UCLA’s defensive line unit expected to provide stability

• April 14, 2023

LOS ANGELES — The UCLA football team returns good depth at defensive line, leading coach Chip Kelly to expect consistency in the season ahead.

Outside linebackers coach Ikaika Malloe added the role of defensive line coach this season, following the departure of Chad Kauha’aha’a.

“We have a long way to go with all of those defensive linemen,” Kelly said. “They are learning something new but we do have depth. I’ve been in that meeting room with Ikaika and he’s doing a great job with those guys.”

Kelly called the decision to add to Malloe’s responsibilities a “natural progression” and allowed for other coaching moves that would benefit the secondary.

“We’re going to play with five defensive backs most of the time,” Kelly said. “So to make sure our DBs aren’t caught short, we thought breaking up the cornerbacks and the safeties was something really important.”

Outside linebacker Laiatu Latu returns as an impact player, after leading the team with 10.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Latu was one of three players named college football’s Comeback Players of the Year along with Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim in 2022.

“We love it,” Latu said about Malloe coaching both positions. “We get to be on the same page and we are doing all of the drills together.”

Defensive linemen Jay Toia, Grayson and Gabriel Murphy add some stability on the front line as key returners.

Grayson Murphy added five sacks last season and outside linebacker Carl Jones Jr. had two sacks.

The Bruins added depth to the defensive line with Oregon transfer Keanu Williams and Pennsylvania transfer Jake Heimlicher.

Heimlicher, who enrolled in January, had an interception during Tuesday’s practice.

Related Articles

Williams joined the program a day before the start of spring camp but has already been added to the defensive rotation, batting down a pass at practice.

“He’s a big body,” Kelly said of Williams. “He’s really sharp and picked things up very quickly.”

The defense has also been vocal about their support for one another this week while celebrating plays made against the offense during various team drills at practice.

“When we’re on a roll, we get into it and sometimes we have to dial it down,” Latu said. “We love what we do and we show it.”

Linebacker Darius Muasau also intercepted quarterback Collin Schlee’s pass during seven-on-seven drills and had a fumble recovery during Thursday’s practice after running back Carson Steele dropped a pitched ball from quarterback Dante Moore.

INJURY REPORT

Purdue graduate transfer Spencer Holstege was limited with an undisclosed injury during practice on Thursday. Offensive lineman Benjamin Roy Jr. filled in for Holstege during team drills.

Wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala remains sidelined with an undisclosed injury.

​ Orange County Register 

Orange County scores and player stats for Thursday, April 13

• April 14, 2023

Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

Scores and stats from Orange County games on Thursday, April 13

Click here for details about sending your team’s scores and stats to the Register.

THURSDAY’S SCORES

BASEBALL

BORAS CLASSIC SOUTH

Round 3

Cypress 4, Santiago/Corona 0

San Dimas 3, Villa Park 1

Maranatha 5, Santa Margarita 4 (9 innings)

La Mirada 2, Corona 0

NONLEAGUE

Fountain Valley 10, Long Beach Wilson 1

SOFTBALL

CRESTVIEW LEAGUE

Esperanza 12, Villa Park 2

Esp: Duncan 3-4, 2RBI. Shumaker HR, 3RBI, 3R. Robles 2-4, 2B, 2RBI. Sanchez (W, CG 6IP 5H 2ER 1BB 7K)

VP: Espeve 1-3, RBI. Lawhon 1-2, BB, R.

NORTH HILLS LEAGUE

El Dorado 4, Brea Olinda 0

EMPIRE LEAGUE

Cypress 12, Tustin 1

Pacifica 11, Valencia 0

ORANGE LEAGUE

Anaheim 25, Santa Ana Valley 0

GARDEN GROVE LEAGUE

Santiago 19, Bolsa Grande 0

BOYS LACROSSE 

NONLEAGUE

Mater Dei 13, Bellevue (WA) 6

BOYS TENNIS

EMPIRE LEAGUE

Cypress 14, Tustin 4

GARDEN GROVE LEAGUE

La Quinta 16, Rancho Alamitos 2

​ Orange County Register 

Appeals court revives lawsuit challenging OC district attorney’s DNA collection program

• April 14, 2023

An appellate court has revived a lawsuit challenging the Orange County district attorney’s unregulated DNA program, which offers leniency to low-level defendants who “volunteer” to give their genetic material.

The suit by two professors at UC Irvine, was rejected earlier on a technicality by a lower court, but revived Tuesday, April 11, by a three-member panel of the Fourth District Court of Appeal.

At issue is whether the district attorney’s practice of taking DNA from misdemeanor defendants in exchange for dropping charges or reducing punishments denies them their legal rights.

State and federal law allow DNA to be collected and stored in state and national databases for felony and some misdemeanor offenses, such as arson and some sexual crimes. Orange County, however, collects DNA locally for misdemeanors, such as driving under the influence.

‘Spit and acquit’

The program, dubbed by defense attorneys “spit and acquit,” has helped local prosecutors amass a private database of more than 182,000 DNA profiles — larger than the individual databases of 25 states.

The lawsuit by UCI criminology professor emeritus William Thompson and criminal justice professor Simon Cole alleges the program is a secretive form of genetic surveillance. Thompson is a longtime watchdog over DNA analyses and aided in the shutdown of Houston’s crime lab in 2002.

The suit contends defendants could feel pressured into accepting DNA deals without fully understanding how the genetic material could be used and without knowing their rights to an attorney. The appellate ruling acknowledges that many of the deals are struck in courthouse hallways before the defendant has even seen a judge.

Information ‘may be exploited’

Justice Eileen Moore, joined by Justices Thomas Goethals and Joanne Motoike, wrote that defendants may not be fully aware of the consequences of giving up their DNA.

“Due to its complexity, a significant number of alleged misdemeanants will likely be unaware of the information the DNA may reveal and how this information may be exploited,” Moore said. “As technology advances, DNA samples and profiles will reveal far more extensive information than we currently know.”

The ruling noted that waivers signed by defendants may be vaguely worded, not informing them who will have access to the DNA sample, how long that sample will be kept and how it may be used.

Samples collected by the district attorney’s office are sent to the private Bode Cellmark Forensics Lab in Lorton, Virginia, for analysis, with the profiles sent back to prosecutors.

Program ‘makes community safer’

Kimberly Edds, spokesperson for the district attorney’s office, said the appellate ruling did not address the merits of the lawsuit, only whether it can proceed.

“It is irrefutable that DNA collection has enabled us to solve unsolved crimes from the past and has been proven to be the greatest deterrent in preventing someone who has submitted their DNA profile from committing new crimes,” Edds said. “The OCDA DNA program makes our community safer.”

She continued: “UCI could not produce a single defendant outraged over providing their DNA in exchange for a plea deal; yet they filed a frivolous lawsuit using taxpayer dollars in an attempt to further recalibrate our criminal justice system to favor criminals over victims.”

The ruling notes that, as of 2018, less than 1% of the profiles in the district attorney’s database matched the DNA collected from crime scenes — and the vast majority were nonviolent or property crimes.

The local DNA database was founded in 2007 by former District Attorney Tony Rackauckas and was heavily criticized by Todd Spitzer while he was campaigning for that office in 2018. Spitzer, however, decided after his election to keep the tax-funded program after learning of its potential as a crime-solving tool.

​ Orange County Register 

Mortgage rates fall for fifth consecutive week to 6.27%

• April 14, 2023

Follow the bouncing rates, if you can.

On April 13, Freddie Mac rates improved for the fifth consecutive week, dropping to 6.27%.

The 2023 year-to-date Freddie low was 6.12% back on Feb. 12. The year-to-date high was 6.73% on March 9.

Well-qualified California homebuyers can find a 30-year fixed as low as 5.375% with 2 points cost.

Freddie Mac, by the way, no longer reports borrower points paid on its weekly lender survey.

In my experience, California mortgage rates have always run lower than Freddie’s national average as the state tends to have higher loan balances (more real dollars earned by lenders for higher loan balances) and the state accounts for about 20% of the nationwide mortgage volume.

Mortgage rates below 5% on a 30-year note are getting closer. But don’t count your chickens just yet as the inflation threat continues to loom.

The Fed’s ideal inflation target rate is 2%. On April 12, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the year-over-year Consumer Price Index in March was 5%. The cost index for shelter was by far the largest contributor to the monthly all-items increase, according to its press release.

Let’s step back. Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, two mid-sized banks, failed right before the last Federal Reserve meetings on March 21-22.  Instead of rates rising by one-half point, the benchmark and subsequently the prime rate rose just one-quarter point. The prime rate hit 8%. The Fed will likely raise its rate another quarter percent at its May 2-3 meeting, which means the prime rate will creep up to 8.25%.

While the prime rate directly affects credit card interest rates, auto loans and home equity lines of credit, it indirectly affects 30-year mortgage rates. Mortgage rates tend to rise with a higher prime rate as to attract new investors in mortgage-backed securities (to pay a higher yield).

What about last year?

Freddie rates reached a yearly low of 3.22% on Jan. 6, and the yearly high was 7.08% on Nov. 11 and Oct. 27.

After wiping my crystal ball down with some Windex, I see mortgage rates bouncing around like a pinball machine for the next several months. I also see a recession coming by the fourth quarter. And I see the 30-year mortgage hitting sub-5% with 2 points by Jan. 2024.

On a personal note, business is increasing a wee bit. I experienced a small spurt of first-time buyers going into escrow last week.

“Prospective homebuyers this year have been quite sensitive to any drop in mortgage rates, and that played out last week with purchase applications increasing by 8%,” said Mike Fratantoni, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association.

As it concerns home purchases in the near term, inventory constraints will buoy any hard price drops. Everybody seems to believe (me included) that home prices will come back around even if they drop further.

Don’t be afraid to buy now so long as you don’t plan on selling the property for several years. Look no further than the Great Recession for anecdotal evidence of home price sustainability.

Refinancing to a lower mortgage interest rate is a simple cost-benefit math formula. Refinancing for cash-out requires more eyeballing between a new first and a home equity line-of-credit for example.

Freddie Mac rate news

The 30-year fixed rate averaged 6.27%, 1 basis point lower than last week. The 15-year fixed rate averaged 5.54%, 10 basis points lower than last week.

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported a 5.3% mortgage application increase from last week.

Bottom line: Assuming a borrower gets the average 30-year fixed rate on a conforming $726,200 loan, last year’s payment was $583 less than this week’s payment of $4,481.

What I see: Locally, well-qualified borrowers can get the following fixed-rate mortgages with one point: A 30-year FHA at 5.375%, a 15-year conventional at 5.125%, a 30-year conventional at 5.625%, a 15-year conventional high balance at 5.625% ($726,201 to $1,089,300), a 30-year high balance conventional at 6.125% and a jumbo 30-year fixed at 6.25%.

Note: The 30-year FHA conforming loan is limited to loans of $644,000 in the Inland Empire and $726,200 in LA and Orange counties.

Eye catcher loan program of the week: A 30-year conforming fixed rate at 5.375% with 2 points cost.

Jeff Lazerson is a mortgage broker. He can be reached at 949-334-2424 or [email protected].

​ Orange County Register 

Dan Snyder agrees to $6.05 billion sale of NFL’s Commanders

• April 13, 2023

By ROB MAADDI and STEPHEN WHYNO (AP Sports Writers)

Dan Snyder has a deal in place to sell the NFL’s Washington Commanders for the biggest price paid for a North American professional sports team.

A group led by Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales that includes Magic Johnson has an agreement in principle to buy the team for a record $6.05 billion, two people with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The people confirmed the deal was a fully financed, nonexclusive agreement that was not yet signed. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been finalized.

Another person told The AP a deal hasn’t been sent to the NFL for approval yet. The league declined to comment.

Once the deal is approved, Harris would own controlling stakes in teams in three of the four major North American pro sports leagues. He and David Blitzer have owned the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers since 2011 and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils since 2013.

Harris has owned a piece of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which he needs to sell before getting the Commanders.

The price for the Commanders tops the previous record of $4.65 billion set when Walmart heir Rob Walton’s group bought the Denver Broncos last year. Johnson, the basketball Hall of Famer who also owns part of Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers, was also part of Harris’ bid for the Broncos.

Rales, co-founder of the Danaher Corp. and a Maryland resident, and Johnson were relatively late additions to the group. Rales and Harris grew up in Bethesda in the Washington suburbs and give the team local ownership roots.

The sale of the Commanders is pending the execution of a contract and then approval from the rest of the league’s owners, which could happen as soon as their next meeting in Minnesota in May but may take longer. It would need 24 of 32 votes to pass, which is not expected to be a problem after the Broncos sale was unanimously approved and given that Snyder was beginning to fall out of favor with the group.

Snyder bought his boyhood favorite team in 1999 for $750 million and despite mounting criticism repeatedly said he’d never sell. That changed after multiple investigations by the league and Congress into Washington’s workplace misconduct and potential improprieties. The congressional investigation found Snyder played a role in a toxic culture.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay in October became the first to suggest there was “merit to remove” Snyder, a nearly unprecedented move that would have also taken a three-quarters majority to happen. Instead, two weeks later, Snyder and wife Tanya hired Bank of America Securities to explore a possible sale of the team.

It quickly became apparent the Snyders, who bought out the previous minority owners in 2021, were not looking to maintain a controlling interest. Canadian investor Steve Apostolopoulos and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta were among the other bidders after early interest from Washington-area businessman Todd Boehly and mortgage executive Mat Ishbia, who instead paid $4 billion for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Mercury.

The group led by Apostolopoulos was the only other one to submit a fully financed bid.

Lawyers representing over 40 former team employees hailed the news of an agreement in principle, saying it “marks the end of a long, difficult chapter” for their clients and fans. Lisa Banks and Debra Katz welcomed the new owners and said they “hope a new chapter can truly begin” within the organization.

Harris and Rales will soon assume control of a once-storied franchise that has fallen far from its 1980s and early ’90s glory days, when Washington won the Super Bowl three times. With Snyder in charge, the team made the playoffs just six times in 24 seasons, only twice won a postseason game and went 166-226-2 overall.

Related Articles

The new owners will inherit coach Ron Rivera, who has run Washington’s football operations for three seasons, none with a winning record, including an NFC East title at 7-9 in 2020 followed by a first-round loss.

Their biggest immediate challenge for the long-term future of the organization is a new stadium to replace FedEx Field, the rushed-to-completion home of the team since 1997 in Landover, Maryland, that has not aged well. Virginia abandoned a stadium bill last spring given the number of off-field controversies swirling around the team.

Getting fans back is a major priority after Washington ranked last in the league in attendance in 2022 and were second-last in 2021. The team rebranded last year as the Commanders after dropping the name Redskins in the summer of 2020 and going by the Washington Football Team for two seasons.

It was not immediately clear what latitude Harris and Rales might have to make their own changes to the team name, logo or other aspects of design, or if they have any interest in changing course when they take over.

​ Orange County Register 

Visit the Cherry Blossom Festival in Huntington Beach this weekeend

• April 13, 2023

The Orange County Cherry Blossom Festival is coming up in Huntington Beach.

The three-day festival is a springtime celebration of Japanese and Japanese American culture that is a tradition in the community.

Highlights will include the Sakura Night Market with lots of food and drinks to try, entertainment, activities, art and cultural performances.

The festival helps fund an international student exchange program between Huntington Beach and its sister city, Anjo, Japan.

If you go

When: 5 to 10 p.m. on April 14; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on April 15; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 16

Where: 7111 Talbert Ave, Huntington Beach

Information: occbfest.com

​ Orange County Register 

Children can create, explore with Imaginology this weekend at fairgrounds

• April 13, 2023

Imaginology is back at the OC Fair to give kids from preschool to high school, as well as adults, a chance to discover and learn more about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) through different interactive exhibits.

Visitors can explore makeshops, watch demonstrations, take part in competitions and put lessons to practice with various hands-on activities.

There will also be entertainment for all. Some of the performances will include a children’s choir, a teen indie rock band, a violin pop group and others.

Children can win a prize by getting a scavenger hunt card stamped as they go along. Dozens of community groups participate.

If you go

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 15 and April 16

Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

Cost: Free admission, $12 parking

Information: ocfair.com/steam

​ Orange County Register 

Focus pages offer a detailed look at Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach race cars

• April 13, 2023

Throughout this week, the Southern California News Group published a series of six Focus pages in celebration of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, which runs from Friday to Sunday, April 14-16.

These pages take a detailed look at all six classes of vehicles that will hit the city’s downtown streets throughout this weekend: IndyCars, IMSA, Porsches, trucks, cars that drift and Historic F1s.

Beginning today, all six of those pages are available online for subscribers to download as high-resolution PDFs. Check them out below.

Download a PDF of the IndyCar Focus page.

Download a PDF of the IMSA Focus page.

Download a PDF of the 911 Focus page.

Download a PDF of the Drift Focus page.

Download a PDF of the Trucks Focus page.

Related Articles

​ Orange County Register