» California has approved a $7.6 billion pandemic relief package. The package includes $2.1 billion in grants and fee waivers for small businesses, and $600 stimulus checks for qualifying state residents.  [Los Angeles Times]
» Labor activists are calling for a boycott of Ralphs and Food 4 Less. The grocery chainsâ parent company, Kroger, has been criticized for its treatment of staff during the pandemic and, recently, closing locations in Black and Latino neighborhoods of Long Beach in protest of that cityâs âhero payâ ordinance.  [ABC Los Angeles]
» TIMEâS UP leaders say there should be âno comebackâ for film director Brett Ratner, who has been accused of sexual harassment and misconduct by multiple women. The statement was made in response to an announcement that Ratner is already working on a new film.  [Hollywood Reporter]
» One person was wounded in a shooting near the Hollywood & Highland shopping center on Monday afternoon. Police are searching for a suspect who fled the scene.  [Los Angeles Times]
» Lisa Vanderpumpâs restaurants PUMP and Villa Blanca are being sued for unpaid debts to a produce vendor. West Central Produce claims the restaurants took in thousands of dollars worth of fruits and vegetables without paying for them in full.  [TMZ]
TOP STORIES FROM L.A. MAG
» LAUSD Expects to Resume Some In-Person Instruction Next Week Superintendent Beutner says âa more complete reopening of schoolsâ is slated for April 9
» A Pasadena Company Has Developed a Fast, Cheap, At-Home COVID Testâbut the FDA Has Been Slow to Approve Innovaâs rapid test kits are being shipped off to 20 countries, but havenât yet received approval to be sold in the U.S.
» A New Book Takes a Long Overdue Look at the History of Native Americans in Comedy Comedy historian Kliph Nesteroff chronicles 150 years of Native comedy, from the days of Wild West shows to the internet age
ONE MORE THING
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Black History Month Spotlight: Record Store Owner and Label Founder John Dolphin
Originally from Oklahoma, John Dolphin (1902-1958), nicknamed âLovinâ John,â was a pioneering producer, music label founder, and owner of the legendary South Los Angeles 24-hour record store Dolphinâs of Hollywood.
A major creative hub in the early days of rock ânâ roll and R&B, Dolphinâs radio show would introduce hits, including the Penguinsâ âEarth Angel,â to fans across the country. He also promoted the music of Sam Cooke, Charles Mingus, and many other new Black artists. Dolphin was active in the civil rights movement, organizing Black business owners against police intimidation and racism.
Tragically, he was murdered in his office in 1958 by a disgruntled musician, but the music he helped create lives on.
 [FIND ALL OUR BHM PROFILES HERE]
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