Alameda: Lawmakers urge state colleges to ink NIL deals with athletes
State Sens. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, and Steven Bradford, D-Gardena, joint authors of groundbreaking law SB 206 (the Fair Pay to Play Act), are urging California universities to stay competitive in college sports by taking full advantage of it and entering into name, image and likeness (NIL) deals directly with college athletes.
Skinner (who also represents Alameda, Oakland and Richmond) and Bradford — along with the co-sponsors of SB 206, Ramogi Huma, executive director of the National College Players Association, and antitrust economist Andy Schwarz — have penned an open letter to California colleges and universities, calling on them to take full advantage of California's NIL law.
That 2019 law, which made California the first state to give college athletes the right to earn NIL money, also permits California colleges and universities to enter into NIL deals directly with college athletes and to pay NIL money directly to athletes. The law also prohibits the NCAA and conferences from preventing such NIL deals or pay.
"SB 206 changed the world of college sports. Today, college athletes in every state are earning money for their talent and hard work. But to date, California colleges and universities do not appear to be taking full advantage of the Fair Pay to Play Act. SB 206 allows colleges and universities to enter into NIL deals directly with college athletes and pay athletes NIL money," Sen. Skinner said. "I strongly urge California schools to make full use of SB 206 to stay competitive in college sports, especially now that other states are copying California and allowing their schools to make direct NIL deals with their student athletes."
The open letter points out that other states have recently enacted new laws allowing colleges and universities in their states to make NIL deals directly with college athletes. California doesn't need to enact such a law because SB 206 already includes this provision. The open letter is also addressed to college athletes, recruits and their parents, athlete agents, conferences, and the NCAA to raise awareness about SB 206's provisions.
In recent months, Georgia, Illinois and Virginia have enacted new laws specifically allowing colleges and universities in their states to make NIL deals directly with their college athletes. In addition to already including that provision, SB 206 also allows a college or university to enter into a direct NIL deal with a recruit as long as the college or university doesn't pay NIL money to the recruit until he or she becomes a student at the school and participates in college sports.
The authors and sponsors of SB 206 decided to write the open letter because California colleges and universities do not appear to be maximizing SB 206's provisions. To date, most NIL deals are being made directly between NIL entities — such as a sports drink or sports apparel company — and college athletes. Or they're being made between NIL collectives — wealthy boosters — and athletes.
But, the letter notes, SB 206 allows for more than just those types of NIL deals. In addition, SB 206 prohibits the NCAA or any athletic conference from punishing California colleges or universities or a college athletes for entering into such direct deals. Nonetheless, it does not appear that California colleges and universities are utilizing this provision.
The letter also notes that the national recruiting early signing windows begin Nov. 13 for all sports except football, which begins Dec. 4. Also, transfer portal windows begin in November and December. Recruits and athletes can get more information and updates on this issue from the National College Players Association by registering online at ncpanow.org/#form .
— state Sen. Skinner's office
Kiwanis Club announces next Chili Cookoff Fundraiser
At the Kiwanis Club of Alameda's (KCA) recent October Installation Dinner, club President Dawna Dowdell-Dos Santos and her officers/directors announced the kickoff for the KCA's 23rd annual Chili Cookoff Fundraiser to be held Feb. 1 at the Al DeWitt Officers Club ("the O'Club") on Alameda Point. Last year's event afforded a record amount of grant money to local nonprofit groups, and Dowdell-Dos Santos hopes to break that record.
"Ohana," meaning "family," is the club's theme again this year. Length-of-service awards were presented to the following Kiwanians at the dinner event: Dave Denyven, 71 years (in memoriam); Dave Hewitt. 43 years; Dave Edwards, 43 years; Ed Kofman, 37 years; Kevin Kennedy, 31 years; and Russ Grant, 26 years.
Special recognition was given to Legion of Honor members Al Wright, 35 years serving local Key Clubs in Alameda high schools and the Kiwanis Club; and KCA President Dowdell-Dos Santos, 25 years and three terms as President. Lastly, Joe Barker, the KCA's current treasurer, received the William Dunlap Award for exceptional service.
— KCA
Hornet hosting Monsters Bash Halloween Dance Party
Please join the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum on Oct. 26 for their annual Monsters Bash Halloween Dance Party! Prepare to rock the night away with two bands this year: Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums (featuring Miss Carmen Getit) and, of course, the amazing Cocktail Monkeys.
There will be a huge dance floor, a haunted sick bay to explore, great food options and several no-host bars. Put on your best costume and get ready for a ghoulish good time and a chance at prizes in the costume contest. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the fun will lasts until 1 a.m. Admission is $35 per person, $25 for USS Hornet museum members. The Hornet is docked at 707 W. Hornet Ave. in Alameda.
— USS Hornet
Bette Center to host black and white photography workshop
A hands-on workshop exploring black and white photography — led by two alumni exhibitors of San Francisco's de Young Museum — is being held this weekend and Oct. 26 at Alameda's Frank Bette Center for the Arts.
"The Art (and Craft) of Black & White Photography" is being taught by two East Bay photographers, Sharonda "Westeigh" Grant and Jeff Heyman, who met when both of their black and white photographs were selected for the 2023 de Young Open at the San Francisco museum. The workshop explores how to make dramatic black and white photographs with a film camera, digital camera or even a smartphone.
Black and white photography is said to strip away the distractions of color, leaving simply light, shadow and emotion. The absence of color is thought to help reveal the truth of a moment — honest, timeless and quietly powerful. Workshop attendees are pledged to learn how to make compelling black and white photos no matter what their skill levels are or which cameras they use.
"Black and white photography holds a unique power for expression, and we are passionate about the art of monochrome photography and want to share the knowledge we've gained," said Grant.
"We look forward to exploring the craft and the range of creative possibilities that black and white photography presents with students of all ages and backgrounds during the workshop," Heyman added.
The workshop will feature a classroom session, including an overview of the history of black and white photography, a discussion of black and white photographic styles and a demonstration of editing techniques that can be used to create stunning black and white photographs. There will also be a photographic field trip to Alameda's former Navy base and a gentle critique of everyone's photographs with helpful feedback. The fee is $125.
Enroll now in "The Art (and Craft) of Black & White Photography" at frankbettecenter.org/black-white-photography or by calling 510-523-6957.
— Jeff Heyman
City Attorney's Office can address various legal concerns
An area nonprofit group offering free textbooks to underprivileged college students thrived under its long-serving president. a new leader took over after the president resigned, but within six months a concerning trend emerged: The organization's cash balance was rapidly depleting. A member investigated and found the new president was misusing funds for personal expenses, threatening the group's financial health and trust with donors.
The member reported the findings to authorities, prompting an investigation. In response, the organization implemented stronger financial oversight, ensuring transparency and regular reviews to safeguard its resources and restore integrity.
If you have a question about the law or a complaint in the city of Alameda, contact the Alameda City Attorney's Office at . The office's Prosecution and Public Rights Unit enforces the law and educates the public on issues including tenants' rights, workers' rights and consumer protection.
— Rico Fenix, paralegal/investigator, Alameda City Attorney's Office
