Story and Photos by Pat Krause
PALM SPRINGS – Local World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley appeared at the opening of an acclaimed new film, “The Trials of Muhammad Ali,” at the Camelot Theatres on Sept. 11.

The Cathedral City native felt honored to be asked to address the audience prior to the showing of the documentary about the life and career of the world’s greatest boxer.

“The Trials of Muhammad Ali” follows the sometimes rocky rise and tribulations of the famous fighter who captured three heavyweight championship titles. Ali saw his share of controversy, changing his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali in the 1960s when he converted to Islam. He remained loyal to his beliefs when he went against the law and the U.S. in refusing to fight in the Viet Nam War and was sentenced to five years in prison. The sentence was eventually overturned and he returned to boxing.In addition to being a prize-winning pugilist, Ali, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s syndrome in 1984 and turned 71 this year, is a humanitarian, actor, author and father to nine children.

Bradley, who is undefeated and whose next big match to defend his WBO title is against Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas on Oct. 12, is a hero and role model in the eyes of Coachella Valley youngsters — particularly those in the Boys and Girls Clubs, with whom he often works.

Bradley spoke about his admiration and respect for Ali, and how Ali influenced his own career direction — discussing many of the events in the famous boxer’s life. He recounted how Ali got into boxing after someone stole his bike at age 12.

“He wanted to whup the thief but had to learn to box first,” Bradley said. “It was the beginning of a huge career.”

Bradley also respected Ali’s choice to adhere to his religious beliefs, despite the consequences. He also noted Ali’s influence in the civil rights movement and how the boxer fought corruption in the world of boxing promotion.

Fans of Bradley, including many members of the Boys and Girls Clubs, greeted him as he arrived at the Camelot. Some wanted autographs or photos, while others just wanted to shake his hand.

Bradley brought his wife Monica and daughter Alaysia with him to the theater. Prior to the screening, he met with philanthropists and Camelot owners Ric and Rozene Supple, who are also members of the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America launched a campaign pressuring Starbucks to eliminate guns from its stores nationwide in early July. Just two months later, Starbucks is announcing that the company will no longer allow guns on its property, both inside and outside of its stores. Until now, Starbucks allowed patrons to bring loaded firearms inside stores in states where concealed and open carry is permitted. According to Starbucks’ new policy, which goes into effect today, “Everyone is welcome in our stores, but weapons are not.”

“This is a huge win for American moms who fought for this policy change, which will make Starbucks customers safer. Because Starbucks is a business icon, this policy change represents a sea change in American culture, which is finally shifting away from allowing guns in public places,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Much like smoking was once accepted on airplanes and drunk driving was abided without severe penalties, it is becoming passe for gun advocates – who may or may not have background checks, training or permits – to bring their weapons to public places. We thank and congratulate Starbucks for making this decision and for taking the safety of our children and families as seriously as mothers do.”

Starbucks’ new policy stops short of a ban, and Moms Demand Action will continue to pressure the company if there are additional instances of accidental shootings and open carry rallies inside stores. However, in his open letter to Americans (http://www.starbucks.com/blog/an-open-letter-from-howard-schultz/1268), Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz makes it clear that only law officers should have guns inside stores going forward: “…today we are respectfully requesting that customers no longer bring firearms into our stores or outdoor seating areas – even in states where “open carry” is permitted – unless they are authorized law enforcement personnel.”

“Moms Demand Action believes Starbucks is just the first of many companies that will codify a “no guns allowed” policy, and our organization will lead the charge in ensuring American businesses and institutions respect and support gun safe environments,” said Watts. “Moms and women oversee nearly 80 percent of household spending, and Moms Demand Action is going to make sure they spend those dollars at businesses and institutions that respect and support the safety of our children and families.”

Moms Demand Action’s corporate responsibility initiative asks American moms to support companies and businesses that: Don’t allow guns in their establishments, regardless of what state laws permit; don’t sell assault weapons; don’t sponsor or partner with gun lobby organizations; and don’t support or fund legislative efforts to loosen federal or state gun laws. For more information, go to: http://momsdemandaction.org/corporate-responsibility/

A North Carolina policeman has been detained after shooting dead an unarmed African-American man, who was trying to get help following a car crash.

On Saturday morning, three police officers in Charlotte, NC responded to a 911 call from a woman, who said that an unknown male was knocking on the door of her house, the local media reports.

When the patrol arrived at the scene, the man – later identified as Jonathan Farrell, 24 – rushed at the officers, causing them to believe that he may be dangerous.

The policemen tried to neutralize the suspect with a Taser, but when it didn’t work out, one of them used his gun, firing several shots.

Farrell died of his wounds on sight. The body search revealed that he had no weapon on him.

Several hours later a wrecked car belonging to the deceased man was discovered at a nearby embankment.

The crash was serious as Farrell had to climb out of the back window of the vehicle, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief, Rodney Monroe, said.

Monroe stressed at a news conference that he didn’t think that the victim was trying to rob the woman, who called the police.

“I don’t believe threats were made,” the law enforcement chief is cited as saying by AP.

The investigators suggest that Farrell, who used to be a football player at Florida A&M University, may have been involved in an accident and was knocking on a nearby houses in order to get help.

Officer Randall Kerrick, 24, was arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter for shooting the unarmed victim.

Kerrick, who has been with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police since April 2011, is “pretty shook up” and “devastated” by what has happened, Monroe added.

The two other policemen on the scene have been placed on paid administrative leave until the investigation of the tragic incident concludes.