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Advocates for college athlete compensation in California are on a hot streak. First the state passed a first-in-the-nation law allowing players to sign paid endorsement deals, and 20 states followed its example. Now, with both a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision and a National Collegiate Athletic Association rule change challenging the idea that students shouldn’t make money from athletics, legislators are pushing to move up the effective date of the California law to this fall and expand it to cover community college athletes.

“The amateurism ideals have been weakening over time, not only with just player movements, advocate movements, but also because of litigation that’s currently playing out,” said Eddie Comeaux, a professor of higher education at UC Riverside who studies college athletics.

The NCAA has previously barred athletes from earning money for their performance, aside from scholarships. But the Supreme Court’s 9–0 ruling June 21 allows colleges to also cover as much as $6,000 per year in education-related expenses for athletes, such as laptops and study abroad programs. While it didn’t directly strike down the NCAA’s amateurism model, a concurring opinion from Justice Brett Kavanaugh signaled a willingness to do so, spurring hope among advocates that more avenues for player compensation could be on the horizon.

Then Wednesday, the NCAA announced that it won’t penalize athletes for taking advantage of state laws like California’s that allow them to profit from the use of their name, image and likeness.

“With the variety of state laws adopted across the country, we will continue to work with Congress to develop a solution that will provide clarity on a national level,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a press release.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling basically told the NCAA you’ve got to follow the law, you’re not immune to antitrust, you cannot be a monopoly,” said state Sen. Nancy Skinner, the author of the Fair Pay to Play Act, which passed the California Legislature in 2019. She’s now pushing a bill that amends the law to take effect Sept. 1, rather than in 2023. It passed the Assembly’s higher education committee this week, and would need to receive a two-thirds vote by the Assembly and be signed by the governor to become law.

State laws giving college athletes the ability to pursue money-making opportunities also went into effect Thursday in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, New Mexico and Mississippi.

College athlete endorsements on social media could eventually become a $2 billion dollar market, said Thilo Kunkel, director of the Sport Industry Research Center at Temple University and the founder of an app called Sprter, which helps players build and monetize their personal brands. Kunkel said his research found that the average college athlete with a few thousand followers could expect to make around $2,000 a year in additional income from social media endorsements.

“Most people won’t get rich off of them, but, you know, if you’re making $2,000 extra a year, it’s 50 bucks a week, it’s a little bit here, it’s a little bit there,” he said.

Athletes on the Sprter app can sign endorsement deals, sell social media shoutouts and book in-person experiences such as a training session with fans. It’s just one of a number of ventures already sprouting up as the new NCAA rules take effect this week. Hanna and Haley Cavinder, twin sisters who play for Fresno State’s basketball team, told ESPN they had already signed their first endorsement deal with Boost Mobile on Wednesday.

Unlike the original Fair Play to Pay Act, Skinner’s new bill would afford California’s community college athletes the same freedom to profit from their name, image and likeness as their peers at four-year universities. The bill has the support of the California Community College Chancellor’s office.

“Students should not have to sit by and watch others profit off of their hard work and labor without being equitably compensated for it, just because they participate in college athletics – and that includes our many community college student-athletes as well,” spokesperson Rafael Chávez said in a statement to CalMatters.

John Beam, the athletic director and head football coach at Oakland’s Laney College, said the inclusion of the state’s community college athletes would be a huge win. He said that while not all athletes will be able to take advantage of the money-making opportunities, it’s an important first step to restoring a sense of humanity to how college athletes are treated.

“We have kids that are hungry every day and I can’t bring, you know, Cup of Noodles in to give them,” Beam said. “We’re not talking about a meal plan, we’re talking about survival food. So I’m hoping that it trickles down to allow us to really care for our student athletes like we should.”

Athletes including Elias Escobar, a football player at Laney College, said the ability to make some extra cash could help with basic needs such as rent, food and gas money for his commute to campus.

Being an athlete, Escobar said, is “like a full-time job and I’m not getting paid for it.”

“There were times I didn’t even go to class because I didn’t have any gas money to put in my car, or like, I’m going to school and not eating all day,” he said.

California’s two public university systems, the University of California and California State University, said they were monitoring the bill. “UC continues to work with Senator Skinner, and members of the state Legislature, to ensure that the University is prepared for an accelerated implementation date of Sept. 1,” spokesperson Ryan King said in a statement.

Some advocates for college players want to go even further. A bill this year by state Sen. Sydney Kamlager would have required colleges to pay their athletes a royalty for use of their name, image and likeness if the revenue a sports program generates is more than double the amount it awards in athletic scholarships. The bill, introduced when Kamlager was an Assemblymember, would also have beefed up enforcement of Title IX, the federal law barring sex discrimination in sports and other educational programs, and placed a cap on salaries for college coaches.

It stalled in the Assembly. But the recent decisions by the Supreme Court and NCAA could pave the way for California to take more aggressive action on athlete compensation going forward, said Ramogi Huma, the executive director of the National College Players Association, which advocates for the rights of college athletes.

“A 9-0 decision saying that this is an exploitative industry and college athletes deserve more compensation should be a green light for the state of California to once again reshape college sports in a way that’s more equitable for players,” Huma said.

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Reagan is an intern with the CalMatters College Journalism Network, a collaboration between CalMatters and student journalists from across California. This story and other higher education coverage are supported by the College Futures Foundation.

CALmatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

Florence Louise “Weezie” Hollis
February 21, 1925- June 25, 2021

Our beloved mom, grandma, great-grandma and great-great-grandma passed over the bridge peacefully at home surrounded in love by her family. Love, comfort and laughter were gifts she gave to everyone to the very end. She was so deeply loved by all who knew her.

She made it clear that she was ready to go and she had no fear. She did not want us to be sad. She expressed what a long, great life she had and how happy her family always made her. Our mom was able to tell so many of us, individually, how much she loved us and loved her life. She shared personal stories with those who were fortunate enough to visit her on her final days. She was alert, grateful, funny, and sentimental with each and everyone. What a powerful gift she left us. What a joy she was to the end.

And boy, did she love going to the casino! “It’s the only thing I really like to do,” she would say. But, she also enjoyed football (especially the 49er’s!), car races, growing her own roses, dinner at the Elks Lodge on Rib Night or Cook Your Own Steak Night, Chinese food (and she’s forever missed Shang Hai Lo!), watching her favorite TV shows on the couch and in her robe (Days of Our Lives,The Price is Right, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, The Golden Girls). She had an extensive doll collection, her favorite being Shirley Temple. As a child, she always wanted to sing and dance like Shirley Temple.

Oh, did she love handsome men and flirting! She would flirt with all of our male friends when we were growing up, and then again with her grandkids male friends. Everywhere she went, she did not miss a good lookin’ fellow. She could barely talk on the phone from the hospital in Santa Rosa, but she would manage to tell us about her handsome nurses, therapists or doctors.

It would be difficult to not love Louise. She worked in Parking Enforcement with EPD for 20 years, and wrote many parking tickets while making friends. Most of those unfortunate ticket recipients loved her as well. Some may even have thanked her for the ticket. And if you were a handsome young man? It would not go unnoticed.

Some of her happiest memories are her days at EPD. She made many new long lasting friendships. Thank you Suzie Owsley, Fran Argo, Jan Gillespie, Diana Rocha, Marsha Allen and Erin McBride for loving her. I know I didn’t capture all of you, but you know who you are.

Mom was preceded in death by our dad, Richard “Dick” Hollis, her daughter Laura Hollis, her sons Bill Karr and Jim Hollis, her grandsons Ted Hollis and Les Pickrell, and her extra special friend Sylvester Barns. “Syl” and mom made many happy memories together after our dad passed.

When our sister, Laura, passed in 2007, she and her nine-year-old son, Andrew, were living with mom. Mom continued to raise, love, and absolutely adore her grandson Andrew. She looked out for him until the very end of her life making us promise to take care of him. She was very proud of him, and if you ever had a conversation with Louise, she would tell you his whole life story, even his birth weight, which became a bit of a family joke! (1 lb. 4 oz. , if you missed it)! She loved and was so very proud of all of her grandkids, great, and great great! She did not miss an opportunity to express her love for her family.

She leaves behind nine children (we were forever her babies, but we’re old now!): Son, Bob Karr of Winlock, Washington and his 4 children and 14 grandchildren; Son, Dan Karr of Redding, Ca and his 4 children and 2 grandchildren; Daughter, Nancie Bartlett of Alliance, Ohio and her 4 children and 5 grandchildren; Son, Gary Hollis of Ocean Park, Washington and his 2 children (Tammy Hollis and Gary Hollis Jr.) and 3 grandchildren; Son, Fred Hollis of Cloverdale CA. and his 2 children (Zena, Steven)and grandchildren Brady, Savannah, Steven, Daniel, and Raina; Daughter, Diana Freeman of Eureka and 2 children, Todd (great grandchildren Hanna Sample (Joey) , Kendra Powell (Kirk), and great great grandchildren Paige and Blake Sample and Sophia Powell; Krista Freeman (great grand children Jared Ausbun and Kaylee (Ryan)Truby and great great granddaugher, Nevaeh Truby; Daughter, Linda Wilson (Sean) of Eureka and grandchildren Jodi Walp, great grandchildren Myra Saechao and Kaiven Saechao, Kerri walp and great granddaughter Svea Boynton; Bethany Braud (Travis) of Redding Ca, and great grand children Talya Braud, Aaden Braud, and Declyn Braud; Son, Rick Hollis (Denise Jenson) of Cloverdale and grandchildren Carli Hollis and Alana Hollis; Daughter, Peggy Hollis of Arcata and granddaughter Olivia Arnold; Granddaughter, Tracy Hollis Hart of Redding and great grandchildren Zack Hart and Emilee Hart of Georgia; Andrew Hollis of Eureka (grandson she considered her son because she raised him (remember? 1 lb. 4 oz.).

She also leaves behind her two brothers and a sister — Ivan Nolan, Don Nolan and Darlene Fontaine, all from Washington state. She loved them with all of her heart and they always kept in touch with their big sis.

Louise had many, many nieces and nephews that she adored as well and they always referred to her as “Aunt Weezie.”

Her life was full of special friends, but our family would like to acknowledge and thank one very special friend , Penny Hughes, a blessing in her life who mom considered a daughter. Penny stayed with mom almost 24/7 for the past year when it became apparant mom should not be alone at night. She cooked, cleaned, and cared for her with enthusiasm and empathy. The best part, though, is SHE TOOK MOM TO THE CASINO ALMOST 2 TIMES, EVERY WEEK! That made mom happier than any of us could. None of us could compete with the fun mom had with Penny. They were two peas in a pod. We will be forever grateful to Penny for making mom’s last year the happiest it could be.

Friends are invited to attend her services at Sanders Funeral home at 1835 E St., Eureka, Thursday, July 8th at 1 pm with Interment at Ocean View Cemetery , then conclude with a celebration of her life at a location that will be announced at the service. There will be hors d’oeuvres and a “no host bar.” Our family is looking forward to seeing all the people who loved her and have memories and stories to share. Please join us to celebrate this most amazing lady.

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Joy Louise Burkhart left this earth on May 7, 2021 surrounded by her loving family for her eternal and forever home with God. She will be laid to rest next to her husband Charles Burkhart.

Mom enjoyed the simple life, long rides and picnics with family and friends. She worked at Stanton’s Coffee Shop for 50 years, one of her proudest accomplishments. She also was a devoted member of the Eureka Pentecostal Church for over 35 years.

Mom’s journey with God was as beautiful as her. She saw no wrong in anyone and always ended a conversation with I love you and I am praying for you. Mom could often be found in the kitchen making peanut brittle for her “buddies” for them to sell, so they could make money to go to youth camp. She also enjoyed cooking at youth camp every summer.

Mom had a mission when she came home in December after spending time in Seattle with her daughter Kathy, to make sure and see as many people as she could to tell them she loved them knowing her health was not the best and that she was praying for them. Her walk with God and her journey to the glory land was beautiful, she was faithful and never looked back. She met a friend 40 years ago, Marie Barry, and mom in her last days couldn’t wait to see her again at the river of life. I would ask mom what about the river of life and she said it flowed forever, no end. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. As I write this, I see her singing “I’ll Fly Away Oh Glory” clapping her hands and enjoying heaven …

Joy was survived by her daughters Kathryn Bigelow (Tracy Langworthy), Rosemary Noel (Dan Braud), and her niece who was more like a daughter Tammy Flint. Her greatest gifts were her grandchildren – Lisa Longberry, Brian Bigelow, Gary, Noel, Marla Noel, Rick, Steve, Kyle, Evan – and her great-grandchildren. She is survived by her brother Michael Myers, Mary Zimmer, Millie Kissee and Treasure. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Burkhart, her sons, Michael Myers, and Ronald Bigelow. her parents Thomas and Laura Myers, her brothers “Cowboy” Myers, Chuck Myers, and her sisters Della, Sally and Val.

We would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt for making sure mom was comfortable the last few weeks of her life.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service celebrating Joy on Saturday, July 10 at 6 p.m., Eureka Pentecostal Church 1060 Hoover St, Eureka.

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Humboldt-grown 16-year-old Trevor Taylor is headed for the motorcycle big times in Du Quoin, Illinois, this month. He’ll compete in the American Motorcyclist Association 2021 Flat Track Grand Championship against many other very good motorcyclists. Armed with a pro-class bike — the 2007 Husqvarna 450 — Taylor has been gearing up for this moment ever since he secured his first bike at age four.

And prepared he feels indeed — “feeling 110 percent,” in fact.

He grew up watching motorcycling on TV with his parents and has been entering races since he was 13. Road tripping with his parents and two younger brothers — who are also championship bound someday, Taylor hopes — the family travels up and down the West Coast almost every weekend to race.

Trevor Taylor with one of his many helmets

But this multi-day national championship, which will take place July 15-20, is different. It’s bigger, more competitive and much further away. Taylor plans to make the journey with seven other young racers from California (they call themselves the Cali Boys). To fund the trip, he’s been mowing lawns and building and selling picnic tables.

How does one prepare for a competition of this intensity? Ship-shape gear, Taylor tells us, is supremely important, and can make or break the risk of crashing or injury. Helmets, for instance, should be replaced every five crashes. 

“I’m pretty used to [crashing] by now,” Taylor said. “You can’t really be scared going into this sport. There’s a chance of you walking away from it and there’s a chance of you not walking from it.”

American Flat Track, the official flat track racing league founded by AMA in 1954, doesn’t really deny the risk. Here’s their anxiety-inducing flat track definition: 

At its core, professional flat track racing is a hyper-competitive, adrenaline-fueled American motorcycle sport featuring custom-built and production-based motorcycles reaching top speeds of 140mph on the straights and 90mph in the corners, all piloted by world-class athletes … the sport remains perhaps motorsport’s purest test of man and machine.

But Taylor is not worried. “I just hope I can stay at the front,” he said.

His parents are supportive and proud. “It’s pretty neat because growing up in flat track, he always had these pro riders that he looked up to,” Brandy Taylor, Trevor’s mom, told the Outpost. “Now he’s on the track racing with them.”

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California voters will decide on Sept. 14 whether to throw Gov. Gavin Newsom out of office, making him the second governor in state history — and just the fourth nationwide — to face a recall.

The announcement today from Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis comes after weeks of procedural wrangling by Democratic lawmakers and state officials to speed up the process for choosing a recall election date. Their apparent calculation is that the Democratic governor has better odds of defeating the GOP-backed recall if an election is held sooner rather than later.

“I believe we have chosen a fair and reasonable date for this election to take place,” Kounalakis said in a statement. “It has always been my intention to choose an election date that gives election officials and the public ample time to ensure a smooth election with broad participation.”

Newsom’s public approval has been rising as the state rebounds from the coronavirus pandemic, and he’s already amassed a hefty war chest to fight the recall. Delaying a vote until later in the fall would give his opponents more time to mobilize — and raises the possibility that voters could sour on Newsom if conditions in the state worsen due to the pandemic, wildfire season or other unforeseen calamities.

Though the recall effort — led by conservative activists critical of Newsom’s opposition to the death penalty and California’s high taxes, widespread homelessness and immigrant-friendly policies — began before the pandemic hit, it gained support as the virus surged and Newsom imposed strict lockdowns to contain it. He was widely blasted as a hypocrite when reports surfaced in November that a maskless Newsom had attended a lobbyist friend’s birthday party at the ritzy French Laundry restaurant, even as he told Californians to mask up and avoid socializing.

Only about 55,000 voters had signed recall petitions at the time of dinner. A judge gave proponents more time to collect signatures due to the pandemic. And by the deadline in April, some 1.7 million voters signed the recall petition, more than enough to trigger the recall.

But the state law governing recall elections lays out a lengthy process between gathering signatures and holding a vote. To speed things up, the Democratic-controlled Legislature on Monday passed a bill allowing lawmakers to skip a 30-day financial review of election costs if they’ve already set money aside in the budget to pay for a recall — and Newsom signed it into law within hours. The new state budget they passed includes $250 million to pay for putting on the election.

“Politicians play partisan games. It’s all about retaining power,” GOP businessman John Cox, who lost to Newsom in 2018 and is challenging him again, said during a morning campaign stop in Sacramento.

“I think people will see what’s going on. And it’ll backfire.”

The Republican Party in California has diminished dramatically since 2003, when voters threw Democratic Gov. Gray Davis out of office in a GOP-backed recall and replaced him with Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger. Voters haven’t elected a Republican for statewide office since Schwarzenegger’s reelection in 2006. And Republicans hold so few seats in the Legislature — about one-fourth — that they don’t have the power to influence policy or budget decisions.

But a recall creates an opportunity for Republicans, because the rules are different from an ordinary election.

A recall ballot contains two questions. First: Should Gavin Newsom be recalled? And second: If he is recalled, who should replace him? If more than 50% of voters say “yes” to the first question, the person who gets the most votes on the second question wins — even if they have less than a majority. That’s because there’s no limit to how many people can run in the recall.

Already, 55 people have filed a statement of intention to run, including former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, former Sacramento-area U.S. Rep. Doug Ose and reality TV personality Caitlyn Jenner — all Republicans. Conservative talk show host Larry Elder also is considering a run, Politico reported.

Not surprisingly, Republicans are very fired up about the recall, with a recent poll showing 75% are highly interested in it. But only 36% of Democrats said the same, which means Newsom’s challenge in the next two-and-a-half months will be to motivate them to vote.

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CalMatters reporter Manuela Tobias contributed to this report. CALmatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

Press release from Ferndale Repertory Theatre and North Coast Repertory Theatre, announcing upcoming auditions:

NO-PREP AUDITIONS

As the state continues to re-open, Ferndale Rep and NCRT will be holding Covid-Safety conscious, no-prep auditions for our upcoming fall shows, ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’, and ‘Gaslight’.

Where: NCRT, 300 Fifth Street, Eureka.

When: July 9, 10 from 6 pm to 9 pm, July 11 from 1 to 4 pm.

How to participate:  To sign up for a time slot, visit Ferdalerep.org or NCRT.net or find the event on Facebook.  To keep numbers to a safe capacity, each time slot will be for 1 hour, with a maximum capacity of 6 people.  This is a NO-PREP audition!  Just come in comfortable clothes, ready to move and have fun! No need to prepare a piece.

Covid Safety Guidelines: For the continued safety of everyone, we require that every participant shows proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test before entering.  Temperatures will also be checked at the door, sanitizer will be provided, and masks will be worn at all times.

SHOW DESCRIPTIONS 

EDIT: Due to recent difficulties concerning the performance rights of ‘The Woman in Black’, NCRT will instead be producing ‘Gaslight’ by Patrick Hamilton.  The new show description is below.  All other details, including those relevant to the auditions, remain the same.  Thank you for your patience.

“Gaslight”

Written by Patrick Hamilton

Directed by Shea King

5 Roles:

Mr. Manningham - Presents as Male, 30s-40s

Mrs. Manningham - Presents as Female, 20s-40s

Elizabeth - Presents as Female, 40s-60s

Nancy - Presents as Female, Teens-20s

Inspector Rough - Presents as Male, 30s-60s

Synopsis:

Gaslight tells the story of the Manninghams, who live on Angel Street in 19th century London. As the curtain rises, all appears to be the essence of Victorian tranquility. It is soon apparent, however, that Mr. Manningham, a suavely handsome man, is slowly driving his gentle, devoted wife, Bella, to the brink of insanity with an insinuating kindness that masks more sinister motives.

Schedule:  Rehearsals to be from mid-August to mid-September, performances to be from mid-September to mid-October.

VACCINATION REQUIRED TO BE CAST

“The Rocky Horror Show”

Music, Lyrics, and Book by Richard O’Brien

Directed by Cleo DeOrio

Roles:

Brad - Male Presenting, Stage age late 20s/Early 30s

Janet - Female Presenting, Stage age late 20s/Early 30s

Frank - Male Presenting

Rocky - Male Presenting

Magenta - Female Presenting

Riff - Male Presenting

Columbia - Female Presenting

Eddie/ Dr. Scott - Male Presenting, Stage age 50s/60s

Phantoms - up to 12 chorus members of all identities

Synopsis:

On a dark and stormy night, Brad and Janet find themselves seeking shelter at a mysterious old castle. Little do they know, they’ve arrived just in time for the premiere of mad scientist Dr. Frank N. Furter’s “perfect” creation. The night’s misadventures will cause Brad and Janet to question everything they’ve known about themselves, each other, love, and lust. This show is a loving homage to classic horror with an irresistible rock’n’roll score, The Rocky Horror Show is a hilariously sexy, wild ride that no audience will soon forget.

Schedule:  Rehearsals will start the first week of August and last until the show’s open on Thursday, September 30th. Performances will run through Halloween weekend, 2021.

VACCINATION REQUIRED FOR CASTING

VACCINATION OR NEGATIVE TEST RESULT REQUIRED TO AUDITION

Ferndale Rep and NCRT’s Commitment to Conscious-casting:  As theatre institutions, we hold ourselves accountable in the casting decisions we make. The actions of listening and compassionate understanding are at the heart of the practice. 

These decisions reflect the power dynamics of the outside world and the society we live in. Just as theatre can hold a mirror up to nature, it also provides a lens for us to better see a path towards a more inclusive community.

Conscious-casting is the acknowledgment of a performer’s race, gender, and sexual identities, and the impact those identities have within a given role, on the stories we choose to tell and how we tell them.

Ferndale Rep and NCRT commit to a conscious casting, acknowledging, and embracing identities to further equity, diversity, meaningful inclusion, and accessibility in our space and stage. As such, we invite EVERYONE to audition for their desired roles, incorporating how each individual can uniquely add to the dynamics and world of the inclusive and diverse stories we strive to tell.

For more information, please contact us at:

info@ferndalerep.org

northcoastrepertory@gmail.com

To Sign up for a time slot:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczaKg6w5Hmyh3IoCVm-jirZ3N1obCdLvt8CaidbYq-6iyHlg/viewform

After decades of debate, NCAA athletes across the country — including your Humboldt State Lumberjacks — can officially earn money through endorsements deals using their names, images and likenesses.

The NCAA announced yesterday that its new name, image and likeness policy goes into effect today after governing bodies in all three NCAA divisions agreed to rescind the nonprofit’s long-standing rules against such deals.

“This is an important day for college athletes since they all are now able to take advantage of name, image and likeness opportunities,” NCAA President Mark Emmert is quoted as saying in a press release. “With the variety of state laws adopted across the country, we will continue to work with Congress to develop a solution that will provide clarity on a national level. The current environment — both legal and legislative — prevents us from providing a more permanent solution and the level of detail student-athletes deserve.”

This change in policy follows last week’s unanimous Supreme Court decision that the NCAA had no right to prevent student athletes from earning money.

It’s unclear if local businesses or organizations will have interest in endorsing student athletes at Humboldt State University or other non-Division-I schools. However, it is now a possibility.

“Humboldt State University and Lumberjack Athletics are aware of the changes taking place at the NCAA as it relates to Name, Image, and Likeness legislation,” HSU spokesperson Grant M Scott-Goforth told the Outpost. “Currently, our staff is working to determine how best to support our students within the existing NIL framework. We will provide our students with additional guidance from the NCAA, CSU system, and other campuses related to opportunities to benefit from NIL.”