Category: Local

Urgent Communication

Urgent Communication

 

The office of Maxine Waters (D-CA) has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as a “mass firing” at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during the current federal government shutdown. On October 14, 2025, Waters — ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee — released a statement asserting that roughly 442 HUD employees have been terminated, citing figures from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 

According to the figures shared by Waters’ office, the breakdown of the terminations includes: 103 employees from HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing; 36 from Housing Counseling; 50 from Housing Operations; 114 from Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity; and 30 from Community Planning and Development. 

The statement alleges that the firings occurred amid the ongoing “Trump-Republican shutdown,” linking the move to broader efforts by the federal government to reduce workforce numbers and weaken HUD’s ability to deliver on its mandate. Waters characterized the action as “cruel, dangerous, and disgraceful,” and argued that it jeopardizes assistance programs relied on by millions of Americans. 

Earlier this year, Congresswoman Waters raised concerns about field-office closures at HUD, including allegations that the agency under Scott Turner may be planning to shutter a significant portion of its regional presence. In April 2025 she sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and HUD’s Office of Inspector General seeking inquiry into whether HUD was meeting its legal obligations to maintain regional offices. 

A protest at HUD’s Washington, D.C. headquarters earlier in March backed the concerns. Federal workers and community advocates gathered to protest workforce reductions and warn that staffing cuts could delay housing assistance and negatively impact vulnerable households. Waters participated in delivering a letter to HUD, according to local coverage. 

In her press release Waters emphasized that HUD’s key programs support extremely low-income households, noting that wide-scale terminations of staff would hamper the agency’s ability to carry out its mission: “Millions of Americans depend on,” she said, “federal assistance to keep a roof over their heads.”

While the press release makes strong claims about the legality of the action — stating that the firings were “illegal” because Congress has already appropriated funds and the President cannot eliminate mandated programs — external independent sources have not yet fully verified all aspects of the firings, such as the exact number or each affected office. 

For Angelenos and other Americans who depend on programs administered by HUD — such as tenant-based housing vouchers, project-based rental assistance, and public housing — the staffing reductions, if accurate, could mean slower processing of claims, fewer enforcement actions for housing discrimination, and increased workload on remaining staff. Waters’ office places the number of Americans who rely on HUD programs at roughly 9 to 9.3 million, nationwide.

As the shutdown continues, and as congressional Democrats press oversight of HUD’s actions, the outcome of these staffing changes — including any legal challenges and operational impacts — will bear watching. Congresswoman Waters has pledged to “hold this Administration accountable” and to continue fighting for safe and affordable housing access “regardless of race, zip code, or income.” 

 

Full Press Release

https://1man1vote.com/wp/full-press-release/

 

 

Charles Jackson: Author

Defend America. VOTE

The state of California leads the charge to defend against Donald Trump’s deceptive attempt to rig upcoming battles for congressional seats. VOTE!

The major special election for California in 2025 is the Statewide Special Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

​All registered voters in California will receive a ballot for this election, which includes a vote on Proposition 50.

​Key Dates for the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election:

​October 6, 2025: Vote-by-mail ballots begin to be mailed to all registered voters.

​October 20, 2025: Last day to register to vote.

​November 4, 2025: Election Day.

Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

Maxine Waters Honors Hispanic Heritage Month While Condemning Immigration Raids in Los Angeles

 

Los Angeles, CA – Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, is typically a season of celebration across Los Angeles, marked by festivals, cultural showcases, and civic commemorations. This year, however, the observance has been overshadowed by a wave of immigration raids that have prompted condemnation from local leaders, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43).

 

In a statement released from Washington, Waters praised the historic and ongoing contributions of Latinos while sharply criticizing the tactics of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under directives from the Trump administration and U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan. She denounced the raids as warrantless and destabilizing to entire neighborhoods, accusing federal agents of “flooding the zone” in Los Angeles and creating an atmosphere of fear.

 

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time we proudly celebrate the culture, history, and invaluable contributions of Hispanics in Los Angeles and across the United States,” Waters stated. “But this year, our celebrations come amid unfair attacks by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Donald Trump and his administration … have launched a cruel campaign of warrantless immigration raids, terrorizing immigrant neighborhoods.”

 

Communities in Fear
Waters emphasized the human toll of the raids, noting that immigrant families now face impossible choices between attending work or school and risking detention. She described the consequences as devastating for working-class households already struggling with high housing and living costs in Los Angeles.

 

“Families are being forced to choose between going to work and risking deportation or staying home and falling behind on food and rent,” Waters said. “These heartless tactics are ripping apart communities that have called Los Angeles home for decades.”

 

Her comments reflect broader concerns expressed in community forums, on social media, and by immigrant rights groups across Southern California. Residents have reported increased ICE presence in predominantly Latino neighborhoods, with checkpoints and unannounced door-to-door operations that have sparked fear-driven absences from work, school, and public events.

 

Celebrations Curtailed
In addition to its cultural impact, the ICE raids have also disrupted Hispanic Heritage Month programming. Local organizers reported that several community events were canceled out of concern that participants could be targeted. In South Los Angeles, a planned street festival featuring mariachi music and food vendors was called off after volunteers expressed unease about large gatherings attracting immigration enforcement attention.

Similarly, an East L.A. art walk celebrating Chicano muralists was postponed, with organizers citing the “tense climate” created by immigration operations. Reports also surfaced of school-based heritage programs seeing sharply reduced attendance, as families worried about increased law enforcement presence near public institutions.

 

The cancellations highlight the chilling effect of federal enforcement measures on cultural expression, effectively silencing the very communities Hispanic Heritage Month was designed to honor.

 

Congresswoman Waters’ Call to Action
For Waters, who represents one of the most diverse Hispanic constituencies in the country, the timing of the raids during a nationally recognized month of celebration underscores what she views as the administration’s disregard for Latino communities. She pledged to continue pushing back against immigration policies she describes as “hateful” and inconsistent with American values.

 

“I condemn these cruel attacks,” she declared. “They dishonor not only our great nation but the very values of equality and justice that Hispanic Heritage Month seeks to uplift. As the representative of one of the most vibrant and diverse Hispanic communities in America, I will continue to fight back, and work to ensure that every community can live with dignity and without fear.”

 

Ms. Waters, community members echoed Waters’ sentiments, sharing stories of disruption caused by the raids. Posts described empty classrooms in some schools, as parents kept children home, and businesses struggling to staff shifts. Local advocacy groups amplified calls for city officials to provide sanctuary protections and ensure public spaces remain safe for immigrants.

Despite the fear, some cultural events continued, albeit under tightened security and scaled-down formats. In Boyle Heights, organizers of a heritage parade opted to reduce the route and increase community patrols rather than cancel. Smaller neighborhood gatherings were also held, often framed explicitly as acts of resistance and cultural resilience.

 

Looking Ahead
Congresswoman Waters’ strong stance situates her among several California lawmakers who have criticized federal immigration enforcement strategies. The tension between local leaders and the administration reflects an ongoing national debate over immigration policy, community safety, and cultural recognition.

 

In Los Angeles, the intersection of Hispanic Heritage Month and federal immigration operations has laid bare the contradictions between celebration and fear. For many, the month has become not only a time of cultural pride but also a reminder of the struggles facing immigrant families.

 

It has been noted that the legacy of Hispanic contributions to the nation is inseparable from the ongoing fight for dignity and security. This year, that legacy was honored not only through parades and performances but also through resilience in the face of disruption.

 

Charles Jackson
Thought provoker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#YesOnProp50

D4VD

So, I was curious about how this kid who goes by the name D4vd, rose to the top of the charts and was out there doing international tours, almost like magic. Sadly he has been implicated in the apparent murder of a young girl, so his tour has been canceled and his label (interscope) has canceled all publicity until things clear up.

A quick Google search revealed that D4vd, real name is David Anthony Burke.

I met a guy named Kenny Burke at the Lakeview Palladium, in Dayton Ohio, back when we were just getting started in the music game ourselves. So I climbed deeper into the Rabbit Hole, and yep, D4vd is the grandson of singer Keni Burke. Keni was a member of the child group “The 5 Stairsteps” (Ooh Child)

A deeper dive revealed that on September 17, 2025, Los Angeles authorities confirmed that the body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez had been discovered in the front trunk of a Tesla registered in D4vd’s name. Bad news. The young girl’s parents report that the young girl had been in a relationship with a guy named David, but she had been reported missing for over a year. D4vd turned twenty in March of this year, so the age disparities will require some further examination but his hit record “Romantic Homicide” is likely to complicate the investigation.

My heart goes out to the family of this poor young girl, and I’m also going to keep Keni and his family in prayer as they navigate this terrible bump in the road.

 

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#YesOnProp50

Washington Has Fallen

House Recess Sparks Controversy as Trump Seizes Control of D.C. Police

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.

The House of Representatives abruptly adjourned for its August recess on July 22, 2025, amid a dispute over legislation concerning the public release of the so-called “Epstein files.” With Congress shuttered earlier than scheduled, the current resident,  Donald Trump — who continues to assert sweeping authority over the federal government — moved to invoke a rarely used provision of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973, seizing control of the Metropolitan Police Department.

 

The decision has raised alarm across Washington, a city accustomed to demonstrations, visiting dignitaries, and heightened security, but not to routine military presence on neighborhood streets.

 

One resident described unease at the sight of armed patrols moving through residential areas. “Even in a city like ours, where security is always tight, this is unprecedented,” the resident said. Another longtime D.C. transplant expressed similar concerns, noting heightened anxiety while traveling to a routine doctor’s appointment. Helicopters circling overhead, the resident said, gave the sense of a city under occupation rather than protection.

 

California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, a senior Democrat, condemned the move in a statement issued from her office.

 

 

Immediate Release:

August 14, 2025

 

ca43.press@mail.house.gov

Congresswoman Maxine Waters Releases Statement on Trump’s Federalization of DC Police

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) released the following statement in response to Donald Trump’s decision to invoke Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973 to seize control of the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, DC.

 

“Trump is continuing to advance his racist agenda against Black folks. He is now using his executive privilege to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, DC, claiming he’s doing this to reduce crime, even though statistics show crime is at a 30-year low. He’s invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973. This emergency authority allows the president to take control of the MPD for up to 30 days during a declared emergency. There IS no emergency! If it’s notabout-face  crime, then what is it about?

 

Trump clearly hates Black people. It shows in his constant attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, his racist assaults on the legacy of John Lewis and his district, and his appalling disparagement of the late Elijah Cummings. He even blamed the devastating Potomac plane crash on “DEI.”

 

He has repeatedly targeted Black women, including Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, TheGrio journalist April Ryan, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, Vice President Kamala Harris, and me.

 

He joined Elon Musk in attacking the South African government, falsely claiming they deny justice to white Afrikaners, rewriting history, and ignoring Black suffering under apartheid. Musk, seeking a battery factory in South Africa, opposes the 30% local participation requirement, which aims to empower historically disadvantaged Black South Africans. Meanwhile, Trump simultaneously deported Latin Americans illegally and allowed 59 white South Africans into the U.S. without visas or legal processing.

 

This “would be” dictator is using confrontational tactics to provoke Blacks, Latinos, and others into a standoff. He is just itching to invoke Martial Law, and yes, even push for civil war. This damaged human being is pushing our country to the edge. Everyone needs to be aware and not fall victim to his lies, provocations, antics, and tactics. He’s just damn crazy!”

 

 

 

Dana Meyers RIH

Legendary Songwriter and A&R Executive Dana Meyers Found Deceased in Pasadena Home

 

PASADENA, Calif. — July 28, 2025

 

Dana Meyers, a celebrated songwriter, producer, and longtime figure in the soul and R&B music community, was found unresponsive in his Pasadena apartment on Sunday. He was 73.

 

Meyers, born April 15, 1952, in Dayton, Ohio, rose to prominence during the late 1970s and early 1980s, becoming a key contributor to the “Sound of Los Angeles Records” — better known as SOLAR Records. He played a critical role in crafting the smooth funk and dance-infused soul music that came to define the era, collaborating closely with producer Leon Sylvers III.

According to authorities and local media reports, Meyers had not been seen in public since hosting a well-attended reunion picnic for SOLAR Records and Soul Train alumni the previous weekend. Neighbors and friends expressed concern after several days passed without communication, but the latest update claims that he was in distress and passed during a hospital visit.

Meyers’ legacy in the music industry is deeply rooted in his work with SOLAR Records’ most iconic acts. He was instrumental in writing and arranging a string of chart-topping singles and album cuts for artists such as The Whispers and Shalamar. His compositions helped define a golden era of Los Angeles soul and R&B, blending tight vocal harmonies with upbeat grooves and synthesized funk elements.

 

The Whispers, one of the most successful vocal groups under the SOLAR banner, recorded several hits co-written by Meyers. His songwriting contributions helped solidify the group’s commercial success during the early 1980s. Similarly, his work with Shalamar — known for its dance-floor anthems and smooth, stylish aesthetic — played a central role in elevating the group to international stardom.

 

Beyond his songwriting talents, Meyers was known in the industry as a meticulous arranger and thoughtful mentor. His transition into Artist & Repertoire (A&R) management allowed him to guide younger generations of talent. For the last several years, he served in that role for SOLAR RecordsUK, the label’s revived and rebranded international branch. In this position, he maintained ties to the label’s founding ethos while expanding its reach across the Atlantic.

 

“He understood what made a song stick — the feeling, the groove, the truth in the lyrics,” said one colleague on social media. “He never stopped believing in the power of soul music.”

 

Meyers’ last public appearance was the aforementioned reunion picnic, which drew former artists, producers, dancers, and executives who had once been part of the vibrant SOLAR and Soul Train scenes. Attendees shared photos and videos on social media, celebrating a day filled with music, storytelling, and community. Many expressed gratitude for Meyers’ role in organizing the event and described him as being in good spirits, laughing and sharing memories with old friends.

Reactions to the news of his passing have been swift across social media, particularly from within the Black music community, with numerous artists and fans reflecting on his quiet but profound influence. Some noted that his name may not be widely known to the casual listener, but his songs — and the feelings they evoked — have long been part of the cultural fabric.

 

Meyers began his musical journey in his hometown of Dayton, a city known for producing a rich lineage of funk and soul talent. His career later brought him to Los Angeles, where he found a creative home at SOLAR, whose innovative approach to artist development and sound curation made it one of the most influential independent labels of its time.

 

In addition to his work behind the scenes, Meyers occasionally recorded and performed as an artist, with several tracks achieving cult status among fans of classic R&B and boogie funk. His layered production style, ear for melody, and commitment to authenticity earned him respect from both his peers and the artists he supported.

As a fledgling entertainer, back in the late 60s and early 70s, he performed with Dayton singing groups, The Emeralds, the 4 Corners, the Bad Bunch, Platypus, Lakeside and a bunch of start-up bands. I even had a chance to sing alongside him in a Los Angeles club, where he broke out his signature AXE, the Auto-Harp.

 

As an A&R manager, Meyers was known for encouraging innovation while preserving musical integrity. Under his guidance, several new projects for SOLAR RecordsUK were in development, reflecting a continued commitment to showcasing talent rooted in tradition but forward-looking in sound.

 

Dana Meyers leaves behind a daughter, a grandchild and a legacy that spans nearly five decades, marked by a devotion to music that moved people — whether through love ballads, dance tracks, or socially conscious songwriting. In a world of changing trends and fleeting fame, he remained a steady force behind the scenes, crafting moments that mattered.

 

Funeral and memorial arrangements have not yet been announced. Colleagues, family, and fans are expected to gather in the coming days to honor a man whose songs — and spirit — left an indelible imprint on the sound of a generation.

 

 

 

Inglewood Beat

Leah C: A few nights ago, my dog started barking at about 2:00 am. This is the 400 block of W. Hillsdale. My security camera ccaptured a coyote approaching my front door at 1:56. Please ensure your pets are kept indoors at night.

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Charles Received this letter:  “We want to let you know about an upcoming change happening at the The CHASE branch at 5309 W. Centinela Ave. in Los Angeles is closing on October 23, 2025.

The Chase team at 8813 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Los Angeles is ready to welcome you. (Near Petco) (this is not the Culver City Branch, adjacent to the Mall.)

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IN THE NEWS:  Charges Have Been Dropped Against Activist Who Gave Out Face Shields During the LA Protests.

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ROBERT: Reports in the neighborhood.

Tire stealing has been happening often. I also was a victim as well as my neighbors. I encourage everyone if possible, “place locks on tires and every lugs. Hate this is even happening but stay vigilant.”

Getting High In America

In the late 1800s, Chinese immigrants in the United States, particularly on the West Coast, were heavily associated with the opium trade and the operation of opium dens. While not all Chinese immigrants were involved in this trade, opium use and sales became a prominent part of some Chinese communities, especially in places like San Francisco’s Chinatown.

Opium dens, often described as hidden and underground spaces, were typically run by Chinese men and became gathering places for smoking opium, These dens, sometimes adorned with red signs with Chinese calligraphy reading “PIPES AND LAMPS ALWAYS CONVENIENT”, served both Chinese and a growing white clientele, initially from the urban underworld and later from more “respectable” circles.

Opium use, initially a habit primarily among Chinese immigrants, became increasingly prevalent among the white population in the US by the 1870s and 1880s. This growing association, fueled by existing xenophobia and racism, contributed to a negative perception of Chinese immigrants, often leading to their criminalization. Discrimination and stereotypes: Anti-Chinese sentiment flourished during this period, stemming from economic competition, cultural differences, and outright discrimination against Chinese immigrants. Chinese laborers, often working for lower wages to support families back home and pay off debts, faced resentment from non-Chinese workers. This, coupled with the association of Chinatowns with gambling, prostitution, and opium use, led to racist campaigns that portrayed Chinese immigrants as corrupting society.

Concerns about Chinese opium smoking were exploited by those who sought to restrict Chinese immigration. This anti-Chinese sentiment eventually culminated in the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which explicitly restricted immigration based on nationality and was not repealed until 1943.

Some Chinese crime organizations, known as Tongs, played a role in the illicit activities within Chinatowns, including the opium trade. Originally formed as benevolent associations to assist Chinese immigrants, some Tongs became involved in criminal enterprises like operating opium and gambling dens.

It’s important to remember that the narrative of Chinese immigrants and opium in the late 1800s is complex and multifaceted, entangled with issues of immigration, discrimination, and the social and economic conditions of the time.

Nearly 2 decades later, the war on drugs plays on. Leadership still tries to blame China, for opium, but the narrative shimmers to and fro, to include Afghan poppy fields, and now Latin American producers, shoppers and street dealers.

Somehow, these politically charged, police actions are oft times built upon a ting of racial animosity, leading to misdirected conclusions that never seek to point a finger at our own users, addicts and junkies, seeking the thrill of the high. Is it the enemy abroad, the enemy within, or the leadership, using both to maintain their power base. We criminalize, deport and incarcerate dealers and those found in possession, rather than develop mental, medical or diversionary programs to stem the desire to use.

 

Play ball.