Carson Stadium Moving Forward

Carson’s City Council recently approved the two NFL team stadium that is to be built at the intersection of the 405 and 110 freeway, making the stadium on step closer becoming tangible.  The two-team football venue intended to house the Chargers and the Raiders is sporting new looks as well that includes a more airy, open layout and a tower over 100 feet tall that, on occasion, will shoot lightning bolts.  The updated plans show that the oval-shaped, roofless stadium will have a “contiguous exterior” with a large opening at its base. The seating would be arranged in a U around that gap, which the architects believe will “help surround the field with noise.” Seating colors are still being decided, but it’s possible that they’ll be clear so they can “reflect the color of lights shining on them.”  The most exciting feature of the updated Carson design is obviously its 115 to120-foot-tall tower, which will be encased in glass, topped with a cauldron, and transformed depending on which team is playing. When the Chargers are on the field, lightning bolts will zap around inside the tower’s glass enclosure. When the Chargers score a touchdown, lightning will shoot out of the top of the tower. When the Raiders are having a home game, the plan is for the cauldron to fill with fire, like the Olympic flame

Carson Greenlights Stadium

New Stadium Design

The latest renderings for the joint football venue come from Manica Architecture. Their version of the stadium is intended to recall the LA Coliseum, but was also inspired by the fluid movement of sports cars (that rendering with a Porsche in the foreground really drives this connection home).

The most exciting feature of the updated Carson design is obviously its 115 to120-foot-tall tower, which will be encased in glass, topped with a cauldron, and transformed depending on which team is playing. When the Chargers are on the field, lightning bolts will zap around inside the tower’s glass enclosure. When the Chargers score a touchdown, lightning will shoot out of the top of the tower. When the Raiders are having a home game, the plan is for the cauldron to fill with fire, like the Olympic flame, as a nod to the late Raiders owner/manager Al Davis. (Unfortunately, “The plan would not call for the flame toburst up from the tower in the event of a Raiders touchdown,” which just seems unfair.) If the Carson stadium ever hosted a Super Bowl, the plan is to turn the tower into an enormous Lombardi Trophy.

Radiers and Chargers Propose Stadium In Carson

So this is all over the internet but I still decided to cover it, so the Raiders and Chargers are supposed to be teaming up to build a $1.7 billion stadium in Carson near the 110 and 405 Freeway interchange. I personally believe this is a last ditch effort for both teams to get new stadiums in there current markets, playing the whole “if you don’t build us a new stadium we’re moving to LA.”  The teams are working with “Carson2gether,” a group of businesses and labor leaders. The coalition announced the project today at a news conference near the 168-acre site, a parcel at the southwest quadrant of the intersection of the 405 Freeway and Del Amo Boulevard.  No shade Carson, but I still support the stadium in Inglewood but lets see how this pencils out.

Raiders and Chargers coming to LA

Carson2gether

West Carson To Receive A Regional Transit Hub

West Carson is getting some well needed attention with the announcement of a Regional Hub and even talk about building a community around it.  West Carson is slated to become Eastern South Bay’s regional transportation hub near the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (I believe Torrance is building one too).  The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a state grant that will use $491,770 develop a plan aimed at improving transportation, sustainability and increase housing in the area.  The Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning will  create a master plan that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developing a sustainable community project within a ½ mile radius of the West Carson Metro station.

East South Bay’s Regional Transportation Hub

Halloween Children’s Celebration At Del Amo Mall

Families can join Simon Kidgits Club for a special Halloween event, presented by Twentieth Century Fox, that focuses on fun fall festivities for kids

With nearly 158 million consumers participating in Halloween activities this year¹, Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG), a leading global retail real estate company, is helping communities make the most of the exciting, eerie seasonal occasion. Del Amo Fashion Centerwill host its annual Simon Kidgits Club^® Halloween Spooktacular event on Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to noon in JoAnn’s Court, providing children the chance to enjoy the fall holiday with a special spooky experience that’s close to home.

In celebration of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s Blu-ray/DVD releases of children’s movies The Croods (Oct. 1), Monsters vs. Aliens: Cloning Around (Oct. 15), Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness: The Scorpion Sting (Oct. 15) and Dragons Riders of Berk Part 1 and Part 2 (July 23), kids can partake in even more activities inspired by the films:

• Creepy, cool crafts: Make a mask from The Croods, try out Monsters vs. Aliens: Cloning Around temporary tattoos or design a flying dragon to mirror the character Hiccup from Dragons Riders of Berk, all in the spirit getting creative for Halloween.
• Engaging games & photo opportunities: Get in on the Kung Fu Panda chopstick game and snap a photo with a life-sized TheCroods standee to capture the terrific, terrifying experience.
• Trick-or-treat take-homes: Walk away with The Croods treat bag, Kidgits member-exclusive Halloween goodie, chance to win one of these popular DVD titles, coupons for parents and other surprises for families.

In addition, parents and costumed kids can enjoy traditional seasonal offerings during the family-friendly special celebration, including face painting by Magic Brush and Halloween-inspired crafts. Children will have the chance to make pumpkin face crafts, photo frame magnets, masks, ghost door hangers and can also participate in Halloween coloring. Simon Kidgits Club members will receive The Croods Halloween Trick-or-Treat Goody Bags filled with giveaways and a mini pumpkin, while supplies last.

“We know people come to Simon Malls to shop for décor, costumes and candy, plus we recognize our property serves as a community gathering place for social experiences and more,” said Lindsay Hermance, director of marketing and business development at Del Amo Fashion Center. “That’s why Simon Kidgits Club is delivering parents a platform to let their little ones truly experience a holiday they look forward to – Halloween.”

While you’re celebrating, pick out a special gourd at the Bob and Joanne Cottone and Sons Pumpkin Patch, open now through October 30 at 21573 Madrona Avenue, located at Del Amo Fashion Center next to Black Angus Restaurant. The pumpkin patch also features bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides and, of course, pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. They also carry straw bales, corn stalks, Indian corn, gourds, handmade crafts and all your different colored squash for harvest decorating. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Visit http://www.cottoneandsonspch.com/pumpkins.html for more information.

The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8. Since 2003, the Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games.

Kidgits Club members receive a variety of perks and goodies, including a Kidgits Club T-shirt, membership card, birthday gift, chance to spin the prize wheel each visit to the mall, discounts and scheduled activities. For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club, visit http://www.simon.com/kidgits/ or Del Amo Fashion Center on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DelAmoFashionCenter, Twitter at https://twitter.com/delamofashion or Instagram at http://instagram.com/delamofashion.

Carson Mayor To Speak On Neighborhood Sitting On Toxic Land

Carson Mayor Jim Dear Will Speak On The Carousel Contamination and other issues on the Hutchinson Report

 

Political Analyst and Hutchinson Report Host Earl Ofari Hutchinson on September 13, 2013, will conduct an exclusive in studio interview with Carson Mayor Jim Dear on his weekly Hutchinson Report at 9:00 AM PST,Noon EST, on KTYM Radio (1460 AM) streamed globally on ktym.com and on blogtalkradio.com. He will address the Carousel Housing tract contamination as well as remedies being taken to improve the city’s image, as well as other areas of concern.  

 

“Carson is wrestling with a very serious problem,” says Hutchinson.  “Mayor Dear will discuss what he is doing to address this situation and his plans for making Carson a destination city.”

Ladies Night At Del Amo Mall Sept. 12

Women from coast to coast can mark their calendars and get ready to experience some of their favorite things during a single evening of fabulous fun. Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG), a leading global retail real estate company, is once again making its shopping centers the place for ladies to be as Del Amo Fashion Center hosts its annual Girl’s Night Out event, presented by Diet Coke and The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, on Thursday, September 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Outdoor Promenade. Because women simply deserve a special night dedicated to them, Simon Malls are providing the perfect outlet for letting loose with friends.

“It’s important for women to celebrate one another and enjoy spending time on themselves,” said Lindsay Hermance, director of marketing and business development at Del Amo Fashion Center. “We simply want to support women at a familiar place they like to be – their favorite Simon mall.”

Simon Malls® Girl’s Night Out attendees will have the chance to take advantage of a variety of trendy advice and pampering offerings dedicated to women only, aiming to help them feel and look their best:

• Sunset Sips & Snacks – At sunset, hundreds of women will simultaneously toast each other with a sip of Diet Coke, marking their extraordinary achievements and multi-faceted lifestyle roles they represent. Additional hors d’oeuvres will be available, including mini chimichangas with chips and salsa from Acapulco, light bites from BJ’s Restaurant and RA Sushi, new fruit and veggie smoothie samples from Jamba Juice, hummus sampling from the Lazy Dog Café, popcorn samples from Popcornopolis and pretzel and lemonade samples from Wetzel’s Pretzels. Attendees can also try fare from the recently opened Vegas Seafood Buffet.
• Style, Beauty & Expert Advice – With fall fashion on shelves, retailers will provide women an opportunity to save on several of the latest looks, including fall fashion previews from Francesca’s Collections, Irene’s Story, Old Navy, and more. Hair, make-up and massage teams will be on hand to help attendees refresh and relax with pampering services and beauty tips. Ladies can get pampered with hand, fragrance and gifting demonstrations from Bath & Body Works, hair care samples from Salon Vivace, henna tattoos from Vogue Salon, makeup touch-ups and skin and hair consultations from Vicara Aveda Salon, and mini-facials from Origins. In-store, Origins will also do five-minute makeup makeovers, while Merle Norman will provide a complimentary skin assessment, express facial or express makeover.
• Girls-Only Giveaways – The first 250 women to attend Del Amo Fashion Center’s event and check in at the Registration Table with their name, e-mail and phone number will receive an exclusive gift bag packed with free product samples, retailer coupons, Del Amo Fashion Center hot pink tumbler and other surprises. Anthropologie will provide sips and treats, as well as personal shopping in-store.
• Girl-time Fun – Girl’s Night Out is a time for ladies to let their hair down and have some fun. Attendees can pose with funny and creative props at Del Amo Fashion Center’s mini photobooth, or check out magic tricks from Arty the Loon. Arty has performed for MTV, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Disney, NBC-Universal, Michael Jackson, Rihanna, and many more!For more information on The Arty Loon Show, visit www.artyloonshow.com.

 Simon Malls and presenting Girl’s Night Out marketing partners are encouraging women to create even more moments for ladies-only activities beyond the main event. Attendees will have the chance to enter to win Simon Malls Ultimate Girls Night Out with Keith Urban, where one nationwide winner and a guest will attend a concert as part of the country music star’s Light The Fuse tour. Plus, attendees are invited to learn more about The British Virgin Islands and enter for a chance to win a trip to this Caribbean paradise beginning September 13^th.

 “The British Virgin Islands is a destination for relaxation, rejuvenation and total enjoyment. That same positive atmosphere can be found at Simon Malls Girl’s Night Out,” said Ms. Perla George, General Manager of North America Marketing for the BVI Tourist Board. “With more private island resorts than any other Caribbean destination, as well as a plethora of idyllic settings and experiences perfect for girlfriend getaways, family vacations or romantic retreats, the BVI offers a Caribbean paradise just for you, whatever vacation experience you seek.”

Simon Malls’ Girl’s Night Out events are free and open to women of all ages. For more information, visit http://www.simon.com/girlsnightout and https://www.facebook.com/events/calendar/2013/September/12. Visit Del Amo Fashion Center on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/DelAmoFashionCenter, Twitter at https://twitter.com/delamofashion or Instagram at http://instagram.com/delamofashion.

TODAY! “What Do We Tell Our Sons?”

In light of the Trayvon Martin case, Atty. Jaaye Person-Lynn will moderate a panel tonight: What Do We Tell Our Sons? Please don’t miss this forum from the legal perspective! Don’t let your sons and daughters navigate Los Angeles without these details! Sponsored by Black Women Lawyers, Inc., and N.A.N.

Today! Thursday, August 15, from 5-8pm, (light refreshments from 5-6pm and discussion from 6-8pm), at First AME Church, 2270 S. Harvard Blvd., LA, CA 90018, our legal community will communicate the law as it relates to the Zimmerman verdict in Florida and racial profiling in California.

This is forum is your legal community in action, doing our part to ensure that Trayvon Martin’s, Kendrick McDade’s, Oscar Grant’s, and the many others unnecessary deaths will not be in vein.  Knowledge is Power and gives Confidence.  This is literally the type of knowledge that saves lives! I look forward to seeing you.

How Do I Get There?

Carson Neighborhood Sitting On Top Shell Oil Toxic Landfill!

Discovered 5 years ago, Carson’s  Carousel neighborhood is sitting on top a toxic landfill.  Frustrated by years of delay and protracted cleanup efforts, the mayor of Carson has called on city leaders to declare a state of emergency over polluted soil that is affecting a neighborhood of about 300 homes.  Shell Oil was ordered more than two years ago to implement a clean up plan for the South Bay neighborhood but yet nothing has actually been done.  Shell Oil  once owned and used to store barrels of oil on and under the land. Past testing has found cancer-causing and toxic chemicals under homes in soil, soil vapor, and in groundwater.  Carson’s Mayor, Mayor Jim Dear, called on the city council to declare a local emergency, a move he said might be used to prod regulators into action and ultimately force Shell to buy up all the homes, relocate residents and replace the contaminated ground with clean soil.

“It’s been 5 years since the situation was discovered, and we’ve gone through a long, long process of discovery and analysis and a legal order to clean the land, but it just seems to me that a delay game is being played with the lives of the residents of the Carousel tract, and that’s why we’re taking this kind of more dramatic action,” Dear said in an interview by phone.

State of Emergency in Carson

Carousel Neighborhood in Carson

Judge Orders CleanUp

 

Home Depot Out, StubHub In

Home Depot Center no more, now introducing the StubHub Center.  Home to LA Galaxy and LA Chivas Soccer Teams, the former Home Depot Center will now be known as one the most popular places to buy sports tickets online, StubHub Center.  I wonder if this has anything to do with the LA Chivas looking for a new home.  Before the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team takes the field Wednesday against the Portland Timbers, the sports facility that for the last decade bore the home improvement chain’s name will be re-christened the StubHub Center.

“Soccer is the key sport in the rest of the world,” StubHub spokesman Glenn Lehrman said. “Strategically, it made sense to put our name on a soccer stadium as we try to expand internationally.”

StubHub Center

2013 Fruit Tree Giveaway

The Social Justice Institute, along with Inglewood Unified School District and Tree People are sponsoring a free Fruit Tree at the 2013 Fruit Tree Giveaway Festival Saturday, January 26th, 2013 from 10:00am – 4:00pm.  The Friut Tree Giveaway Festival will be held at Morningside High School (10500 Yukon Ave. Inglewood, CA 90303) .  Be sure to apply for your free friut tree http://www.sjli-cp.org/FTDP, call 323.952.3466 or email dsteele@sjli-cp.org to reserve your tree TODAY!