administration.  The state has provided substantial funding to expand support programs for human trafficking survivors and Family Justice Centers — creating a one-stop facility for victims and their families to access various services — and

allocated $25 million for the prevention, intervention, and services for minor victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

Newsom has signed several laws aimed at strengthening legal safeguards for victims of trafficking, including measures for vacating convictions and for considering trauma in determining sentences.

“The trafficking of young women and girls is a heinous crime with far too many victims,” Siebel-Newsom stated. “I’ve seen the pain survivors carry for a lifetime and having recently visited the infamous Figueroa sex trafficking corridor, I’ve witnessed the devastating impacts of these crimes — not just on girls and young women — but on entire communities when trafficking persists.”

Rams Tough One Out

Contributing Sports Writer Los Angeles and Matthew Stafford showed what they were made of in a case of ‘Old School and ‘new school’ coming together to help pull out a win. The 35 -yearold Veteran QB connected with the rookie Puca Nacua in overtime for a 29-23 win over Indianapolis in front of 65,337 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

After winning the coin toss a limping Stafford led the team on a nine-play 75-yard drive hitting a wide open Nacaua with a 22-yard strike for the game winner.

“Just confidence that oozes out of him,” said Nacua.”

Stafford finished 27-of-40 for 319 yards with a touchdown and an interception. It was a painful looking performance where he was clearly working through some kind of back and/or lower leg injury. The incident occurred when a COLTS lineman landed on top of him.

It was just shutting down my leg,” said Stafford. “It was something I had to battle through. I kept it warm on the sideline.”

Stafford had done the same with the RAMS in 2021.It was his 43rd    career comeback win. “We put the game in his hands ,”said coach Sean McVay It was quite a moment for Nacua. “I turned around and there was like nobody

there, I was in shock,” said the rookie.   The Rams (2-2) had a 23-0 lead midway through the third quarter. That’s when the Colts came alive, scoring 23 straight points to tie the game with 1:56 left.

COLTS QB Anthony Richardson threw a 35-yard touchdown to Mo Alie-Cox in the third quarter to cap a four-play, 75-yard drive. Then Richardson ran it in from 1-yard out. Finally he hit Drew Ogletree for a 5-yard touchdown and got a two-point conversion to tie the game.  Nacua, a fifth-round pick, has 39 catches for 501 yards. On Sunday, he surpassed Anquan Boldin (30) for the most receptions by an NFL player in his first four games. He also has the most yards by any NFL player in his first four games and became the first since Harlon Hill (Chicago Bears, 1954) with three 100-yard efforts in his first four games.

The Rookie from BYU finished the day with nine catches for 163 yards, giving him 39 receptions for 501 yards with one TD in the early season. His receptions and yards are NFL records for a player in his first four games.

Kyren Williams carried 25 times for 103 yards – his first career 100-yard game. The RAMS led time of possession 39:46 to 25:24.

Things don’t get any easier, the RAMS host the EAGLES this Sunday at So-Fi Stadium.

Trojans Hold Off Buffs

California Roll Call

Contributing Sports Writer

Each year California produces several top-notch football players who leave the state to play elsewhere. This is how some did this past week.

Jaxon Dart (USC) completed 26 of 39 passes for 389 yards and4 touchdowns helping OLE Miss defeat LSU 56-49 in an ole fashion SEC shoot- out. The 4-1 Bulldogs rolled up  Both teams combined eclipsed over 1,300 yards and 67 first

downs. #20 Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin opted to speed up the Rebels offense to tire out the opposing front seven.  LSU’s Jayden Daniels (Cajon High) carried the #12 Tigers offense completing 37 of 36 for 414 yards and matching Dart’s total of four touchdowns. Neither team’s defense had much of an impact on the game until LSU’s final drive of the game…Zevi Eckhaus (Culver City high) completed 12 of 25 for 180 yards and 1 TD in a 49 -26 loss to Rhode Island.

Chargers Hold Off Raiders

Contributing Sports Writer

The Chargers jumped out to a 17-point halftime lead, but needed a late stop on defense and a clutch throw from Justin Herbert in the final three minutes to pull out a 2417 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in front of 70,204 at So-Fi Stadium.

The 4- year veteran suffered a finger injury in the third quarter that hindered him a bit but he forged on.

“There’s never really a question. It was just getting fixed up and going back out there,” he said. “The pain level is not bad. It’s just one of those things that we have to monitor and see where it goes.”

He had career lows in completions (13), attempts (24) and yardage (167) — but those totals included a big throw in the fourth quarter. He hit Joshua Palmer for 51 yards up the left sideline on third-and-10 from the Chargers 11 to ice the game.

“It was a really tough performance with a bunch of guys out,” coach Brandon Staley said. “Our guys had their best at the end.”

Khalil Mack went off and set a franchise single-game

record with six sacks against his old team. The 10-year veteran became the sixth player to have at least six sacks in a game since sacks became an official statistic in 1982. The record is seven, by Kansas City’s Derrick Thomas in 1990.

“We just had time to get there,” Mack said. “It’s sacks but at the same time it is a team effort. It’s a lot of luck that goes into it.”

A pair of fumbles by Adin O’Connell led to Los Angeles’ second-quarter touchdowns. The Chargers extended their lead to 17-7 when Herbert connected with Keenan Allen for a 7-yard TD. The Chargers had taken over on the Raiders 36 after Chris Rumph recovered O’Connell’s fumble.

O’Donnell filling in for the injured Jimmy Garoppolo finished the day 24 of 39 for 238 yards with one interception. He had the . driving for the tying touchdown when Asante Samuel Jr. picked off Aidan O’Connell’s pass at the Chargers 2-yard line with 2:33 left in the game. The team has a bye this week before they take on the Dallas Cowboys OCT16 at So-Fi Stadium.

Inactive Chargers included  safeties Derwin James Jr. and Alohi Gilman and linebacker Joey Bosa.

Contributing Sports Writer

USC QB Caleb Williams came out blazing as usual in the highly anticipated match-up against Colorado. With stars like LeBron James, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Will Ferrell and Paul Pierce in the house and National TV audience. It was the perfect time to put on a show.

Williams opened the game by leading the team on a six-play 75-yard drive that was capped off with a 27-yard run by Marshawn Lloyd that put the Trojans on the board.

On the next series he rolled to his left, threw back across his body and hit Tahj Washington in stride for a spectacular  seventy-five yard score-That put the Trojans (5-0, 3-0 PAC-12) up 14-0. and they never looked back.

They were on the way to a 48-41 win over the Buffalos.

(3-2,0-2) in front of 52,032 at Folsom field. It marked the fourth straight game the Men of Troy scored on its first possession.

He completed passes to eleven different receivers including scores to Tahj Washington, Brenden Rice (2), Mario Williams, Michael Jackson III, Dorian Singer and Jude Wolfe.

The reining Walter Camp Player of the year threw six TD passes for the second time in his career. The first was on Oct. 30, 2021, against Texas Tech when he was play at Oklahoma.

Williams completed 30-of-40 throws for 403 yards and 6 TDs. He also rushed for 12 yards on 5 carries.     It marked the 14th straight game he’s thrown for three or more touchdowns.

In the third period Williams threw his first interception of the season when the BUFFS Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig picked him off.

Rice had two touchdown catches in his return to Boulder. He’s the son of Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice, left for the Trojans before the 2022 season. This season he’s become a favorite target of Williams with 17 catches to go with seven TD’s. He trails Washington for the team lead by one catch. They both average around 20 yards a catch.

Head Coach Deion Saunders has turned Colorado football around and the country has taken notice.

Caleb Williams (13) tossed six touchdown passes vs. Colorado for the second time in his career. Earning him PAC-12 Offensive Player of the Week. It was the second time in his career he did the feat.

“There were a lot of celebrities at the game,” said Williams . “That was a fun exciting environment to play in.”

On the defensive side it was Mason Cobb leading all defenders with 11 tackles. The 6-32 235 LB from Provo UTAH has 20 tackles on the year 17 solo.

The defense gave up some 371 passing yards and four TD’s by the BUFFS QB Shedeur Saunders.

They out scored USC 27-14 in the second half. “We got to give Colorado a lot of credit,” said Trojan coach Lincoln Riley. “Even when we were up the fans kept cheering and giving them motivation. We still have a lot to correct.”

USC will take on Arizona at the Coliseum this week.

ADD TROJANS: Williams was named PAC-12 Offensive Player of the Week.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws under pressure from Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)© Provided by The Associated Press

CAMP Names Davis and Cross Winners

Contributing Sports Writer

The Walter Camp Foundation has named Kentucky running back Ray Davis and Notre Dame D-lineman Howard Cross FBS Players of the Week for games ending

September 30th.   Davis rushed for 280 yards – the third most in Kentucky single-game history – and scored four touchdowns as the Wildcats (5-0, 2-0 in SEC) defeated 22nd-ranked Florida, 33-14. The senior scored three rushing touchdowns, including a 75-year jaunt, and also added a nine-yard scoring reception.

“It was a great day. Personally, it was a great day for me, but I didn’t really do much today,” said Davis. “You have to give credit to the o-line, tight ends and receiving corps.

Those guys were blocking down the field, 20 yards. They were just staying with it and constantly going. Obviously, today, running the ball was something we were good at.

And the receivers decided to step up and block. “

He’s currently the SEC leading rusher with 594. The San Francisco native is the fourth Kentucky player to earn Walter Camp National FBS Player of Week honors since 2004, joining former Wildcat quarterback Will Levis (Oct. 10, 2021).  The Wildcats will take on #1 ranked Georgia this weekend.

On the Defensive side Cross III collected 13 tackles, including 3.5 for losses, and one quarterback sack as 11thranked Notre Dame defeated 17th-ranked Duke, 21-14.  Cross III forced two fumbles and had one quarterback hurry as the Fighting Irish improved to 5-1.

The Irish held Duke to just 131 total yards, including 15 carries for 38 yards in the first half.  Cross was fighting flu-like symptoms throughout the week. The 6-foot, 288-pounder likely played the most amount of snap among Notre Dame’s defensive linemen and never lacked effort.

“I’m not going to touch anything,” laughed Cross. “I have a really bad sinus infection, so I have no idea. There were three or four plays where I couldn’t breathe. I don’t know what’s going on. I just kept going. My dad was in the stands and he says keep moving if you want to feel better - run it out.”

The Graduate student from Paramus, New Jersey  is the 13th  Notre Dame player to earned Walter Camp National Player of the Week honors since 2004, and the 11th defensive honoree.

Walter Camp, “The Father of American football,” first selected an All-America team in 1889. Camp – a former Yale University athlete and football coach – is also credited with developing play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side. The Walter Camp Football Foundation (www.waltercamp.org) – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp.

And the Beat Goes on at the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival

Contributing Writer (Watts, CA) The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) celebrated the 41st anniversary of the Annual Day of the Drum Festival, and the 46th anniversary of the Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival. DCA and the Friends of the Watts Towers Arts Center hosted the multicultural dance and music performance at the Saturday, September 30, for the Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival and Sunday, October 1, for the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival.

“These festivals bring community members together, fostering a sense of unity, belonging, and solidarity,” said Daniel Tarica, DCA Interim General Manager. “The annual festivals are some of the longest running in Los Angeles celebrating inter-generational culture, traditions, and heritage. The Watts Towers Arts Center Campus serves as a beacon for creativity, empowerment, and determination. Mr. Tarica extended “an invite to the community to join in the celebration of the Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival and the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival.”             “The Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival and the Annual Simon Rodina Watts Towers Jazz Festival has entertained local residents for decades, fostering civic pride and engagement,” remarked Rosie Lee Hooks, Watts Towers Art Center Campus Director. “The Watts Towers Arts Center Campus and sponsored organizations play a vital role in preserving culture, contributing to the local economy and well-being, and introducing historical and cultural awareness through the support of the festivals. The festivals boost community pride and a sense of place.”

For two-days attendees were able to immerse themselves in the infectious rhythms during the Day of the Drum Festival and/or the sheer joy of spoken word performances and live jazz at the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival.         Whether one is a jazz aficionado, a causal listener or someone simply seeking a weekend of captivating performances, the Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival and the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival provided an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.         An all-star lineup of international recording artists, local jazz greats, percussionists, and dancers came together over two days, from 10:00am-6pm, for an unbelievable drum and jazz festival experience under the artistic direction of Rosie Lee Hooks, Patrice Rushen, and Munyungo Jackson. Presented by DCA and the Friends of Watts Towers Arts

Center, the two-day was free and opened to the public.

I joined several hundred music lovers on Sunday, October 1st for the 46th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival, with co-emcees Kamau Daáood and Dee Dee McNeil.

You can’t go wrong with the blues that you can use as served up by the explosive and electrifying guitarist Ray Bailey.         The World Stage Big Band is a cultural institution in Leimert Park Village. Their explosive set continued the legacy of all the great master musicians, composers, and arrangers in black music that is loved, enjoyed, and appreciated by all cultures. Vocalist Amita Delone was also featured in the band.

Various local organizations were acknowledged and recognized for their continuous support of the Watts Towers Arts Center Campus and the community. Local dignitaries were onsite to enjoy the sights and eclectic sounds of the festivals. Councilmember Tim McOsker, City of Los Angeles 15th Council District, State Senator Steven Bradford, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, 2nd District. Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell presented the Watts Towers Arts Center with a Commendation. Rosie Lee Hooks presented Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell with a limited edition of this year’s amazing Festival Poster, by Buena Johnson. The name of the art is entitled ‘Mighty Spirit of Watts.’ You can see this and other artwork by Buena Johnson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buenavisionart.

The Jazz Mentorship Program All –Stars (JMP) featuring Patrice Rushen on piano, Munyungo on percussions, Dr. Bobby Rodriguez on trumpet and Reggie Hamilton on bass capped off another successful Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival with a set of straight-ahead jazz to the delight of the jazz aficionados in the crowd.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), as a leading, progressive arts and cultural agency, DCA empowers Los Angeles’s vibrant communities by supporting and providing access to quality visual,

design, literary, musical, performing, and educational arts programming; managing vital cultural centers; preserving historic sites; creating public art; and funding services provided by arts organizations and individual artists.         Formed in 1925, DCA promotes arts and culture as a way to ignite a powerful dialogue, engage LA’s residents and visitors, and ensure LA’s varied cultures are recognized, acknowledged, and experienced. DCA’s mission is to strengthen the quality of life in Los Angeles by stimulating and supporting arts and cultural activities, ensuring public access to the arts for residents and visitors alike.

The Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival featured a stellar line-up of artists. The program got under way with Alaadun, Yoruba ground blessing uniting all cultures based on common themes and principles.

Additional entertainment was provided by Melvin Lee Davis and Friends featuring Derek Bordeaux, Kevin Flournoy, and Jeffrey B. Suttles for a set of gospel jazz.

The crowd and I were thoroughly entertained all afternoon. Highlights were Food4Thought, Queen Socks and Love, an awesome spoken word performance from this tight family of poets. Co-emcees Kamau Daáood and Dee Dee McNeil shined brightly while sharing some original spoken word pieces.

DCA advances the social and economic impact of arts and culture through grantmaking, public art, community arts, performing arts, and strategic marketing, development, design, and digital research. DCA creates and supports arts programming, maximizing relationships with other city agencies, artists, and arts and cultural nonprofit organizations to provide excellent service in neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles.

Please more information, please visit https://www. wattstowers.org or https://www.culturela.org If you are ever in need of something to do especially with family and friends visiting for the Holidays, check out the culture guide or Events calendar to see a list of events cultural events taking place all over Los Angeles and all year long, or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/culturela, Instagram @culture_la and Twitter @culture_la.

2nd Annual Jazz on the Grass: The Second Time Around

Contributing Writer (Compton, CA) The possible threat of rain didn’t put a damper on the large, multi-cultural, diverse crowd in attendance for the 2nd Annual Jazz on the Grass, Saturday, September 30, 2023. Jazz on the Grass was presented by the Compton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Ain’t no party like a Delta party! Jazz on the Grass took place on the beautiful campus of Compton Community College under the leadership of Dr. Keith Curry, CEO. Jazz on the Grass was held on the inviting, relaxing Quad of the campus on a nice, pleasant overcast day. The phrase ‘chilling’ took on a whole new meaning on this day. The 2nd Annual Jazz on the Grass had the appearance and feel of a reunion: high school, college/ university and family reunion immediately come to mind. A generous amount of hugs were shared throughout the afternoon. The Compton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is building on the success of last year’s inaugural Jazz on the Grass. The first annual Jazz on the Grass was held at Dominquez Rancho Adobe Museum featuring DW3, Mark Felton, Dee Dee Foster, and Kente Scott & Flymoon I knew that I was in the right place at the right time as I was greeted by Soros from Compton Alumnae Chapter at the festival check in table.

Lynette Adams-Goodson, Compton Alumnae Chapter President greeted the crowd. Dr. Keith Curry, CEO, Compton Community College welcomed everyone to the festival and gave an overview of the campus, completed projects and further projects.

Music aficionados came from near and far, Compton & surrounding communities and the greater Los Angeles area. The joyous sounds of jazz permeated the air, and lured local residents to the campus who live within walking distance

of the campus.

Aundrae Russell, host, radio personality, Radio Free 102.3FM, KJLH returned as Emcee. DJ Ron C provided and eclectic soundtrack all afternoon of old and new school R&B, soul and a tribute to the 50th Anniversary of HipHop. “Then David spoke to the Levites to appoint their brethren to the singers, accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps and cymbals.” 1 Chronicles

15:16 Compton High School Marching Band made a grand entrance to the delight of all in attendance. There was no looking back now. The show got underway with Fire Hazard, who performed a great set of original selections. This local, talented group of young musicians performed “Birds Theme,” by Kenneth Dixon, saxophonist. The next two selections were composed by keyboardist Alex Niles, “Deja New,” and “Within the Hiding Place.” They concluded their set with “Tell Me a Bedtime Story” from the Herbie Hancock songbook. The band consisted of Kenneth Dixon-saxophone, Josh Turner-bass, Alex Nileskeyboards, and Kevin Gondim-drums. Joinstar Project took the atmosphere of the party up a notch with a set of old school R&B, Soul and Funk. The brought along the heat, opening with “Fire,” by The Ohio Players, followed by “Rock Steady” by the late great Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. They continued with “Sweet Thing” by Chaka Khan, followed by “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. They concluded their entertaining set with “Before I Let Go” by Frankie Beverly.

The Compton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated got a good thing going on when you have local dignitaries on site. Compton Mayor Emma Sharif, Councilman Jonathan Bowers (District 3), and Councilmember Lillie P. Darden (District 4) were on site to acknowledge and recognize the Compton Alumnae Chapter for the great things that they do for the community. Former Congresswoman Laura Richardson

was also in attendance.

Mother Nature got in on the act with Libations from the sky that resulted in a thirty minute pause for the cause.

DJ Ron C was in the mix and spot on during the break in live entertainment. The Quad became a huge dance floor for the grown folk, party people to get their groove on. The grown folks, party people showed up and showed out despite the inclement weather.

Jazz on the Grass attracted other Sorority Sistahs to the festival, Zeta Phi Beta, AKA Alpha Keta Alpha and some fraternity brothers- Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Phi Alpha and Phi Beta Sigma to name a few.

There were various vendors at the festival for people who

needed to get in their hourly session of retail therapy. Sorority Girl and All that and Sum- Greek Warehouse and Showroom to name a few. Food trucks and food and beverage booth satisfied and quenched a variety of palates. As a photojournalist, I’ve known Sabrina Barnes for close to thirty years as an employee for the City of Inglewood. I was in a pleasant surprise when she graced the stage. Sabrina Barnes silky, smooth voice came through very clear as she entertained the captivated crowd with several jazz standards. Her set list featured the songs “Darling You Send Me,” “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” “Beautiful Surprise,” and “Everything Must Change.” I’m looking forward to seeing Sabrina Barnes more on the local music scene in the near future. Yes, the sista can SANG! Back by popular demand, Mark Allen Felton, aka, Panther returned to perform a crowd pleasing set of contemporary smooth jazz to enjoy to our enjoyment of the festival.

“All Blue” by Miles Davis and “Let It Flow” by Grover Washington Jr., were some of the highlights from his set. He revved up the crowd by holding a note for several minutes in a technique called circular breathing.

Mariea Antoinette graced the stage and enhanced the festival with beautiful melodious sounds of the harp. Her set provided a dazzling display of selections combining contemporary smooth jazz with classical music, which had the crowd grooving throughout her set.

Sensational saxophonist Mike Philips’ headlining performance was superb. All of the day’s performances contributed to the success of the 2nd Annual Jazz on the Grass presented by Compton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The 2nd Annual Jazz on the Grass presented an unforgettable day of soulful jazz melodies and a vibrant atmosphere. The collective of musical talent, good eats and community engagement undoubtedly resulted in a vibe! Proceeds from Jazz on the Grass will benefit scholarship fund(s), youth programs, and community projects.