Author: Emilie St. John

With California voters supporting the ban on flavored (menthol) tobacco sales throughout the state, one manufacturer has rolled out “non-menthol” cigarettes that some argue are no different than menthol products. In local 7-eleven throughout Los Angeles County, they continue to sell Newports, but they are marketed as “non-menthol”. The only problem is the stores are hiding the products behind rolling potato chip carts. If they were “non-menthol” why would they need to be hidden from public view? There’s supposed to be a ban on menthol, flavored tobacco but my local @7eleven is now selling NON menthol behind the chips …

Newly elected Inglewood Councilwoman Gloria Gray was sworn into office in front of an over-capacity crowd in council chambers on April 7. The following day she held a ‘Campaign Team Celebration’ in Los Angeles’ Whipp Social Club where she thanked her supporters for her win in the March 7 runoff against former Councilman George Dotson. “For all of those who generously gave their time and resources, I treasure the effort they provided during my campaign and this is just a way to say thank you,” Gray stated. Gray’s term in Inglewood began on April 10, however, she has retained her…

Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. made a late-night announcement Wednesday that after community uproar, the city will not use eminent domain to take the property where Vons grocery store is located. “The City Council and I understand that any construction on the Vons site would be disruptive to businesses, residents, and employees. We have identified an alternative location for the MSF building. To put it succinctly, we heard you.” – James T. Butts City consultants released the Draft Business Relocation Plan on Feb. 1 which identified that nearly 50 businesses would be disrupted due to the Inglewood Transit Connector Project.…

The Inglewood Planning Commission is studying enacting regulations to address the over-proliferation of fast food uses during their March 1 meeting. According to the city’s Finance Department, there are 200 active fast food/take-out establishments and City Administrators requested the planning commission consider potential amendments to the Inglewood Municipal Code related to fast food regulation. The City cited the recent COVID-19 pandemic to show that the industry has “evolved through the development of efficient and robust online ordering apps” that incorporate delivery services and curbside pickup that have become the new norm of the fast food industry. A joint publication of the…

INGLEWOOD — Karen Slade has been a mainstay at radio station 102.3 KJLH since she began with the station 34 years ago. As the station has adapted to new technology, social media, and on-air talent departures, Slade has been focused on remaining committed to the station’s tenants of promoting kindness, joy, love and happiness. “Next month makes 34 years with the station and I have loved every minute of it,” said Slade as she sat in her office filled with memorabilia and plaques honoring her work over the years. Slade is currently the station’s vice president and general manager, responsible…

The Inglewood Public Works department is asking for $85,000 from the city’s reserves to upgrade a community center they city got for free. According to the Sept. 13, 2022 staff report, the current space IPD occupies in the shopping plaza doesn’t have “sufficient space to accommodate larger gatherings, meetings, or events”. The agreement calls for the police department to utilize 1,161 square foot of space inside the Citibank building for FREE. The agreement was for an initial six month term that then converted to month-to-month. The original agreement doesn’t spell out any language concerning repairs and/or upgrades. https://2urbangirls.com/2022/09/2022-09-inglewood-getting-free-office-space-for-police-department-use/ District 4…

The city of Inglewood delayed increasing trash rates until after the runoff election for District 1. On Tuesday, March 21, the Inglewood city council is expected to approve a temporary special rate increase of 3.12% starting April 1 through November 30. https://2urbangirls.com/2022/11/inglewood-approves-trash-rate-increases-effective-dec-1/?utm_campaign=twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter On November 22, 2022, the council approved Agreement No. 22-087, a four-year agreement between the City and Consolidated Disposal Service dba Republic Services, which includes an additional extension of a four-year term. “The company will be allowed a one-time Residential Rate adjustment for rates implemented April 1, 2023 including the adjustment that was delayed from December 1, 2022,…

West Basin water board member Gloria Gray continues to maintain the lead over Inglewood Councilman George Dotson in the District 1 runoff election held March 7. The County provided the latest update on March 10 which still shows Gray leading Dotson by nearly 1,000 votes. Gray secured 66% of the vote while Dotson received 34%. The update includes 584 ballots processed since Election Night. The total election results count is now 2,881 which is 16.44% of registered voters. The estimated number of outstanding Vote by Mail ballots to be processed is nine (9). This is another major defeat to Inglewood…

Embattled Los Angeles Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas has decided to “thug it out” in his case against the United States with proceedings scheduled to commence on March 7 at 8:30 a.m. Jury selection is scheduled to take place at the United States Courthouse, 350 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. The trial will take place in Courtroom 7D (seventh floor) where United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer will preside. Both Ridley-Thomas and his co-conspirator Marilyn Flynn were charged with one count of conspiracy, and each defendant is charged with one count of bribery. The indictment also charges both defendants…

By: Emilie St. John Assemblymember Chris Holden has announced his intent to challenge Kathryn Barger for the County Supervisor District 5 seat. “In the Assembly, I’ve brought people together to pursue progressive solutions that work. I’m running for LA County Supervisor because the challenges we face need to be more urgently addressed. It’s time for Democratic leadership with a proven track record of getting things done,” wrote Holden on his social media account Feb. 16. I’m asking you to get on board and join us on this journey. Together, we’ll pursue solutions that work for Los Angeles County. Join us…