Independent spending hits record high in Board of Education race



More than $928,000 in independent expenditures has been spent to fill four seats on the Los Angeles Board of Education.

As the March election draws nearer, the teachers’ union and the Coalition for School Reform are stepping up the independent spending to ensure their candidates are victorious.

Read the full story on KCET’s Under the Influence blog.

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Inglewood welcomes growing art community



imageWhen Renée Fox moved to Inglewood five years ago, the local arts scene was starting to come into its own. She came for the reasons that many fellow artists moved to Inglewood—namely that rents in nearby artist enclaves were too just high.

“I thought about working in Culver City or Venice but getting a space there is so expensive,” Fox said. “And I had heard so much about this place. Inglewood has a great small town feel.”

Fox is now at the center of a burgeoning art community as the curator of the Inglewood’s Beacon Art Building. It is an unassuming structure off a busy section of La Brea Avenue; there was a series of commercial spaces there earlier. Inside is the familiar white box of a museum gallery, with artworks adorning the white walls. Right now, this is the only art gallery in Inglewood.

The building is the brainchild of Scott Lane, who saw the emerging art scene as a way to occupy– and beautify– many of the vacant building in the town. He found Fox through a Google search of local artists and hired her to run the space.

On the ground floor of the building is a gallery featuring work by up-and-coming as well as established artists. For the next few months, the exhibitions in the gallery will be guest-curated by prominent Los Angeles art critics.

Although Fox works within Inglewood’s tight-knit community of artists in town, she sees the work of the gallery as something that extends far beyond city limits.

“Inglewood is a very connected city, surrounded by so many freeways,” Fox says. “I don’t like to think of a show as being centric to any area. Right now we’re showing six artists. Five are L.A.-based; one is from Israel.”

Above the gallery are a series of lofts, where artists can rent space and create their works. Lane describes the situation in Inglewood as the perfect storm for an exploding scene.

“The high rents and the trendiness of many of the other artist areas are kind of a turn-off to the Bohemian class,” Lane said. “Since we opened it up a few years ago, it’s gotten bigger and bigger.”

Gentrifying areas through an arts scene has been a common theme for many of L.A.’s once derelict parts of town. Venice, Culver City, North Hollywood and most recently Downtown LA were all buoyed by incoming artists looking for a cheap place to rent space and show work.

It’s something with which artist Steve Hurd is very familiar. He’s been in Inglewood for 20 years and has seen many areas rise and fall from the movements of the creative class. But he’s impressed with what Fox has been bringing to the area.

image“Renee is part of this new renaissance over here,” Hurd says. “She fits in well with the older art community and the new people coming out of nearby art schools like Otis [College of Art and Design].”

Fox sees something special in the area beyond just a refuge from the higher prices. Inglewood, she says, is an area that embraces community and small business in a way that promotes independent establishments.

“I was so proud of the city for voting to oust Wal-Mart a few years back,” Fox says. “There is a great patchwork of different cultures that creates such an inspiring environment.”

Running a gallery is only half of her life in the art world. She also creates her own work—using colored pencil on paper as her medium. Fox aims for her artwork to be “conscious expanding and a reflection of our times” and focuses on depictions of the natural world. A recent piece, “Bad Seeds” is a series of pointillist images of tree seeds, bathed in the soft colors you might see in a California sunset.

Her work as an artist, though, is very different from the curating duties. When creating a show she takes pains to make sure that there is distance from her own pieces.

“We focus a lot on new genres and things like multimedia that push the envelope,” said Fox. “I love doing my own work, but it’s very satisfying when you can affect so many other artists.”

Images from an exhibit at the Beacon Art Building titled “Densities: Line Becoming Shape, Shape Becoming Object” curated by Peter Frank:

Photos courtesy of Renée Fox
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Arlon Watson given long sentence for murder of Compton teenager



Problems and solutions

Judge Eleanor J. Hunter was not happy with Arlon Watson’s behavior in court. She was fed up with his giggling, irreverence, and open disdain for the prosecution. But before she spoke directly to the convicted murderer, she said a few words about his family. “I know your family has been here throughout this process,” she said. “And they’ve been kind and courteous. Your people have been great in this court. But looking at you, Mr. Watson, I can see that in this instance, the apple did indeed fall very far from the tree.”

After over three weeks of trial and jury deliberation, Judge Hunter sentenced 22-year-old Compton resident Arlon Watson to 80 years to life in prison for the fatal shooting of high school student Dannie Farber, Jr.

Earlier in the week, a jury found Watson guilty of first-degree murder. In contrast to the dress shirts and slacks he wore during the trial, Watson appeared before the judge on Wednesday in a blue LA County Jail jumpsuit. He declined to make a public statement.

Two members of Farber’s family took the opportunity to stand up and share what was on their hearts. Kenneth McGee, who helped raise Farber from early on, said justice would be served if the judge gave Watson “whatever he’s got coming to him.” McGee choked back tears and excused his language as he described Farber as “one hell of a good athlete.” He remembered the shock of going from helping to plan a high school prom to suddenly planning a funeral. As he spoke, Farber’s mother, Danielle Lewis, crossed her arms on the back of the seat in front of her and put her head in the crook of her elbow.
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Farber’s aunt, Rachel Malveaux, struggled to make it through her first sentence, her voice cracking as soon as she began to speak. A clerk brought her a box of tissues. “Parents are supposed to go before you,” she said, “but these days it seems like children are going before their parents.”

Watson appeared unaffected by the words of Farber’s family. He smiled eerily and exchanged seemingly light-hearted words with his attorney as McGee and Malveaux spoke.

After the family’s statements, Deputy District Attorney Joe Porras said he had submitted a recommendation for sentencing to the judge, hoping she would take into consideration a prior conviction for robbery and gang and gun allegations that were also found to be true.

Porras also offered an emotional reaction at the end of the trial. “I’ve worked on around 30 murder trials, and this is the only one where the murder was actually captured on video,” Porras said, referring to a security tape from the restaurant where Farber was eating when he was shot. “Those 40 seconds of video are going to be with me long after retirement.”

Defense attorney Tracy Grayson had nothing to say on behalf of Watson, but did object to Porras’ statements, saying they were part of an overly emotional and rehearsed act put on for the news camera in the courtroom.

Judge Hunter overruled his objection.

Before officially issuing the sentence, the judge spoke pointedly to Watson.

“You can smile and giggle all you want, but you’re a murderer,” she said. “You can go back to your gang people and high five them, but one day my words will come back and haunt you.”

“It’s not just that you took a life. It’s the life you took,” Hunter continued. “People can be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. Dannie Farber was part of the solution and you are part of the problem.”

Hunter gave Watson the maximum sentence, 80 years to life, for the combination of his murder, gang, gun, and robbery charges. She said the possibility for parole was unlikely.

Hunter concluded: “We saw pure evil in this court, and is you, Arlon Watson.”

A family still in mourning

Listen to audio of Kennth McGee reacting to the sentencing of Arlon Watson.

For Farber’s family members, who have been in court for every day of the trial, the morning of the sentencing felt like the emotional culmination of the long search for Farber’s murderer.

Sitting outside the courtroom, Farber’s mother reflected on the guilty verdict and sentencing.

“I’m just glad it’s over, just happy that justice was served,” she said. “It won’t bring Dannie back, but I’m glad Watson’s off the street, somewhere where he won’t be able to hurt another family like he hurt our family.”

Michelle Malveaux, Farber’s grandmother agreed. “I’m happy for the verdict. I’m ready to get my party on.”

Around 25 friends and family members of Farber’s attended the hearing, and Malveaux seemed to be the cheerleader of the bunch, greeting everyone as they gathered. She wore a pin with a picture of Farber, but wished she could have made T-shirts. “We make T-shirts to celebrate everything related to Dannie,” she explained. “Dannie’s birthday, holidays, everything, we do a T-shirt. I’ve got a sign in my front yard with his picture on it. After today, I’m getting another sign that says ‘justice is served.’”

Once she sat down, her energy momentarily waned. Today she felt a particular kind of sadness, similar to how she felt the day she first learned Farber had been killed. “It’s not my body that’s tired,” she said, “It’s my brain.”

McGee shared a similar sentiment. “Emotions are running high today,” he said.

He tipped his head back, and spoke about Dannie. “Whatever he set his mind out to do, he achieved. He had this football shirt that said ‘Finish’ on it, so whenever I’m struggling, I think about that. I’m going to finish everything I start, including coming to every single day of this trial.

“The worst part now is watching your son’s mother cry every night and morning and not being able to fix it. I can fix a lot of things, but not a broken heart.”

Beyond wreaking emotional havoc, the trial has also taken a physical toll on McGee, who switched his shift at Metro to work at night. Every morning for almost the past month, McGee would come to court straight off his work shift, go home, “sleep for an hour or two” in the afternoon and return to his night shift at Metro that evening.

McGee said Watson was a coward. “People say it’s a loss on both sides. I don’t feel that way. His family can still go see him in prison, but I’ve got to go to a cemetery if I want to see my son.”

“Today I feel satisfaction, but not closure,” he said. “I still live with the pain every day.”

Other stories on the Arlon Watson Trial:
Compton Court hears closing arguments in Arlon Watson Trial

Watson trial offers glimpse inside deadly deep-rooted gang rivalries

First building in South LA retrofitted



Listen to the audio story from Annenberg Radio News:

The first-ever large-scale retrofit program kicked off Monday in South Los Angeles. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilmember Herb Wesson joined community leaders for the unveiling of the Vineyard Recreation Center.

The Green Retrofit and Workforce Program is funded by the American recovery and Reinvestment Act. The program will retrofit 130 buildings in South Los Angeles.

While the unemployment rate for Los Angeles county is 13 percent, the jobless rate in South Los Angeles is a staggering 30 percent.

“For communities like South L.A., we are no strangers to unemployment and underemployment. This recession has had a devastating effect on black and brown families in my community,” community organizer and South L.A. native Virginia Franklin said.

The city council unanimously approved the program that will focus on green upgrades of libraries, recreation centers and fire stations.

“As we retrofit these buildings, they’ll be more energy efficient. They won’t cost the city as much. They’ll reduce their carbon footprint. They’ll continue to contribute to cleaning up our environment because you’re using less electricity and water,” Villaraigosa said.

And it already has generated jobs.

“I was one of the few who got laid off at a particular time…I didn’t know what I was going to do,” Los Angeles resident Paul Mills said. “But the program was offered to us. I met various people from all different backgrounds…and we went through the program and now we’re actually working for the city.”

Inglewood Unified principal takes hands-on approach to education



imagePrincipal Richard Barter makes it his business to know the names of all 750 students at Oak Street Elementary School in Inglewood.

When Barter steps onto the playground, he’s welcomed by rousing choruses of “Hi, Mr. Barter!”

Smiling warmly under his bushy moustache, he replies, “Hi, Chris. Hi, Anthony. Hi, Fatima.”

He often joins the students outside for recess, during which he emerges wielding a boom box, hula hoops and jump ropes. On a recent morning, children ran toward Barter as he threw a yellow hoop over his head and began swirling to the music.

“I realized when I first became principal that I could not say, ‘Hey, you in the blue shirt.’ The children wouldn’t turn around,” said Barter, who recently began grading tests in his free time to get to know the students even better.

“It gives me a personal connection with the child. Because then I can say, ‘Hey, you passed the division test. I’m really proud of you.'”

Barter’s involvement would be appreciated at any school. But in the Inglewood Unified School District, which has experienced declining enrollment in part due to the increased presence of local charter schools, Barter’s good reputation has helped retain current students and recruit new ones.

“Mr. Barter is a one-of-a-kind principal,” said Xol Isaiah Gonzales, a fourth-grade student who transferred to Oak Street Elementary this year. “I never met any principal who has fun like that.”

Gonzales and his schoolmates were quick to add that Barter frequently makes them laugh, usually by dancing on stage during school events or dressing up for Halloween. They giggled when describing how Barter played basketball with students while dressed up as a cereal box one year.

“He’s just so involved with these kids, ever since I’ve known him,” said Rodtego Roth, a campus plant manager whose children were taught by Barter at Clyde Worthington Elementary. “And that’s the thing: keeping them busy in activities.”

In his 10 years at Oak Street Elementary, Barter has initiated dozens of student activities at the school, which runs from Kindergarten through sixth grade. Some of the activities include soccer, basketball, students vs. faculty athletic competitions, multiple levels of choir, glee club and a special group—the only in Inglewood Unified School District—that practices baile folklórico, a traditional form of Mexican dance.

“We’re always involved with the City of Inglewood through the different programs,” said Norma Rosales, a school clerk whose third-grade son dances in the baile folklórico group. “They’re always calling us to perform.”

School performance groups also regularly appear at city-sponsored events, nursing homes, local churches and parades, including the 2010 Westchester Christmas Parade.

“The more that you have for the children, the less discipline problems that you have,” said Barter, who doles out more certificates of achievement than detention slips.

imageBarter’s office hardly seems the place where students come when they get in trouble. Crayola-brand crayon memorabilia and art fill the shelves and cover the walls. A picture frame decorated with crayons displays the message: “It’s okay to color outside the lines.”

Barter puts creative philosophies to use, such as when he accepted a request to host a polling place for Election Day 2010 in the cafeteria. He simultaneously scheduled student body campaign speeches and elections to occur on stage while Inglewood residents voted on the floor. The student elections were a first for Oak Street Elementary, to his knowledge.

“It was kind of bizarre because they were having the mayor’s election. It was like as if they were there to vote for me,” said Paola Camacho, the sixth-grade student who was elected president. “I think he places an emphasis on having role models for the lower grades because they might not have any older brothers or sisters.”

Barter has implemented several mentoring programs, including pairing older students with younger ones for tutoring sessions during recess and lunch periods. He is currently developing a program that will invite reading tutors from Loyola Marymount University, where he received a master’s degree in educational administration.

“He’s just such a dedicated servant,” said the Rev. Kristian Johnson, pastor of First Lutheran Church in Inglewood. “He’s very relational with everyone and very proactive in making the school the best it can be.”

In 2010, Oak Street Elementary scored an Academic Performance Index score of 826, placing it third in California for an elementary school of that size. Students from economically disadvantaged families make up more than half of the school’s student population, according to the California Department of Education.

Last Thanksgiving, Johnson’s parish received a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to purchase turkeys, and Barter helped place them with school families that had difficulty affording a complete Thanksgiving meal. He has also been known to help parents pay for the school’s regulatory uniforms and laundering services.

In addition to his behind-the-scenes altruism, Barter regularly honors student achievements publicly, whether for academic, athletic or community service-based merits. He has forged partnerships with Inglewood businesses such as LAX Tacos and Shakey’s, which donate certificates and prizes to students.

“The children, I think, for the most part are happy. And when you have happy children, I think they go home with that happy feeling,” said Barter, who added that whenever he needs a pick-me-up, he just visits one of the kindergarten classrooms.

“They really do make me smile from ear to ear.”

Photo Credit: Lisa Rau

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Reward offered for shooting death of South LA man



Eighth District Councilman Bernard Parks and police officials today announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect who shot a man to death as he crossed a street near his home in South Los Angeles.

Herbert Eugene Seymour, 31, was walking home from a liquor store near 105th Street and Western Avenue when he was shot in the back on Wednesday, February 9th at 10:40 pm.  Seymour was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police do not have a motive for the shooting.  They say the suspect was in his late teens or early 20s and was seen running north on Western Avenue after the shooting.

Seymour was the father of two children and worked for Best Buy.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detectives Eric Crosson or Sam Arnold at the 77th Division gang and homicide:  (213) 485-1383

 

 

OPINION: How to help the transition from preschool to Kindergarten



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By Jennifer Quinonez for Los Angeles Universal Preschool

imageAsk most parents and they’ll tell you that the transition from their newborn cooing and crawling to running around and talking and getting ready for kindergarten happens in what feels like a minute. So it may come as no surprise that many families might feel unprepared about how to best help their child become better prepared to enter the world of elementary school.

Experts say it’s never too early to get your child ready for their next educational experience. Research shows the best way to do this is by first enrolling them in a high-quality preschool program and then taking an active role in preparing the child for kindergarten.

“Transitions can be very stressful for children and talking to them about the upcoming changes to a new school like kindergarten will help alleviate some of the stress,” says Celia C. Ayala, the CEO of Los Angeles Universal Preschool. “Having a smooth transition to kindergarten will help a child adjust to their new school, and how well a child adjusts to their new classroom can have an impact on their academic and long-term social achievement.”

Educators recommend planning ahead and involving your child in the kindergarten process to have the most successful adjustment for everyone involved.

In the year leading up to kindergarten, Ayala recommends parents to take advantage of a quality preschool program because it’s a great way for them to learn lifelong skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking.

“In preschool, children learn to wait their turn, share and get along with others,” she explains. “Preschool also encourages literacy, language and math skills, as well as teaching children how to communicate their emotions and be empathetic.

image“This will go a long way in showing a child how to build friendships and get along with others.”

A few months before your child enters Kindergarten, it’s a good idea for families along with their 5-year-old to visit the classroom and meet with the teacher, principal and other staff. By doing this, it will ease a child’s fears about the upcoming changes, and give parents the chance to ask specific questions such as:

  • What curriculum do you use?
  • What is your teaching philosophy?
  • How can I volunteer in the classroom?
  • Do you offer before- or after-school care programs?

Above all, it’s important to help your child feel excited and comfortable about this new journey by talking to them about what’s about to happen and to discuss routines like washing hands, reading and play time, manners and schedules. It’s best to do this in a fun and interactive way to avoid causing anxiety about their new environment. Talking with your child in a positive manner and acknowledging their different feelings will additionally help your child feel comfortable about the new school year.

The first day of kindergarten may seem scary for your child, but if a parent helps them through the transition with support and understanding, it’ll strengthen the bond that lets the child know that no matter what changes may come their way, they can be assured that their family will always be there to help.

To enroll your child in a quality Los Angeles Universal Preschool program at little or no charge, call 1-866-675-5400 or visit www.laup.net.

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Protestors give Herb Wesson a hand-delivered Valentine



Los Angeles City Councilman Herb Wesson had a “Valentine” hand-delivered to his District 10 campaign office this morning, but the message on the card was anything but loving.

Chanting “Housing is a human right” in English and Spanish, members of the LA Right to Housing Collective gathered outside Wesson’s office, demanding changes in the city’s rent-control law. Tenants want to see their rents stabilized and stop a 2 percent increase in utility fees.

Wesson was not present in the office when the group walked inside and delivered their card, which had a picture of a broken heart. A staff member in the office said she did not know when Wesson would be back or what his response would be to the group’s requests.

L.A. City Council 8th District debate gets heated



By LaMonica Peters

imageDuring a Park Mesa Heights Community Council-sponsored event Saturday, Los Angeles 8th District City Councilmember contenders Forescee Hogan-Rowles and Jabari Jumaane and incumbent Bernard Parks engaged in a heated debate about each other’s records and the issues facing the district’s residents.

The debate was held at the Angeles Mesa Elementary School.

The 8th District includes the communities of Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw, Leimert Park, West Adams, Jefferson Park, Chesterfield Square and other South Los Angeles areas. Questions posed during the debate were submitted in advance and came directly from the 8th District community.

Residents wanted to know how the candidates would deal with issues regarding the city budget crisis and quality of life issues like affordability, fighting crime, working with the police force, the number of liquor stores in the area and repairing pot holes in the streets.

The lone female candidate, Hogan-Rowles threw the first punch in her opening when she told the audience that their community had suffered long enough, referring to the eight years Parks had held the Council seat.

Hogan-Rowles is currently the president and CEO of Community Financial Resource Center, a California non-profit corporation certified by The U.S. Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution.

She also accused Parks of “double-dipping” from the city.

imageParks is currently receiving his pension for serving as a police officer and chief but is also earning pay as 8th District Councilmember, which combined totals over $400,000 per year.

It was clear that many of Parks supporters were in attendance, as loud applause followed his responses.

Parks took his own shot at Hogan-Rowles when he pointed out that she should have plenty of knowledge on why utility rates had increased so much over the years since she was a former Commissioner of the Department of Water and Power.

Parks made a point to defend his record and accomplishments in the 8th District and emphasized his long service to the Los Angeles community, noting that he was the only candidate who truly understood the inner workings of the city government.

While Parks and Hogan-Rowles continued to attack one another’s record, Jabari Jumaane, a former L.A. City fire firefighter and founder of the African Firefighters in Benevolent Association (AFIBA), told the audience that he represented the average person who wanted to see improvement in the 8th District. He pledged real transparency and accountability in city government and touted his past achievements working with the community through his organization, AFIBA.

Watch the opening remarks:

For more information on the candidates, go to www.smartvoter.org.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in South L.A.



imageValentine’s Day is a day of love, of long-stemmed roses and, unfortunately, of over-priced restaurants and fixed menus.

Reclaim the romance with these V-Day date ideas, all conveniently located in or around South Los Angeles.

Wining and Dining at Bacaro LA

This cozy wine bar is nestled into the block of storefronts on South Union Avenue, just south of the 10 Freeway. Intimate and understated, the restaurant seats a mere 40 diners. But what it lacks in space, it makes up in cuisine. Bacaro LA boasts an fairly extensive list of “small plate” entrees (at $7 each), ranging from cauliflower doused in a chipotle aioli to a signature burger and a selection of grilled pizzas. The wine list features bottles from Italy, France and, of course, California. On Mondays, all glasses of wine are half off. But Valentines Day daters beware, Bacaro LA fills up quickly and waits can exceed an hour. It’s best to go early and enjoy the happy hour specials (all small plates are reduced to $5).

‘Sweet Old Song[s]’ of Love

The Craft and Folk Art Museum is celebrating the day of love by screening a film about love and art. Sweet Old Song centers on the intertwined tales of artists Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong and Barbara Ward. Filmmaker Leah Mahan explores the two-decade love affair between Armstrong and Ward and the effect that love had on their work. The film “plays like one of the ballads that flow effortlessly from the funny and irrepressible Armstrong,” according to Folk Art Everywhere’s website. The Craft and Folk Art Museum (located at 5814 Wilshire Boulevard) is offering light refreshments and music beginning at 6:30 p.m. followed by the free screening at 7 p.m.

Bright City Lights

The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) takes lovers on a romantic bus ride around Los Angeles for some quality neon sign-gazing. MONA’s annual Sweetheart Neon Cruise takes riders throughout Downtown L.A., Chinatown and Hollywood on a double-decker bus, giving them a glimpse of some of the best neon signs and marquees the city has to offer. Included in the $65 per person price are glasses of champagne and chocolates. The Sweetheart Neon Cruise leaves MONA at 8 p.m. and returns at 11 p.m. Reserve seats at www.neonmona.org.

A Walk in the Park

Exposition Park is the home of some of the best museums in Los Angeles. Make a Valentine’s Day of it and take a stroll through the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum or the California African American Museum. The environmentally-inclined should consider visiting the new Ecosystems exhibit at the California Science Center or seeing “Under the Sea” at the museum’s IMAX theater. Admission to all exhibits is free. Unfortunately, the most romantic spot in Exposition Park, the historic rose garden, is closed for pruning until March 15.

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Protestors give Herb Wesson a hand-delivered Valentine

What do you look for in a Valentine?