Minority defendants in the Antelope Valley are being overcharged and forced to agree to plea bargains at a much higher rate than at any regional court in Los Angeles County. According to the Antelope Valley branch of the NAACP, this practice of bypassing the Sixth Amendment has become typical of judicial proceedings at the court which has gained infamy as the “Antelope Valley Hanging Courthouse.”
Author Archives: Merdies Hayes
Posted inCovers
‘Spice,’ and other synthetic drugs latest worry for law enforcement
By the time Jonathan Brown or “Big Papa”—as he was so warmly referred to by kids in the community found out about the spice invasion—it was too late. His grandson was addicted.
Posted inNews
Low home sales, brown lawns, latest effects of state drought
Even in the best climates, homeowners usually have a hard time keeping their lawns and gardens green in the summer. The California drought has made that chore more difficult, and now realtors have had to curtail their expectations of “curbside appearance” as the brown lawns, wilted plants and a lack of flower blossoms are reportedly driving down the prices of homes that are on the market.
Posted inCovers
Palmdale officials launch assault on ‘spice’ and other synthetic drugs
A new and potentially lethal drug has been sweeping the nation during the past decade. “Spice,” sometimes referred to as “K2,” “Bombay Blue,” “Blaze” and “Zohai,” is on the radar among deputies at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Palmdale station to such an extent that law enforcement urged passage of a city ordinance that will severely crack down on the possession, distribution and sale of this and other illegal synthetic drugs.
Posted inCovers
Marshall Broadcasting Group purchases three community-oriented TV stations
It’s been nearly 70 years since American families were introduced to television. According to experts from Stanford University, television must take on an active role in the promotion of economic development and equality for minorities. Through the creation of Black-owned television stations and networks, viewers are more likely to see positive images of themselves.
Posted inLocal Politics
Anti-fracking bill defeated
California Senate Bill 1132, the anti-fracking measure introduced last year by Sens. Holly Mitchell (D-30) and Mark Leno (D-11), was shot down last week by the State Senate in Sacramento in a 16-16 vote with eight abstentions. The bill would have placed a seven-month moratorium on fracking, the controversial method of oil exploration that forces huge amounts of pressurized water and chemicals underground to tap petroleum deposits.
Posted inCovers
Summer youth activities planned in Antelope Valley
Although school will end soon for the summer break, a variety of youth activities will be scheduled over the next three months throughout the Antelope Valley that are designed for physical fitness, academic enrichment, community involvement and just plain fun.
Posted inNews, News-OW
Anti-fracking bill defeated
California Senate Bill 1132, the anti-fracking measure introduced last year by Sens. Holly Mitchell (D-30) and Mark Leno (D-11), was shot down last week by the State Senate in Sacramento in a 16-16 vote with eight abstentions. The bill would have placed a seven-month moratorium on fracking, the controversial method of oil exploration that forces huge amounts of pressurized water and chemicals underground to tap petroleum deposits.
Posted inCovers
Mental illness remains one of nation’s most acute, misunderstood diseases
The mystery of mental illness has perplexed society since the dawn of man. Modern scientists, mental health professionals and, most important, the troubled individual and their families have had to grapple with the causes, effects, medical treatments and how to care for the person whose daily life is often confined within a sphere of confusion, anxiety and separation from society.
Posted inLocal Politics
McDonnell says new perspective best solution for troubled LASD
Jim McDonnell believes an “outside set of eyes” is the best answer for the troubled Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. McDonnell, the current chief of police in Long Beach, entered the race for sheriff in January determined to bring an outsider’s perspective to the nation’s largest sheriff’s department.