Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas

Cynthia E. Griffin  |   OW Managing Editor
Sep 22 2011

Advocates for Black workers push approval

On Thursday, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is expected to vote on a proposal by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas that would direct staff to start negotiations with the Los Angeles and Orange county building trade councils on a project labor agreement (PLA) that proponents believe will ensure that more African American workers and low-income residents have an opportunity to secure construction jobs.

Sep 15 2011

Kiosks will help residents to know their status

Los Angeles County’s award-winning “I Know” STD home-testing program is being dramatically expanded to address the crisis of high rates of infection in young women of color in the 2nd Supervisorial District. STD refers to sexually transmitted diseases.

Community leaders will gather on Monday to promote the use of new digital tablets and technologically enhanced kiosks. The kiosks, to be located throughout the district, will allow free testing kits to be accessed immediately and results to be obtained online.

Sep 6 2011

Ira Koger

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—The Board of Supervisors today offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to whoever fatally shot a 21-year-old Inglewood father in front of his home.

Ira Tyrone Koger was sitting in his car in front of his residence in the 800 block of West Beach Avenue at about 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 25, 2010, preparing to leave for work, when a car pulled up alongside. Someone inside asked what gang Koger was in and then shots were fired. Koger died at the scene.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas recommended the reward.

Sep 1 2011

Leimert Park stop unclear

The Federal Transit Administration gave the approval for construction to begin on Metro’s $1.76 billion light rail line along Crenshaw Boulevard that will run from the Green Line near Los Angeles International Airport to the Expo Line.

The FTA approved the final environmental impact report for the 8.5-mile line. The report still needs approval by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which is expected to vote on the report at its Sept. 22 board meeting.

Stanley O. Williford  |   OW Editor
Aug 18 2011

Celebrities, politicians, physicians and even plumbers

Anyone entering the West Coast Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center first saw the imposing banners featuring the two forces behind the event—Natalie Cole (CEO) and David Miller (COO)—hanging overhead observing the goings-on like watchful parents. Then they took in the panorama of the event—aisles of vendors and sponsors on each side—on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.
California
Yvette Hollingsworth was recently named chief compliance officer for Wells Fargo & Co. Hollingsworth, who most recently served as managing director and global head of operations compliance and financial crimes compliance & risk management for Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank, will begin her new role on June 1, 2012. Hollingsworth will be based in San Francisco, and will report to Caryl Athanasiu, executive vice president and chief operational risk officer in the corporate risk group. As chief compliance officer, Hollingsworth will be responsible for ensuring that all areas of the company meet compliance management responsibilities and abide by all applicable laws and regulations. Her team will continue to provide independent oversight of business-based compliance management activities.
District of Columbia
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Los Angeles attorney Paul Watford to serve on the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals: “It is great news that the Senate has confirmed Paul Watford, an exceptionally talented attorney, to serve on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He has a breadth of experience as a former prosecutor and a top appellate litigator and will make an excellent addition to the federal bench. However, I am very disappointed that more of my Republican colleagues did not join us in backing this highly qualified nominee.” When Watford is sworn in, he will be only the second African American serving on the Ninth Circuit.