December 07, 2017
By Kimberlee Buck
Staff Writer
Since late October, Bakewell Media has continued to bask in the success of the 12th annual Taste of Soul (TOS) family festival remaining L.A.’s largest street festival.
This year, we welcomed back Hyundai for a second year in a row, to engage in another year of food, family, and fun as sponsor of the StarQuest Stage.
Throughout the day, TOS goers were able to enjoy the sounds of powerful performances from singers Melanie Fiona, Brandy, Kool Moe Dee, Doug E. Fresh, and many more at the StarQuest Stage sponsored by Hyundai.
Hyundai came back with a mission to not only participate in this year’s Taste of Soul as a sponsor but also reintroduce their brand to the South Los Angeles community. Prior to the launch of this year’s family festival, Hyundai brought the Hyundai Better L.A. contest.
The contest asks L.A. residents how they are making their community better. Participants were invited to download the Taste of Soul mobile app or visit hyundaibetterla.com to enter.
Contestants were encouraged to write a short explanation on how they are making L.A. a better place or upload a 60 second video before midnight October 21. The selected winner will drive off with their brand new 2018 Hyundai Sonata SEL at the LA Auto Show on Thursday, December 7.
After reviewing entry submission videos and essays, the Los Angeles Sentinel, Bakewell Media, and Hyundai have selected a winner!
The recipient of the Hyundai Sonata SEL will be announced on Thursday, December 7 during the Auto Show.
Stay update-to-date with live footage from our winner by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Don’t forget to visit www.lasentinel.net the following week for an in-depth feature article on our winner!
November 30, 2017
City News Service
The owners and managers of a Baldwin Village apartment complex that is an alleged stronghold for a violent street gang called the Black P-Stones are the targets of a lawsuit filed Monday by Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer.
Dating back to 1996, the 425-unit Chesapeake Apartments complex at 4616 Rodeo Road in South L.A. has been the scene of hundreds of violent crimes, including homicides, shootings, rapes, drug sales, robberies, assaults, and gun possession, according to Feuer's lawsuit.
Swaranjit Nijjar did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit, which seeks a court order requiring Nijjar to live at the apartment complex until the nuisance activity is abated.
The lawsuit naming Nijjar and several entities associated with him also seeks an injunction prohibiting gang and criminal activity at the complex, along with changes to the property and managerial improvements, including an internet-connected video monitoring system, better lighting, secure fencing and gating, improved tenant screening and lease enforcement procedures, and armed, licensed security guards.
“Negligent, callous management has allowed the Chesapeake Apartments to become a hotbed of terror in this neighborhood,” Feuer alleged. “We’ll continue to hold property owners responsible for these harrowing conditions as we take back our communities.”
November 30, 2017
City News Service
An 18-year-old Palos Verdes High School student who was freed from jail on $5 million bail and returned to classes — sparking outrage among some parents — pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a gang-related killing in South Los Angeles.
Superior Court Judge Mark Hanasono ordered Cameron Terrell to return to a downtown Los Angeles courtroom Jan. 9, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial in connection with the Oct. 1 shooting death of Justin Holmes.
The 21-year-old man was gunned down on 78th Street near Western Avenue, police said.
Terrell was arrested Oct. 12 along with two male juveniles, who are also facing charges. Investigators allege Terrell was the driver of a getaway vehicle.
Terrell is charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
The criminal complaint — which indicates Terrell is also known as “White Boy” —includes an allegation that the crimes were committed “for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal street gang.”
After being freed from custody a week after his arrest, Terrell returned to class at Palos Verdes Estates high school, prompting outrage from some parents who called him a danger to other students. About a half-dozen parents gathered at the school Nov. 13 to demand that he be suspended from classes.
Around noon that day, school officials told reporters that Terrell's parents — identified by the Daily Breeze as media consulting firm president Donald Wayne Terrell and interior designer Debra Terrell —had agreed to pull their son out of classes and have him educated elsewhere.
Palos Verdes Unified School District Superintendent Don Austin said Terrell’s education would continue either at home or somewhere off school grounds.
November 23, 2017
LAWT News Service
On Saturday, Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson completed his second annual Turkey Run. With his wife Karrie, the Harris-Dawson's personally handed out 800 turkeys to needy families across the Eighth Council District. In addition to giving turkeys directly to families, the Councilmember also collaborated with several non-profit organizations to provide turkeys for their free Thanksgiving dinners.
“During the holidays, as families gather to celebrate in their own special way, some families struggle to make ends meet and put a holiday meal on the table,” said Councilmember Harris-Dawson. “This year, I am honored to provide turkeys to families with the greatest need and who deserve our support and generosity.”
In addition to the Turkey Run, Councilmember Harris-Dawson participated in a healthy cooking demonstration as a part of the Community Safety Partnership at Harvard Park. Residents picked up their free turkey and learned to cook fresh vegetables, with the Councilmember demonstrating a healthy brussel sprout recipe with Chef Bryce
The success of this year’s Turkey Giveaway is thanks to generous donations from Ralphs, Sempra, Walsh Shea, the American Heart Association and a partnership with Ward Economic Development Corporation.