The news was announced via SpringHill Entertainment, the Burbank production company that was founded by Maverick Carter and James. In a Wednesday afternoon social media post, the caption — which consisted of only emojis — was vague but clear: a basketball, a carrot and a clapperboard.
The picture offers even more clues. LeBron’s first initial and last name is scrawled out over a locker room cubby with “Small Forward” stated underneath. The same reveal was used for the director of the movie, Terence Nance, and the producer, “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler.
For a generation who grew up with the original “Space Jam,” which starred Michael Jordan, the news was nothing short of mind blowing.
Wow space jam 2 confirmed what a film the first one is I used to walk along the shop as a kid every other week to rent it no idea why my mum didn't just buy it
The possibility of removing portions of the Long Beach Breakwater — and returning surfing to the city — could become clearer Monday, when Mayor Robert Garcia unveils six alternatives for improving the marine habitat in the eastern portion of San Pedro Bay.
But while the $3-million study stems from a push begun 22 years ago by activists seeking to remove the rock structure and restore surfing in the area, at least several of the proposals are expected to leave the breakwater in its current configuration.
A spokesman for the Army Corps of Engineers, which is developing the plans in coordination with the city, told the Southern California News Group in June that the three plans being drawn up by the corps did not include any modification of the breakwater.
Instead, they would focus on increasing rock reefs, kelp beds, eel grass and coastal wetlands.
“However, the city is considering up to two restoration alternatives of their own with … potential breakwater modifications,” corps spokesman Jay Field told the news group in June.
City notification of Garcia’s forthcoming announcement said six alternatives would be presented, but few details of the plans were provided and there was no mention of breakwater modification.
“The goal is to restore and improve aquatic ecosystem structure and function for increased habitat biodiversity and ecosystem value within the East San Pedro Bay,” reads the news release.
Worried surfers
The possibility that work might proceed without removing at least a portion of the breakwater spurred dismay and agitation at a June meeting after the Southern California News Group reported that structure might remain untouched.
“The breakwater was the whole reason this study was started — and now we might not have that modification at all,” complained activist Steve Marion at the meeting sponsored by the city’s chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and featuring speakers from the city and the Army Corps.
The 2 1/2-mile rock structure — the easternmost of the bay’s three breakwaters — was completed in 1949 to protect the Navy fleet stationed there at the time but since relocated.
The breakwater facilitated subsequent development, which would have to be addressed if large portions were removed.
Smaller breakwaters would be needed to protect two of the oil islands in the bay, the Belmont Pier would need to be replaced with a sturdier structure and the beach on the Long Beach Peninsula would need broadening to insulate homes there from flooding, according to an analysis by the city’s chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.
On the plus side, allowing waves into the area would not only attract surfers but probably more beachgoers, as the stormwater runoff from the Los Angeles River would no longer be trapped in the bay and less trash would wind up on the sand. The cleaner, more attractive beach would provide a boon to the area’s economy, according to a 2009 city study.
“The City of Long Beach could gain increases of approximately $52 million per year in local spending and economic activity, and nearly $7 million per year in taxes and parking fees” if the breakwater was mostly removed, according to the study.
When: Monday, Sept. 24, 10:30 a.m.
Where: The east end of Long Beach’s Bluff Park, located on Ocean Boulevard at Redondo Avenue.
WASHINGTON — The woman who has accused Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh of sexual assault has told the Senate Judiciary Committee, in an apparent bid to jump-start negotiations, that she “would be prepared to testify next week,” so long as senators offer “terms that are fair and which ensure her safety,” according to an email her lawyers sent to committee staff members.
In the email, obtained by The New York Times, the lawyer for Christine Blasey Ford said that testifying Monday — the timetable Republicans have set for a hearing — “is not possible and the Committee’s insistence that it occur then is arbitrary in any event.” The lawyer reiterated that it is Blasey’s “strong preference” that “a full investigation” occur before her testimony — wording that stopped short of demanding an FBI probe and suggested she is open to testifying without one.
Blasey has accused Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, of sexually assaulting her when the two were in high school at a gathering of teenagers in Montgomery County, Maryland. Kavanaugh has categorically denied the allegation and has said he would be willing to testify.
In the email, addressed to top Republican and Democratic aides on the committee, the lawyer, Debra Katz, wrote that she would like to set up a call later on Thursday to “discuss the conditions” under which Blasey would be prepared to testify.
“As you are aware, she has been receiving death threats, which have been reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and she and her family have been forced out of their home,” the email said. “She wishes to testify, provided that we can agree on terms that are fair and which ensure her safety.”
Earlier on Thursday, committee Republicans had decided to hire an outside counsel to lead their questioning of Blasey, rather than the committee members themselves, according to a Republican Senate official familiar with the decision. Although they have yet to hire someone to fill the role, the Republicans have been eager to avoid the image of 11 male senators questioning Blasey about her account.
Instead, they are seeing to enlist the help of an experienced litigator familiar with assault cases.Democrats had been sticking to their position that an FBI investigation should precede any hearing.
“Our view on the Democratic side seems to hardening and deepening that an FBI investigation should be done, and I’m going to be reaching out to my Republican colleagues to set a timetable,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said in an interview before the Blasey email.
But after it came to light, he softened. Blasey, he said, has “a right to decide how and when she tells her story. So if the terms are acceptable to her, I certainly would be there.”
A spokesman for Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, had no comment when asked if Grassley would agree to a date other than Monday.
“We’re glad to hear back, but that’s about the extent to which we can comment,” the spokesman, George Hartmann, said.
In the aftermath of consecutive blowout losses at Stanford and Texas, the Trojans have started the season 1-2 for only the second time since 2001.
Recent seasons in 2016 and 2015 offer templates for in-season turnarounds under Coach Clay Helton, but the Trojans have displayed few signs that one is imminent in the early weeks and with a visit Friday night awaiting from Washington State, which upset them last season.
Through three games, the Trojans rank near the bottom of the Football Bowl Subdivision in several offensive categories, including scoring offense and rush offense.
If there’s a sign of optimism, it might involve JT Daniels, the true freshman quarterback who has seen his share of growing pains but flashed the potential that made him a heralded five-star prospect who graduated from high school a year early to join the Trojans.
“Fans on Twitter are slamming him, saying this, saying that,” junior receiver Michael Pittman said. “I mean, he’s a freshman quarterback who’s doing great. You throw a freshman in there who should be a senior in high school and he’s damn functioning, that’s a pretty damn good job.”
As the Trojans sought to overcome a deficit against Texas with a limited running game, Daniels threw a career-high 48 times, a workload predecessor Sam Darnold hit only three times in his college career. Daniels completed 30 passes for 322 yards and was intercepted once against the Longhorns.
“You don’t know how hard it is late in the game when everybody in the park knows you’re going to have to throw it,” Helton said. “And to still go around making plays, and that D-line knows there’s no run game left, it’s all pass, that’s hard. I thought he handled it really well.”
But over the past two weeks, the Trojans have reached the end zone only twice, and Daniels has not thrown a touchdown pass since the first one of his career in the season-opening win over UNLV.
“We’re moving the ball,” Daniels said. “We’re not finishing drives.”
The Trojans hope they can see better success against Washington State, which is undefeated with wins over Wyoming, San Jose State and Eastern Washington, but untested against a team of USC’s talent.
WHEN USC HAS THE BALL
There’s little doubt the Trojans need to help out their 18-year-old quarterback.
Against Texas, they couldn’t run the ball – held to minus-5 rushing yards, their lowest in a game since 1999 – and sit No. 117 in the FBS in rush offense.
They were so unsuccessful on the ground that the Trojans opted to run the ball only 25 percent of the time.
“I always want to run the ball,” offensive coordinator Tee Martin said. “I don’t have it in my mind to abandon the running game, but at the end of the day, you gotta move the football and try to get first downs.”
USC’s offensive line has also struggled to keep Daniels upright in the pocket in the first three games, as he has been sacked nine times. Only 17 teams have allowed more sacks this season.
“We gotta be better up front with some communication,” Martin said. “We missed on some things that I felt we could be better at. And we’re going to make those adjustments. We all know we can play better.”
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Washington State’s defense should test the Trojans. In their first three games, the Cougars totaled 10 sacks, ranking 11th in the FBS, and pressured Darnold in last season’s upset of USC. Darnold was sacked twice, including a fumble with the Trojans trailing on their final drive when he was forced outside the pocket. They surrender just 3.1 yards per rush attempt, ranking 23rd nationally.
The Cougars have a new defensive coordinator in former Minnesota coach Tracy Claeys, who replaced Alex Grinch, who left for Ohio State. Helton said the defenses were similarly creative and able to pressure passers.
“Obviously you get some differences as play callers when that changes,” Helton said. “But the systems are similar.”
WHEN WASHINGTON STATE HAS THE BALL
Helton summed up the experience of preparing for Mike Leach’s pass-happy offense thusly this week.
“You come into the game thinking you get a break,” Helton said. “Luke Falk is gone. But Gardner Minshew is just as good.”
Without Falk, a record-setting passer, the Cougars have a new triggerman with Minshew, a graduate transfer from East Carolina who throws for a nation-leading 401 yards per game. Minshew was last week’s Pac-12 offensive player of the week after throwing for 470 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Eastern Washington.
The dropoff has been minimal.
As with Falk and previous passers to play under Leach, Minshew is a decision thrower and can scan the field quickly for open receivers.
“He’s very, very impressive,” said Clancy Pendergast, the Trojans’ defensive coordinator. “The ball’s out quick. He sees the field well. He looks to his first, second, third progressions probably as good a quarterback that Coach Leach has had that I’ve seen.”
There are some similarities for the Trojans’ preparation for Washington State and Texas. Both teams have up-tempo offenses, though the Cougars pass a little more. Washington State averages 81 plays per game, while the Longhorns average 77 plays per game, another test in endurance for USC’s defense.
“A lot of similar movements come from what Texas did,” Helton said, “and I bet we’ll see some similar pictures.”
Washington State wins if: The Trojans are still in a daze following their humbling loss at Texas. … The Cougars’ defensive front poses problems for USC for the second consecutive season, breaking into the backfield. … USC’s defense continues to falter on critical third downs, where its opponents have a conversion rate of 40 percent.
CB Iman Marshall: 11 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 3 pass break-ups
USC injury report: OUT: S Bubba Bolden (undisclosed), TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (quad), WR Josh Imatorbhebhe (ankle) PROBABLE: RB Aca’Cedric Ware (knee), RG Andrew Vorhees (knee)
USC wins if: JT Daniels isn’t overwhelmed by Washington State’s pass rush and is given time to make throws. … Running back Stephen Carr gets the Trojans’ ground game on track. … The Trojans can pressure quarterback Gardner Minshew, who has been sacked only twice this season.
Prediction
USC 31, Washington State 25
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LA HABRA – One driver was dead and another hospitalized and being investigated for driving under the influence after a Thursday, Sept. 20 crash.
Arriving officers saw that two cars had been involved in a broadside crash, La Habra police said, with each vehicle having just a driver, both still inside. At about 2:30 a.m., one vehicle had been going eastbound on La Habra Boulevard and collided with the other vehicle traveling northbound on Harbor Boulevard, police said.
Paramedics declared one driver, a man in his early 20s, dead at the crash site at the intersection. The other driver was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Any witness to the crash was asked by police to call them.
It happens every fall. Our television sets — and now our laptops — suddenly burst at the seams with an insane amount of new shows.
But here’s the important thing to know about this so-called era of Peak TV: While the programming tidal wave certainly brings plenty of fresh and stellar fare, it also spews out a glut of lame reboots and rote offerings that carry the whiff of creative exhaustion.
So now, more than ever, you just can’t sit back and wait for the good stuff to arrive. You have to actively seek it out.
That’s where we come in.
To help you narrow your focus — and prevent your DVR from having a nervous breakdown — we’ve painstakingly sifted through the new shows from the broadcast networks, cable channels and streamers to uncover 10 gems that seized our attention. Yes, just think of us as your TV sherpa.
Here then, are the 10 shows — listed in the order of their premiere dates — that have us the most excited:
“Kidding” (Showtime)
For his first regular television role in more than two decades, Jim Carrey reunites with “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” director Michel Gondry on a show that deftly juggles humor and heartbreak.
Carrey plays a kindly, Mr. Rogers-like children’s TV star whose personal life starts to unravel in the wake of a family tragedy. Can he hold himself together in a cynical and brutal world?
Carrey is surrounded by an excellent cast that includes Frank Langella, Catherine Keener and Judy Greer. It all adds up to a marvelous character study and Showtime’s best series in years. (Airs 10 p.m. Sundays).
“You” (Lifetime)
Warning: This chilling drama will play into — or heighten — any cyberstalking fears you might have.
Based on Caroline Kepnes’ novel of the same name, “You” follows a troubled bookstore manager (Penn Badgley of “Gossip Girl”) who becomes obsessed with an aspiring writer (Elizabeth Lail). Delving into all her social media accounts, he slowly worms his way into her life with the intention of seducing her. And she becomes smitten, even as her friends suspect that he might be bad news. Creepy, yes?
At the very least, we figure “You” will scare plenty of viewers into changing their online passwords. (Airs 10 p.m. Sundays).
“Forever” (Amazon Prime)
“Saturday Night Live” alums Fred Armisen and Maya Rudolph play suburbanites Oscar and June in this highly offbeat romantic comedy set in Riverside.
Married for 12 years, they lead a comfortable — but monotonous — life. That all changes when she suggests they shake things up by taking a ski trip. Suddenly, Oscar and June find themselves in very unfamiliar territory.
“Forever” is a funny, poignant and even surreal exploration into the power of love and the strength of long-term commitment. (Now streaming).
“Maniac” (Netflix)
Filmmaker Cary Joji Fukunaga, who wowed viewers with his superb work on the first installment of “True Detective,” directed all 10 episodes of this trippy, twisty series that stars the “Superbad” duo of Emma Stone and Jonah Hill.
Based on a Norwegian show, “Maniac” follows patients as they go through a mind-bending pharmaceutical trial overseen by a mysterious doctor (Justin Theroux) who promises that his cutting-edge pills will solve all their ailments — even heartbreak — for good. Of course, things go very weirdly wrong.
The cast also includes Sally Field. (Premieres Sept. 21).
“Manifest” (NBC)
Think “Lost,” but without an island, a smoke monster or donkey wheel. (At least not yet).
A passenger jet encounters crazy turbulence during a flight in the year 2013 and lands in … 2018 New York. Over those five years, all 191 passengers and crew members were presumed dead. But when they show up, it’s as if no time has passed. They haven’t aged a day. Whoa.
“Manifest” is one of those intriguing high-concept, sci-fi premises that network TV too often fails to make pay off. Fingers crossed this time will be different. (Premieres 10 p.m., Sept. 24).
“A Million Little Things” (ABC)
Looking for another show to crack your heart open the way “This Is Us” did? Here’s one that just might fit the bill.
The handsomely crafted drama series follows a close-knit group of Boston-based friends who grapple with grief and personal introspection after one of them inexplicably commits suicide.
The pilot episode, which has been described as a blend of “The Big Chill” and “thirtysomething,” delivers some emotionally wrenching moments, along with a few surprises. Our advice? Have the tissues handy. (Premieres 10 p.m., Sept. 26).
“Murphy Brown” (CBS)
OK, this technically isn’t a new series, but after being off the air for 20 years, it certainly will feature lots of new wrinkles — and not just on the faces of its stars.
The reboot has a bored Murphy (Candice Bergen) coming out of retirement to launch a morning cable TV news program. She has coaxed most of the old “FYI” gang to join her.
Producers promise the show, just as before, will have plenty to say about current events, including politics, #MeToo issues and President Donald Trump’s attacks on the media.
It sounds like we just might need Murphy Brown in our lives more than ever. (Premieres 9:30 p.m., Sept. 27).
“Homecoming” (Amazon Prime)
Julia Roberts brings her movie-star clout to this psychological thriller from “Mr. Robot” creator Sam Esmail.
Based on a popular scripted podcast, “Homecoming” tells the story of a therapist (Roberts) who works at a secret government facility that helps soldiers transition back to civilian life. Now flash forward a few years: She has moved on and hints are dropped that something shady went down. But what? That’s the mystery.
We have yet to see “Homecoming,” but it generated big buzz at the Toronto Film Festival, where it was described as “Hitchcockian.” Sounds good to us. We’re all in. (Premieres Nov. 2).
Alan Arkin and Michael Douglas Photo: Mike Yarish/Netflix
“The Kominsky Method” (Netflix)
Call them the golden guys. Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin play an aging acting teacher and a cranky Hollywood agent whose glory days are long gone. Cue the grumpy old men jokes about urinary woes and biodegradable caskets.
Trust us, it’s better than it sounds. Douglas and Arkin are stingingly funny as they engage in lots of off-color sparring. But “Kominsky” also has a way of sneaking up on you to make an emotional impact.
The real surprise is the show’s creator — Chuck Lorre, the man behind big (and broad) network hits like “The Big Bang Theory” and “Two and a Half Men.” Here, he reveals a different — and refreshing — side of himself. (Premieres Nov. 16).
“Escape at Dannemora” (Showtime)
Directed and executive produced by Ben Stiller, this compelling and darkly humorous limited series recalls a stranger-than-fiction prison break in upstate New York during the summer of 2015.
The incident spawned a statewide manhunt for two convicted murderers — played by Benicio del Toro and Paul Dano — who were aided by a married female prison employee (Patricia Arquette) with whom they had sexual relations.
A barely recognizable Arquette gives a performance that is extraordinary in every detail. It will get to you. (Premieres 10 p.m., Nov. 18).
Contact Chuck Barney at cbarney@bayareanewsgroup.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/chuckbarney and Facebook.com/bayareanewsgroup.chuckbarney.
Tommy Prothro was a Life Master on the bridge table. He flew to international competitions and partnered with actor Omar Sharif.
Bridge can be learned, but it favors the gifted. It demands memory and intuition, to figure out if the dangerous cards are to your right or left. It rewards organization, to avoid getting stuck on the board with no access to your own hand.
And it lives on a terse form of communication. When you say “Four clubs,” your partner has to know exactly what that means. Quirks are understood. Precision is necessary.
Prothro might have been born for bridge. He did OK in his day job, too.
The Rams and Chargers gather Sunday in the Coliseum. Traditionally they haven’t shared much. They’ve met only 11 times, twice in this decade.
They would practice together each summer when both were in Southern California. “And we had a pretty good day against them the year they went to the Super Bowl,” said Dan Fouts, the Chargers Hall of Fame quarterback who is analyzing Sunday’s game for CBS. He’s referring to a 40-16 victory in 1979.
Three men coached both teams: Prothro, Harland Svare and Sid Gillman. Prothro lasted two years with the Rams after he came from UCLA. He did not finish a fifth year with the Chargers. He was following George Allen in L.A. and a drug scandal in San Diego. He had only one winning season.
His analytical skills outlived his coaching.
“He had a great eye for talent,” Fouts said. “He put together a defensive line that put three guys in the Pro Bowl and had 60 sacks. Nobody’s done that.”
In 1975, Prothro drafted seven Chargers who would play 100 or more NFL games: Pass rushers Gary “Big Hands” Johnson and Fred Dean, run-stopper Louie Kelcher, cornerbacks Mike Williams and Mike Fuller, tackle Billy Shields and runner Rickey Young.
In 1976, he picked linebacker Woodrow Lowe in the fifth round. In 1978, he got John Jefferson, who would catch 47 NFL touchdowns, with the 14th pick.
Prothro had the same touch with the Rams. In 1971, they picked Isiah Robertson, Jack Youngblood and Dave Elmendorf as defensive pillars. In 1972, he took defensive lineman Larry Brooks in the 14th round, after he’d gotten runners Jim Bertelsen and Lawrence McCutcheon.
The Chargers won 33 games in the three years after they fired Prothro. The Rams won 66 in the six years after they fired him.
But Prothro was distant and unpredictable, except for the Coca-Colas he threw down by the barrel. And cigarettes? “He could use the same match all day,” ex-Charger Hank Bauer said. “Just one after the other.”
His deep drawl was a mimic’s delight.
“I’d played for Tommy with both teams,” said former tight end Pat Curran. “We’re playing the Rams and I’m lined up against Fred Dryer. We start imitating Tommy on the line, and Fouts is yelling at us to shut the hell up. He’s trying to call plays.”
“Yeah, Pat’s going, ‘Dryer, you’re offside,’ and Fred is going, ‘Curran, get your butt down,”’ Fouts said.
When the Chargers played at Seattle, Bauer and kicker Rolf Benirschke were preparing for the coin toss. Prothro, not always great with names, asked, “Barnisky, what do you want to do? You want to kick with the wind?”
“The interesting part of that,” Bauer said, “is that we were in the Kingdome. But we went along with it.”
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Prothro also rankled the Chargers by twice punting on third down. He explained they had a better chance of jumping on a fumbled punt than actually converting.
Before the Rams played at Chicago, Prothro told the team that he saw nothing special about linebacker Dick Butkus. Then Butkus intercepted two passes.
At the next film session, Prothro told the team, “Remember what I said about Butkus? I was wrawwwwng.” (cq).
Prothro was neither the first or last NFL coach to damage a shiny college reputation. He coached Heisman Trophy winners Terry Baker at Oregon State and Gary Beban at UCLA. He pulled the Bruins alongside USC in the late ’60s.
“He brought his staff from UCLA,” said Bob Klein, who played for Prothro at both stops. “They thought they were going to teach veterans like Joe Scibeli and Charlie Cowan how to block. They didn’t really accept that, but I have nothing bad to say about Tommy. He was a genius and an innovator.”
The Chargers fired him four games into the 1979 season, on the same day a PSA jet collided with a Cessna in San Diego, killing 144.
Prothro died in 1995, well remembered if not understood. At least in bridge, you play your own cards.
SACRAMENTO — People who want straws with their drinks at California restaurants will have to request them under a new law.
The law signed Thursday by Gov. Jerry Brown makes California the first state to bar full-service restaurants from automatically giving out single-use plastic straws. It takes effect next year.
The law doesn’t ban plastic straws outright like some cities have. San Francisco and Seattle passed bans earlier this year.
California restaurants that don’t comply will get two warnings before being fined up to $300 per year. It will apply only to full-service restaurants, not fast food establishments.
Democratic lawmakers who support the policy call it a small step toward reducing ocean pollution.
Brown, who has made environmental issues a signature priority, pointed to the large amount of plastic dumped in oceans every year that can kill whales and fish and contaminate people’s food and water supply.
“Plastic has helped advance innovation in our society, but our infatuation with single-use convenience has led to disastrous consequences,” Brown wrote in a statement. “Plastics, in all forms — straws, bottles, packaging, bags, etc. — are choking the planet.”
Critics argue California’s new law is government overreach that won’t significantly improve the environment. Some say restricting straws hurts disabled people who rely on them.
Some Republican lawmakers who voted against the measure said it would unfairly punish restaurants, although the restaurant industry didn’t oppose the proposal.
The annual pumpkin patch is open and this weekend they’ll be see who grew the biggest pumpkin.
The Great Pumpkin Weigh-off starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22. KTLA’s Henry DiCarlo will be the host. More than $5,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to participating pumpkin growers.
The pumpkin patch and regular activities will be open as well.
The Irvine Park Railroad will feature a haunted house, hay maze, hay rides, bounce houses, panning for gold, John Deere races, carnival games and other activities daily through Oct. 31.
Entrance is free, there is a cost for several of the activities. There is also a charge for parking.
If you go
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends, through Oct. 31
Where: Irvine Park Railroad, in Irvine Park in Orange
Cost: Free entrance, there is a charge for parking and many activities
ANAHEIM — Adam Henrique found his comfort zone not long after a trade from the New Jersey Devils, and then he went to work saving the Ducks’ 2017-18 season. He didn’t plan it that way, but it just sort of happened. He clicked with linemate Ondrej Kase and the injury-depleted team rallied.
Now, Henrique is in the midst of his first training camp with the Ducks, making his exhibition debut Thursday against the San Jose Sharks at Honda Center. The 28-year-old center was teamed with right wing Kase again in a mixed bag lineup of veterans, rookies and prospects.
Instead of skating with left wing Nick Ritchie, who is holding out in a contract squabble with Ducks management, Henrique and Kase formed a line with Anton Rodin. Ritchie, Henrique and Kase moved up on the depth chart last season, providing much-needed depth scoring.
Henrique scored 20 goals and 36 points in 57 games after the Nov. 30 trade. Kase had 20 goals and 38 points in 66 games, including 15 goals and 30 points after Henrique was acquired. Ritchie had 10 goals and 27 points in 76 games, including seven goals and 19 points after the trade.
It remains to be seen if they’ll be reunited when, or if, Ritchie re-signs. Everything seems to be up for discussion during training camp and in exhibition games. Nothing is set in stone except for the Ducks’ intention to play a faster-paced game than in the past.
“Every thing is kind of new to me again,” Henrique said. “I haven’t been through training camp here. Going into this year, I kind of knew what to expect, what we were doing on a daily basis and all of that stuff. I was comfortable enough that nothing really surprised me.”
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The Ducks’ veteran core remains intact, with Henrique joining forwards Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Andrew Cogliano and others. However, Patrick Eaves and Ryan Kesler aren’t expected to start the regular season Oct. 3 because of shoulder and hip issues.
As a result, there could be new faces in the lineup.
“It’s nice to be here right from the start,” Henrique said. “There are a lot of young guys here that I’m not really familiar with, where I was before in New Jersey. We have a lot of young guys coming in, which is always fun. I’m just trying to get to know everybody.”
CAMP COMPETITION
The Ducks have four spots secured in their defense corps, with Cam Fowler and Brandon Montour expected to form one pair and Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson likely to form another. Who forms the third pair could change from game to game, Coach Randy Carlyle said.
Luke Schenn and Andrej Sustr were signed as free agents during the offseason to fill the fifth and sixth spots, but they could be part of a rotation of players when the regular season begins and they could sit out as Carlyle turns to rookies such as Jacob Larsson and Marcus Pettersson.
Jaycob Megna and Andy Welinski also could be in the mix.
“The competition is fierce because there are some young people and there are some people who got their feet wet last year that are vying for those positions,” Carlyle said. “We’re trying to get the best six we think can play night in and night out.
“It might change. It might not be the same template of six or the same pairings. There’s still a lot of work to be done in that area. We understand that Manson and Lindholm have been a pretty formidable pair in the league and we don’t want to lose sight of that fact.
“We have to think in terms of what is best for our team.”
It might be a small sample size, but through two weeks in which they’ve suffocated the Cardinals and Raiders offenses, no defense in the NFL has been more ferocious – or just generally terrifying in every way – than the Rams. Sure, their first two opponents might end up among the worst in the league this season on that side of the ball. But posting six consecutive shutout quarters is nothing to scoff at under any circumstances. Last week, Arizona didn’t cross midfield until there were less than 30 seconds left in the game.
The secondary, led by press-man mavens Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib, has been as advertised; the Rams are the only team yet to allow a passing touchdown. The interior pass rush of Ndamukong Suh and defending Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald has been frightening enough on reputation alone to force quarterbacks into getting rid of the ball as quickly as possible. With only 15 first downs allowed over the past six quarters, the Rams have been dominant, from front to back. But this week, they may finally have a worthy adversary.
The Chargers, who boast the third-most yards in the league after two weeks, are one of the few teams with the weapons necessary to keep the Rams defense on its heels. Quarterback Philip Rivers is capable of getting the ball out quickly and accurately, presuming he’s not throwing too often at Peters, who has given him fits in the past. Wideout Keenan Allen has found some success against Peters in previous meetings, and the Chargers will be eager to exploit his elite quickness off the line. In fact, they’ll need to, early and often, if they have any hope of manufacturing big plays against a defense that’s already stifled the Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald and the Raiders’ Amari Cooper.
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The key to victory likely lies in the ground game. The Chargers have a pair of running backs in Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler who can grind out on early downs and catch short dumpoffs when needed, which will be vital for keeping the offense out of 3rd-and-long situations and extending drives. If the Chargers are forced to abandon the run or can’t find those backs in the short passing game, it’s going to be tough sledding for Rivers and Co. Judging by what we’ve seen from this Rams defense, it probably will be, regardless. EDGE: Rams
RAMS OFFENSE VS. CHARGERS DEFENSE
Before the Rams went on a defensive spending spree this offseason, adding Suh and two new All-Pro corners, the Chargers boasted arguably the league’s most dangerous combination of pass rush and shutdown secondary. Cornerbacks Casey Hayward and Trevor Williams are capable of stifling most top receivers, even one as devastating on deep routes as Brandin Cooks. And when its intact, the edge rush of Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa is pretty much unmatched throughout the league.
But Bosa will miss this game – his third straight – with a bone bruise in his foot, and without him, the Chargers may struggle to manufacture the pass rush necessary to throw the Rams passing game off kilter. The Rams offensive line, which has been one of the league’s best to start the season, will hone in on slowing down Ingram, forcing someone else on the Chargers defense to force quarterback Jared Goff off of his spot.
That could be rookie safety Derwin James, who has been a revelation to start this season. A swiss-army-knife defender, who has played all over the field already, James’ presence on the Chargers defense is perhaps the best weapon to catch the Rams’ high-powered offense off guard. He’ll rush off the edge, play deep, guard the slot, and possibly shadow running back Todd Gurley. If James can cut off options in the short passing game and relegate Gurley to rushing between the tackles, in a similar way to what Atlanta did during the Rams’ wildcard loss last season, James could have a huge impact on this game.
But slowing the Rams offense, no matter how many good players you have, is far easier said than done. It’s only made more complicated by the Rams dominant play up front. That offensive line play hasn’t translated to much room for Gurley to run. He’s only averaging 3.8 yards per carry so far. But Gurley still has 220 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns in two weeks. On Sunday, he’ll be up against an array of young linebackers who have yet to face anyone like him.
The best option to stop McVay’s offense is to never give the Rams the ball at all, but when the Rams do have possession, pressuring Goff will be paramount. He’s already clicking with the Rams top three receivers, and if he has enough time in the pocket, the Chargers’ secondary will have a serious test in keeping the Rams’ receivers from finding open space on the perimeter. McVay’s offense is unmatched when it comes to creating those opportunities out of thin air. EDGE: Rams
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Rams will be without their starting kicker, Greg Zuerlein, and their Pro Bowl returner, Pharoh Cooper, and still, it’s no guarantee the Chargers will outperform them when it comes to special teams. That’s a credit, in part, to Rams punter Johnny Hekker who continues to be one of the most effective field position weapons in the NFL. Without Zuerlein, the Rams’ kicking duties will be entrusted to Sam Ficken, who was solid when filling in for Zuerlein at the end of last season, but remains somewhat unproven.
The Chargers will have their entire special teams group intact, but as recent history tells us, that might not be a good thing. Field goals have yet to become an issue for new kicker Caleb Sturgis, but again, this is the Chargers we’re talking about. With the league’s most snakebitten franchise, a disastrous miss always seem right around the corner. So far, their only devastating misstep came in the return game. While rookie J.J. Jones was electrifying as a returner in the preseason, he’s already fumbled away one crucial punt return this season. EDGE: Even
COACHING
Before hiring Sean McVay, who went on to win NFL Coach of the Year in his first-ever campaign as a head coach, the Rams interviewed Anthony Lynn. Ultimately, they passed, hiring McVay on the same day the Chargers announced Lynn as their coach. Both have since been successful in shifting the trajectory of their respective franchises. But only one has proven able to outsmart and outscheme pretty much every coach he’s up against. Across the league, coaches spent the offseason mining McVay’s offense for answers, but so far, that hasn’t proven fruitful when it comes to stopping it. Couple his offense with Wade Phillips’ defense, and you won’t find many teams capable of outcoaching the Rams. EDGE:Rams
INTANGIBLES
The “Fight for LA” is more marketing ploy than actual rallying cry, but for both L.A. teams, this first intracity showdown is a significant early test to see where each stands. The Rams look like true Super Bowl contenders, but have yet to prove themselves against a legitimate playoff team. In spite of their two inferior opponents to start the season, there’s no reason to think the Rams will come out flat, even though their record at home under Sean McVay is worse than their road record. The Chargers, given the locale and a crowd of fans who could be hostile towards L.A.’s “other” team, are in more danger of tripping out of the gate. After many missteps against the Chiefs in Week 1 and a questionable second half against the Bills, the Chargers will be eager to prove themselves. They’ve dismissed any talk of a rivalry, but quieting fans at the Coliseum could provide some much-needed momentum. EDGE: Even
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Chargers interior offensive line vs. Rams interior defensive line.Three-time Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey saw firsthand just how dominant Ndamukong Suh could be when they played together in Miami. Now, he’ll be central to the Chargers’ efforts to slow down Suh and Aaron Donald – a task that has so far proven next-to-impossible. Making matters more difficult are the two inexperienced guards flanking him, Dan Feeney and Michael Schofield, who, if defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has his way, will find themselves in 1-on-1 matchups all afternoon long. If the Chargers can’t effectively double-team them and Suh and Donald blow up the interior consistently, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the Chargers plan to move the ball.
PREDICTIONS
Ryan Kartje, Chargers beat writer:
RAMS 30, CHARGERS 23: There’s a reason why both of these teams were labeled Super Bowl contenders before the season. Each has a fleet of explosive weapons on offense and defenses filled with potential playmakers. But in this matchup, with Bosa out and the Rams firing on all cylinders, the Chargers will have to play a near-perfect game to have a chance. Turnovers will play a huge role in deciding this one, and few teams are more capable of creating them – and taking advantage – than the Rams. Wade Phillips, who knows Philip Rivers better than most, will scheme to take away Ekeler and Gordon and force Rivers into making plays down the field. Against the Rams pass defense, that urgency can turn on you in a hurry.
Rich Hammond, Rams beat writer:
RAMS 31, CHARGERS 21: There basically is one path to victory for the Chargers, who will need to get an early lead, sit on the ball and frustrate the Rams by winning the time-of-possession battle, and perhaps force a turnover or two. Chargers running back Melvin Gordon will be big in this one, and his pass-catching ability could cause some problems, but the Rams’ defense has been dominant, and it still hasn’t gotten the best out of Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh. On the other side, even if Rams running back Todd Gurley is slowed, as he was early in last week’s game, all three of their receivers – Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp – are clicking with quarterback Jared Goff.
Ilya Kovalchuk of the Kings scored a beautiful goal Thursday. Coming down the right wing, he sneaked the puck through the legs of Vegas defenseman Nicolas Hague and fired it past goaltender Oscar Dansk.
It brought a roar from the Staples Center crowd.
That third-period goal only pulled the Kings within 6-2 on their way to a 7-2 loss to the Golden Knights, who swept the Kings in the first round of the playoffs this past April.
Kovalchuk indicated afterward he didn’t care how pretty it looked.
“I don’t think that really matters,” said Kovalchuk, a point-a-game player in the NHL for 11 seasons before playing the past five in his native Russia ahead of signing with the Kings over the summer. “I don’t think we can play like that, especially at home.
“We just leave [Kings goalie Jonathan Quick] alone there and we had I think six shots after two periods. That’s unacceptable, so we’ve gotta be much better than that.”
Quick gave up six goals before Cal Petersen allowed the seventh in the third period. But the Kings weren’t exactly playing well in front of Quick, who smacked the puck out of the net after Jonathan Marchessault scored his second goal in the second period for a 5-1 lead.
Kovalchuk was bugged by the way his team played, exhibition game or not.
“Yeah, we just need to be more aggressive, play with more emotion,” he said. “The people show up to watch us play. It’s a great atmosphere, so we’ve gotta come in and show our best.
“We have one more home game against Anaheim before the season starts, so we’ve gotta be ready for that.”
The Kings are 0-3-1 in four split-squad exhibition games. Next up is Vancouver on Monday at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City. The Kings then play Wednesday at Anaheim, Sept. 28 at Vegas and finish the exhibition schedule by hosting Anaheim on Sept. 29.
The regular season opens Oct. 5, when the Kings host the San Jose Sharks.
Kopitar chimes in on Kovalchuk
Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown played on a line with Kovalchuk. Kopitar liked the aforementioned goal Kovalchuk scored.
“He’s been known to score goals like that, and he’s a game-breaker,” Kopitar said. “I don’t know if you can break the game when it’s 6-2. But, yeah, let’s hope he makes those plays during the year, especially in big games.”
With Kings coach John Stevens in Vancouver on Thursday with the team’s other squad that lost to the Canucks 4-3 in a shootout, assistant coach Dave Lowry ran the squad at Staples Center.
He, too, raved about Kovalchuk.
“Kovalchuk scored a nice goal,” he said. “That’s the type of player he is. He’s a very dynamic guy. He has the ability to break open games, he’s a very highly skilled guy. It’s nice to see him score goals.”
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Like Kovalchuk, Lowry was forced to look at the big picture.
“But for us, we give up seven, so we’ll refocus on the other side of the puck and start focusing in on defending and we know when we do that, the offense usually comes,” Lowry said.
Go see Cal
Backup goalie Petersen, who figures to start the season with the Ontario Reign, allowed one goal but made five saves. A couple of them were really nice.
“Any time you can make a couple of stops, you know, feel comfortable, that’s big for the confidence,” he said. “Just trying to build on that each time I get the opportunity.”
Yorba Linda has finalized the design of the long-awaited new library and arts center and is now seeking a construction company to build the facility by May 2020.
The city will accept bids to do the work from six pre-qualified companies and should have a contract awarded in November.
A sign marks the spot where the new library and arts center will be built. The 4.7 acres dubbed “the strawberry field” is on the southeast corner of Lakeview Avenue and Lemon Drive in Yorba Linda, CA on Wednesday, August 2, 2017. (Photo by Sam Gangwer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The library is proposed to feature separate children, teen and adult areas, various study, conference and community rooms and a story time theater. The arts center’s design includes a 250-seat black box theater, a gallery space and art and dance studios. (Courtesy of City of Yorba Linda).
Sound
The gallery will resume inseconds
The proposed project includes a 45,000-square-foot two-story library, a 13,500-square-foot one-story arts center and surface parking. (Courtesy of the city of Yorba Linda).
Residents can expect to see activity start at the 4.7-acre site off Lakeview Avenue – known as the “strawberry fields” – by December or January, said E. Maximous, the city’s director of public works and city engineer.
Construction is expected to cost up to $44 million; with additional expenses such as design, management, moving the library and furniture, the project is expected to total about $53 million.
Once the complex is completed, the library will move from its cramped building off Imperial Highway to the new 45,000-square-foot facility that will feature large community rooms that can be divided up as needed; a makers space; quiet reading rooms and group study rooms; an expanded storytime area; places for teens; and more.
A paseo that can be used for outdoor events will connect the library to the 13,500-square-foot arts center. The library and arts center will share parking.
The City Council approved on Tuesday, Sept. 18, naming the facility the Yorba Linda Cultural Arts Center. It’s black-box theater will be named the Virginia DeLand Theater, the council also decided.
DeLand, now deceased, was the founder of the Yorba Linda Civic Light Opera. The longtime resident produced more than 50 shows in her 16 years leading the community theater company, her family said, including summer productions for area youth.
Councilman Tom Lindsey was one of those participating thespians and volunteered to help with the group’s financials. He said he understood the magnitude of naming a facility after someone and DeLand’s contributions to the community rose to the occasion.
DeLand worked tirelessly to bring quality entertainment to the city that was child friendly, often supporting it with her own money, he said.
Along with the theater, the arts center will feature dance and art studios.
Planning for a new library started in 2010, but was stalled when potential funding sources and property were tied up by the dissolution statewide of redevelopment agencies. Efforts started anew in 2014, with the location chosen in 2016 and the commitment made to also build the arts center.
“I’m ready to build this thing,” Councilwoman Peggy Huang said lightly as the council discussed awarding the construction contract. “Come on, let’s go.”
For David Ivers, his first impression of South Coast Repertory was that surprising feeling when you realize this could be something special.
Announced Thursday evening as the new artistic director for Orange County’s preeminent theater, Ivers first worked at SCR in fall 2015. He touched down in Costa Mesa to direct a production of the madcap Brit farce, “One Man, Two Guvnors.”
“While I can’t say I was intimately dialed in,” said Ivers, “as the work on the production went on, I fell just a little bit in love with everyone here.”
Flash forward to now: in the midst of a whirlwind week as news of his hire broke and he parachuted into town to meet his new team and examine housing options for his family of four, Ivers paused to chat about his goals for South Coast Repertory, acting on its stage and whether he’d go first to see the Ducks or the Angels.
Q: What themes should SCR address going ahead?
A: We need to be vigilant about all of our communities seeing themselves in our work. I think of Southern California as a kaleidoscope of human experience that really needs to be consistently engaged and it has to be reflected in the work we do.
Q: What facet of narrative storytelling is important to emphasize right now?
A: I am keenly interested in theater which celebrates heroism of the individual as a larger part of citizenry. I feel like people’s individuality is being increasingly polarized … and this reduces the contribution of the uniqueness of an individual. Whether that is about the color of their hair or their politics or their gender or their chosen profession, these are stories we want to tell.
Q: You spent much of your early career as an actor. Might we see you on an SCR stage?
A: (Laughing) My instinct as a director is always to fire myself as an actor, whether it’s SCR or wherever! Let’s say I will be reliant on a very wise collaborative team, and only if that team feels it will serve the interest of our organization, will I get my butt up on that stage.
Q: You are a soccer dad?
A: Yep! My two boys, Jack and Elliot, both play. (My wife) Stephanie and I on different occasions have coached T-ball or soccer. They’re young, we applaud for all the kids and they’re loving it. And if they aren’t, what’s the point in doing it? We’re not really competitive. I am not the scary parent for the referee, (laughs) I hope.”
Q: What are your other pursuits?
A: I’m a road cyclist. Love sports. I played soccer and baseball. I am a fan, keep an eye on things, the Rams look really good this year. But I have to admit I still have love for Denver’s Broncos, so I may have to take it in the shorts for that.
Q: If the Angels or the Ducks have a home game the same night, which do you go to?
A: Being of Canadian parentage – I am a dual citizen — I am a massive hockey guy. So Ducks, definitely.
Q: Did you play hockey?
A: I was born and mostly grew up down here so I never played hockey. I can ice skate. My inner Canadian is not huge, I will do a Molson Gold, but that’s about the extent of it.
Q: Apart from theater, what other arts do you enjoy?
A: When Steph and I were in Denver, our absolute favorite day in the world was the Sunday matinee at the symphony. Like heaven, you know?
Q: The Segerstrom Concert Hall is right behind SCR’s building …
ANAHEIM — Andrew Cogliano found himself in an unfamiliar position Friday.
He was on the ice with his teammates, which was to be expected. He skated with his customary speed around the rink, going through all the usual drills and working up a sweat, which wasn’t a surprise.
However, Cogliano formed a line with Carter Rowney and Brian Gibbons, two free agents who signed during the offseason. Cogliano’s usual linemates, Ryan Kesler and Jacob Silfverberg, skated in different groups, another example of the change that’s swept through the Ducks’ training camp.
Status quo is taking a beating this month.
Kesler skated on the Olympic-sized rink at Anaheim Ice, continuing his long, slow build-up from major hip surgery in 2017. He hasn’t been cleared for contact and it’s doubtful he’ll be sound enough to start the season with his teammates Oct. 3 in San Jose.
Silfverberg flipped from right wing to left to join Adam Henrique and Ondrej Kase on a line for Friday’s practice on the main rink. It’s possible Silfverberg, Henrique and Kase skate together for the season-opening game and beyond as the Ducks seek new combinations for a new season.
Shutdown Line 2.0 has been decommissioned.
“I think we will try to explore all the options and that’s in the drawer if we need it,” Ducks coach Randy Carlyle of possibly switching up a line that had been kept largely intact since 2014-15, the season of Kesler’s arrival via an offseason trade with the Vancouver Canucks.
“We think we are going to experiment and see if there’s a new grouping and see if some of them can make a contribution. But it’s not ever cast in stone. The reason you would go back to it is if the other things don’t work. Some people would say, ‘Why are you changing it?’
“In sports, there have to be changes. You have to elevate. We have to create more of an up-tempo style and I don’t know if holding that line together, in its present-day form, will allow us to have the same impact it had previously, with the way we are going to line people up.”
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When they were at their best, creating scoring chances and frustrating opponents’ top lines, the Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg line drew favorable comparisons to the Shutdown Line originals of Travis Moen, Samuel Pahlsson and Rob Niedermayer of the Ducks’ 2006-07 Stanley Cup championship team.
Cogliano, Kesler and Silfverberg helped the Ducks reach the Western Conference finals in 2014-15 and 2016-17. Kesler’s hip surgery and ineffective play over 44 games last season necessitated changes to that line and others last season.
Cogliano sounded wistful Friday at the notion of their impending breakup to start 2018-19.
“At this point, he’s not playing, or he’s not starting the year, so we won’t be together,” Cogliano said of Kesler. “There have to be some changes and we’ll see where I fit and we’ll see where Silfverberg ends up. At the end of the day, we can’t be a unit because (Kesler) is not ready to go, not ready to play.”
It’s injected a new level of uncertainty into Cogliano’s training camp, much to his chagrin.
“With a line like that, you basically just put your skates on and you know what you’re going to get every game and every practice,” he said. “It’s a little frustrating, a little tough, because it worked out so well. It was a line that brought a lot to the team. It was a line that was pretty unique.
“But I think you’re going to have to adapt at this point.”
ROSTER MOVES UPCOMING
The Ducks are expected to make a number of roster moves this weekend, sending several players back to their junior-level or their European teams. The San Diego Gulls, the Ducks’ AHL team, will open their training camp at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Anaheim Ice.
SANTA ANA — A drunken driver was sentenced Thursday to eight years and eight months in state prison for a crash on Mothers Day 2015 that killed an 82-year-old La Mirada man.
A jury last month found Steven Gerard Cruz guilty of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence in connection to a May 10, 2015 crash in a Buena Park intersection.
Police say Cruz, 36, was driving about 90 mph on Orangethorpe Avenue with a blood-alcohol level of .11 percent, above the .08 percent limit, when he crashed into a vehicle that was turning into a parking lot.
Driving the other vehicle was William Bradford Parker, who was taking his wife and their daughter to celebrate Mother’s Day together at an El Torito restaurant. Parker was killed, while his wife and daughter suffered broken ribs and other injuries.
“My parents were going to be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary only four days after that but instead, my mom was in the hospital and my dad was in the morgue at the coroner’s office,” the daughter wrote in a statement read at Cruz’s sentencing.
After back-to-back losses, the USC Trojans hope to get back on track at home against Mike Leach and the Washington State Cougars Friday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
~Smooth~
(@IAmSmooth919) 
what a film the first one is I used to walk along the shop as a kid every other week to rent it
