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Suspect in Jam Master Jay killing pleads not guilty
EntertainmentMusicNationalNews

Suspect in Jam Master Jay killing pleads not guilty

Associated PressAugust 21, 2020

A man eyed for years as a possible suspect in the 2002 fatal shooting of hip-hop pioneer Jam Master Jay pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Tuesday, and remained in federal custody where he is already serving a prison sentence for robbery. 

Ronald Washington, 56, entered his plea remotely from Kentucky, while his attorney and the government’s lawyers appeared by teleconference because of coronavirus concerns. 

Washington and Karl Jordan Jr., 36, face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, or the death penalty if convicted of murder in the death of Jason “Jay” Mizell, known professionally as Jam Master Jay.  

Video appears to show deputy first shoved Raptors president
BasketballSports

Video appears to show deputy first shoved Raptors president

Associated PressAugust 21, 2020

A new video released by the attorneys of Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri appears to show an Alameda County sheriff’s deputy initially shoved him twice leading to an altercation moments after his team had defeated the Golden State Warriors in last year’s NBA championship.  

The Raptors had just won their first title at Oracle Arena in Oakland on June 13, 2019, when Ujiri went onto the court to join his celebrating team. 

A PIVOTAL TIME: 15 TO 9
Op-EdOpinion

A PIVOTAL TIME: 15 TO 9

Tim Watkins and Mark RavisAugust 21, 2020

While this is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, it is also a pivotal moment in the history of Los Angeles.  Although it is a time of crisis, we need to use it as time of great opportunity, a time to breathe new life into the marvelous minority communities of South-Central Los Angeles.  In short, we need to embark on what may be called an Urban Marshall Plan designed to expand political power to minority communities and to promote fairness in the distribution of public resources. This is an opportunity to bring new hope to the poor and underserved who are suffering the most in these times of crisis, as they do in all times. 

Judge Mulls Motion by Pilot in Kobe Bryant Suit to Move Case to OC
BasketballLocalNews

Judge Mulls Motion by Pilot in Kobe Bryant Suit to Move Case to OC

City News ServiceAugust 21, 2020

A judge today took under submission a motion by the estate of the pilot in the Jan. 26 helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and eight others to move a lawsuit brought by Bryant’s widow to Orange County to ensure a fair trial. 

   Vanessa Bryant brought the case on Feb. 24 in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of herself and her surviving three daughters, including the youngest, Capri, who turned one-year-old on Sunday. 

   The case was later transferred to Van Nuys Superior Court and names as defendants the estate of the late chopper pilot, Ara Zobayan, plus Island Express Helicopters and Island Express Holding Corp. Judge Virginia Keeny heard arguments on the change-of-venue motion, then took the case under

Why Is Fair Housing Still A Distant Journey For Black America?
Charlene Crowell

Why Is Fair Housing Still A Distant Journey For Black America?

Charlene Crowell August 20, 2020

Public pressure to restore a key HUD rule has united civil rights, public and private sector stakeholders in a swelling and nearly daily drumbeat of concern calling for fair housing to be supported and HUD’s replacement rule be rescinded.     

On July 23 the rule known as Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) HUD Secretary Ben Carson termed the rule as “a ruse for social engineering under the guise of desegregation”.   

The 2020 Assessment Roll
Opinion

The 2020 Assessment Roll

Jeff Prang, Los Angeles County AssessorAugust 20, 2020

It’s that time again that my Office undertakes its most important function of the fiscal year that lays the ground work for the very property taxes that pay for our vital public services: The Assessment Roll.  

The Roll for 2020 has been closed and it reflects solid growth for the City of Los Angeles and the rest of the County. However, the Roll is pre-COVID and I will explain that in a bit.  

L.A. Controller Reports Nearly $6 Million Small Business Microloans Distributed by City During Pandemic
BusinessCOVID-19

L.A. Controller Reports Nearly $6 Million Small Business Microloans Distributed by City During Pandemic

Sentinel News ServiceAugust 19, 2020

L.A. Controller Ron Galperin, in cooperation with the City’s Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD), updated his interactive map and microloan tracker displaying the microloans funded by the City of Los Angeles to help small businesses get the assistance they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the program started, EWDD has distributed more than $5.9 million to 419 Los Angeles businesses — an increase from the $3.4 million to 227 businesses reported when Galperin first released the tracker in July. Available at lacontroller.org/microloans, Galperin’s microloan tracker is updated through the beginning of August and includes a map with the name, location and loan amount for each recipient. 

Social Distancing Varies by Income in U.S.
COVID-19EducationHealth

Social Distancing Varies by Income in U.S.

Kat KerlinAugust 19, 2020

Wealthier communities went from being the most mobile before the COVID-19 pandemic to the least mobile, while poorer areas have gone from the least mobile to the most mobile, according to a study by the University of California, Davis.

Battle of the Beats Seeks Aspiring Music Producers for Chance at Winning Big Prizes and Music Industry Exposure
BusinessEntertainment

Battle of the Beats Seeks Aspiring Music Producers for Chance at Winning Big Prizes and Music Industry Exposure

Sentinel News ServiceAugust 19, 2020

Battle of the Beats starts on Tuesday, August 18th at 12:00 p.m. EST and ends Friday, August 28th at 12:00 p.m. EST. Interested participants are invited to submit a 60-second (max) video of themselves playing their hottest beat for the opportunity to win recording equipment, bragging rights, and the ability to sell their beat for cash. The goal is to raise money for Black Connect’s business mentoring and legal services programs for small, Black-owned businesses, which will help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses, particularly those impacted by COVID-19.

TV ONE AND CLEO TV GENERAL MANAGER MICHELLE RICE RECEIVES MINORITY BUSINESS LEADER AWARD FROM THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL
BusinessEntertainmentTV

TV ONE AND CLEO TV GENERAL MANAGER MICHELLE RICE RECEIVES MINORITY BUSINESS LEADER AWARD FROM THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL

Sentinel News ServiceAugust 19, 2020

“It is an honor and privilege to be a recipient of The Minority Business Leader Award, particularly during this historic year, which has been defined by unforeseen trials, and extraordinary internal and external challenges for businesses,” remarked Rice. “As we collectively move forward, I remain committed to fostering a diverse environment where individual cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives are represented and championed at all touchpoints within our organization.”

LACCD to Hold Second Districtwide Online Open Registration Fair
Education

LACCD to Hold Second Districtwide Online Open Registration Fair

City News ServiceAugust 19, 2020

A second districtwide online open enrollment fair for the upcoming semester will be held today for the nine campuses in the Los Angeles Community College District.
   The district, which held its first virtual enrollment fair on Aug. 12, is highlighting its flexible class schedules, guaranteed admission and affordability to would-be applicants.
   First-time, full-time students may be eligible for two years of free tuition, plus a free Chromebook, under the district’s L.A. College Promise Program. More information can be found at lacollegepromise.org.

Compton Requiring Face Coverings in Public
Local

Compton Requiring Face Coverings in Public

City News ServiceAugust 14, 2020

   The city of Compton will require people to wear face coverings in public to guard against further spread of the coronavirus, officials said today. 
The order applies to anyone within city limits failing to wear a face mask and business owners failing to comply with Los Angeles County shutdown orders and restrictions in accordance with the city’s local COVID-19 emergency order.