Latest news with #Blacker
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tributes pour in for 'Dr. Boomer,' Castlemont math teacher killed in Oakland chase
OAKLAND, Calif. - On the day that he was killed – caught up as an innocent bystander in a CHP pursuit of a stolen car suspect – Castlemont High School math teacher Marvin Boomer was dressed in a plaid jacket and tie. Boomer was participating in an Urban Design Academy Pathway project that involved students giving presentations on the sustainability of the Coliseum stadium. Ray Bobbitt, founder of the African American Sports Entertainment Group, was there. "He looked like a Harvard professor," his Castlemont colleague, George Arterberry, said on Friday night as more than 100 people came out to mourn his death. "And he wanted these kids to know this: that it matters. He dressed like it was an inauguration. Nobody else does that." That was just one of the many stories colleagues, students and strangers told about Boomer, 40, who was killed in a freak accident on Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. at East 21st Street and Park Boulevard while he was taking an evening stroll with his girlfriend – hours after that Urban Design Academy presentation. But just as he was walking on the sidewalk, California Highway Patrol officers were in pursuit of an 18-year-old who they say stole an Infiniti G35 and then was driving "recklessly" in an attempt to evade police. The teenage driver, Eric Hernandez-Garcia, ended up striking a minivan with two people inside, and then, five blocks later, a parked car, a tree and a fire hydrant, which ended up getting knocked off its base and flying into Boomer – some of which was captured on a neighbor's Ring video. Water spewed all over the neighborhood. Boomer's girlfriend went up the stairs to a pastor's home to get help. But it was too late. Boomer had died. Hernandez-Garcia was charged with seven felonies on Friday, including vehicular manslaughter, to which he did not enter a plea. Castlemont High also held its graduation of seniors earlier in the day, and at 6 p.m., many of his students and co-workers gathered at the site where he was killed. People praised Boomer's brilliance, his humility and his love of the underserved community in which he had called home for nearly a decade, after moving to Oakland from Memphis, Tenn. "Memphis is a lot like Oakland, just bigger and Blacker," Arterberry said, noting that they had both worked at Castlemont High for eight years, two doors down from each other. "So he knew this kind of ZIP code. So he took to the 'Deep East' very quickly. And this man was a master degree Black math teacher." Arterberry described Boomer's math class as the place to be. The blinds were closed. Soft jazz played. Boomer lit up a lava lamp. "And his class was just getting off on doing math," Arterberry said. "It was very chill." Several students, current and former, said that Boomer was the only math teacher who made the subject understandable for them. He also had a sense of humor. One student referred to him as "Mr. Boom Boom." Only one speaker took to the microphone to bring up the highly controversial matter of police chases, as the issue has been thrust into the spotlight by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who implored Oakland in December 2024 to loosen its chase policies to that of the CHP, where officers can pursue suspects for crimes that are not violent. Newsom and others say that Oakland is a magnet for criminals who know they can get away with stealing property if law enforcement won't go after them. But advocates of Oakland's more strict pursuit policy point to tragedies like the one that befell Boomer as a reason to abort a chase if it's not an urgent matter of life or death. A man who identified himself as Jaime from Dare to Struggle Bay Area, said that it's "really upsetting" not to place blame for Boomer's death on the CHP. But Cat Brooks, founder of the Anti Police-Terror Project and the organizer of the vigil, quickly shut him down, saying that Boomer's family and friends did not want to shadow the event with talk of politics and blame. Instead, the crowd was there to honor a man who held education on a pedestal. Boomer – Dr. Boomer – as many people called him, earned his Master's degree in teaching from Belmont University and a PhD in philosophy and educational research and policy analysis from North Carolina State University, according to his LinkedIn. He was hired at Castlemont High in 2017 and has been there ever since. One friend, who was wearing a "Danger: Education Black Man" shirt, described how he loved having long talks with Boomer about a variety of deep subjects. "Boomer was a Black man and he was a doctor," his friend said. "That's even more rare than a unicorn. We lost a star here and this did not have to happen." In addition to loving school and his students, friends described Boomer as a foodie and a God-fearing man. They said he had no biological children, but he poured that fatherly energy into his students. Arterberry mentioned that Boomer had two brothers who died and had two or three sisters. Boomer's girlfriend, who was injured in the pursuit, did not appear to be at the vigil. But many of his "Castle" colleagues were, as were Councilwoman Charlene Wang and state Assemblywoman Mia Bonta. That includes Castlemont teacher Brenda Franklin, who saw him after his Coliseum presentation on Wednesday, when he shared a bit of his celebratory Raising Cane's lemonade with him. She called him "brilliant," a "visionary," a "leader." Franklin also said that Boomer encouraged her to go back to school to get her masters. She recalled a time when he came to her house for six hours to help her apply to school. "You can go to school, you can get your masters," she recalled him saying. She earned her higher degree last June. "I got in graduate school, y'all, because of Dr. Boomer believing in me," she said. "I might go get my doctorate now in the name of him.
Wales Online
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Welsh team close in on signing and game's newest star says 'bring on Cardiff'
Today's rugby news as Welsh team close in on signing and game's newest star says 'bring on Cardiff' The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Dane Blacker of Dragons is closing in on a move to the Scarlets (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) These are your headlines on the morning of Sunday, May 4. Scarlets close in on scrum-half signing The Scarlets are leading the chase for the signature of their former scrum-half Dane Blacker who looks set to leave the Dragons at the end of the season. Dwayne Peel's side are in the market for a number nine after a move for Italy scrum-half Stephen Varney fell through, with Blacker and Wales scrum-half Ellis Bevan potential options. But WalesOnline understands the west Walians are the favourites to land Blacker, with Peel keen to add some depth at scrum-half to compliment the experience Gareth Davies along with the up and coming Archie Hughes. Blacker left the Scarlets in 2023 for the Dragons but he has played second fiddle to current Wales squad member Rhodri Williams at Rodney Parade, while former Wales U20s number nine Che Hope is very highly rated. The 26-year-old Blacker was himself once viewed as a future Wales international and was selected by Wayne Pivac for his autumn squad in 2022, where he was an unused replacement in the shocking home loss to Georgia which ultimately cost the New Zealander his job. Article continues below Blacker is a potent attacking scrum-half and still has plenty to offer. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Pollock: Bring on Cardiff By Andrew Baldock, PA Rugby Union Correspondent Henry Pollock hailed Northampton's 'no fear' approach after Saints shredded the form book to stun tournament favourites Leinster and book a place in this season's Investec Champions Cup final. The reigning Gallagher Premiership champions had been largely written off against opponents that did not concede a point in demolishing knockout-stage rivals Harlequins and Glasgow. But Saints had other ideas, avenging last year's narrow semi-final defeat against Leinster and ending a 14-year wait to reach northern hemisphere rugby's biggest domestic showpiece. They will meet Bordeaux-Begles or Toulouse in the final at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on May 24, with England having a first Champions Cup finalist since Exeter in 2020. Flanker Pollock scored one of Northampton's five tries in a dramatic 37-34 victory and underlined his British and Irish Lions selection credentials ahead of the Australia tour squad announcement on Thursday. Pollock's England team-mate Tommy Freeman scored a first-half hat-trick, while full-back James Ramm also touched down and Fin Smith kicked three conversions and two penalties. 'I have never played in a game that hard in my life,' Pollock told Premier Sports. 'That is what dreams are made of. As a boy, I grew up watching this competition and to reach the final is so special. 'To come out here with no fear, being 100 per cent at everything we did, this is what sport is about. It is why you play the game. 'Bring on Leinster, we've ticked that box. Bring on Cardiff!' Saints and England fly-half Smith admitted that being widely dismissed spurred Northampton on for the Aviva Stadium clash. Smith said: 'All week we were reading stuff – Leinster by 35, Leinster by 40 points. We are a tight group and we looked at that and thought, 'Bring it on'. 'No-one else believed, but we stayed nice and calm all week, said we had a job to do and turned up and did it.' Freeman, who touched down in all of England's Six Nations games this season, led the way during a magnificent Saints performance. And Northampton rugby director Phil Dowson added: 'He (Freeman) comes across as a very laid-back, happy-go-lucky guy and nothing seems to faze him and he can play on occasions like that. 'But he is also massively driven. Don't let that fool you that he is this laid-back, casual guy, because he is actually pushing himself incredibly hard. His athleticism is unreal. 'I am immensely proud. The second half was ugly, but we stuck at it. The effort they put in, huge credit, it was a great team performance.' Four-time winners Leinster matched their opponents try for try, Josh van der Flier (two), Tommy O'Brien, Caelan Doris and James Lowe crossing, with Sam Prendergast landing three conversions and a penalty. Saints even had to overcome late yellow cards for flanker Josh Kemeny and lock Alex Coles that saw them briefly reduced to 13 players, yet an astonishing defensive effort kept Leinster out during the closing minutes. Leinster captain Doris said: 'We are absolutely gutted. I don't know what to say really. 'Credit to Saints. They came out firing, as we expected, and their attack was very dangerous, but we just weren't good enough.' Wales star into Cardiff final Wales' Archie Griffin has progressed to the European Challenge Cup final with Bath. The West Country outfit proved too strong for Edinburgh, winning 39-24 at the Hive Stadium. Prop Griffin came off the bench for the Premiership side and showed plenty of energy around the park. Man of the match Sam Underhill said of the win: "That was very tough. I don't think the scoreline reflected how competitive it was, especially in that middle 40. "Edinburgh were brilliant on their goalline. Their defence was very hard to break down and it was a proper match. "I'm also very proud of out lads for finding a way." They have now booked their place at the Principality Stadium on May 23, where they will face either Lyon or Racing 92, who face off tomorrow. Owens comments on comeback Welsh referee Nigel Owens says he was glad to complete the 80 minutes after making his comeback with the whistle this weekend. On Saturday afternoon, the former international official was the man in the middle as Lampeter RFC took on London Welsh in a 150th anniversary match. "And there we have it. Comeback complete and lasted the full 80mins," he wrote on Instagram, complete with laughing emojis. "Great game too well done Llanbed and London Welsh." Fellow whistler Luke Pearce commented on Owens' post, saying: "I'll complete whistle watch and come back to you." Writing on social media ahead before the game, the Welshman said: "BREAKING NEWS: I'm back. After 4 years I am picking up the whistle again tomorrow for a special 150 years anniversary celebrating Lampeter RFC in their match versus London Welsh. Hope the legs will last the 80 mins." Exeter axe Hunter PA staff Exeter have parted company with head coach Rob Hunter. The Gallagher Premiership club confirmed Hunter's departure four days after he and attack coach Ali Hepher were suspended following Exeter's club-record 79-17 defeat at Gloucester. 'Exeter Rugby Club can confirm that, following a period of consultation, Rob Hunter has departed the club by mutual agreement,' said a club statement. 'We extend our sincere thanks to Rob for his substantial and valued contribution over many years. 'His commitment and professionalism have played an important role in the club's journey.' Hunter had only had four games as head coach, having been promoted to the role following Hepher's demotion in March. Exeter are currently ninth in the Premiership after three wins in 15 games this season, with only Newcastle below them. Chiefs director of Rugby Rob Baxter said: 'Rob has been an integral part of our coaching team across multiple seasons. Article continues below 'I want to personally thank him for his hard work, loyalty, and the positive influence he has had on the squad. 'Although it is never easy to part ways with someone who has contributed so much, we look forward with confidence and enthusiasm as we continue to build on the strong foundations Rob has helped to establish.'
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
UK's wonkiest road reopens after three-year closure
People living near a road once dubbed Britain's wonkiest say they are excited it is back open - and not at all wonky. A large section of the B4069 at Lyneham Banks, in Wiltshire, was damaged by a landslip during Storm Eunice in 2022. Three years and one month later, at a cost of £5m to Wiltshire Council, it is open again and diversion signs will be taken down over the next few days. Trish Blacker, who lives in Bradenstoke where diverted lorries had to travel down tiny roads, said it is "going to be seriously positive". Ms Blacker said the lengthy diversion route meant the school run could take two hours each day. "It's been a struggle," she said. "I'm a mum with four children. It's meant a huge amount of time in the car. It's been frustrating, but I'm excited." Ms Blacker said there was anger when the road first closed, but added this had died down over time. She said people are now in "high spirits" at the opening. "It is going to give everybody more time," she added. Kirt lives in Lyneham and explained the long diversion had been costing him a lot in petrol: "It should only be a 14 mile round trip for me to go to work. I've being doing 34 a day." "It feels absolutely amazing. It's like a weight lifted off my shoulders." He also remembers seeing the road breaking - noticing a big hole just before it shut. "If you saw the state of it, you could see why it took so long," he added. John Williams lives in Lyneham and can see the road from his home. He said the diversion meant he had to drive an additional 5,000 miles (8,047km) during the three-year closure. "I'm not angry," he said. "I just sort of accepted it really. [It was] just one of those things we had to put up with." Mr Williams said he is impressed by the work, especially with the planting of new hedgerows and trees. "They've really worked hard - they've got it done on time." More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire The project has been described as "challenging" by both the council and the contractor Octavius. This was because the land was moving for a while after the landslip, and meant there had to be a lot of investigation to work out how to repair it. Now the road is open once again, Ms Blacker said she will be travelling down it blasting On The Road Again by Willy Nelson. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Work starts to repair Wiltshire's 'wonkiest road' Wiltshire's wonkiest road 'killing pub's trade' Road ripped up by subsidence could cost millions to fix
BBC News
02-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Lyneham Banks: UK's wonkiest road opens after three-year closure
People living near a road once dubbed Britain's wonkiest say they are excited it is back open - and not at all wonky.A large section of the B4069 at Lyneham Banks, in Wiltshire, was damaged by a landslip during Storm Eunice in years and one month later, at a cost of £5m to Wiltshire Council, it is open again and diversion signs will be taken down over the next few Blacker, who lives in Bradenstoke where diverted lorries had to travel down tiny roads, said it is "going to be seriously positive". Ms Blacker said the lengthy diversion route meant the school run could take two hours each day."It's been a struggle," she said. "I'm a mum with four children. It's meant a huge amount of time in the car. It's been frustrating, but I'm excited." Ms Blacker said there was anger when the road first closed, but added this had died down over said people are now in "high spirits" at the opening."It is going to give everybody more time," she added. John Williams lives in Lyneham and can see the road from his said the diversion meant he had to drive an additional 5,000 miles (8,047km) during the three-year closure."I'm not angry," he said. "I just sort of accepted it really. [It was] just one of those things we had to put up with."Mr Williams said he is impressed by the work, especially with the planting of new hedgerows and trees."They've really worked hard - they've got it done on time." The project has been described as "challenging" by both the council and the contractor was because the land was moving for a while after the landslip, and meant there had to be a lot of investigation to work out how to repair the road is open once again, Ms Blacker said she will be travelling down it blasting On The Road Again by Willy Nelson.
Gulf Today
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Straight No Chaser out to fulfill trainer Blacker's Dubai dream at World Cup
If attention to detail is what makes a good racehorse trainer, then Dan Blacker has it in abundance. The California-based trainer flew 16 hours to Dubai last week to watch his superstar Straight No Chaser work at Meydan Racecourse ahead of the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (sponsored by Nakheel) on 5 April. 'I came in for four days,' he explained. 'It was his first work there so I just wanted to see him go over the track and talk to my assistant, Juan Landeros, who gets on him every day. He's a big part of this horse's success.' In a sense, it was a return to the start for Blacker, who graduated from the Godolphin Flying Start programme in 2007. The two-year course involved a stint in Dubai, which Blacker remembers fondly. 'Dubai was a lot different then to what it is now,' he says. 'It's always had a special place in my heart and I've always hoped to have a horse good enough to compete on World Cup night. I'm thrilled to get the opportunity to do it with this horse.' Also on that 2007 course was soon to be Bloodstock Agent Conor Foley, who later purchased Tuz for just $7,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale back in 2018. Seven years later, Tuz will be the main rival to Straight No Chaser in the Golden Shaheen. Ever thorough, Blacker has done his research on the local sprinting star, who is unbeaten in a year, including this race in 2024. 'I've watched his win in the Golden Shaheen last year and we respect that horse a lot,' he says. 'Bhupat [Seemar, trainer] does a great job and he's on his home turf – I think that's the main thing. This is a new surface for us, a new challenge. We'll just have to see who's best on the big night.' New challenges don't seem to faze Straight No Chaser, who followed his G1 Breeders' Cup Sprint success at Del Mar in November with a blistering win in the G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint in Saudi a month ago. 'Saudi was a great experience personally,' says Blacker. 'The horse really thrived there and he's thriving in Dubai too. What's remarkable about this horse is not only his talent and his desire but that he just takes everything in his stride – all the travel is no trouble to him - that's what makes him so special.' The Straight No Chaser journey hasn't always been smooth however, and the six-year-old son of Speightster required plenty of patience early on in his career. '[Owners] My Racehorse purchased him at the Fasig-Tipton [Midlantic] Breeze-up Sale in Maryland,' explains Blacker. After that he needed a bit of time, just immaturity stuff, nothing major. He came into my barn at the end of his two-year-old year and was a little bit of a late bloomer. But as he trained and grew, he just got stronger. We had a minor issue with him at the beginning of his three-year-old year so he didn't start until July. But he always showed a lot of talent - right from the word go.' Blacker, who is married to well-known racing TV host Christina Blacker, is originally from the UK and perhaps still has his British sense of reserve, despite 18 years in California. Even so, he admits that Straight No Chaser has broken new ground for him. 'He's the best horse I've ever had, so of course he's changed my life,' he says. 'I've got to follow him in his races around the world and any horse that does that is very special. To compete on the global stage has always been an ambition of mine, so to have a horse that can do that and win is very exciting. I'm thankful to be his trainer.' Should Straight No Chaser win the Shaheen, even Meydan's spacious winner's stage could become a little crowded. Through micro share company My Racehorse, he has 946 owners, plenty of whom will be making the trip. 'The more owners, the bigger the party!' says Blacker, with a little US-inflection on the last word. 'I don't feel any pressure. I think the micro share syndicates like My Racehorse are a great addition to the industry. It encourages people to get into ownership when they might not have before. I think it's a really positive thing and I'm proud to be a part of that. 'I enjoy sharing my love for the game and my love for horses with people who are less exposed to horses and horse racing, I believe that owners get more of a thrill when they are part of the process leading up to every race. One of our challenges in the industry is promoting the sport in a positive way and they can see firsthand the care these horses get and spread that message.' In addition to being grateful for his part in the Straight No Chaser story, Blacker is thankful for a lucky escape earlier this year when his family home was scarily close to the California Wildfires. 'We evacuated for about a week,' he explains. 'We live in Pasadena and could see the fire from our backyard on January 7th. The winds were like nothing I've ever felt before, and I've lived in California for 18 years. Our house wasn't burned but we had to replace a lot of things due to smoke damage and ash. Overall, we were very lucky.'
