Author: Emilie St. John

INGLEWOOD – Inglewood Mayor James Butts Jr. finally 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…

LOS ANGELES – The family of a slain teen held a press conference outside of Los Angeles Police Department headquarters demanding justice after he was fatally shot on July 13. On July 13 eighteen-year-old Ricardo “Ricky” Ramirez, Jr., a recent Richmond, California, high school graduate, was tragically shot and killed by LAPD Vice Officer Sergeant Michael Pounds. Courtesy of Ramirez family “Ricky, my only son, was a good kid, made everybody smile and feel loved. He was at the threshold of his whole life having just graduated and the LAPD shot him causing him to fall through death’s door,” said…

INGLEWOOD – A man’s drowning death during a rave held in February at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium was ruled accidental despite psychedelic drugs being present in his system. The County released the autopsy report under a Public Records Request which details that 19-year-old Mirai Ashley Shepard died from an accidental drowning but the Toxicology Report indicated he had quantities of LSD in his system that according to his friends “was consumed during the electronic dance music concert featuring DJ Illenium. Electronic dance music concerts are commonly referred to as raves. LA County chooses not to ban raves, EDM music festivals In…

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 – The mayor and council are being asked to weigh in on a proposed initiative/ballot measure to impose a 3% gross receipts tax on for-profit hospitals operating in Inglewood. The mayor and council are being asked to either adopt the ordinance as is, submit the proposed ballot measures to voters or prepare a report in accordance with Elections Code Section 9215(c). According to the accompanying staff report, “…the tax rate for for-profit hospitals is $1.65 per $1000 and the proposed ordinance wants to change it to a 3% flat tax.” The City expects to reap close to $5.4 million…

INGLEWOOD – The City of Inglewood has announced they selected Elevate Inglewood Partners (“EIP”), a public-private partnership consortium comprised of Plenary Americas US Holdings, Inc. (equity member), Tutor Perini Corporation (lead contractor), Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) (lead designer), Woojin Industrial System Co., Ltd. (automated transit system operator and supplier) and Alternate Concepts, Inc. (lead operations and maintenance contractor) as the Best Value Proposer to construct the Inglewood Transit Connector that will displace dozens of long-time Inglewood businesses. Inglewood business owners speak out against displacement The ITC Project includes design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of a 1.6-mile automated people mover…

INGLEWOOD – Longtime elected official Congresswoman Maxine Waters has thrown the city of Inglewood into a tailspin after she fired off a multi-page letter asking that the federal government NOT fully fund an ambitious transit project in Inglewood. The letter was sent to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg arguing that money would be “better spent on programs that improve access to affordable housing” rather than building a 1.6-mile transit project for private citizens use – Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke – for attendees to access their sports venues the Intuit Dome and…

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…

POMONA – A woman has died from her injuries after being involved in a three-vehicle crash July 5 in Pomona. A total of four people were injured in the wreck caused by a hit-and-run driver that fled the scene in a white Ford Explorer. The crash occurred around 9 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Garey and Orange Grove avenues, according to Pomona police. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9FsexnP92y/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== The four people were transported to a hospital with injuries ranging from minor to severe, police said. The family has identified Carol Dorame Fuentes, 57, as the victim. ”Hello, you reported on this accident last…

CARSON —The City of Carson has announced the LA28 Olympic Games will feature four exciting sports at some of their world- class venues. The City will host the Olympic Cycling Track in the Velodrome in Carson, Hockey at the Fields adjacent from the Stadium, Rugby Sevens in the Stadium, and Tennis in the Tennis Center. “As Mayor of Carson, I am thrilled to express our community’s pride and excitement as a Venue City for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This historic moment showcases Carson’s world-class facilities and vibrant diversity and promises significant opportunities,” said Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes. “Our city’s…

INGLEWOOD – A new premier flex space located in the prime location of Inglewood, CA is currently available for sale. The location is the former site of the original Inglewood Cadillac dealership, built in 1953. With top-to-bottom renovation complete, 450 N Market Street is an impressive stand-alone 13,500 square-foot showcase space. This property was the original Inglewood Cadillac dealership, built in 1953, which has now been thoughtfully renovated by AIA Gold Medal architects Brooks + Scarpa. A convenient 2-mile distance away from the city’s beloved SoFi Stadium, this newly listed creative office space has been brought up to modern standards, with property…

INGLEWOOD – A long-time grocery store in Inglewood is facing closure after its parent company announced plans to merge with its competitor. Kroger and Albertsons released a list of 579 stores that would be sold off under a proposed mega-merger of the grocery giants, including 63 locations in California. The Vons in Inglewood is included on the list. In March 2023, the grocery store became a battleground of community outrage after it was included as a proposed location for an ambitious transit project to connect a Metro transit line to the Inglewood Sports and Entertainment District which includes the Kia Forum,…

A recently released audit details the harsh realities of how the City’s budget will be impacted should oil production end in Long Beach. The audit released last week details how the City’s budget is dependent on the revenue and how it would impact services should it be eliminated. It is estimated the city will lose between $278 million to $301 million now that Senate Bill 1137 is being implemented by the State of California. “We have to get ahead of these challenges that are facing Long Beach uniquely, and make sure that we are taking this seriously while there is…

LOS ANGELES – Activists are demanding an investigation into a woman’s shooting death after video footage surfaced showing deputies failing to render aid to the dying woman. Raejonette Morgan, 22, was shot multiple times while driving southbound on Vermont Ave. near the 105 freeway on July 2. Morgan succumbed to her injuries on July 4. Morgan’s family, in collaboration with attorney Ben Crump and civil rights activist Najee Ali, director of Project Islamic Hope, held a press conference July 5 calling for her killer to turn themselves and are also seeking a meeting with Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna…