Author: Emilie St. John

INGLEWOOD — For the first time since the early 1990s, voters here will select a new city treasurer. Wanda Brown has served as city treasurer for more than 30 years and is the longest-serving city official in its history. Brown is supporting Taylor Bryant, a corporate attorney. Also on the ballot is deputy city clerk Angela Allen. “I’m supporting Taylor Bryant because she has the education, work experience and temperament for the office of city treasurer,” Brown said. Brown explained what qualities a city treasurer should hold in order to earn residents’ votes. “The candidate should have earned a degree…

Without current funding, unsheltered homelessness could rise 28% across LA County–more than 57,400 would lose services and housing INGLEWOOD — New data shows that without new voter-approved homelessness funding, nearly 15,000 more people could experience unsheltered homelessness in South Los Angeles and the South Bay due to lost housing and services. The funding cuts would result in a 28% rise in unsheltered homelessness across LA County. “We’ve learned through our conversations with community members that folks are feeling anxious with so much on the ballot this year. So many families are housing burdened throughout LA County, with a potential for nearly 15,000 more people,…

In 2023, Los Angeles was ranked the 2nd rattiest city in the United States. In 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom described the resurgence of typhus, a flea-borne disease spread through infected rats and other small mammals, as a “medieval disease” after 171 cases were reported in Los Angeles County alone. Earlier this year, Family Dollar agreed to pay a hefty fine and forfeiture of nearly $42 million as part of a plea agreement to resolve criminal charges for keeping food and drugs in an unsanitary warehouse infested with rats. After a Food and Drug Administration inspection revealed the infestation, the…

LOS ANGELES – A powerful coalition of labor leaders, elected officials, and formerly incarcerated individuals came together to urge Californians to vote Yes on Proposition 6 – a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to end forced labor in California’s carceral system, expand rehabilitation opportunities for incarcerated individuals, and save taxpayer money. “Prop 6 ensures they have the flexibility to attend GED classes, vocational training, and substance abuse counseling. The ultimate goal is to equip incarcerated individuals with the tools they need to succeed upon release, preventing homelessness and repeat offenses,” said Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President, Yvonne Wheeler. The…

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) continues to spread awareness that the minimum wage in unincorporated LA County increased to $17.27 per hour on July 1. The new minimum wage of $17.27 applies to employees who work at least two hours per week within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Employers with 25 or fewer employees must pay their employees no less than $17.27 an hour. The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) plays a crucial role in ensuring workers in unincorporated LA county receive the correct wages as mandated…

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Police Department has released video footage showing the fatal shooting of a NorCal teen on July 13. The nearly 15 minute video shows the confrontation between an undercover LAPD Sgt. Michael Pounds and Ricardo “Ricky” Ramirez Jr., 18, who was riding in a vehicle with a murder suspect near 66th Street and Figueroa Streets. “It is a parent’s worst nightmare to hear their child has been killed, now seeing the video the horror worsens: Ricky was shot in cold blood with both of his hands outstretched with clearly no gun,” said his father Ricky…

INGLEWOOD – Inglewood Mayor James Butts Jr. addressed the public about noise complaints generated by portions of the South Bay region in regards to a concert held at Hollywood Park August 3 and 4. “We were perplexed at the sound propagation experienced in the South Bay, because there have been multiple outdoor concerts on the SoFi campus without this issue,” said Butts via a statement released to the public on Aug. 9 “After meeting with representatives from the event promoter and the venue, we conducted a thorough review of the modifications and changes made between Saturday and Sunday of HARD…

COMPTON – Compton College has released a five-year report highlighting its students’ continued success. Dr. Keith Curry has led the college for over a decade and has watched the campus return to local control as well as increase enrollment over the years. “Compton College’s ‘Five Years of Success: Report to the Community’ highlights our deep connection with the community and provides updates on college programs, alumni, and facilities,” said Dr. Curry.  “This five-year review showcases our efforts to address students’ basic needs, enhance campus infrastructure, remove barriers to degree attainment, and offer financial support. Additionally, the report emphasizes dual enrollment…

INGLEWOOD – A trio of Black Inglewood-based real estate professionals announced the launch of their new property management firm serving Southern California. Real estate professionals Alicia Bramble, James Daughrity, and Odest Riley Jr. have launched SoCal Premier Property Management (SoCal PPM) which strives to play a vital role in the growth and development of marginalized communities. As the commercial real estate landscape becomes more expansive, diverse, and ever-changing, the newly formed, 100% minority-owned firm offers full services and protection to property owners and tenants across Southern California.  “Our vision at SoCal PPM is clear; we want to evolve property management into an indispensable service,” states…

INGLEWOOD – Rep. Maxine Waters has come out against the proposed Inglewood Transit Connector project due to its displacement of businesses along the proposed transit route. “I should have paid more attention early on, so that I wouldn’t have discovered so much about it late,” she said. “I just think that when our constituents look at how we make decisions and what our priorities are. This is the worst example.” The opposition is a major break for Waters, who three years ago wrote in support of a $20-million grant for the line. Waters said she changed her mind as she…