Laguna Beach Unified selects replacement for ousted superintendent

• May 15, 2026

Don Austin, a former superintendent of the Palo Alto Unified School District, has been selected to replace outgoing Laguna Beach Unified School District Superintendent Jason Glass.

LBUSD announced earlier this week that, after less than a year in his post, Glass will leave the district on May 31, in a “mutual separation agreement” with the board. Glass was in the first year of a four-year contract with an annual salary of $435,000.

A board majority of President Sheri Morgan, Howard Hills and Dee Perry voted to part ways with Glass, while board members James Kelly and Joan Malczewski voted in dissent.

Austin will start on July 1, according to a decision by the LBUSD board, which Morgan announced after a closed session during Thursday night’s board meeting at Thurston Middle School.

Related: Laguna Beach Unified splits with superintendent after less than a year

“Dr. Austin is an outstanding communicator and leader,” Morgan said. “Dr. Austin is in high demand as he wraps up his time at Palo Alto. Securing him on July 1 is a win for our district. Dr. Austin’s proven leadership will help us drive significant academic progress, maintain fiscal responsibility and improve governance and planning, especially during these complex times.”

According to the district statement, Austin has more than a decade of superintendent experience and 30 years of public education experience, including five years as the “highly effective principal of Laguna Beach High School.”

He is also known for strengthening student achievement, supporting mental health services, developing sustainable budgets, building leadership teams and improving district systems, the statement said. According to media reports, Austin resigned from his position at the Palo Alto District in February.

To support a smooth transition, the board also appointed Manoj Roychowdhury as interim superintendent.

“Manoj is a veteran school district administrator who brings steady leadership, sound judgment and a strong commitment to students, staff, and families,” the district statement said. “We appreciate his willingness to serve in this role during this transition and are confident that district operations will continue without disruption.”

The announcement came out just before the public session of the meeting was to start. The meeting room was full of parents, students and district staff who waited for the results since protesting Glass’s departure earlier in the day.

The group protesting on Thursday was unhappy with the board majority of Morgan, Hills and Perry, and the May 12 announcement of the “mutual agreement” between Glass and the board to depart the district.

Several students, a teacher and district parents chastised the three for allegedly “pushing” Glass out.

“Looking at the state of our district, the only credit we can give you is participation,” said Shannon Chastain, a teacher who identified herself as teaching at one of the district’s two elementary schools. “The recent dismissal of our superintendent wasn’t just a personnel change; it was a dismantling. It is painfully clear that this majority has no idea what it takes to run a school district, let alone one of the highest performing districts in the state.”

“You have taken a destination district and made it a place people are looking to leave,” she added, comparing recent action of the board majority to the plot of “The Lorax.”

“Just like the creatures in the story that have to find a new home once the environment becomes toxic, you are forcing out the very people who have made this district flow,” she said. “You have done a profound disservice to the professionals who work here and the students you serve. Shame on you.”

Another speaker, who said he had put four children through the school system and has two grandsons starting soon, said many residents valued Laguna Beach as a community because of its reputation for having a great school system.

“It was our pride and joy, and right now that is being devastated,” he said. “I wonder about the word competence. What is competence? When you hire a superintendent with a stellar resume, and you terminate that spirit within 10 months, does that speak to competence? I think there are enough people in this room and in this community to not let this issue lie. We are here for our students, and we are here for our community, and we will not go away.”

​ Orange County Register 

Elizabeth Biado’s HR lifts La Mirada softball past Los Alamitos in CIF-SS playoffs

• May 15, 2026

LA MIRADA — A well-timed swing was the deciding factor between winning and going home.

Sophomore Elizabeth Biado’s two-run home run in the fifth inning led the La Mirada softball team to a 4-2 victory against Los Alamitos in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs Thursday.

“I just went up there and I took a deep breath,” Biado said, “and I was like, I should do my part for the team. I didn’t really expect to hit a home run but I’m glad I did.”

La Mirada improved to 23-4 overall. The Matadores found redemption after a 10-0 defeat to Los Alamitos on Feb. 21.

“It feels great to come back and know that that loss did not define us,” Biado explained.

The Gateway League champions will be on the road in the second round Saturday. They will face the winner of Friday’s Palos Verdes at ML King game.

All first-round games were originally scheduled for Friday afternoon. But the coaches for La Mirada and Los Alamitos agreed to move the game to Thursday to give the winning team an extra practice and rest day before the second round.

“It’s nuts playing Friday, Saturday,” La Mirada coach Brent Tuttle said, “and asking D1 to do that. The pitchers are throwing 65 (mph), asking them to go back-to-back days.”

Junior pitcher Alison Ortega threw a complete game. She allowed four hits, two runs, one walk and struck out 10 batters.

“I just wanted to be there for my team,” Ortega said. “I wanted to be strong on the mound and hit my spots.”

Los Alamitos’ season ends with a 19-9 record that included winning the Sunset League title.

Sophomore pitcher Jaliane Brooks went 5 1/3 innings and allowed 12 hits and four runs. She did not walk or strike out any batters.

Griffins coach Rob Weil shared the final message he told his players after the game.

“I just said, one game doesn’t define a season,” Weil said.

“Know how this feels right here, so we’re never in this situation again,” continued Weil, who last year led Los Alamitos to the Division 2 title. “Maybe work a little harder during the year to get over this hump, and I said I was proud of them. The Division 1 CIF softball playoffs are a tough bracket.”

Ortega, who is committed to Harvard, struck out the side to begin the game.

“I think when I’m relaxed and I just trust my pitches and trust myself, I’m able to get those strikeouts,” Ortega explained.

La Mirada freshman outfielder Alanna Adams hit a leadoff double in the bottom of the first inning. Junior shortstop Reese Hilliard’s RBI single scored Adams for a 1-0 lead.

The Griffins were led by sophomore outfielder Ryann Velazquez, who hit a two-run home run that put her team up 2-1 in the third inning.

Senior Alexis Galicia stepped up to the plate with bases loaded and two outs but popped out to Ortega to end the rally.

“Alison is our workhorse,” Tuttle said. “There’s a lot of pressure on her, but she does a great job with that. I don’t think she realizes it sometimes. She just goes out there and throws the pitches we ask and she does a great job at it.”

Consecutive singles by Juliana Rivara and Rylee Thurmond put runners on first and second with no outs in the fourth inning. Rivara was picked off at second base. Bettie Mae Acevedo singled. Milani Cruz’s bunt single loaded the bases with one out.

Adams’ RBI sacrifice fly scored Thurmond and tied the game at 2 all.

Riley Hilliard hit a leadoff single in the fifth inning. Biado followed with a two-run home run to put La Mirada up 4-2.

“I’m really happy that Liz hit that home run,” Ortega said, “because it really was a game changer.”

Brooks was relieved by Faith Pulsifer in the circle with one out in the sixth inning. Pulsifer got the next two outs.

Ortega retired the side in the sixth and seventh innings, including striking out the final batter, pinch hitter Maddison Jungers.

La Mirada sophomore Elizabeth Biado on her game-winning 2-run home run against Los Alamitos in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs. pic.twitter.com/lJIA0E5Ioe

— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) May 15, 2026

La Mirada junior pitcher Alison Ortega on throwing a complete game with 10 strikeouts in a 4-2 victory against Los Alamitos in the CIF-SS Division 1 softball playoffs. pic.twitter.com/R02gc9n5Ln

— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) May 15, 2026

Los Alamitos softball coach Rob Weil on his team’s season-ending 4-2 loss at La Mirada in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs. pic.twitter.com/Oy3DWudibw

— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) May 15, 2026

La Mirada softball coach Brent Tuttle on his team’s 4-2 victory against Los Alamitos in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs.

Coach Tuttle also explains how he avoided back-to-back D1 games by moving the first round game to Thursday from Friday. pic.twitter.com/DYKfR3DOBf

— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) May 15, 2026

​ Orange County Register 

Baseball playoffs roundup: Santa Margarita slugs 8 HRs in rout; Foothill, Canyon advance

• May 15, 2026

Santa Margarita hit eight home runs in a 19-1 win over Rancho Christian in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs Thursday at Rancho Christian High.

Oklahoma State signee Andre Owens hit three home runs and had five RBIs for Santa Margarita (16-13). Brayden Stewart, Warren Wulfemeyer, Tyler George, Warren Gravely IV and Luke Blanchard also had home runs for the Eagles.

Wilfemeyer had five RBIs with a double and George went 3 for 3 with three RBIs. Gravely doubled and had seven total bases.

The run support was plenty for George, who allowed one run in four innings with six strikeouts to get the win.

Santa Margarita was an at-large entrant into the playoffs and had lost eight of 10 games heading into the playoffs. The Eagles will host Elsinore in the second round on Tuesday.

In other playoff games Thursday:

In Division 2:

Foothill 2, Vista Murrieta 1: Caden Lauridsen allowed just one unearned run and one hit in a complete game for Foothill in a win over Vista Murrieta.

Lauridsen had five strikeouts for Foothill (18-11) and has allowed two runs or fewer in 10 consecutive starts with five shutouts. The junior had five strikeouts Thursday and retired 14 of the last 16 hitters he faced.

Evan Kim hit a two-run single in the fifth inning for the Knights. Jaxon Foshay hit a double and Brayden Bianchi went 2 for 3 with a run scored.

Foothill will host Servite in the second round Tuesday. Servite beat Costa Mesa 2-1 in its first round matchup Thursday.

Royal 4, El Modena 3 (8 innings): El Modena scored two runs in its half of the eighth inning, but allowed a two-run walk-off double in a loss to Royal.

Dominic Lopez hit a two-run single for El Modena (22-7) in the eighth to give the Vanguards a 3-1 lead. Jeremy Russell went 1 for 4 with a RBI and Logan Honikel had two stolen bases. Ryan Novajoski allowed one run in five innings with four strikeouts.

Aquinas 3, Dana Hills 2: Dana Hills walked in the game-winning run in the seventh inning in a loss to Aquinas on the road.

Gavin Giese allowed one earned run in five innings with five strikeouts for Dana Hills (18-11). UCLA commit Ryan See allowed one run in 1⅓ innings of relief with seven walks.

See went 2 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs for Dana Hills.

Elsinore 3, Villa Park 2: Jack McGuire had nine strikeouts in 5⅓ innings, but Villa Park had its season end in a loss to Elsinore.

Gunner Santillo went 3 for 4 with a double and a RBI for Villa Park (19-9-1). Ezra Ornelas went 2 for 3 with a double and Owen Dunne drove in a run.

In Division 4:

Canyon 5, Valencia 4: Dustin Reveles hit a go-ahead RBI single in the fifth inning for Canyon in a home win over Valencia of Valencia.

Camden Goetz went 2 for 3 with a RBI for Canyon (15-14) and Blake Lau added a RBI and a stolen base. Ethan Smith drove in a run and John Somerndike doubled.

Matt Simons pitched 1 ⅓ shutout innings of relief to get the win and Nathan Fuzzard got the save. Canyon will host Upland in the second round on Tuesday.

Marina 8, Santa Monica 6: Marina held off a late Santa Monica rally in a first round win at home.

Santa Monica scored two runs in the seventh and had a runner on first, but Liam Haynes drew a flyout to end the game. Max Conde had a single with two RBIs and Haynes went 2 for 2 with a RBI. Jaxon Vilardi had a RBI and scored three runs.

Marina will host La Quinta of La Quinta in the second round Tuesday.

Laguna Beach 3, Highland 2: Laguna Beach scored all three of its runs in the sixth inning to beat Highland of Palmdale.

Lincoln Adams hit a run-scoring double for Laguna Beach and Dylan Yencho had a two-run single on the ensuing at bat. Adams had two doubles and Bear Ward doubled.

Branson Wade pitched a complete game with two runs allowed and eight strikeouts.

Laguna Beach will host Pacific Coast League foe Woodbridge in the second round on Tuesday. The Breakers lost both games to Woodbridge in the regular season by one run.

Woodbridge 11, Chino 0: Woodbridge scored eight runs in the first three innings in a rout of Chino.

Henry Uhrik and JJ Metcalf each had a double with a RBI and Kyle Underwood had a double with two RBIs. Lucas Render and Brady Beals each had a hit with a RBI.

Vincent DeMarco allowed just two hits and had 14 strikeouts in six shutout innings for Woodbridge (19-10). DeMarco also went 1 for 3 with a RBI.

Katella 5, Sonora 4: Katella allowed two runs in the seventh, but Ben Villela got out of a jam to give the Knights a first round win.

Alejandro Tinoco went 1 for 3 with a double and two RBIs for Katella (16-11). Jesus Gomez and Juan Carlos Navarro each drove in runs for Katella and Gabriel Guerrero had two hits.

Ryan Lietzau went 2 for 3 with a double and a RBI for Sonora (17-11). Chris Perez and Tucker Hunnicutt each went 1 for 4 with a RBI.

Katella will host Glendora in the second round Tuesday.

In Division 6:

Troy 4, Granite Hills 2: Braden Hawkins pitched a complete game for Troy with two runs allowed and eight strikeouts.

Jaden Pearson went 2 for 3 with a double with three RBIs for Troy (18-11). Jack Bistline went 2 for 3 with a RBI and Chandler Lieberman had a stolen base.

Troy will play Trinity Classical Academy on the road in the second round Tuesday.

Northwood 14, Shadow Hills 7: Northwood scored multiple runs in all but two innings in a high-scoring win over Shadow Hills.

Bert Chubb went 3 for 5 with a triple, three stolen bases and two RBIs for Northwood (14-15). Gavin Stokes went 2 for 2 with three RBIs and Sam Wagner had two hits with three RBIs. Ethan Tsou had three hits with a double and two runs scored.

Northwood will host El Rancho in the second round Tuesday.

Savanna 14, Don Lugo 7: Savanna scored seven runs in the second inning in a win over Don Lugo.

Arturo Santillan went 2 for 4 with a double and two RBIs for Savanna (20-9). David Cabrera had a triple with two RBIs and Jesus Lopez had a double with two RBIs. Nate Eich and Aidan Perez each drove in two runs.

Savanna will play Western Christian on the road in the second round Tuesday.

​ Orange County Register 

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, May 15, 2026

• May 15, 2026

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie Wilson, Kevin Modesti and Mark Ratzky. Here are the picks for thoroughbred races on Friday, May 15, 2026.

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​ Orange County Register 

Mater Dei softball shows its ‘fight’ to handle Foothill in CIF-SS playoffs

• May 15, 2026

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FOUNTAIN VALLEY — One of the defining characteristics of Nicole Wise’s first season as the Mater Dei softball coach surfaced again Thursday.

The Monarchs showed their fight to collect an 11-3 victory against Foothill in first round of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs at Fountain Valley Sports Park.

The Monarchs snapped a 3-3 tie with a five-run fourth inning to advance to the second round with a familiar drive.

They shook off struggles at the Dave Kops Tournament of Champions to later capture the Dugard Classic. And they recovered from a 1-4 start in the Trinity League to earn an at-large berth in the playoffs and No. 2 seed.

“That’s the fight in the girls. That’s what has been happening all year,” Wise said. “There were some games that didn’t go our way but at the end of day, the girls never gave up. They always fought.”

Mater Dei (16-11), ranked seventh in Orange County, will play at Gahr on Saturday. Gahr defeated Yorba Linda 4-2 in another first-round game.

Danica Lancellotti and Audrey Eyler capped the Monarchs’ fourth inning with consecutive two-run doubles with two outs.

Mater Dei’s unity showed with its offense. The Monarchs collected 11 hits, including home runs by Savanah Duncan and Ally Carrillo.

Duncan, who batted eighth, hit a two-run home run in the second as Mater Dei opened a 3-0 lead. Carrillo hit a three-run home run in the fifth to punctuate the scoring.

Mater Dei’s lineup featured slugger Tulutululelei Salue at leadoff and left-handed slap hitter Mikayla Maclsaac batting ninth.

“Once we keep passing the bat, it gets our party started,” said Lancellotti, who gave the Monarchs’ a 6-3 lead with a bases-loaded double in the fourth. “We all have our jobs to do and we all work together so well. We advance the runners, we score runs for our pitchers and just work as a team.”

Pitcher Citlaly Valencia recovered from a three-run home run by sophomore Aurora Autagavaia in third to pitch a complete game with nine strikeouts.

The UC Riverside committed senior praised her defense that produced a double-play started by Carrillo at shortstop and a diving catch in left by Maclsaac.

“After the home run, I just had to shake it off and keep being there for my teammates. I know they all have my back,” said Valencia, who closed the game with four scoreless innings.

Foothill (18-10), ranked No. 19 in county, played its final game under coach Jeff Wright, who is moving to Arkansas to be closer to his sons.

The Knights’ highlighted their effort by throwing out a runner at the plate in the second inning to preserve a 3-3 tie. With a runner on first, freshman left fielder Avery Victer fielded a single by Salue, threw to sophomore shortstop Brooklyn Austin, who fired the relay to sophomore catcher Calla Nagler for the tag.

Foothill’s starting lineup didn’t feature a senior.

“It’s bittersweet,” Wright said of his departure after 11 seasons, including a CIF-SS title in 2023. “I have worked really hard building what we are but what I have always told (the players), it’s them.”

“We’re just trying to get back to where we’re supposed to be,” the coach added. “I’m very proud of the girls out there today.”

​ Orange County Register 

CIF-SS baseball playoffs: Thursday’s scores, Friday’s schedule

• May 15, 2026

CIF-SS BASEBALL PLAYOFFS

THURSDAY’S SCORES

FIRST ROUND

DIVISION 2

Elsinore 3, Villa Park 2

Santa Margarita 19, Rancho Christian 1

Ganesha 2, Linfield Christian 1

South Hills 2, San Clemente 0

Great Oak 10, Valley View 5

Aquinas 3, Dana Hills 2

Gahr vs. El Segundo

Servite 2, Costa Mesa 0

Foothill 2, Vista Murrieta 1

Royal vs. El Modena

Yucaipa 4, Paraclete 2

Newbury Park vs. Chaminade

Loyola 18, Yorba Linda 0

Alemany vs. Mission Viejo

Westlake 4, Alta Loma 3

DIVISION 4

San Marino, bye

Saugus vs. Walnut

Rio Mesa 6, Hesperia 0

Claremont 1, La Salle 0

Glendora 11, St. Anthony 5

Katella vs. Sonora

Upland vs. Riverside Poly

Canyon/A 5, Valencia/V 4

Marina 8, Santa Monica 6

La Quinta/LQ vs. Northview

Palm Desert 11, Oxnard Pacifica 7

San Marcos vs. Grand Terrace

Laguna Beach 3, Highland 2

Woodbridge 11, Chino 0

Castaic vs. Monrovia

Moorpark vs. La Serna

DIVISION 6

Ontario 8, California 6

Windward vs. Brentwood

Foothill Tech 3, Bloomington 2

Canyon Springs 3, Ramona 0

Troy 4, Granite Hills 2

Trinity Classic Acad. 5, Orange 1

Northwood 14, Shadow Hills 7

El Rancho vs. Estancia

Western Christian 3, Cantwell Sacred Heart 1

Savanna 14, Don Lugo 7

Covina 4, Tustin 3

Mary Star vs. Alhambra

Hueneme vs. Calvary Chapel/SA

Muir vs. Hillcrest

Lakewood vs. Leuzinger

Crossroads 4, Lancaster 3

DIVISION 8

Rancho Alamitos 7, Los Amigos 5

Edgewood 1, Colton 0

Marshall 8, Santa Rosa Acad. 5

Chadwick 6, Vasquez 1

Rio Hondo Prep 14, Beacon Hill 1

Compton vs. Cornerstone Chr./W

Rosemead 1, Indio 0

Oxford Academy 3, Desert Christian/L 1

Buckley vs. Duarte

Santa Clarita Chr. 6, Acad. Academic Excellence 0

Nuview Bridge 5, Providence/Burroughs 2

Nordhoff 3, Bishop Diego 1

Magnolia vs. Indian Springs

Artesia vs. Banning

Anaheim 9, Salesian 1

Schurr 2, Hesperia Christian 1

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE

(Games start at 3:15 p.m. unless noted)

SECOND ROUND

DIVISION 1

Pool A

Norco at Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks

Ayala at Maranatha

Pool D

Orange Lutheran at Corona

Corona Santiago at Etiwanda

Pool C

Sierra Canyon at St. John Bosco

Oaks Christian at Cypress

Pool B

Harvard-Westlake at Huntington Beach

Temecula Valley at La Mirada

FIRST ROUND

DIVISION 3

Arlington at Mira Costa

Redondo Union at Ridgecrest Burroughs

Dos Pueblos at Burbank Burroughs

Edison at Damien

Pacifica Christian/NB at Palos Verdes

Warren at West Ranch

San Dimas at Cajon

Crescenta Valley at St. Francis

Oakwood at Agoura

Pacifica/Garden Grove at Chino Hills

Bishop Amat at Corona del Mar

Fullerton at San Juan Hills

Charter Oak at Beckman

South Torrance at Millikan

Summit at La Canada

Simi Valley at Arcadia

DIVISION 5

Paloma Valley at Citrus Valley

Moreno Valley at Irvine

Cathedral at Calvary Baptist

Sunny Hills at Long Beach Poly

Tahquitz at Quartz Hill

Kaiser at Oak Hills

Heritage Christian at Paramount

Loara at Santra Barbara

Montebello at Long Beach Wilson

Jurupa Hills at Santa Fe

Temescal Canyon at Arrowhead Christian

Capistrano Valley Christian at Riverside Prep

Culver City at Cerritos Valley Christian

Mayfair at St. Bonaventure

Bishop Montgomery at Cerritos

Rancho Verde at St. Bernard

DIVISION 7

Palmdale at New Roads

Carpinteria at Flintridge Prep

North Torrance at Baldwin Park

Beverly Hills at Grace

Pasadena Poly at Santa Paula

Milken at Fontana

Patriot at Viewpoint

Valencia/P at Victor Valley

Riverside Notre Dame at Hemet

South El Monte at Buena Park

University Prep at Golden Valley

Jurupa Valley at Campbell Hall

Arroyo at Miller

Carter at Adelanto

Nogales at Garden Grove

San Jacinto Valley at Norwalk

DIVISION 9

Redlands Adventist Academy at Dunn

Santa Monica Pacifica Christian at Lennox Academy

Downey Calvary Chapel at Crossroads Christian

Coastal Christian at St. Monica Academy

Mesa Grande at San Bernardino

San Luis Obispo Classical at Ojai Valley

Loma Linda Academy at Webb

Santa Maria Valley Christian at Yucca Valley

Lucerne Valley at Rolling Hills Prep

United Christian Academy at Ambassador Christian

Riverside Bethel Christian at Desert Hot Springs

Anza Hamilton at Westminster

Pomona at Temecula Prep

Cobalt at Environmental Charter

Garden Grove Santiago at Gorman Charter

Animo Leadership at St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy

​ Orange County Register 

Since being dropped in Dodgers’ lineup, Kyle Tucker has been more productive

• May 15, 2026

LOS ANGELES — In the midst of the Dodgers’ collective struggles at the plate, there has been at least one positive sign.

Over 19 games before Thursday, Kyle Tucker has produced more like the player the Dodgers thought they were getting when they signed him to a four-year, $240 million contract last winter. During that stretch, Tucker was 19 for 64 (.297) with 10 doubles, a .410 on-base percentage and .910 OPS.

But Dodgers manager Dave Roberts isn’t blinded by the improved numbers.

“Yes, I think Kyle has looked better the last week. Still not right, for me – and for him,” Roberts said. “I think he is taking much better at-bats. I think he’s been much more consistent controlling the strike zone and not chasing as much which has led to a lot more contact and some hits.

“I see it once in awhile where I think he’s locked in, got his legs under him. But I don’t think he’s quite there yet.”

When Tucker is “locked in,” Roberts said he has “a hyper-controlled strike zone” that puts the onus on pitchers to get him out.

“You have to get him out in the strike zone, which a lot of pitchers don’t have the ability to do,” Roberts said. “I think the last couple weeks we’ve seen that versus the hyper swing rate, the chase rate which I think has been tempered the last week.”

Tucker’s turnaround started with the Dodgers’ series in San Francisco last month during which Roberts dropped him from second in the lineup. He hit .233 with a .676 OPS while making 21 of his first 22 starts in the No. 2 spot.

Hitting lower in the lineup – third, fourth or fifth – seems to be a more comfortable fit for Tucker.

“I think that game against the Giants was the start of it in San Francisco. I do think there was a change in mindset,” Roberts said. “I get it. Sometimes it’s just better to let the game come to you. Today he’s hitting third but as the fourth, fifth hitter – let the game come to you.

“I think that’s something that I have seen a stark change since that day in the at-bat quality.”

DAY OF REST

With Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts both out of the starting lineup on Thursday, the lineup took on a different look, starting at the top. Will Smith took Ohtani’s spot as the leadoff hitter and DH, his first career game in the leadoff spot.

“I just feel he’s unflappable. Whatever position he’s in, you put him in, he responds,” Roberts said. “I just felt that giving him an opportunity to get five at-bats, kind of leaving the other guys in their rightful spots, made the most sense. I just trust him. I felt like it was an easy thing for him to handle.”

Roberts said Ohtani would be available to pinch hit if the situation called for it against the Giants on Thursday, but Ohtani showed up later than usual and had a more relaxed pregame routine.

“I was hoping he would get here late and kind of take the day to rest and recover,” Roberts said.

The communication with Ohtani on his schedule now that he has returned to a full pitching workload has been “better,” Roberts said.

“I think that he certainly is very in tune with things around him, hyper in tune with his own well-being,” Roberts said. “But I think he’s now more willing to kind of give his opinion as opposed to just kind of do what the organization wants. It’s important because we can’t read minds. I can’t read minds. So it’s helpful when the player voices some thoughts. That’s one thing I’ve appreciated.”

Another thing the Dodgers have learned, Roberts said, is “that mentally, the days he does pitch, it’s tougher on him. Physically, it’s the day after.”

GLASNOW PROGRESS

Right-hander Tyler Glasnow started a throwing program on Wednesday, playing catch on flat ground. But he is still receiving treatment for his back spasms and it’s uncertain when he will be ready to start throwing off a mound.

“He’s in the trainer’s room, working on his core, his back,” Roberts said, adding that he doesn’t expect Glasnow to be ready to come off the injured list when he is eligible on May 22.

“He’s just been playing catch so I don’t know what the next step is before throwing off the mound. But I do know we’re going to take our time. I do know that.”

UP NEXT

Dodgers (LHP Blake Snell, 0-1, 12.00 ERA) at Angels (RHP Jack Kochanowicz, 2-2, 3.97 ERA), Friday, 6:38 p.m., SportsNet LA, 570 AM

​ Orange County Register 

University and business leaders weigh a college degree’s value

• May 15, 2026

Is a college degree still valuable?

From a “practical perspective,” yes. A diploma can open doors to higher pay over the course of your life.

“On average, after 10 years, the median UCI student is making about $106,000 a year with very little debt. Most of them, within a few years, are earning more than their parents,” UC Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman said Thursday afternoon. Gillman was part of a panel of experts who gathered at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach to weigh in on a degree’s worth.

“But families are right to ask hard questions (of) higher education leaders about the value of these degrees — about cost, about transparency and outcomes,” Gillman said.

Those are natural questions, especially when college graduates are entering an early career market that’s “noticeably tighter than five years ago,” characterized by “lower turnover, AI compressing junior roles, longer on-ramps,” said moderator Sherry Main, who serves as UCI’s assistant vice chancellor for public affairs.

With those factors in mind, the central question was rephrased: Can a college degree still give graduates an edge?

From an employer perspective, yes, a degree makes a candidate stand out, said OC Business Council President and CEO Jeff Ball. But job qualifications — even for early-career job seekers — don’t rest entirely on the backs of diplomas.

“We have shifted from an attitude of looking at degrees as a credential and more to looking at degrees plus capabilities,” Ball said.

“When we think about how the market is changing, we need our employees to be dynamic. And the more educated they are, the more they have that foundation, the more they’re going to be able to adjust with us.”

“Capability” isn’t just about deciphering Chaucer or Dante, Concordia University President Michael Thomas joked. Education is about shaping well-rounded people.

“Although we want to help them get their first job, it’s really about lifetime development,” Thomas said. “There’s very few places left in our society where people mingle with ‘the other’ — very few places left where that kind of synergy happens.”

Ronald Rochon, president of Cal State Fullerton, agreed. A degree’s worth, Rochon said, is inextricable from “the possibility of travel, of meeting people with different languages, different perspectives, learning how to sit down and listen and engage in those conversations.”

Panelists also agreed that colleges are critical for the world beyond the students, professors and administrators.

Universities, UCI’s Gillman said, are “an amazing contribution to the well being of the community.” Gillman noted that his school’s health science and academic programs are training nurses, pharmacists and public health officials, and that UCI is engaged in research that brings innovation and hundreds of millions of dollars into the region.

Other school and business leaders echoed that point.

Still, some issues are prompting complex questions about the financial value of a degree. Artificial intelligence seeping into classrooms and industries, junior roles becoming more competitive, and the rising cost of a diploma are changing the equation.

But Gillman suggested money isn’t the only — or even the best — measure of a diploma’s value.

“I still think that the most reliable path for opportunity and good outcomes, but also an enhanced life, with greater interest, is to spend time at these wonderful institutions.”

​ Orange County Register