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to ti ci eing met w him. ve their client’s innould take several mong ordered poof the murders Josh ith dismayb. roaden DNA test- chelle Oal media. His insultgscrude and racist anhdite, resigned ua Ryen an nths, will cence and bam ta eted fo rters of the The lone su comments B d rm fi lack shooti a, U,S. Rep. Maxrg In 1 rvivor nally exon ine Waters er First Lady Ming victim. erate they are disappoRinyens and Hughesfaalmily, friends and su on four co9u85, a San Diego Co and an unn “Unfortunat ted with the gov l across the state p- Lo Thomas R. Parker amed 26 and an nts of murder. At unty jury convicte s Angeles o ernor’s decis , el sa a y, fo y fo es th d r o rm ca v C ju e er ti o p er st o ed m ti ic ffi per d m io e of his arre e ep ce cord - inclu prison inm n in e , u . it b ty th el se is h ie ems the vic ead of the This guy is ves Cooper case matte st, he was no District A FBI’s in Pennsylv ding several burglaate. His lengthy crim “Prior DN ttorney Jason Arsnless and less,” Santims’ desire “The evidence w innocent,” he told. ries and the ania – did in al re as A B th d er o not help his te er e p n n Cooper, form rape of a m st la so N ar th in n ew n d te e g icl sa d st th aimed ou Y , he was fr and.” case. inor erly named in 1958 ld exoneratat Mr. Cooper sougidh in a statement. amed, theork Times.

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N ll d te ti ie t ta y ec A o n st o m n ab ti is if g te s p fi io at ad u ab st er c en y se n o o in o ev in o rs d ti n le u to g g id o g struck by u t sc h ro , n se co th en im k al en ad in South centers. In a mental d to ail Co ee e ethods low another m ce. ce living in a polic ern Californ and storiesp raising California Governoes early in the term oper. Threm several attack, and in nsw ro u L n ag d Californiah. ealth facility in Pen1982, Cooper esca u o n e h in r f a av w w o v Calif.th(AP) – A man he wasiafed Beawho . eapons wer f the FRESNO, estie high expec hose suppo orn testimo ch Psaid ped from three attacker nsylvania b p o ro e li O g ce re e rt ra u ta ss O er n n se iv ti ffi g y, s d o e e on th s who were cer of efore movin n Jo Duri upe pwith racism against black people was Cou ty Thomas someo o tica Regconvicted White. Heshua Ryen said hein the solve “DNA testing shs.o g to could have been H ister in l white gued that nCg his murder trial, Left men e’s pet whnen heCalkillinglifour in anrace-related rampage initially th saw later testified uld immed th is p e o p F an o R ro eb th F p ic y se u . e er en . rt 1 cu ca k 9 h iately taifornia’s Ryen, th illed husb case and fi . tors succ er darted in that they Chiang sa Valley, prosecutors announcedt Friday. k laceCentral nally enthe named Diacomplicating the pro id dtouriprotect McGwas toAlire-Muhammad neighboreiCr 10-year-old daughand and wife Dougesansfully ar- ban sure justice epKori us to speak out andthtake action ng the ourselves,” by a Fres- front uire convicted n se at a cu R sa D ca o ti y N p s o m el ter Jessica an er A hristopher n w th o p d s’ is h n ev ca ai e P claimbegan. en he gmurder, ging to her servedjury animal wof eggy s, a wom- but testin idence can help gn. “Not onno ,” Wednesday ot out to ch Hughes. Po d as bfirst-degree former bomye forward with letter ly isCounty igmurder ger thanand g in churches law enforcem second-degree blood“We it proven murder, Aattempted lice foundan 11-year-old inal. She turned this case wand nimal Con friend who y encourage all Black businesses a cl h o oother th use cat. ec en th in the bloodie E o d t g e u v tr estroyed it. solve cr wastoa vio ld come The en th evidence ov ol officeoffice to an anim oughcritical im crimes, the Fresno County district attorney’s said. d rs at le remain closed during this period. es n ru is n N , t al er o sh cr b ew h co o to im ed o ld so st spital, whplea the pdenominations , he is trea m’s decisio in to th trau African Am olice, but th - andissu e m On Friday, he withdrew a previous of notthe ble st a. er at d e independent churches represented e. n in it ” in g w ericans, His ca e that Calif as th ey re e diagnose fu C ll o y o p o guilty by reason of insanity and prosecutors said they D er n o panics and r. rn a ca K this statement, which comprise a combined membership p ia se w ri o v te atching. H sti Krause, oters across ntial other mino ly polariseek sh e wouldn’t the death penalty.

Muhammad is expected a e is and ex v th p et ec zi e k er of more than 25 million people more than 30,000 n p rities ts ee inarian, tell g bac oli ping his fo the 1life liv- Contin 1-pin ounprison s th betrsentenced k month cus ontofairticaltospec um are next d (5-kilwithout into thetow ued onclosed congregations, intend to remain and to continue ogra nespossibility page A il d s af an te of parole. d r 2 M it ju cGuire visit regains strem) cat to stice worship virtually, with the same dedication and love that ngth ed th Muhammad,thaatblack whose defense said he if he seman e bobca we brought to the church. The civil rights organizations esofit aagseries t onat-Frid.ay ain, hof was mentally ill, was accused e’llshooting . is represented are working tirelessly to protect our su tacks on white men in April 2017 in Fresno. e a ticket for ja communities from injustice and inequality as this country In a recorded confession to investigators that was responds to the pandemic,” the letter added. played at his trial, Muhammad said he shot Motel 6 seSeveral Republican governors appear to be taking curity guard Carl Williams III and tried to kill another their marching orders from President Donald Trump guard on April 13 because he felt he had been disrespectwho is anxious to re-open the country economically while ed when he went to visit a friend. not referencing the over 50,000 dead Americans from A security camera recording showed Muhammad COVID-19. coming up behind Williams, 25, and shooting him.

Issues around environmental racism, disparities “It starts taking its toll on you and you get fed up with the racism,” Muhammad said. “You get tired of letin health care coverage and treatment and economic ting things slide.” considerations are issues African Americans have to While on the run after the shooting, Muhammad confront more than other communities. learned that he was wanted for Williams’ killing. On the The group Black Millennials for Flint are mobilizing recording, Muhammad said that if he was “going down to confront the problem of the continuous lack of clean for murder” the best thing was to “kill as many white water in the city after it was revealed that former Michigan men” as he could.

Governor Rick Snyder made serious errors during the Flint On April 18, 2017, Muhammad drove through water crisis. downtown shooting at white men, he said. He surrenSeveral Republican governors appear to be taking their marching orders from President Donald Trump “On April 25, 2014, a completely dehumanizing dered to police after, at one point, firing nearly 20 shots who is anxious to re-open the country economically while not referencing the over 50,000 dead Americans decision was made by former Governor Rick Snyder in less than a minute, authorities said. from COVID-19. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) to switch from the Detroit Water System to the Flint Zachary Randalls, 34, was shot in a Pacific Gas & River creating one of the most lethal man-made crises in Electric truck.

American History. Fast forward to 2020, 6 years later, not guidelines.

By Lauren Victoria Burke “When I walked up to the truck, I saw a Mexican Melanie Campbell, President of the National a single individual involved in this act of genocide has been NNPA Newswire Contributor driver and a white guy,” Muhammad said. “I didn’t want With the coronavirus death toll passing 50,000 during Coalition on Black Civic Participation, joined a group held accountable for the poisoning of an entire city,” the to target the driver because he was Mexican so I shot the white dude.” the last week in April, Black leaders in the U.S. have taken of Black faith and civil rights leaders and the heads of group wrote.

“To put this in perspective, or to ‘make it plain’ as He also was convicted of killing Mark Gassett, 37, to warning their communities of the danger of opening the the largest historically Black religious denominations to and David Jackson, 58, and trying to shoot three other encourage African Americans to “stay at home” until there our elders say, the kindergartners in Flint that started this country back up too soon. men.

2019-20 academic school year have not lived a single year The coronavirus has devastated the Black community is evidence that it’s safe to go out.

Muhammad was convicted of first-degree murder A letter authored by Rev. Al Sharpton (NAN), Rev. of life without the threat of unclean drinking water. Their in Detroit and all of the fatalities in Richmond, Va. are for Jackson’s slaying; second-degree murder for WilAfrican Americans. Though the numbers are showing signs Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson (CNBC), Sherrilyn Ifill first year of their educational journey has now also been liams, Randalls and Gassett; four counts of attempted (NAACP, LDF), Marc Morial (NUL), Derrick Johnson brought to a halt due to COVID-19,” they added. The of slowing down Black leaders are taking no chances. murder; one count of shooting at an occupied vehicle On Friday, April 24 a group of civil rights leaders (NAACP), Melanie Campbell (BWR), Kristen Clarke Flint water crisis continues along with the COVID-19 and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. pandemic.

(Lawyers’ Committee) encouraged people to stay at home. encouraged African Americans to “stay-at-home” shortly Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for “We, the undersigned, have joined together to state after the Governor of Georgia decided to lift the state’s stay-at-home order. The CDC guidelines outline that if our unequivocal and firm opposition to the premature NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is COVID-19 stats remain down for 14 days straight the effort of governors to willfully re-open their states. The also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media state can re-open. Many Governors are following those actions of these governors, which demonstrate reckless LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and disregard for the health and life of Black residents, compel on twitter at @LVBurke

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With Over 50,000 Dead,

Civil Rights Leaders Urge African Americans to Remain at Home

Individual Housing for People Experiencing Homelessness During COVID-19 and Beyond Washington, DC –The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their official guidance on COVID-19 to include sheltered homeless populations, stating, “Depending on resources and staff availability, non-group housing options (such as hotels/motels) that have individual rooms should be considered for the overflow, quarantine, and protective housing sites.” The CDC’s guidance for unsheltered populations already emphasizes that “Unless individual housing units are available, do not clear encampments during community spread of COVID-19.” The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (the Law Center) is grateful for the CDC’s guidance, and hopes governments will use it as a baseline to build upon.

This new guidance comes as new stories of widespread asymptomatic spread at congregate homeless shelters in San Francisco, Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles and other cities are emerging. The Law Center has pushed the effort to house people experiencing homelessness in hotels, motels, and/ or RVs for the duration of the crisis, and to make sure they never have to return to the streets after the crisis is over.

“We call on hotel owners—and especially those who have been helped with our public dollars through the federal relief package—to act in the public good and make it easy for communities to follow the CDC guidance to quickly place people experiencing homelessness into their vacant rooms for the duration of the pandemic,” stated Maria Foscarinis, Executive Director at the Law Center.

“We also urge elected officials to use vacant federal, state, and local properties for emergency housing and as a space to help transition people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing after COVID-19.”

The CDC also emphasizes that communities should “plan for how to connect clients to housing opportunities after they have completed their stay in these temporary sites.” Elevating conversations on housing services postCOVID-19 allows us to step back and think about the long-term solutions we need to end homelessness.

“Given what we now know about the aerosolization of COVID-19 and asymptomatic spread, it is inexcusable for communities not to be moving people into individual housing units as quickly as safely possible,” said Eric Tars, legal director at the Law Center. “And to prevent the next wave of COVID-19, we need to make sure we are building

The CDC also emphasizes that communities should “plan for how to connect clients to housing opportunities after they have completed their stay in these temporary sites.” Elevating conversations on housing services post-COVID-19 allows us to step back and think about the long-term solutions we need to end homelessness. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

the capacity so that once people are off the streets or out of shelters, there are permanent places for them to stay, and no one ever returns to the streets. Housing is healthcare, and both are human rights that need to be guaranteed to all, for all of our good.”

The CDC Guidance is available here: https://www. cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/homelessshelters/plan-prepare-respond.html The Law Center’s recommendations and other best practices from across the country are available here: https://

nlchp.org/coronavirus/.

The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (the Law Center) is the only national organization dedicated solely to using the power of the law to prevent and end homelessness. With the support of a large network of pro bono lawyers, we address the immediate and longterm needs of people who are homeless or at risk through outreach and training, advocacy, impact litigation, and public education.

Food Assist Programs Critical for Families According to the Census Bureau, of the 13.8 million households that receive SNAP, 6.7 million have children under the age of 18 and 6.4 million have someone living with a disability.

Of all the homes with children under 18, some 18% receive assistance from SNAP, according to the Census Bureau’s 2018 American Community Survey.

Students who qualify for SNAP also get free or reduced-cost school lunches.

Federal nutrition programs are among the many reasons it is so important to respond (and report all children, including newborns, living in your home) to the 2020 Census.

Knowing how many children are in an area helps federal, state and local officials evaluate funding for nutrition programs.

SNAP and the National School Lunch Program are just two nutrition programs that use census results to

inform planning. Other programs include the National School Breakfast Program (NSBP), lunch programs for people age 65 years and older and meal delivery to disabled and homebound individuals.

The Census Bureau works with state and tribal governments to ensure recipients of SNAP don’t lose their benefits if they come to work for the 2020 Census.

They are working to get census income excluded so recipients who receive benefits can work as census takers (enumerators) without losing their benefits or eligibility status.

The Census Bureau has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (which administers SNAP) to exclude income from temporary employment for 2020 Census. While it is ultimately a state decision whether to exempt 2020 Census income earned, a great majority of states have already agreed to this waiver.

U.S. Census Bureau, www.ceusus.gov The Census Bureau works with state and tribal governments to ensure recipients of SNAP don’t lose their benefits if they come to work for the 2020 Census. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

BoMan bcat Reco California ve A f t e r Being Hi Found Guilty of Police Car Race-Related Rampage

Coronavirus Racial Disparities

By DAVE COLLINS Associated Press HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – The city of Hartford is moving to increase testing for the coronavirus, offer free transportation to testing appointments and launch a community education campaign to lessen the impact on black, Hispanic and low-income residents, who have been hit disproportionately hard in communities of color across the country.

About 820 city residents have tested positive for the virus and about 72 have died as of Friday, but Mayor Luke Bronin said the true scope of the local outbreak is unknown because of the lack of widespread testing.

“One devastating reality of the coronavirus is that communities of color have been hardest hit, both in terms of health outcomes and economic impact,” Bronin said. “Right now, we need to do everything we can to slow the spread of coronavirus in our community.”

Across the U.S., African Americans are far more vulnerable to the virus because of a history of systemic racism and inequity in access to health care and economic opportunity. An Associated Press analysis has shown that about 42% of Americans who have died from COVID-19 were black, while African Americans account for roughly 21% of the total population in the areas covered by the analysis.

Hartford historically has had higher rates of asthma, diabetes and other chronic illnesses compared with other cities and towns in the state, putting residents at higher risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19. More than 80% of residents are black or Hispanic.

State officials and leaders in other cities also have taken action to blunt the virus’s impact on minority communities. The state also is focused on increasing testing in urban areas, has expanded health services and has put a temporary moratorium on evictions of renters for not being able to pay their rent.

New Haven has set up walk-in coronavirus testing centers in two hard-hit neighborhoods in addition to two drive-through sites. Bridgeport has focused on social distancing mandates that have been stricter than in other cities, including an early requirement for people to wear masks in essential businesses and a recommended 8 p.m. curfew that the city has pushed aggressively.

Hartford area community leaders and activists say city residents are facing a variety of problems because of the pandemic. Many have lost their jobs and don’t have money for rent or food. Many haven’t been able to get basic supplies because of a lack of grocery stores in the city. And many work in essential jobs such as health care, public transportation and grocery stores, putting them at higher risk.

“Those who are on the margins, black and brown communities in Hartford, they are really struggling,” said the Rev. Dr. John Selders, pastor of Amistad United Church of Christ.

There has also been talk within the black community that people of color are being treated differently, left out and even ignored during the outbreak, said Cornell Lewis, a longtime community activist.

“The main thing is people don’t have access to resources ... and as a result it’s hitting segments of the community hard,” he said.

In Hartford, for example, about 40% of residents don’t have access to a car. That’s why city officials say free transportation will be offered to any resident with an appointment to get tested for the coronavirus.

Bronin also said Hartford HealthCare plans to launch its first mobile test site in the city next week.

The city will also be conducting outreach to families who have confirmed cases of the virus, as well as those with suspected cases. Medical students from the University of Connecticut will be helping with that effort.

Hartford also is putting together a public education campaign in English and Spanish that will promote social distancing, wearing masks and hand washing, as well as provide information on health services and other resources.

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World & Nation

Thursday, April 30, 2020

13-Yr-Old Paris Brown Recalls Her Coronavirus Awakening

By Paris Brown Special to the NNPA Newswire My name is Paris Brown. My parents are NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent, Stacy Brown, and the awesome Shenay Brown.

I am 13-years old and am privileged to be a member of the National Junior Honor Society. But more importantly, I am privileged to have such a beautiful family.

My oldest sister, Rikki, lives in Las Vegas with her husband Marc, and my niece, Nina. I have a brother, Jordan, who lives in Maryland, and my two sisters who live at home with me, Talia and Olivia.

The glue that holds everything together is my parents.

But the coronavirus nearly ruptured us in a way that would have been indescribably devastating.

Four months ago, I barely knew what the coronavirus was, and I had no clue it would change everything so drastically.

At the end of December and the beginning of January, all I heard about the virus was memes and people joking around about washing your hands. I didn’t realize just how serious it was.

And even when more and more reports of deaths from the virus came piling up, I still didn’t take it seriously enough. Then one day, mom said she wasn’t feeling good, and that was the start of it all.

In my head, I thought that’s just mom being mom.

She sometimes doesn’t feel well.

Then when dad got sick, mom stayed in her room, and dad stayed in the basement. I, of course, thought this was unnecessary.

But then they had to rush mom to the hospital because she couldn’t breathe.

Then a switch flipped in my head: “This is real, and I need to be taking it seriously.”

At first, I didn’t know what to do, so I tried to stay away, but that just made me feel guilty.

So, I did the best I could to help them get better. I was okay and getting used to our “system,” but I knew deep down, I was terrified.

I didn’t have time to be scared because I had a ton of schoolwork to do (and I still do now), and I had to help take care of them.

You never realize how hard it is to live without the people you love until they’re gone. So, when people ask me if I’m bored, I tell them I’m not. All of the schoolwork and cleaning and cooking have kept me distracted in a good way, so I don’t freak out and get overwhelmed.

This was definitely an experience I’ll never forget because I haven’t been able to hug my parents or speak more than a couple of words to them face-to-face.

But it’s almost over — they get to come out of quarantine next week. And hopefully, with all of me and my sisters’ excitement, they’ll feel better than ever.

13-year old Paris Brown (at left, pictured with her mother, Shenay) is the daughter of NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent, Stacy and Shenay Brown. She’s also a member of the National Junior Honor Society.

Emotional Maxine Waters Announces that Her Sister is Near Death With COVID-19

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) announced that her sister is dying at a hospital in St. Louis after being infected by the coronavirus.

“I’m going to take a moment to dedicate this legislation to my dear sister, who is dying in a hospital in St. Louis, Missouri right now, infected by the coronavirus,” Waters announced as she voted on a new coronavirus small business package.

Waters is not the only member of Congress who has been affected by the pandemic.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Rep. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Rep. Ben McAdams (D-Ut.), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), and a host of other lawmakers have in some way have personally felt the devastation of COVID-19.

Waters’ emotional announcement brought a wave of support from staunch followers, supporters, and friends of the longtime congresswoman known affectionately as “Auntie Maxine.”

“To hear that Elizabeth Warren has lost her brother and Maxine Waters is losing her sister is heartbreaking.

My heart goes out to these incredible women who fight

for truth and justice for all. Bless you, both,” Rosanna Arquette, an actor, producer, director, and activist, wrote on Twitter.

“This is awful news. Sending love to one of our dearest AM Joy favorites, Rep. Maxine Waters, who has always been so kind and so generous to us with her weekend time,” stated news personality, Joy-Ann Reid.

“Congresswoman, our whole team, and I will go ahead and speak for our viewers-we are praying for your sister and family,” Reid added.

In a previous Twitter post, Waters repeated her demand for universal coronavirus testing. “Twitter family, please use the power and influence of Twitter to demand testing, testing, testing,” Waters wrote.

Considered by many to be one of the most powerful women in American politics, Waters has gained a reputation as a fearless and outspoken advocate for women, children, people of color, and the poor.

Elected in November 2018 to her fifteenth term in the U.S. House of Representatives with more than 70 percent of the vote in the 43rd Congressional District of California, Waters represents a large part of South Los Angeles.

Her district includes the communities of Westchester, Playa Del Rey, and Watts and the unincorporated areas of

U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters speaking with attendees at the 2019 California Democratic Party State Convention at the George R. Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California. (Photo: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons)

Los Angeles County comprised of Lennox, West Athens, West Carson, Harbor Gateway, and El Camino Village. The 43rd District also includes the diverse cities of Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lomita, and Torrance.

According to her biography, Waters made history as the first woman and first African American Chair of the House Financial Services Committee. An integral member of Congressional Democratic Leadership, Congresswoman Waters serves as a member of the Steering & Policy Committee and is the Co-Chair of the bipartisan

Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease. She is also a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and member and past chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

“So, saddened to hear about Maxine Waters’ sister,” NBC News personality Maya Wiley wrote. “She rightly demands that Congress must immediately turn to the next package of legislation.”

Journalism Industry Needs Coronavirus Relief Funding Antitrust Settlements with Google and Facebook Could Recover Journalism Rescue Funds WASHINGTON – In a small win for the journalism

News Observer The Valley’s

Adjudicated a Newspaper of General Circulation on July 2, 1991, Los Angeles Superior Court Decree, Case No. BS007262, Government Code 6023.

Bulk Mailing Permit 724 Bakersfield, CA 93385

industry, the Seattle Times and Tampa Bay Times were each granted a loan that would ensure the publications could avoid layoffs and pay cuts for its staff. The collapse in advertising revenue during the pandemic exacerbated the already perilous financial position of news outlets, who have been decimated by Google and Facebook’s monopolistic actions.

The Tampa Bay Times was even forced to cut back to two days a week of printed copies. The forgivable loans will allow these newsrooms to obtain some sense of normalcy but won’t nearly restore the damage done during this crisis.

Seattle Times Co. President Alan Fisco noted that “at least for now, we are putting on the back burner any plans for broad scale layoffs, or cuts to hours worked. There still may be some targeted reductions, but nothing to the extent of cuts we would have had to make without this support.”

And while this is an essential step to help news media survive this crisis, thousands of local outlets have been unable to get these specific loans. Despite being deemed an es-

sential service, newsrooms again have been left out of the recent round of federal relief that doesn’t provide direct assistance for news outlets.

Unlike other industry rescue packages, there is real potential that the government could recoup all or most of the support it provides to news outlets. Australian regulators recently forced Google to pay licensing fees to news outlets.

U.S. federal and state antitrust regulators are pursuing both Google and Facebook in a major investigation. Google and Facebook have siphoned off tens of billions in ad revenue from news publishers through their exploitation of the digital advertising market. That revenue used to sustain the journalism industry and part of any antitrust settlement can be used to repay the relief package.

John Stanton, laid-off former D.C. Bureau Chief at BuzzFeed and co-founder of the Save Journalism Project, Access to these loans is helpful to keep these outlets afloat, but a drop in the bucket for an industry that has

already been crushed by Google and Facebook, and now the coronavirus. More than 33,000 reporters and staff at news outlets have been forced out of their jobs or subjected to pay cuts during this crisis. What we need is a specific funding pool for news outlets to ensure that the money goes directly to the local outlets that need it, rather than the private equity vultures who are preying on the industry.

News publishers have already been bled dry by big tech.

What they need now is the government to help them survive this crisis or else the local news business may be completely wiped out.

Journalism in America is facing an existential threat from the monopolistic control of tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Apple. Big tech’s dominance over the digital advertising market and their unrivaled capacity to monetize its platforms are having drastic effects on journalism as a whole.

Published every Thursday by The Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California, Inc.

Member: National Newspapers Publishers Association, Associated Press, Better Business Bureau, GLAAACC

President: Ellen Coley Operations Manager: Jon Coley Editor: James Luckey

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The Observer Group Newspapers reserves the right to publish views an opinions that may not necessarily reflect those of the staff and management and are solely the product of the responsible individuals who submit commentaries published in these newspapers. Letters, articles and comments appearing in the Observer Newspapers reflect the opinions of the contributor and do not constitute the opinion or endorsement

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THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER Bakersfield News Observer Los Angeles News Observer 1219 20th St. Bakersfield, Ca 93301 Mailing Address P.O. Box 2341 Bakersfield, CA 93303 Phone (661) 324-9466 FAX. (661) 324-9472 emails- General info: observernews@gmail.com Advertising: observeradvertising@gmail.com Online: www.ognsc. com

Despite being deemed an essential service, newsrooms again have been left out of the recent round of federal relief that doesn’t provide direct assistance for news outlets.

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER 20SMCP00137 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Los Angeles, 1725 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Branch: West District PETITION OF: JANICE RODGERS (ON BEHALF OF MINOR) FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: JANICE RODGERS for a decree changing names as follows: Present name BRYSUN PHILIPPE SABINUS Filed a petition with this court Proposed name BRYSUN PHILIPPE ROYAL THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: May 29, 2020 Time: 8:30 a.m.

Dept: K Room: A-203 The address of the court is: Same as noted above.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER Date: March 13, 2020 Lawrence Cho JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT JACOB BRADLEY DEPUTY Janice Rodgers 4911 Indian Wood Rd #512 Culver City, Ca. 90230 Phone: (424) 537-1490 LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 9, 16, 23, 30, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER 20SMCP00138 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Los Angeles, 1725 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Branch: West District PETITION OF: PHILIPPE LORIGUERE SABINUS FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: PHILIPPE LORIGUERE SABINUS for a decree changing names as follows: Present name PHILIPPE LORIGUERE SABINUS Filed a petition with this court Proposed name ICON KAZ ROYAL THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: May 29, 2020 Time: 8:30 a.m.

Dept: K Room: A-203 The address of the court is: Same as noted above.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER Date: March 13, 2020 Lawrence Cho JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT JACOB BRADLEY DEPUTY Philippe Loriguere Sabinus 4911 Indian Wood Rd #512 Culver City, Ca. 90230 Phone: (424) 316-7483 LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 9, 16, 23, 30, 2020

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER A3

Features

Black Restaurants Can Keep Their Profits Up with New State “Food and Friendship” Effort

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media African American-owned restaurants across California will be able to participate in a new state program that contracts eateries to prepare meals and deliver them to vulnerable senior citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Newsom announced the new “first-in-thenation” initiative, dubbed “Restaurants Deliver: Home Meals for Seniors,”April 24.

“This partnership will allow restaurants to start rehiring people or keep people currently employed and start preparing meals, three meals a day, seven days a week, and have those meals delivered to our seniors all throughout the state of California,” Gov. Newsom said during his daily press briefing.

The program is being executed in partnership with California counties, cities, and Native American tribes, said the governor, who has a background in the food and beverage industry. Newsom co-founded the Napa-based PlumpJack Winery. Its parent company, the PlumpJack Group’s portfolio includes restaurants, hotels, wine, and

event space ventures.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is bankrolling 75% of the costs. California, Newsom said, will subsidize the remaining 25% for counties and cities.

The meals program for seniors is part of a broader initiative organized to support California seniors who are isolating at home, adhering to the state’s coronavirus shelter in place order. The other programs are the “Social Bridging Project,” which brings together 1,000 volunteers to check in on older Californians during the crisis. The other is “Friendship Line California,” a toll-free telephone service that provides emotional support to aging adults across the state. The California Department of Aging is partnering with the Institute of Aging to roll out this effort.

“Older adults are heroes for being the first Californians to stay at home and save lives. However, they may be struggling to access food, and with the mental health implications of isolation. These programs will make sure our older friends, family, and neighbors have access to the food and friendship they need,” said Director of the California Department of Aging Kim McCoy Wade.

Since the COVID-19 shelter in place began in mid-March, many restaurants across the state have been running at half capacity — only open for pickup and delivery orders. Some of them are not open at all.

Reporting severe drops in their revenues, many African-American restaurateurs in California look at a steady partnership with the state — one that provides a constant flow of income — as a viable option.

The state of California estimates that 1.2 million people over 65 years of age across the state live by themselves, Newsom said. Overall, the state is home to almost six million aging adults.

“It’s not just about the meals,” Newsom said during his daily midday news briefing. “It’s about a human connection, about someone just checking in as they’re delivering those meals and making sure people are okay.”

African Americans account for nearly 11% of COVID-19 deaths in the state, the California Department of Public Health reports. Blacks make up only about 6% of California’s population of almost 40 million residents.

African Americans also fall behind when it comes to proprietorship and running restaurants. Blacks make up about 13% of the population, but consist of 8% of restaurant owners and the same share of restaurant managers, according to the National Restaurant Association.

Black-owned restaurants may want to be a part of the nutritional aspects of the program that could continue beyond the coronavirus crisis, some advocates for aging Californians say.

According to the state, the “Restaurants Deliver: Home Meals for Seniors” program has two main purposes.

The first is to help older and other adults at high risk from COVID-19 to stay home and stay healthy by delivering three nutritious meals a day. The second is to provide an essential economic stimulus to local businesses and workers struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis.

As local governments stand up their own nutrition programs over the next few weeks, more information will be provided at https://www.gov.ca.gov.

In the meantime, here are some resources for aging Californians that are available now: • Senior citizens can enter their locations into 211. org to find local services, such as nutrition, financial, health care, and housing assistance.

• Every community has an Aging and Adult Info Line to connect people to services: (800) 510-2020..

• Seniors can also visit the California Department of Aging’s COVID-19 page (www.aging.ca.gov) for a list of resources for older and other at-risk adults.

• For emotional support, call Friendship Line California @ 1-888-670-1360 “We are all in this together,” said Gov. Newsom. “We will continue to support older Californians who are more at risk during this public health emergency.”

Restaurateurs can get more information and apply to be a part of the “Restaurants Deliver: Home Meals for Seniors” program by using your “Observer Interactive” App on this story’s photo.

(CBM photo by Deonte Lee)

Maxine Waters Leads Effort to Secure Coronavirus Relief Funding for Small, Minority & Women Owned Businesses WASHINGTON – In the interim emergency relief package that was recently signed into law and replenished the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) with $310 billion, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, led the fight to target $60 billion of those funds towards small, minority, and women owned businesses. The bill, which is known as the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (H.R. 266), also provides $50 billion for Small Business Administration disaster funding, translating into more than $350 billion in small business loans and $10 billion in emergency disaster grants.

Congresswoman Waters was deeply disappointed with the way in which many megabanks prioritized the PPP applications of their wealthiest clients, offering some highend businesses “concierge” and VIP treatment while the applications of many small businesses failed to be approved before PPP funding ran out. As a result, Congresswoman Waters drafted legislation and organized a strong coalition

of her colleagues to successfully set aside $60 billion for loans that are granted by Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), community banks, credit unions, certified development companies, and microlenders, all of whom work with small, women, and minority owned businesses in communities across the country and are anxious to assist them with completing their PPP applications. Of the $60 billion, $30 billion was assigned to MDIs, banks, and credit unions with less than $50 billion in assets, and the remaining $30 billion was assigned to MDIs, CDFIs, certified development companies, and microlenders that have less than $10 billion in assets.

This funding would not have been possible without the diverse leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the first woman Speaker of the House; Congresswoman Maxine Waters, the first African American and woman to Chair the Financial Services Committee; Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Chair of the Small Business Committee and

the first Latina to chair a full Congressional committee; the Congressional Black Caucus; the Congressional Hispanic Caucus; the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus; and the Democratic Women’s Caucus, all of whom understand the unique challenges facing small, women, and minority owned businesses, and were willing to fight for the inclusion of community based financial institutions that are well equipped to serve them.

“My colleagues and I have proven once again that diversity truly does make a difference. Were it not for the leadership of my Democratic colleagues and I who represent every region and community in this country, we would not have an interim emergency relief package that opens up opportunities for small, minority, and women owned businesses – far too many of whom were not the beneficiaries of the first round of Paycheck Protection Program funding through the Small Business Administration,” said Congresswoman Waters. “We know that our MDIs, CDFIs, credit unions, and community banks play an integral role in providing financial resources to underserved communities, and I am so grateful for the work of my Committee and my colleagues in securing $60 billion that will be targeted towards small business owners who are desperately in need of assistance during this difficult time.”

The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act also provides $25 billion to expand nationwide testing and $75 billion to support hospitals and provide additional personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers.

“It is no secret that the coronavirus pandemic is a crisis like no other that has compromised the health and financial security of millions of Americans. I am so pleased that my colleagues and I have worked together to pass interim emergency relief legislation that will protect our small businesses and aid our hospitals and frontline workers.

However, we are still only scratching the surface,” said Congresswoman Waters. “I have already drafted legislation that creates a $100 billion emergency rental assistance fund and a $75 billion homeowner assistance fund to ensure that we prevent evictions and protect the financial security of homeowners, small and midsized rental property owners, and renters. I will continue to fight for these and other proposals that will protect working families and the least of these from the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic in the next relief package.”

A4

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Entertainment

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Michelle Obama Documentary ‘Becoming’ to Premiere on Netflix

Michelle Obama Documentary ‘Becoming’ to Premiere on Netflix

By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer NEW YORK (AP) – A documentary portrait of Michelle Obama titled”Becoming” will premiere on Netflix next week, the streaming company announced Monday.

The film, described as”an intimate look into the life of former First Lady Michelle Obama” chronicles her 34city book tour in 2018-2019 for her best-selling memoir”Becoming.” Obama's promotional tour, managed by the concert promoter Live Nation, had the scale of a rock tour, with a string of dates at sold-out arenas.

The film will debut May 6 on Netflix. In a statement, Obama said the experience of the tour”drove home the idea that what we share in common is deep and real and can't be messed with.”

“We processed the past and imagined a better future.

In talking about the idea of `becoming,' many of us dared to say our hopes out loud,” said Obama.”I treasure the memories and that sense of connection now more than ever, as we struggle together to weather this pandemic, as we care for our loved ones, tend to our communities, and try to keep up with work and school while coping with huge amounts of loss, confusion, and uncertainty.”

“Becoming” has sold more than 11 million copies and been translated into more than 20 languages. The former First Lady's popularity has made her a potentially pivotal figure in the 2020 presidential campaign. Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, recently said that he'd pick her as a running mate”in a heartbeat,” before adding

that he didn't think she”has any desire to live in the White House again.”

Nadia Hallgren, a veteran documentary cinematographer making her feature directorial debut in”Becoming,” trailed Obama on the book tour from city to city.”She moves quickly and I had to learn to move with her,” said Hallgren.

“Becoming” is the latest release from Higher Ground Productions, the production company created by Barack and Michelle Obama. Their exclusive multi-film deal with Netflix has already proven fruitful. Their first film,”American Factory,” by Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar, earlier this year won the Academy Award for best documentary.

(The Obamas did not attend the Oscars, nor received a statuette.) Higher Ground was also behind the acclaimed recently released documentary”Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution,” by James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham.

The former First Lady acknowledged the timing is difficult for a film about community, and that social distancing doesn't come naturally to her:”I'm a hugger,” she said.

During the pandemic, Obama has read children's books to kids stuck at home in an online series titled”Mondays with Michelle Obama.””I'm here for you,” she said in her statement.”And I know you are here for one another.”

“Empathy is our lifeline here. It's what will get us to the other side,” said Obama.”Let's use it to redirect our attention toward what matters most, reconsider our priorities, and find ways to better remake the world in the image of our hopes.”

NFL Draft Averages Record 8.4M Viewers Across 3 Days

By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer Seth Markman was just as nervous as NFL coaches and general managers about the unknown factors involved with a virtual draft. But the ESPN executive producer said he was overwhelmed with how everything came together over the three days.

It also ended up being must-see TV as the first significant live sporting event since the coronavirus pandemic ground everything to a halt. The draft averaged a record 8.4 million viewers over all three days, according to the NFL and Nielsen. The previous high was 6.2 million last year.

“I thought a coach or general manager might put a towel on the camera or point it another direction, but there were zero issues,” Markman said. “There were a couple times that we lost a feed or two, but it quickly came back.”

After early concerns about how the NFL could conduct a virtual draft, everyone appeared to end up having fun with it. Coaches and general managers embraced their children or spouses being on camera and draft picks got to watch from home comfortably instead of waiting in a green room.

Even normally stodgy New England coach Bill Belichick got into the spirit of things by giving his dog, an Alaskan Klee Kai named Nike, some television time.

“I thought coaches and general managers were going to lock themselves in a room and it was the opposite. Every time I looked up there was more family around,” Markman said. “I think it speaks to the coaches that when this is done, they can remember it is OK not to be in the office at all times.”

Miami coach Brian Flores, who was shown celebrating picks with sons Miles and Maxwell in his office, said it was important for fans to see another side of him.

“When I think about being a coach, you want to help players become good players but good people, good husbands, good fathers, good sons; and I think we, as coaches, need to be good examples of that,” said Flores, whose young daughter, Liliana, at times sat on his lap. “I think that was evident. It was nice to see everyone's families.”

Each day attracted record audiences. Thursday's first round averaged 15.6 million, Friday's second and third rounds 8.2 million and Saturday's final four rounds 4.2 million. ESPN and NFL Network had a combined production all three days while ABC had separate telecasts Thursday and Friday before simulcasting the ESPN/NFL Network feed Saturday. ESPN Deportes also had a separate broadcast.

Here are some other takeaways: TOO UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL?

The biggest criticism of ESPN/NFL Network's coverage was that discussions too often were focused on the personal tragedies in each prospect's life, which ended up dominating the telecast at times. The storytelling and offthe-field stories are a huge part of ABC's coverage the first two nights while many expected ESPN to stick more to the X's and O's.

Markman said they have seen feedback on social media and that it is something they will evaluate in the future in order to strike the right balance.

“Our intention is in some cases talk about and celebrate the obstacles these kids overcame in an amazing moment. If that's not coming across as well that is something we need to look at,” he said. “Our company puts a huge emphasis on storytelling. We don't go as in-depth on the human stories on the ESPN coverage, but we do need to self-scout a little more. If three straight kids are picked who have overcome huge obstacles, we have to be disciplined in our approach so that it doesn't take too much of a turn.”

When Tee Higgins was selected in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals, the ABC broadcast discussed his mother's battle with drug addiction and how she was an inspiration to the Clemson wide receiver. Her addiction was listed on an ESPN graphic without any additional context on that broadcast. Markman said that shouldn't have happened and that ESPN apologized to Higgins.

Higgins said on Twitter he had “no problem with them showing the world that my mom is a true fighter.”

McSHAY'S ABSENCE Analyst Todd McShay was to participate on television before he announced Thursday that he wouldn't take part because he was recovering from the new coronavirus. McShay was supposed to be part of ABC's telecast the first two days before moving to ESPN for the final four rounds.

“He has been focusing on his recovery. His mind should be on that and not on last-minute draft preparations,” Markman said. “Our top priority is the health and safety of all of our employees.”

PRETTY SMOOTH SAILING Despite being spread out throughout the country, there were very few instances of analysts talking over one another, which Markman credited to his directors keeping everyone informed of what was happening.

Due to the quick-moving nature of Thursday's first round, there weren't many interviews with players. Markman said by the time players were done celebrating with their families and got into position to be interviewed, they already had the next selection. Interviews still took place but were distributed on ESPN and NFL digital channels, as well as some airing on ABC.

Asian Celebs Work to Combat Racist Attacks Amid Pandemic

By ALICIA RANCILIO Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) – Actress Olivia Cheng was recently volunteering in Vancouver when she says she witnessed a man drive up to an elderly Chinese woman, roll down his window and yell, “This is your fault!” before throwing trash at her.

The incident enraged Cheng, and also served as another reason why she feels it's so important for celebrities of Asian descent to use their voices and speak up against anti-Asian attacks, which authorities say are increasing during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I don't think we can pretend that this isn't happening,” Cheng, who stars in “The Stand” on CBS All Access, said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “For now, it would not be unwise to be a little more careful, to maybe have buddy systems when possible to go get your groceries if you're not feeling safe.”

The FBI reports there has been an uptick in hate crimes and harassment against Asian Americans since the outbreak of COVID-19, which first appeared in Wuhan, China, late last year.

Some people have blamed China and Asians in general for the spread of coronavirus; President Donald Trump at times has called it the “Chinese virus.”

In New York, state Attorney General Letitia James has set up a hotline to report harassment or other targeted crime. Some of those incidents have been filmed and posted online.

“Tigertail” star Tzi Ma says he's been a victim of such harassment. He was entering a grocery store in Pasadena, California, recently when he was confronted by a man in a car.

“He looked at me straight in the eye and said, `You should be quarantined' and took off,” said the veteran actor, who was born in Hong Kong but moved to the United States as a child.

“I got very angry obviously, flush with this kind of cold in your body. And I started screaming at him, but he was way too far away for him to hear me.”

Actor Alain Uy, a star of the upcoming Hulu series “Marvel's Helstrom,” worried early on that such incidents would occur after the virus' spread.

“Once this outbreak happened in Wuhan, we all kind of went, `OK, we know what this is gonna mean,”` said the actor, who was born in the Philippines.

“Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu said he's been feeling more cautious than usual.

“It's very sad when I feel a little bit weird when I'm going to go for a walk around the block,” he said, “The Real” co-host, Jeannie Mai, who is half-Vietnamese and half-Chinese, revealed recently that for the first time, she needed someone to monitor her social media posts to delete racist comments.

“The Good Doctor” actor Will Yun Lee is even nervous about taking his baby son to the grocery store: “My wife is Caucasian, but my son is half Korean and half white.

But he looks very Asian.”

But Ma and other stars are speaking up and working to combat the ignorance and harassment. Ma joined actress Celia Au and other celebrities and influencers in the recent campaign called “ Wash the Hate, “ created by IW Group, an Asian American-focused marketing agency. The PSA features Ma, Au and others washing their hands and reminding people that hygiene, not xenophobia, is the way to help combat the virus.

“If I can start the conversation, why not?' said Au, who was also born in Hong Kong. “If we don't talk about it, then it's not going to be talked about at all.”

For Cheng, the recent wave of anti-Asian sentiment brought back painful memories of her childhood growing up in Edmonton, Canada, where she was the victim of a bias attack as a teen.

She went down an internet rabbit hole of attacks posted online. “I had to stop watching,” she said. “It brought up all those feelings again from being a kid and not being able to do anything.”

Mai says that it's not only important for Asian stars to speak out against these attacks, but people of other races as well.

“These are the conversations you need to be having with your kids in your house. You need to, even if you're not Chinese. You should be explaining that this is terrible, that racism is coming out of this pandemic,” she said.

“So, have that talk with your kid. Have that talk with your friends. If one of your friends says, “Yo, this ‘Chinese Virus’ is crazy.” Say, “No. Actually, man it's called COVID-19.

It's not the ‘Chinese Virus’.” Just check them.”

Earlier this month, “The Real” host Bill Maher defended calling coronavirus the “Chinese Virus,” comparing it to the Spanish flu.

“While people say it's innocuous and that it came from China, it's the undertones,” Lee said. “Certain people will grab those undertones and attach to it.”

There's also a worry that anti-Asian American sentiment could translate to a regression in Hollywood after recent success of telling Asian stories.

This year, the South Korean film “Parasite” won the best picture Oscar, and Chinese-American director Lulu Wang took home the Independent Spirit Award for her film, “The Farewell.” “Crazy Rich Asians” was a hit at the box office in 2018 and last year, Sandra Oh became the first Asian woman in 39 years to win the best leading TV actress Golden Globe for “Killing Eve.” “I worry, is this going to impact our chances so soon after it feels like we finally made inroads?” Cheng said. “Is this going to regress us and put us however many steps back?”

Ma says the only way to proceed is to keep putting out diverse stories.

“There's no relenting. We'll keep moving forward.

And hopefully one day, people are going to say, `You know what? I not only accept the differences, but I also accept the fact that we're very much alike.”

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Sports

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER A5

The 2020 NFL Draft Recap

By Cameron Buford Whatsgoodinsports.com Each year about this time the NFL host their annual NFL Draft where they welcome in a host of young talent and hungry players into their league coming from the college ranks. Many of these rookies will see their lives change the moment their names are called. Not only that, but these young men will also provide hope and excitement for many football teams and fans across the country.

In this article, I want to highlight the good and the bad of this recent NFL Draft as I see it. The hope and excitement these guys bring can be seen from many different aspects, though I’d like to touch on how these picks appear from the mind of a long time NFL nerd.

The popularity of the NFL Draft has only been heightened as America is in this current purgatory from the sports world due to this coronavirus pandemic. This helps to explain why this was the most-watched NFL draft in history, by drawing more than 55 million viewers. They can also credit the virtual style format which was very similar to that of a virtual fantasy football draft, for the speed and fluidity of the actual draft process.

The first few picks were fairly predictable in this the NFL Draft, it wasn’t until the 5th pick of the Miami Dolphins where the suspense would begin. Having previously renounced their interest in the often-injured quarterback from Alabama, there was a lot of speculation of who the Dolphins would actually draft. understanding that their pick would impact the following picks in the draft.

Whether the Dolphins effectively manipulated other teams into thinking they weren’t going to pick the highly sought after Tua Tagovailoa. The prospects of the big arm and quick release of Tua was enough for the Dolphins to ignored the injury risk surrounding the former ‘Bama Quarterback, who has suffered a broken left and right ankle, a broken wrist, in addition to a broken hip. Because the Dolphins have been in desperate need of a “franchise” quarterback for decades now, they were eager to take Tua. I personally disagree with this selection of this quarterback for no other reason than the multiple injuries Tua accumulated in the past few years on a great team with superb protection. Since he’s not likely to have that top-notch protection around him at the next level, how he maintains his health will certainly be a concern moving forward.

By the Dolphins taking Tua off the board, the Chargers were forced to make some difficult decisions about their

The 2020 Virtual NFL Draft, Likely the Most Unique NFL Draft Yet (Photo Credit: thespun.com)

future. With their previous quarterback choosing to leave via free agency at the end of last season, it is imperative that they find their next franchise Quarterback. They’d also have an opportunity to add an impactful defensive player with the #6 pick in this draft and pair him with a couple of transformational talent they already have on their defensive side of the ball.

Ultimately, The Chargers chose to make the 6’ 6” Eugene, Oregon native and Oregon Duck graduate Justin Herbert their quarterback of the future. This 4-year starter for the Ducks threw for the 32 touchdowns as a senior and

a career 75.0 quarterback rating. As their quarterback of the future, Herbert will have every opportunity to lead the Chargers to the promised land. It will be interesting to see his development over the next several years and if he can become the leader, they need him to be to make this pick a success.

Clemson’s playmaking Linebacker Isaiah Simmons would’ve been a tremendous addition to the Dolphins or the Chargers. Instead, the Carolina Panthers will use his versatility to replace the future HOF linebacker Luke Kuechley who retired this past offseason.

Coming into the draft it was the Wide Receivers position that was thought of as being the deepest position in the draft. Multiple teams were able to capitalize on the talent available. I’ve listed the team that got the most value with the receivers they picked, With the #12 pick the Las Vegas Raiders drafted the speedy Henry Ruggs from Alabama. The Denver Broncos drafted the 2018 Fred Biletnikoff Award winner Jerry Jeudy at #15. With arguably the best value overall the Dallas Cowboys drafted Oklahoma Sooner Cee Dee Lamb with the 17th pick in the draft. At #22 the Minnesota Vikings drafted LSU Tiger Justin Jefferson.

In surprising fashion, the Green Bay Packers appears to be escorting their Hall of Fame our the door early with by drafting former Utah State Aggie and All-Mountain West quarterback Jordan Love. This pick falls in line with their history of planning for the replacement of their quarterback. Just as they invested a 1st round draft pick on future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers to eventually replaced Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Farve several years ago.

In their attempt to return to prominence as they unveil their new stadium the season, the Los Angeles Rams didn’t have much room for error in this draft, considering they had a limited number of picks going into the draft. with their 1st pick in the 2nd round, they drafted added depth to their running back position when they drafted Cam Akers out of Florida State University. They picked another Florida product when they selected former Florida Gator Wide Receiver Van Jefferson with their second pick of the 2nd round. Continuing the trend, they focused on positions of need with the remainders of their picks, as they edge rusher Terrell Lewis out of Alabama with their first pick in round 3 and they also drafted former Utah Utes Safety Terrekk Burgess later in the 3r round.

Other than drafting players to fit a specific need to fill out their rosters, teams won’t see the production and fruits of their picks until the season begins and these guys get game time action. I’d be interested to hear how you thought the draft went and your team drafted. Kindly share your thoughts on the NFL Draft, the teams’ selections, or the players selected by reaching out to me on Twitter @ whatsgoodnsport. Additionally, be sure to subscribe to our weekly “Voice of the Fans Podcast” which is available for you on most podcasting platforms, Apple and Google Podcasts including Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio. As always, Thank You for making our voice, your choice!

Rams Address Needs in Draft

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer The L.A. Rams had to wait until round two of the NFL draft to try and add talent after having traded the #1 pick to acquire Jalen Ramsey, with two second round picks they first landed Cam Akers (52 overall) RB from Florida State followed by wide receiver Van Jefferson (57th overall) from Florida.

While at FSU Akers rushed for 2,874 yards with 27 rushing touchdowns averaging 4.9 yards per carry.

He also had 69 receptions for 486 yards and seven touchdowns. With the recent departure of Todd Gurley there was a need for running back.

Jefferson was a grad transfer from Ole Miss. Between the two schools Florida (2018-19) and Ole miss (2015-17) he caught 175 passes for 2,175 yards (12 ypc Avg.) with 16 touchdowns.

His father Shawn Jefferson played 12 years in the NFL and now coaches for the New York Jets.

“All the times I get to go home to my dad and train with him, I take advantage of those opportunities because I don’t get to see my dad that much,” he told reporters at the Senior Bowl. “When I do see him we take advantage of those opportunities. So I think that’s what made me a better route runner this year, because I had time in the summer to go back to New Jersey, get on the field with my dad, and that translated to the field. I spend all my time doing that.”

The Rams also double-dipped in the third-round (84th pick) grabbing linebacker Terrell Lewis out of Alabama and Safety Terrell Burgess (104th) from Utah.

“This guy (Burgess) is tough, he’s smart, he picks things up quickly, he’s got all those intangibles that you’re looking for,” said Rams coach Sean McVay. “Then he’s got the make-up athletically, so there’s a lot of things you like and the more you can do the more of a weapon we can

utilize you as on the defensive side of the ball.”

The Oceanside native started all 14 games at strong safety for the Utes in 2019, his first season as a starter. He was third on the team last season with 81 tackles while adding 7.5 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries, tied for fourth in the Pac-12.

In the 4th round (136) the Rams selected Brycen Hopkins TE from Purdue. In 2019 the 6’5 -245 pounder played in 11 games caught 61 passes for 863 yards (13.4 avg) while scoring 7 touchdowns.

His father Brad Hopkins was a first-round pick by the Houston Oilers in 1993. He is the first Boilermaker tight end to be drafted since Dustin Keller in 2008.

In round six (199) Jordan Fuller a safety from Ohio State got the call-The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Fuller, had 62 tackles, two interceptions and four pass breakups in his last season for the Buckeyes, good enough to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors. He led the Buckeyes with 81 tackles his junior season.

The biggest deal was late rounder LB Clay Johnston, his excitement spilled over to the Ram coaches. “I started to fade a little bit in the seventh round,” Rams coach Sean McVay told the L.A. Times until he spoke with Johnston.

“This guy gave me a shot of adrenaline that felt like I was going to put my head through the wall.”

The 6’1 232 pounder finished his career at Baylor with 237 tackles (147 solo). I am hyperventilating,” said Johnston. “I wanted to get under the squat rack I wanted to get some pads on, I’m freaking stoked.”

The Rams have also signed several unsigned free agents including quarterback’s Josh Love of San Jose State and Bryce Perkins of Virginia to name a few.

McVay had this to say about the weekend: “Just the ability to address a bunch of different needs with players we love. Each of these picks demonstrates value to us.”

Van Jefferson had 175 catches for 2,100 yards with 16 touchdowns in his college career. (Courtesy Photo)

NCAA Board Supports Name, Image and Likeness Compensation

By Ralph D. Russo Associated Press The NCAA is moving forward with a plan to allow college athletes to earn money for endorsements and a host of other activities involving personal appearances and social media content.

The NCAA announced Wednesday that its Board of Governors supports permitting athletes the ability to cash in on their names, images and likenesses as never before and without involvement from the association, schools or conferences.

Ohio State President and board chairman Michael Drake called it an “unprecedented” move by the NCAA. The next step is for membership to draft legislation

by Oct. 30. Plenty of details still need to be worked out, including how to ensure that these sponsorship deals aren’t being used as improper inducements to recruits. A formal vote will be taken by schools at the next convention in January and new rules will go into effect no later than the 2021-22 academic year.

“NCAA membership schools have embraced very real change,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a conference call with reporters Wednesday.

The nation’s largest governing body for college sports said it will still seek a federal law to keep individual states from passing their owns laws on compensation for college athletes.

The board on Monday and Tuesday reviewed detailed recommendations put forth by a working group led by Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith and Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman. The recommendations took an aggressive approach, opening the door for athletes to make money on everything from autograph signings and

FILE - At left, in a March 12, 2020, file photo, Big East Conference Commissioner Val Ackerman speaks to reporters in New York. At right, in a Dec. 4, 2018, file photo, Ohio State athletics director Gene Smith answers questions during a news conference in Columbus, Ohio. The NCAA announced Wednesday, April 29, 2020, that its Board of Governors supports a plan that gives athletes the ability to cash in on their names, images and likenesses as never before and without involvement from the association, schools or conferences. The board on Monday and Tuesday, April 27-28, 2020, reviewed detailed recommendations put forth by a working group led by Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith and Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman. (AP Photo/File)

memorabilia sales to signing endorsement deals with companies large and small.

College athletes will not be allowed to use their schools’ logos or markings in any sponsorship deals, but they will be permitted to use agent representation in making any deals.

Smith said there will be “guardrails” in place to ensure athletes are being compensated at an appropriate rate for their services and there will be consequences for athletes who do not meet disclosure requirements.

Payments to athletes will not be permitted to be used as recruiting inducements to high school athletes.

The NCAA fought against allowing athletes to be compensated for name, image and likeness for years, including in court. College sports leaders have said doing so would destroy the NCAA’s amateurism model.

The need for change now was sped up by pressure from state lawmakers. California was first to pass a bill into law that would make it illegal for NCAA schools to prohibit college athletes from making money on endorsements, social media advertising and other activities tied to name, image and likeness.

Dozens of states have followed California’s lead, some more aggressively than others. California’s law does not go into effect until 2023 while a Florida bill awaiting the governor’s signature would go into effect July 2021.

“It’s clear we need Congress’ help in all of this,” Emmert said.

NCAA leaders have already been engaged with federal lawmakers.

The working group was put together about a year ago, but its work kicked into high gear since the NCAA convention in January.

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