mercurynews--2020-04-23--A California city filled its skate park with sand to deter skateboarders. Then the dirt bikes showed

A California city filled its skate park with sand to deter skateboarders. Then the dirt bikes showed up.

Officials in one California city thought they had what it would take to keep people away from a local skate park : 37 tons of sand .
While the skateboarders at Ralphs Skate Court in San Clemente , California , were temporarily deterred by the city ’ s attempt to enforce the state ’ s strict social distancing measures put in place to fight the coronavirus , a group of dirt bikers was only encouraged .
Connor Ericsson , a 25-year-old content creator with Buttery Films , told CNN he saw the parks filled with sand on the news and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take some dirt bikes to the park .
Video he posted to Instagram showed the bikers popping wheelies and launching off the park ’ s jumps .
Ericsson told CNN that once they were finished riding , the group teamed up with local skateboarders to move the sand by hand .
“ There ’ s major pushback , ” he said of the locals ’ feelings about the sand .
“ No one was happy about the sand in the park.
” Ericsson said the city went too far by singling out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t put sand in other parks , ” he told CNN .
“ You ’ re telling me you ’ re allowed to go to Walmart , where there ’ s 500 people at once , but you can ’ t go to the skate park where there ’ s only a handful of kids who want to be outside because they ’ ve been cooped up ?
” The filmmaker added that he “ understands the severity of the situation and that we need to slow down the spike and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line at putting sand in the community park .
Attempts to reach San Clemente government officials for comment weren ’ t returned .
But a press release posted by the city on April 1 said that while “ the City recognizes the importance of physical activity and fresh air , ” the parks were closed to “ help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
” Try the city ’ s trail system instead , it said .
About 80 miles to the north , the Venice Skate Park in Venice Beach was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 23-year-old videographer in Venice , California , captured the sand piling in on his Instagram .
Though Weiss understands the need for social distancing , he said he thinks officials went too far there , too .
“ I believe Americans have the right to be outside and social distancing , ” he told CNN .
“ For example , surfing can be social distancing but the ocean is ‘ closed.
’ Running can be social distancing but the paths are ‘ closed . '
” The move was done in according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health orders , said a spokesperson for LA City Recreation and Parks .
“ The sand is a deterrent , which has been used in the past , for those who continue to violate the orders and for the health and wellness of all LA residents , ” the spokesperson said .
“ Once the orders are lifted and the skate parks are reopened , the sand will be removed.
” In the interest of safety , all LA City skate parks are closed until further notice .

Officials in one California city thought they had what it would take to keep people away from a local skate park: 37 tons of sand.
They were wrong.
While the skateboarders at Ralphs Skate Court in San Clemente, California, were temporarily deterred by the city’s attempt to enforce the state’s strict social distancing measures put in place to fight the coronavirus, a group of dirt bikers was only encouraged.
Connor Ericsson, a 25-year-old content creator with Buttery Films, told CNN he saw the parks filled with sand on the news and thought it would be a good opportunity to take some dirt bikes to the park.
Video he posted to Instagram showed the bikers popping wheelies and launching off the park’s jumps.
Ericsson told CNN that once they were finished riding, the group teamed up with local skateboarders to move the sand by hand. “There’s major pushback,” he said of the locals’ feelings about the sand. “No one was happy about the sand in the park.”
Ericsson said the city went too far by singling out the skate park.
“They don’t put sand in other parks,” he told CNN. “You’re telling me you’re allowed to go to Walmart, where there’s 500 people at once, but you can’t go to the skate park where there’s only a handful of kids who want to be outside because they’ve been cooped up?”
The filmmaker added that he “understands the severity of the situation and that we need to slow down the spike and the curve,” but he draws the line at putting sand in the community park.
Attempts to reach San Clemente government officials for comment weren’t returned. But a press release posted by the city on April 1 said that while “the City recognizes the importance of physical activity and fresh air,” the parks were closed to “help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.” Try the city’s trail system instead, it said.
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) VENICE, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 17: An aerial view of workers walking away from Venice Skate Park, partially filled with sand to deter people from skating there, amidst the coronavirus pandemic on April 17, 2020 in Venice, California. The Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation started to pour sand into the famed skate park on Venice Beach yesterday as the spread of COVID-19 continues. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
VENICE, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 17: An aerial view of Venice Skate Park, partially filled with sand to deter people from skating there, amidst the coronavirus pandemic on April 17, 2020 in Venice, California. The Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation started to pour sand into the famed skate park on Venice Beach yesterday as the spread of COVID-19 continues. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) VENICE, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 17: An aerial view of a jogger passing Venice Skate Park, partially filled with sand to deter people from skating there, amidst the coronavirus pandemic on April 17, 2020 in Venice, California. The Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation started to pour sand into the famed skate park on Venice Beach yesterday as the spread of COVID-19 continues. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
VENICE, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 17: An aerial view of Venice Skate Park, partially filled with sand to deter people from skating there, amidst the coronavirus pandemic on April 17, 2020 in Venice, California. The Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation started to pour sand into the famed skate park on Venice Beach yesterday as the spread of COVID-19 continues. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
VENICE, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 17: An aerial view of Venice Skate Park partially filled with sand to deter people from skating there amidst the coronavirus pandemic on April 17, 2020 in Venice, California. The Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation started to pour sand into the famed skate park on Venice Beach yesterday as the spread of COVID-19 continues. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
About 80 miles to the north, the Venice Skate Park in Venice Beach was filled, too.
Hunter Weiss, a 23-year-old videographer in Venice, California, captured the sand piling in on his Instagram.
Though Weiss understands the need for social distancing, he said he thinks officials went too far there, too.
“I believe Americans have the right to be outside and social distancing,” he told CNN. “For example, surfing can be social distancing but the ocean is ‘closed.’ Running can be social distancing but the paths are ‘closed.'”
The move was done in according with LA County Department of Public and Health orders, said a spokesperson for LA City Recreation and Parks.
“The sand is a deterrent, which has been used in the past, for those who continue to violate the orders and for the health and wellness of all LA residents,” the spokesperson said. “Once the orders are lifted and the skate parks are reopened, the sand will be removed.”
In the interest of safety, all LA City skate parks are closed until further notice.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-04-23--Letter: This COVID-19 solution is far better than waiting

Many Americans , including myself , must look forward to a very uncertain future of either endless confinement , or going out and mingling at great risk to our health .
The COVID-19 virus will likely be with us for some uncertain length of time .
Will there be an effective vaccine any time soon ?
Possibly yes , but more probably the prospect is very uncertain for the foreseeable future .
As a senior citizen , I fall into the high-risk factor category .
My hope , even suggestion , is that some innovative entrepreneur is working on developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will allow all persons to be protected when in public places .
• Letter : Joggers , cyclists need to know this about wearing masks • Letter : Here are my two simple gifts to the planet for Earth Week • Letter : We must stop Trump from destroying USPS • Letter : There are many ways for able individuals to help This solution would seem far more doable than waiting for the virus to run its course or hoping for an effective vaccine to become available any time soon .
I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some inventive person .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Many Americans, including myself, must look forward to a very uncertain future of either endless confinement or going out and mingling at great risk to our health.
The COVID-19 virus will likely be with us for some uncertain length of time. Will there be an effective vaccine any time soon? Possibly yes, but more probably the prospect is very uncertain for the foreseeable future.
As a senior citizen, I fall into the high-risk factor category. My hope, even suggestion, is that some innovative entrepreneur is working on developing protective gear for the general public that will allow all persons to be protected when in public places.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps This solution would seem far more doable than waiting for the virus to run its course or hoping for an effective vaccine to become available any time soon. I hope this is already being worked on by some inventive person.
Fredrick Ford
Walnut Creek
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mercurynews--2020-04-23--49ers draft: Top 10 ways to ace this virtual classroom

Three years , they say , is the proper time to grade a NFL draft .
Well , let ’ s get a jump on that by explaining what must go right for the 49ers ’ to ace theirs this week : Let ’ s say three quarterbacks , four offensive tackles , and a couple defensive linemen then linebackers zoom off the board .
The 49ers get their choice of wide receivers and cornerbacks , though it makes you wonder why they weren ’ t top-10 worthy .
Don ’ t repeat history at the No .
31 spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form of Rashaun Woods ( 2004 ) and Reuben Foster ( ’ 17 ) .
Drafting second-to-last in the first round , by way of their Super Bowl runner-up status , is the sweet spot for salary capologists looking to seize a player ’ s fifth-year rights .
Get a bona fide starter and swing a trade down to regain entry to the second , third and/or fourth rounds .
Replenish the secondary and offensive line .
Also , kick the habit of drafting a Day 2 wide receiver , having struck gold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jury remains out on Jalen Hurd ( ’ 19 third round ) and Dante Pettis ( ’ 18 second round ) .
Make more fifth-round magic ( see : George Kittle , Trent Taylor , Dre Greenlaw , and , go way back to Merton Hanks ) .
The 49ers have two picks in that round .
Resist whatever Bill Belichick offers to reclaim Jimmy Garoppolo as Tom Brady ’ s heir in New England .
Already , the 49ers resisted ditching Jimmy G for Brady .
General manager John Lynch said Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the 49ers considered Brady for “ a day or two ” before sticking with Garoppolo as a “ long-term answer.
” Odell Beckham Jr. has been the 49ers ’ “ one-that-got-away ” fish tale for years .
If the Cleveland Browns are willing to deal him , the 49ers should make the move , only after they take a non-receiver at No .
13 .
Just don ’ t overpay and mortgage the 2021 draft class , be it for Beckham , Patriots guard Joe Thuney or Jets safety Jamal Adams .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been nice to acquire Trent Williams from Washington .
Not now , unless Joe Staley ( and Staley alone ) has opted to retire .
Say it ain ’ t so , Joe .
One of John Lynch ’ s nine monitors inside his home ’ s draft cave will feature opposing teams ’ needs .
Don ’ t lose sight of that .
If , say , the 49ers are locked in on a wide receiver , they may need to jump ahead of the Jets ( No .
11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , as unlikely as it is they move up Thursday .
10 .
No technical difficulties : This being the NFL ’ s first virtual , off-site draft , the 49ers and every other team insist they have safeguards up to get in their picks or trades .
Somewhere a hacker laughs .
• NFL mock draft : ‘ Tiger King ’ to Cincy , 49ers roll out red carpet for Ruggs • 2020 NFL Draft : All you need to know about the 49ers • 49ers NFL Draft Cheat Sheet : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when scouting DTs

Three years, they say, is the proper time to grade a NFL draft. Well, let’s get a jump on that by explaining what must go right for the 49ers’ to ace theirs this week:
1. Drain the draft
Let’s say three quarterbacks, four offensive tackles, and a couple defensive linemen then linebackers zoom off the board. The 49ers get their choice of wide receivers and cornerbacks, though it makes you wonder why they weren’t top-10 worthy.
2. The 31st flavor
Don’t repeat history at the No. 31 spot, where draft busts came in the form of Rashaun Woods (2004) and Reuben Foster (’17). Drafting second-to-last in the first round, by way of their Super Bowl runner-up status, is the sweet spot for salary capologists looking to seize a player’s fifth-year rights.
3. Day 1 mission
Get a bona fide starter and swing a trade down to regain entry to the second, third and/or fourth rounds.
4. Day 2 mission
Replenish the secondary and offensive line. Also, kick the habit of drafting a Day 2 wide receiver, having struck gold last year with Deebo Samuel while the jury remains out on Jalen Hurd (’19 third round) and Dante Pettis (’18 second round).
5. Day 3 mission
Make more fifth-round magic (see: George Kittle, Trent Taylor, Dre Greenlaw, and, go way back to Merton Hanks). The 49ers have two picks in that round.
6. Keep Jimmy G
Resist whatever Bill Belichick offers to reclaim Jimmy Garoppolo as Tom Brady’s heir in New England. Already, the 49ers resisted ditching Jimmy G for Brady. General manager John Lynch said Tuesday on “The Rich Eisen Show” that the 49ers considered Brady for “a day or two” before sticking with Garoppolo as a “long-term answer.”
Did @JohnLynch49ers kick the tires on @TomBrady this offseason? The @49ers GM explained his thinking and how he kept @JimmyG_10 in the loop: pic.twitter.com/lUGLxM54DM — Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) April 21, 2020
7. OMG, OBJ?
Odell Beckham Jr. has been the 49ers’ “one-that-got-away” fish tale for years. If the Cleveland Browns are willing to deal him, the 49ers should make the move, only after they take a non-receiver at No. 13. Just don’t overpay and mortgage the 2021 draft class, be it for Beckham, Patriots guard Joe Thuney or Jets safety Jamal Adams.
8. No tackle swap
Amid widespread casualties last season, it would have been nice to acquire Trent Williams from Washington. Not now, unless Joe Staley (and Staley alone) has opted to retire. Say it ain’t so, Joe.
9. Know your enemy
One of John Lynch’s nine monitors inside his home’s draft cave will feature opposing teams’ needs. Don’t lose sight of that. If, say, the 49ers are locked in on a wide receiver, they may need to jump ahead of the Jets (No. 11) and Raiders (No. 12), as unlikely as it is they move up Thursday.


mercurynews--2020-04-23--Look out below — how surprise availability of Tagovaiola, Simmons, Becton or Brown could impact Raid

Look out below — how surprise availability of Tagovaiola, Simmons, Becton or Brown could impact Raiders draft

Four players the Raiders would have to consider selecting Thursday night if they fall to No .
12 overall in the first round of the NFL draft : Why : There are those who insist Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovaiola is an even better prospect than LSU ’ s Joe Burrow , who pretty much by acclimation is the No .
1 pick in the draft by the Cincinnati Bengals .
Tagovaiola has been described as a left-handed Drew Brees in that his lack of height ( 6-foot ) is a non-issue because of his natural ability as an anticipatory thrower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge arm , but that ’ s never been a big factor with coach Jon Gruden .
What Tagovaiola can do is pile up completions , look off defenders , find alternate receivers and process a lot of information .
Having two first-round picks gives the Raiders the luxury of actually doing something they claim to do anyway — build for the future .
The 2020 season belongs to Derek Carr , with Marcus Mariota on hand in case something goes awry .
Tagovaiola can be essentially put on ice to learn the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s safe to resume play .
When ready , Tagovaiola can run an offense to Gruden ’ s specifications , distribute the ball like a point guard and is the kind of leader the head coach as well as the rest of the roster can get behind .
He ’ s beyond reproach in terms of charcter and has the perfect mentality to deal with the Las Vegas experience .
What ’ s the problem : Injuries .
It ’ s been a recurring theme in Tagovaiola ’ s history at Alabama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things get easier in the NFL in terms of withstanding punishment .
At one point had three surgeries in an 11-month span ( ankle , hand , hip ) with a hip dislocation the most serious .
All reports on Tagovaiola ’ s hip have been positive , but isn ’ t that what you ’ d expect to hear at this point ?
It ’ s not the same as having individual teams doing their own workups .
If Tagovaiola is on the board , the hip is defnitely a concern .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a team willing to roll the dice that would pay top dollar in terms of draft capital to move up to No .
12 .
Quotable : I try to emulate my game after guys like Russell Wilson and Drew Brees .
I text with them here and there .
For me , it ’ s not so much what those guys do on the field that strikes me .
Everyone knows how good they are .
But it ’ s who they are as a person off the field and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they go about their business that way , ” — Tua Tagovailoa .
Why : Isaiah Simmons is the prototype defender in the era of the Kansas City Chiefs , a Raiders opponent two times a year in the AFC West and still the team to beat in the conference .
At 6-foot-4 , 238 pounds , Simmons became the first college player since Khalil Mack to have 100 tackles , 16 tackles for loss , eight sacks and multiple interceptions in a season .
And Simmons did it at Clemson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good about after drafting Clelin Ferrell , Trayvon Mullen and Hunter Renfrow a year ago .
The Raiders made moves in free agency to fortify safety with the signings of Damarious Randall and Jeff Heath , and have what amounts to a third first-round draft pick in Johnathan Abram , who was lost for the season to a shoulder injury in the opener .
They signed a pair of three-down linebackers in Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski .
But need isn ’ t really the point if you ’ re buying in to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ scheme , Simmons lined up pretty much everywhere — safety , lineabcker , edge , even slot corner .
Ideally , he ’ s a bigger version of Troy Polamalu or Tyrann Mathieu .
What ’ s the problem : Simmons is good at a lot of things , but is he great at any of them ?
And is the bust factor enhanced because of it ?
A team could draft a player thinking he can do everything and discover he ’ s not nearly the player and discover he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of different ways .
The fear is Simmons is a terrific athlete but that doesn ’ t mean he can cover Travis Kelce and prevent himself from being engulfed against the run and in pass protection by NFL tackles .
Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther was spotted having a laugh with G.M .
Mike Mayock during the scouting combine as Simmons was wowing everyone with his testing .
It ’ s a big year for Guenther .
Better things are expected given the talent upgrades at all three levels of defense .
Whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply cause confusion as to his role would play itself out over the course of a season .
Quotable : “ I know years ago it wasn ’ t good to be a positionless guy .
But now it ’ s become a benefit for me just because of all the versatility I ’ ll be able to do , play linebacker , play safety , whatever it is , I feel like it just helps me out.
” — Isaiah Simmons Why : At 6-foot-4 1/2 , 326 pounds , Derrick Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talent-laden conference in the country , winning the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the year award at Auburn .
How much can the ripple effect from an unblockable force in the middle of the defensive line impact a team ?
Don ’ t get Gruden started .
He ’ d be happy to tell you how important Warren Sapp was in getting his Super Bowl ring after the 2002 season in Tampa Bay .
The Raiders signed Maliek Collins to go along with returnees Maurice Hurst and Johnathan Hankins — both of whom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown is a different breed , more versatile than any of them and with the skill to play pretty much anywhere across the front and be a mismatch for the poor soul charged with blocking him .
What ’ s the problem : Brown didn ’ t test well at the NFL scouting combine , and the danger is he ’ s already a finished product without the kind of ceiling you ’ d like from a first-round pick .
Despite playing in 53 games in four seasons at Auburn , Brown had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 1/2 in a season .
His 33 1/2 career tackles for losses is good but not off the charts considering the number of snaps Brown played .
Brown ’ s biggest strength at this point is run defense , and there ’ s a school of thought in a pass-first league that defending the run shouldn ’ t be a player ’ s chief attribute if he is to be an upper tier draft pick .
At the conclusion of his senior year , Brown declined an invitation to the Senior Bowl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important piece of the scouting process to see how a player competes in practice and works with others against against the nation ’ s top talent .
With Collins , Hankins and Hurst in the fold , to go along with end Carl Nassib , the Raiders have already upgraded their defensive line considerably and could use help in other areas .
Quotable : “ Pass , run , it was a double-team frenzy when it came time to play against us .
And that was my job , that ’ s what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the defense , be able to help other guys be better .
So that ’ s what I did , tried to do my job to the highest level that I could , ” — Derrick Brown Why : You remember the old Al Davis adage about a team looking good coming off the bus ?
It ’ s still in play for Gruden and Mayock , and Louisville tackle Mekhi Becton looks as if he could get off the bus and then pick it up .
At 6-foot-7 , 364 pounds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miller right in the eye .
Becton has worked during the off-season with Brown before shelter-in-place restrictions .
The Raiders like their tackles tall .
And he ’ s probably the most intriuging power potential power player in the draft .
The best Raiders teams have always had good offensive lines and they ’ re happy with the duo of Miller and Brown .
Of course , when one of those players go down , the dropoff is steep .
Becton is versatile enough to line up on either side and given Gruden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be useful in short-yardage and goal line situations immediately even as a non-starter .
He ’ s agile enough to operate in a stretch zone scheme in college .
As for taking a tackle when you ’ ve already got two starters , teams that are truly building a quality roster simply add the best players and then sort it out .
The attrition in the NFL has a way of things that look like problems instead become soluations .
• Raiders draft primer 2020 : Everything you need to know • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not likely in 2020 What ’ s the problem : While it ’ s well and good to take the “ best player available , ” it ’ s more myth than reality when it comes to the NFL draft .
Teams almost always draft for need .
Even the good ones .
On draft day , it ’ s as if there ’ s something resembling an Ouiji board that magically causes coaches and general managers to determine the best available player just happens to be at a position with a vacancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took a tackle in the first round .
The next year , they signed a young tackle to the largest contract ( at the time ) ever for an offensive lineman .
Becton could be considered a luxury item for a team hoping to make it over .500 .
Quotable : “ I love outside zone and inside zone .
It ’ s just fun running a man out of the play and taking him where I want him to go .
They don ’ t expect a person like me to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of people , ” — Mekhi Becton .

Four players the Raiders would have to consider selecting Thursday night if they fall to No. 12 overall in the first round of the NFL draft:
Tua Tagovaiola
Why:There are those who insist Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovaiola is an even better prospect than LSU’s Joe Burrow, who pretty much by acclimation is the No. 1 pick in the draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Tagovaiola has been described as a left-handed Drew Brees in that his lack of height (6-foot) is a non-issue because of his natural ability as an anticipatory thrower. He doesn’t have a huge arm, but that’s never been a big factor with coach Jon Gruden. What Tagovaiola can do is pile up completions, look off defenders, find alternate receivers and process a lot of information.
Having two first-round picks gives the Raiders the luxury of actually doing something they claim to do anyway — build for the future. The 2020 season belongs to Derek Carr, with Marcus Mariota on hand in case something goes awry. Tagovaiola can be essentially put on ice to learn the offense whenever it’s determined it’s safe to resume play.
When ready, Tagovaiola can run an offense to Gruden’s specifications, distribute the ball like a point guard and is the kind of leader the head coach, as well as the rest of the roster, can get behind. He’s beyond reproach in terms of character and has the perfect mentality to deal with the Las Vegas experience.
What’s the problem: Injuries. It’s been a recurring theme in Tagovaiola’s history at Alabama and it’s not as if things get easier in the NFL in terms of withstanding punishment. At one point he had three surgeries in an 11-month span (ankle, hand, hip) with a hip dislocation the most serious.
All reports on Tagovaiola’s hip have been positive, but isn’t that what you’d expect to hear at this point? It’s not the same as having individual teams doing their own workups.
If Tagovaiola is on the board, the hip is defnitely a concern. But it’s also possible there’s a team willing to roll the dice that would pay top dollar in terms of draft capital to move up to No. 12.
Quotable: “I try to emulate my game after guys like Russell Wilson and Drew Brees. I text with them here and there. For me, it’s not so much what those guys do on the field that strikes me. Everyone knows how good they are. But it’s who they are as a person off the field and what they do off the field and how they go about their business that way,” — Tua Tagovailoa.
Isaiah Simmons
Why: Isaiah Simmons is the prototype defender in the era of the Kansas City Chiefs, a Raiders opponent two times a year in the AFC West and still the team to beat in the conference.
At 6-foot-4, 238 pounds, Simmons became the first college player since Khalil Mack to have 100 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks and multiple interceptions in a season. And Simmons did it at Clemson, the school where the Raiders feel very good about after drafting Clelin Ferrell, Trayvon Mullen and Hunter Renfrow a year ago.
The Raiders made moves in free agency to fortify safety with the signings of Damarious Randall and Jeff Heath, and have what amounts to a third first-round draft pick in Johnathan Abram, who was lost for the season to a shoulder injury in the opener. They signed a pair of three-down linebackers in Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski.
But need isn’t really the point if you’re buying in to Simmons. In defensive coordinator Brett Venables’ scheme, Simmons lined up pretty much everywhere — safety, lineabcker, edge, even slot corner. Ideally, he’s a bigger version of Troy Polamalu or Tyrann Mathieu.
What’s the problem: Simmons is good at a lot of things, but is he great at any of them? And is the bust factor enhanced because of it? A team could draft a player thinking he can do everything and discover he’s not nearly the player and discover he’s simply pretty good in a lot of different ways.
The fear is Simmons is a terrific athlete but that doesn’t mean he can cover Travis Kelce and prevent himself from being engulfed against the run and in pass protection by NFL tackles. Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther was spotted having a laugh with G.M. Mike Mayock during the scouting combine as Simmons was wowing everyone with his testing.
It’s a big year for Guenther. Better things are expected given the talent upgrades at all three levels of defense. Whether Simmons would enhance the Raiders defense or simply cause confusion as to his role would play itself out over the course of a season.
Quotable: “I know years ago it wasn’t good to be a positionless guy. But now it’s become a benefit for me just because of all the versatility I’ll be able to do, play linebacker, play safety, whatever it is, I feel like it just helps me out.” — Isaiah Simmons
Derrick Brown
Why: At 6-foot-4 1/2, 326 pounds, Derrick Brown was the dominant defender in the most talent-laden conference in the country, winning the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the year award at Auburn.
How much can the ripple effect from an unblockable force in the middle of the defensive line impact a team? Don’t get Gruden started. He’d be happy to tell you how important Warren Sapp was in getting his Super Bowl ring after the 2002 season in Tampa Bay. The Raiders signed Maliek Collins to go along with returnees Maurice Hurst and Johnathan Hankins — both of whom the club his happy with.
But Brown is a different breed, more versatile than any of them and with the skill to play pretty much anywhere across the front and be a mismatch for the poor soul charged with blocking him.
What’s the problem: Brown didn’t test well at the NFL scouting combine, and the danger is he’s already a finished product without the kind of ceiling you’d like from a first-round pick.
Despite playing in 53 games in four seasons at Auburn, Brown had just 13 sacks and never more than 4 1/2 in a season. His 33 1/2 career tackles for losses is good but not off the charts considering the number of snaps Brown played.
Brown’s biggest strength at this point is run defense, and there’s a school of thought in a pass-first league that defending the run shouldn’t be a player’s chief attribute if he is to be an upper tier draft pick.
At the conclusion of his senior year, Brown declined an invitation to the Senior Bowl, which many teams view as an important piece of the scouting process to see how a player competes in practice and works with others against against the nation’s top talent.
With Collins, Hankins and Hurst in the fold, to go along with end Carl Nassib, the Raiders have already upgraded their defensive line considerably and could use help in other areas.
Quotable: “Pass, run, it was a double-team frenzy when it came time to play against us. And that was my job, that’s what I was supposed to be doing in the defense, be able to help other guys be better. So that’s what I did, tried to do my job to the highest level that I could,” — Derrick Brown
Mekhi Becton
Why: You remember the old Al Davis adage about a team looking good coming off the bus? It’s still in play for Gruden and Mayock, and Louisville tackle Mekhi Becton looks as if he could get off the bus and then pick it up.
At 6-foot-7, 364 pounds, Becton can look Trent Brown and Kolton Miller right in the eye. Becton has worked during the off-season with Brown before shelter-in-place restrictions. The Raiders like their tackles tall. And he’s probably the most intriuging power potential power player in the draft.
The best Raiders teams have always had good offensive lines and they’re happy with the duo of Miller and Brown. Of course, when one of those players go down, the dropoff is steep.
Becton is versatile enough to line up on either side and given Gruden’s penchant for creative formations, would be useful in short-yardage and goal line situations immediately even as a non-starter. He’s agile enough to operate in a stretch zone scheme in college.
As for taking a tackle when you’ve already got two starters, teams that are truly building a quality roster simply add the best players and then sort it out. The attrition in the NFL has a way of things that look like problems instead become soluations.
Related Articles Raiders | Sam Darnold’s ‘great’ debut, plus 10 observations from 49ers’ flop
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Teams almost always draft for need. Even the good ones. On draft day, it’s as if there’s something resembling an Ouiji board that magically causes coaches and general managers to determine the best available player just happens to be at a position with a vacancy.
Two years ago, the Raiders took a tackle in the first round. The next year, they signed a young tackle to the largest contract (at the time) ever for an offensive lineman.
Becton could be considered a luxury item for a team hoping to make it over .500.
Quotable: “I love outside zone and inside zone. It’s just fun running a man out of the play and taking him where I want him to go. They don’t expect a person like me to move that well. I think I surprised a lot of people,” — Mekhi Becton.


mercurynews--2020-04-23--California Highway Patrol, citing coronavirus, bans rallies

SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol said Wednesday that it is temporarily banning rallies at the state Capitol and other state facilities because of the pandemic .
The change in policy came after hundreds of protesters gathered on the Capitol grounds in Sacramento on Monday , many without wearing masks or following recommendations to remain more than 6 feet ( 1.8 meters ) apart to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
The same group had planned additional rallies in coming days against Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s orders that people remain at home except for essential activities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ California and the nation , with more planned .
“ In the interest of public safety and the health of all Californians during the COVID-19 pandemic , effective immediately the California Highway Patrol will deny any permit requests for events or activities at all state facilities , to include the State Capitol , until public health officials have determined it is safe to gather again , ” the CHP said in a statement .
The CHP said it was caught by surprise when protesters ignored public safety recommendations .
The event permit “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest would be conducted in a manner consistent with the state ’ s public health guidance .
That is not what occurred , and CHP will take this experience into account when considering permits for this or any other group , ” it said .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough , that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe life-threatening illness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 100 vehicles circled the Capitol , but another 200 or more protesters marched together Monday .
The protest was organized by a group called Freedom Angels , which did not respond to a request for comment .
The group previously organized rallies against California legislation restricting vaccine exemptions .
While Monday ’ s rally was organized to protest the weeks-long shutdown that has paralyzed the economy , some participants said they fear that they could be forced to be vaccinated or tested for immunity to return to work or schools .
About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capitol on Wednesday , where they stayed on public sidewalks outside of newly erected temporary metal fences blocking the grounds .
They again did not take precautions designed to prevent spread of the virus , but officers did not intervene .
In Los Angeles there was a drive-through protest near City Hall , with people in cars honking horns and waving signs reading “ Open Cali Now ” and “ Freedom is Contagious.
” This week there were similar demonstrations in San Diego and Orange counties .

SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol said Wednesday that it is temporarily banning rallies at the state Capitol and other state facilities because of the pandemic.
The change in policy came after hundreds of protesters gathered on the Capitol grounds in Sacramento on Monday, many without wearing masks or following recommendations to remain more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) apart to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The same group had planned additional rallies in coming days against Gov. Gavin Newsom’s orders that people remain at home except for essential activities. Additional similar rallies have been happening across California and the nation, with more planned.
“In the interest of public safety and the health of all Californians during the COVID-19 pandemic, effective immediately the California Highway Patrol will deny any permit requests for events or activities at all state facilities, to include the State Capitol, until public health officials have determined it is safe to gather again,” the CHP said in a statement.
The CHP said it was caught by surprise when protesters ignored public safety recommendations.
The event permit “was issued with the understanding that the protest would be conducted in a manner consistent with the state’s public health guidance. That is not what occurred, and CHP will take this experience into account when considering permits for this or any other group,” it said.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe life-threatening illness, including pneumonia, and death.
At least 100 vehicles circled the Capitol, but another 200 or more protesters marched together Monday.
The protest was organized by a group called Freedom Angels, which did not respond to a request for comment.
The group previously organized rallies against California legislation restricting vaccine exemptions. While Monday’s rally was organized to protest the weeks-long shutdown that has paralyzed the economy, some participants said they fear that they could be forced to be vaccinated or tested for immunity to return to work or schools.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Crime and Public Safety | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge About a dozen protesters showed up at the Capitol on Wednesday, where they stayed on public sidewalks outside of newly erected temporary metal fences blocking the grounds. They again did not take precautions designed to prevent spread of the virus, but officers did not intervene.
In Los Angeles there was a drive-through protest near City Hall, with people in cars honking horns and waving signs reading “Open Cali Now” and “Freedom is Contagious.”
This week there were similar demonstrations in San Diego and Orange counties.


mercurynews--2020-04-23--Whole Foods workers in Marin contract coronavirus

Workers at a Whole Foods store in Mill Valley have tested positive for the coronavirus , a company spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday .
The store at 731 E. Blithedale Ave. will stay open , spokeswoman Rachel Malish said in an email .
She said the market has undergone “ multiple professional deep cleanings.
” Malish would not disclose the number of employees at the market who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus , but confirmed that more than one worker has contracted the illness .
Workers who tested positive are “ in quarantine , ” she said .
No coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whole Foods stores in Marin County , including the additional Mill Valley location at 414 Miller Ave. , Malish said .
Whole Foods has had enhanced daily cleaning protocols and implemented “ social distancing and crowd control measures ” at its stores in response to the pandemic , Malish said .
“ We have installed plexiglass barriers at checkout and are requiring temperature checks and face masks for anyone working in our stores and facilities , ” she said .
The company is offering two weeks of paid time off to employees who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to a statement .
Malish did not respond to requests for additional information .

Workers at a Whole Foods store in Mill Valley have tested positive for the coronavirus, a company spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday.
The store at 731 E. Blithedale Ave. will stay open, spokeswoman Rachel Malish said in an email. She said the market has undergone “multiple professional deep cleanings.”
Malish would not disclose the number of employees at the market who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, but confirmed that more than one worker has contracted the illness. Workers who tested positive are “in quarantine,” she said.
No coronavirus cases have been reported at the other three Whole Foods stores in Marin County, including the additional Mill Valley location at 414 Miller Ave., Malish said.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Whole Foods has had enhanced daily cleaning protocols and implemented “social distancing and crowd control measures” at its stores in response to the pandemic, Malish said.
“We have installed plexiglass barriers at checkout and are requiring temperature checks and face masks for anyone working in our stores and facilities,” she said.
The company is offering two weeks of paid time off to employees who are quarantined or diagnosed with the virus, according to a statement.
Malish did not respond to requests for additional information.


mercurynews--2020-04-23--Father sitting in car with child is shot in Santa Cruz County

WATSONVILLE — A man sitting in a parked car with his 4-year-old child was shot in the arm Tuesday evening @ @ @ @ @ detectives continue to investigate the shooting that occurred shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday on the @ @ @ @ @ .
The department confirmed that its preliminary investigation indicates the shooting is gang-related .
The @ @ @ @ @ 29-year-old victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital .
The Watsonville Police @ @ @ @ @ reports , believes the gunman was wearing a bandana or ski mask covering their face @ @ @ @ @ shooting .
The suspect was last seen running east on California Street .
Anyone with @ @ @ @ @ 831-471-1151 .

WATSONVILLE — A man sitting in a parked car with his 4-year-old child was shot in the arm Tuesday evening.
Watsonville Police officers and detectives continue to investigate the shooting that occurred shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday on the 200 block of Sudden Street. The department confirmed that its preliminary investigation indicates the shooting is gang-related.
The child was uninjured and the 29-year-old victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital.
The Watsonville Police Department, based on witness reports, believes the gunman was wearing a bandana or ski mask covering their face at the time of the shooting. The suspect was last seen running east on California Street.
Anyone with information is asked to call 831-471-1151.


mercurynews--2020-04-24--The Latest: Giants take Georgia OT Andrew Thomas

By The Associated Press The Latest on the first round of the NFL draft .
The first offensive tackle in a strong group went off the board fourth overall when the New York Giants selected Georgia ’ s Andrew Thomas .
A team leader with the Bulldogs , he can play left or right tackle .
Thomas goes 6-foot-5 , 315 , has strong hands and experience .
He was a three-year starter and an All-American last season .
The Giants sought a young tackle to protect last year ’ s first-rounder , quarterback Daniel Jones .
They now have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest-rated cornerback in this year ’ s draft by taking All-American Jeff Okudah of Ohio State .
Okudah was the second Buckeye taken early , third overall and one spot behind edge rusher Chase Young to Washington .
The top overall selection , LSU quarterback Joe Burrow , previously played at Ohio State .
A smooth and physical presence on the corner , Okudah can handle all sorts of coverages .
He became the 11th Ohio State cornerback taken in the first round since 1999 .
He figures to start in a division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thielen .
Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young is headed to the Washington Redskins .
Many scouts and NFL personnel people believed Young was the best overall talent in this draft .
With the heavy focus on ( obsession with ? )
finding quarterbacks , Young went second overall behind LSU QB Joe Burrow to Cincinnati .
At 6-foot-5 , 264 pounds , Young led the nation in sacks with 16 1-2 and forced fumbles with six last season .
The All-American won the prestigious Bednarik and Nagurski awards in 2019 , leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He joins a team that went 3-13 and allowed 435 points .
No surprise atop this NFL draft as the Cincinnati Bengals have selected Joe Burrow , quarterback of national champion LSU , as the centerpiece of yet another rebuilding job .
Burrow , the third straight Heisman Trophy winner taken with the first overall selection , joins a team that went 2-14 in 2019 under first-year head coach Zac Taylor .
The Bengals scored 279 points last season , third worst in the league , and also ranked 30th in total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Heisman quarterback to open the draft , it was Southern California ’ s Carson Palmer in 2003 .
Palmer led the Bengals to the playoffs twice .
In his spectacular season , Burrow threw for 60 — yes , 60 — touchdowns with only six interceptions .
The Tigers beat six top 10 teams on their way to the national title .
ESPN analyst Todd McShay said he won ’ t be part of the network ’ s broadcast of the NFL draft because he ’ s recovering from the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d be back and thanked the tireless work of health care workers and first-responders , calling them “ truly our nation ’ s heroes.
” Because of the pandemic , this year ’ s draft will be held remotely and broadcast on ESPN , ABC and NFL Network .
The first round is Thursday night and McShay , who has been at ESPN since 2006 , was slated to be part of ABC ’ s prime-time network coverage .
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will take a special , virtual hand-off before announcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fletcher Rollinson , a 12-year-old Browns fan who has been battling a rare form of brain cancer , will make a video introduction before passing things over to Goodell , who has been forced to serve as master of ceremonies in his basement in a New York City suburb because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Fletcher and his family live in Rocky River , Ohio , near Cleveland and the youngster recently returned home following a lengthy stay at St. Jude Children ’ s Hospital in Memphis .
Last year , Fletcher had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undergone a series of proton therapy and chemotherapy treatments during his recovery .
During a break from therapy , he visited the Browns ’ facility last season and struck up a friendship with star wide receiver Jarvis Landry , who gave Fletcher a pair of gloves before a home game .
Landry also wore one of Fletcher ’ s wristbands during every 2019 game .
St. Jude and the NFL have partnered for the past eight years to raise awareness and funds for pediatric care .
Six teams are scheduled to sit out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though that could be a mirage .
The Colts , Rams , Texans , Bills , Bears and Steelers don ’ t own opening-round picks after previous trades .
They certainly could trade back into the round , which could , of course , cost them next year ’ s top selection .
Indianapolis gave up the highest spot when it traded for the 13th pick to San Francisco for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner , who then signed a new contract worth about $ 21 million per year .
The Dolphins , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
18 overall from Pittsburgh for defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick , who was a star for the Steelers in 2019 .
The 19th spot belongs to Las Vegas — that ’ s the Raiders , folks — as part of the 2018 deal that sent Khalil Mack to Chicago .
No .
20 belongs to Jacksonville in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey , a deal made during last season with the Rams .
Buffalo acquired wide receiver Stefon Diggs from Minnesota for the 22nd spot , and Miami has Houston ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year ’ s deal for tackle Laremy Tunsil .

By The Associated Press
The Latest on the first round of the NFL draft.
___
The Southeastern Conference broke the NFL record for first-round draft picks by a conference.
Fifteen players from the powerhouse league were selected in the opening round Thursday night. That topped the previous mark of 12 set by the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2006 and matched twice by the SEC (2013, 2017).
The selections were flush with players from Alabama and LSU, notably Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow of the Tigers. The league fell short of having as many players drafted in the first round as the rest of college football combined.
LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton, Alabama safety Xavier McKinney, Georgia running back D’Andre Swift and Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs did not come off the board as some expected.
___
The Green Bay Packers’ decision to trade up four spots to take Utah State quarterback Jordan Love at No. 26 marks the first time they have used a first-round pick on an offensive player since taking Mississippi State tackle Derek Sherrod at No. 32 in 2011.
It also marks the third straight year the Packers have traded out of their initial first-round draft position.
Green Bay started the 2018 draft with the No. 14 pick, traded down to No. 27 and then moved back up to the No. 18 spot and took Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander.
The Packers had the No. 12 and No. 30 overall selections last year. But after they took Michigan outside linebacker Rashan Gary at No. 12, the Packers moved up nine spots to select Maryland safety Darnell Savage at No. 21 with their second first-round pick
___
Twenty-five spots after Georgia left tackle Andrew Thomas went to the Giants, Tennessee grabbed the Bulldogs right tackle, Isaiah Wilson, as the first round neared its conclusion. A former wrestler, he’s a bit raw in pass protection, but excels in the run game.
Miami owned the 30th selection following an earlier trade with Green Bay. The Dolphins already chose Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Southern California tackle Austin Jackson. They completed their first-round hat trick with Auburn cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, whose parents completed in the Summer Olympics.
Minnesota’s second choice — the Vikings got LSU wideout Justin Jefferson at No. 22 before trading down from 25th to 31st — aided its defense with TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney. He has been plagued by knee issues.
Super Bowl champion Kansas City finished it off with yet another player from the national champion LSU Tigers. Multi-dimensional running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was the choice and should quickly fit into Andy Reid’s offense .
___
Green Bay has a likely Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. The Packers now have perhaps his successor, Utah State’s Jordan Love.
After trading up with Miami to go from 30th to 26th, the Packers pulled off probably the most stunning move of the first round.
Love is a developmental project compared to the other three quarterbacks taken earlier — LSU’s Joe Burrow, Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa and Oregon’s Justin Herbert. And remember that Rodgers, now 36, sat behind Brett Favre early in his career.
San Francisco also made a deal and moved up six positions by trading with Minnesota, and at No. 25 added a receiver to a group that lost veteran Emmanuel Sanders in free agency. Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk was the pick, while the Vikings moved down to 31st overall.
Seattle boosted its linebacking group with Texas Tech’s Jordyn Brooks, followed by Baltimore — which had the NFL’s best record in the regular season — taking LSU linebacker Patrick Queen with the 28th pick.
___
Philadelphia started a little run on wide receivers.
The Eagles filled their need for a receiver by taking Jalen Reagor from TCU with the 21st overall pick. Reagor, whose father Montae was a defensive lineman in the NFL who won a Super Bowl with the Colts, is a speedster and skilled punt returner.
He had a 1,000-yard season as a sophomore in 2018, but his production fell off in 2019 because of injuries and inconsistent quarterback play.
The Minnesota Vikings filled the hole left by the trade of Stefon Diggs to Buffalo for this pick by selecting LSU’s Justin Jefferson, who had 111 catches last season for the national champions.
The Chargers then traded up, taking the 23rd pick from New England and selecting Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray, who had 17 tackles for loss, including four sacks last season.
The New Orleans Saints then fortified the interior of their offensive line, taking Michigan center Cesar Ruiz.
___
Dallas bolstered an already strong receiving unit that includes Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup by taking Oklahoma playmaker CeeDee Lamb, another All-American. Lamb was a Biletnikoff Award finalist last season.
Miami added some protection up front for Tagovailoa with Southern California tackle Austin Jackson. At 6-foot-4, 322, he has long arms and is light on his feet. He’s also only 20 years old, one of the youngest players available in the draft.
The Raiders, moments after being told by Commissioner Roger Goodell that the 2022 draft will be staged in Las Vegas, might have gone gambling at No. 19. They took Damon Arnette, the No. 2 cornerback at Ohio State behind third overall selection Jeff Okudah.
Jacksonville’s second pick was K’lavon Chaisson, a dynamic linebacker from national champion LSU. He led the Tigers in tackles for loss (13 1-2) last season, but has an injury history.
___
Las Vegas, which was supposed to host this year’s draft before it was converted to a virtual format because of the coronavirus pandemic, will host the 2022 draft.
Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Vegas’ selection on Thursday night’s draft broadcast, saying, “We think you deserve another shot.”
Next year’s draft will be held in Cleveland.
The 2022 draft will use the same locations that had been planned for this year, including a main stage next to the Caesars Forum Conference Center on the Strip. Caesars Entertainment is the NFL’s official casino sponsor.
The NFL had long been opposed to betting on its games but has softened its stance on gambling since a Supreme Court decision allowed all 50 states to legalize betting on sports.
The Raiders will play in Las Vegas starting this season after leaving their longtime home in Oakland.
___
It took until the 13th spot before a trade was made, Tampa Bay moving up one slot to get tackle Tristan Wirfs of Iowa to help protect new/old QB Tom Brady.
The Buccaneers got that pick from NFC champion San Francisco, which went next and selected Javon Kinlaw of South Carolina. That made five defensive linemen in the first round of the past six drafts for the 49ers, who last month traded DT DeForest Buckner to Indianapolis for the pick they dealt to the Bucs.
San Francisco got the 117th overall selection and sent a seventh-rounder (No. 245) to Tampa.
A second Crimson Tide receiver, Jerry Jeudy, was taken by Denver, at No. 15, perhaps hoping to emulate the fast-paced Super Bowl champion Chiefs who dominate the AFC West.
Atlanta, desperate to upgrade the defense, took matters to the halfway point by grabbing cornerback A.J. Terrell of Clemson.
___
Sam Darnold has a protector.
Louisville’s massive but quick Mekhi Becton, who at 6-foot-7, 365 pounds ran a 5.1-second 40 at the scouting combine, is headed to the Jets.
General manager Joe Douglas promised he would find a target and a blocker for his third-year quarterback. Becton, who went 11th overall, has a 7-foot wingspan.
The first pick in the history of the Las Vegas Raiders was next and made plenty of sense. Coach Jon Gruden loves speed, and in Henry Ruggs III of Alabama, he has a burner who finds the end zone.
Get this: Ruggs, who has run a 4.27 40, has 24 touchdown receptions in 98 career catches.
___
After signing right tackle Jack Conklin as a free agent, the Cleveland Browns added a bookend in the draft with Alabama’s Jedrick Wills.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield must be smiling at those moves.
How good a pass protector is Wills? He allowed one sack in 39 college games, playing exclusively at right tackle. Of course, the Crimson Tide had a left-handed QB, Tua Tagovailoa, so Wills was protecting the blind side.
Look for him to move to the left side and do the same for Mayfield.
___
C.J. Henderson doesn’t have to go very far for his pro football job.
The Florida cornerback was selected ninth overall by Jacksonville. The Jaguars are seeking a solid coverage guy after trading Jalen Ramsey to the Rams last year.
Henderson has good size at 6-foot-1, 204 pounds, and is very quick. He covered the top wideouts the Gators played and usually dominated when healthy — an ankle injury limited him to nine games last season, but he still had 11 passes broken up.
___
The Arizona Cardinals picked Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons with the eighth overall pick, grabbing maybe the most versatile defensive player available.
Simmons was the Butkus Award winner as the nation’s top linebacker last year, but he was used in numerous positions for the Tigers. He lined up at safety, slot corner and edge rusher at times. He has defensive back speed at 6-foot-4, 238 pounds.
___
The Carolina Panthers selected Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown with the seventh overall selection.
Brown returned for his senior year and was a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award (top defensive player) and Outland Trophy (best lineman) last season and considered the clear top interior defensive lineman available.
The selection is the first for a new regime with Carolina as coach Matt Rhule looks to rebuild. The 6-foot-5, 326-pound Brown could be the anchor of the defense going forward.
___
Oregon’s Justin Herbert became the third quarterback selected in this year’s NFL draft, going sixth overall to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Herbert had a strong postseason, including a terrific Senior Bowl week that raised his stock. At 6-foot-6, 236 pounds, he has the size the pros like, and he’s a good athlete. But he also is not as accurate passing as he’ll need to be.
Los Angeles had a burning hole at quarterback after letting go of long-time starter Philip Rivers. Plus, the Chargers plan to move into a new stadium and could use someone to help sell tickets.
A former sixth-stringer for the Ducks, he comes from a football-playing family going back to his grandfathers.
___
Tua Tagovailoa’s health issues didn’t turn off the Miami Dolphins.
The Alabama quarterback, whose resume is as strong as any player in this draft were it not for several injuries in his college career, went fifth overall to a team that was accused going into last season of “Tanking for Tua.” Tagovailoa comes off major hip surgery, which made his landing spot one of the first round’s biggest uncertainties. A completely healthy Tagovailoa might have been the top overall pick.
Blessed with a quick release, excellent mid-range accuracy and nimble feet, Tagovailoa threw 76 touchdown passes in 24 starts the past two seasons. He helped the Crimson Tide to the 2017 national title.
___
The first offensive tackle in a strong group went off the board fourth overall when the New York Giants selected Georgia’s Andrew Thomas.
A team leader with the Bulldogs, he can play left or right tackle. Thomas goes 6-foot-5, 315, has strong hands and experience. He was a three-year starter and an All-American last season.
The Giants sought a young tackle to protect last year’s first-rounder, quarterback Daniel Jones. They now have him.
___
The Detroit Lions grabbed the highest-rated cornerback in this year’s draft by taking All-American Jeff Okudah of Ohio State.
Okudah was the second Buckeye taken early, third overall and one spot behind edge rusher Chase Young to Washington. The top overall selection, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, previously played at Ohio State.
A smooth and physical presence on the corner, Okudah can handle all sorts of coverages. He became the 11th Ohio State cornerback taken in the first round since 1999. He figures to start in a division featuring opposing receivers Davante Adams and Adam Thielen.
___
Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young is headed to the Washington Redskins.
Many scouts and NFL personnel people believed Young was the best overall talent in this draft. With the heavy focus on (obsession with?) finding quarterbacks, Young went second overall behind LSU QB Joe Burrow to Cincinnati.
At 6-foot-5, 264 pounds, Young led the nation in sacks with 16 1-2 and forced fumbles with six last season. The All-American won the prestigious Bednarik and Nagurski awards in 2019, leading the Buckeyes to the Big Ten title.
He joins a team that went 3-13 and allowed 435 points.
___
No surprise atop this NFL draft as the Cincinnati Bengals have selected Joe Burrow, quarterback of national champion LSU, as the centerpiece of yet another rebuilding job.
Burrow, the third straight Heisman Trophy winner taken with the first overall selection, joins a team that went 2-14 in 2019 under first-year head coach Zac Taylor. The Bengals scored 279 points last season, third worst in the league, and also ranked 30th in total offense.
The previous time Cincinnati grabbed a Heisman quarterback to open the draft, it was Southern California’s Carson Palmer in 2003. Palmer led the Bengals to the playoffs twice.
In his spectacular season, Burrow threw for 60 — yes, 60 — touchdowns with only six interceptions. The Tigers beat six top 10 teams on their way to the national title.
___
ESPN analyst Todd McShay said he won’t be part of the network’s broadcast of the NFL draft because he’s recovering from the coronavirus.
McShay said in a statement that he’d be back and thanked the tireless work of health care workers and first-responders, calling them “truly our nation’s heroes.”
Because of the pandemic, this year’s draft will be held remotely and broadcast on ESPN, ABC and NFL Network.
The first round is Thursday night and McShay, who has been at ESPN since 2006, was slated to be part of ABC’s prime-time network coverage.
___
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will take a special, virtual hand-off before announcing Cleveland’s first draft pick.
Fletcher Rollinson, a 12-year-old Browns fan who has been battling a rare form of brain cancer, will make a video introduction before passing things over to Goodell, who has been forced to serve as master of ceremonies in his basement in a New York City suburb because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fletcher and his family live in Rocky River, Ohio, near Cleveland and the youngster recently returned home following a lengthy stay at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis.
Last year, Fletcher had a tumor removed and the youngster has undergone a series of proton therapy and chemotherapy treatments during his recovery.
During a break from therapy, he visited the Browns’ facility last season and struck up a friendship with star wide receiver Jarvis Landry, who gave Fletcher a pair of gloves before a home game. Landry also wore one of Fletcher’s wristbands during every 2019 game.
St. Jude and the NFL have partnered for the past eight years to raise awareness and funds for pediatric care.
___
Six teams are scheduled to sit out the first round of the NFL draft, though that could be a mirage.
The Colts, Rams, Texans, Bills, Bears and Steelers don’t own opening-round picks after previous trades. They certainly could trade back into the round, which could, of course, cost them next year’s top selection.
Indianapolis gave up the highest spot when it traded for the 13th pick to San Francisco for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who then signed a new contract worth about $21 million per year.
The Dolphins, who have three first-round selections, got No. 18 overall from Pittsburgh for defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, who was a star for the Steelers in 2019.
The 19th spot belongs to Las Vegas — that’s the Raiders, folks — as part of the 2018 deal that sent Khalil Mack to Chicago. No. 20 belongs to Jacksonville in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, a deal made during last season with the Rams.
Buffalo acquired wide receiver Stefon Diggs from Minnesota for the 22nd spot, and Miami has Houston’s slot, No. 26, from last year’s deal for tackle Laremy Tunsil.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


mercurynews--2020-04-24--The Hawaii Tourism Authority is now paying for visitors to leave

Hawaii ’ s state agency that is dedicated to welcoming visitors to the state is temporarily helping those visitors leave .
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has set aside $ 25,000 for the costs of sending tourists away if they refuse to abide by the state ’ s 14-day quarantine .
The state said in a news release that outbound travel arrangements are being handled by the Visitor Aloha Society , a nonprofit group that normally helps tourists in Hawaii deal with problems during their visits , such as theft or a medical emergency .
“ The ability to return people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus crisis greatly assists law enforcement ’ s ability to ensure the success of our statewide emergency measures , ” Hawai ’ i State Attorney General Clare Connors said in a statement .
“ The fact scarce government funds do not need to be expended for these return trips also helps fulfill the mission of keeping Hawaii safe.
” Nineteen people have been flown back to their airports of origin since the beginning of the emergency .
In some cases , the violators have been prosecuted for misdemeanors and forced to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arranges for the travel back home and pays for the ticket if the visitor can ’ t afford it .
Hawaii has reported at least 596 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 12 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Hawaii Gov .
David Ige established a mandatory two-week self-quarantine for any out-of-state visitors and inter-island travelers on April 1 .
Since then , officials have encouraged tourists not to travel to the state .
On April 6 , John Monahan , president of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau , sent a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to promote travel to Hawaii .
The bureau had said it is hoping to decrease travel to the state to keep its health care system from getting overwhelmed due to the isolated nature of the islands .
• Trump disagrees with expert on testing , says ‘ we ’ re doing a great job ’ “ It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of visitors and residents alike , ” Monahan wrote in the letter , “ and therefore request that anything written about Hawaii strongly discourages travelers from visiting Hawaii until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

By Andy Rose and Leah Asmelash | CNN
Hawaii’s state agency that is dedicated to welcoming visitors to the state is temporarily helping those visitors leave.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has set aside $25,000 for the costs of sending tourists away if they refuse to abide by the state’s 14-day quarantine.
The state said in a news release that outbound travel arrangements are being handled by the Visitor Aloha Society, a nonprofit group that normally helps tourists in Hawaii deal with problems during their visits, such as theft or a medical emergency.
“The ability to return people quickly to their airports of origin during the coronavirus crisis greatly assists law enforcement’s ability to ensure the success of our statewide emergency measures,” Hawai’i State Attorney General Clare Connors said in a statement. “The fact scarce government funds do not need to be expended for these return trips also helps fulfill the mission of keeping Hawaii safe.”
Nineteen people have been flown back to their airports of origin since the beginning of the emergency.
In some cases, the violators have been prosecuted for misdemeanors and forced to pay a fine. The Visitor Aloha Society arranges for the travel back home and pays for the ticket if the visitor can’t afford it.
Hawaii has reported at least 596 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 12 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Hawaii Gov. David Ige established a mandatory two-week self-quarantine for any out-of-state visitors and inter-island travelers on April 1.
Since then, officials have encouraged tourists not to travel to the state.
On April 6, John Monahan, president of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, sent a letter to various publications asking them not to promote travel to Hawaii.
The bureau had said it is hoping to decrease travel to the state to keep its health care system from getting overwhelmed due to the isolated nature of the islands.
“It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of visitors and residents alike,” Monahan wrote in the letter, “and therefore request that anything written about Hawaii strongly discourages travelers from visiting Hawaii until otherwise directed by our state officials.”
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-04-24--Palo Alto may ban cars from some streets during coronavirus pandemic

PALO ALTO — In a similar move to Oakland and San Francisco , the city is considering closing some city streets to car traffic in an effort to stem speeding and promote social distancing .
Chief Transportation Officials Phillip Kamhi said his office is currently considering stopping non-local traffic on some residential streets during the shelter-in-place order to discourage non-local drivers from driving around Palo Alto .
Kamhi said roads will “ not be entirely blocked ” though , and so his office will only be “ requesting and encouraging ” cut-through traffic to focus on other routes .
Kamhi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you a ticket or attempt to enforce the rule .
“ We are still evaluating the options and have not yet determined how many streets or the mileage , but we are looking at piloting this on some of our existing and planned bike routes , ” Kamhi said in an interview .
“ We are working on developing our plan as well as the materials and information that would accompany it.
” Palo Alto council members have already discussed closing some city streets and could vote to fully implement the measure at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Councilmember Alison Cormack had already complained about the speeding as the stay-at-home order kept people inside and speed-hungry opportunists came out two weeks ago and did so again at the city ’ s latest council meeting .
“ They go so fast that you can ’ t even wave at them and tell them to slow down , ” Cormack said .
“ It really is getting quite concerning.
” If approved , Palo Alto would join Oakland , which banned cars from 74 miles — or about 10 percent — of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banned in four select locations , with the city planning to expand in the coming weeks .
San Francisco also began limiting car traffic on 13 miles of city streets .
Despite the street closures , Kamhi still recommends residents practice social distancing .
“ Since these will not be complete street closures , bicyclists and pedestrians on these streets will still need to be safe and mindful when or if they enter these streets to allow for physical distancing , ” Kamhi said .

PALO ALTO — In a similar move to Oakland and San Francisco, the city is considering closing some city streets to car traffic in an effort to stem speeding and promote social distancing.
Chief Transportation Officials Phillip Kamhi said his office is currently considering stopping non-local traffic on some residential streets during the shelter-in-place order to discourage non-local drivers from driving around Palo Alto.
Kamhi said roads will “not be entirely blocked” though, and so his office will only be “requesting and encouraging” cut-through traffic to focus on other routes. Kamhi said the city won’t give you a ticket or attempt to enforce the rule.
“We are still evaluating the options and have not yet determined how many streets or the mileage, but we are looking at piloting this on some of our existing and planned bike routes,” Kamhi said in an interview. “We are working on developing our plan as well as the materials and information that would accompany it.”
Palo Alto council members have already discussed closing some city streets and could vote to fully implement the measure at next week’s city council meeting.
Councilmember Alison Cormack had already complained about the speeding as the stay-at-home order kept people inside and speed-hungry opportunists came out two weeks ago and did so again at the city’s latest council meeting.
“They go so fast that you can’t even wave at them and tell them to slow down,” Cormack said. “It really is getting quite concerning.”
If approved, Palo Alto would join Oakland, which banned cars from 74 miles — or about 10 percent — of its streets. Cars in Oakland are banned in four select locations, with the city planning to expand in the coming weeks.
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Despite the street closures, Kamhi still recommends residents practice social distancing.
“Since these will not be complete street closures, bicyclists and pedestrians on these streets will still need to be safe and mindful when or if they enter these streets to allow for physical distancing,” Kamhi said.


mercurynews--2020-04-24--Julian Castro, other Stanford alumni call on administrators to pay laid off contract workers

STANFORD — Former Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro and other notable Stanford University alumni joined students on Thursday in pressuring administrators to provide full pay and benefits for about 200 contract workers laid off amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Castro , other alumni and the Students for Workers ’ Rights are scratching their heads over Stanford ’ s delay in fulfilling what they see as a promise that includes contract workers — not just those employed directly by the university , which has a hefty endowment of about $ 27.7 billion and a $ 6.8 billion annual budget .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stanford student group on Thursday , activists and alumni called for immediate action from administrators that includes paying workers and extending benefits through June 15 , providing 10 percent hazard pay and an additional two weeks paid sick leave .
“ To this end , we ’ re launching a no-donation pledge , ” said student activist Nizhoni Begay .
“ Until Stanford meets these expectations , we pledge to withhold donations to the institution .
In every respect that matters , they are Stanford workers and we , as Stanford students , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they are treated with the respect they deserve.
” Stanford University did not respond to a request for comment Thursday .
About 5,500 people have already signed a petition siding with activist students in asking Stanford to extend its commitment to pay workers through the end of the school year .
So far Stanford has only committed to covering health insurance for 73 facility services staff hired through Boston-based sub-contractor UG2 and to covering legal assistance for 56 laid off Student Organized Services workers who want to apply for federal assistance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Appetit Management Company have heard nothing from the university about benefits or pay .
In a statement from Provost Persis Drell on April 14 , she said the university would “ work with these ( subcontractors ) to access the assistance being provided by the federal government through the Cares Act and other government programs.
” “ In addition , ” Drell added , “ we will support these contract firms in maintaining income and benefits through June 15 for their employees who normally provide services at Stanford.
” But for Eleuteria Valencia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Stanford , the past two weeks being laid off have been difficult without any communication from the university about whether she will ever go back to work .
When she was told not to return to work two weeks ago , Valencia said she immediately began worrying about rent , food and the people in her family who depend on her paycheck .
It was a slap in the face when out of nowhere Valencia saw a $ 3 deposit in her bank account from UG2 .
“ We want to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others are not , ” Valencia said .
“ I don ’ t know why I got that check .
What I really need is my job .
We really need it .
We depend on our work.
” One former UG2 custodian at Stanford who asked to remain anonymous for fear of not being rehired said his sister was diagnosed with cancer just to months ago , and that she and his two daughters depend on his paycheck for basic necessities .
He received a check from UG2 for about $ 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s like they are making fun of us , ” he said .
“ Without work my children don ’ t eat .
I don ’ t have the luxury to just see how life goes .
We don ’ t have money laying around .
And that ’ s what we get , a one-time deposit of help of less than a dollar from UG2.
” Laid off workers and students were also joined by former Stanford alumni , including Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs , Rep. Joaquin Castro , D-Texas , former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state senate candidate Jackie Fielder .
Like others , Castro — former U.S. secretary of housing and urban development — asked the university to step up and provide for all of its employees .
“ There are a lot of people hurting out there right now .
A lot of fathers and mothers whose children are asking them , are we gon na have enough to eat ?
Are you gon na have a job ?
” Castro said .
“ Stanford has an obligation to do its best with its $ 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who go out and work hard every day , as janitors , as groundskeepers , in so many ways throughout the university , that help make it the great university it is , that Stanford does its part to take care of them in this time of crisis .
”

STANFORD — Former Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro and other notable Stanford University alumni joined students on Thursday in pressuring administrators to provide full pay and benefits for about 200 contract workers laid off amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Castro, other alumni and the Students for Workers’ Rights are scratching their heads over Stanford’s delay in fulfilling what they see as a promise that includes contract workers — not just those employed directly by the university, which has a hefty endowment of about $27.7 billion and a $6.8 billion annual budget.
During a virtual press conference held by the Stanford student group on Thursday, activists and alumni called for immediate action from administrators that includes paying workers and extending benefits through June 15, providing 10 percent hazard pay and an additional two weeks paid sick leave.
“To this end, we’re launching a no-donation pledge,” said student activist Nizhoni Begay. “Until Stanford meets these expectations, we pledge to withhold donations to the institution. In every respect that matters, they are Stanford workers and we, as Stanford students, feel an obligation to fight with them so they are treated with the respect they deserve.”
Stanford University did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.
About 5,500 people have already signed a petition siding with activist students in asking Stanford to extend its commitment to pay workers through the end of the school year.
So far Stanford has only committed to covering health insurance for 73 facility services staff hired through Boston-based sub-contractor UG2 and to covering legal assistance for 56 laid off Student Organized Services workers who want to apply for federal assistance. About 50 food workers hired through Bon Appetit Management Company have heard nothing from the university about benefits or pay.
In a statement from Provost Persis Drell on April 14, she said the university would “work with these (subcontractors) to access the assistance being provided by the federal government through the Cares Act and other government programs.”
“In addition,” Drell added, “we will support these contract firms in maintaining income and benefits through June 15 for their employees who normally provide services at Stanford.”
But for Eleuteria Valencia, who worked with UG2 cleaning buildings at Stanford, the past two weeks being laid off have been difficult without any communication from the university about whether she will ever go back to work.
When she was told not to return to work two weeks ago, Valencia said she immediately began worrying about rent, food and the people in her family who depend on her paycheck.
It was a slap in the face when out of nowhere Valencia saw a $3 deposit in her bank account from UG2.
“We want to know why some people are getting paid and others are not,” Valencia said. “I don’t know why I got that check. What I really need is my job. We really need it. We depend on our work.”
One former UG2 custodian at Stanford who asked to remain anonymous for fear of not being rehired said his sister was diagnosed with cancer just to months ago, and that she and his two daughters depend on his paycheck for basic necessities. He received a check from UG2 for about $1 on April 20.
“It’s like they are making fun of us,” he said. “Without work my children don’t eat. I don’t have the luxury to just see how life goes. We don’t have money laying around. And that’s what we get, a one-time deposit of help of less than a dollar from UG2.”
Laid off workers and students were also joined by former Stanford alumni, including Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, former San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim, and state senate candidate Jackie Fielder.
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“There are a lot of people hurting out there right now. A lot of fathers and mothers whose children are asking them, are we gonna have enough to eat? Are you gonna have a job?” Castro said. “Stanford has an obligation to do its best with its $26 billion endowment to make sure that people who go out and work hard every day, as janitors, as groundskeepers, in so many ways throughout the university, that help make it the great university it is, that Stanford does its part to take care of them in this time of crisis.”


mercurynews--2020-04-24--Martinez native has a shot at $1 million on Heidi Klum’s fashion-design show

Jonny Cota , a savvy fashion designer who was raised in Martinez and graduated from Alhambra High School , has a shot at the $ 1 million grand prize when the season finale of “ Making the Cut ” drops Friday , April 24 , on Amazon Prime .
“ Making the Cut , ” a new 10-episode fashion competition headlined by former “ Project Runway ” personalities Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn , began streaming on March 27 with 12 established designers who were culled from thousands .
After competing in New York , Paris and Tokyo to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the field was trimmed to three — Esther Perbandt and Sander Bos and Cota .
In the Friday finale , one designer ’ s journey comes to an end — leaving the last two to present a business pitch to the president of Amazon Fashion and showcase a final 12-to-14 look collection .
The winner receives a mentorship , an exclusive line on Amazon , and $ 1 million to invest into their brand .
In a Thursday Instagram post , Cota expressed his joy over being the only American left in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crazy ?
” he wrote .
“ I have hustled all my life to try to make my fashion dreams come true but never did I imagine that I ’ d be representing America in a global fashion competition on @ amazonprimevideo .
… ” After attending Alhambra , Cota graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in journalism .
( We applaud him for taking a different path ) .
He is known for is “ edgy , progressive streetwear.
” You can get a feel for his approach at his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gunn introduced the show to journalists back in January , they stressed how different “ Making the Cut ” is from “ Project Runway.
” Not only does the new show have a bigger budget and a global reach , it also goes beyond fashion design to emphasize the building of a brand .
( The winner ’ s exclusive collection will launch in Amazon Fashion ’ s stores in the U.S. following the series finale ) .
“ When you have a bigger budget , you get to travel and let these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ It makes for a better show .
”

Jonny Cota, a savvy fashion designer who was raised in Martinez and graduated from Alhambra High School, has a shot at the $1 million grand prize when the season finale of “Making the Cut” drops Friday, April 24, on Amazon Prime.
“Making the Cut,” a new 10-episode fashion competition headlined by former “Project Runway” personalities Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, began streaming on March 27 with 12 established designers who were culled from thousands. After competing in New York, Paris and Tokyo to bring their brands to a new level, the field was trimmed to three — Esther Perbandt and Sander Bos and Cota.
In the Friday finale, one designer’s journey comes to an end — leaving the last two to present a business pitch to the president of Amazon Fashion and showcase a final 12-to-14 look collection.
The winner receives a mentorship, an exclusive line on Amazon, and $1 million to invest into their brand.
In a Thursday Instagram post, Cota expressed his joy over being the only American left in the competition.
“Isn’t that crazy?” he wrote. “I have hustled all my life to try to make my fashion dreams come true but never did I imagine that I’d be representing America in a global fashion competition on @amazonprimevideo. …”
After attending Alhambra, Cota graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in journalism. (We applaud him for taking a different path). He is known for is “edgy, progressive streetwear.” You can get a feel for his approach at his website, skingraftdesigns.com.
When Klum and Gunn introduced the show to journalists back in January, they stressed how different “Making the Cut” is from “Project Runway.” Not only does the new show have a bigger budget and a global reach, it also goes beyond fashion design to emphasize the building of a brand. (The winner’s exclusive collection will launch in Amazon Fashion’s stores in the U.S. following the series finale).
“When you have a bigger budget, you get to travel and let these designers see different things,” Klum said. “It makes for a better show.”