December 06, 2018
Associated Press
House Democrats have re-elected Rep. Steny Hoyer in their No. 2 spot and Rep. Jim Clyburn as the third-ranking Democrat, reinstating their entire leadership team for the new Congress.
Hoyer of Maryland is set to become majority leader, while Clyburn of South Carolina will become the whip. They both ran unopposed despite the desire among some Democrats for new leadership.
Democrats also nominated Nancy Pelosi as their choice for speaker. The California Democrat had no challenger, but will need a majority of votes from the full House to become speaker when the new Congress convenes in January.
The three Democrats, all in their 70s, are pledging to bring up the next generation of Democratic leaders. It’s an acknowledgement their time at the helm of the new House majority could be limited.
Clyburn released the following statement about his election to the post:
“I thank all my House Democratic colleagues for the faith and confidence they have expressed in me to serve as Majority Whip in the 116th Congress. I am deeply honored to have the support of our Caucus and humbly accept this position with a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As I said to my colleagues today, America is already a great country: our challenge is to make its greatness apply fairly and equitably to all of its people. As the only member of elected leadership from a red state and largely rural district, I will work tirelessly to be a voice for the millions of Americans who feel left out and communities that are too often left behind. I am committed to staying connected to all of our Caucuses and regions and building a whip operation that is reflective of the diversity of our Caucus and that empowers a new generation of Members to have a voice in our legislative process.”
December 06, 2018
LAWT News Service
Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper staff member Iris Stanford announced she is retiring at the end of 2018. Stanford serves as the Classifieds Specialist for the Sentinel and L.A. Watts Times Newspaper. Iris is the proud mother of three and grandmother of six.
Joining the company in 1991, Iris has developed a wide network of business relationships throughout the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.
“I enjoy working closely with our customers to assist them with preparing the best possible ad to promote their product or service,” said Iris.
“I began my journey here in 1991 as Accounts Receivable Clerk, working under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas for 13 years and the Bakewell company administration for the last 14 years, my time and dedication here at the Los Angeles Sentinel have been wonderful.
“However, after 27 years of Great Customers, being a part of the publishing industry and working the yearly successful Taste of Soul, it is now time for me to retire! It is time that I get out and start traveling, decorating, celebrating my life of being six years cancer free and spend time with friends and family especially my six grandchildren! Thank you all for making my time here so very memorable and I will truly miss all of you! THANK YOU!
If anyone is interested in sending cards, gifts or flowers to celebrates Ms. Stanford, please send items to the attention of Iris Stanford at 3800 S. Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008.
November 29, 2018
Associated Press
House Democrats have elected Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York as their caucus chairman.
Lawmakers are elevating the 48-year-old member of the Congressional Black Caucus as a new generation of leaders pushes to the forefront.
The tight race was tight, with the vote 123-113 over Rep. Barbara Lee of California, another influential member of the Black Caucus.
Lee made her pitch during House Democrats’ closed session on the leadership. She drew on the record number of women, including minority women, who ran for office and are entering the new Congress.
November 29, 2018
City News Service
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power announced today it has awarded $1.4 million to 24 nonprofit organizations to develop programs focused on improving energy efficiency and water conservation.
Among the recipients of the LADWP's Community Partnership Outreach Grants Program for the 2018-19 fiscal year is the Owens Valley-based High Sierra Energy Foundation, which will provide information to Owens Valley customers about LADWP programs, incentives and rebates, including for the region’s tribal and low-income communities.
The grant will also support the installation of a weather station in Bishop City Park, which LADWP officials said may help promote more informed use of air conditioning or heating systems that can lead to energy conservation.
“The High Sierra Energy Foundation's goal is to inform individuals on the benefits of energy efficiency, and this grant will help us reach many more LADWP customers who can benefit from ways to lower their electric bills, while also helping the environment,” said Pam Bold, the High Sierra Energy Foundation’s executive director.
Grants were also awarded in each of the city's 15 council districts.
“These organizations exemplify the best of what Los Angeles has to offer by focusing on energy and water efficiency in our communities and neighborhoods,” LADWP General Manager David H. Wright said. “The conservation partnership grants are one part of a larger effort to promote energy efficiency and help meet LADWP’s goal of reducing energy consumption by 15 percent by 2020.”
The grants program assists nonprofit organizations in connecting with LADWP customers that may not be reached through traditional communication strategies, with a goal of helping reduce energy and water use.
The LADWP has provided more than $8 million in funding for more than 140 projects over seven years as part of the Community Partnership Outreach Grants Program.