Deborah Spottsville (Courtesy photo)

Spottsville Elected Compton Alumni President

Deborah Spottsville is the new president of the Compton High School Alumni Association, announced the CHSAA Board of Directors.

Spottsville, a 1973 graduate, has been active in the nonprofit organization since serving as the founding president from 2006 to 2011.  In addition to frequently donating her time and talents to CHSAA projects, Spottsville had been serving as executive director since 2021.  She resigned that position upon her election to president.

To learn more or donate to the Compton High School Alumni Association, visit comptonhighalumni.org.

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Landlords Can Apply for L.A. County Rent Relief by Jan. 12

Qualified landlords can apply for the LA County Rent Relief Program. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, Jan. 12, at 11:59 p.m.

This program, administered by The Center by Lendistry, will distribute over $68 million in financial support to qualified landlords adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program aims to prevent tenant evictions and ensure the continued provision of housing.

Those interested in applying for the LA County Rent Relief Program are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and apply at lacountyrentrelief.com.

 

Brandi Burks-Kesselman (File photo)

Burks-Kessleman Presents ‘Men Cry Too’

Playwright Brandi Burks-Kesselman presents the play, “Men Cry Too,” on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m., at The Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., in Los Angeles.

The theatrical production tells the story of Ronald, a husband and father with a great career, yet he’s feels something is missing in his life.  Does he want all that he is blessed with, or does he want to walk on the wild side instead?

“The message here is that everyone has to make decisions in their lives—big and small—and that life does not come with a manual,” explained Burks-Kesselman, who is also the director and producer of the play.

“We’ve all got to take it one day at a time and be resolute that when our backs are against the wall, we make the right choice, regardless of the allure of any alternatives.”

Tickets are $65. For information and group rates, visit happy4show.com or call (310) 489-7208.

Members of OASC and Sigma Gamma Rho present a check to Rahbyn Lampkin, last year’s 1st place winner. (Courtesy photo)

OASC Calls for Entries for 2024 Oratorical Contest

Our Authors Study Club is seeking entries for the 2024 Carter G. Woodson Oratorical Contest. Middle school through high school students are welcome to apply online by Jan. 20, at oratoricalcontest.com.

As part of the application, students must write an original essay on the theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” which will be delivered at the final contest on Feb. 24.  OASC partners with Sigma Gamma Rho to present the annual event.

“The 2024 Carter G. Woodson Oratorical Contest is an important initiative for Our Authors Study Club, Inc. and our partner Sigma Gamma Rho. It provides a platform for young students to express their thoughts and ideas about African Americans and the Arts, highlighting their contributions to our society,” said Terri Lyons, contest coordinator.

Also on Jan. 20, at 12 p.m., OASC and Sigma Gamma Rho will host a reception to share more information about the contest and the process. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Airport Police Community Center, 9160 South Loyola Blvd., in Los Angeles.

RSVP at http://tinyurl.com/ContestReception.

 

City of L.A. Renter Protections End on Feb. 1

The City of Los Angeles Declaration of Local Emergency for COVID-19 renter protections are ending.  Thursday, Feb. 1, is the deadline to pay rental arrears for rent owed from October 1, 2021 to January 31, 2023.

“February 1 marks the end of COVID-19 renter protections in the City of Los Angeles,” said Ann Sewill, general manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department.

“However, tenants cannot be evicted without notice or just cause. I encourage everyone to educate themselves on their rights as tenants at https://housing.lacity.org. ”

Tenants who receive an eviction notice for unpaid rent, also known as an Unlawful Detainer, must respond within five days. Tenants that do not respond within five days risk losing by default without getting a trial. The City urges renters to be informed in an effort to be protected and stay in their homes.

Learn more at https://housing.lacity.org.