Shervin Aazami, holding his son Barrett and a sign, protests outside City Hall during the Los Angeles Council meeting. AP
Shervin Aazami, holding his son Barrett and a sign, protests outside City Hall during the Los Angeles Council meeting. AP
Los Angeles Urban Policy summit president Earl Ofari Hutchinson and Donna Dymally after leaked audio recordings revealed leaders made racist remarks. AFP
Los Angeles Urban Policy summit president Earl Ofari Hutchinson and Donna Dymally after leaked audio recordings revealed leaders made racist remarks. AFP
Faith, labour, immigrant and community leaders rally outside Los Angeles City Hall to denounce racism and demand change. AFP
Faith, labour, immigrant and community leaders rally outside Los Angeles City Hall to denounce racism and demand change. AFP
Veronica Sance participates in a rally outside City Hall to denounce racism and demand change on October 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California, in response to a recorded, racially charged leaked conversation between leaders at City Hall and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President. - Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nury Martinez is facing a torrent of criticism and calls for her resignation following the release of a taped recording from almost a year ago of racially charged remarks she made. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP)
Veronica Sance participates in a rally outside City Hall to denounce racism and demand change on October 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California, in response to a recorded, racially charged leaked conversation between leaders at City Hall and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President. - Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nury Martinez is facing a torrent of criticism and calls for her resignation following the release of a taped recording from almost a year ago of racially charged remarks she made. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP)
Pastor Kelvin Sauls speaks out after a recorded, racially charged leaked conversation between leaders at City Hall and the president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labour. AFP
Pastor Kelvin Sauls speaks out after a recorded, racially charged leaked conversation between leaders at City Hall and the president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labour. AFP
Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez with Mayor Eric Garcetti this year. AP
Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez with Mayor Eric Garcetti this year. AP
Ms Martinez and Mr Garcetti this year. The Orange County Register / AP
Ms Martinez and Mr Garcetti this year. The Orange County Register / AP
Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de Leon is one of the leaders heard on the incriminating recording. EPA
Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de Leon is one of the leaders heard on the incriminating recording. EPA
Congressman Jimmy Gomez of California has denounced the remarks and called for resignations. Getty / AFP
Congressman Jimmy Gomez of California has denounced the remarks and called for resignations. Getty / AFP
LA mayoral candidate Karen Bass addresses the Women's March Action Rally for Reproductive Rights at Mariachi Plaza on Sunday. AFP
LA mayoral candidate Karen Bass addresses the Women's March Action Rally for Reproductive Rights at Mariachi Plaza on Sunday. AFP
Angry LA residents made their feelings known at the Los Angeles City Council meeting on Tuesday. AP
Angry LA residents made their feelings known at the Los Angeles City Council meeting on Tuesday. AP
Ms Martinez issued an apology and expressed shame, but has yet to resign. AP
Ms Martinez issued an apology and expressed shame, but has yet to resign. AP
Protesters outside City Hall during the Los Angeles Council meeting on Tuesday. AP
Protesters outside City Hall during the Los Angeles Council meeting on Tuesday. AP
A protester holds a sign with the names of council members purportedly on the offensive recording. AP
A protester holds a sign with the names of council members purportedly on the offensive recording. AP
Los Angeles City Council member Mike Bonin pauses while speaking to his supporters before starting the meeting on Tuesday. AP
Los Angeles City Council member Mike Bonin pauses while speaking to his supporters before starting the meeting on Tuesday. AP

World

US

Los Angeles City Councilwoman resigns after being caught in racist rant

Before his three-day trip west, President Joe Biden encouraged all participants in the racist meeting to quit

Holly Aguirre
Holly Aguirre

October 12, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Los Angeles City Council member Nury Martinez resigned on Wednesday amid extreme pressure, including from the White House, after surreptitiously recorded racist comments about a colleague's son were made public.

“Serving you has been a privilege and one that I don’t give up lightly,” Ms Martinez said. “It’s hard to say goodbye but please know that I was in this fight for you.”

The incendiary audio recordings between Los Angeles City Council members set off a firestorm among politicians, which reached as far as the White House.

President Joe Biden said he wanted to see resignations from all three members who took part in the conversation.

"He believes that they all should resign," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

"The language that was used and tolerated during that conversation was unacceptable and it was appalling."

The turmoil began after a recording of racist and highly bigoted comments made by Latino members nearly a year ago were leaked to the public.

Ms Martinez, who landed in the centre of the storm, can be heard saying that a fellow council member, Mike Bonin, who is white, treated his young son, who is black, as an “accessory”, and that the child was like a monkey.

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She also used a homophobic slur to denigrate Mr Bonin and called indigenous immigrants from the Mexican state of Oaxaca “tan feos,” or “so ugly”.

Ms Martinez, the first Latina appointed president of the city council, was speaking with at least two other council members, Kevin de Leon and Gil Cedillo, who can be heard laughing and taking part.

Mr de Leon and Mr Cedillo remain in their council seats.

At a Tuesday council meeting, protesters shouted at Mr de Leon and Mr Cedillo to leave the room.

A hush fell over the room as Mr Bonin came to the podium.

"Asking for forgiveness is a good first step first — well, it’s the second step because first you must resign and then ask for forgiveness," he said as the crowd cheered.

Other calls for the council members to resign have come from across the Democratic establishment, including from US Senator Alex Padilla, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, mayoral candidates Karen Bass and Rick Caruso, and other members of council.

Governor Gavin Newsom denounced the racist language, saying he was “encouraged that those involved have apologised and begun to take responsibility for their actions", but fell short of demanding resignations.

California Congressman Jimmy Gomez met Ms Bass in "an emergency meeting with civic, faith and justice leaders to start the process of coming together and healing".

"I am appalled by the racist, homophobic language and personal attacks made in a leaked audio recording of a meeting with city council officials," Mr Gomez said in a letter to constituents.

"There’s no room for anti-blackness, anti-LGBTQ, anti-indigenous language in any shape or form. We must root it out. LA is hurting, and these past days have been painful."

The California Legislative Black Caucus said the recording “reveals an appalling effort to decentralise black voices during the critical redistricting process".

Mr Biden on Wednesday begins a three-day trip of the US western states of Colorado, California and Oregon.

Los Angeles's rough sleepers -- in pictures

Skid Row in Los Angeles, California, is dotted with plenty of street art, some of it ironic. Photo: Karen Borter
Skid Row in Los Angeles, California, is dotted with plenty of street art, some of it ironic. Photo: Karen Borter
A Skid Row resident has seen better days. Photo: Jessica Jewell Lanier
A Skid Row resident has seen better days. Photo: Jessica Jewell Lanier
A homeless veteran bundles up for a winter in Los Angeles. An encampment outside the VA Hospital in Brentwood was recently bulldozed. Photo: Gilbert Mercier
A homeless veteran bundles up for a winter in Los Angeles. An encampment outside the VA Hospital in Brentwood was recently bulldozed. Photo: Gilbert Mercier
Fire consumed a vacant commercial building a block from the Venice Beach Boardwalk and adjacent to a homeless encampment that was later cleared. Photo: Los Angeles Fire Department
Fire consumed a vacant commercial building a block from the Venice Beach Boardwalk and adjacent to a homeless encampment that was later cleared. Photo: Los Angeles Fire Department
A homeless man in Sherman Oaks, a Los Angeles suburb, takes a rest on the sidewalk. Photo: Gilbert Mercier
A homeless man in Sherman Oaks, a Los Angeles suburb, takes a rest on the sidewalk. Photo: Gilbert Mercier
Los Angeles artist and university professor Christopher Chinn began painting portraits of the city's homeless. This encampment in LA's Echo Park was swept of its 300 residents earlier this year. Holly Aguirre / The National
Los Angeles artist and university professor Christopher Chinn began painting portraits of the city's homeless. This encampment in LA's Echo Park was swept of its 300 residents earlier this year. Holly Aguirre / The National
Christopher Chinn said that documenting the homeless through art is an important part of the city's cultural memory. Holly Aguirre / The National
Christopher Chinn said that documenting the homeless through art is an important part of the city's cultural memory. Holly Aguirre / The National
A homeless man takes a rest at a bus stop outside the Frank Gehry-designed Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Holly Aguirre / The National
A homeless man takes a rest at a bus stop outside the Frank Gehry-designed Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Holly Aguirre / The National
The face of homelessness in Los Angeles has changed drastically over the years. This woman was calling Skid Row home when this photo was snapped. Photo: V.T. Polywoda
The face of homelessness in Los Angeles has changed drastically over the years. This woman was calling Skid Row home when this photo was snapped. Photo: V.T. Polywoda
A homeless woman salvages in Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. Photo: Russ Allison Loar
A homeless woman salvages in Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. Photo: Russ Allison Loar
Homeless residents of Los Angeles can be found in almost every neighbourhood. Photo: Creative Commons
Homeless residents of Los Angeles can be found in almost every neighbourhood. Photo: Creative Commons
When you're homeless in Venice Beach and on a movie set, they shoot around you. Photo: Gregory Sotir
When you're homeless in Venice Beach and on a movie set, they shoot around you. Photo: Gregory Sotir
This couple calls Skid Row in Los Angeles their home. Photo: Russ Allison Loar
This couple calls Skid Row in Los Angeles their home. Photo: Russ Allison Loar
This gentleman emigrated to the US from Mexico but could not find reasonably priced housing. Photo: Russ Allison Loar
This gentleman emigrated to the US from Mexico but could not find reasonably priced housing. Photo: Russ Allison Loar
Skid Row in Los Angeles encompasses a 50-block radius and is home to some 6,000 residents sleeping in the rough. Photo: Russ Allison Loar
Skid Row in Los Angeles encompasses a 50-block radius and is home to some 6,000 residents sleeping in the rough. Photo: Russ Allison Loar
It is not uncommon for the homeless in Los Angeles to populate their encampments with possessions from their previously housed lives. Photo: Russ Allison Loar
It is not uncommon for the homeless in Los Angeles to populate their encampments with possessions from their previously housed lives. Photo: Russ Allison Loar
A group of residents sleep in the rough on the banks of Arcadia's El Monte Water Conservation Park in East Los Angeles County. Photo: Creative Commons
A group of residents sleep in the rough on the banks of Arcadia's El Monte Water Conservation Park in East Los Angeles County. Photo: Creative Commons
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti attended the opening of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles and Target Acts of Kindness Project, which provides temporary housing to the city's houseless. Photo: Los Angeles Mayor's Office
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti attended the opening of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles and Target Acts of Kindness Project, which provides temporary housing to the city's houseless. Photo: Los Angeles Mayor's Office
How to help

Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

While you're here
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
UAE currency
Tomorrow 2021
While you're here
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinFlx%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%202021%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amr%20Yussif%20(co-founder%20and%20CEO)%2C%20Mattieu%20Capelle%20(co-founder%20and%20CTO)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%20in%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241.5m%20pre-seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Venture%20capital%20-%20Y%20Combinator%2C%20500%20Global%2C%20Dubai%20Future%20District%20Fund%2C%20Fox%20Ventures%2C%20Vector%20Fintech.%20Also%20a%20number%20of%20angel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Profile Idealz

Company: Idealz

Founded: January 2018

Based: Dubai

Sector: E-commerce

Size: (employees): 22

Investors: Co-founders and Venture Partners (9 per cent)

UAE central contracts

Full time contracts

Rohan Mustafa, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Usman, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Sultan Ahmed, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid

Part time contracts

Aryan Lakra, Ansh Tandon, Karthik Meiyappan, Rahul Bhatia, Alishan Sharafu, CP Rizwaan, Basil Hameed, Matiullah, Fahad Nawaz, Sanchit Sharma

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
War on waste
Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

Hamilton profile

Age 32

Country United Kingdom

Grands Prix entered 198

Pole positions 67

Wins 57

Podiums 110

Points 2,423

World Championships 3

On Women's Day
Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

Racecard

7pm: Abu Dhabi - Conditions (PA) Dh 80,000 (Dirt) 1,600m

7.30pm: Dubai - Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,400m

8pm: Sharjah - Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,600m

8.30pm: Ajman - Handicap (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 2,200m

9pm: Umm Al Quwain - The Entisar - Listed (TB) Dh132,500 (D) 2,000m

9.30pm: Ras Al Khaimah - Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,600m

10pm: Fujairah - Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,200m

Neil Thomson – THE BIO

Family: I am happily married to my wife Liz and we have two children together.

Favourite music: Rock music. I started at a young age due to my father’s influence. He played in an Indian rock band The Flintstones who were once asked by Apple Records to fly over to England to perform there.

Favourite book: I constantly find myself reading The Bible.

Favourite film: The Greatest Showman.

Favourite holiday destination: I love visiting Melbourne as I have family there and it’s a wonderful place. New York at Christmas is also magical.

Favourite food: I went to boarding school so I like any cuisine really.

About Krews

Founder: Ahmed Al Qubaisi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Founded: January 2019

Number of employees: 10

Sector: Technology/Social media 

Funding to date: Estimated $300,000 from Hub71 in-kind support

 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Healthcare spending to double to $2.2 trillion rupees

Launched a 641billion-rupee federal health scheme

Allotted 200 billion rupees for the recapitalisation of state-run banks

Around 1.75 trillion rupees allotted for privatisation and stake sales in state-owned assets

Super heroes

Iron Man
Reduced risk of dementia
Alcohol consumption could be an issue

Hulk
Cardiac disease, stroke and dementia from high heart rate

Spider-Man
Agility reduces risk of falls
Increased risk of obesity and mental health issues

Black Panther
Vegetarian diet reduces obesity
Unknown risks of potion drinking

Black Widow
Childhood traumas increase risk of mental illnesses

Thor
He's a god

While you're here
More on G20 meeting
Healthy tips to remember

Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:

Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast

Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits

Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day

Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet

The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe


Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGrowdash%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJuly%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESean%20Trevaskis%20and%20Enver%20Sorkun%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERestaurant%20technology%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24750%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Plus%20VC%2C%20Judah%20VC%2C%20TPN%20Investments%20and%20angel%20investors%2C%20including%20former%20Talabat%20chief%20executive%20Abdulhamid%20Alomar%2C%20and%20entrepreneur%20Zeid%20Husban%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Maxus T60

Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000

Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder

Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm

Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km

While you're here
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

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Name: JustClean

Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries

Launch year: 2016

Number of employees: 130

Sector: online laundry service

Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

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Updated: October 13, 2022, 5:52 AM`
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