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Thursday, December 9, 2010 Thursday, December 9, 2010Vol. XXX, No. 1209Vol. XXX, No. 1209

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2 www.lawattstimes.com Thursday, December 9, 2010

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HOROSCOPES DECEMBER 9 - 15

7ARIES ~ Listen carefully and follow good

advice that will come from someoneyou’ve often regarded as foolish. You run intodifficulties with one of your projects; don’tworry, it’s only temporary. How you manageyour mind will affect the eventual outcome.

TAURUS ~ Your new ideas combinewell with your will and skill. You get a

lot done at work this week. Be soft andforceful. Make time for family life thisweek. Your rewards come from those whoare related to you by blood.

GEMINI ~ If there is someone or some-thing that you’re avoiding don’t panic if

you find you must confront what you’ve beenhiding from. Wait for things to work them-selves out. Don’t force the issue. Time solvesmore problems than you ever can.

CANCER ~ Be flexible. Yes, you. Thereare many ways to be right and your

lover or friend will have come up with onethat is different from yours. You’ll be askedto compromise this week or you just have togive in. Remember you sometimes have togive a little to get a little.

LEO ~ Center yourself at every opportuni-ty during this busy week and keep your

quest for emotional and spiritual balance in theforefront. Make an effort to take your time;that way you’ll recognize opportunity fromimpulse-control problems immediately.

VIRGO ~ Happiness arrives and sits onyour shoulder like a bright butterfly this

week. A relationship can make significant

progress if you stay open to love. Keep yourevening free for romance in a social setting.

LIBRA ~ Take charge of a project at workand get it finished up. It’s been languish-

ing on someone else’s shoulders and desk forway too long. A sensible outlook will get youfar this week. Forget about all grudges andmove forward in love.

SCORPIO ~ You may find yourself facedwith many distractions this week but you’ll

sail through and accomplish much if you stayfocused on each task and take them one at atime. You know you can do it this evening.

SAGITTARIUS ~ Creativity is favored andyours is especially favored with some proj-

ect that you’ve been working especially hardon. For the next few days watch for a romancethat will bring special gifts.

CAPRICORN ~ Before you spend yourmoney check the quality of the goods.

This rule applies to intangible goods as well.Make the first move with your honey thisweek. Be sweetly aggressive.

AQUARIUS ~ Let your creative juicesflow. Advice from a child has a reward

in it. On the job, coworkers will help youexpand your sense of accomplishment. Onlyyou can stand in your way. Never under esti-mate the power of silence.

PISCES ~ Opportunity knocks this week,be ready and waiting. An old love resur-

faces. This week is good for you financially.Look for a special opportunity at work.Families matters, spend time with yours.

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Thursday, December 9, 2010 www.lawattstimes.com 3


BY RAPHAEL G. SATTER ANDJILL LAWLESSASSOCIATED PRESS

LONDON — WikiLeaks sup-porters struck back Wednesday atperceived enemies of the site and itsjailed founder Julian Assange,launching hacker attacks againstMasterCard, Swedish prosecutors, aSwedish lawyer and a Swiss groupthat froze Assange’s bank account.

So-called “hacktivists” operat-ing under the label “OperationPayback” claimed responsibility ina Twitter message for causing tech-nological problems at MasterCard,which pulled the plug on its rela-tionship with WikiLeaks on Tues-day.

MasterCard said it was “experi-encing heavy traffic,” but spokes-man James Issokson told TheAssociated Press the companywould not confirm whether Wiki-Leaks was involved. Issokson saidMasterCard was trying to restoreservice Wednesday but was not surehow long that would take. The web-site’s technical problems have noimpact on consumers using creditcards, he added.

MasterCard is the latest in a

string of U.S.-based Internet compa-nies — including Visa, Amazon.com,PayPal Inc. and EveryDNS — to cutties to WikiLeaks in recent daysamid intense U.S. government pres-sure.

Visa said it was having noproblems Wednesday.

The online attacks are part of awave of support for WikiLeaks thatis sweeping the Internet. Twitterwas choked with messages of soli-darity for the group, while the site’sFacebook page hit 1 million fans.

Offline, the organization isunder pressure on many fronts.Assange is in a British prison fight-ing extradition to Sweden over a sexcrimes case. Moves by Swiss Post-finance, MasterCard, PayPal andothers that cut ways to send dona-tions to the group have impaired itsability to raise money.

Undeterred, WikiLeaks releas-ed more confidential U.S. cablesovernight.

The pro-WikiLeaks vengeancecampaign appeared to be taking theform of denial of service attacks inwhich computers are harnessed —sometimes surreptitiously — to jamtarget sites with mountains of re-

quests for data, knocking them outof commission.

PayPal’s vice president of plat-form, Osama Bedier, said the com-pany froze WikiLeaks’ account afterseeing a letter from the U.S. StateDepartment to WikiLeaks sayingthat “WikiLeaks activities weredeemed illegal in the UnitedStates.”

“It’s honestly just prettystraightforward from our perspec-tive,” he said, speaking at a webconference in Paris.

Neither WikiLeaks norAssange has been charged with anyoffense in the U.S., but the U.S.government is investigating whetherAssange can be prosecuted for espi-onage or other offenses. Assangehas not been charged with anyoffenses in Sweden either, butauthorities there want to questionhim about the allegations of sexcrimes.

Per Hellqvist, a security spe-cialist with the firm Symantec, saida network of web activists calledAnonymous appeared to be behindmany of the attacks. The group,which has previously focused on the

NEWS IN AFRICA

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Hackers strike back to support WikiLeaks founder

AP Photo by Kirsty WigglesworthMembers of the media gather around a demonstrator near WestminsterMagistrates Court in London, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010, where WikiLeaksfounder Julian Assange was denied bail after appearing on an extraditionwarrant. Assange surrendered to London police as part of a Swedish sex-crimes investigation, the latest blow to an organization that faces legal,financial and technological challenges after releasing hundreds of secretU.S. diplomatic cables.

See HACKERS, page 14

Mugabe, Mandela andOthers Named in WikileaksSecret CablesSPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THEGLOBAL INFORMATION NETWORKS

The publication of confidentialdiplomatic cables on the websiteWikileaks gave ammunition to someAfrican leaders who have complained,without previous proof, of U.S. interfer-ence in their country.

Zimbabwe President RobertMugabe, for example, learned from thecables that the United States is leadingefforts to remove him from power.

In the leaked memos, former U.S.ambassador Christopher Dell wrote thatthe United States was taking a leadingrole to bring Mugabe down and that for-mer colonizer Britain could not do thejob because it washamstrung by its colo-nial past.

“Thus it falls tothe U.S., once again, totake the lead, to sayand do the hard thingsand to set the agenda,”Dell said in a cableposted on the Wiki-leaks site.

As to Kenya,classified U.S. diplo-matic messages call-ed Nairobi “a swampof flourishing corrup-tion” and had littlegood to say about thecurrent coalition gov-

ernment. Kenyan government spokesman

Alfred Mutua said: “We do not knowthe details of the leaked cables, but ifwhat is reported is true then it is totallymalicious and a total misrepresentationof our country and our leaders … Weare surprised and shocked by these rev-elations.”

Mutua said the United States’Africa envoy, Johnny Carson, hadcalled Prime Minister Raila Odingarecently to apologize for the expectedleaks.

Finally, the secret cables revealedthat former President Nelson Mandelawas resolutely against the Iraq war, andthat he believed President George W.Bush ignored calls by the UnitedNations for restraint because the U.N.’sthen-General Secretary, Kofi Annan, isBlack.

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hispolitical credibility on the line,President Barack Obama testilydefended his willingness to choosecompromise over combat with Re-publicans on Tuesday, lecturing fel-low Democrats not to be “sanctimo-nious” purists.

Sensitive to charges of caving onbedrock principles, he said he wel-comed fights with the GOP ahead ofhis 2012 re-election bid.

“I will be happy to see theRepublicans test whether or not I’mitching for a fight on a whole range ofissue,” Obama said. “I suspect theywill find I am. And I think theAmerican people will be on my side.”

The subject was taxes, whowould or wouldn’t keep Bush-erareductions come Jan. 1. But forObama, barely a month after disas-trous congressional losses to theRepublicans, there was a lot more to it.

What emerged Tuesday was aportrait of a president determined toshow he’s not a weak, irrelevantcapitulator — the kind of image that,if it becomes part of a lasting narra-tive, could derail his presidency andre-election bid.

In the past few days, Obama hastried to recover from the midtermelections by showing deference to hisopponents, angering allies in theprocess.

The key moment came Monday,when he announced a deal withRepublicans that would extend taxcuts to all taxpayers for two years,after long insisting that upper-incomeAmericans did not need the help andthe nation couldn’t afford it.

Though he won a number ofconcessions from Republicans, con-gressional Democrats were left bris-tling.

Besides the tax deal, he also dis-appointed labor by calling last weekfor a freeze on federal wages. And hehas insisted that the Senate take up anuclear arms treaty ahead of otherDemocratic priorities.

It’s a template for a new Wash-ington relationship after two years ofrelying on Democratic muscle to passthe health care overhaul and other ofhis signature initiatives.

For Obama, this political pirou-ette could be both risky and unruly,causing chaos within his own partywhile requiring the support of Repub-

licans who are openly seeking tomake him a one-term president.

“The president is confrontedwith a very difficult situation,” HouseMajority Leader Steny Hoyer saidTuesday, describing the bitternessmany Democrats voiced against thetax deal.

Obama’s news conference wasmeant not just to lobby for the agree-ment he made with Republicans butto lobby for himself as a leader whohasn’t lost sight of what he called thenorth star: “What is helping theAmerican people live out theirlives?”

Pressed on why he wasn’t ableto keep from getting so boxed in,Obama called out Republicans forideological rigidity on tax cuts for therich (“This is their holy grail”) andDemocratic lawmakers for not actingearlier (“I would have liked to haveseen a vote before the election”).

Obama was so determined toshow his toughness, in fact, that hecompared Republicans on Tuesday tohostage-takers willing to do seriousharm. To Americans.

In an echo of his 2008 cam-paign, Obama sought to define him-

self as a doer, not a partisan fighter.And he signaled a more incrementalgoverning style, recalling the birth ofSocial Security and Medicare as farmore modest proposals than they arenow.

He argued that some of his crit-ics on the left would prefer to “havethe satisfaction of having a puristposition and no victories for theAmerican people.”

“That can’t be the measure ofwhat it means to be a Democrat,” he

said.For Obama, the nation’s first

black president and one who isn’tquick to bring up his race, his finaldefense of dealmaking was his mosteye-opening.

“This country was founded oncompromise,” he said. “I couldn’t gothough the front door at this country’sfounding.”

Obama insisted Tuesday that hestill has plenty of fight left to confront


It’s not just taxes: Obamadefends his credibility

AP Photo by J. Scott ApplewhitePresident Barack Obama makes statement in the Eisenhower ExecutiveOffice Building, part of the White House complex, in Washington, Monday,Dec. 6, 2010, after meeting with Democratic congressional leaders on ayear-end bipartisan agreement to extend expiring tax cuts.

See OBAMA, page 11

Notes, quotes and things pickedup on the run from coast-to-coastand all the stops in between andbeyond.

After scoring six touchdownsin the 56-17 slaughter of SouthCarolina last Saturday — a careerhigh thus far —Auburn Universityquarterback Cam Newton undoubt-edly put a lock on the 2010Heisman Trophy.

Newton passed for a career-high 335 yards.

If Newton isn’t a unanimousHeisman Trophy winner in NewYork City this Saturday, then, as thesong goes, grits ain’t groceries andMona Lisa was a man.

Newton and his team will faceOregon in Glendale, Ariz., on Jan.10 in Arizona.

UCLA’s Bruins lost againstthe USC Trojans on Saturday, 28-14, at the Rose Bowl stadium.

Senior Allen Bradford didn’tget many chances to carry the ball,but he went out in a blaze of glory ashe scored two touchdowns and

rushed for a career high of 212yards.

In high school football, Cren-shaw’s Cougars will battle it outagainst the Carson Colts on Satur-day at the Coliseum, 1 p.m.

Crenshaw recently rolled overVenice, 63-12, in a semifinal game.Carson was a 40-21 winner overTaft High.

On Friday, wide receiver BlairHolliday and the rest of OaksChristian High School’s footballteam will play against Westlake inthe CIF Northern DivisionChampionship game on Dec. 10 at7:30 p.m.

BY DENNIS WASZAK JR.AP SPORTS WRITER

NEW YORK — Keith Fitzhugh

chose operating trains over a shot at aSuper Bowl.

The free-agent safety turneddown an offer to join the New YorkJets to remain a conductor withNorfolk Southern Railroad and stayon track financially while helpingsupport his parents in Atlanta.

“I’ve got something now whereI know every two weeks I’m gettinga paycheck,” Fitzhugh told TheAssociated Press in a telephone inter-view Tuesday night. “That’s whathelps out the most right now. I don’tknock the Jets at all. I highly appreci-ate them.”

Jets coach Rex Ryan said theteam was looking to sign a safetyafter Jim Leonhard was lost for theseason last week with a broken shinand James Ihedigbo suffered a leginjury in New York’s 45-3 loss toNew England on Monday night. NewYork has only two safeties — EricSmith and Brodney Pool — listed onits roster.

The 24-year-old Fitzhugh, whohad stints in camp with the Jets thepast two years, was contacted by theteam but declined New York’s offerto return.

“You don’t hear this too oftenand some people might think it’s nota good idea,” Fitzhugh said. “Somepeople might think it is. I don’t know.I just have to look out for what’s bestfor me and my family.”

Fitzhugh’s decision was firstreported by The Star-Ledger ofNewark.

“To sacrifice what he did for hisfamily is the most unselfish thing I'veheard by a player in sports,” saidDaniel Rose, Fitzhugh’s agent. “It’sreally impressive.”

Fitzhugh’s father, Keith Sr., isdisabled and unable to work, whilehis mother, Meltonia, has been strug-gling to make ends meet.

BY JOSEPH WHITEAP SPORTS WRITER

WASHINGTON — Simmering

all year, the antagonism betweenAlbert Haynesworth and MikeShanahan finally reached the boiling

point Tuesday when the two-timeAll-Pro defensive lineman was sus-pended by the Washington Redskinscoach without pay for the rest of theseason.

Citing a litany of acts that essen-tially add up to season-long insubor-dination, the Redskins suspendedHaynesworth for “conduct detrimen-tal to the club” and told him he's notwelcome for the team’s final fourgames — and making it extremelyunlikely he will play for the clubagain.

“Despite the club’s numerousattempts to persuade Albert Haynes-worth to abide by the terms of hiscontract, he has repeatedly refused tocooperate with our coaching staff in avariety of ways over an extendedperiod of time,” Shanahan said instatement released by the team.“Among other things, he has consis-tently indicated to our defensivecoaches that he refuses to play in ourbase defense or on first-down or sec-ond-down nickel situations. He has


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METHADONECLINIC

AP Photo by Mark HumphreyWashington Redskins defensive tackle and former Tennessee Titans playerAlbert Haynesworth (92) waves to fans as he leaves the field after theRedskins defeated the Titans 19-16 in overtime of an NFL football game onSunday, Nov. 21, 2010, in Nashville, Tenn.

Fitzhugh turns down Jetsto keep job as conductor

AP Photo by Bill KostrounThis photo taken Aug. 14, 2009 shows the New York Jets’ Keith Fitzhughbefore an NFL football preseason game against the St. Louis Rams at GiantsStadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Fitzhugh chose operating trains over a shotat a Super Bowl. The free-agent safety turned down an offer to join the NewYork Jets to remain a conductor with Norfolk Southern Railroad and stay ontrack financially while helping support his parents in Atlanta.

Redskins suspend Haynesworth4 games without pay

SPORTS BEAT BY BRAD PYE JR.

AP Photo by Dave MartinAuburn quarterback Cameron Newton (2) gets hoisted by teammates MikeBerry (66) and Byron Isom (57) at the end of the Southeastern ConferenceChampionship NCAA college football game against South Carolina at theGeorgia Dome in Atlanta, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010. Auburn won 56-17.

See FITZHUGH, page 11 See HAYNESWORTH, page 15

See SPORTS BEAT, page 15Blair Holliday, Oaks Christian High School.

BY MICHAEL BROWNCONTRIBUTING WRITER

New author Norris Pimpton Jr.didn’t have to look far for inspiration tomotivate him to write his first memoir.Two watershed moments last yearmoved him to stop contemplating, andto act on his desire to write.

“The Project Diaries” is Pimpton’srecount of some of the experiences helived through while growing up inWatts, as a youth, mostly in theNickerson Gardens Housing Projects.

With the early 1980s serving as abackdrop, Pimpton describes, inunflinching and raw details, the events,people and circumstances he encoun-tered while trying to make sense of aworld where poverty and violence werepervasive.

The “Diaries” largely wasn’t a

planned project, but was a byproduct ofthe passing of two people featuredthroughout the book, which was re-leased in September.

Pimpton’s younger brother, ThomasPimpton, who passed away last year,nudged Norris to begin planning thebook while the two siblings exchangedideas. However, it wasn’t untilMother’s Day of last year that Norrisfelt compelled to write.

“I posted a poem dedicated to mydeceased mother on Facebook and itgot a very positive response from peo-ple,” Pimpton said. “The (sentiments)that people expressed pushed me toimmediately write the first two pages.When I think of my mother, a painfulexperience was the first thing that cameto mind.”

The experience Pimpton makes


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Watts-bred author releases‘Diaries,’ his debut book Norris Pimpton Jr. reflects on his childhood yearsin the Nickerson Gardens Housing Projects

Norris Pimpton Jr.

BY JESSE WASHINGTONAP NATIONAL WRITER

Kanye West, “My Beautiful DarkTwisted Fantasy” (Roc-A-FellaRecords)

We knew well before “MyBeautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” thatKanye West is a tortured genius.

He had made enough headlinesand leaked enough music to make thatclear. The main question left for hisfifth album was, what’s in it for us?

A lot — if you like reality TV,celebrity tabloids and car crashes. As aproducer, Kanye’s immense gifts havereached a new peak, and his lyricsremain double-edged blades of youngblack pathos.

The only thing missing from this“Fantasy” is a good time.

Kanye’s previous album, “808s& Heartbreak,” also was a bleak expe-rience, but “Fantasy” delves into anuglier place.

There’s no happiness, vicariousthrills or funny stories, no touchingodes to his mentor or his mother, just aman torn apart by the world and him-self. You get women, ego, fame, evil,power, pain, even sex and religion asunholy bedfellows — all delivered indefiant rhymes laden with multiplemeanings and punch lines.

This dysfunction still soundsincredible, though, because West laysdown his torment on beds of soundthat reveal new beauties with each lis-ten.

Some of his musical composi-tions are made for the stadium, like“All of the Lights” and its red carpet of14 vocalists ranging from Elton Johnto Charlie Wilson to Rihanna. Someare destined for European discos, like“Lost in the World” and its bipolardeclarations: “You’re my questions,you’re my proof / You’re my stress,and you’re my masseuse.”

But this is emphatically a hip-hopalbum, so the boom-bap is never far.

“So Appalled” sounds like new-millenium Mobb Deep; “Monster” is athrobbing menace where Jay-Z psy-

choanalyzes Kanye andmillions of other scaryblack men to a T:“Everybody wanna knowwhat my Achilles heel is /Love! I don’t get enoughof it ...”

Love does seem tobe the root of Kanye’sissues, which he decon-structs on the simply bril-liant “Runaway,” bravelydiscarding the Auto-Tuneand building a singlepiano note into a glisten-ing monument to hisproblems.

As great as the songis, though, it’s tough toparty or bounce to, unlessyou’re one of the “scumbags” he’stoasting.

That goes for most of the album— we can gawk at Kanye’s troubles,but few would want to live them.

It makes you wish Kanye could

finally find the woman or the award heyearns for, so he could escape from hisown head and give us another hilarious“Gold Digger” or redemptive “JesusWalks.” Until then, he’s like a Picassowho only paints self-portraits.

Review: Kanye’sgreat ‘Fantasy’only lacks fun

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See PIMPTON, page 15

BY YUSSUF J. SIMMONDSCo-Managing Editor

For 40 years, Congressman Charles Rangelhas served the people of Harlem. He was recent-ly re-elected to his 21st term in Congress withabout 80 percent of the votes.

Those are statistics that begs the ques-tion: Is he serving his constituents — doing thework they have continuously sent him to do for20 terms? They obviously are satisfied with thequality of his representation, for the 80-year-old Democrat remains a political leader in NewYork’s Harlem.

In speaking before his colleagues in theHouse before the censure vote, Rangel contritelysaid, “I brought it on to myself … ,” The Associ-ated Press reported. He appealed for fairness,

and some of his supporters argued for a lesserreprimand, The AP said.

In the end, their appeals failed; the vote tocensure him was 333 to 79 for an array ethicsviolations for which he did not receive any finan-cial gain. Others with more egregious violationswere not subjected to such a harsh penalty. (Itwas tantamount to using a hammer to swat anant).

As a co-founding member of the Congres-sional Black Caucus (CBC), Rangel has servedhis constituents in a way that reflected the CBC’smantle as “the conscience of the U.S. Congress.”And after the vote, he added,“… at no time has itever entered my mind to enrich myself or to doviolence to the honesty that’s expected of all ofus in this House.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who is Rangel’s

colleague and chair of the CBC, echoed thesesentiments:“Today’s vote by the House of Repre-sentatives to censure Congressman Rangel wasan overly harsh sanction, especially consideringthat after a 2-year investigation the Committeefound no evidence of corruption or personal fi-nancial gain. Under House precedents, a repri-mand would have been a fairer sanction for thelapses that he has long since admitted and cor-rected.”

When evaluating the violations leveledagainst Rangel against those of the last twoHouse members who were censured, the pic-ture becomes clear. According to the congres-sional record, the last two congressmen to becensured were in violation of sexual misconductwith House pages.That is a far cry from anythingfrom the Rangel allegations.

8 L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

Last August, the Los Angeles Sentinel headlined a story asking the question, is there racial profiling in Congress? The events surrounding the censure of Congressman Rangel may have answered that question.

Commentary

Thursday, December 9, 2010 9www.lawattstimes.com

Furthermore, Lee added, “The censure sanc-tion is a departure from the customary sanctionsin other cases that have been adjudicated overthe years. According to the Committee’s counsel,Congressman Rangel’s misconduct resulted fromoverzealousness and sloppiness, not corruption.”

It is important to report Rangel’s statement tothe House following the vote to censure him:

“I fully recognize that constitutionally this bodyhas the full jurisdiction to determine the conductof one of its members. My predecessor sufferedbecause they didn’t allow him to be a member be-fore they decided that he should be expelled. Butnotwithstanding that, we do know that we are a po-litical body and even though it is painful to acceptthis vote, I am fully aware that this vote reflectsperhaps the thinking not just of the members butthe political side and the constituency of this body.

Having said that and having my opportunity to dowhat I wanted to do initially and that is to makecertain that this body and this country would knowthat at no time has it ever entered my mind to en-rich myself or to do violence to the honesty that’sexpected of all of us in this House. I think that hasbeen proven and that has been what I’ve beenasking for and that’s why I’ve admitted to mistakesand was prepared to do what I’ve done.

“I understand that this is a new criteria and abreakthrough in order to teach somebody a high-er lesson than those that in the past have done farmore harm to the reputation of this body than I. ButI just would want all of you to know that in my heartI truly feel good. It’s not all the commitments thatare made to God in 1950. A lot of it has to do withthe fact that I know in my heart that I’m not goingto be judged by this Congress but I’m going to be

judged by my life, my activities, my contributionsto society and I just apologize for the awkward po-sition that some of you are in. But at the end of theday, as I started off saying, compared to where I’vebeen, I haven’t had a bad day since.”

And speaking on behalf of her colleagues,Lee concluded in her statement that the “actionin no way diminishes Congressman Rangel’s dis-tinguished 50-year history of service to his coun-try and constituents who again overwhelminglyreturned him to office in November. Members ofthe Congressional Black Caucus are proud to callCongressman Rangel our colleague and friend.”

After Rangel returned to his district, he let hisconstituents know that, “Charles Rangel is notguilty of corruption or self-enrichment.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.


BY YUSSUF J. SIMMONDSSENTINEL MANAGING EDITOR

Much of the work that MalikSpellman has been doing in the com-

munity has been unnoticed because,for the most part, it is not glorifying; itis risky, but rewarding — not finan-cially, but personally. There are dan-

gers involved ... but then so too aremany other endeavors; and it takes ahigh level of commitment.

Spellman works to reduce gangviolence; to prevent children frombecoming involved in neighborhoodgangs and to redirect young (and old)from the gang life. It is a tedious joband he is committed to make a differ-ence. His latest endeavor has resultedin a reality television show: “ThePeacemakers, L.A. Gang Wars” fromexecutive producer, Ice-T (himself aformer gang member, who is now oneof the co-stars of “Law and Order:Special Victims Unit”), and it willdebut on A&E (Arts and Entertain-ment) as a new real life series hit, on

Thursdays at 10/9 central time begin-ning on Dec. 16.

Spellman sat down with the LosAngeles Sentinel and explained thewhen, why and how of his new ven-ture and some of his future plans.

LOS ANGELES SENTINEL(LAS): Tell us why you did this andhow it came about — the Peace-makers?

MALIK SPELLMAN (MS):First of all, I’m honored to be here atthe Sentinel; I think that this is one ofthe greatest papers in the world thathelped me get to where I am, and Ican honestly say that I got to be inThe Peacemakers with the assistanceof Mr. (Danny) Bakewell (theSentinel’s executive publisher) andothers like Noel (Foucher) and edi-tors, like yourself, and people herewho believed in my writings andefforts that we, as (gang) interven-tionists are doing in the community.

I really started out in 1992,telling my friends like Tony Bogardand a bunch of other people in thehousing projects in Watts when wecame together with a gang truce thatwas not known on the streets; but Ihad done gang truces in prison in OldFolsom back in ’83, ’84 and ’85. AndI came to the streets and have beentrying to stop gang murders eversince.

LAS: What is your actual role in“The Peacemakers, L.A. Gang Wars.”I see here (looking at the promotionalcard) executive producer, Ice-T; whatis your actual role in making this?

MS: I am the Peacemaker andthat show is based on my life being apeacemaker for several years here inCalifornia. I came out here in 1980and was dropped off in a South Los

Angeles community. Consequently itwas a petri dish of gang violence; Ibecame a person who knew bothsides. So in this particular piece of(the) ‘Peacemaker’ reality show that Ihave here today, A&E is basicallyabout my life as a peacemaker. Ice-Tis the executive producer and doubleO.G. (Old Gangster, a term of endear-ment), and A&E is the proprietor andthe producers of the show.

LAS: Is there any significanceinterwoven into the picture thatreflects from all the writing and otherthings that you have been doing withthe people in the penitentiary?

MS: Yes. There are momentswithin the show that allows me to cor-respond with people in prison to gettheir support for what I am trying todo about stopping the killing thatreflect prison life as well as people onthe streets who are subject to highlevels of violence, and high levels ofcrime here in the city of Los Angeles.

LAS: It says here on the card“New Real Life Series;” is this goingto be a series or a one shot piece?

MS: It’s a reality show, that’s aseries and A&E is in it for the longhaul. It’s not a one-shot piece or a fly-by-night documentary, it’s a realshow based on real life, and the thingsthat people do every day trying tomake themselves safe in the commu-nity. So it’s a show based on my lifeand what I’ve been doing for the last20-plus years.

LAS: Since it’s going to be aseries, is there going to be oneepisode of Malik and one episode ofanother brother and so on; and is thathow it’s going to continue? Or areyou going to have a part in everyepisode?

MS: I am the show; I am thepeacemaker. So they have to have mein the show ... follow me around andsee what I do. But additional casts willbe on the show. I’ll take three mem-bers from each rival gang and bringthem on to discuss their discrepancies.I get one that’s with the peace and onethat’s against the peace, and I get onethat doesn’t give a damn about eitherside. So I try to get three people fromeither side with level heads and bringthem to the table — especially the agi-tators. I think it’s important that webring the agitators to the table.Because oftentimes, they are over-looked during peace initiatives andsometimes peace efforts are interrupt-ed by people who are agitators.

So in this show, you’ll see methroughout every show. I’m going intoseason two, God willing in January.It’s season one for A&E; they’re veryexcited about it and I think it’s time toshow America there are other civilwars.

The interview covered manyother areas relative to places/commu-nities where the show will focus andSpellman’s future plans. He plans totake the show on the road throughoutthe country and possibly overseas, towrite a book or some books andapproach teaching institutions to dolectures and also lecture tours.Spellman sees this as another way tokeep the community informed as tothe dangers and thereby help the peo-ple to be safer via knowledge, educa-tion and information.

Spellman’s overall goal is, as heput it, “to recycle the brother on thestreet,” to become a person who advo-cates for peace on behalf of those whodo not have a voice.

Introducing ‘The Peacemakers: L.A. Gang Wars’

Malik Spellman with youngsters.

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Malik Spellman

Much has been said and done about the prevalence and destructionthat gangs have wrought in Los Angeles and throughout thecountry. Here is a different take from Malik Spellman.

BY EVANGELIST LEANDRAFLUCKER

When it comes toChristmas, I was never sen-timental. As a child I couldtake or leave the decorations— the lights, wreaths, andeven some of the Christmasmovies.

However, I did enjoythe Christmas music. In myopinion, the season was toocommercialized; it markedthe time when adults wouldbecome rampant competi-tive consumers. But nowthat I’m the parent of afreshman in college, I justcan’t help myself: I likeChristmas, complete withall the trimmings.

But this year, the sea-son of Advent seems to beworking against our totalcommitment toward the cel-ebration of Jesus’ arrivalover 2,000 years ago. Lifefor many is difficult —financially, emotionally andsocially.

As we anticipate the Christmasseason, we must admit that our emo-tions can thrust us into a mental

fairytale storyline. A fairy-tale that keeps ourMessiah lying in a manger,cute and cuddly, unable toneither meet our needs andheal our bodies, nor com-fort us in time of mentaldistress. For some, hearingMerry Christmas won’t fixthe problems they havefaced all year long.

We must rememberthat the season of Adventis a time when we cele-brate the birth of Christand await His return.

We must not allowour present circumstancesto dictate our anticipationof Christmas. God is gra-cious and worthy to bepraised. Our present situa-tions should not deter usfrom anticipating Hisreturn, living a life holyand acceptable.

As we wait for Christto return we must remem-ber that He’s not dead.

He’s alive! God is real and He is ourSavior.

Immanuel: God our Savior

Evangelist Leandra Flucker

BY BRIAN W. CARTERSENTINEL STAFF WRITER

When a loved onebecomes sick with a diseaselike cancer, the whole worldchanges around you. Youstart to question things youprobably never questionedbefore. You begin to searchfor the meanings and reasonsbehind the tribulation in yourlife. Kenneth P. Powe iswalking that road now.

On Friday, Oct. 22,Powe lost his beloved wife,Jerryl P. Powe, aka J.P. “Jay”Powe, to cancer. They hadbeen married for 42 yearsand have two daughters,Anissa and Shana.

The Powe family aremembers of the First Churchof God. J.P. was a spiritualwoman determined to fightthe “challenge” within herbody.

J.P., one the first of sevenchildren, was born J.P. “Jay”Carter on July 29, 1950, toPatricia Margaret Butler and Jerry Carter Sr. in Los Angeles. She had a strongcharacter and was a big sister. She accepted her “High Priest, Jesus,” at the ageof 11 and trusted Him throughout her life.

She attended several elementary schools including Edison Junior HighSchool and would later graduate from John C. Fremont High School in 1968.J.P. was a “Pathfinder” at Fremont High and was crowned as a Cotton DayPrincess. She stayed in touch with her fellow classmates until recently.

J.P. went to work for the City of Los Angeles and worked in severaldepartments over the years. She has worked in Scientific Investigations andCrime Lab, to name a few. J.P. ended up working for the Department of Waterand Power (DWP) and retired in 2006. She acquired many lifelong friendswhile working for the city.

At 18, J.P. met the man that would become her husband, Kenneth P. Powe.He was a proud Marine and after his honorable discharge at the age of 22, he mar-ried J.P. Carter on Oct. 11, 1968, three months after Jay’s 18th birthday.

As time went on, the Powes moved from an upscale apartment on theWestside to Inglewood. They were very involved with their community aswatch commander leaders, block club party organizers and city council influ-entials.

J.P. took her health seriously and made sure she had mammogramchecks. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of 2006. Hercancer was in stage 3 and at that point was considered deadly. J.P. under wentchemotherapy and a mastectomy.

“She used to get a mammogram every year,” said Powe. After oneexamination, there were signs that J.P. could have malignancy in her breast.“They removed her breast and a bunch of lymph nodes under her arm. Wewere fine for a while.”

The cancer returned and metastasized in her body. J.P. continued with herchemo treatments and a strong spiritual conviction that she would be well. “Mywife was really positive and a really good Christian,” said Powe. “We never actu-ally used the word ‘cancer’ in the house. We always called it a ‘challenge.’ ”

J.P. continued to live her life in spite of the cancer. She did all that wasrequired of her with keeping appointments, medicine and added spiritualstrength. “It never got us down, we never dwelled on it. It was there, but wenever gave it credit,” said Powe. “We stayed positive, did everything we weresupposed to do.”

The spiritual strength that was given to her by the Lord, the loving sup-port of her husband and her family would serve as a soft transition to glory.J.P. succumbed to her fight with cancer slipping into a coma. With a heavyheart, Powe continues ahead with the same strength J.P. had in life. He hadencouraging words for those who may be going through the same thing.

“Keep right on going, doing everything you’re going to do,” is Powe’sadvice to cancer patients and their families. He recommended staying posi-tive, surrounding yourself with family and keeping the faith no matter what.Despite her passing, Powe still has hope and maintains his faith.

J.P. leaves behind her husband; her two daughters, Anissa and Shana;her mother, Patricia Margaret; her grandchildren, Maya and Madison; her sis-ters, Marylin and Theresa; her brothers, Jerry Jr., Eugene, Eric and LaVal Sr.;her sister-in-law Trish; brother-in-law Keith; nieces and nephews, Shelley,Steven Jr., Kendra, Rochelle, Vaughn, LaTasha, Melissa, LaVal Jr. and EricJr.; her cousins, Tony, Darnell, Clint, Curtis, Poncho, Henry, Maurice, Velmaand LaVerne; her uncle Clyde; her aunt Hattie; stepfather Oscar; and a slewof other relatives, family, friends and neighbors.

Person of the Week

To fight with courage...J.P. ‘Jay’ Powe gave cancer the fight of alifetime and left spiritual inspiration for us all

Jerryl P. Powe


Republicans and defend Democraticprinciples. The tax cut deal, he said,was essential to prevent a tax increaseon all taxpayers and it bought himtime to fight Republicans later onextending tax cuts to the wealthy.

“I’m as opposed to the high-endtax cuts today as I’ve been foryears,” he said. “When they expirein two years I will fight to endthem.”

Three days into his presidencyin 2009, Obama told Republicanspushing their own ideas that therewere consequences to the 2008 elec-tion.

“At the end of the day, I won,”he said.

For two years, that motivatedObama’s decision making.

The Nov. 2 elections, however,put the House in Republicans’ handsstarting in January and trimmed theDemocratic majority in the Senate.

Obama’s new approach echoesthat of President Bill Clinton, whosaw Democrats lose control of theHouse two years into his first term in1994. Clinton, too, provoked Demo-crats by reaching agreements withRepublicans, most notably on anoverhaul of welfare laws that left lib-erals seething.

Eager to avoid a wholesalerevolt, Obama has voiced supportfor top Democratic initiatives thathis allies want to complete this yearbefore Congress adjourns. But as hepressed for a tax agreement and aSenate vote on the START nucleartreaty, the likelihood of action onimmigration and don’t ask, don’t tellare slipping away.

“There’s no question he hasmade a pivot,” said Matt Bennett, aformer Clinton aide and a vice pres-ident at the think tank Third Way.“He lives in a world profoundly dif-ferent than he did before Nov. 2.”

During his news conference,Obama’s bring-it-on defiance to allskeptics brought a smile from hisspokesman, Robert Gibbs, who sat afew feet away from his boss. TheObama White House almost relishesthe moment when people count themas down, if not out.

The president’s fiercest wordscame for members of his own party.He shot back at those concerned hewas compromising too much. Hecompared the situation to the healthcare debate, when liberal Democratscomplained that he caved in by fail-ing to include a government-runinsurance plan. He said they stillmiss the bigger picture.

“If that’s the standard by whichwe are measuring success or core

principles, then let’s face it, we willnever get anything done,” he said.

“People will have the satisfac-tion of having a purist position andno victories for the American peo-ple. And will be able to feel goodabout ourselves and sanctimoniousabout how pure our intentions are. ...That can’t be the measure of what itmeans to be a Democrat.”

And finally came a dare to fel-low Democrats.

“Take a tally. Look at what Ipromised during the campaign.There’s not a single thing that I’vesaid that I would do that I have noteither done or tried to do. ... To myDemocratic friends, what I’d sug-gest is, let’s make sure that weunderstand this is a long game.”

OBAMAContinued from page 5

“I know the Jets have a greatopportunity of making the SuperBowl, and that’s one dream that everychild has is to play sports and make itto the Super Bowl or get to the WorldSeries,” Fitzhugh said. “But, there’s atime when you have to think, ‘Hey,you’ve only got one Mom and Dad.’They won’t be here forever, andwhile they’re here, you’ve got tocherish that time.”

Fitzhugh went undrafted after anoutstanding career at MississippiState and signed last year with theJets as a free agent. He was later cutand signed to the practice squadbefore Baltimore signed him lastDecember. He re-signed with the Jetsin the offseason.

“I was released three times.That’s a lot,” he said. “I just don’twant to give up what I have now andsay that I’m there for a couple ofweeks and then I’m released again.Then, what am I going to do? It’s

really tough. It’s the nature of thebusiness.”

Fitzhugh, who keeps in touchwith a few former Jets teammates,has been working for NorfolkSouthern Railroad for three months.

“I don't want to let them down orrun from them because I got a shotfor a couple of weeks,” he said. “I justfeel that that’s not right at themoment. I’m looking more long-termin life right now than the short-term.”

Fitzhugh said he has beenblessed to work with his two child-hood passions: football and trains.He also keeps close watch on hisformer team, to see if he still recog-nizes the defensive schemes Ryan isrunning.

“It’s tough because I would loveto say, ‘Hey, I’m going to go out thereand get it again,’ but it's about a risk,”he said. “Is it the end of my NFLcareer forever? I don’t know. This iswhat I need to do right now.”

FITZHUGHContinued from page 6


BY JULIANNE MALVEAUXNNPA COLUMNIST

In the weeks since the “shel-lacking” of the Nov. 2 election, therehas been much talk that the economywill turn around and, indeed, is onthe mend. Both punditsand expert economistsare saying the econom-ic indicators are better.The recession is over,according to these in-dicators, and it is un-likely that we have adouble dip recession.The stock market hasdone well this year. Sowhy is the unemploy-ment rate so high?

The November un-employment numberswent up, not down.Now at 9.8 percent, weare only two-tenths ofa percentage pointlower than this time ayear ago. No wondervoters rejected Demo-crats at the polls inNovember. If there isprogress, it has comefar too slowly, and allAmericans are taking itin the pocketbook.

What does 9.8percent unemploymenttranslate into? It trans-lates into a whole heckof a lot of human mis-ery. It translates into15.1 million people who want jobsbut can’t find them, 6.3 million whohaven’t worked for at least half ayear. It means that the marginalattachment to the labor force is ris-ing, with 2.5 million now part of thatgroup. It means that the traditionallyreported black unemployment rate isnow 16 percent. And FederalReserve Chairman Ben Bernankesays we might have to live withunemployment rates this high foranother few years, and that unem-ployment rates might not return tothe “normal” 5 or 6 percent until2015.

Of course, the 9.8 percent that isreported totally understates the reali-ty of the situation. Including discour-aged workers and others, the unem-ployment rate is closer to 16.3 per-cent. The enormity of this problem inthe African-American community isstaggering and gives one the sensethat the Senate and Congress are fid-dling, figuratively, as Rome burns,and much less figuratively, in theAfrican-American community.

Extending unemployment bene-fits has become a political football.And there has been little attentionfocused on the possibility of job cre-ation. If Bernanke is saying that wecan expect to live with high unem-ployment rates for quite some time,then it is irresponsible for Congressto ignore joblessness because theywant to balance budgets. Meanwhile,many are gearing up to celebrate the

season, while others simply want towork, but the jobs aren’t there. To besure, there will be a few new jobs thismonth in the retail sector as retailersdesperately attempt to stimulate con-sumer sales. “Black Friday,” the tra-ditional big day for shopping, seems

to have gone over with a thud; therewill be new data out in midDecember. So far, preliminary datasay that Black Friday sales were upby about 2 percent, but prices havebeen dropped so significantly thatprofits have been hurt. But profitshaven’t been as hurt as employment.People are hurting, and they aren’tgetting the results they need fromthose policy makers who could alle-viate their pain.

There will be people carolingand crooning through the New Year,celebrating the joy of a season thatmust be celebrated. We manage ourlives around these rituals, thesemysteries of faith, this time of theyear when life grinds to a halt andwe recognize humanity, human val-ues, the birth of the Christ child, andthe coming of winter solstice. Andyet, while some croon, others willstruggle to celebrate, scraping pen-nies together to come up with somesemblance of celebration becausethey have children so barraged bycommercialism that they equate theend of the year with gifts and good-ies.

So on one hand we have peoplepricing what the 12 days of Christ-mas would cost today and others areporing through the pricey NeimanMarcus catalog; some folks just wantjobs for Christmas. Maybe thisCongress will manage things so thatmore than a few are granted theirwish.

Some want jobsfor Christmas

BY EARL OFARI HUTCHINSONNEW AMERICA MEDIA

Politics does, indeed, makestrange bedfellows.

How else to characterize one ofCongress’ most out-spoken ultraconser-vatives, Rep. PeterKing of New York,protesting the Housevote to censureHarlem congressmanCharles Rangel, anAfrican American, aDemocrat, and alongtime paragon ofliberalism?

Of course, King’sdefense of Rangelhad nothing to dowith political affec-tion, identification,outrage over histreatment, or evenfear that the censurevote could set a dan-gerous precedent.No, the point was toensure that the corrup-tion spotlight shonebrightly on the Dem-ocrats.

That’s exactlywhat’s happened.

On the one hand,it’s hard to feel muchsympathy for Rangel.He didn’t just flauntthe rules — he mock-ed them.

As a longtimemember of the HouseWays and MeansCommittee, and forthe last four years itschairman, Rangelenjoys enormouspower over tax policyissues. Yet he blatant-ly failed to pay taxeson his own propertyfor several years.

In his half-heart-ed pleas for mercy, even Rangelrepeatedly acknowledged that hehad made “serious mistakes.” Afterthe imbroglio broke, speculationwas rampant about what might hap-pen to him. Rangel refused a deal.

He won re-election to a 21stterm, so there was not much chancethat he’d be expelled. When theHouse Ethics Committee found himguilty, by a 9-1 vote, of 11 viola-tions of House rules, censurebecame a virtual certainty. And infact, last week he became the firstmember of Congress to be censuredin more than a quarter century.

Now Rangel and, to a lesserextent, California Rep. MaxineWaters are firmly imprinted in themedia and public mind as the posterpair for congressional corruption.

They’re black, high-profile,high-ranking Democrats. Andthey’re outspoken. This instantlymade them inviting targets. Yet themedia crucifixion of Rangel alsoabsolves Congress from taking any

real action against other of its worstoffenders.

There are dozens of other law-makers who are just as deserving, ifnot more so, of being thrust onto thepolitical hot seat.

In October 2009, for example,27 other members of Congress werenamed as being under investigationfor possible ethics violations. Whena congressional staffer leaked asummary of the Ethics Committee’spreliminary report, the panel made itclear that the investigations weremerely preliminary and the suspect-ed violators had not been formallycharged.

But the checklist of allegationswas far from petty: sweetheartarrangements with lobbyists, illicitcampaign and finance dealings,questionable receipt of gifts, failureto disclose said gifts and other prop-erty, and questions about the report-ing of taxes.

Beyond the seriousness ofRangel’s offenses, there are twoglaring reasons why the other con-gressmen and women supposedlyunder investigation have escapedthe same level of scrutiny. Most ofthe other suspected violators aren’tas well known as Rangel. And they

lack his seniority and power. Only a handful on the list are

Republicans, so House SpeakerNancy Pelosi and the HouseDemocratic leadership couldn’tuse their names to stoke public

fury about allegedGOP misdeeds,whereas the otherDemocrats undersusp ic ion lackRangel’s visibility,so going afterthem offered theparty little advan-tage on the PRfront.

M a k i n g a ne x a m p l e o fRangel , on theother hand, allowsPelosi and theEthics Committeeto self-righteouslycla im that theethics rules work,that the committeeis doing its job,and that HouseDemocrats canpolice their own.

C a l i f o r n i aRep. Zoe Lofgren,the Democrat whochaired the HouseEthics Committee(and a close friendof Pelosi’s), boast-ed that censuringRangel proves thatCongres s wi l lkeep its promise tohold its membersto a higher stan-dard of ethics.

Those a renoble words. Butthe rule of thumbin Congress haslong been that youdo the deals, takethe money, andbend and twist therules — just not in

a way that is so flagrant and outra-geous that it draws media and pub-lic attention. And most definitelynot when elections are looming andRepublicans can use charges of cor-ruption to hammer Democrats or —as what happened in 2006 — viceversa.

Rangel has been brought low.The same may happen to Waters,who faces an even more hostile,GOP-controlled Congress, whenshe returns to face the music nextyear.

But don’t expect to see any oth-ers on the congressional rogue’s listbeing held to task. Unless, ofcourse, their comeuppance carriesmajor political benefits.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is anauthor and political analyst. Hehosts nationally broadcast politicalaffairs radio talk shows on Pacificaand KTYM Radio Los Angeles.Follow him on Twitter: http://twit-ter.com/earlhutchinson and on the-hutchinsonreportnews.com.

Julianne Malveaux

Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Rangel got what he had coming,but others in Congress won’t

E V E N T LISTINGS 12/2010happening this month

12-09-10

YEAR IN REVIEW (RADICALWOMEN) — A feminist year in reviewwill take place Dec. 9, 7 p.m. At the event,attendees will have the opportunity to ana-lyze what some see as the victories andchallenges of the 2010 battles against budg-et cuts, as well as what some argue areattacks on immigrants and workers, and onwomen’s rights. They will also have theopportunity to learn how Radical Womentrains and chooses its leadership anddecides its political priorities. A winter sup-per, with a vegetarian option, will be servedat 6:30 p.m. for an $8 donation. The eventwill take place at Solidarity Hall, 2170 W.Washington Blvd., Los Angeles.Information: (323) 732-6416, [email protected],www.radicalwomen.org.

12-10-10

PLAY (STEVE MOYER PR) — In obser-vance of Human Rights Day, a staged read-ing of Stacey Martino’s play, “The Gift ofPeace,” will take

place Dec. 10, 8 p.m., at 474 SouthRaymond Ave., Pasadena. “The Gift ofPeace” has toured around the country.Under the direction of Valentino Ferreira,the cast of this presentation of the play willinclude Tony Sanders (artistic director andfounder of SHINE! L.A.’s Youth Theatre);Caryn Ward (“The Game,” “LincolnHeights,”); and several others. The stagedreading will be followed by a panel discus-sion focusing on nonviolent conflict resolu-tion, which will be moderated by KPCCreporter Brian Watt. In addition to the read-ing and discussion, a brief movie trailer of“Change Is Gonna Come,” about the jour-ney of strangers traveling on a cross-coun-try journey to establish a U.S. Departmentof Peace, will be shown. Admission to thisevent is free, but reservations are required.Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations: Jenny Smith,(626) 583-5232;www.scpr.org/events/forum.

PARTY (FULLCALENDAR.COM) —Newsong LA will have its Christmas Party& Coat Drive on Dec. 10, 6 to 10 p.m. Theevent will take place at Playa VistaCommunity Center, 6200 Playa Vista Drive,Los Angeles, in the Great Hall. In additionto comedian and entertainer Glenn Bennick,the event will feature entertainment by local

music groups, food, karaoke, interactivegames, raffle prizes and giveaways and chil-dren’s crafts. Guests of the Christmas partyare encouraged to bring clean, gently usedcoats and jackets as part of the One WarmCoat community service project. NewsongLA is a third-culture church with a multicul-tural worship service, relevant message and acommunity that’s involved in local and glob-al concerns of justice, advocacy and thepoor. The event is free. More information:http://la.newsong.net/; [email protected]; Sherea, (424) 903-9352.

MURAL DEDICATION (SoCal Library)— The Southern California Library will ded-icate its new mural, “They Claim I’m aCriminal,” on this year’s Human Rights Day,Dec. 10. The library worked with L.A. artistMan One, with input from a communitygroup of scholars, activists and neighborhoodyouth, to design and create the mural, whichhighlights the work of Mothers ReclaimingOur Children (Mothers ROC) and theCoalition Against Police Abuse (CAPA), andits co-founder Michael Zinzun. The eventwill take place at 11 a.m. at the SouthernCalifornia Library, 6120 S. Vermont Ave.,Los Angeles. Information: (323) 759-6063.

PERFORMANCE IN LEIMERT — PhilRanelin & Friends will be at The World Stage Performance Gallery in Leimert Parkon Dec. 10 to perform music that will be atribute to Ranelin’s mother, who recentlypassed away. There will be two shows: oneat 8:30 p.m., the other at 10:30. The WorldStage is at 4344 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles.Parking is free after 8 p.m., and attendeesmust give a $10 donation at the door. Moreinformation: (323) 293-2451, www.trom-bone-usa.com/ranelin_phil.htm,www.myspace.com/philranelinmusic.

12-11-10

TOWN HALL — “Resistance & Liberationin a Time of Economic Crisis,” a town hall,will take place Dec. 11 at Union Hall SEIULocal 721, 500 S. Virgil Ave., Los Angeles.The free event will feature guests CynthiaMcKinney and Miguel Tinker Salas, and willbe from noon to 3 p.m. Information: RezaPour (323) 660-1553.

COLORS OF CHRISTMAS (CITY OFCERRITOS) — For 17 seasons, the Colorsof Christmas extravaganza has taken place atthe Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts(CCPA) with holiday melodies and popmusic. This yearly celebration returns with

two-time Grammy winner Peabo Bryson againheadlining an array of entertainers thatinclude James Ingram, gospel great OletaAdams, and Grammy winner StephanieMills. Backed by a full orchestra and agospel choir, Bryson, Ingram, Adams andMills individually and collectively delivergreatest hits and yuletide favorites in theColors of Christmas. Performances are at 8p.m. on Dec. 11 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 12.Tickets can be purchased at the CCPA TicketOffice, at www.cerritoscenter.com, or bycalling (562) 467-8818. The center is at12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Moreticket or event information: (562) 467-8818,to www.cerritoscenter.com.

12-18-10

HOLIDAY TOAST (RADICAL WOMENL.A.) — The L.A. March 4th Committee toDefend Public Education and Social Serviceswill throw a holiday party for all partisans inwhat some see as the battle to tax corpora-tions and the wealthy to save California’spublic wealth from the Sacramento budgetax. The event begins at 7 p.m. on Dec. 18 atSolidarity Hall, 2170 W. Washington Blvd.,Los Angeles. More information: (323) 369-6343, (323) 428-5711 (Español).

ONGOING

ART SHOWCASE (JEFF CLEMENTS)— Dr. Jeffery A. Clements’ artwork is being

The deadline for receipt of calendarlistings is Friday, noon, at least

two weeks prior to activity. Fax to: (323) 299-3896,

e-mail us at [email protected] or mail to: L.A. Watts Times,

3800 Crenshaw Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90008.

All calendar items are received from various senders

and are subject to being edited.

displayed as part of his latest “NostalgicPastimes” showcase through Dec. 11. Hiswork is being showcased at the FrameStoregallery, 8692 Washington Blvd., CulverCity. Clements was on the scene four yearsago with fine arts drawings of dilapidatedhouses. His artwork will be on displayfrom 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday throughFriday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the week-end. Information: (310) 837-4531.

PLAY (DC PUBLICITY) — “Much AdoAbout Nothing” will continue its run untilDec. 19 at the Kirk Douglas Theatre inCulver City. This production of WilliamShakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”will be the first full-scale, indoor produc-tion presented by the Shakespeare Center.The performing company of 17 actors andmusicians will include Chris Butler, HelenHunt, Anthony Manough, Sara Watkins andothers. The choreographer is Julie Arenal.Director Ben Donenberg has set this pro-duction on a California vineyard. In a pressrelease, he is quoted as saying, “We arethrilled about Helen Hunt and Tom Irwinplaying Beatrice and Benedick – they areboth picture perfect to play these partsbecause they can so beautifully explorehow two people with a rocky unresolvedpast can drop their defenses and pretenses,rediscover each other, and find a new wayto love.” Ticket cost $35 to $70, and premi-um tickets are also available. Ticket infor-mation: (213) 628-2772, centertheatre-group.org/muchado. The Kirk DouglasTheatre is at 9820 Washington Blvd.,Culver City. More information:www.shakespearecenter.org, www.face-book.com/shakescenter.

Stephanie Mills

Peabo Bryson

Photo Courtesy of CoActive Content

Tony Sanders



Trustee Sale # CA0940891-2 Loan# 1008814582 Order # 090258980 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER ADEED OF TRUST DATED 11/03/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT ALAWYER. On 12/28/2010 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 11/15/2006 as Document No. 20062523411 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, AMELIA TRIGUEROS, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN, as Trustor, LOANEX FUNDING, as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 6088-019-009 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 833 WEST 118TH, LOS ANGELES, CA 90044 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $402,983.74 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. See Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof.Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1. Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 12/02/2010 MTC FINANCIALINC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 [email protected] Ad #7555 2010-12-02 2010-12-09 2010-12-16

Trustee Sale # CA0949538-1 Loan# 1009024173 Order # 090476437 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER ADEED OF TRUST DATED 12/21/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT ALAWYER. On 12/27/2010 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 12/28/2006 as Document No. 06 2881056 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, JOSE REYES, A SINGLE MAN, as Trustor, INDYMAC BANK, F.S.B., AFEDERALLY CHARTERED SAVINGS BANK, as Beneficiary, WILLSELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CAThe property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 5484-001-026 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 5740 MERIDIAN STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90042 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $401,379.19 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. See Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1. Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 12/02/2010 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee

By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICERTRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 [email protected] #7623 2010-12-02 2010-12-09 2010-12-16

Trustee Sale # CA0950429-2 Loan# 1009971134 Order # 090498915 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER ADEED OF TRUST DATED 05/16/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT ALAWYER. On 12/30/2010 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 05/23/2007 as Document No. 20071249730 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, JULIO LOPEZ, A MARRIED MAN AS HIS SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY, as Trustor, MILLE MORTGAGE INC, as Beneficiary, WILL SELLAT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CAThe property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 5115-027-016 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1191A 1191B 1193 EAST 42ND PL, LOS ANGELES, CA 90011The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $498,953.55 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. See Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1. Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 12/09/2010 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICERTRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 [email protected] #7743 2010-12-09 2010-12-16 2010-12-23

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Church of Scientology and themusic industry, is knocking offlinewebsites seen as hostile to Wiki-Leaks.

“While we don’t have much ofan affiliation with WikiLeaks, wefight for the same reasons,” thegroup said in a statement. “We wanttransparency and we counter censor-ship ... we intend to utilize ourresources to raise awareness, attackthose against and support those whoare helping lead our world to free-dom and democracy.”

The website for Swedish lawyerClaes Borgstrom, who represents thetwo women at the center ofAssange’s sex crimes case, wasunreachable Wednesday.

The Swiss postal system’sfinancial arm, Postfinance, whichshut down Assange’s bank accounton Monday, was also having trouble.Spokesman Alex Josty said the web-site buckled under a barrage of traf-fic.

“Yesterday it was very, very dif-ficult, then things improvedovernight,” he told The AP. “But it’sstill not entirely back to normal.”

Ironically, the microbloggingsite Twitter — home of much Wiki-

HACKERSContinued from page 4

Leaks support — could become thenext target. Operation Payback post-ed a statement claiming “Twitteryou’re next for censoring Wikileaksdiscussion.”

Some WikiLeaks supportersaccuse Twitter of preventing the term“WikiLeaks” from appearing as oneof its popular “trending topics.”Twitter denies censorship, saying thetopics are determined by an algo-rithm.

Meanhwhile, the French gov-ernment's effort to stop a companyfrom hosting WikiLeaks has failed— at least for now.

The Web services companyOVH, which says a client hosts thewikileaks.ch website, sought a rulingby two courts about the legality ofhosting WikiLeaks in France. Thejudges said they couldn’t decide rightaway on the highly technical case.

WikiLeaks angered the U.S.government earlier this year when itposted a video showing U.S. troopsgunning down two unarmed Reutersjournalists. Since then, the organiza-tion has leaked some 400,000 classi-fied U.S. war files from Iraq and76,000 from Afghanistan that U.S.military officials say contained infor-mation that could put people’s livesat risk.

The latest leaks involve privateU.S. diplomatic cables that includedfrank U.S. assessments of foreignnations and their leaders.

Those cables have embarrassingU.S. allies, angered rivals, andreopened old wounds across theworld. U.S. State and Defense

department officials say foreignpowers have curtailed their dealingswith the U.S. government since thedocuments hit the Internet.

U.S. officials have directed theirire at Assange but even Americanallies have begun to ask whetherWashington shares some of theblame.

“The core of all this lies with thefailure of the government of the UnitedStates to properly protect its own diplo-matic communications,” AustralianForeign Minister Kevin Rudd saidWednesday. “To have several millionpeople on their distribution list for aquarter of a million cables — that’swhere the problem lies.”

The latest batch of cablesreleased Wednesday showed that theBritish government feared a furiousLibyan reaction if the convictedLockerbie bomber wasn't set free andexpressed relief when they learnedhe would be released in 2009 oncompassionate grounds.

Meanwhile, Assange faces a

new extradition hearing in Londonnext week, in which his lawyers saythey will reapply for bail. The 39-year-old Australian denies twowomen’s allegations in Sweden ofrape, molestation and unlawful coer-cion, and is fighting his extradition toSweden.

In a Twitter message Wednes-day, WikiLeaks spokesman KristinnHrafnsson shrugged off the chal-lenges and noted that the site is mir-rored in over 500 locations by sup-porters.

“We will not be gagged, eitherby judicial action or corporate cen-sorship ... WikiLeaks is still online,”Hrafnsson said.

Malin Rising in Stockholm,Frank Jordans in Geneva, JameyKeaten in Paris and CassandraVinograd in London, Rod McGuirkin Canberra, Tia Goldenberg inJerusalem, Michelle Chapman inNew York and Anne Flaherty inWashington contributed to thisreport.

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also refused to follow the instructionsof our coaches both during weeklypractices and during actual games aswell.

“Yesterday, when Albert was atRedskin Park, he told our generalmanager Bruce Allen that he(Haynesworth) would no longerspeak with me. Although suspendingany player is not a decision that ahead coach enters into lightly, Ibelieve the situation has reached thepoint where the club clearly has noalternative.”

Allen informed Haynesworth ofthe suspension, the maximum permit-ted under the league's collective bar-gaining agreement. Haynesworth’sagent, Chad Speck, said his clientwill appeal. Speck chided theRedskins for not giving any prior for-mal notice that Haynesworth’sbehavior was in question.

“The accusations made by coachShanahan and Bruce Allen are vagueand without merit,” Speck said in awritten statement. “Since trainingcamp began, today’s notice was thefirst that Albert received informinghim that his conduct was not consis-tent with the ‘terms of his contract’ ascoach Shanahan claims. Bruce con-firmed to me today, that there havebeen no other letters or formal noticesof any kind sent to Albert during theregular season suggesting that he wasengaging in conduct detrimental tothe team.”

George Atallah, spokesman forthe NFL players’ union, said onTwitter: “All I can say at this time isthat the NFLPA is reviewing thedetails.”

It wasn’t hard to see this coming.Haynesworth and Shanahan have beengoing at it almost from the day thehard-nosed coach who won two SuperBowls with the Denver Broncos washired by the Redskins in January.

Haynesworth skipped offseasonworkouts because he didn’t want toplay nose tackle in the 3-4 defense thenew coaches were installing, prefer-ring instead to play in a scheme thatwould showcase his talent and helpachieve his goal of becoming “thebest defense tackle to ever play thisgame.” Shanahan told Haynesworth

to go find another team, contingentupon giving up a $21 million contractbonus due on April 1.

Haynesworth didn’t want to giveup that much money, so he stayed onthe roster and remained disgruntled.He boycotted a mandatory minicamp,drawing a $10,000 fine and searingcomments about being “selfish” fromdefensive captain London Fletcher.He became a league-wide punch linewhen he needed 10 days to pass aconditioning test at the start of train-ing camp.

He complained about playingwith the backups in preseason games.He received sympathetic words andsupport from Shanahan and the restof the team when he missed a regularseason game following the death ofhis half brother in a motorcycle acci-dent, but he waited so long to returnthat the coach made him inactive forthe following game as well.

Then, last week, Haynesworthhad a lackluster practice on Thursday,was late for a meeting on Friday andwas also limited at Friday’s practicebecause of an unspecified illness.Haynesworth denied a televisionreport that he appeared “hung over”at practice, saying he had gone outthe night before and went home earlybecause he “wasn't feeling good.”

Shanahan made Haynesworthinactive for Sunday’s game againstthe New York Giants, waiting until

the morning of the game to announcethe decision. Haynesworth likelywouldn’t have made much differencein the 31-7 loss because he hadbecome a marginal role-player, com-ing into the game mostly on passingdowns because of his resistance toplaying nose tackle in the 3-4.

Still, Haynesworth’s teammateswere getting fed up.

Defensive lineman Phillip Danielscalled out Haynesworth on Monday,citing Haynesworth’s lack of willing-ness to buy into the concept of team andthe multiple practices Haynesworth hasmissed while others kept showing updespite illnesses and injuries.

“Unfortunately, Albert’s behav-ior has his credibility in question,”defensive lineman Vonnie Hollidaysaid. “This is my first year withAlbert. Some of these guys are intheir second year. For them, there’scertainly a credibility issue. Howmany times can you cry wolf?”

Haynesworth played in onlyeight games this season and didn’tstart any of them, totaling just 16tackles and 2 1/2 sacks. Holliday saidhe thought Haynesworth felt a“tremendous amount of pressure” tolive up to the big contract and reachHall of Fame level. Nevertheless,Holliday felt Haynesworth wouldeventually warm to defensive coordi-nator Jim Haslett’s scheme, but itnever happened.

HAYNESWORTHContinued from page 6


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DRIVERS: LOCAL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALSRFP NO. AF2011-06

1,500 GALLON AIRCRAFT RESCUE & FIRE FIGHTING (ARFF) VEHICLE

The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority (“Authority”), which ownsand operates the Bob Hope Airport (“Airport”) in Burbank, California previ-ously issued a notice for Request for Proposals (“RFP AF2010-07”) for theabove referenced RFP and was advertised in the local and minority news-paper in June 2010. All responses for RFP AF2010-07 have been rejectedand the Authority again invites qualified bidders to re-submit a proposal for1,500 Gallon Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) Vehicle in response toa new RFP AF2011-06. The Authority requires that proposal shall be pre-pared in accordance with the requirements of the FAA Advisory Circular150/5220-10D “Guide Specification for Aircraft Rescue and Fire FightingVehicle” as detailed in this RFP package. Before submitting proposals, eachinterested Proposer must have a representative attend the mandatory pre-proposal conference. The mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduledfor January 10, 2011 at 10:00 AM in the Airport’s Skyroom, 2627 HollywoodWay (Second Floor), Burbank, California. All questions about the meaning orintent of the RFP documents shall be submitted in writing to the PurchasingAgent. Only written responses to questions will be binding. Questionsreceived less than five (5) days prior to the deadline for proposal submis-sions may not be answered. Copies of this Request for Proposal may beobtained through the Bob Hope Airport website www.bobhopeairport.comunder “Business Opportunities” or by contacting the PurchasingDepartment, (818) 840-8840. Sealed responses are to be received no laterthan 2:00 P.M., January 31, 2011 at which time and place said bids willbe publicly opened and read. Responses received after the deadline willnot be accepted. Qualified Bidders are cautioned to read the Bid Documentscarefully and to follow the instructions as directed.

Both teams will battle it out atOaks Christian High.

And the beat continues…Andrew Bynum could be the

Lakers’ pre-Christmas present,according to the L.A. Times.

It’s possible he will return tothe Lakers’ lineup by at least Dec.19 against the Toronto Raptors.Bynum has yet to play one secondwith the back-to-back championLakers.

Monty Williams has beendoing a good job with the NewOrleans Hornets: At one point, he

recently had his team off and run-ning with an 11-3 report card in itsfirst 14 games. Chris Paul andDavid West have been the leadersof the band for the Hornets.

Miami Heat head coach ErikSpoelstra is on shaky ground,though.

Dwyane Wade, one-third ofthe Heat’s great trio, reportedly said:“… I’m not going to say he’s myguy, but he’s our coach, you know.”

Yes, Spoelstra is on shakyground.

By the way, LeBron James

returned to Cleveland for the firsttime Dec. 2 since he joined theHeat. James put on an all-star 38-point performance.

And the beat continues…Tiger Woods was back in the

groove in the first three rounds ofthe Chevron World Challengewith a 7-under 65.

B u t u l t i m a t e l y G r a e m eMcDowell won the Chevron WorldChallenge.

And the beat ends.Brad Pye, Jr. can be reached

at [email protected]

SPORTS BEATContinued from page 6

reference to is contained in the book’sopening chapter, Blood and Bone. It’s arecollection by Pimpton — a child at thetime — witnessing his mother KathrynTaylor being beaten by his father, NorrisPimpton Sr., who was fueled by adrunken rage.

Pimpton explained why he decid-ed to share such an emotionally chargedepisode in his life.

“This book was therapeutic forme,” he said. “I just needed to get thesefeelings out there so that I could moveon. I planned another book as my firstrelease, but my brother’s death and thepoem had a big influence on me.”

Pimpton’s “Diaries” featuresdescriptive writing throughout, helpingthe reader conjure up images to goalong with the text. Pimpton said he hasa wide range of influences, and admireswriters such as Eric Jerome Dickey andStephen King for their vivid portrayals.

So far, Pimpton has received a lotof positive feedback from friends andfamily about the book’s content.Although he is happy that the book isavailable, Pimpton yearns for a wideraudience to be exposed to his work, andis still shopping it to publishers with thegoal of receiving broader promotionand distribution.

Currently, Pimpton promotes thebook through social networking andword of mouth with the help of hiswife. He described the beginning stagesof self-publishing as difficult, and saidthat he sent samples to various publish-ers, but received no response.

What Pimpton lacks in industryrecognition, he seems to more thanmake up for in perseverance.

When Pimpton was told bydoubters that he couldn’t write a book,he believed them at first, convincinghimself that his material didn’t measureup. But then, he changed his outlook.

“I started to write for myself morethan trying to please everybody else,”Pimpton said. “An influential person inmy life told me to keep writing and

release something online as much aspossible. From there, I just kept at it andgained confidence.”

As Pimpton built up confidence,he shelved what he intended to be hisfirst project, and began to exorcise hismemory, resulting in plenty of anec-dotes and subject matter for the book.

Pimpton said his work stands out,compared to much of the urban fic-tion/drama genre, which has found aniche audience through the years.

“What I’m presenting is a realstory,” he said. “My writing is all basedon passion. I don’t just put words on ablank page. My soul and heart are inevery line.”

The author’s penchant for writingbegan at an early age. Pimpton said hisinterest in writing was inspired by ateacher who would help write short sto-ries he dictated. Pimpton’s teacherwould show him his stories. Afterward,Pimpton — a fan of horror stories —began writing his own narratives.

About one year ago, Pimptondecided to move from Los Angeleswith his wife and three kids to a placehe was very familiar with: Texas. In1982, Pimpton’s parents decided tomove away from Watts and relocate toTexas, where his father had relatives.

Pimpton works at a mortgagecompany in Dallas, and in his sparetime, works diligently on his next book,“Hotel 23,” tentatively scheduled for aspring 2011 release.

Pimpton said that his book wasn’twritten to be inspirational, but he hopedhis story would help young people fromenvironments such as Watts know thatanything is possible.

“Never give up,” he emphaticallysaid in a phone interview. “Don’t be afollower and always be an individual.That’s one of the reasons why I didn’tgo down the wrong path, despite the sit-uations going on around me.”

For more information, book ex-cerpts and ordering, visit www.nor-rispimpton.com.

PIMPTON Continued from page 7

BY TOM RISENNNPA

Washington, D.C. — After beingcharged with unethical connection toa government bank bailout, Rep.Maxine Waters (D-CA) has chargedmishandling of her case and isrequesting a rare bipartisan task forceto investigate why the House EthicsCommittee has delayed her trial.

Waters introduced the resolutionfor a task force on the House floorTuesday evening to investigate theseemingly unprecedented move ofwhy her trial was delayed the sameday Ethics Committee attorneys wereplaced on suspended leave.

The Ethics Committee accusedWaters, a senior member of theHouse Financial Services Committee,and Mikael Moore, her grandson andchief of staff, of three House rulesviolations by taking action to help anassociation of minority-owned banks,including a bank in which her hus-band had investments, during thefinancial crisis in 2008. Specifically,the charges are for dispensing a favor,not acting “in a manner that shallreflect creditably on the House,” andfor using her influence for personalbenefit. Waters’ husband, SidneyWillams, had served on the board ofdirectors of OneUnited and hadinvested $350,000 to $750,000 in theminority-owned bank, whichreceived $12 million in TARP bailoutfunds.

Like recently censured Rep.Charlie Rangel (D-NY) Rep. Waterssought an open trial before an eight-member “adjudicatory subcommit-tee” of the Ethics Committee todefend herself and Moore. Lastmonth, the committee delayed thetrial the same day it suspended CindyMorgan Kim, the deputy chief coun-sel/lead attorney, and Stacy Sover-eign, a Committee attorney assistingon the case.

The committee has kept mumabout its actions, but CommitteeChair Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) andRanking Member Rep. Jo Bonner (R-AL) released a statement contendingthe delay was “due to materials dis-covered” that could allow them toreassess the charges against Waters,who is painting the unprecedentedmove as a failure of her due processrights.

“From the beginning, I havebeen concerned with the Committee’sunsupported conclusions, often con-tradictory arguments, and unfoundednegative inferences,” Waters said in aprepared statement. “It now seemsthat these concerns were justified, asthe Committee’s sanctioning of itsown attorneys is an acknowledge-ment of flaws and failures in theCommittee’s processes and handlingof my case.”

Rob Walker, a former counsel tothe House Ethics Committee and theSenate Ethics Committee, said it is“unlikely” that Speaker Nancy Pelosi

(D-CA) and herRepublican successorRep. John Boehner(R-OH) wouldchoose a 10-personEthics Task Forceduring this lame ducksession.

“There would besome fairly compli-cated factual findingsand witness inter-views and I don’t seeit being doable duringthis month,” saidWalker, now an attor-ney at Wiley ReinLLP. “There isn’tmust precedent here.Given that these twothings happened onthe same day it seemsr e a s o n a b l e t h a tWaters and her coun-sel seek answers tohow they might berelated. It might affectthem positively ornegatively and I’mnot sure whether thisis the best way to getthose answers.”

Melanie Sloan,executive director for the nonprofitCitizens for Responsibility and Ethicsin Washington, called for the HouseEthics Committee to break its silenceon the suspension of the attorneysand debunk any mystery to keep dif-

ferent parties from spinning the situa-tion.

“The public needs confidence inthe House Ethics Committee, and thisdoesn’t help,” said Sloane. “Thebipartisan commission is a big thing

for a small problem. It seems unlike-ly that Pelosi and Boehner are goingto appoint members to a committeeuntil they know what the problem is,since task forces are usually for spe-cific problems.”


Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., walks past a media stakeout for Rep. Charlis Rangel, D-N.Y.,on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010. The House ethics trial for Waters isscheduled to begin on Nov. 29, 2010. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

BY TOM RISENNNPA REPORTER

Washington, D.C. — After dec-

ades of fighting the U.S. Depart-ment of Agriculture (USDA) incourt, Black farmers finally saw jus-

tice when President Barack Obamasigned landmark legislation that willpay $4.6 billion to Black and Indian

farmers for decades of discrimina-tion in securing farm loans.

After signing the historic“Claims Resolution Act of 2010,”Obama, in a statement, said, “ThisAct, among other things, providesfunding and statutory authorities forthe settlement agreements reachedin the Cobell lawsuit, brought byNative Americans; (and) the PigfordII lawsuit … While I am pleasedthat this Act reflects importantprogress, much work remains to bedone to address other claims of pastdiscrimination made by women andHispanic farmers against theDepartment of Agriculture as wellas to address needs of tribal commu-nities.”

Fourth-generation Virginiafarmer John Boyd Jr. has been a tire-less voice for Black farmers sincethe early 1980s, when he protesteddiscrimination that he experiencedwhen applying for a USDA farmloan.

“It’s a bittersweet victory sincemany of the farmers who fought forit didn’t live to see it,” said Boyd,founder of the National BlackFarmers Association. “Many of thefarmers I’ve spoken to will use the

money for harvest season, whichwon’t get some farmers back on topof business, but it will help us moveforward with our lives.”

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) called the legislation the end to“a long and tedious journey” forBlack farmers.

“The Claims Resolution Act of2010 represents an overdue conclu-sion to the battle for equality andjustice,” Lee said in a statement.“This represents a historical firststep toward righting the wrongs thatwere borne by a generation ofminority farmers. It is not a 100%relief, but it is a relief that warrantsour celebration.”

The act will uphold the 1997Pigford vs. Glickman class-actionlawsuit against the USDA. The pre-siding judge upheld the class-actionlawsuit filed by thousands of Blackfarmers, who claimed racial biasdelayed or prevented them fromreceiving farm loans between 1983and 1997.

In 1999, the judge awarded$50,000 in compensation to eachqualified farmer. About 72,000Black farmers have applied to becompensated.

Obama signs landmark legislation to compensateblack farmers for decades of discrimination

Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy

California Congresswoman Waters calls for bipartisantask force to investigate house ethics committee

LAWT-12-09-2010

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