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Inglewood Car Wash Aquired

LUV Car Wash Brings Corporate Shine to Inglewood: A Local Favorite Gets a Makeover

By Charles Jackson

As I often do, I recently made a stop at my go-to carwash at 320 N. La Brea Avenue. For years, it’s been a hidden gem — no frills, no nonsense, and a drying system that left my car gleaming without needing a towel. I could be in and out in five minutes, the lines were not long, and the value was unmatched. So when the manager, Mario, told me that last week was their last under the current ownership, I had to find out what was going on.

It turns out that the Local Favorite Gets a Makeover

— long known to locals as Inglewood Express Car Wash — has been acquired by LUV Car Wash, a rising name in the national car wash industry. The deal, completed on Friday, May 9, 2025, marks LUV’s latest step in its aggressive expansion into the competitive Los Angeles market. The Inglewood site becomes the 77th location for the brand.

Based in Gilbert, Arizona I’m told. LUV Car Wash is a portfolio company of Susquehanna Private Capital, a private equity firm that has backed the chain since 2021. LUV’s leadership includes co-founder and CEO Darren Skarecky and co-founder and Chief Development Officer JT Thomson, two industry veterans who have helped push the chain’s rapid growth by focusing on high-quality, express-style exterior car wash services. According to company statements, the acquisition of Inglewood Express is part of a broader strategy to target high-traffic, high-visibility locations in dense urban markets.

The Inglewood location, just blocks from major redevelopment efforts surrounding SoFi Stadium and the highly favored Intuit Dome, is a prime piece of real estate. Though LUV hasn’t yet released specifics about the remodeling, locals can expect the site to be modernized in the coming weeks. Based on LUV’s national footprint, upgrades will likely include automated pay stations, high-pressure rinse tunnels, advanced water recycling systems, and subscription-based wash club services.

While corporate growth is usually accompanied by promises of efficiency and polish, longtime customers — myself included — may have mixed emotions. Inglewood Express has been a neighborhood standby, known not just for its speed and value, but also for its consistency. You knew what you were getting: no upsells, no wait times, and a car that looked clean without streaks or the need for a wipe-down.

What remains to be seen is whether the remodeled location will live up to the expectations of locals who have come to rely on its simplicity and affordability. I won’t mention specific prices (yet), but trust me — if the new model doesn’t meet the bar set by the old one, I’ll be the first to snitch.

Of course, change in Inglewood is nothing new. The city of Champions has been undergoing a wave of transformation ever since MSG lit up the corner of Prairie and Manchester anew, and the NFL and NBA laid claim to the sports hubs down the street. New development brings opportunity — and rising costs. Small businesses often become casualties or undergo transformations that risk alienating their base. With LUV Car Wash entering the scene, this could go either way.

In their partnership with Susquehanna Private Capital, Skarecky and Thomson have emphasized a founder-focused approach, promising operational autonomy for local managers and a light corporate touch. The hope is that LUV’s leadership will maintain the local spirit of Inglewood Express while enhancing service through technology and consistency. But as with any transition, the proof will be in the pudding and the wash.

For now, the site is expected to undergo renovations, which are already underway, and customers should anticipate changes in layout, services, and potentially pricing. LUV has not announced a reopening date, but given their track record of quick transitions, it likely won’t be long. Meanwhile I found myself down the street, at AutoZone, picking up a chamois so I could manually maintain my shimmer and shine in my driveway for Mother’s Day

In a neighborhood where authenticity is increasingly hard to preserve, the future of the 320 N. La Brea car wash, located on the east side of the street, between El Polo Loco and Walgreens, may serve as a small but telling test case. Can a national chain maintain the trust and loyalty earned by a locally loved business? LUV Car Wash has its work cut out, because we don’t play, when it comes to keeping the ride looking good.

Until then, I’ll be watching, and if the dryers don’t hit like they used to — or if LUV starts hitting us up with vacuum charges, you’ll hear about it here first.

Play Ball.

A Nation On The Brink

A Nation on the Brink: The “Big Beautiful Bill” and the Rise of American Autocracy

In what many are calling the most dangerous legislative moment in recent American history, the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” is now advancing toward a full Senate vote. Championed aggressively by the former president—who has referred to the measure as his “masterpiece”—the bill’s Section 70302 has set off constitutional alarms nationwide. This clause would bar federal courts from enforcing contempt charges, a critical legal mechanism historically used to ensure compliance with subpoenas and uphold the rule of law.

Legal scholars and watchdog organizations have warned that this single clause, buried deep in the legislative jargon, effectively turns the executive branch into a rogue entity, unchecked by either the judiciary or Congress. It’s a development that has echoes not only of banana republics but of authoritarian regimes like Russia, China, and North Korea—nations where power is absolute and the law is merely a tool of the ruler.

The political climate in Washington is already unstable. The former president, recently returned to the national stage after a controversial re-election bid fueled by inflammatory rhetoric and disinformation, has repeatedly demonstrated disdain for constitutional norms. He faces a barrage of lawsuits, investigations, and contempt citations—all of which could be rendered moot if the bill passes in its current form. It’s no wonder his allies, described by critics as “brown-nosing sycophants,” are pushing the bill, also known as the Big Rotten Sonovabill, in Democratic editorials, with such quiet desperation.

To understand the gravity of the situation, one must only examine recent headlines.

In March, a federal judge in D.C. held two administration officials in contempt for ignoring congressional subpoenas related to the mishandling of classified intelligence. One of those officials, who refused to testify before a bipartisan oversight committee, remains unpunished due to the Justice Department’s refusal to prosecute. With Section 70302 in place, there wouldn’t even be a possibility of future contempt enforcement—effectively neutering the court’s authority.

Meanwhile, whistleblowers from within the Justice Department have leaked internal memos describing increasing pressure to “stand down” on enforcement actions tied to administration figures. One memo allegedly ordered federal prosecutors to “consider the political implications” before pursuing legal action. This chilling directive aligns with the wider narrative: a steady dismantling of the separation of powers.

Social media platforms have become battlegrounds. Hashtags like #ContemptClause and #SaveTheConstitution are trending, as citizens, legal experts, and even some former Republican officials raise alarm bells. A viral TikTok video posted by a law student in Michigan broke down Section 70302 in under a minute and ended with a stark message: “This is how democracy dies—not with a bang, but with a loophole.”

Yet, all hope is not lost.

The Senate, currently split 53–47, sits at a precipice. Four GOP senators, quietly dubbed “the marionettes” for their historic pattern of grappling with the party line, have emerged as the last remaining hope to halt the bill. Comparisons are already being drawn to the late Senator John McCain’s dramatic 2017 thumbs-down vote, which killed the effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act in its final hour. That single act was heralded as a moment of conscience in an otherwise polarized chamber.

The eyes of the nation are now on these four senators. Their names are being whispered in corridors and shouted from protest podiums. Their silence has been deafening, but rumors persist that at least two are “deeply uncomfortable” with the bill’s implications, particularly the nullification of court authority.

Pressure is mounting from civil rights organizations, bar associations, and even retired federal judges. In an unprecedented move, the National Conference of Federal Judges issued a joint statement warning that “the passage of Section 70302 would mark the beginning of an authoritarian slide we may not be able to reverse.”

And what of the president himself?

He has declared victory prematurely, telling supporters at a recent rally, “Once this bill passes, nobody can touch me. Nobody. Not crooked judges, not loser prosecutors, not even the fake news.” The crowd erupted in cheers—but for the millions watching in disbelief, the message was clear: we are witnessing the open dismantling of democratic accountability.

This is not just political theatre. This is a real and present danger to the republic.

If passed, the bill could set a precedent that outlasts even the current administration. Future leaders—regardless of party—could exploit the same legal immunities, turning a temporary power grab into a permanent erosion of checks and balances. The judiciary would be left toothless. Congress would be neutered. And the president—any president—would stand above the law.

In hindsight, the late Senator John McCain already knew that he was dying of cancer, and his courageous vote against the grain would not and could not be primaried or fatally end his political career. But courage may not be uppermind for the four senators, who’s careers will certainly be challenged by a supercharged, vindictive, manchild should they fail to bend to his unyielding narcissistic will.

It’s a sobering reality that has led some to declare, “May we rest in peace,” as if mourning the democracy we once knew.

But perhaps it’s not time to mourn—yet. Perhaps it’s time to rise. There yet remains a vote in the senate, and there yet remains time to appeal to their better angels. History will remember this moment, and the question will be asked: Did we fight, or did we surrender?

Four senators. One vote. And the soul of a nation hanging in the balance. Understand this. If we lose, this moment, we all ultimately lose together, as perhaps only one soul, on earth – and certainly in these United States, will emerge to maintain free will and his will be done.

Play Ball.

Beyond Trump’s little sneak attack on Ramaphosa, China is a strong supporter of South Africa. Their relationship has deepened significantly over the years, moving beyond just economic ties to encompass strategic, political, and even military cooperation.

Here’s a breakdown of how China supports South Africa:

1. Economic Partnership:

* Major Trading Partner: China is South Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade soaring to tens of billions of dollars annually.

* Investment: Chinese companies have substantial investments in South Africa, particularly in mining, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. They also participate in South Africa’s Belt and Road Initiative projects.

* Loans: China provides loans to South Africa, though some analysts raise concerns about potential debt sustainability.

* Market Access: China has committed to opening its markets to more South African products, especially agricultural goods, to help address South Africa’s persistent trade deficit with China (where South Africa primarily exports raw materials and imports manufactured goods).

2. Political and Strategic Alignment:

* “All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership”: The relationship has been elevated to this high level, signifying strong political, economic, and social ties.

* Global South Solidarity: Both countries emphasize their commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Global South and advocating for a more equitable international order.

* BRICS Membership: South Africa’s inclusion in the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) in 2010 was largely facilitated by China and has further solidified their economic and political ties.

* Multilateral Coordination: China supports South Africa’s role in international forums, including its G20 presidency, and encourages greater African participation in alternative global institutional architectures.

* Support for South Africa’s Development: China has expressed firm support for South Africa’s chosen path of economic and social development, offering to share experience in poverty alleviation and rural revitalization.

3. Other Areas of Cooperation:

* Infrastructure: China has committed to investing in South Africa’s infrastructure build program, including ports, rail, and road networks.

* Energy: Chinese companies are investing in South Africa’s energy sector, including renewable energy and addressing its electricity challenges.

* Technology Transfer: There are initiatives for skills transfer and technology collaboration, especially in areas like manufacturing and advanced technologies.

* Military Ties: China and South Africa engage in joint military training and defense sales.

While the relationship is characterized by strong support from China, it’s also important to note that the trade imbalance favoring China and concerns about the nature of some Chinese investments and loans are subjects of ongoing discussion and analysis.

Play Ball

The Art Of The Dealio

THE ART OF THE DEALIO.

The great negotiator is no match for big balls. During yesterday’s marathon, 2 hour call, Daniel Tramp laid out his cards, and his vision of peace. It turns out that Pootie Tang had his own vision of the way things ought to be.

So Mr. Tramp went home to post boastfully on Twist Social, about the “very good call…” , while Pootie went home and dropped some explosive ordinances on what is left of Ukraine’s protected infrastructure sites.

Go Team.

As The Wind Blows

Donald Trump has once again injected himself—and of course, his politics—into our Sunday afternoon quiet time, the Super Bowl. The mouth that roars ensures that the biggest game of the year is overshadowed by controversy, and allows him to once again live rent free in our heads, as he did in the 2016 Kapernick season. His recent comments about Patrick Mahomes, in which he wrongly credited Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville with coaching Mahomes at Texas Tech, are just the latest in a string of political distractions leading up to Sunday’s game. And now, with Trump expected to attend the Super Bowl, Mahomes will be carrying this noise into the game, whether he wants to or not. Trump lied, sending Tuberville into a state of political suicide, if he sets the record straight. Every sporsfan with a modicum of critical sports theory, knows that Tuberville never ever breathed a breath of coaching to Mahomes, from his job, way over in Cincinnati. At best scouts may have pointed Patrick out to him as he exited the Tech campus and the kid was still in high school. Mahomes was actually recruited by Texas Tech after Tuberville was good and gone. The kid flatly denied the senator’s quiet claim that he was recruited by him.

The quarterback’s focus should be on preparing for the biggest game of the season, not on correcting misinformation or dealing with unnecessary political distractions. But Trump’s insistence on making the Super Bowl part of his ongoing political spectacle only amplifies the pressure on Mahomes and the Chiefs.

If Mahomes loses on Sunday, we’ll never know how much this circus played a role. Did the added media frenzy affect his preparation? Was the distraction too much for the Chiefs to handle? While football is supposed to be an escape from politics, Trump’s involvement ensures that it won’t be that simple. Instead of enjoying a Sunday afternoon watching the game, fans will be subjected to the latest round of political grandstanding, making it impossible to separate sports from the noise surrounding it.

Every president finds himself chiming in on pop culture from time to time, But trump feels it to be his appointed duty to pass judgement on every passing fancy that blows his way, even as innocently as the wind blowing across the dust in the superbowl.

Maxine Waters Condemns Trump’s Attempted Federal Funding Freeze

Maxine Waters Condemns Trump’s Attempted Federal Funding Freeze, Applauds Court Intervention

January 29, 2025, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, issued a strong statement denouncing the Trump Administration’s attempt to freeze federal grants and loans. The controversial order, which would have halted crucial funding for housing, homelessness programs, and community development initiatives, was temporarily blocked by a U.S. District Judge. Waters praised the decision, warning that if the freeze were to be implemented, it would have catastrophic consequences for vulnerable populations and the broader economy.

Waters expressed gratitude to organizations such as the National Council of Nonprofits, the American Public Health Association, the Main Street Alliance, and SAGE for their role in filing the lawsuit against the order. She also applauded U.S. District Judge Loren Alikhan for intervening, arguing that the Trump Administration’s directive was a reckless and illegal maneuver inspired by the Project 2025 agenda. According to Waters, this order would have threatened trillions of dollars in federal funding, cutting off critical resources for housing assistance, mortgage lending programs, and small business support at a time when the nation faces a severe housing crisis.

The Congresswoman underscored the dire state of housing in the United States, citing that over 771,000 people are experiencing homelessness and nearly half of American families are burdened with rent costs exceeding 30% of their income. She warned that the Trump Administration’s attempt to freeze federal funds would exacerbate these problems, putting at risk programs that provide affordable housing, public housing assistance, and support for elderly and disabled individuals. Additionally, she highlighted how the freeze could disrupt the mortgage market, leaving thousands of families unable to close on home purchases and increasing financial instability across the housing sector.

Beyond housing, Waters raised concerns about the broader economic and financial consequences of the funding freeze. She pointed out that the uncertainty surrounding the Trump Administration’s order could create confusion among financial institutions, including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), credit unions, and community banks. These entities, which serve low-income and underserved communities, rely on federal support to provide financial access to small businesses and individuals. Without clarity on whether these institutions would receive continued funding, the freeze could trigger economic distress for many communities.

Waters did not mince words in characterizing the freeze as an attempt by the Trump Administration to benefit the wealthy at the expense of working-class Americans. She accused Trump of seeking to cut social and economic support programs to make way for corporate tax breaks and to enrich his billionaire allies. Furthermore, she likened Trump’s governance style to that of Elon Musk, claiming that Trump was borrowing from Musk’s playbook of deceiving workers with false promises and then denying them their rightful compensation. Waters warned that federal employees affected by the freeze might never be paid, drawing parallels to Trump’s long history of failing to compensate contractors.

In her closing remarks, Waters vowed that she and her Democratic colleagues in Congress would not stand by idly while the Trump Administration attempted to undermine federal assistance programs. She reaffirmed her commitment to holding the administration accountable, protecting congressional authority over federal spending, and prioritizing the needs of the American people. Despite the temporary pause granted by the court, Waters stressed that the fight was far from over, as Trump and his allies would likely seek ways to circumvent the ruling.

Waters’ statement reflected a broader concern about the Trump Administration’s policy priorities and its impact on everyday Americans. With the court’s intervention temporarily halting the freeze, the battle over federal funding for essential services remains a contentious issue, one that Waters and other Democratic leaders are prepared to confront.

For vision Impaired:

https://youtu.be/kcKsVJ8i5F0?si=hsceMY7GUMuTjpbS

By Charles Jackson

The Fruit of The Rotten Tree

I never got to know my grandfather, who died when I was 18 months old. He was a child of the depression, and a sharecropper. How much of his upbringing was passed on to his

five children would be a guessing game. My mother was the baby of the family. I knew her oldest brother – my uncle, but he was bed-ridden, and living at the VA hospital for the entire time that I knew him. His kids were the closest I came to having older siblings. He had a daughter that retired from the Dayton, Ohio police department and his youmgest son retired military. I had another first cousin who was a Detroit policeman, my youngest brother was in the Air Force, and my sister apparently went through grade school and college with straight A’s I said all of that to say that my grandfather must have passed some of his values down to his decendents. Of course not all of us faired so well. Some of us stumbled, and some failed, but we all spent time in church and there is no evidence of overt hatred for mankind. As young kids my mother would not allow us to visit Alabama. She would only say that having grown up in the north ” we did not know how to talk to white people.” I found out later that she was reacting to the death of Emit Till.

That being said, I cant lean too

Continue reading “The Fruit of The Rotten Tree”

Maxine Waters Commemorates World AIDS Day

Maxine Waters Commemorates World AIDS Day

On December 1, 2024, Congresswoman Maxine Waters issued a statement in honor of World AIDS Day, celebrating the progress made in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic while expressing grave concern over proposed funding cuts for critical programs.

Rep. Waters, a long-time advocate for health equity and access, emphasized the significance of ongoing investments in prevention, awareness, and treatment efforts. She praised advancements that have significantly reduced transmission rates and improved the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS, while also acknowledging the challenges that persist, particularly among marginalized communities disproportionately affected by the disease.

In her statement, Rep Waters highlighted how federal funding has been instrumental in providing access to lifesaving medications, education campaigns, and community-based initiatives. She pointed to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) as examples of programs that have demonstrated measurable success in reducing new infections and ensuring care for millions worldwide.

However, she strongly condemned recent Republican proposals to slash federal funding for these essential programs. She warned that such cuts could reverse decades of progress, particularly in underserved communities already facing barriers to healthcare. “The fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over,” she stated. “This is a public health crisis that requires sustained resources and commitment. Any reduction in funding is not only shortsighted but dangerous.”

As World AIDS Day 2024 concluded, Waters urged bipartisan action to reaffirm the nation’s dedication to eradicating the epidemic. She called on Congress to protect and expand funding for HIV/AIDS programs, reminding lawmakers that the fight against HIV/AIDS is not just a health issue but a matter of justice and humanity.

Rep. Waters’ advocacy continues to spotlight the critical need for political and financial commitment to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic once and for all.

An audible version of Rep. Waters’ speech is availbe link below, read by 1M1V-Audio/video

Continue reading “Maxine Waters Commemorates World AIDS Day”

Grow or No?

The economic transformation around SoFi Stadium and the now open Intuit Dome in Inglewood has created challenges for local small business owners who feel sidelined by the impacts of gentrification and rising costs. Once viewed as a development that would bring economic opportunities, the new stadiums have instead caused property values, rents, and traffic congestion to soar, adding significant financial pressure on the surrounding community. Many of these effects have been felt by local businesses and long-term residents, primarily from Black and Latino communities, who are now struggling with the unintended consequences of this development boom.

Construction of SoFi Stadium, the $5 billion home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, has transformed Inglewood into one of Los Angeles County’s fastest-growing real estate markets. Property values have surged, with median home-sale prices increasing by as much as 87% between 2016 and 2021, well outpacing broader trends in Los Angeles. Rent costs have also surged, with some one-bedroom units rising from around $1,100 per month in 2016 to over $1,700 by 2022. While the stadium was privately funded, the surrounding construction has relied on public infrastructure investments and tax breaks, benefiting developers and team owners but leaving the local economy strained without adequate support for existing businesses and residents.

This boom in property values has catalyzed displacement among long-time residents and has particularly affected low-income renters. The pressure on local businesses has intensified, especially those without the resources to cope with increased lease costs and the decline in customer traffic due to congested streets and ongoing construction. Many business owners argue that local officials, including Inglewood’s Mayor James Butts, have favored high-value development while neglecting programs or policies that could help stabilize existing businesses and residents. Advocates, including Nagi Ali, a local civil rights activist, have pointed to a lack of initiatives to support small businesses or to draw patrons to the area, suggesting that a campaign like “Shop Inglewood” could have highlighted and supported local enterprises but was never prioritized.

Beyond Inglewood, similar stories have emerged in other cities that have undergone rapid development of sports infrastructure. Examples include the construction of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., which also triggered rising rents and displacement concerns. Both examples reflect how sports venue developments often prioritize attracting tourists and higher-income patrons while pushing out long-standing, lower-income communities. These cases reveal a pattern where public resources are often directed to support large-scale developments while low-income residents and local businesses face increasing barriers to remain in place.

The rapid gentrification of Inglewood, and the accompanying changes brought by SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome, represent a familiar conflict between economic revitalization and displacement. Without robust measures to support local residents and businesses, small enterprises risk being displaced by rising costs, while new developments become exclusive spaces that primarily benefit those with significant financial capital. Advocates argue for policies that create affordable housing, provide direct support for small businesses, and mitigate the negative impacts of traffic and pollution—common consequences of such high-profile projects.

In essence, the story of Inglewood underscores the complex relationship between urban development and economic equity. As small business owners rally to demand a meeting with team owners and local officials, the situation highlights an urgent need for a development model that includes protections for communities affected by large-scale sports venues. Addressing these issues will require coordinated efforts that go beyond individual infrastructure projects to foster an inclusive approach that balances new investment with protections for existing communities.

Another Tale of Two Cities

Eric Garcetti gave Los Angeles the gift of weakened jaywalking laws. If you jaywalk safetly, police will not cite you, If you hit a jaywalker and were not speeding or impaired, you may not be found liable for an accident.

In 2021, Mayor Garcetti was nominated to be the ambassador to India. His nomination was held up by the Senate, but he was finally cleared for the move to New Delhi in early 2023.
Less than two years later and trump is set to begin his vengence and retribution campaign.

Surely nothing will please him more than to upset and unseat the former mayor of a sanctuary city.

Some things are accepted social norms, and should not be tampered with willy nilly, without careful study, and certainly not to prove some level of political expediency, and certainly not as a means of addressing self perceived grievances.