The ring of the old black phone had an ominous tone. Something had happened not far away which had the neighborhood on edge. “Hello, M.D.? Oh, M.D.! We’ve got to come pick you up (from work) right now … the police beat up a boy down in Watts and they’ve been burnin’ things ever since. Yeah, we’re fine … but you’ve never heard so many sirens. They’re ’bout to break into White Front. We’re on our way.”
Author Archives: Merdies Hayes
Posted inNews, News-OW
Central Valley dam project could bring relief
The debate about how to better manage water has continued for four years, but now the drought is triggering more political momentum for several water storage projects in the Central Valley. The Bureau of Reclamation said, in a report released this week, that it wants to increase the height of the Shasta Dam near Redding by almost 20 feet, thereby adding capacity to store an additional 634,000 acre-feet of water for agricultural, municipal and industrial use.
Posted inCovers
Babyface, Peter Frampton among stars set to perform this year at A.V. Fair
Everyone loves a county fair. The sights, sounds and aromas of the annual community festival attracts “kids of all ages” to a memory-filled experience that brings together family and friends to enjoy a warm summer’s outing.
Posted inNews, News-OW
More Californians enrolled in Covered California plan
More Californians have enrolled in and are seeing the benefits of Covered California. That’s a finding taken from a recent survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Posted inFeature, Feature
One year after protests
One year ago, Ferguson, Mo., became the center of the world’s media as widespread protests broke out across the St. Louis area following the death of unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was shot dead by Officer Darren Wilson. However, the media eventually moved on to other stories. But in Ferguson, local activists are still fighting for change.
Posted inOpinion
Feinstein files drought legislation; Chinook salmon near extinction?
Sen. Diane Feinstein this week filed her long-anticipated legislative response to the California drought. The veteran lawmaker wants to broker a compromise that has for four years eluded Congress as her home state reveals each day more fallowed fields and brown lawns.
Posted inCovers
Stroke can strike at moment’s notice, but there are ways to prevent tragedy
It appears to strike out of nowhere. You have a sudden headache with no known cause. Your vision gets blurry, and you feel drowsy and nauseous. A little later, you may have trouble speaking and an arm or a leg is suddenly weaker. These are the early signs of a stroke, and at this point, you must immediately call 911.
Posted inNews, News-OW
County seeks major review, overhaul of troubled Compton Fire Department
The Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency this week called for a “sweeping overhaul” of the Compton Fire Department after reports surfaced about inadequate service to the thousands of 911 calls it responds to each year.
Posted inCovers
New studies offer insight into emotional impulse behind hoarding
Most people waffle back-and-forth about discarding something they sincerely believe may come in handy. This indecision usually involves a keepsake of sorts, an object that’s not terribly valuable but memorable, nonetheless. A serious problem, however, arises when individuals cannot separate themselves from an inanimate object because they believe it will occupy a vital place in their lives. Experts contend this irrational belief may give rise to hoarding.
Posted inNews, News-OW
Nurses put forth demands as local hospitals change hands
A new team may soon operate both the St. Francis and St. Vincent medical centers in Lynwood and downtown Los Angeles, respectively. A change in ownership depends on whether California Attorney Gen. Kamala Harris gives the go ahead in the next few months—and if the new owners abide by a list of demands submitted by the California Nurses Association (CNA) to prospective purchaser Blue Mountain Capital Management. The Daughters of Charity Health Systems (DCHS) own the two hospitals and four more in other parts of the state.