As momentum grows around the country for the suspension of state gas taxes, the state Senate on Thursday rejected a Republican-led push to pause gas tax collections through Labor Day even as Gov. Charlie Baker signaled he was warming to the idea.
The vote in the Senate came the same day Gov. Ned Lamont signed a bill to suspend Connecticut’s 25-cent gas tax through June 30 after the Legislature voted unanimously in favor of the pause.
“Clearly, we have an obligation to respond,” Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr said. “This Senate has not historically witnessed such economic pain and not tried to intervene.”
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, gas prices in Massachusetts shot up to an average high of $4.36 a gallon on March 11, but have been slowly ticking downward averaging $4.25 across the state on Thursday, according to AAA.
Republicans in Massachusetts have been pushing for weeks to suspend the state’s gas tax in the face of those price spikes, but have met resistance from Democrats who have called it a “gimmick” and raised concerns about violating the terms of the state’s bond agreements.
“I know it might sound good and feel good, but you are not providing any real relief,” Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues told his colleagues.
Rodrigues, a Westport Democrat, said not only would Wall Street and the bond rating agencies look unfavorably on a move to backfill lost gas tax revenue with future surplus funds, but he said there was no guarantee that the savings would get passed on to motorists.
“Do you all trust the oil companies?” Rodrigues asked.
The bill Lamont signed in neighboring Connecticut suspends that state’s tax on gasoline from April 1 to June 30, suspends fares on public buses statewide during that same period, and creates a one-week sales tax holiday on clothing and footwear under $100 from April 10 to April 16.
After the House cast aside a proposal two weeks ago to suspend the gas tax until prices fell to $3.70, the Senate voted 11-29 against an amendment offered by Republican Sen. Ryan Fattman, of Sutton, that attempted to address some of the concerns of Democrats.
Fattman’s amendment would have suspended collection of the gas tax through Sept. 5, and given the Department of Revenue 30 days to notify the state comptroller how much tax revenue was lost during that period. The comptroller would be authorized to transfer an equal sum to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund to replace any lost revenue that had been put up as collateral for state borrowing.
Eight Democrats, mostly from border districts, joined the Senate’s three Republicans in supporting the Fattman amendment. All four Democrats running for statewide office — Sens. Sonia Chang-Diaz, Adam Hinds, Eric Lesser and Diana DiZoglio — voted against suspending the gas tax.
Sens. Paul Feeney, Barry Finegold, Anne Gobi, Mark Montigny, Michael Moore, Marc Pacheco, Walter Timilty and John Velis — all Democrats — joined Tarr, Fattman and Sen. Patrick O’Connor, a Weymouth Republican, in support of the suspension.
“I think the proposal the Senate Republicans have made is a very clever one and it deals with all the issues people have about how we continue to maintain our coverage ratios on our bond covenants,” Baker said earlier in the day at an event in Holyoke.
Baker noted the bipartisan vote in Connecticut, and expressed concern that Massachusetts drivers could get caught in the middle of states where cheaper gas was available. In addition to Connecticut, which is controlled by Democrats, New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu, a Republican, has said he supports suspending that state’s gas tax.
У разі виникнення будь-яких екстрених ситуацій – пограбування, напад, втрата речей, аварійна чи підозріла ситуація, нечуюча людина стикається з труднощами, адже викликати поліцію – завдання з зірочкою і без перекладача жестової мови ніяк не справитися. Відтепер українці з порушенням слуху можуть відчувати себе у безпеці та швидко й доступно отримувати допомогу правоохоронних органів.
Міністерство внутрішніх справ України обладнало екіпажі поліції планшетами зі спеціальним ліцензійним програмним забезпеченням, яке передбачає цілодобовий доступ до перекладачів жестової мови онлайн. Це рішення забезпечує зручне та комфортне спілкування полісменів з нечуючими людьми.
Така можливість з’явилась завдяки співпраці МВС з громадською організацією «Громадський рух «Соціальна єдність», головна мета якої є забезпечення соціальної незалежності людей з особливими потребами та захист їх прав.
Відтепер, українці з порушенням слуху можуть спілкуватися з полісменами комфортним для них способом – через перекладача жестової мови, почуватися вільними та захищеними.
За підтримки Міністерства соціальної політики та фонду соціального захисту осіб з інвалідністю.
Class 5A Front Range League Teams and trends: Boulder, Broomfield, Fairview, Fort Collins, Fossil Ridge, Horizon, Legacy, Loveland, Monarch, Mountain Range, Poudre and Rocky Mountain. The league finished in another tight race in 2021 with Fairview and Broomfield each finishing 9-2 atop the standings. The Knights beat the Eagles during the regular season and in the playoffs. 2021 league leaders: Batting average: Garrett Harstad*, Loveland (.564). Hits: Luke Silverman, Fairview (33). Home runs: Greysen Carter, Fairview (6). Runs batted in: Carter, Fairview (33). Runs scored: Carter, Fairview (28). Slugging percentage: Cooper Axe, Rocky Mountain (.957). On-base percentage: Harstad*, Loveland (.655). Steals: Adam Moser, Fairview (17). ERA: Will Togher, Fort Collins (1.00/14 IP). Strikeouts: Carter, Fairview (55). Wins: Carter, Fairview (6). *Eligible to return
Boulder Panthers Coach: John Whitehead The Scorecard: Whitehead is the Panthers’ new coach and he’ll lead a team that went 3-12 last season and finished 11th in league. His roster is made up of returning seniors in C Adrien Armstrong, OF Cooper Conroy, P Anders Persson, INF/P Ryan Sunderland and INF/P Derek Woolwine. Woolwine led the team’s offense last year, hitting .432 with 17 runs driven in and two home runs. Persson, who the coach said is expected to be ahead of the rotation, had a 3.50 ERA in six appearances. Others to watch include Daniel Balderas-Lujan (Jr., INF/P), Eli Booth (Sr., INF), Caden Calcao (Jr., P/UT) and Chase Lewis (Jr., OF).
Broomfield Eagles Coach: Kale Gilmore The Scorecard: Gilmore has returned to the forefront of Broomfield baseball, the one-time star player for the Eagles who went on to be drafted into the MLB in 1990. The new coach takes over for Garren Estes, who stepped down after 18 seasons. Gilmore, who said he was an assistant on the program the past nine years, inherits a roster of 15 seniors and nine returning varsity players who helped lead the Eagles to 5A’s eight-team postseason in 2021. Among them are senior P Garrett Klein, who went 3-2 with a 4.27 ERA in eight appearances, and senior C Camden Ross, who led the team in RBIs (18) and homers (five). Other returning starters include Ryan Anderson (Sr., OF/1B), Gavin Speirs (Sr., INF) and Cole LaCrue (Jr., OF). Those to watch are Dane Most (So., INF/P) and Noah Scott (Jr., INF/P).
Fairview’s Gabe Springer
Fairview Knights Coach: David Castillo The Scorecard: The Knights lost a lot of talent from their 2021 third-place finish in 5A and “are looking for younger prospects to lead the program” in 2022, the Fairview coach said. Senior SS Gabe Springer, who is committed to Stanford baseball, leads the returnees after he hit .377 last year with 21 RBIs and five home runs. Sophomore Anton Keith is the lone pitcher back that had work in 2021, posting a 2.33 ERA over 15 frames pitched. Other returners are Oscar Pedersen (Sr., INF/P), Elliot Goldman ( Jr., INF/P), Aiden Armbruster (Jr., C/INF ) and Aiden Scott (Jr., OF/P). Those to watch include senior OF/P Martin Simpson-Teplin.
Legacy Lightning Coach: Ty Giordano The Scorecard: Giordano, in his 14th season at Legacy, returns a group looking to “compete for the Front Range League title” and a “5A state title.” Last year, the Lightning made a run in the 5A Final Eight before getting knocked out by Fairview on the second day. Landen Sehr and Kieran Gaffney will help make up a strong pitching rotation. Sehr led the team with 37 ⅔ innings pitched and posted a 3.35 ERA. Gaffney, who also plays third, led the returnees in runs batted in with 13. Other returners include Blake Roberts (Sr., OF), Marcus Romero (Jr., P/OF) and Brandon Sanchez (Jr., P/Mid INF). Those to watch are Peyton Malecha (Sr., P/Mid INF), Clayton Shuck (Sr., C), Derek Olsen (Jr., C/3B), Kullen Lerma (So., P), Zach Price, (Sr., P), Senan Heys (Jr., P) and Wes Barnett (Jr., P/1B).
Monarch Coyotes Coach: James Thompson The Scorecard: Thompson, a former assistant, takes over for Scott Weiss, who finished his coaching career at Monarch after 10 seasons. Last year, the Coyotes went just 4-12 and finished 10th in the Front Range League. They had a .218 batting average and a 7.14 team ERA. Row Tucker, a freshman last year and the only returning starter, had a spotless ERA in five innings pitched and also had 10 hits in 49 plate appearances.
Class 5A/4A Northern Colorado Athletic Conference Teams and trends: Centaurus, Erie, Greeley Central, Greeley West, Holy Family, Longmont, Mead, Silver Creek, Skyline and Windsor. In the league’s inaugural year, Windsor won the league crown, going 9-0. Holy Family was 8-1 in league. 2021 league leaders: Batting average: Izaak Siefken, Holy Family (.478). Hits: Siefken, Holy Family (33). Home runs: Siefken, Holy Family (5). Runs batted in: Siefken, Holy Family (32). Runs scored: Brennan Bennett, Holy Family (33). Slugging percentage: Siefken, Holy Family (.928). On-base percentage: Jared Delgado*, Holy Family (.598). Steals: Demitri Jaramillo, Greeley West (18). ERA: Ethan Dillinger*, Erie (1.05/20 IP). Strikeouts: Siefken, Holy Family (81). Wins: Blake Hammond and Siefken, Holy Family (6).
Centaurus Warriors Coach: Douglas Kinney The Scorecard: Kinney is in his fifth season as head coach of the Warriors. He brings back senior OF/P Nate Hirsh, who had a nice season on the mound and at the plate in 2021. Hirsh posted a 2.89 ERA in 26 ⅔ frames and hit .340, driving in seven runs on 16 hits. Other returning starters include sophomore OF/P Zach White, junior INF/P Jacob Amador and junior INF/P Brandon Korn. Another name to watch for Centaurus will be freshman OF/P Zach Young. Kinney said the team’s outlook is “a year of where we learn to finish, to compete, develop great character”. Adding, “We have a tough schedule that we are looking forward to.”
Erie Tigers Coach: Dustin Conley The Scorecard: Conley takes over for Mike Newton after the Tigers went 10-7 in 2021. Senior Sam Stem helps lead the returnees after he hit .434 last season. He’s accompanied by OF/P Dillon Alcouffe, who led the team with 19 runs driven in, as well as junior SS Holden Pantier, who was second to Stem in batting average (.396) and on-base percentage (.529). Conley said his team has a nice mix of veterans and youth, saying “I am excited to see how our returning varsity experienced players bring along our youth on the team this year.” Other returning starters include Austin Rodriguez (Sr.,1B/P), Kelan Bierne (Sr., P), Darian Burnett (Jr., P/1B), Ethan Dillinger (Jr., P) and Kaveh Meredith (So., P). One other name to watch is senior UTL/P Trenton Rowan.
Holy Family’s Jaden Delgado
Holy Family Tigers Coach: Marc Cowell The Scorecard: Last year’s coach, John Ray, stepped aside, saying he is expecting the birth of his child in the spring. In his place is the program’s longtime coach Marc Cowell, who goes into his 13th season. The Tigers are coming off a year in which they finished runner-up in 4A led by touted BoCoPreps.com player of the year Izaak Siefken. “The program graduated a very deep and talented senior class (12 total) that included three D-I commits (Siefken, University of Illinois; Blake Hammond, Santa Clara University; and Connor Cooney, Holy Cross College) that made its deepest run since moving up to 4A,” Cowell said. “This season we return a talented nucleus (Andrew Syverson, Jacob Syverson, Jared and Jaden Delgado) who will be surrounded by a talented group of seniors and sophomores with limited varsity experience. How quickly and well these players adjust to the varsity level will be key to early season success.”
Longmont Trojans Coach: Tom Fobes The Scorecard: Fobes, going into his 22nd season, is back after his team went 12-6 in 2021 and lost in its regional final. Senior 1B Danny Barker hit .426 last year and drove in a team-best 24 runs. Senior pitcher Herbie Mitchell threw a staff-most 43 frames, posting a 4-2 record and 3.91 ERA. He struck out 34 and walked 13. Tristan Rangel is back at catcher and Jacob Moats returns as a P/3B. “We expect to compete every day and challenge for a conference title and in the playoffs,” Fobes said. “This is a great group, with senior leadership and a lot of juniors competing to fill spots.” Others to watch include Zander Dill (Sr., SS), Rick Magnetti (Sr, 2B) and Emiliano Gonzalez (Sr, P).
Mead Mavericks Coach: Joe McKenzie The Scorecard: The Mavericks went 7-8 last season, going 5-4 in league. McKenzie said his team returns six starters, including senior OF/1B Lane Beumer who hit .419 with seven RBIs. Joe Strizki is back at catcher, Nathan Hoffman at shortstop, Blayke Reyburn in the outfield. Shane Palmer and Drew Perigo also return and should get some action on the mound this year. Palmer had a 2-2 record and a 4.06 ERA across 31 innings. The pitching staff will also be made up of Evan Peterson and Nate Huisken. Taylor Adler should also make some noise at catcher and in the infield. “We are finally excited to play a 23-game season,” McKenzie said. “We have a senior class of 10, which will provide us with leadership for our younger players, who in their own right, will help push this team to obtain our goal of finally being able to stand alongside the other successful teams at Mead.”
Silver Creek Raptors Coach: Brad Steward The Scorecard: The Raptors are trying to work back to the postseason after finishing 5-11 in 2021 and missing it. Steward said the team lost four seniors but brought back nine starters. Senior P/OF Bryce Gorr hit .571 and had a 3.57 ERA across 15 ⅔ innings pitched. John Sekich is back at catcher and Zach Koelfgen is a P/UTL after driving in 12 runs last season, most among returnees. Other returners include Jake Wenande (Sr., P/INF), Jonah Tatterson (Sr., INF), Jackson Hacker (Sr., OF), Benny Hyman (Sr., UTL), Will Schleper (Jr., UTL) and Zander Storz (So., P/OF). Another name to watch will be freshman UTL Connor Lopez. “This group has worked extremely hard this offseason to try and get our program back into the postseason,” Steward said. “We are hoping to compete in what is usually a tough Northern League and look to our returning players to help guide us. We are just hoping to be playing our best baseball in May and June.”
Skyline Falcons Coach: Travis Schlagel The Scorecard: C/INF Emilio Gutierrez had a sensational freshman year, hitting .371 with four runs driven in. He leads four returnees from a team that finished 6-10 during the shortened 2021 season. The others are senior SS/2B Wynn Drewes, junior P/1B/OF Evan Gail and junior P/INF Collin Wright. Gail and Wright combined to pitch 21 ⅔ innings last season. “We are a young, inexperienced team looking to compete in one of the best conferences in the state of Colorado,” Schlagel said. Some others to watch include seniors Connor Sorber (1B), Chuck Harris (OF), Colten Valdez (OF/P), Brock Kridel (P/OF) and Jose Berumen (P).
Class 4A/3A Longs Peak League Teams and trends: Berthoud, Fort Morgan, Frederick, Mountain View, Niwot, Northridge, Riverdale Ridge, Roosevelt, Severance and Thompson Valley. In the league’s inaugural year, Severance won the crown at 8-1. 2021 league leaders: Batting average: Cruz Zamudio*, Frederick (.531). Hits: Gannon McGeen*, Northridge (27). Home runs: Ty Thompson*, Riverdale Ridge, Daniel Parsek, Mountain View and Jon Klus, Thompson Valley (2). Runs batted in: McGeen*, Northridge and Nolan Hertzke*, Severance (22). Runs scored: Carson Fagan*, Severance, Josh Lawrence, Roosevelt (22). Slugging percentage: Zamudio*, Frederick (.980). On-base percentage: Salvatore Rocco, Roosevelt (.594). Steals: Cael Langford, Fort Morgan (11). ERA: Jace Reid*, Northridge (1.29/16.1 IP). Strikeouts: Fagan*, Severance (75). Wins: Fagan*, Severance (8).
Frederick High School’s Brendan Gochanour
Frederick Warriors Coach: Colin York The Scorecard: Frederick went 8-8 in York’s first season at the helm. “I expect us to keep building our culture and continue to try to change the perception of our program,” he said. “Our main goals for this upcoming season are to have a winning record and to make it into the playoffs.” The Warriors return six varsity starters, including junior C/DH Cruz Zamudio, who will be out at least early into the season with an injury after he was an all-conference player in 2021. Other returnees are Bren Gochanour (Sr., SS/P), who had a 4.15 ERA across 28 ⅔ innings in 2021, Brayden Johnson (Sr., 2B/SS/P), AJ Lyman (Sr., OF/P), Talon Boen (Sr., P) and Bryce Conover (Sr., CF/P). Another pair of names to watch are Sam Fisher (Jr., OF/IF/P) and Joey Villani (Jr., 3B/P).
Niwot Cougars Coach: Ken Rosales The Scorecard: The Cougars welcome new coach Ken Rosales, who takes over for Adam Strah. Rosales will inherit a gifted prospect in Jack Brooker, who hit .520 last year and drove in 12 runs. Brooker also allowed just one earned run in 5 ⅓ innings on the mound. Other returnees are senior P/INF Walt Van Riper and DH Nick Yard. “I believe we will be very competitive,” Rosales said. “I’m very excited to be coaching this team.” Others to watch are Jed Kilpatrick (Jr., INF/P), Diego Castro (Jr., C/INF), Jaedyn Adler (C/INF/OF) and Easten Leatherwood (INF/OF).
Class 3A Metro League Teams and trends: Bishop Machebeuf, Colorado Academy, Faith Christian, Jefferson Academy, Kent Denver, Lutheran, Manual, Peak to Peak, Prospect Ridge Academy and SkyView Academy. Lutheran won the league crown last year. In 2019, Peak to Peak won it after Faith Christian had won it in eight of the previous nine seasons. 2021 league leaders: Batting average: Mason Larkin*, Jefferson Academy (.519, min. 25 PAs). Hits: Dorian Pacheco*, Lutheran (30). Home runs: Garrett Everitt, Faith Christian and Davis Evans, Kent Denver (4). Runs batted in: Pacheco* and Josh Greiving, Lutheran (25). Runs scored: Matt Lemberger, Prospect Ridge (26). Slugging percentage: Aaron Morgan, Lutheran (.923). On-base percentage: Charlie Westfall, Colorado Academy (.603, min. 20 PAs). Steals: Alex Rodriguez and Lemberger, Prospect Ridge (13). ERA: Preston Robinson, Lutheran (0.00/21 IP). Strikeouts: Justin Huffman, Prospect Ridge (74). Wins: Saxton Sorenson, Lutheran (7).
Jefferson Academy Jaguars Coach: Gino Carbajal The Scorecard: The Jaguars went 8-8 in 2021, closing out their campaign with three wins over their final four games. They finished sixth in the league. Mason Larkin hit over .500 as a sophomore in 2021 and Ben Fitzgerald drove in 17 runs as a junior. The Jags hit .337 as a team and had a team ERA of 5.46.
Peak to Peak Pumas Coach: Matthew Castilleja and Don Colgate The Scorecard: The Pumas carried over a lot of talent from the 2021 season, where they finished 5-11. Senior C/P Nicholas Copanas drove in a team-best 12 runs last year, junior CF/P Brady Bowman led with 35 Ks on the mound and senior 1B/P Bryce Weyer provided the long ball, hitting the team’s only two home runs of the campaign. Other returnees include Bryce Carson (Sr., 2B/SS), Miguel Silva (Sr., C/P), Logan Hughes (Jr., OF/P), Chase Peterson (Jr., C/OF), Eddie Castilleja (So., SS/P), Steven De Crescenzo (So., 1B/OF), Charlie Kasic (So., OF) and Charlie Custard (So., OF). “The strength of our program is our depth,” Castilleja said. “All 16 of our guys can jump in and start on any given day.”
Prospect Ridge Academy Miners Coach: Mark Knudson The Scorecard: Knudson is in his fifth season with the Miners, who qualified for the Class 3A regional tournament last season, going 10-7. Senior catcher Rocco Cassano was third in hitting inside the league (.509), second in hits (29), fourth in RBIs (21) and led the league with six triples. Also back is senior CF Griffin Hill, who hit .348, as well as 3B/RHP Ethan Free who had an on-base percentage of .304 in his freshman season. On the hill, RHP/OF Tyler Beveridge is back after he posted a 2-1 record and 4.38 ERA across 24 innings pitched. He struck out 24 and walked just six. Among others to watch are freshman SS Zeke Bote, who is the nephew of Chicago Cubs infielder David Bote.
Class 2A/1A Mile High League Teams and trends: Clear Creek, Dawson, Dayspring Christian Academy, Denver Academy, Denver Academy, Denver Christian, Estes Park, Front Range Christian, Gilpin County, Highland and Lyons. Longmont Christian will only have a JV team this season, the school said. In 2021, Highland won the league crown. 2021 league leaders: Batting average: Rafael Ruiz Jr., Lyons (.625). Hits: Ruiz Jr., Lyons (35). Home runs: Ashtin Gilio*, Dawson (4). Runs batted in: Ruiz Jr., Lyons (29). Runs scored: Jordan Walkup*, Highland (35). Slugging percentage: Ruiz Jr., Lyons (1.161). On-base percentage: Ruiz Jr., Lyons and Seattle Schuessler, Clear Creek (.682). Steals: Walkup*, Highland (19). ERA: Conor Wolf*, Dawson (0.24/29 IP). Strikeouts: Adam Brookes*, Lyons (81). Wins: Sam Hnizdil*, Highland (5).
Dawson Mustangs Coach: Troy Siegler The Scorecard: The Mustangs bring in a new coach in Siegler after they went 8-4 in 2021. The new coach will inherit one of the best left-handed pitchers in the state in Conor Wolf (Willamette University commit). With a high school career ERA of 0.54, Wolf allowed just one earned run over 29 innings pitched last season. He struck out 57 and walked just two. The top-returning hitter for Dawson will be junior Ashtin Gilio (Georgetown commit). As a sophomore in 2021, he hit .433 and drove in 15 runs. Another name to watch will be C Bryce Marcus. Overall, the Mustangs hit .228 as a team in 2021 and had a team ERA of 2.92.
Lyons Lions Coach: Kale Olson The Scorecard: Olson heads into his second season at the helm of the Lions, who went 10-7 in his first. Jack Abernathy returns as a strong infielder and pitcher. Zach Boggess is back at catcher after he drove in 11 runs a season ago. Also returning is Adam Brookes (Sr. SP/OF) and Joel Uecker (Sr.,1B/P). A year ago, the Lions hit .345 and had a team ERA of 4.17. “I expect a lot of growth this season for our players and team as a whole,” Olson said. “We lost nine seniors, however we still have a strong core of players and leaders from last year. We have our No. 1 pitcher and starting catcher back, as well as four players who saw regular playing time.” A newcomer to keep an eye on will be freshman P/INF Jack Knapp.
Bringing it home: recent state champions 2021 — Mountain Vista (5A), Ponderosa (4A), Eaton (3A), Limon (2A), Holly (1A) 2020 — No champions crowned (COVID-19 pandemic season cancellation) 2019 — Regis Jesuit (5A), Pueblo West (4A), University (3A), Peyton (2A), Cornerstone Christian (1A) 2018 — Mountain Vista (5A), Valor Christian (4A), University (3A), Paonia (2A), Caliche (1A) 2017 — Rocky Mountain (5A), Valor Christian (4A), Valley (3A), Paonia (2A), Nucla (1A) 2016 — Cherokee Trail (5A), Valor Christian (4A), Faith Christian (3A), Dawson (2A), Holly (1A) 2015 — Rock Canyon (5A), Green Mountain (4A), Eaton (3A), Rye (2A), Dove Creek (1A)
Point me to the postseason The end of the regular season comes May 17 (April 30 for Class 1A), with regional fields determined by RPI for all classifications. Regionals take place May 21 (May 14 for 1A), and the 8-team state tournaments will take place the weekends of May 27-28 and June 3-4.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. March 5, 2022 – When the March 5 trilogy bout between super flyweights Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez and Juan Francisco “El Gallo” Estrada fell victim to COVID-19, boxing fans around the world were disappointed. None more than the fans on both sides of the border in San Diego and Tijuana, who don’t get many world-class cards at home.
World flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez of Mexico City (18-1, 14 KOs) swooped in like a superhero to save the day, agreeing to move up in weight to face the future Hall of Fame fighter Gonzalez. But when Gonzalez blew through the 115-pound weight limit on the scale Friday at 116.4 pounds, hearts sank once more.
Roman Gonzalez and Julio Cesar Martinez pose after their weigh-in Friday. Martinez came in over the 115-pound limit at 116.4 pounds. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.
The fight between Gonzalez of Nicaragua (49-4, 41 KOs) and Martinez will move forward, but Martinez must weigh within 10 percent of his Friday weight on Saturday morning at 126.4 pounds or under. For the trouble, his wallet is lighter. Martinez was fined $50,000 of his $250,000 purse, half going to Gonzalez and half to the California State Athletic Commission. Gonzalez earns a $725,000 purse before the fine. There is a WBC Diamond Super Flyweight title on the line for Gonzalez only. The main card airs on DAZN starting at 8:30 pm ET/5:30 pm PT.
Before his fight with Roman Gonzalez Saturday, Julio Cesar Martinez must stay within a 10 percent rehydration limit. Photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.
Does this favor the veteran volume puncher Gonzalez, slowing down Martinez? Or is it a calculated move to maximize power punching behind the Mexican challenger’s heavy hands? As long as the fight takes place, the fans will take it.
Gonzalez: ‘The fans are going to be really happy’
Roman Gonzalez salutes his fans at Friday’s weigh-in. Photo: Gayle Lynn Falkenthal for Communities Digital News
“When they offered me that fight, I accepted it with pleasure,” said Gonzalez. “We’re in excellent in condition. Thank God for my training team and camp. I’m hoping to God we walk away with our hand raised in victory.
“I have an opponent that comes forward but I’m going to come forward, it’s going to be a tremendous fight and I think the fans are going to be really happy with the fight.”
Martinez: ‘With everything but fear’
“I want to thank him for choosing us in this big fight,” said Martinez. “Like I say, with everything but fear, anywhere and against anyone. I want to wish that we both come out well from the fight God willing and to keep making history – this is just the start.”
Despite being seven years younger at age 27. Martinez will be challenged to keep up with the veteran. Gonzalez is first among all active boxers for punches thrown per round (87.7), power punches thrown (65.7), and power shots landed (27.6) among all active boxers. In his second bout with Estrada, the pair combined for 705 punches landed of a combined 2,529 punches thrown.
The majority of fans present at Friday’s weigh-in were cheering on Julio Cesar Martinez, many of them from Tijuana. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.
Friday’s weigh-in was packed, with more locals cheering on the Mexican challenger, although the Nicaraguan multi-division former champion doesn’t lack support. Count on a crowd worthy of the action at the Pechanga Arena.
Gonzalez is a slight betting favorite, enjoying a second act in his impressive career. He knows how to win, and while the single punch lights-out power isn’t there, the all-out offensive onslaught is overwhelming for anyone. Martinez would be wise to try and avoid a war, pinpointing Gonzalez to the body. Estrada landed the harder shots in his fight with Gonzalez, but Gonzalez visibly hurt Estrada several times.
Roman Gonzalez is a sure lock for the Hall of Fame and can hold his head high after Saturday’s performance. Photo: Ed Mulholland, Matchroom Boxing
The enthusiasm for this matchup is high, fueled by the unknowns. We’re calling it for the veteran Gonzalez, who has settled in with trainer Marcos Caballero and who barely lost to Estrada in peak form.
Gonzalez has nothing left to prove. He was written off after his knockout loss to Rungvisai. Against Estrada, Chocolatito looked as good as he did a decade ago when he was on top of the pound-for-pound list. To maintain this level Saturday in San Diego seals a first-ballot lock for the Hall of Fame.
The cross-border crowd in San Diego will be pleased with the undercard full of Mexican and Mexican American talent.
Promoter Eddie Hearn had to move in to split up Mauricio Lara (left) and Emilio Sanchez. Photo: Gayle Lynn Falkenthal for Communities Digital News
Featherweight Mauricio Lara of Mexico City (23-2-1, 16 KOs) sent a shockwave through boxing when he knocked out Josh Warrington. He will face Emilio Sanchez of Los Angeles (19-1. 12 KOs). In his first fight in the U.S. Lightweight sensation Angel Fierro of Tijuana (19-1-1 15 KOs) meets veteran and fellow Tijuana resident Juan Carlos Burgos (34-6-2, 21 KOs). Fierro was a last-minute replacement when he drilled former champion Alberto Machado in six rounds. This could threaten to steal the show.
Angel Fierro and Juan Carlos Burgos will battle for Tijuana bragging rights in San Diego, Photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.
Opening the DAZN broadcast at 8:30 pm ET/5:30 pm PT, super welterweight Souleymane Cissokho of France faces Roberto Valenzuela Jr. of Mexico via Cameroon.
Super middleweight prospect Diego Pacheco fights for the first time with new trainer Jose Benavidez Jr. Photo: Gayle Lynn Falkenthal for Communities Digital News
In early bouts staring at 6:10 pm ET/3:10 pm PT, Australian Olympian Skye Nicolson makes her pro debut against undefeated Jessica Sanchez of San Diego at super-featherweight. Promising lightweight prospect Marc Castro of Fresno faces Julio Madera of Mexico City. Undefeated Super middleweight Diego Pacheco looks to make a big impression in his first fight working with trainer Jose Benavidez Jr. against Genc Pilana of Maryland. It’s a shame in particular Pacheco, a good-looking power puncher with ten knockouts in 13 fights from Los Angeles who’s been training in San Diego, isn’t on the main card.
Gayle Lynn Falkenthal is a veteran boxing observer covering the Sweet Science for Communities. Read more Ringside Seat in Communities Digital News. Follow Gayle on Facebook and on Twitter @PRProSanDiego.
Please credit “Gayle Falkenthal for Communities Digital News” when quoting from or linking to this story.
GODSPELL CAST — Seated: Sam Jupin, Destiny Garcia, Maggie MacRamos, Lillie-Marie LeClair. Standing: Isadora Saffron Sylvia-Ribeiro, Makenna Calvao, Aydan Sullo, Ronnie Lopes, Cierra Melo, and Sydni Colson. New Bedford High School Drama Club presents the 2012 revival version of Godspell at NBHS’s Bronspiegel Auditorium, April 8-10. (photo: Matt Poyant)
New Bedford High School Drama Club Presents Godspell, April 8-10
The second weekend of April, The Drama Club at New Bedford High School will graciously present to audiences the 2012 revival version of “Godspell” with music by Stephen Schwartz, in the NBHS Bronspiegel Auditorium. Godspell is a story of love and understanding as told through the Gospel of Matthew. In the NBHS staging, the Jesus figure recruits a group of hopeless strangers waiting at a bus stop to learn and spread His messages of love, hope, kindness and tolerance. Together, this group helps Jesus to tell different parables by using a myriad of games, storytelling and just enough comedic relief. What jumps out about Godspell is that each character has their own song and each song is so incredibly unique to their character’s journey in following Jesus; no song sounds like the song before. The musical has the audience fully absorbed in the characters learning of love and tolerance from start to finish and will leave them with a sense of understanding that even I didn’t have until being a part of this show.
Due to an overwhelming interest in performing and drama club members with an array of talents and strengths, the directors felt it was important to find a musical that could showcase everything they have to offer. “We chose Godspell because of the flexibility in casting and staging, but working on this show has been a beautiful gift with which to re-introduce musical theatre performance to our students. The universal message of love and community is so perfect right now, and we have very much enjoyed tackling this text. Many of the students featured in this show are performing on our stage in a musical for the first time! You’d never know it though; these students are super talented and are always giving it their all.” Sarah Cadieux-Pacheco, Co-director says about her reasoning for choosing this show.
Aydan Sullo, Senior and drama club president will be playing the main role of Jesus, He says of his experience doing this musical, “Throughout our fortifying rehearsal process, the NBHS Theatre Company has fostered a unique and special community. In exploring the beautiful work of Stephen Schwartz’s Godspell, the dedication of our cast and crew is a spectacle of this bond. The overarching concept of innate leaders inspiring those as followers to then become leaders has embedded itself in our club. Thank you endlessly to our patrons and supporters, and please come see Godspell!”
Performances of Godspell in the NBHS Bronspiegel Auditorium begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 with a matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 10. Tickets are $10 for students/seniors and $12 for adults, and to limit large groups in the lobby can be purchased ahead of time online at http://our.show/nbhsgodspell A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase in person via cash or check at the box office beginning 1 hour before each performance. Tickets purchased in person are subject to a $2 processing fee, per ticket. Godspell is presented with permission from Music Theatre International and is supported in part by the New Bedford Cultural Council, a chapter of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Patrons will be subject to current masking recommendations at the time of the performance.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk at the company’s HQ in Hawthorne, California on October 10, 2019.
PHILIP PACHECO/AFP via Getty Images
He predicted that solar power “will be the main long-term way that civilization is powered.”
But until that transition is made, he said countries need to maintain nuclear energy.
Elon Musk is optimistic about Earth’s climate future.
“We will solve the climate issue. It is just a question of when,” he said in a recent interview with Mathias Döpfner, the CEO of Insider’s parent company, Axel Springer.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO predicted decarbonization will ultimately be achieved through solar energy. The key to this transition, according to Musk, is a technology to effectively store the sun’s energy for future use.
“Obviously the sun only shines during the day, and sometimes it is very cloudy,” he said. “So you need solar batteries. That will be the main long-term way that civilization is powered.”
Until the shift to solar is feasible, he told Döpfner that it’s essential to maintain nuclear energy plants.
“I can’t emphasize that enough,” he said. “This is total madness to shut them down. I want to be clear, total madness.”
“If you are somewhere where severe earthquakes or tsunamis occur, it is more of a question mark,” Musk said earlier in the interview. “If there is no massive natural disaster risk — which Germany does not have — then there is really no danger with the nuclear power plants.”
While natural disasters in Germany are “not as extreme as in other parts of the world,” the country is at risk to storms, floods and earthquakes, according to the Helmholtz Association, the largest scientific organization in Germany.
Döpfner mentioned both wind and solar as viable alternatives to nuclear in a question to Musk. The Tesla CEO did not comment on wind in his response.
Musk did not provide a timeline to back his climate optimism, but said in 15 years the climate issue will look “much better” from a sustainable energy standpoint. Solving the problem is “the fundamental goal of Tesla,” he added.
