The crime rate in both local and national jurisdictions is reportedly in steady decline, yet public perceptions of safety appear in opposition to the latest law enforcement statistics.
Author Archives: Merdies Hayes
First week of school in AV reveals excitement, promise
The first week of school in the Antelope Valley has begun with fresh ideas, new campuses and plenty of enthusiasm.
More money for HIV care; sharp increase in meningitis
HIV and AIDS may not dominate the nightly news as much as it once did, however the danger of these infections is still present. This week the Board of Supervisors approved $3 million in funding to expand access to HIV medical care.
Emmett Ashford: ‘Stee-ee-rike!’
Emmett Ashford (1914-1980) was the first African American umpire in Major League Baseball (MLB). The Jefferson High School graduate broke down racial barriers much the same way as his friend Jackie Robinson.
Latest racial divide has pollsters wondering who’s telling the truth?
In the national shouting match over who hates whom the most, a number of polls conducted since 2008 suggest that the racial divide has increased only slightly from where it was 20 years ago. However, the same polls reveal that most Americans hold a surprisingly dim view of racial harmony.
New school year follows improvement within LAUSD graduation rate
When the morning bell rings on Aug. 16, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) 2016-17 academic year will follow one of its most successful graduation rates in recent memory. Last year, the LAUSD saw its graduation rate climb to 72.2 percent with increases reported across all major ethnic subgroups.
Latest racial divide has pollsters wondering who’s telling the truth?
In the national shouting match over who hates whom the most, a number of polls conducted since 2008 suggest that the racial divide has increased only slightly from where it was 20 years ago. However, the same polls reveal that most Americans hold a surprisingly dim view of racial harmony.
View Park gets national nod
View Park, an area of town affectionately called “The Black Beverly Hills,” was added this week to the National Register of Historic Places.
Augustus F. Hawkins: ‘Silent Warrior’
Augustus F. Hawkins (1907-2007) had a political career that spanned more than 56 years serving in both the California Assembly and U.S. House of Representatives. A graduate of Jefferson High School and UCLA, Hawkins was the first Black person west of the Mississippi to be elected to Congress. Over the years Hawkins guided countless pieces of legislation aimed at improving the lives of minorities and the urban poor.
Clinton makes history with nomination for president
Chelsea Clinton last night introduced her mother and watched as she delivered the biggest speech of her life accepting the Democratic Party nomination for president of the United States.

