Everyone's Blog Posts - Centennial High Alumni Network
2024-03-28T20:49:41Z
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LET'S PARTY OL SKOOL !!
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2021-06-27:4977783:BlogPost:224071
2021-06-27T14:33:52.000Z
ANTHONY WELTON
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/ANTHONYWELTON
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">LET'S PARTY!! OL SKOOL DANCE FOR ALL CENTENNIAL ALUMNI !! LET'S TALK ABOUT IT! 3233591914 DJ-TONY TONE!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">LET'S PARTY!! OL SKOOL DANCE FOR ALL CENTENNIAL ALUMNI !! LET'S TALK ABOUT IT! 3233591914 DJ-TONY TONE!</span></p>
Belated Bereavement Notice
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2020-02-23:4977783:BlogPost:132845
2020-02-23T20:02:05.000Z
Ada Jean McMillan-Thompson
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/adajeanmcmillanthompson
Phillip T. McMillan made his transition April 7, 2019 in Phoenix, AZ He was class of 1967.<br />
A. Jean McMillan-Thompson, sister<br />
Class of 1964
Phillip T. McMillan made his transition April 7, 2019 in Phoenix, AZ He was class of 1967.<br />
A. Jean McMillan-Thompson, sister<br />
Class of 1964
Apache for Life
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2014-04-22:4977783:BlogPost:106918
2014-04-22T22:43:05.000Z
Constance Townsend-Jordan
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/ConstanceTownsendJordan
<p>I too, am a Proud Centennial Apache and who agrees that the issue of labeling is important. While I still have feathers in my heart, we must consider and understand how a group can be disparaged by labels. </p>
<p>I am not sure how many of you Apaches out there, have placed “tongue in cheek” and wondered how Compton can yet have a “Tarbabe” mascot. Systematically, I believe we have taught that it is acceptable to mock our culture, while also pretending to honor it; as represented by the…</p>
<p>I too, am a Proud Centennial Apache and who agrees that the issue of labeling is important. While I still have feathers in my heart, we must consider and understand how a group can be disparaged by labels. </p>
<p>I am not sure how many of you Apaches out there, have placed “tongue in cheek” and wondered how Compton can yet have a “Tarbabe” mascot. Systematically, I believe we have taught that it is acceptable to mock our culture, while also pretending to honor it; as represented by the mascot in our schools.</p>
<p>In hearing and reading about this issue for some time, I know that the Indians care a bit more about how the mascots are represented as savages, fierce and angry warriors, or comical representations of their people. I am proud to say that this has not been the case with our Centennial Apache. Our mascot stands regal, strong and mighty---- fighting for Victory, (right)? </p>
<p>I agree that I do not want to take down our Mighty Apache. However, it is a fact that people feel disparaged by these mascots. WE know how it is to be a marginalized people. Let me also say strongly, that I grow tired our society being so “PC” about everything! I cannot be hypocritical however. So, I am biting my lip to say we should challenge our Brothers across the way. I think Tarbabe is a little more harsh, than Apache.</p>
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<p>Brave and Mighty, Apache for Life</p>
<p>Connie Townsend-Jordan </p>
<p> </p>
It's Time to discuss this Issue. The Mascot
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2014-04-21:4977783:BlogPost:107102
2014-04-21T17:57:51.000Z
Gordon Marble
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/GordonMarble
<p>One of the most precious titles I have been called in my life is the title "Centennial Apache" Seeing the profile of that Native American in that Head Dress still makes me well up with pride.</p>
<p>But lately there have seen discussions regarding the Native American mascots as insulst to America's original people. </p>
<p>With the pressure to change the name of the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indian's names and mascots, I can't be blind to the fact that my beloved school may need to…</p>
<p>One of the most precious titles I have been called in my life is the title "Centennial Apache" Seeing the profile of that Native American in that Head Dress still makes me well up with pride.</p>
<p>But lately there have seen discussions regarding the Native American mascots as insulst to America's original people. </p>
<p>With the pressure to change the name of the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indian's names and mascots, I can't be blind to the fact that my beloved school may need to change it's name and logo too.</p>
<p>I was a militant activist back in the day in fact a member of the Black Panther party on Stockwell. I wanted to challenge our cross town rivals mascot. The Compton Tarbabes. It is a derogatory name for African Americans. I recently read an article in the L.A. Times regarding changing their Name and logo and I still support it,</p>
<p>But am I being a hypocrite by denouncing Compton's Tarbabe and defending Centennial's Apache?</p>
<p>I am not calling for a change. That is not the purpose of this blog. I am simply asking for discussion. I just can't be silent anymore.</p>
APACHE TURNED HUSKY SHOWS OF HIS APACHE ROOTS.
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2013-09-23:4977783:BlogPost:101976
2013-09-23T01:29:02.000Z
Nick McNeal
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/NickMcNeal
<h2>Huskies defeat Idaho State, 56-0</h2>
<p><span class="font-size-5">Washington wide receiver Kevin Smith (c/o 09) <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806483000?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806483000?profile=original" width="528" class="align-right"/></a>goes airborne to elude the grasp of Idaho State's Michael Berger in the 2nd quarter for a 9-yard reception, good to the Bengal 3-yard line.</span></p>
<h2>Huskies defeat Idaho State, 56-0</h2>
<p><span class="font-size-5">Washington wide receiver Kevin Smith (c/o 09) <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806483000?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806483000?profile=original" width="528" class="align-right"/></a>goes airborne to elude the grasp of Idaho State's Michael Berger in the 2nd quarter for a 9-yard reception, good to the Bengal 3-yard line.</span></p>
Centennial High Alumni Jose Bright's 2013 TEDx Talk @ Grand Rapids Michigan!
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2013-07-06:4977783:BlogPost:97697
2013-07-06T02:29:00.000Z
Centennial High Alumni
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/CentennialHighAlumni
<p><strong><span class="font-size-5" style="font-size: 14pt;">Hello Centennial High Alumni!</span></strong></p>
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<p><strong><span class="font-size-5" style="font-size: 14pt;">Centennial High Alumni c/o '78 "Jose Bright" gave this talk at the TEDx in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 9th. The theme for all 14 talks was, "Tag, You're It!" The title of his talk was, "The impacts of Compassion & Service. It tells the story of him growing up in Compton and the work he's been called to do in…</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-5" style="font-size: 14pt;">Hello Centennial High Alumni!</span></strong></p>
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<p><strong><span class="font-size-5" style="font-size: 14pt;">Centennial High Alumni c/o '78 "Jose Bright" gave this talk at the TEDx in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 9th. The theme for all 14 talks was, "Tag, You're It!" The title of his talk was, "The impacts of Compassion & Service. It tells the story of him growing up in Compton and the work he's been called to do in Soweto to empower orphan children thorough education.</span></strong><br/><br/><strong><span class="font-size-5" style="font-size: 14pt;">Please share with all. Jose, hope to expand the model with schools in the USA, especially in Compton. This will take resources.</span></strong><br/><br/><strong><span class="font-size-5" style="font-size: 14pt;">Click Here-------><span style="color: #ff0000;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/68469710">http://vimeo.com/68469710</a></span> To View Video.</span></strong><br/><br/><strong><span class="font-size-5" style="font-size: 14pt;">Website Link: <span style="color: #ff0000;"><a href="http://www.tebohotrust.org.za/">http://www.tebohotrust.org.za/</a></span></span></strong></p>
Centennial High Alumni "Jose Bright" c/o '78 Was Featured On ABC's Nightline!!
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2013-07-06:4977783:BlogPost:97690
2013-07-06T00:40:47.000Z
Centennial High Alumni
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/CentennialHighAlumni
<p><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>Hello Everyone!</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>Centennial High Alumni "Jose Bright" c/o '78 Was Featured On ABC's Nightline July 05, 2013!</strong></span><br></br><br></br><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>Link: …<span style="color: #ff0000;"><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/la-lawyer-brings-hope-learning-soweto-aids-orphans-19583362" target="_blank"></a></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>Hello Everyone!</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>Centennial High Alumni "Jose Bright" c/o '78 Was Featured On ABC's Nightline July 05, 2013!</strong></span><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>Link: <span style="color: #ff0000;"><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/la-lawyer-brings-hope-learning-soweto-aids-orphans-19583362" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/la-lawyer-brings-hope-learning-soweto-aids-orphans-19583362</span></a></span></strong></span></p>
Passing of a friend
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2013-02-21:4977783:BlogPost:93893
2013-02-21T03:41:36.000Z
Selatha Smith
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/SelathaSmith
<p></p>
<p>On February 15, 2013 Marion Bays class of 1968 went home to be with the Lord. Please keep the family in your prayers. Memeorial Services not yet planned.</p>
<p></p>
<p>On February 15, 2013 Marion Bays class of 1968 went home to be with the Lord. Please keep the family in your prayers. Memeorial Services not yet planned.</p>
My Former LAPD Officer Joe Jones MANIFESTO!!
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2013-02-13:4977783:BlogPost:93859
2013-02-13T08:59:48.000Z
Centennial High Alumni
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/CentennialHighAlumni
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<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5119d9b4669ed7d83181091"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>My Former LAPD Officer Joe Jones MANIFESTO...</strong></span><br></br><br></br><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>I know most of you who personally who me are in disbelief of the partial story I will tell today. A story that ha<span class="text_exposed_show">s been suppressed for about 18 years, But lives…</span></strong></span></div>
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<div id="id_5119d9b4669ed7d83181091" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>My Former LAPD Officer Joe Jones MANIFESTO...</strong></span><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>I know most of you who personally who me are in disbelief of the partial story I will tell today. A story that ha<span class="text_exposed_show">s been suppressed for about 18 years, But lives strong everyday of my life.<br/><br/>I without hesitation would like to send my condolences to the Victims who were lost and their families during this tragic situation. I would also like to send my condolences and well wishes to the many former and current Officers, as well as Citizen's and their families who lost the lives and souls of loved one's to the injustices of Police Corruption, Scandal, Lies, Deception and Brutality.<br/><br/>Unlike Former Officer Dorner, I fear dying; But I also fear living in a society where Innocent people are dying for no reason. A society where pain so great can be afflicted to people who have to desire to live right and treat people right and then be punished for doing right.<br/><br/>They say we all look alike. In very few cases this of course is true. But in most cases it is not. I feel a resemblance to Dorner, (See Photos) However several people who have no resemblance to Dorner have been shot due to the fear of what is taking place. I DO NOT WANT TO BE SHOT FOR CRIMES I DID NOT COMMIT!. Neither does anyone else.</span></strong></span></div>
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<div id="id_5119d9b4669ed7d83181091" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong><span class="text_exposed_show">To preface my story I will say this: Just like former Officer Christopher Dorner I used to smile a lot. I loved everyone. I was voted Friendliest Senior of my Sr. Class in High School. I always believed in the system and never got into any trouble. I loved hard and gave to all I could. After Joining the LAPD in 1989 I quickly found out that the world and society had major flaws. I had flaws as well for ever believing that our system of government was obligated to do the right thing. his is what I believed as a young Officer. Without going into major detail, I need you to first assume that I would not surface 16 years later with lies about a situation that has me with PTSD to this very day. The pain forces me to speak as I have yet to shake the Ill's of my experience as an LAPD Officer. Of course I have moved on physically. But mentally and emotionally I still live with flaws.<br/><br/>I can't go into re-living the emotions of what I went through so I will say this. I had my home viciously attacked by a gunman with my family and myself inside the house. No arrests were made and my family and I Received very little support. I had my Civil Rights violated on several occasions. I was falsely arrested at gunpoint by the Sheriffs as an Officer who ID'd himself and was conspired against by both LAPD and the Sheriffs when my Civil case went to Trial. I was falsely accused on more than one occasion and simply placed in a position that the trust was so compromised that I could no longer wear the Uniform. Also know there were many more episodes. All of these issues are well documented and I present them not to be a Whistle blower, However to hope that one would not assume that all of what is being said is Lies as presented by Dorner. I don't know him, But I know me. I will say from my experience, If a person knows they were wrong it is easier to move on without anger. Seems that Dorner obviously could not move on... Could I just be content and move on with my life and not say anything? Yes...Then I would feel that I for once had my chance to speak on something that hurts me to this day and I did nothing to arouse thought or provoke reform. This is what I hope comes from this whole situation:<br/><br/>1. Families that lost someone to this tragedy find the peace that only God can give at this terrible time.<br/><br/>2. Citizens of Los Angeles be mindful of this fearful time to be an Officer and comply vigorously so that you are not the victim of an Officer on high alert.<br/><br/>3. Government and Politicians please be diligent in the responsibility of creating Laws that protect those who could be the victim of a conspiracy. Never allow the door to be shut on the Truth.<br/><br/>4. Honest and Fair LAPD & All Agencies: Keep doing what you are doing to protect citizens and be safe while you are doing so. We need you and I would hope that you do not allow the Bureaucratic drama and Stress to kill your morale as I know it can.<br/><br/>5. Unethical LAPD & all Agencies: Whatever is was that lead you down this path, Pray to somebody's God to forgive you and begin to remove unethical methods to your policing style. Always think what if it were you, How would you feel?..How would you like if you were falsely accused and your life, lively-hood and career was taken from you? How would you like if someone was beating on you just because they felt they could get away with it? You are no better the criminals you took and oath to arrest when you do what you do!</span></strong></span></div>
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<div id="id_5119d9b4669ed7d83181091" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong><span class="text_exposed_show">6. Chistopher Dorner. The 1st thing I would say to him is, I feel your pains!...But you are going about this the wrong way. To take innocent lives could never be the answer to anything. I say this as a Man who experienced the same pain, betrayal, anger, suffering, litigation and agony that you did in many ways, Only I didn't get Fired. I just choose to go a different route. My heart still suffered that same shock, I was still left to try and put the pieces back together. The disbelief that people could conspire and cause you to loose something you loved so dearly was still there. I lost my Career, I lost my Family, I lost my Dignity, I lost my Trust...But I am here now to hopefully one day see change...Bro, Don't kill anymore Innocent people. Your point has been made. Clearly. They know you mean business, The whole world knows. Refrain from any further wrong doing and do what you must to salvage your Soul. Whatever that means to you. Just remember that God is a forgiving God.<br/><br/>In conclusion I say to people who knew none of this about me that one day I will have to reflect on when was the time to speak. When I see the potential for innocent lives to be lost...The time is Now!...JJ</span></strong></span></div>
The L.A. Police Dept. (LAPD) to Revisit and Review the Firing of an Ex-Cop Christopher Dorner
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2013-02-11:4977783:BlogPost:93935
2013-02-11T00:47:00.000Z
Centennial High Alumni
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/CentennialHighAlumni
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<p><font face="verdana" size="2"><font face="verdana" size="2"><br></br> <br></br><b>LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Los Angeles police will re-examine the 2008 firing of an officer wanted in three slayings, the police chief said on Saturday as a massive manhunt for the fugitive stretched from a southern California mountaintop to the…</b></font></font></p>
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<p><font face="verdana" size="2"><font face="verdana" size="2"><br/> <br/><b>LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Los Angeles police will re-examine the 2008 firing of an officer wanted in three slayings, the police chief said on Saturday as a massive manhunt for the fugitive stretched from a southern California mountaintop to the <a href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?toolid=10029&campid=CAMPAIGNID&customid=CUSTOMID&catId=267&type=2&ext=160955530957&item=160955530957" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" class="vglnk"><span>Mexican</span> <span>border</span></a>. <br/> <br/>Police Chief Charlie Beck called on the former officer Christopher Dorner, 33, to turn himself in and tell his side of the story. Dorner was dismissed after officials found he had made false statements accusing another officer of using excessive force. <br/> <br/>One of the three people Dorner is accused of killing this week is the 28-year-old daughter of a retired police captain who represented him in a disciplinary action that led to his firing. He is also wanted for the killing of the young woman's fiance and an officer from the town of Riverside. <br/> <br/>Dorner posted an online manifesto this week that declared war on law enforcement and complained of his 2008 firing. Some online commentators have expressed support for Dorner and aired grievances against police. <br/> <br/>Beck said in a statement he was not re-opening the probe into Dorner's firing "to appease a murderer." <br/> <br/>"I do it to reassure the public that their police department is transparent and fair in all the things we do," he said. <br/> <br/>Beck's decision was first reported by local <a href="http://viglink.pgpartner.com/mrdr.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fviglink.pgpartner.com%2Fsearch_attrib.php%2Fform_keyword=television&mt=%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7En%7E%7E%7E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" class="vglnk"><span>television</span></a> station KCBS, which carried a lengthy interview with him. <br/> <br/>Officials have called on Dorner to surrender. <br/> <br/>"He can turn himself in anywhere and he'll be taken into custody and he'll be able to get his side of the story out," LAPD spokesman Commander Andrew Smith told reporters. <br/> <br/>Police details in southern California are protecting more than 50 officers and their families who have been threatened by Dorner, after he named specific enemies in the department in his rambling manifesto, Smith said. <br/> <br/>Police also plan to bolster their force of officers standing guard at the Grammy Awards in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, he said. <br/> <br/>Police have said they believe Dorner has multiple weapons, including an assault-style rifle. He claimed in his manifesto to possess Russian-made shoulder-launched missile systems, but that could not be confirmed. <br/> <br/>The hunt for Dorner has centered on the area of Big Bear Lake, a popular ski resort in the San Bernardino Mountains about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles, where his burning pickup truck was discovered on Thursday. Authorities have acknowledged he may have slipped away undetected. <br/> <br/>Officers have used dogs, helicopters and armored personnel carriers equipped with snow chains to maneuver through the mountains. Over 100 officers have been deployed to the area. <br/> <br/>Dorner joined the Navy in 2002 and the LAPD in 2005, and he has received marksmanship training in both jobs. <br/> <br/>BORDER STAND <br/> <br/>Federal agents at the border with Mexico were screening vehicles to prevent Dorner from fleeing the country, said U.S. Border Patrol spokesman Steven Pitts. Southbound traffic into the border town of Tijuana was clogged, with the backup extending over 3 miles on Saturday. <br/> <br/>Police served a search warrant on Saturday at a Buena Park, California, storage locker believed to be tied to Dorner, a Los Angeles police spokeswoman said. The contents of the locker were not disclosed. <br/> <br/>Authorities said they have established a task force to find Dorner that includes the U.S. Marshals, the FBI and several local police agencies. <br/> <br/>Los Angeles police officers are no longer patrolling solo or on motorbikes, Smith said. <br/> <br/>In a Hollywood-style twist, controversial actor <a href="http://viglink.pgpartner.com/mrdr.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fviglink.pgpartner.com%2Fsearch_attrib.php%2Fform_keyword=charlie%2Bsheen&mt=%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7En%7E%7E%7E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" class="vglnk"><span>Charlie</span> <span>Sheen</span></a> of <a href="http://viglink.pgpartner.com/mrdr.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fviglink.pgpartner.com%2Fsearch_attrib.php%2Fform_keyword=television&mt=%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7En%7E%7E%7E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" class="vglnk"><span>television</span></a> show "Anger Management" addressed Dorner in a video posted to celebrity website TMZ on Saturday. Dorner had praised Sheen and other celebrities in his manifesto. <br/> <br/>"I am urging you to call me," Sheen said in addressing Dorner. "Let's figure out together how to end this thing." <br/> <br/>(Additional reporting by Marty Graham in San Diego and Brandon Lowrey in Los Angeles, Editing by <a href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?toolid=10029&campid=CAMPAIGNID&customid=CUSTOMID&catId=267&type=2&ext=390534863396&item=390534863396" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" class="vglnk"><span>Kevin</span> <span>Gray</span></a> and Sandra Maler)</b></font></font></p>
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<p><font face="verdana" size="2"><font face="verdana" size="2"><b>Today Sunday, February 10, 2013, a week after the first killings the LAPD is offering a</b></font></font></p>
<p><font face="verdana" size="2"><font face="verdana" size="2"><b>$1 million ransom for Christopher Dorner's capture.</b></font></font></p>
Any body have a yearbook for the class of 77
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2012-10-10:4977783:BlogPost:90296
2012-10-10T22:43:06.000Z
Mae Thomas
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/MaeThomas
Any body have a yearbook for the class of 77
Any body have a yearbook for the class of 77
A dear friend passes away
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2012-01-24:4977783:BlogPost:83038
2012-01-24T08:32:26.000Z
Howard Sanders Jr
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/HowardSandersJr
<p>Edward Smith class of 63 passed away this past Sunday gone but not forgotten</p>
<p>Edward Smith class of 63 passed away this past Sunday gone but not forgotten</p>
Bereavement
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2011-11-10:4977783:BlogPost:75740
2011-11-10T23:00:00.000Z
Cynthia Weston-Machen
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/CynthiaWestonMachen
<p>Guy Crowder c/o 1958 passed away on October 30th and Homegoing Services was held on November 10, 2011 at West Angeles COGIC. Guy was one of Los Angeles premier photographers and capture many historical, celebrity greats, super stars in the world of sports, and local as well as national dignitaries. His work of more than 350,000 images chronicles some of the African-American community's most important historical events and for years his photos were featured in Ebony and Jet Magazines, LA…</p>
<p>Guy Crowder c/o 1958 passed away on October 30th and Homegoing Services was held on November 10, 2011 at West Angeles COGIC. Guy was one of Los Angeles premier photographers and capture many historical, celebrity greats, super stars in the world of sports, and local as well as national dignitaries. His work of more than 350,000 images chronicles some of the African-American community's most important historical events and for years his photos were featured in Ebony and Jet Magazines, LA Sentinel, LA Times, Herald Examiner, Southwest Wave, Tempo News, and many, many more. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.</p>
NEED YOUR INPUT
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2011-10-29:4977783:BlogPost:74740
2011-10-29T16:48:36.000Z
DANYIEL BROWN
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/DANYIELBROWN
<p>OUR CLASS 10 YEAR REUNION IS COMING UP REAL SOON AND ALOT OF OF USE ARE TRYING TO GET IT TOGETHER BUT NOT SURE WHO TO LET HOLD THE MONEY AND WHAT ACTIVTIES TO DO TO RAISE MONEY IF IF CAN LET US CLASS OF 2002 KNOW SOME IDEAS OF WHAT YOU GUYS DID TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL REUNION</p>
<p>OUR CLASS 10 YEAR REUNION IS COMING UP REAL SOON AND ALOT OF OF USE ARE TRYING TO GET IT TOGETHER BUT NOT SURE WHO TO LET HOLD THE MONEY AND WHAT ACTIVTIES TO DO TO RAISE MONEY IF IF CAN LET US CLASS OF 2002 KNOW SOME IDEAS OF WHAT YOU GUYS DID TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL REUNION</p>
History of Compton California
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2011-08-21:4977783:BlogPost:60057
2011-08-21T22:22:07.000Z
Frances Parker Watters
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/FrancesParkerWatters
<h1 class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading">Compton, California</h1>
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<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" style="text-align: center; width: 100%; white-space: nowrap; font-size: 1.25em;"><span class="fn org">City of Compton…</span></th>
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<h1 class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading">Compton, California</h1>
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<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" style="text-align: center; width: 100%; white-space: nowrap; font-size: 1.25em;"><span class="fn org">City of Compton</span></th>
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<tr class="mergedtoprow"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; background-color: #cddeff;">— <b><span class="category"><a title="City">City</a></span></b> —</td>
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<tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0.8em; padding-right: 0.8em; padding-top: 0.7em;"><div class="floatnone"><a title="The Martin Luther King Monument in front of the Compton City Hall and the Superior Court building. The monument is the logo for the city and is featured on signage." class="image"><img height="188" width="250"/></a></div>
<small>The Martin Luther King Monument in front of the Compton City Hall and the Superior Court building. The monument is the logo for the city and is featured on signage.</small></td>
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<tr class="mergedtoprow"><td colspan="2" class="maptable" style="text-align: center; padding-bottom: 0.4em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.4em;"><table style="width: 100%; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%;">
<tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align: middle;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ComptonSeal.png" title="Official seal of City of Compton" class="image"><img height="99" width="100"/></a><br/><small><b>Seal</b></small></td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">Nickname(s): <span class="nickname">CPT, The Hub City, The Shopping City</span></td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">Motto: Birthing a New Compton</td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><td align="center" colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><div class="floatnone"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LA_County_Incorporated_Areas_Compton_highlighted.svg" title="Location of Compton in Los Angeles County, California" class="image"><img height="205" width="250"/></a></div>
<small>Location of Compton in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County,_California" title="Los Angeles County, California">Los Angeles County</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California" title="California">California</a></small></td>
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<tr class="mergedbottomrow"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; padding-bottom: 0.7em;">Coordinates: <span style="white-space: nowrap;"><span class="plainlinks nourlexpansion"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://toolserver.org/~geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Compton,_California&params=33_53_48_N_118_13_30_W_region:US_type:city" class="external text"><span class="geo"><span title="Maps, aerial photos, and other data for this location" class="geo"><span class="latitude">33°53′48″N</span> <span class="longitude">118°13′30″W</span></span></span><span class="geo"> / </span><span class="geo"><span title="Maps, aerial photos, and other data for this location" class="geo">33.89667°N 118.225°W</span><span style="display: none;"> / <span class="geo">33.89667; -118.225</span></span></span></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="coordinates"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographic_coordinate_system" title="Geographic coordinate system">Coordinates</a>: <span class="plainlinks nourlexpansion"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://toolserver.org/~geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Compton,_California&params=33_53_48_N_118_13_30_W_region:US_type:city" class="external text"><span class="geo"><span title="Maps, aerial photos, and other data for this location" class="geo"><span class="latitude">33°53′48″N</span> <span class="longitude">118°13′30″W</span></span></span><span class="geo"> / </span><span class="geo"><span title="Maps, aerial photos, and other data for this location" class="geo">33.89667°N 118.225°W</span><span style="display: none;"> / <span class="geo">33.89667; -118.225</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></span></td>
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<tr class="mergedtoprow"><th><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries" title="List of countries" class="mw">Country</a></th>
<td><span class="flagicon"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" title="United States"><img height="12" width="22" alt="United States" class="thumbborder"/></a></span> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" title="United States">United States</a></td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_divisions_of_the_United_States" title="Political divisions of the United States">State</a></th>
<td><span class="flagicon"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California" title="California"><img height="15" width="22" alt="California" class="thumbborder"/></a></span> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California" title="California">California</a></td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_counties_in_California" title="List of counties in California">County</a></th>
<td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County" title="Los Angeles County" class="mw">Los Angeles</a></td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th>Incorporated</th>
<td>May 11, 1888</td>
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<tr class="mergedtoprow"><td colspan="2"><b>Government</b></td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th> - Type</th>
<td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council-manager_government" title="Council-manager government" class="mw">Council-Manager</a></td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th> - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_Council" title="City Council" class="mw">City Council</a> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-0"><span>[</span>1<span>]</span></a></sup></th>
<td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayor" title="Mayor">Mayor</a>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Perrodin" title="Eric Perrodin" class="mw">Eric Perrodin</a><br/>Barbara J. Calhoun<br/>Lillie Dobson<br/><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yvonne_Arceneaux" title="Yvonne Arceneaux">Yvonne Arceneaux</a><br/>Dr.Willie O Jones</td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th> - City Council</th>
<td>Craig J. Cornwell</td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th> - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_Treasurer" title="City Treasurer">City Treasurer</a></th>
<td>Douglas Sanders</td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th> - City Clerk</th>
<td>Alita Godwin</td>
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<tr class="mergedtoprow"><td colspan="2"><b>Area</b><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-1"><span>[</span>2<span>]</span></a></sup></td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th> - Total</th>
<td>10.116 sq mi (26.202 km<sup>2</sup>)</td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th> - Land</th>
<td>10.012 sq mi (25.932 km<sup>2</sup>)</td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th> - Water</th>
<td>0.104 sq mi (0.270 km<sup>2</sup>) 1.03%</td>
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<tr class="mergedtoprow"><td><b>Elevation</b></td>
<td>60–79 ft (18–24 m)</td>
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<tr class="mergedtoprow"><td colspan="2"><b>Population</b> (2010)</td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th> - Total</th>
<td>96,455</td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><td> <b>- Density</b></td>
<td>9,534.3/sq mi (3,681.2/km<sup>2</sup>)</td>
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<tr class="mergedtoprow"><th><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_zone" title="Time zone">Time zone</a></th>
<td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone" title="Pacific Time Zone">PST</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC-8" title="UTC-8" class="mw">UTC-8</a>)</td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th style="white-space: nowrap;"> - Summer (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_time" title="Daylight saving time">DST</a>)</th>
<td>PDT (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC-7" title="UTC-7" class="mw">UTC-7</a>)</td>
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<tr class="mergedtoprow"><th><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZIP_code" title="ZIP code">ZIP codes</a></th>
<td class="adr"><span class="postal">90220-90224</span></td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_numbering_plan" title="Telephone numbering plan">Area code(s)</a></th>
<td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_code_310" title="Area code 310" class="mw">310</a>/<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_code_424" title="Area code 424" class="mw">424</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_code_323" title="Area code 323">323</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_code_562" title="Area code 562">562</a></td>
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<tr class="mergedtoprow"><th><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Information_Processing_Standard" title="Federal Information Processing Standard">FIPS code</a></th>
<td>06-15044</td>
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<tr class="mergedrow"><th><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographic_Names_Information_System" title="Geographic Names Information System">GNIS</a> feature ID</th>
<td>1652689</td>
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<tr class="mergedtoprow"><th>Website</th>
<td><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.comptoncity.org/" class="external text">http://www.comptoncity.org/</a></td>
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<p><b>Compton</b> is a city in southern <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County,_California" title="Los Angeles County, California">Los Angeles County</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California" title="California">California</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" title="United States">United States</a>,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-city_2-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-city-2"><span>[</span>3<span>]</span></a></sup> southeast of downtown <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles,_California" title="Los Angeles, California" class="mw">Los Angeles</a>. The city of Compton is one of the oldest cities in the county and on May 11, 1888, was the eighth city to incorporate. The city is considered part of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Los_Angeles" title="South Los Angeles">South side</a> by residents of Los Angeles.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-streetgangs.com_3-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-streetgangs.com-3"><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup> As of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_United_States_Census" title="2010 United States Census">2010 census</a>, the city had a total population of 96,455.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-4"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-4"><span>[</span>5<span>]</span></a></sup> It is known as the "Hub City" due to its geographic centrality in Los Angeles County.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-city_2-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-city-2"><span>[</span>3<span>]</span></a></sup> Neighborhoods in Compton include: Sunny Cove, Leland, Downtown Compton, and the Richland Farms.</p>
<table class="toc" id="toc">
<tbody><tr><td><div id="toctitle"><h2>Contents</h2>
<span class="toctoggle">[<a class="internal" id="togglelink" name="togglelink">hide</a>]</span></div>
<ul>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#History"><span class="tocnumber">1</span> <span class="toctext">History</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-2"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#Culture"><span class="tocnumber">2</span> <span class="toctext">Culture</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-3"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#Crime"><span class="tocnumber">3</span> <span class="toctext">Crime</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-4"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#Compton_Cricket_Club"><span class="tocnumber">4</span> <span class="toctext">Compton Cricket Club</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-5"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#Government_and_infrastructure"><span class="tocnumber">5</span> <span class="toctext">Government and infrastructure</span></a><ul>
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#City_government"><span class="tocnumber">5.1</span> <span class="toctext">City government</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-7"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#County.2C_state_and_federal_representation"><span class="tocnumber">5.2</span> <span class="toctext">County, state and federal representation</span></a><ul>
<li class="toclevel-3 tocsection-8"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#LASD"><span class="tocnumber">5.2.1</span> <span class="toctext">LASD</span></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-9"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#City_government_controversies"><span class="tocnumber">6</span> <span class="toctext">City government controversies</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-10"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#Geography"><span class="tocnumber">7</span> <span class="toctext">Geography</span></a><ul>
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-11"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#East_Compton"><span class="tocnumber">7.1</span> <span class="toctext">East Compton</span></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-12"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#Demographics"><span class="tocnumber">8</span> <span class="toctext">Demographics</span></a><ul>
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-13"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#2010"><span class="tocnumber">8.1</span> <span class="toctext">2010</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-14"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#2000"><span class="tocnumber">8.2</span> <span class="toctext">2000</span></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-15"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#Education"><span class="tocnumber">9</span> <span class="toctext">Education</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-16"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#Economy"><span class="tocnumber">10</span> <span class="toctext">Economy</span></a><ul>
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-17"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#Gateway_Towne_Center"><span class="tocnumber">10.1</span> <span class="toctext">Gateway Towne Center</span></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-18"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#Historical_landmarks"><span class="tocnumber">11</span> <span class="toctext">Historical landmarks</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-19"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#Transportation"><span class="tocnumber">12</span> <span class="toctext">Transportation</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-20"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#City_sites"><span class="tocnumber">13</span> <span class="toctext">City sites</span></a><ul>
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-21"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#Noted_people"><span class="tocnumber">13.1</span> <span class="toctext">Noted people</span></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-22"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#See_also"><span class="tocnumber">14</span> <span class="toctext">See also</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-23"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#References"><span class="tocnumber">15</span> <span class="toctext">References</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-24"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#Further_reading"><span class="tocnumber">16</span> <span class="toctext">Further reading</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-25"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#External_links"><span class="tocnumber">17</span> <span class="toctext">External links</span></a></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2><span class="editsection">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compton,_California&action=edit&section=1" title="Edit section: History">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw" id="History">History</span></h2>
<div class="thumb tleft"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 222px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Comption-1914.jpg" class="image"><img height="173" width="220" class="thumbimage"/></a><div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Comption-1914.jpg" title="Enlarge" class="internal"><img height="11" width="15"/></a></div>
Compton, 1914</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>In 1784, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain" title="Spain">Spanish</a> Crown deeded a tract of over 75,000 acres (304 km²) to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Jose_Dominguez" title="Juan Jose Dominguez" class="mw">Juan Jose Dominguez</a> in this area. The tract was named <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rancho_San_Pedro" title="Rancho San Pedro">Rancho San Pedro</a>. Dominguez's name was later applied to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominguez_Hills" title="Dominguez Hills" class="mw">Dominguez Hills</a> community south of Compton. The tree that marked the original northern boundary of the rancho still stands at the corner of Poppy and Short streets. The rancho was sub-divided and parcels were sold within the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Californios" title="Californios" class="mw">Californios</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alta_California" title="Alta California">Alta California</a> until the lands were ceded after the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican-American_war" title="Mexican-American war" class="mw">Mexican-American war</a> in 1848. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" title="United States">American</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigrants" title="Immigrants" class="mw">immigrants</a> acquired most of the rancho lands after 1848.</p>
<p>In 1867, Griffith Dickenson Compton led a group of thirty pioneers to the area. These families had traveled by wagon train south from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockton,_California" title="Stockton, California">Stockton</a>, California in search of ways to earn a living other than in the rapid exhaustion of gold fields. Originally named Gibsonville, after one of the tract owners, it was later called Comptonville. However, to avoid confusion with the Comptonville located in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuba_County" title="Yuba County" class="mw">Yuba County</a>, the name was shortened to Compton.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-city_2-2"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-city-2"><span>[</span>3<span>]</span></a></sup> Compton’s earliest settlers were faced with terrible hardships as they farmed the land in bleak weather to get by with just the barest subsistence. The weather continued to be harsh, rainy and cold, and fuel was difficult to find. To gather firewood it was necessary to travel to mountains close to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasadena,_California" title="Pasadena, California">Pasadena</a>. The round trip took almost a week. Many in the Compton party wanted to relocate to a friendlier climate and settle down. But there were only two general stores within traveling distance, one in the pueblo of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles" title="Los Angeles">Los Angeles</a>, the other in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilmington,_Los_Angeles,_California" title="Wilmington, Los Angeles, California" class="mw">Wilmington</a>, so they eventually made the decision to stay put.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-city_2-3"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-city-2"><span>[</span>3<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>By 1887, the settlers realized it was time to make improvements to the local government. A series of town meetings were held to discuss incorporation of their little town. Griffith D. Compton donated his land to incorporate and create the city of Compton in 1889, but he did stipulate that a certain acreage be zoned solely for agriculture and named Richland Farms <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Comp_5-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-Comp-5"><span>[</span>6<span>]</span></a></sup> In January 1888, they forwarded a petition supporting the incorporation of Compton to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, who in turn forwarded the petition to the State Legislature. On May 11, 1888 the city of Compton was incorporated, it had a total population of 500 people. The first City Council meeting was held on May 14, 1888.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-city_2-4"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-city-2"><span>[</span>3<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>The ample residential lots of Richland Farms gave residents enough space to raise a family, and food to feed them, along with building a barn, and caring for livestock. The farms attracted the black families who had begun migrating from the rural South in the 1950s, there they found their 'home away from home' in this small community. Compton couldn't support large-scale agricultural business, but it did give the residents the opportunity to work the land for their families and for the welfare of the new community.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Comp_5-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-Comp-5"><span>[</span>6<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>The 1920s saw the opening of the Compton Airport. Compton Junior College was founded and city officials moved to a new City Hall on Alameda Street.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-city_2-5"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-city-2"><span>[</span>3<span>]</span></a></sup> On March 10, 1933, a devastating earthquake caused many casualties, schools were destroyed and there was major damage to the central business district.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-city_2-6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-city-2"><span>[</span>3<span>]</span></a></sup> While it would eventually be home to a large number of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Americans" title="African Americans" class="mw">African Americans</a>, in 1930 there was only one black resident.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-6"><span>[</span>7<span>]</span></a></sup> In the late 1940s, middle class African-Americans began moving into the area, mostly on the west side. Compton grew quickly in the 1950s. One reason for this was Compton was close to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watts,_Los_Angeles,_California" title="Watts, Los Angeles, California" class="mw">Watts</a>, where there was an established community of African Americans. The eastern side of the city was predominately white until the 1970s. Despite being located in the middle of a major metropolitan area, thanks to the legacy of Griffith D. Compton, there still remains one small pocket of agriculture from its earliest years.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Comp_5-2"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-Comp-5"><span>[</span>6<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>During the 1950s and 1960s, after the Supreme Court declared all racially exclusive housing covenants (title deeds) unconstitutional in the case <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelley_v._Kraemer" title="Shelley v. Kraemer">Shelley v. Kraemer</a>, the first African American families moved to the area. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-black_7-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-black-7"><span>[</span>8<span>]</span></a></sup> Compton's growing African American population was still largely ignored and neglected by the city's elected officials. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centennial_High_School_(Compton,_California)" title="Centennial High School (Compton, California)">Centennial High School</a> was finally built to accommodate a burgeoning student population. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-black_7-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-black-7"><span>[</span>8<span>]</span></a></sup> At one time, the City Council even discussed dismantling the Compton Police Department in favor of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County_Sheriff%27s_Department" title="Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department">Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department</a> in an attempt to exclude blacks from law enforcement jobs. This slowly began to change when, in 1958, the first African-American ran for a City Council seat. However, it would be another three years before an African-American would actually be elected to the City Council in 1961. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-black_7-2"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-black-7"><span>[</span>8<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 222px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Comption-1920.jpg" class="image"><img height="164" width="220" class="thumbimage"/></a><div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Comption-1920.jpg" title="Enlarge" class="internal"><img height="11" width="15"/></a></div>
Aerial view of Compton, 1920</div>
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<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Dollarhide" title="Douglas Dollarhide">Douglas Dollarhide</a> made history in Compton in 1969 when he became <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California" title="California">California</a>'s first African-American mayor of a metropolitan city. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-black_7-3"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-black-7"><span>[</span>8<span>]</span></a></sup> Two African-Americans and one Mexican-American were also elected to the local school board. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-black_7-4"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-black-7"><span>[</span>8<span>]</span></a></sup> Four years later, in 1973, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doris_A._Davis" title="Doris A. Davis">Doris A. Davis</a> defeated Dollarhide's bid for re-election to become the first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American" title="African-American" class="mw">African-American</a> female mayor of a metropolitan city in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" title="United States">United States</a>. By the early 1970s, the city had one of the largest concentrations of African-Americans in the country with over ninety percent.<sup title="This claim needs references to reliable sources from January 2010" class="Template" style="white-space: nowrap;">[<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed">citation needed</a></i>]</sup></p>
<p>For many years, Compton was a much sought after neighborhood for the black middle class of Los Angeles. Now, only a few areas of Compton are still middle class communities. This past affluence is reflected in the area's appearance — Compton's streets are lined with relatively spacious and attractive single family homes. However, several factors have contributed to Compton's decline. One of the most significant factors was a steady erosion of its tax base. First by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_flight" title="White flight">whites who fled</a> to the newly incorporated cities of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artesia,_California" title="Artesia, California">Artesia</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellflower,_California" title="Bellflower, California">Bellflower</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerritos,_California" title="Cerritos, California">Cerritos</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramount,_California" title="Paramount, California">Paramount</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwalk,_California" title="Norwalk, California">Norwalk</a> in the late 1950s. These nearby communities remained largely white early on despite <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racial_integration" title="Racial integration">integration</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-8"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-8"><span>[</span>9<span>]</span></a></sup> This move was even further precipitated after the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watts_Riots" title="Watts Riots">Watts Riots</a> in 1965 and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_Los_Angeles_riots" title="1992 Los Angeles riots">1992 Los Angeles riots</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-9"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-9"><span>[</span>10<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>Soon, middle class blacks also found other areas more attractive to them. Some were unincorporated areas of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County,_California" title="Los Angeles County, California">Los Angeles County</a> such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladera_Heights,_California" title="Ladera Heights, California">Ladera Heights</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/View_Park-Windsor_Hills,_California" title="View Park-Windsor Hills, California">View Park</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/View_Park-Windsor_Hills,_California" title="View Park-Windsor Hills, California">Windsor Hills</a>; and others were cities such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inglewood,_California" title="Inglewood, California">Inglewood</a> and, particularly, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carson,_California" title="Carson, California">Carson</a>. The latter was significant because it had successfully thwarted attempts at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annexation" title="Annexation">annexation</a> by neighboring Compton. The city of Carson opted instead for incorporation in 1968, which is notable because its black population was actually more affluent than its white population. As a newer city, it also offered more favorable tax rates and lower crime.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-10"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-10"><span>[</span>11<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<h2><span class="editsection">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compton,_California&action=edit&section=2" title="Edit section: Culture">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw" id="Culture">Culture</span></h2>
<p>Although Compton is still often thought of as a primarily black community, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latinos" title="Latinos" class="mw">Latinos</a> are the largest ethnic group in the city. A possible reason for this misconception is, despite the shift in population, many <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_American" title="African American">African American</a> professional athletes and rappers are originally from Compton. Also, African Americans continue to dominate local politics, holding most elected positions in the city. Although an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inner_suburbs" title="Inner suburbs" class="mw">inner suburb</a> of Los Angeles, Compton has seen an increase of middle-class residents in the last few years, due to its affordable housing and a reduction in crime. With the influx of immigrants and the demographic shift in ethnic population, it was after the 2000 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Census" title="U.S. Census" class="mw">U.S. Census</a> Latinos were recognized as the majority.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-11"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-11"><span>[</span>12<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>Compton has been referenced on numerous occasions in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gang" title="Gang">gang</a> affiliation, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangsta_rap" title="Gangsta rap">gangsta rap</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-funk" title="G-funk">g-funk</a> songs, especially in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and so has attained an association not only with gang violence and crime, but with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_hop_music" title="Hip hop music">hip hop music</a> as well. The city is known as the home of many famous rappers. (see list <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_from_Compton,_California#Arts_and_entertainment" title="List of people from Compton, California">List of people from Compton, California#Arts and entertainment</a>) Compton has evolved into a younger community, the median age of people living in Compton, was 25 at the time of the last full census survey; the United States average at the time was 35.3.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-12"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-12"><span>[</span>13<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>Some episodes of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitcom" title="Sitcom">sitcom</a> <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fresh_Prince_of_Bel-Air" title="The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air">The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air</a></i> took place in Compton because <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Smith" title="Will Smith">Will Smith</a>'s friend Jazz lived there.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-13"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-13"><span>[</span>14<span>]</span></a></sup> Many well-known <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA" title="NBA" class="mw">NBA</a> players attended high school in the city as well. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeMar_DeRozan" title="DeMar DeRozan">DeMar DeRozan</a> attended Compton High School, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tayshaun_Prince" title="Tayshaun Prince">Tayshaun Prince</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyson_Chandler" title="Tyson Chandler">Tyson Chandler</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Jennings" title="Brandon Jennings">Brandon Jennings</a> attended Dominguez High.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-14"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-14"><span>[</span>15<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>Compton has a growing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Islander_American" title="Pacific Islander American">Pacific Islander</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_American" title="Filipino American">Filipino</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_people" title="Vietnamese people">Vietnamese</a> community. West Compton and unincorporated Willowbrook have more middle class <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_American" title="African American">African Americans</a> than the central city (west of Alameda St.) and unincorporated East Compton, the latter of which has a higher number of Hispanics and working-class African Americans. Lower-income subsections on Compton Boulevard have many businesses owned by Latinos.</p>
<h2><span class="editsection">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compton,_California&action=edit&section=3" title="Edit section: Crime">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw" id="Crime">Crime</span></h2>
<p>Compton's violent reputation was popularized in the late 1980s by the rise to prominence of local <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangsta_rap" title="Gangsta rap">gangsta rap</a> groups <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton%27s_Most_Wanted" title="Compton's Most Wanted">Compton's Most Wanted</a> and especially <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N.W.A." title="N.W.A." class="mw">N.W.A.</a>, who released the famous album <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straight_Outta_Compton" title="Straight Outta Compton">Straight Outta Compton</a></i> in 1988. The city used to be notorious for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gang_violence" title="Gang violence" class="mw">gang violence</a>, primarily caused by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloods" title="Bloods">Bloods</a>, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crips" title="Crips">Crips</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sure%C3%B1os" title="Sureños">Sureños</a> gangs that are allied with the Mexican <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_cartels" title="Drug cartels" class="mw">drug cartels</a>. Crime rates had been falling for years following the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crack_epidemic" title="Crack epidemic" class="mw">crack epidemic</a> of the 1980s and early 1990s.</p>
<p>Crime, though present in lesser degrees beforehand, worsened significantly with the introduction of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crack_(cocaine)" title="Crack (cocaine)" class="mw">crack cocaine</a> in the latter part of the 20th century. The neighborhood lost wealthy residents, with the worsening safety problems, and, after the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_Los_Angeles_riots" title="1992 Los Angeles riots">1992 riots</a> in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles,_California" title="Los Angeles, California" class="mw">Los Angeles metropolitan area</a>, many <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Americans" title="African Americans" class="mw">African Americans</a> left the city. Meanwhile, many Latino and other immigrant families moved into Compton, including <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoans" title="Samoans">Samoans</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongans" title="Tongans" class="mw">Tongans</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koreans" title="Koreans">Koreans</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_American" title="Filipino American">Filipinos</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belizeans" title="Belizeans" class="mw">Belizeans</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Africa" title="East Africa">East Africans</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-15"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-15"><span>[</span>16<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>Compton had 75 murders in 2005, which is significantly higher than the national average on a per capita basis. That same year, in an effort to combat <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_violence" title="Gun violence">gun violence</a>, the citizens of Compton were given the option to hand over their guns to the police and receive a $50–$100 check for various goods, called the Gifts for Guns Program.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-16"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-16"><span>[</span>17<span>]</span></a></sup> People have turned in about 7,000 guns over the last few years, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KABC-TV" title="KABC-TV">KABC-TV</a> reported. The program's success has prompted the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County_Sheriff%27s_Department" title="Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department">LASD</a> to expand the program county-wide.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-SD_17-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-SD-17"><span>[</span>18<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>During 2006, Compton deployed twice as many <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheriff" title="Sheriff">sheriff's deputies</a> and the murder rate has steadily decreased in the last decade.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-autogenerated1_18-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-autogenerated1-18"><span>[</span>19<span>]</span></a></sup> Compton's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Property_crime" title="Property crime">property crime</a> levels tend to be about the same as the average California city. The same data shows <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violent_crime" title="Violent crime">violent crime</a>, including arson, levels in Compton tend to be higher than California's average level.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-autogenerated1_18-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-autogenerated1-18"><span>[</span>19<span>]</span></a></sup> However, recent reports show that Compton's violent crime rate has been reduced by 30% over the last ten years.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-19"><span>[</span>20<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>Although the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._News_%26_World_Report" title="U.S. News & World Report">U.S. News & World Report</a> does not even list Compton in the "The 11 Most Dangerous Cities" for overall crime rates in the United States,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-20"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-20"><span>[</span>21<span>]</span></a></sup>, it contrasts the the CQ Press, using data from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_the_United_States" title="Crime in the United States">FBI's annual report of crime statistics</a> "Crime in the United States 2010," ranked Compton as the 8th most dangerous city in the country.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-21"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-21"><span>[</span>22<span>]</span></a></sup> Statistics will vary depending on how property crimes and violent crimes are weighted in each statistical survey. See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statistical_variability" title="Statistical variability" class="mw">Statistical variability</a></p>
<p>In 2010, Compton Station area homicides were reduced by about 38 percent, with 26 homicides in 2010, compared with 42 homicides in 2009.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CBS1_22-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-CBS1-22"><span>[</span>23<span>]</span></a></sup> This number is a 53 percent decrease from five years ago, and was the lowest number of homicides since 1972. The sheriff’s department reported: Taking into consideration the population changes, last year showed the lowest homicide rate since 1965. Property crimes also decreased.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CBS1_22-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-CBS1-22"><span>[</span>23<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<h2><span class="editsection">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compton,_California&action=edit&section=4" title="Edit section: Compton Cricket Club">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw" id="Compton_Cricket_Club">Compton Cricket Club</span></h2>
<div class="rellink relarticle mainarticle">Main article: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton_Cricket_Club" title="Compton Cricket Club">Compton Cricket Club</a></div>
<div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 222px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UmbroCCC.jpg" class="image"><img height="137" width="220" class="thumbimage"/></a><div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UmbroCCC.jpg" title="Enlarge" class="internal"><img height="11" width="15"/></a></div>
Umbro photographs The Compton CC in South Central LA, February 2009</div>
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<p>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton_Cricket_Club" title="Compton Cricket Club">Compton Cricket Club</a> (CCC), nicknamed "The Homies & the POPz", has also been christened "America's Team" and the "US Ambassadors of Good Will and Peace in the sporting world of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket" title="Cricket">Cricket</a>." At this time, the CCC is the only exhibition cricket team in the world that totally consists of North American-born players.</p>
<p>"The aim of playing cricket is to teach people how to respect themselves and respect authority, so they stop killing each other," says team founder, Ted Hayes. Their mission is "to curb the negative effects of gang activities amongst the youth of Compton, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Central_Los_Angeles" title="South Central Los Angeles" class="mw">South Central Los Angeles</a>, and all inner cities, and to address homelessness through the principles and ethics of cricket."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-23"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-23"><span>[</span>24<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>The team has traveled to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England" title="England">England</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia" title="Australia">Australia</a> and has collaborated with several charities during its exhibition tour raising money for Australian flood victims. Due to financial difficulties in building a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket_pitch" title="Cricket pitch">cricket pitch</a> in Compton, the team utilizes various fields in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Los_Angeles_Area" title="Greater Los Angeles Area">Greater Los Angeles Area</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-24"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-24"><span>[</span>25<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<h2><span class="editsection">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compton,_California&action=edit&section=5" title="Edit section: Government and infrastructure">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw" id="Government_and_infrastructure">Government and infrastructure</span></h2>
<h3><span class="editsection">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compton,_California&action=edit&section=6" title="Edit section: City government">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw" id="City_government">City government</span></h3>
<p>Elected Officials: See info box.</p>
<ul>
<li>City Manager, Charles Evans, The City Manager is responsible for the administration of city services and programs, enforcement of the city's Municipal Code and ordinances, and preparation of the annual budget.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-25"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-25"><span>[</span>26<span>]</span></a></sup></li>
</ul>
<p>After <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Cade" title="Lionel Cade">Lionel Cade</a>, an accountant, assumed the mayor's office in 1977, one of the first orders of business was to conduct an audit of the city's finances. It was discovered that the city was $2 million in debt. The administration was able to eliminate the huge deficit in one year by making cuts in every department. It also aggressively sought federal funding to help pay for essential services, which was at least partially effective. However, with the passage of the property tax cutting initiative <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proposition_13" title="Proposition 13" class="mw">Proposition 13</a> by California voters, Compton was one of the cities hardest hit, since it had already eliminated most of the fat from its budget.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-26"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-26"><span>[</span>27<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<h3><span class="editsection">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compton,_California&action=edit&section=7" title="Edit section: County, state and federal representation">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw" id="County.2C_state_and_federal_representation">County, state and federal representation</span></h3>
<p>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County_Department_of_Health_Services" title="Los Angeles County Department of Health Services">Los Angeles County Department of Health Services</a> operates the South Health Center in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watts,_Los_Angeles,_California" title="Watts, Los Angeles, California" class="mw">Watts</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles" title="Los Angeles">Los Angeles</a>, serving Compton.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-27"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-27"><span>[</span>28<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>In the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Legislature" title="California State Legislature">state legislature</a> Compton is located in the 25th <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Senate" title="California State Senate">Senate</a> District, represented by Democrat <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Vincent" title="Edward Vincent">Edward Vincent</a>, and in the 52nd <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Assembly" title="California State Assembly">Assembly</a> District, represented by Democrat <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isadore_Hall,_III" title="Isadore Hall, III">Isadore Hall, III</a>. Federally, Compton is located in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California%27s_37th_congressional_district" title="California's 37th congressional district">California's 37th congressional district</a>, which has a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cook_Partisan_Voting_Index" title="Cook Partisan Voting Index">Cook PVI</a> of D +27<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-28"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-28"><span>[</span>29<span>]</span></a></sup> and is represented by Democrat <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Richardson" title="Laura Richardson">Laura Richardson</a>.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Postal_Service" title="United States Postal Service">United States Postal Service</a> operates the Compton Post Office at 701 South Santa Fe Avenue<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-29"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-29"><span>[</span>30<span>]</span></a></sup> the Hub City Post Office at 101 South Willowbrook Avenue,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-30"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-30"><span>[</span>31<span>]</span></a></sup> and the Fashion Square Post Office at 2100 North Long Beach Boulevard.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-31"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-31"><span>[</span>32<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<h4><span class="editsection">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compton,_California&action=edit&section=8" title="Edit section: LASD">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw" id="LASD">LASD</span></h4>
<p>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County_Sheriff%27s_Department" title="Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department">Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department</a> operates the Compton Station in Compton.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-32"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-32"><span>[</span>33<span>]</span></a></sup> When the LASD replaced the Compton Police Department in 2000, they increased patrol service hours from 127,410, to 141, 692. Compton Station is centrally located in the Los Angeles area. The station is easily accessible from the (105) Century freeway to the north, the (91) Riverside/Artesia freeway to the south, the (110) Harbor freeway to the west, and the (710) Long Beach freeway to the east. Diane Walker, a 30-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, was promoted to the rank of Captain by Sheriff <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Baca" title="Lee Baca">Lee Baca</a>, and is now Commander of Compton Station.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-33"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-33"><span>[</span>34<span>]</span></a></sup> There is also a LASD substation located in the Gateway Towne Center.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-SD_17-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-SD-17"><span>[</span>18<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<h2><span class="editsection">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compton,_California&action=edit&section=9" title="Edit section: City government controversies">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw" id="City_government_controversies">City government controversies</span></h2>
<p>Civic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_corruption" title="Political corruption">corruption</a> has also been a widespread problem in Compton.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-34"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-34"><span>[</span>35<span>]</span></a></sup> In the early 1990s, United States Attorney <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Joey_Chin&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Joey Chin (page does not exist)" class="new">Joey Chin</a> conducted a series of investigations, centered on a phony waste-to-energy scheme, that ultimately ensnared a number of prominent elected officials.</p>
<p>In 2000, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton_Police_Department" title="Compton Police Department" class="mw">Compton Police Department</a> was disbanded amidst controversy and charges of corruption. The police department claims it was disbanded after investigations of gang activity led to then-Compton Mayor <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Bradley_(California_politician)" title="Omar Bradley (California politician)" class="mw">Omar Bradley</a>. Once this became public, the mayor charged it was the police who were themselves corrupt, and he disbanded the police department. Omar Bradley has since faced serious corruption charges.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-35"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-35"><span>[</span>36<span>]</span></a></sup> Regardless of the situation, an alternative form of law enforcement was sought. Compton's policing needs are currently served by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County_Sheriff%27s_Department" title="Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department">Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department</a>.</p>
<p>Eric J. Perrodin, the city's current mayor, was investigated in 2007 by the California State Bar for threatening to violate a local newspaper's first amendment rights after the paper printed an investigative report relative to a contract granted to one of Perrodin's associates. Following the report, Perrodin threatened to yank the city's advertising contract with the paper<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-36"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-36"><span>[</span>37<span>]</span></a></sup> A Times review of city records shows Perrodin was absent from city board and commission meetings nearly two-thirds of the time between July 2009 and July 2010.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-AP_37-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-AP-37"><span>[</span>38<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>Current recall efforts are a direct response from residents of the accusations of corruption of the city's mayor and council. Some of the accusations involve the issuing of city contracts to personal donors and friends. One particular accusation involved the trash and recycling contract of the city to Pacific Coast Waste and Recycling LLC in 2007,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-38"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-38"><span>[</span>39<span>]</span></a></sup> whose leadership donated large amounts of money to Perrodin's political coffers.</p>
<p>Notices of intent to circulate recall petitions against four Compton city officials are expected to be filed in August 2010, by a group of citizens who claim corruption in Compton is being ignored by the same authorities who were shocked by the recent salary controversy in the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell,_California" title="Bell, California">Bell</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-39"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-39"><span>[</span>40<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<p>Compton has discharged its city manager for the second time in three years. <i>The Los Angeles Times</i> says the City Council voted in a closed meeting, September 9, 2010, to fire Charles Evans. <i>The Times</i> says council members refused to discuss the reasons for their decision. Evans took office in 2007, after the dismissal of previous City Manager Barbara Kilroy. City Controller Willie Norfleet will take over until a permanent manager can be named.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-AP_37-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-AP-37"><span>[</span>38<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<h2><span class="editsection">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compton,_California&action=edit&section=10" title="Edit section: Geography">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw" id="Geography">Geography</span></h2>
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<td width="30%" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willowbrook,_California" title="Willowbrook, California">Willowbrook, California</a></td>
<td width="30%" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willowbrook,_California" title="Willowbrook, California">Willowbrook, California</a></td>
<td width="30%" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynwood,_California" title="Lynwood, California">Lynwood, California</a></td>
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<td width="30%" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:North.svg" title="North" class="image"><img height="17" width="17" alt="North"/></a></td>
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<tr><td width="30%" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Compton,_California" title="West Compton, California" class="mw">West Compton, California</a></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap" width="30%" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:West.svg" title="West" class="image"><img height="17" width="17" alt="West"/></a> <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtown_Compton" title="Downtown Compton">Downtown Compton</a></b> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Boxed_East_arrow.svg" title="East" class="image"><img height="17" width="17" alt="East"/></a></td>
<td width="30%" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Rancho_Dominguez,_California" title="East Rancho Dominguez, California">East Rancho Dominguez, California</a></td>
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<tr><td width="30%" style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td width="30%" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:South.svg" title="South" class="image"><img height="17" width="17" alt="South"/></a></td>
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<tr><td width="30%" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carson,_California" title="Carson, California">Carson, California</a></td>
<td width="30%" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rancho_Dominguez,_California" title="Rancho Dominguez, California">Rancho Dominguez, California</a></td>
<td width="30%" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Beach,_California" title="Long Beach, California">Long Beach, California</a></td>
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<p>Compton is located at <span class="plainlinks nourlexpansion"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://toolserver.org/~geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Compton,_California&params=33_53_48_N_118_13_30_W_type:city" class="external text"><span class="geo"><span title="Maps, aerial photos, and other data for this location" class="geo"><span class="latitude">33°53′48″N</span> <span class="longitude">118°13′30″W</span></span></span><span class="geo"> / </span><span class="geo"><span title="Maps, aerial photos, and other data for this location" class="geo">33.89667°N 118.225°W</span><span style="display: none;"> / <span class="geo">33.89667; -118.225</span></span></span></a></span> (33.896715, −118.225078).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GR1_40-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-GR1-40"><span>[</span>41<span>]</span></a></sup> According to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Census_Bureau" title="United States Census Bureau">United States Census Bureau</a>, the city has a total area of 10.1 square miles (26.2 km²). 10.0 square miles (25.9 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) of it (1.03%) is water.</p>
<p>It is bordered by the unincorporated <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willowbrook,_California" title="Willowbrook, California">Willowbrook</a> on the north and northwest, the unincorporated <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Compton,_California" title="West Compton, California" class="mw">West Compton</a> on the west, the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carson,_California" title="Carson, California">Carson</a> on the southwest, the unincorporated <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rancho_Dominguez,_California" title="Rancho Dominguez, California">Rancho Dominguez</a> on the south, the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Beach,_California" title="Long Beach, California">Long Beach</a> on the southeast, the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramount,_California" title="Paramount, California">Paramount</a> and the unincorporated <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Compton,_California" title="East Compton, California" class="mw">East Compton</a> on the east, and by the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynwood,_California" title="Lynwood, California">Lynwood</a> on the northeast.</p>
<h3><span class="editsection">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compton,_California&action=edit&section=11" title="Edit section: East Compton">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw" id="East_Compton">East Compton</span></h3>
<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Compton,_California" title="East Compton, California" class="mw">East Compton</a>, also known as <b>East Rancho Dominguez</b>, is a mostly industrial <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unincorporated_community" title="Unincorporated community" class="mw">unincorporated community</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Census-designated_place" title="Census-designated place">census-designated place</a> (CDP). The population was 9,286 at the 2000 census. East Rancho Dominguez is an accepted city name according to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Postal_Service" title="United States Postal Service">USPS</a>, and shared the 90221 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZIP_Code" title="ZIP Code" class="mw">ZIP Code</a> with Compton.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-41"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-41"><span>[</span>42<span>]</span></a></sup> Its <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphere_of_influence" title="Sphere of influence">sphere of influence</a> is the city of Compton, which has tried to annex East Rancho Dominguez, but business and property owners in the area have opposed the annexation.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-42"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-42"><span>[</span>43<span>]</span></a></sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-43"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-43"><span>[</span>44<span>]</span></a></sup></p>
<h2><span class="editsection">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compton,_California&action=edit&section=12" title="Edit section: Demographics">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw" id="Demographics">Demographics</span></h2>
<h3><span class="editsection">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compton,_California&action=edit&section=13" title="Edit section: 2010">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw" id="2010">2010</span></h3>
<p>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_United_States_Census" title="2010 United States Census">2010 United States Census</a><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-44"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California#cite_note-44"><span>[</span>45<span>]</span></a></sup> reported that Compton had a population of 96,455. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population_density" title="Population density">population density</a> was 9,534.3 people per square mile (3,681.2/km²). The racial makeup of Compton was 24,942 (25.9%) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_(U.S._Census)" title="White (U.S. Census)" class="mw">White</a>, 31,688 (32.9%) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_American_(U.S._Census)" title="African American (U.S. Census)" class="mw">African American</a>, 655 (0.7%) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_(U.S._Census)" title="Native American (U.S. Census)" class="mw">Native American</a>, 292 (0.3%) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_(U.S._Census)" title="Asian (U.S. Census)" class="mw">Asian</a>, 718 (0.7%) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Islander_(U.S._Census)" title="Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)" class="mw">Pacific Islander</a>, 34,914 (36.2%) from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Race_(United_States_Census)" title="Race (United States Census)" class="mw">other races</a>, and 3,246 (3.4%) from two or more races. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispanic_(U.S._Census)" title="Hispanic (U.S. Census)" class="mw">Hispanic</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latino_(U.S._Census)" title="Latino (U.S. Census)" class="mw">Latino</a> of any race were 62,669 persons (65.0%).</p>
<p>The Census reported that 95,700 people (99.2% of the population) lived in households, 643 (0.7%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 112 (0.1%) were institutionalized.</p>
<p>There were 23,062 households, out of which 13,376 (58.0%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 10,536 (45.7%) were <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage" title="Marriage">opposite-sex married couples</a> living together, 6,373 (27.6%) had a female householder with no husband present, 2,354 (10.2%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,725 (7.5%) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/POSSLQ" title="POSSLQ">unmarried opposite-sex partnerships</a>, and 158 (0.7%) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_partnerships" title="Same-sex partnerships" class="mw">same-sex married couples or partnerships</a>. 2,979 households (12.9%) were made up of individuals and 1,224 (5.3%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.15. There were 19,263 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_(U.S._Census)" title="Family (U.S. Census)">families</a> (83.5% of all households); the average family size was 4.41.</p>
<p>The population was spread out with 31,945 people (33.1%) under the age of 18, 11,901 people (12.3%) aged 18 to 24, 26,573 people (27.5%) aged 25 to 44, 18,838 people (19.5%) aged 45 to 64, and 7,198 people (7.5%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28.0 years. For every 100 females there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.</p>
<p>There were 24,523 housing units at an average density of 2,424.0 per square mile (935.9/km²), of which 12,726 (55.2%) were owner-occupied, and 10,336 (44.8%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.9%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.9%. 53,525 people (55.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 42,175 people (43.7%) lived in rental housing units.</p>
</div>
Another Apache For life! doing good.
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2011-08-21:4977783:BlogPost:60217
2011-08-21T07:38:22.000Z
Nick McNeal
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/NickMcNeal
<p><em>Kevin Smith is a Sophomore at the University of Washington and a Centennial HS Alumni Class of '09. He is a second year member of the Husky Football team, as a wide reciever and kick returner. Kevin was 1st team all-CIF and Pioneer League MVP in his senior year at Centennial. We should all be proud to have another Apache representing well here in the Northwest.</em></p>
<p><em>Kevin Smith is a Sophomore at the University of Washington and a Centennial HS Alumni Class of '09. He is a second year member of the Husky Football team, as a wide reciever and kick returner. Kevin was 1st team all-CIF and Pioneer League MVP in his senior year at Centennial. We should all be proud to have another Apache representing well here in the Northwest.</em></p>
IN THESE TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES BE AWARE OF YOUR RIGHTS
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2011-07-29:4977783:BlogPost:53203
2011-07-29T06:00:00.000Z
Nick McNeal
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/NickMcNeal
<p><strong>MAXIMIZE YOUR VETERAN FUNERAL BENEFITS</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Even with the high cost of a traditional funeral and burial in today's economy , there are still some wo gladly overpay, because they happen to have the funds available and it is convenient to have athe funeral home take care of all of the arrangements (one stop shopping). However, there are many who chose not to overpay because they don't have the funds or thery would rather be prudent with the fundsthey do have. In…</p>
<p><strong>MAXIMIZE YOUR VETERAN FUNERAL BENEFITS</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Even with the high cost of a traditional funeral and burial in today's economy , there are still some wo gladly overpay, because they happen to have the funds available and it is convenient to have athe funeral home take care of all of the arrangements (one stop shopping). However, there are many who chose not to overpay because they don't have the funds or thery would rather be prudent with the fundsthey do have. In situations where the loved one is a US Veteran, an veterans spouse or dependent child, the Veteranas Administration will provide certain benefits that can save a grieving family thousands of dollars for a funeral/burial. The Veteran simply would have to have been discharged with anything other than a dishonorable discharge. The veteran does not have to die for the spouse and dependent child to receive these benefits. When VA benefits are coupled with the understanding of the Federal Trade Commission's "Funeral Rule" an informed family can realize a considerable savings. In some communities there are fraternal, social and religious organizations who can advise as to the "Funeral Rule". The funeral director can make internment arrangements with the VA as well as other National Cemeteries (Arlington National, Department of Interior and State Veterans Cemeteries). The Department of Defense maintains a toll-free number for use by funeral directors only, to reqmilitary honors. The VA operates 131 national cemeteries, 71 are open for new casketed interments and 19 are open to accept only cremated remains. There is no cost to the family and incluses the gravesite, grave-liner, opening and closing of the grave, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care as part of a nation shrine. There are 74 State Veterans Cemeteries that have similar eligibility requirements with some requiring state residency, while some services may require a fee.</p>
<p>When applying for eligibility, have a DD form 214, death certificate and proof of relationship to the Veteran, in the case of a child or spouse. For those families who chose to have a military ceremony or use their veteran benefits to supplement their traditional funeral expense, I list some of those benefits below. </p>
<ul>
<li>Burial in a VA National Cemetery</li>
<li>Headstone or grave marker</li>
<li>Burial Allowance. A claim can be made up to two years after burial or cremation</li>
<li>Plot Allowance: $300 for veterans with a service connected disability, when buried in a non-national cemetery.</li>
<li>Military Funeral Honors: Consist of folding and presentation of the United States Flag and Playing of "taps". A detail consisting of two or more uniformed members of the armed forces, with at least one member from the decesed,s branch of service. </li>
</ul>
<p>I can see a few drawbacks with the funeral services offered Veteran at tax payer expense. Please take note that a burial site connot be reserved. You connot apply until the time of death. The national cemetery closest to the home of the deceased could be full and might require a burial 100 miles aqay. Many of these cemeteries are at near capacity. The cemeteries that are full can still accept cremation burial. The National Cemaetery System (NCS) has said efforts are underway to acquire cemeatery land adjacent to existing national cemeteries when posible.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Your local funeral director has access to any information you would require. If you have a any questions or you might goto the National Cemetery website: <a href="http://www.cem.va.gov">www.cem.va.gov</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Nick McNeal</p>
<p>Email: <a href="mailto:mcnatejr@aol.com">mcnatejr@aol.com</a></p>
THIS COMPTON CENTENNIAL FOOTBALL TEAM IS HUNGRY
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2010-08-18:4977783:BlogPost:14124
2010-08-18T22:00:00.000Z
Phoebe Macon
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/PhoebeMacon
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><strong>THIS COMPTON CENTENNIAL FOOTBALL TEAM IS HUNGRY</strong></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><strong>By Bill Plaschke, L.A. Times</strong></p>
<strong><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806482713?profile=original"></img></strong><p></p>
<p><strong>New Coach Jimmy Nolan gives instruction during practice at Compton Centennial High, where players use the bushes behind the end zone (background, right) for bathroom breaks because they have no restrooms near their field.</strong> <span class="credit"><strong>(…</strong></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><strong>THIS COMPTON CENTENNIAL FOOTBALL TEAM IS HUNGRY</strong></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><strong>By Bill Plaschke, L.A. Times</strong></p>
<strong><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806482713?profile=original"/></strong><p></p>
<p><strong>New Coach Jimmy Nolan gives instruction during practice at Compton Centennial High, where players use the bushes behind the end zone (background, right) for bathroom breaks because they have no restrooms near their field.</strong> <span class="credit"><strong>(<span class="photographer">Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times</span>)</strong></span></p>
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<p><strong>Jimmy Nolan, the new coach of the Apaches, has to worry about gangs and lack of equipment. But his biggest problem is simply making sure his players have enough to eat.</strong></p>
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<p><strong>After the first five days of football practice in a dusty corner of Compton, Hell Week rises to a new boil.<br/><br/>Jimmy Nolan, the new coach of the Compton Centennial Apaches, is wondering how he can unlock the potential in his young football team when he doesn't even have the keys to the stadium.<br/><br/>Some days he scales the wrought-iron gates. Some days, his players climb with him.<br/></strong></p>
<p><strong>"Right now we may not be too good at football, but we're great at hopping fences," Nolan says.<br/><br/>When Nolan is able to borrow keys, open the gates and drive his white Toyota minivan next to the field, the players store their clothes there because there are no locks in their locker room. They dress in the sunlight, giggling girls watching from the bleachers, 50 kids of widely varying shapes and sizes tugging on donated shoes that are too tight, old T-shirts that are beyond wrinkled, and never, ever anything blue.<br/><br/>Blue is for the Crips, and this neighborhood belongs to the Bloods.<br/><br/>"Somebody donated blue shirts, but the kids are afraid to wear them," Nolan says. "Somebody else donated a bunch of nice blue cleats, but the kids keep them hidden in the van."<br/><br/>The kids should be in pads like the players from many other local high schools who started practice last week, but there has been no doctor available to give them the required physical exams, so they have spent the first week in those ratty shirts and shorts.<br/><br/>The kids should be replicating game situations on their field like many other teams, but nobody ever showed up to put down yard lines or sidelines, so they set out orange cones and pretend.<br/><br/>When the kids have to relieve themselves, they go between a set of bushes behind the end zone because the nearest toilet is either too far away or doesn't work.<br/><br/>"I am not complaining," Nolan says. "Everything we go through builds character."<br/><br/>The construction required here is immense and intimidating, its burden falling on the thin shoulders of a pale red-haired guy from Mission Viejo who inexplicably signed up to spend two hours a day driving to and from the battle of a lifetime, coaching kids and changing lives for a $3,500 stipend that he is donating to charity.<br/><br/>One week into summer football practice, the new coach is working with no office, no phone, no computer, no video camera. He can't order anyone to run the stadium steps because one-third of the bleachers are surrounded in yellow tape. They were burned in a recent fire. He can't literally bench anyone, because, well, the field contains not a single bench.<br/><br/>He last coached at affluent Laguna Beach High before leaving three years ago to focus on his Orange County athletic training business. Yet Friday, dressed in colorful board shorts and a white headband, he hopped around his players as if he had just struck it rich.<br/><br/>"Some people wonder why I picked Compton Centennial," Nolan says. "After being here awhile, it feels like Compton Centennial picked me."<br/><br/>Other local high schools face similar economic and environmental challenges, but none has tackled a new coach like this — greeting a cheerful idealist with such a stark reality.<br/><br/>Nolan has two returning starters from a defending league championship team, and one of them is injured. Half of his team are sophomores and many others are playing for the first time, one even asking him to define "tailback."<br/><br/>Yet none of those things are Nolan's biggest problem.<br/><br/>"The biggest problem here is hunger," Nolan says. "A lot of kids were getting dizzy, forgetting assignments, it turns out a lot of them had not eaten all day."</strong></p>
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<p><strong>The No. 2 problem?<br/><br/>"They need rides home," Nolan says. "Right now, I can't practice late because it's too dangerous for these kids to be walking home in the dark."<br/><br/>The third-biggest problem is making sure all those e-mails get sent. Did you get one? It seems like everyone in town did.<br/></strong></p>
<p><strong>After getting a look at his new team this summer, Nolan did something that football coaches rarely do. He admitted vulnerability. He sent out three mass e-mails asking for donations for his team.<br/><br/>"It isn't like we could just hold a carwash or a bake sale; we don't have enough players or involved parents," he explains. "I couldn't think of anything else."<br/><br/>He began his first missive with, "I am the sole booster club for our program....I need some help." He asked for water, food, cleats, socks, underwear. He asked for shoulder pads. He asked for one dollar per person. He sent the e-mails to more than 2,000 people.<br/><br/>"I knew it could be difficult here; that's why I wanted the challenge," Nolan says. "But I had no idea my coaching would begin with soliciting big jars of peanut butter."<br/><br/>But the crazy idea worked. Somebody sent cases of water. Somebody else sent packages of boxer shorts. A guy showed up at practice the other day offering slightly used cleats, and Nolan tossed him a $100 bill and bought all of them.<br/><br/>It's nice, but it's only a start. Nobody is comfortable yet. The other day, Nolan was pulled aside at practice by a parent who told him that a local gang had killed a rival gang member the night before. The parent warned that retaliation could happen to someone on his football team, and that Nolan should carefully watch slow-moving cars on an adjacent street.<br/><br/>Oh yeah, and have a good practice.<br/><br/>"I'm like, '<i>What</i>?''' Nolan recalls.<br/><br/>That was the reaction of the team when Nolan was hired this summer, the last head coaching job filled on a CIF website, Nolan's best chance to get back in the game.<br/><br/>"Watching him give his first speech, it was really weird," says senior linebacker Wesley Perkins, who nearly transferred. "We were all thinking, 'What does a white guy from Orange County know about Compton football?'''<br/><br/>Nolan knew about preaching from his parents, a former Catholic priest and nun. He knew about playing from his days as a defensive back for Santa Ana Mater Dei High and, later, the University of Utah.<br/><br/>He knew about coaching from stints at Cantwell-Sacred</strong> <a id="HHA000028" class="taxInlineTagLink" title="Heart and Circulatory System" href="/topic/health/human-body/heart-circulatory-system-HHA000028.topic" name="HHA000028"><strong>Heart</strong></a> <strong>in Montebello and later Laguna Beach, where he became briefly infamous for publicly ripping an opposing coach who refused to resolve a tie game by agreeing to an overtime period.<br/><br/>Nolan left Laguna Beach three years ago to focus on his successful Speed Kills training business but eventually realized he missed the kids, and so he plotted his return.<br/><br/>"The way it worked out, I feel like it's a mission for me," Nolan says. "This is where I'm happiest, helping kids who could use the help."<br/><br/>That philosophy touched Jonathan Kenyon, Centennial's athletic director, who says, "I was sold on his attitude, his willingness to step in and rough it for the sake of the kids."<br/><br/>Kenyon says he approved of the e-mails, comparing them to the pleas of other athletic programs' booster clubs. Kenyon also promises that, later this week, Nolan should have keys to the gates and maybe even a makeshift office.<br/><br/>"It's not like we don't have the money, it's just that the [Compton] school district has decided that football at Centennial is not as important as other things," Kenyon says.<br/><br/>Spend an afternoon with the Apaches and you feel as if nothing should be as important.<br/><br/>The last day of Hell Week began Friday with players doing push-ups and sit-ups on the hard track because the field is filled with too many prickly weeds. Yet everyone growls and pushes themselves.<br/><br/>Only half the players are there because the previous day's practice was canceled after there was a break in the school's water main, yet Nolan can't stop hollering.<br/><br/>"We only need 11, and we've got 11!" he shouts. "We'll do with what we have! The price is high, but the reward is higher!"<br/><br/>It's risky to hope for anything in today's cynical sports world. But for one sweaty moment Friday, you hope Jimmy Nolan is right.<br/><br/><i>bill.plaschke@latimes.com</i><br/><br/><i>twitter.com/billplaschke</i></strong></p>
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Dr. Eric Cornwell "STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON" Wins The 2010 Cecil Cutting Award!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2010-05-31:4977783:BlogPost:9519
2010-05-31T07:00:00.000Z
Phoebe Macon
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/PhoebeMacon
<p><font size="2" face="verdana"><b>Dr. Eric Cornwell "STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON" Wins The 2010 Cecil Cutting Award!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</b></font></p>
<font size="2" face="verdana"><br/><img src="http://i50.tinypic.com/rho5qd.jpg"/></font> <br/><img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/2nrqb00.jpg"/>
<p><font size="2" face="verdana"><b>Dr. Eric Cornwell "STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON" Wins The 2010 Cecil Cutting Award!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</b></font></p>
<font size="2" face="verdana"><br/><img src="http://i50.tinypic.com/rho5qd.jpg"/></font> <br/><img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/2nrqb00.jpg"/>
After 'Compton Cookout' Scandal, UCSD Forges A More Positive Association With The City of Compton!!!
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2010-05-04:4977783:BlogPost:7064
2010-05-04T07:00:00.000Z
Phoebe Macon
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/PhoebeMacon
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806482744?profile=original"></img></p>
<p><strong>Senior Erik Henderson, 17, poses a question to UC San Diego professor Tony Haymet, who was visiting Compton High School to talk about a new summer program Compton students could attend at UCSD. (Genaro Molina, Los Angeles Times / May 3, 2010)</strong><br></br><strong>University leaders are visiting Compton High for discussions about race, working with teachers on joint science programs, and lining up scholarships for students to attend a summer…</strong></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806482744?profile=original"/></p>
<p><strong>Senior Erik Henderson, 17, poses a question to UC San Diego professor Tony Haymet, who was visiting Compton High School to talk about a new summer program Compton students could attend at UCSD. (Genaro Molina, Los Angeles Times / May 3, 2010)</strong><br/><strong>University leaders are visiting Compton High for discussions about race, working with teachers on joint science programs, and lining up scholarships for students to attend a summer program on campus.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>High school students in Compton were upset in February when they heard that a group of UC San Diego students had mocked their hometown by holding a "Compton Cookout" party and inviting guests to come as "ghetto chicks" and gangsters.</strong></p>
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<p><strong>"We weren't going to let them have the power to use our name. We weren't going to let it slide," recalled Compton High School senior Ernesto Villasenor, who will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York in the fall.</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Villasenor and other Compton High students sent an impassioned letter expressing their anger about the incident to UC San Diego, where it was read aloud by a Compton graduate at a campus protest. "This causes us to question how the attitudes of racism and mockery are perpetuated and condoned by a public university," the students wrote.</strong></p>
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<p><strong>The letter launched a dialogue between very different worlds: the prestigious beachside university where blacks and Latinos make up about 15% of the student body, and the urban high school where last year 74% of students were Latino and 25% were black, and more than two-thirds were eligible for subsidized lunches.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong><br/>From this tension, an academic alliance — and a measure of understanding — are emerging.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>UC officials say they are trying to arrange scholarship funds to bring as many as 20 Compton High students to San Diego to attend the university's three-week summer program for teenagers. In addition, UCSD's Scripps Institution of Oceanography plans to work with Compton High science teachers to develop special classes for subsequent summers and the regular school year, with UC faculty expected to visit Compton and Compton students expected to tour Scripps labs. Both sides hope to create a pipeline of Compton students to UC San Diego.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>"The names of Compton and UCSD have been linked by this horrible issue. So we've been given an opportunity to take a negative and make a positive," said Scripps Director Tony Haymet. Some financial and planning details remain to be worked out, but he said he is optimistic those will be solved.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>An Australian-born physical chemist, Haymet has driven up to Compton twice in recent weeks to meet with students and faculty at the high school, once bringing along Subway sandwiches for the teachers. At first the Compton participants were wary, concerned that Haymet and UC were looking only to ease the bad publicity sparked by the Feb. 15 party and subsequent racially-charged incidents. But students say he is now seen as genuinely interested in boosting the number of minority students in the sciences at UC San Diego.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>A number of Compton High students say they want to attend the summer program and hope one day to enroll full time at UC San Diego. Among them, junior Sofia Pereira said she wants to counter the impression that Compton teens are all gangbangers.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>"I would like to represent us and say, 'Hey, Compton does have these people you may be describing but it's not made mainly of those people,' " she said.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>Anthony Pittman, also a junior, said he plans to apply to UC San Diego, partly to help raise the number of African American students on the campus. "The Compton Cookout shouldn't be something that has to define us the rest of our lives," he said.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>The controversial off-campus party and other incidents at the San Diego campus led to high-level apologies from university leaders, along with efforts to recruit more minority students without violating the state's ban on affirmative action.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>Not everyone in Compton, however, is eager to embrace the UC school.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>Omar Bravo, a junior, said he still feels insulted and unwanted. "I don't want to go to a university where I don't feel safe," he said.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>The new partnership between the schools was forged with the help of a UCSD doctoral student with Compton roots and a Compton High teacher who is passionate about his students' being given a fair shake.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>Michael Navarro, a Ph.D. candidate in biological oceanography from Long Beach, spent time in Compton as a youngster visiting relatives and later taught part time at a Compton elementary school. "For me, Compton means family, it means tradition," he said.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>Navarro urged Haymet and others at Scripps to visit the high school and joined them for the first trip there. He said he wanted Compton teens to know "that the idiots who did the Compton Cookout are not representative of all the students at UCSD."</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>At Compton High, meanwhile, English and philosophy teacher Anthony Berryman helped organize a student group in the wake of the UC San Diego controversy. Named "CATCH17" (Compton Alliance To Confront Hate, and 17 for the age of most of its members), it brought African American and Latino students together in a common cause and triggered tough discussions about racial conflicts on their own campus, said Berryman.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>"I don't want to call the Compton Cookout a blessing, but it was a conduit to allow us to address these things which were nearly impossible for kids of different backgrounds in Compton to talk about," said Berryman. In February, he and several other Compton High teachers attended the protest rally at UC San Diego.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>The walls of Berryman's classroom are decorated with posters of Einstein, colleges, movies and rock groups. And on a plaque near the front door is an embossed copy of the letter the students sent to UC San Diego.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>No matter how many participate in the UC summer program, Berryman said he was delighted that Compton students who felt angry and insulted a few months ago can now talk about the issues with such a prominent scientist as Haymet.</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>"The idea that they are actively working to change the reputation of our city and our school gives them pride and satisfaction," said Berryman. "And for me, that's the best thing that comes out of this Compton Cookout business."</strong></p>
<p><br/><strong>At summer's end, Haymet said he wants to hold a barbecue for all involved and, politically incorrect though it may be, call it the real Compton Cookout. He said he wants Compton students to know that this will be more than a one-time shot. "We are in this for the long haul," he told them.</strong></p>
<p><br/><a href="mailto:larry.gordon@latimes.com"><strong>larry.gordon@latimes.com</strong></a><br/><strong><br/>Copyright © 2010, The Los Angeles Times<br/></strong></p>
Congratulations to Lonzo Eric Williams!!!
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2010-04-12:4977783:BlogPost:4951
2010-04-12T03:00:00.000Z
Phoebe Macon
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/PhoebeMacon
<img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806482862?profile=original"></img> <b><br></br><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/1412weg.jpg"></img></b> <img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/2lwkpc8.jpg"></img> <b>CONGRATULATIONS LONZO ON BEING FEATURED IN THE L.A. SENTINEL NEWSPAPER on Thursday April 8, 2010.<img src="http://images.boardhost.com/emoticons/grin.gif"></img> <br></br>WE YOUR CLASSMATES LOVE YOU & ARE EXTREMELY PROUD OF YOU. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK THAT YOU ARE DOING IN THE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS/INDUSTRY!!<br></br><br></br>Love and Blessings, Phoebe…</b><img src="http://images.boardhost.com/emoticons/grin.gif"></img>
<img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806482862?profile=original"/> <b><br/><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/1412weg.jpg"/></b><img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/2lwkpc8.jpg"/><b>CONGRATULATIONS LONZO ON BEING FEATURED IN THE L.A. SENTINEL NEWSPAPER on Thursday April 8, 2010.<img src="http://images.boardhost.com/emoticons/grin.gif"/> <br/>WE YOUR CLASSMATES LOVE YOU & ARE EXTREMELY PROUD OF YOU. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK THAT YOU ARE DOING IN THE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS/INDUSTRY!!<br/><br/>Love and Blessings, Phoebe</b><img src="http://images.boardhost.com/emoticons/grin.gif"/> <br/>
101 Small Pleasures You Can Enjoy Every Day
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2010-03-26:4977783:BlogPost:4047
2010-03-26T22:30:00.000Z
Phoebe Macon
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/PhoebeMacon
<img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2moz5o7.jpg"></img> <br></br><br></br><b>The small pleasures you enjoy that are worth more than anything money can buy, like walking on the beach and flying paper airplanes with your children. Since one of the key tenets of happiness is being able to savor small pleasures, here's a list of 101 delights that are worth enjoying today (not all in one day, though!). Let's try to come up with 101 more in the comments! <br></br><br></br><br></br>001-coloring (yes, grown-ups can do it, too) <br></br>002-crisp cotton sheets…</b>
<img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2moz5o7.jpg"/><br/><br/><b>The small pleasures you enjoy that are worth more than anything money can buy, like walking on the beach and flying paper airplanes with your children. Since one of the key tenets of happiness is being able to savor small pleasures, here's a list of 101 delights that are worth enjoying today (not all in one day, though!). Let's try to come up with 101 more in the comments! <br/><br/><br/>001-coloring (yes, grown-ups can do it, too) <br/>002-crisp cotton sheets <br/>003-soft skin <br/>004-old family recipes <br/>005-the first daffodils of spring <br/>006-sleeping in <br/>007-an exercise endorphin high <br/>008-window boxes <br/>009-a perfect cup of coffee <br/>010-a genuine compliment (giving or receiving) <br/>011-the way babies smell <br/>012-a handwritten letter <br/>013-waking up in a good mood...for no real reason <br/>014-singing in the shower <br/>015-finding a couple forgotten dollars in your pocket <br/>016-doing something nice for your neighbor <br/>017-a home cooked meal <br/>018-laughing <br/>019-movie theater popcorn <br/>020-playing hookey <br/>021-a bubble bath <br/>022-swimming <br/>023-an afternoon nap <br/>024-street musicians <br/>025-your favorite song <br/>026-saying thank you <br/>027-helping someone in need <br/>028-old fashioned photo booths <br/>029-fresh whipped cream <br/>030-inspiring blogs <br/>031-a glass of wine <br/>032-rainy afternoons <br/>033-the funny things kids say <br/>034-a novel you can get lost in <br/>035-finding the perfect piece of clothing...on sale <br/>036-clean laundry <br/>037-the wind in your hair <br/>038-treating the person behind you at the drive-thru <br/>039-sharing an umbrella <br/>040-the smell of lavender <br/>041-a long walk that clears your head <br/>042-a bear hug <br/>043-listening to Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson, Luther Vandross, etc... <br/>044-smiling at a stranger <br/>045-eating with chopsticks (Chinese food optional) <br/>046-butterflies <br/>047-staying in your pj's all day <br/>048-singing along to the radio and knowing all the words <br/>049-fresh herbs <br/>050-ordering in pizza <br/>051-happy endings...even if they're fictional <br/>052-flying a kite <br/>053-puppies <br/>054-root beer floats <br/>055-holding open the door... <br/>056-...or having someone hold the door for you <br/>057-fountain soda <br/>058-white, fluffy towels <br/>059-sunshine <br/>060-spending an afternoon at a museum <br/>061-really great advice <br/>062-green lights all the way home <br/>063-the sound of rain hitting the windows <br/>064-sitting in a booth <br/>065-holding hands <br/>066-a great hair day with no effort <br/>067-building a fort with your kids <br/>068-when someone falls asleep with their head on your shoulder <br/>069-fireflies <br/>070-the perfect taco <br/>071-geraniums on a windowsill <br/>072-slow dancing <br/>073-the smell of fresh-baked bread <br/>074-cheesy, uplifting musicals <br/>075-great stories <br/>076-the smell of gasoline (or not)... <br/>077-the cold side of the pillow <br/>078-love letters <br/>079-old friends... <br/>080-...new friends <br/>081-a pull-through parking space <br/>082-a baguette -- crisp on the outside, airy on the inside <br/>083-when a dog licks your hand (or not)... <br/>084-sitting at the counter at an old-fashioned diner <br/>085-using your favorite dishes <br/>086-reading your child a bedtime story <br/>087-Girl Scout Cookies <br/>088-flossing <br/>089-kissing someone you love <br/>090-the smell of onions and garlic cooking <br/>091-hot chocolate <br/>092-jumping in puddles <br/>093-old photographs <br/>094-birds hopping on the sidewalk <br/>095-Ella Fitzgerald <br/>096-a spoonful of peanut butter straight from the jar <br/>097-your softest t-shirt <br/>098-a new magazine in the mail <br/>099-fireplaces <br/>100-having exact change <br/>101-bacon and pancakes cooking on Saturday morning</b>
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Warning: New Drug In Schools (Pass the Info. On)!!
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2010-03-26:4977783:BlogPost:4036
2010-03-26T05:33:32.000Z
Phoebe Macon
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/PhoebeMacon
<img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/2e5imtg.jpg"></img> <font size="2"><br></br><br></br></font><b><font size="2">New Drug in Schools... <br></br><br></br>Please pass this on even if you do not have kids in school. Parents should know about this killer drug. <br></br>Grandparents, send it to your family and friends. <br></br><br></br>This is a new drug known as 'strawberry quick '. <br></br>There is a very scary thing going on in the schools right now that we all need to be aware of. <br></br><br></br>There is a type of crystal meth going around that looks like strawberry pop…</font></b>
<img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/2e5imtg.jpg"/> <font size="2"><br/><br/></font><b><font size="2">New Drug in Schools... <br/><br/>Please pass this on even if you do not have kids in school. Parents should know about this killer drug. <br/>Grandparents, send it to your family and friends. <br/><br/>This is a new drug known as 'strawberry quick '. <br/>There is a very scary thing going on in the schools right now that we all need to be aware of. <br/><br/>There is a type of crystal meth going around that looks like strawberry pop rocks (the candy that sizzles and 'pops' in your mouth). It also smells like strawberry and it is being handed out to kids in school yards. They are calling it strawberry meth or strawberry quick. <br/><br/>Kids are ingesting this thinking that it is candy and being rushed off to the hospital in dire condition. It also comes in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape and orange. <br/><br/>Please instruct your children not to accept candy from strangers and even not to accept candy that looks like this from a friend (who may have been given it and believed it is candy) and to take any that they may have to a teacher, principal, etc.. immediately. <br/><br/>Pass this email on to as many people as you can (even if they don't have kids) so that we can raise awareness and hopefully prevent any tragedies from occurring. <br/><br/><br/></font><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,271215,00.html"><font size="2">http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,271215,00.html</font></a></b>
A Victory: Congress Clears Historic Health Care Bill !!
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2010-03-22:4977783:BlogPost:3865
2010-03-22T05:30:00.000Z
Phoebe Macon
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/PhoebeMacon
<img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/o6hgyx.jpg"></img> <br></br><br></br><strong>WASHINGTON – Summoned to success by President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled Congress approved historic legislation Sunday night extending health care to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and cracking down on insurance company abuses, a climactic chapter in the century-long quest for near universal coverage. <br></br><br></br>"This is what change looks like," Obama said a few moments later in televised remarks that stirred memories of his 2008 campaign…</strong>
<img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/o6hgyx.jpg"/> <br/><br/><strong>WASHINGTON – Summoned to success by President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled Congress approved historic legislation Sunday night extending health care to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and cracking down on insurance company abuses, a climactic chapter in the century-long quest for near universal coverage. <br/><br/>"This is what change looks like," Obama said a few moments later in televised remarks that stirred memories of his 2008 campaign promise of "change we can believe in." <br/><br/>Widely viewed as dead two months ago, the Senate-passed bill cleared the House on a 219-212 vote. Republicans were unanimous in opposition, joined by 34 dissident Democrats. <br/><br/>A second, smaller measure — making changes in the first — cleared the House shortly before midnight and was sent to the Senate, where Democratic leaders said they had the votes necessary to pass it quickly. The vote was 220-211. <br/><br/>Obama's young presidency received a badly needed boost as a deeply divided Congress passed legislation touching the lives of nearly every American. The battle for the future of the health insurance system — affecting one-sixth of the economy — galvanized Republicans and conservative activists looking ahead to November's midterm elections. <br/><br/>Far beyond the political ramifications — a concern the president repeatedly insisted he paid no mind — were the sweeping changes the bill held in store for Americans, insured or not, as well as the insurance industry and health care providers that face either smaller than anticipated payments from Medicare or higher taxes. <br/><br/>The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the legislation awaiting the president's approval would extend coverage to 32 million Americans who lack it, ban insurers from denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions and cut deficits by an estimated $138 billion over a decade. If realized, the expansion of coverage would include 95 percent of all eligible individuals under age 65. <br/><br/>For the first time, most Americans would be required to purchase insurance, and face penalties if they refused. Much of the money in the bill would be devoted to subsidies to help families at incomes of up to $88,000 a year pay their premiums. <br/><br/>The second measure, which House Democrats demanded before agreeing to approve the first, included enough money to close a gap in the Medicare prescription drug coverage over the next decade, starting with an election-season rebate of $250 later this year for seniors facing high costs. <br/><br/>Much of the cost would be covered by the pharmaceutical industry, which made a deal months ago with the White House in which it pledged to spend lavishly on television ads to help pass the bill. <br/><br/>It also included sweeping changes in the student loan program, an administration priority that has been stalled in the Senate for months. It would have the government originate all student loans, denying banks and other private lenders of a lucrative business they have long had. Much of the savings would go into increased Pell Grants for needy college students, but black and Hispanic colleges would also benefit. <br/><br/>For the president, the events capped an 18-day stretch in which he traveled to four states and lobbied more than 60 wavering lawmakers in person or by phone to secure passage of his signature domestic issue. According to some who met with him, he warned that the bill's demise could cripple his still-young presidency, and his aides hoped to use the victory on health care as a springboard to success on bills to tackle stubbornly high unemployment that threatens Democratic prospects in the fall. <br/><br/>Obama watched the vote in the White House's Roosevelt Room with Vice President Joe Biden and dozens of aides, exchanged high fives with Rahm Emanuel, his chief of staff, and then telephoned Speaker Nancy Pelosi with congratulations. <br/><br/>"We proved that we are still a people capable of doing big things," he said later in the White House East Room. "We proved that this government — a government of the people and by the people — still works for the people. <br/><br/>Crowds of protesters outside the Capitol shouted "just vote no" in a futile attempt to stop the inevitable taking place inside a House packed with lawmakers and ringed with spectators in the galleries above. <br/><br/>Across hours of debate, House Democrats predicted the larger of the two bills, costing $940 billion over a decade, would rank with other great social legislation of recent decades. <br/><br/>"We will be joining those who established Social Security, Medicare and now, tonight, health care for all Americans, said Pelosi, D-Calif., partner to Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., in the grueling campaign to pass the legislation. <br/><br/>"This is the civil rights act of the 21st century," added Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, the top-ranking black member of the House. <br/><br/>Republicans readily agreed the bill would affect everyone in America, but warned repeatedly of the burden imposed by more than $900 billion in tax increases and Medicare cuts combined. <br/><br/>"We have failed to listen to America," said Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, leader of a party that has vowed to carry the fight into the fall's midterm elections for control of Congress. <br/><br/>The final obstacle to the bill's passage was cleared at mid-afternoon when Obama and Democratic leaders reached a compromise with anti-abortion lawmakers whose rebellion had left the outcome in doubt. The White House announced the president would issue an executive order pledging that no federal funds would be used for elective abortion, satisfying Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan and a handful of like-minded lawmakers. <br/><br/>A spokesman for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed skepticism that the presidential order would satisfy the church's objections. <br/><br/>Republican abortion foes also said Obama's proposed order was insufficient, and when Stupak sought to counter them, a shout of "baby killer" could be heard coming from the Republican side of the chamber. <br/><br/>The measure would also usher in a significant expansion of Medicaid, the federal-state health care program for the poor. Coverage would be required for incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, $29,327 a year for a family of four. Childless adults would be covered for the first time, starting in 2014. <br/><br/>The insurance industry, which spent millions on advertising trying to block the bill, would come under new federal regulation. They would be forbidden from placing lifetime dollar limits on policies, from denying coverage to children because of pre-existing conditions and from canceling policies when a policyholder becomes ill. <br/><br/>Parents would be able to keep children up to age 26 on their family insurance plans, three years longer than is now the case. <br/><br/>A new high-risk pool would offer coverage to uninsured people with medical problems until 2014, when the coverage expansion would go into high gear. <br/><br/>Obama has said often that presidents of both parties have tried without success to achieve national health insurance, beginning with Theodore Roosevelt early in the 20th century. <br/><br/>The 44th president's quest to succeed where others have failed seemed at a dead end two months ago, when Republicans won a special election for a Massachusetts Senate seat, and with it, the votes to prevent a final vote. <br/><br/>But the White House, Pelosi and Reid soon came up with a rescue plan that required the House to approve the Senate-passed measure despite opposition to many of its provisions, then have both houses pass a fix-it measure incorporating numerous changes. <br/><br/>To pay for the changes, the legislation includes more than $400 billion in higher taxes over a decade, roughly half of it from a new Medicare payroll tax on individuals with incomes over $200,000 and couples over $250,000. A new excise tax on high-cost insurance policies was significantly scaled back in deference to complaints from organized labor. <br/><br/>In addition, the bills cut more than $500 billion from planned payments to hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and other providers that treat Medicare patients. An estimated $200 billion would reduce planned subsidies to insurance companies that offer a private alternative to traditional Medicare. <br/><br/>The insurance industry warned that seniors would face sharply higher premiums as a result, and the Congressional Budget Office said many would return to traditional Medicare as a result. <br/><br/>The subsidies are higher than those for seniors on traditional Medicare, a difference that critics complain is wasteful, but insurance industry officials argue goes into expanded benefits. <br/><br/>____ <br/><br/>Associated Press writers Jim Kuhnhenn and Erica Werner contributed to this report. <br/></strong><p></p>
Mo'Nique Wins An Academy Award For "Precious"!!
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2010-03-08:4977783:BlogPost:3587
2010-03-08T05:50:36.000Z
Phoebe Macon
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/PhoebeMacon
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<p><br></br><strong>Odds-on favorite for best supporting actress, "Precious" star Mo'nique accepted the award presented by Robin Williams. It was the movie's second win for the night; it was Mo'Nique's 10th since the start of awards season.</strong></p>
<p><strong>"First, I would like to thank the Academy for showing it can be about the performance and not the politics," she said. Mo'Nique also thanked her…</strong></p>
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<p><br/><strong>Odds-on favorite for best supporting actress, "Precious" star Mo'nique accepted the award presented by Robin Williams. It was the movie's second win for the night; it was Mo'Nique's 10th since the start of awards season.</strong></p>
<p><strong>"First, I would like to thank the Academy for showing it can be about the performance and not the politics," she said. Mo'Nique also thanked her husband "for showing me sometimes you have to forgo doing what's popular to do what's right."</strong></p>
<p><strong>Oscar forecasters had said the acting awards were in little doubt, a prediction that was bolstered when overwhelming favorite Christoph Waltz took home an Oscar for his performance as Col. Hans Landa in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds."</strong></p>
<p><strong>In two more non-shockers, "Up" won the Academy Award for best animated feature, and the Oscar for best original song went to Ryan Bingham and T-Bone Burnett for their collaboration on "The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)."</strong></p>
<p><strong>Somewhat less predictably, "The Hurt Locker" won its first Oscar for best original screenplay. Former journalist Mark Boal accepted the award and dedicated it to all the troops still serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Matthew Broderick and Molly Ringwald delivered a touching tribute to John Hughes, who died in August 2009. Before introducing a montage of Hughes' films, Broderick shared that every day of his life, someone taps him on the shoulder and says: "Hey, Ferris, is today your day off?" The pair was soon joined onstage by Brat Packers Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Jon Cryer, Anthony Michael Hall, and "Home Alone" star Macaulay Culkin.</strong></p>
<p><strong>For its opening act, Hollywood's biggest night began with all 10 best-actor and best-actress nominees lined up onstage, à la "American Idol." Then, 2009's Tony host, Neil Patrick Harris -- in what's most likely a sneak preview of the 2011 Oscars -- surprisingly appeared onstage to sing and dance his way through the opening musical number.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Soon the actual hosts, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, descended from above and delivered a routine that included jabs at their fellow actors in the crowd and an explanation of the Oscar voting process that, as Baldwin explained, always ends by nominating Meryl Streep. Streep was honored by Martin for her record as the most nominated actor of all time or, as Martin characterized it, "the most losses."</strong></p>
Fantasia Barrino Plays Celie In The Color Purple!!!
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2010-02-16:4977783:BlogPost:1662
2010-02-16T04:00:00.000Z
Phoebe Macon
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/PhoebeMacon
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<p><strong><font size="2">American Idol third-season winner Fantasia Barrino stars in the role of Celie in the Broadway production of The Color Purple for 3 weeks only (Feb. 10-28) at the Pantages Theatre (on Hollywood & Vine). The Color Purple tells the inspiring story of a woman, who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover…</font></strong></p>
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<p><strong><font size="2">American Idol third-season winner Fantasia Barrino stars in the role of Celie in the Broadway production of The Color Purple for 3 weeks only (Feb. 10-28) at the Pantages Theatre (on Hollywood & Vine). The Color Purple tells the inspiring story of a woman, who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Directed by Gary Griffin, the musical opened at the Broadway Theatre on December 1, 2005. LaChanze won the 2006 Tony Award for her performance as Celie; the role was also being played by Kenita R. Miller and now currently by Fantasia Barrino. <br/><br/>Barrino, a native of High Point, NC, was voted the winner of American Idol in 2004, defeating Diana DeGarmo who went on to play Penny Pingleton in Hairspray. Barrino's autobiography, Life Is Not a Fairy Tale, became a New York Times best-seller and formed the basis for a Lifetime original movie directed by Debbie Allen in which the singer played herself. She has released two solo CD's with a third due out soon. Fantasia also sang a new version of Stevie Wonder's “I Wish” with Patti LaBelle and Yolanda Adams on the Happy Feet movie soundtrack. <br/><br/>“I want to let the people who buy my music know that if I'm going to be any kind of role model or a person they look up to, then they have to ask the question I asked myself: 'After the pain, where am I gonna go?'” Barrino writes on her official website. “You can't hold on to the pain forever, so you have to lift your head up, say, 'That's my past, now what's next?' For me, it's a brand new Fantasia: I'm here to tell everyone that dreams DO come true, you can't give up…and me, hey, I'm gonna ride this train till the wheels fall off!”</font></strong></p>
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2010-02-12:4977783:BlogPost:1434
2010-02-12T19:26:15.000Z
Phoebe Macon
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/PhoebeMacon
<p>"VALENTINE'S DAY" is a wonderful day,</p>
<p>To "Send Love" To All Of My Classmates & Centennial High Alumni Friends!!</p>
<p>HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!</p>
<p>Love and Blessings, Phoebe Macon c/o '75</p>
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<p>"VALENTINE'S DAY" is a wonderful day,</p>
<p>To "Send Love" To All Of My Classmates & Centennial High Alumni Friends!!</p>
<p>HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!</p>
<p>Love and Blessings, Phoebe Macon c/o '75</p>
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"THANK YOU" APACHE LADIES & GENTLEMEN FRIENDS!!
tag:www.centennialhighalumni.com,2010-02-07:4977783:BlogPost:1055
2010-02-07T01:51:23.000Z
Phoebe Macon
http://www.centennialhighalumni.com/profile/PhoebeMacon
"THANK YOU" APACHE LADIES & APACHE GENTLEMEN FRIENDS for Supporting the Centennette, Rally Club & Friends Group, The "All In The Family" Group, & The "Apache Sharing Corner" Group. These Groups are for "ALL" Apaches (Male & Female)!!<br/>Much Love To All Of You!!<br/>Love & Blessings, Phoebe Macon c/o '75
"THANK YOU" APACHE LADIES & APACHE GENTLEMEN FRIENDS for Supporting the Centennette, Rally Club & Friends Group, The "All In The Family" Group, & The "Apache Sharing Corner" Group. These Groups are for "ALL" Apaches (Male & Female)!!<br/>Much Love To All Of You!!<br/>Love & Blessings, Phoebe Macon c/o '75