Jacob’s Journal – Weekly News Rewind (07/12-07/18)

California Doctor Faces Federal Charges in Fake COVID-19 Vaccine Scheme

Thursday, July 15 (CNN.com) – The U.S. Department of Justice announced that a licensed naturopathic doctor from Northern California was arrested Wednesday for running a fake COVID-19 immunization and vaccine card scheme. Juli A. Mazi, 41, is facing one charge of wire fraud and one count of false statements related to health matters, the Justice Department said. According to prosecutors, the Napa woman sold homeoprophylaxis immunization pellets and immunization cards that made customers believe they received the Moderna vaccine. If convicted, Mazi could face 20 years in prison for wire fraud and five years in prison for making false statements. For each charge, she could face a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. According to financial records, Mazi received $221,817 in 1,242 transactions over a time period from January 2020 to May 21, 2021.

Highway 99E Crash in Dairyville Injures Four

Wednesday, July 14 (Yahoo! News) – On Saturday, a vehicle crash in Dairyville left two people with moderate injuries, who were transported by ambulance to St. Elizabeth Community Hospital. According to the California Highway Patrol Red Bluff Office, Michael Kunick, 55, was driving a 1993 Honda sedan north on Highway 99E near Bray Avenue when he turned onto a path of a southbound motorhome, driven by Tyler Yoder of Georgia. The accident occurred at about 6:14 p.m. Kunick and his passenger, Teresa Oliver, both suffered lacerations and other injuries. Yoder and a passenger in the motorhome suffered minor injuries but declined medical treatment.

Appeals Court Revives Challenge to California Board Diversity Law

Friday, July 9 (SHRM) – In June, the 9^th U.S Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a corporate shareholder was entitled to dispute gender diversity law SB 826, which requires publicly traded companies in California to appoint a minimum number of female board directors. The law was advanced to boost the state’s economy and improve opportunities for women. In the challenge, the plaintiff contends the law, introduced in 2018, violates the 14^th Amendment’s equal protection clause. While a district court judge dismissed the case, a three-judge panel from the 9^th Circuit unanimously reversed the lower court’s ruling as the plaintiff alleged the law encourages them to discriminate based on sex. However, the court only ruled on their right to sue, not the merits of the case or constitutionality of the law. Legal experts are weighing whether the ruling could have broader implications for other diversity initiatives.

Rachael Fox Killed in Fatal 101 Freeway Crash

Tuesday, July 13 (L.A. Weekly) – Rachael Fox, 47, of Los Angeles was killed Monday morning after being struck by a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by Adrian Castroramos, who was later arrested on suspicion of DUI. The initial crash occurred at around 4:40 a.m. on July 5, just north of the Pilgrimage Bridge. After the collision, Fox exited her vehicle to check for damage and was then struck by the Tahoe. Emergency personnel pronounced her dead at the scene shortly after arriving. Castroramos suffered minor injuries; the CHP later determined he was driving under the influence of alcohol.

L.A. County Will Require Masks Indoors Amid Alarming Rise in Coronavirus Cases

Thursday, July 15 (The Los Angeles Times) – Following a long-awaited reopening in California last month, Los Angeles County officials will once again require residents to wear masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Officials still say those inoculated are mostly protected, even from the Delta variant. Unvaccinated individuals accounted for 99.6% of coronavirus cases in the county from December 7 to June 7. The order goes into effect 11:59 p.m. on Saturday. It continues to allow indoor restaurant dining although people will be required to wear masks when not eating or drinking.

Community transmission in the county has accelerated, from an average of 173 cases a day the week ending June 15, to 1,077 cases a day for the week ending last Wednesday. On Thursday, 1,537 new cases were reported. Hospitalizations have also increased and officials are concerned about effects on the healthcare system given the current trends. Officials also suspect that unvaccinated people have stopped wearing masks indoors, despite requirements to do so, while statewide guidance on face coverings hasn’t changed. Increases in transmission have also been reported in numerous other counties.

$195k Settlement Reached in Suit Against an Off-Duty O.C. Deputy Who Drew a Gun on a Teen at a Skate Park

Thursday, July 15 (California News Times) – A $195,000 settlement was reached on July 13 in the case of an off-duty police officer pointing a gun at a teenager in a skatepark. The settlement was reached during a private session of the Orange County Supervisory Board in Santa Ana. In 2019, the confrontation at Ralph’s Skate Court in San Clemente was captured on video. Complaints against a Deputy Director Sheriff, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and Orange County alleged negligence, assault, civil rights violations, and mental distress. The agreement was led by attorney’s Eric V. Trout and Conner J. Traut of Traut Firm.

Critical Courtroom Moments in CVN’s California Coverage This Year

Wednesday, July 14 (CVN.com) – As CVN’s ongoing coverage reveals, California courts and state attorneys have been among the most active in the nation as trials have resumed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Prominent cases include the award by a state court judge of $23.7 million to a motorcyclist whose leg was partially amputated following a collision with a truck operated by a heating and air conditioning company. In May, a jury found a Howard Johnson’s hotel negligent over the near-drowning of a child in a hot tub, but not liable for the child’s injuries. Cases also include a $20+ million trial against Kia over the rollover crash that left an aspiring pop singer with a traumatic brain injury, a virtual bench trial against opioid manufacturers, and a damages-only trial in Massachusetts over a woman fatally struck by a truck while walking her dog.

Lakers Sleeper Prospects to Target in 2021 NBA Draft

Thursday, July 15 (Bleacher Report) – With LeBron James and Anthony Davis still on the Los Angeles Lakers, the team will continue to seek the NBA championship. Their 2020-2021 season ended at the first round as injuries impacted the team. The Lakers hold the 22^nd overall pick for NBA draft night. Potential picks include Chris Duarte, 24, of Oregon; he averaged 2.3 three-point shots this past season. Trey Murphey III of Virginia offers a strength on offense, with a smooth, repeatable stroke along with quickness and flexibility. Cameron Thomas from LSU is the nation’s top freshman scorer and excels in his dribble moves, footwork, and aggressiveness in seeking a path to the basket.

This Lakers-Pelicans Sign-and-Trade Is Focused on Lonzo Ball

Thursday, July 15 (NBA Analysis Network) – In 2017, Lonzo Ball was drafted 2^nd overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he was traded and, this year, played 55 games with the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. He also shot 37.8% from three-point range. Lonzo Ball is now regarded as one of the more valuable free agents this offseason at the point guard position. It was statistically his best season as a pro, which could put him on the radar for a trade to the Lakers. Such a theoretical trade could involve a trade of Kyle Kuzma or Talen Horton Tucker to the Pelicans. However, Lonzo Ball’s youth may not benefit the Lakers right now, but could over the long term. Whether the trade would make sense for the Pelicans depends on whether the team is able to convince him to re-sign with them, but there are ways it could do so and still add more talent to its roster. Nonetheless, a sign-and-trade proposal does not make sense for the team.