VOICES

After decades of educating us about the horrific history of Texas slaveowners refusing to let their illegally kept African-descended humans know that they were actually free, then-89-year-old African American activist Opal Lee began her historic 1,400-mile walk from her Texas home to Washington DC in 2016. 

Former Attorney General Bill Barr said the Justice Department always knew Trump's claims of election fraud were "bullsh*t," according to an excerpt from journalist Jonathan Karl's upcoming book published in the The Atlantic. 

VOICES-Some time ago, regular CityWatch contributor Ken Alpern told me I should write for CityWatch too, so here I am.  

PEACE VOICE-Remember the Space Force? You know, the sixth branch of the U.S. military, officially created in 2019, “establishing space as a warfighting domain and guaranteeing that the United States will dominate in that environment just like all others.” 

ALPERN AT LARGE-One of the greatest and boldest things the late Democratic President Harry Truman did was to recognize the State of Israel on May 15, 1948.

CAL MATTERS-How you interpret California’s latest unemployment numbers may have a lot to do with whether you’re a glass half-full or glass half-empty kind of person.

VOICES-The verdict against Derek Chauvin for second and third-degree murder and manslaughter is one step toward holding police accountable for their actions, albeit in a criminal law context.

SPEAKING AS THE CALIFORNIA BUDGET-Do you really think that bulking me up with your billions will solve California’s post-pandemic problems? 

Two words have evoked the ire of a growing contingent of our society: Law Enforcement. It’s almost painful to say the word police without feeling collective guilt about the actions of a few bad eggs.

LIVING WAGE DEBATE-A recent newspaper article had an astonishing headline: "Labor shortages end when wages rise." 

While the world was set on pause due to the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant industry has been trying to stay afloat. 

VOICES-Isaac Bryan is not a good fit for AD54.

VOICES-Judging by the multiple offers all of us are now receiving every week in the mail to refinance our homes at supposedly lower rates, we'd be fools if we didn't. . .or would we be fools if we did? 

VOICES--This last March, the new Chair of MidCityWest Community Council, Lauren Nichols, wrote a letter to the Los Angeles Library Commission, which was approved by almost the entire Board, insisting that "the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) terminate its relationship with the Los Angeles Police Department, effective immediately. . .

GET ORGANIZED--Credit cards are convenient payment tools that allow cardholders to purchase without cash while enjoying numerous rewards and benefits.

@THE GUSS REPORT-At a salary north of $200,000 plus a pension, perks, and power, is it too much to ask America's highest-paid city council to be fed, appropriately dressed, and paying attention by the start of its 10 a.m. weekday Zoom meetings? 

VOICES--A poll released today shows Californians favor Congresswoman Karen Bass over seven other prominent politicians Gov. Gavin Newsom is considering for appointment to fill Kamala Harris’ U.S. Senate seat after she is sworn in as vice-president. 

VOICES--I could not be prouder to see my dear friend Xavier Becerra nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services at one of the most pivotal moments in this nation’s history.

VOICES--Dear Governors:Thank you for your leadership in response to this unprecedented health crisis and the action your administrations have undertaken to help nursing homes and assisted living communities protect our residents and dedicated caregivers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

VOICES—City Planning has released a draft proposal to amend the Zoning Code to prohibit the operation and construction of private detention centers.

VOICES--To prevent unnecessary hardship for residents and businesses throughout Los Angeles County, Supervisor Kathryn Barger will oppose the Department of Public Health’s decision to prohibit outdoor dining and further restrictions including another Safer at Home Order, instead calling to align with the State of California’s health orders.