Redfin Reports Homebuyers’ Monthly Payments Up 25% to Record High

Logo
Feb. 10, 2022 18:00 UTC

Redfin Reports Homebuyers’ Monthly Payments Up 25% to Record High

People who need to move now are pinched by rising mortgage rates, sky-high home prices and rising rents

SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)– (NASDAQ: RDFN) —The estimated monthly mortgage payment for a typical home for sale rose 25% year over year—or $388—to a record $1,931, according to a new report from Redfin (redfin.com), the technology-powered real estate brokerage. That’s based on the all-time high median asking price of $376,000 recorded during the four weeks ending February 6, and an average 30-year mortgage rate of 3.69%.

Pending sales were down slightly from the same period in 2021, but 34% higher than they were two years earlier, weeks before the pandemic began. Meanwhile, the number of homes for sale was down 29% from a year earlier and down 50% from 2020. This constricted supply is depressing home sales, as mortgage purchase applications fell 10% during the week ending February 4.

As a result, the market’s pace is accelerating. Over half (55%) of homes that found a buyer spent two weeks or less on the market—the highest rate on record for this time of year.

“Movers are feeling a big pinch. There is nowhere for them to run from increasing housing costs now that mortgage rates are rising and inflation has spread to the rental market,” said Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather. “Homebuyers feel uneasy making offers on homes with such high asking prices, but there is no better alternative. Would-be homebuyers who bowed out last year are kicking themselves, but delaying purchasing a home another year could be a costly mistake. My advice to buyers who are worried they will have to overbid in order to win a home is to make sure they can see themselves living in the home for at least five years. I expect home values to rise over that time horizon even if there are short-term fluctuations in the housing market. Given how tough the housing market is for movers, it makes sense that so many homeowners are staying put. It’s also contributing to the shortage of new listings and making the market even tougher for buyers.”

Key housing market takeaways for 400+ U.S. metro areas:

Unless otherwise noted, this data covers the four-week period ending February 6. Redfin’s housing market data goes back through 2012.

  • The median home sale price was up 14% year over year to $353,750.
  • The median asking price of newly listed homes increased 15% year over year to an all-time high of $376,000.
  • The monthly mortgage payment on the median asking price was up 25% from a year earlier to an all-time high of $1,931. This was up 28% from the same period in 2020.
  • Pending home sales were down 0.5% year over year, but sales were up 40% from the same period in 2020, just prior to the start of the pandemic.
  • New listings of homes for sale were down 10% from a year earlier. Compared to January 2020, new listings were down 12%.
  • Active listings (the number of homes listed for sale at any point during the period) fell 29% year over year, dropping to an all-time low of 440,000. Listings were down 50% from the same period in 2020.
  • 55% of homes that went under contract had an accepted offer within the first two weeks on the market, above the 49% rate of a year earlier and 41% in 2020. This is the highest the measure has ever been in January, and the highest level since March.
  • 43% of homes that went under contract had an accepted offer within one week of hitting the market, up from 37% during the same period a year earlier and 29% in 2020. This measure is at a record high.
  • Homes that sold were on the market for a median of 29 days, down from 38 days a year earlier and 59 days in 2020.
  • 41% of homes sold above list price, up from 32% a year earlier and 19% in 2020.
  • On average, 2.8% of homes for sale each week had a price drop, up 0.3 percentage points from the same time in 2021, but down 0.6 percentage points from 2020.
  • The average sale-to-list price ratio, which measures how close homes are selling to their asking prices, was 100.2%. In other words, the average home sold for 0.2% above its asking price.

Other leading indicators of homebuying activity:

  • Mortgage purchase applications decreased 10% week over week (seasonally adjusted) during the week ending February 4. For the week ending February 10, 30-year mortgage rates rose to 3.69%, the highest level since January 2020.
  • Touring activity through February 6 was 3 percentage points behind 2021 and 2 points behind 2020 relative to the first week of January, according to home tour technology company ShowingTime.
  • The Redfin Homebuyer Demand Index rose 1% during the week ending February 6 and was up 9% from a year earlier.

To view the full report, including charts and methodology, please visit:
https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-update-record-high-monthly-mortgage/

About Redfin

Redfin (www.redfin.com) is a technology-powered real estate company. We help people find a place to live with brokerage, instant home-buying (iBuying), rentals, lending, title insurance, and renovations services. We sell homes for more money and charge half the fee. We also run the country’s #1 real-estate brokerage site. Our home-buying customers see homes first with on-demand tours, and our lending and title services help them close quickly. Customers selling a home can take an instant cash offer from Redfin or have our renovations crew fix up their home to sell for top dollar. Our rentals business empowers millions nationwide to find apartments and houses for rent. Since launching in 2006, we’ve saved customers more than $1 billion in commissions. We serve more than 100 markets across the U.S. and Canada and employ over 6,000 people.

For more information or to contact a local Redfin real estate agent, visit www.redfin.com. To learn about housing market trends and download data, visit the Redfin Data Center. To be added to Redfin’s press release distribution list, email press@redfin.com. To view Redfin’s press center, click here.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220210005834/en/

Contacts

Redfin Journalist Services:
Kenneth Applewhaite, 206-588-6863
press@redfin.com

CHRIS YOUNG LEADS AS MOST NOMINATED ARTIST AT ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS

For Immediate Release

CHRIS YOUNG LEADS AS MOST NOMINATED ARTIST AT
ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS

SEVEN NOMINATIONS INCLUDING
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
AND SINGLE OF THE YEAR
FOR FAMOUS FRIENDS

 

Nashville, TN — February 10, 2022 — Multi-platinum, global entertainer Chris Young is thrilled with this morning’s Academy of Country Music Awards nominee news, as he leads with the most nominations totaling seven, including the coveted Album of the Year (Artist and Producer – Famous Friends), and Single of the Year categories (Artist and Producer – “Famous Friends”).  Young is also up for Music Event of the Year (Artist and Producer) and Video of the Year, sharing three of the nominations with friend and collaborator, Kane Brown, for their Platinum-certified multi-week No. 1 which also topped the Billboard year-end Country Airplay Songs.

The pair shared their excitement via socials:
“7 NOMINATIONS!!!! Are ya’ll serious??? ACM – Academy of Country Music THANK YOU and see you in VEGAS! #LUCKYNUMBER7 Kane Brown” – @ChrisYoungMusic

“YESSIR/MAM 🔥” – @KaneBrownCountry

Catch the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards live from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Monday, March 7, exclusively on Prime Video.

Marking his second ACM Album of the Year nomination, his 8th studio album Famous Friends set a career first-week streaming record for Young at release. The 14-song project features several of Chris’s famous friends, including collaborations with Lauren Alaina (“Town Ain’t Big Enough”) as well as Mitchell Tenpenny on new single, “At The End Of A Bar,” plus background vocals from Sarah Buxton and Hillary Lindsey. Chris co-wrote 13 songs on the new record and co-produced the entire project, including a solo producer credit on the final track.

The multi-nominated title track cataloged an astounding 15 weeks inside the Top 5 on Billboard’s country radio chart and amassing over 200 million streams, “Famous Friends,” the “upbeat salute to the small town folks who keep the real world running” (Tennessean), took home the trophy for the fan voted CMT Collaborative Video of the Year and numerous CMA and AMA nominations. The song is also nominated for Country Song of the Year at the 2022 iHeart Radio Music Awards.

An anthemic tribute to the names, faces, and legendary stories that make up each hometown, “Famous Friends” is Chris and Kane’s first collaboration since working together on Kane’s 2017 song “Setting the Night On Fire.” Additionally, the song reunites the former tour mates from Chris’ 2018 Losing Sleep Headlining Tour — which included a sold-out hometown show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena — and is a full-circle moment since Kane’s first live concert experience as a young Country fan was a Brad Paisley and Chris Young tour stop.

ABOUT CHRIS YOUNG: Multi-platinum RCA Records Nashville global entertainer Chris Young has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments, including membership in the iconic Grand Ole Opry, nearly 5 Billion on-demand streams, 13 Million singles sold, 12 career No. 1 singles, 22 R.I.A.A. Gold/Platinum/Multi-Platinum certified projects, 6 Country Music Association nominations, 4 Academy of Country Music nominations and 2 Grammy nominations,  along with wins for Performance of the Year and Collaborative Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards. These accomplishments and more landed him in the Top 20 of Billboard’s top country artists of the decade.

“Famous Friends,” – Chris’s platinum-certified, multi-week chart-topping song with Kane Brown – is the title track to his “most personal album to date” (Forbes). The track earned the top spot on Billboard’s year-end Country Airplay Songs chart. In addition, the “booming duet” (Tennessean) “At The End Of A Bar” with Mitchell Tenpenny is the newest single from his 8th studio album, Famous Friends.

Named “one of his era’s finest traditionalists” by the Associated Press, Chris is an international ambassador for country music, performing to capacity crowds around the world. With a hit-packed set that highlights his twelve chart-toppers — including back-to-back No. 1s “Losing Sleep,” “Sober Saturday Night,” “Think Of You,” and “I’m Comin’ Over” — the Grammy and ACM nominated vocalist’s most recent headlining tour played to over 400,000 fans in 3 countries.

For more information and to catch a Chris Young show on the road, visit chrisyoungcountry.com and join @ChrisYoungMusic and his more than 6 Million fans on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT KANE BROWN: continues to expand the perception of Country music and break musical boundaries. Noted as the “future of Country” (Billboard) and one of “31 People Changing the South” (Time), the chart-topping entertainer earned an ACM Album of the Year nomination for Mixtape Vol. 1, (2020) and won an ACM Video of the Year Award for his anthem “Worldwide Beautiful.” Brown first broke through with his No. 1 self-titled debut album, which spent 13 weeks at the top of the chart and helped him become the first artist in Billboard history to top all 5 Billboard Country charts simultaneously. Brown’s “Heaven” and “What Ifs” are the 3rd and 7th most streamed country songs of all time. Brown’s sophomore album Experiment debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and solidified Brown as the only male country artist in more than 24 years to achieve this all-genre chart feat. Experiment produced three back-to-back Double Platinum No. 1 hits and was ranked by The New York Times as one of the Top 10 Best Albums of the Year. One of only 10 country artists to sell out Los Angeles’ famed STAPLES Center (recently renamed CRYPTO.com Arena), Brown recently repeated this milestone on his newly launched Blessed & Free  headlining tour, where he is the first country artist to visit all NBA Arenas in one tour.  Brown’s current top 5 and climbing hit, “One Mississippi” released on the heels of his three-time ACM and CMA nominated multi-week Platinum-certified No. 1 single with Chris Young, “Famous Friends.” Brown recently released his latest collaboration, “Blessed & Free” with Grammy and Oscar Award winning artist, H.E.R. to critical acclaim from the The New York Times, Billboard, Rolling Stone, American Songwriter and UPROXX. For more information on Kane Brown, visit www.kanebrownmusic.com.
# # #

Media Contact for Chris Young:
Monarch Publicity
Cindy Hunt / Heather Conley / Taryn Pray

Label Contact for Chris Young and Kane Brown:
Sony Music Nashville / Allen Brown
allen.brown@sonymusic.com

Media Contact for Kane Brown:
Jennifer Vessio
jennifer.g.vessio@gmail.com

2021 Murrieta Broncos Micro D1 Junior All-American Youth Football Team Captures Super Bowl Championship

2021 Murrieta Broncos Micro D1 Junior All-American Youth Football Team Captures Super Bowl Championship

Coach Chris Mercadal and staff’s 12-0 Broncos prevail in an intense defensive battle against the league’s top seeded Fontana Skyhawks, who were also undefeated going into Saturday’s epic battle

SCJAAF Conference President, Charlie Valencia, presenting Championship Trophy to Chris Mercadal

SCJAAF Conference President, Charlie Valencia, presenting Championship Trophy to Chris Mercadal

2021 Murrieta Broncos Micro D1 Junior All-American Youth Football Team Captures Super Bowl Championship

Broncos Coaching Staff (Coach Shane Granger - not pictured)

SCJAAF Micro D1 Super Bowl Trophy

SCJAAF Micro D1 Super Bowl Trophy

Fontana Skyhawk Rushing Attack

Fontana Skyhawk Rushing Attack

2021 Murrieta Broncos Micro D1 Junior All-American Youth Football Team Captures Super Bowl Championship

SCJAAF Conference President, Charlie Valencia, presenting Championship Trophy to Chris Mercadal

Broncos Coaching Staff (Coach Shane Granger – not pictured)

SCJAAF Micro D1 Super Bowl Trophy

SCJAAF Micro D1 Super Bowl Trophy

2021 Murrieta Broncos Micro D1 Junior All-American Youth Football Team Captures Super Bowl Championship

Murrieta Broncos D1 Micro Team

Murrieta Broncos D1 Micro Team

Temecula, California Dec 15, 2021 The Division 1 – Murrieta Broncos Junior All-American Football Team, who finished the 2021 season 12-0 (#2 seed), outlasted #1 seed Fontana Skyhawks (now 11-1) in an epic defensive battle that saw Chris Mercadal’s Broncos prevail with a 7-6 score.

Both teams compete in the weight and age-based Southern California Junior All-American Football Conference (SCJAAF) that encompasses both elite and non-elite level youth tackle football teams, grouped in divisions ranging from Division 1 to Division 2 and 1-A and 1-AA in between, with all teams eligible to earn playoff berths and ultimately the SCJAAF Super Bowl Championship games, if they win out; in the Elite Micro D1 Division, it came down to the conference’s #1 offense and #1 defense in Murrieta and Fontana – perennial league powers – with a coin flip determining the #1 seed – Fontana Skyhawks.

The game started with the Skyhawks driving down the Norco High School Field (host site) with a brutal ground and pound rushing attack with off-balanced formations and crucial blocking schemes that were often effective for the but, Murrieta Broncos high powered offense, which combines the league’s #1 passing attack with an equally effective and top-rated rushing attack, the Broncos scored, then converted an extra point but, it was their solid and tenacious goal-line defense that secured a Murrieta 7-6 victory in the final seconds.

Youth tackle football leagues, such as the SCJAAF league, are essentially feeder programs to the team’s and corresponding city’s local high school football programs. The Murrieta Broncos are modeled after the area’s powerhouse high school football team – the Vista Murrieta Broncos – with the Fontana team heavy on future Summit High School football players – a snapshot of local area Freshman High School Football in 3-4 years, with many of the youth football teams’ coaches, also coaching currently or formerly at the high school level. Countless former Junior All-American youth football league players have gone on to have outstanding high school football careers, received college football scholarships, and have also gone on to have stellar NFL careers as coaches and players.

Murrieta Broncos Micro D1 Head Coach, Chris Mercadal, also coaches the Elite Murrieta Frat Boyz 10 – 12u 7 on 7 Passing League team (founded by Chris Claiborne and Lonnie Ford) and is currently the Varsity Defensive Backs Coach for the perennially California State Top 50 Ranked High School Football Team – Vista Murrieta; Murrieta Junior All-American League President – Kyle Jackson – is also on the Vista Murrieta Staff.

Mercadal’s players, whose son, Payton Mercadal, a key, skilled veteran on the team, is made up of many first-year tackle football players, fellow Frat Boyz 7 on 7 football team players, who also compete simultaneously in other sports both during and after the tackle football season, such as wrestling, baseball, basketball, boxing, jiu-jitsu, soccer and motocross, some even attend sports training academies but, for a rigorous yet enriching 5-6 month period in Summer, Fall, and Winter, commit themselves to the top youth football program in the area.

The 2021 SCJAAF D1 Micro Division Champs and their entire league, during the month of October, supported Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink socks and ribbon decals on their helmets, and the MJAAF Website shows support for Type 1 Diabetes awareness, as it relates to warning signs, symptoms and the youth.

The Murrieta Junior All-American Youth Football League accepts donations, is always in need of volunteers: www.MurrietaYouthFootball.com

2021 Murrieta Broncos Micro D1 Championship Coaches: Chris Mercadal (Head Coach), Christian Dekker, Shane Granger, Efrain Soto, Patrick Ford, Darren Joseph, David Jones, Joseph Tilt, Adrian Smith, Shawn Moore

Athletic Director: Charmaine Mercadal

Team Mom: Charmain Mercadal

Film: Carlos Frutos

2021 Murrieta Broncos Micro D1 Championship Players:

Jace BARELA, D.J. BERCASIO, Mason BOOKER, Aayden BOSBY-SMITH, Noah CHALFANT, Tavoi CRAVENS, Declan CRILLY, Mason DEKKER, Jaquori FORD, Cruz FRUTOS, Shane GRANGER, Gavin HOLLEY, Austin JONES, Payton MERCADAL, Detavian MILLER, Chadd MITCHELL, Steven MOORE, Carl PAYNE III, Teagan PEOPLE, Chase PEREIRA, Aaron PEREZ, Luke SEVILLA, Jael SOTO, Michael VALLEJO

Media Contact

Tommy Sevilla

tommy@sevillalocalmedia.com19512891710http://socallocalsportsmedia.com

Source : Sevilla Local Media

Categories : Event , Family , Lifestyle , Society , Sports
Tags : murrieta broncos junior all american youth football , mjaaf , scjaaf , coach chris mercadal , payton mercadal , micro d1 super bowl championship , fontana skyhawks , kyle jackson football coach , luke sevilla , youth football

Best Local SEO Company in the United States – Sevilla Local Media: www.SevillaLocalMedia.com

 

Sevilla Local Media – Best American Search Engine Optimization & Digital Internet Marketing Company in the United States

Sevilla Local Media, LLC is a Local SEO company that operates on a customer for life philosophy, believing that regular communication between company and client – regularly improving performance – and attentive, sincere customer service – breeds loyalty and fosters a stronger, long lasting business relationship. We often work on a NO CONTRACT – Cancel Anytime basis, because we GUARANTEE our results.

 

Let Us Help You Generate NEW BUSINESS LEADS to Grow Your Company, Brand or Business

Let Us Become Your Personal in-House SEO Agency or Buy Our Internet Marketing & SEO Services Products!

Sevilla Local Media (“Sevilla Local”) is not your average, everyday Internet Marketing Company, nor is our company website – we’re social and interactive, offering a wide-range of online products and services plus we love to feature our clients and their success, as well as let the world know what’s going on with us and with you!

 

 

 

 

[directorist_pricing_plans id=5208]

 

 

Forum – Free Live Music Calendar – Free Business Listings – Free Classifieds Section – Job Posting Board

www.SevillaLocalMedia.com is a global destination point for anyone 18 years or older! Be sure to take advantage of our free classified ads whereby you can sell, buy and trade – post picture(s) of what you are selling or offering. In a band? You can also let people know where you are performing; get more people to your gig, event or show! Have something to say; want to start a discussion – use our Forum! Finally, are you a small, medium or large sized business owner? Be sure to increase your business leads and brand your business name or product further, by listing yourself in our Free Local Business Directory!

 

 

Sevilla Local Media – Best American Search Engine Optimization & Digital Internet Marketing Company in the United States

Sevilla Local Media, LLC is a Local SEO company that operates on a customer for life philosophy, believing that regular communication between company and client – regularly improving performance – and attentive, sincere customer service – breeds loyalty and fosters a stronger, long lasting business relationship. We often work on a NO CONTRACT – Cancel Anytime basis, because we GUARANTEE our results.

 

 

“World-Wide Exposure…Strong Local Presence…!”

 

Digital Internet Marketing Services for Any Sized Business – Branding: Increase Your Visibility on the Internet

Our client roster includes: independent and national insurance companies, medical marijuana dispensaries, tree service contractors, local restaurants, fast food chains, law firms, chiropractors, attorneys, plumbers, electricians, HVAC contractors, local law enforcement agencies, cigar brands, cigar shops, recording artists, concert venues, entertainment venues, appliance repair, political campaigns, hospice care, retail stores, limousine service, day care services, charitable organizations and many, many more business categories and genres!

 

We Are an Established and Reputable Online Marketing & SEO Company Based in California – United States

No negative reviews or BBB complaints – ever!

NO BLACK HAT TECHNIQUES!

OUR PHILOSOPHIES:

“To God be the Glory”

“Customers for Life”

OUR MOTTO:

“World-Wide Reach…Strong Local Presence!”

 

seo results guaranteed

 

Website Analysis – Keyword Research – First Page Search Results Guaranteed

We operate on an intentional small, personal touch business model. We don’t nickel and dime and the burden of performance is on us…WE GUARANTEE OUR WORK! If it’s broke, we will fix it! We will do Keyword Research, assess your current Internet visibility – compare you with your competitors – generate a comprehensive analytical report that shows website ranking with your chosen keywords and geographical marketing areas, then, if you’re accepted as a client, we will project progress (literally guarantee you first page placements on Google, Yahoo, Bing and other relevant search engines). If we don’t perform within reason, you don’t pay until we do.

 

seo client retention

The Best SEO & Digital Marketing Client Retention Rate in the Industry

We seek a business RELATIONSHIP and do not have “customers” but PARTNERS/Clients who we work for – we work for you!

We have no problem making the claim above – we’re the best and what proves it, is the indisputable fact that unlike the vast majority of all other SEO & Digital Marketing companies, we don’t bully you into a short or long-term contract, use smoke and mirrors; confuse you with technical jargon – we simply produce results with a very legitimate and sensible ROI. No buyers remorse! No bouncing around to every other company; you have your own Digital Marketing Partner in us!

Small business is the life blood of this great country; we keep our marketing services affordable for you!

90% of our client roster – historically and presently – is from REFERRAL! We don’t have a high pressure sales team; we don’t make cold calls because we need the business and we only accept clients on a case-by-case basis.

 

best seo company

 

 

Best White Label Search Engine Optimization and Digital Internet Marketing

We white label our services for other SEO & Internet Marketing companies! This means that other SEO or Web Development Companies that offer these type of services rely upon us to do the back end work and they receive the credit. We make them look good!

 

WooCommerce

Jetpack

WordPress.com

 

 

Sevilla Local Media; a U.S. based Digital Marketing Company offering: Regional, National and International SEO Services + Website Optimization + PRNewswire Press Release Feeds + Google Maps Optimization + Social Media Marketing + Website Development + Video Optimization + PPC Management + Reputation Management + Internet Leads Generation for Small, Medium and Large Size Businesses – at an affordable price with performance guarantees!

 

ROLEY'S TREE CARE

Tree Service in Riverside – Norco – Corona and Chino Hills: (951) 279-6096

 

contact sevilla local media

(951) 289-1710

 

For Advertising Space – Digital Marketing & SEO Services – Contact Us Today!

(951) 289-1710

sevillalocalmedia@gmail.com

 

 

www.JVBC.net

 

 

 

ISABELA Cigar Company just released the Long Awaited MAMMOTH

ISABELA Cigar Company just released the Long Awaited MAMMOTH, our Largest Vitolas to Date, in “Mammoth” 7 x 70 and 8×80 ring guages . By far one of the most difficult blends ever created….the Mammoths are Bursting with multiple transitions of ever-changing flavor profiles, the signature identity that ISABELA in known for ! This Holidays 2021 release is limited to 100 Boxes of 25, in both the 7×70 and 8×80 formats, and feature multiple varietals of Nicaraguan tobaccos, each aged at different lengths…to further effect the multiple flavor reveals, and wrapped in Ecuadorian DesFlorada conn and Aged Nicaraguan Habano Prieto , yielding a Massive Powerhouse Blend ! All Official Isabela Retailers have allocations of the Mammoth, , a list of which is available at our website, www.isabelacigarcompany.com, and we also have made available a small amount for direct purchase online, at the website

Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen and USAID Administrator Samantha Power Pen Op-Ed in Washington Post on Fighting Global Corruption

Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen and USAID Administrator Samantha Power Pen Op-Ed in Washington Post on Fighting Global Corruption
12/06/2021
U.S. Department of the Treasury

Office of Public Affairs

Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 6, 2021

Contact: Treasury Public Affairs; Press@Treasury.gov

Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen and USAID Administrator Samantha Power Pen Op-Ed in Washington Post on Fighting Global Corruption

WASHINGTON — Today, Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen and USAID Administrator Samantha Power penned an Op-Ed in the Washington Post on how the Biden-Harris Administration will be leading the fight against global corruption. Read the full Op-Ed below.

Washington Post:

Janet L. Yellen and Samantha Power: To uphold democracy, the U.S. must fight global corruption
12/6/21

Just a 30-minute drive from the White House is another estate — a six-bedroom, nine-bathroom mansion outfitted with a movie theater and a seven-car garage. When the home was purchased in 2010, it wasn’t immediately clear who the new owner was. The purchase, according to a civil forfeiture complaint, was made via private trust.

It was only years later that the public learned the buyers behind the trust were Yahya Jammeh, the former president of Gambia, and his wife. Jammeh fled Gambia after committing serious human rights violations and embezzling millions of dollars from his people. He allegedly transformed a portion of that stolen money into several thousand square feet of Potomac, Md., real estate.

Around the world, in countries as varied as Russia, Venezuela and China, the wealthy and the well-connected launder their assets through complex networks of shell companies or transactions involving art, real estate and, occasionally, cryptocurrencies. Sometimes those gains are ill-gotten and sometimes they are legitimately earned but illicitly hidden to evade taxes. But what links all corrupt acts is that they take resources from citizens, undermine public trust and — ultimately — threaten the progress of those who fight for democracy.

This week, representatives of more than 100 nations will gather virtually for President Biden’s Summit for Democracy. The gathering is a recognition that the world’s democracies need a new strategy. For the past 15 years, the number of people living under authoritarian regimes has been rising, while leaders of many democratic countries have been chipping away at fundamental rights and checks and balances.

Corruption has made this possible. Autocrats use public wealth to maintain their grip on power, while in democracies, corruption rots free societies from within. Unchecked conflicts of interest and the unequal application of the law erode our trust in common institutions.

The same kleptocrat that the U.S. Agency for International Development helps expose abroad often tries to funnel his money into domestic markets overseen by the U.S. treasury. Indeed, corrupt actors hide their money in the United States all the time. We can no longer provide them a shadow under which to operate.

Combating corruption abroad, therefore, begins at home, and our first step must be to expose the owners of shell companies and other illicit funds. Moving forward, the U.S. government will require many U.S. and foreign companies to report their true owners to the Treasury and to update us when they change hands. We’re also working toward new reporting requirements for real estate transactions and will be enlisting other nations to address these issues.

Second, the United States must be a model for the wider world. The idea of democracy is inseparable from the idea of America, and we cannot support free government abroad if our institutions wither at home. But that is what’s happening.

Last year, for example, more than $600 billion was effectively withheld from U.S. taxpayers disproportionately coming from top earners and large corporations, who take advantage of our broken tax system and get away with evasion. Obviously, there’s a difference between a tax evader and an autocrat who drains the public treasury, but the financial implications are the same. The Treasury needs more resources, including more auditors, to go after evasion, and provisions in the Build Back Better Act will help us do that.

Of course, combating corruption also requires significant efforts abroad, so the United States will deepen and expand support for those fighting kleptocrats and bad actors through a new anti-corruption response fund. In the Dominican Republic, Moldova and Zambia, we’ve seen politicians win landslide victories by running on anti-corruption platforms. We want to support their reforms.

The United States is also increasing its support to media organizations and other watchdogs who risk their lives to expose corruption. These brave activists often play the greatest role in bringing down dictatorships, because while corruption may fuel autocracies, it can also be their Achilles’ heel. In 2019, a record year for global mass protests, roughly half were driven by exposed corruption, six of which led to changes in government.

We will also seek to protect international journalists from lawsuits — the latest tactics of oligarchs and autocrats seeking to suppress stories exposing corruption. USAID is launching a global Defamation Defense Fund to offer journalists coverage to survive defamation claims and deter suits in the first place.

Finally, because the government doesn’t have a monopoly on good ideas, USAID will work with civil-society and private-sector partners to crowdsource new tools and technologies to stop corrupt officials from plundering their countries’ resources and transferring them across borders.

These steps, part of the new U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption, will embolden good-government activists, shine a light on dark corners of the global financial system, bring in more tax dollars for the public benefit and prevent criminals from laundering money through the U.S. and international financial systems.

There may always be some level of corruption, public officials on the take or illicit dollars flowing through our economy. But to uphold democracy, we must strive to make those acts difficult and rare — not easy and common.

###

Treasury Targets Corruption Linked to Dan Gertler in the Democratic Republic of Congo

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Office of Public Affairs

Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 6, 2021

Contact: Treasury Public Affairs; Press@Treasury.gov

Treasury Targets Corruption Linked to Dan Gertler in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Treasury’s Designation Action the First in a Week of Actions Leading to the Summit for Democracy

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned one individual, Alain Mukonda (Mukonda), for providing support to sanctioned billionaire Dan Gertler, as well as 12 entities linked to Mukonda or companies associated with him in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Gibraltar. Mukonda and the 12 entities are designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.

Corruption allows bad actors to abuse their authority and extract unfair gains at the expense of others. Treasury’s strategy to combat corruption and combat these illicit activities will make the U.S. economy — and the global economy — stronger, fairer, and safer from corrupt actors and national security threats. Treasury is uniquely equipped with tools to root out corruption at home and abroad by targeting the financial systems and flows that allow bad actors to profit from corruption.

“Treasury is committed to supporting the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s anti-corruption efforts by going after those that abuse the political system for economic gain and unfairly profit from the Congolese state,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “Treasury recognizes that corruption fuels instability and conflict, and undercuts efforts to achieve the economic growth and the rule of law necessary to overcome fragility. We stand with the Congolese people in their efforts to combat this scourge.”

Today’s actions demonstrate the U.S. government’s ongoing effort to coordinate with civil society partners to impose significant consequences on those engaged in corruption in the DRC and globally.

PARTNERS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION

Since the inception of the Global Magnitsky sanctions program, Treasury has worked hand in hand with civil society and foreign partners to develop and pursue investigations targeting perpetrators of corruption. Civil society organizations around the world are often eyewitnesses to corruption and human rights abuses and can shine a light on activities that corrupt actors and authoritarian regimes try to keep hidden. In determining whether to impose sanctions, Treasury considers credible information obtained by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) that monitor violations of human rights. Treasury highly values the information shared by NGOs all over the globe to expose corruption and human rights abuse, which can be used to support and develop cases like Treasury’s action today.

As highlighted by Treasury’s recent sanctions review, sanctions are most effective when coordinated where possible with allies and partners who can magnify the economic and political impact. Treasury sanctions comport with efforts by local partners to combat corruption, from law enforcement investigations into corrupt actors to legal reforms to strengthen key areas like enhanced transparency on beneficial owners and improved public procurement processes. Today’s action would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of DRC officials, who have demonstrated a clear commitment at the highest levels to root out corruption.

A FINANCIAL LIFELINE FOR GERTLER

Government officials in the DRC have prioritized promoting investment opportunities and increasing access to global finance due to the growth potential in a number of commercial sectors that have the potential to lift millions out of poverty. However, corruption, opaque business practices, and a patchwork legal framework have constrained economic growth and deterred private investment. Promoting accountability for corrupt actors is an important step in deterring future corruption.

Dan Gertler was included in the Annex to E.O. 13818 for his involvement in corruption in the DRC. On December 21, 2017, OFAC announced the designation of 19 companies and one associate, Pieter Albert Deboutte, for their ties to him. As previously noted in the December 2017 actions, Gertler amassed his fortune through hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of opaque and corrupt mining and oil deals in the DRC. Gertler has used his close friendship with former DRC President Joseph Kabila to act as a middleman for mining asset sales in the DRC, requiring some multinational companies to go through Gertler to do business with the Congolese state. As a result of Gertler’s actions, between 2010 and 2012 alone, the DRC reportedly lost more than $1.36 billion in revenues from the underpricing of mining assets that were sold to offshore companies linked to Gertler. In June 2018, OFAC took further action to target Gertler’s vast commercial network, designating 14 companies owned or controlled by him.

OFAC is designating Mukonda today for providing support to Gertler. Following Gertler’s identification in the Annex in 2017, Mukonda opened bank accounts and made payments into proxy bank accounts for Gertler and those linked to Deboutte. He made 16 cash deposits totaling between 11 and 13.5 million dollars into accounts of companies he incorporated that ultimately belong to Gertler’s family. He also re-domiciled several of Gertler’s companies from Gibraltar and the British Virgin Islands to the DRC. With today’s action, the number of sanctioned entities and individuals in Gertler’s network, including the identification of Gertler in the Annex to E.O. 13818, totals 46. Treasury is committed to ensuring that Gertler is not able to corruptly profit from continued access and influence in the DRC and globally.

Mukonda is designated pursuant to E.O. 13818 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of Gertler, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13818.

Additionally, OFAC is designating 11 entities based in the DRC, as well as one entity in Gibraltar, pursuant to E.O. 13818:

Kintaleg Limited, based in Gibraltar and owned or controlled by Mukonda.
Ventora Global Services, based in the DRC and owned or controlled by Mukonda.
Ventora Mining S.A.S.U., based in the DRC and owned or controlled by Mukonda.
Ashdale Settlement Gerco SAS, based in the DRC and owned or controlled by Mukonda.
Opera, based in the DRC and owned or controlled by Ashdale Settlement Gerco SAS.
Palatina SARLU, based in the DRC and owned or controlled by Ashdale Settlement Gerco SAS.
Gemini S.A.S.U., based in the DRC and owned or controlled by Opera.
Kaltona Limited SASU, based in the DRC and owned or controlled by Gemini S.A.S.U.
Multree Limited SASU, based in the DRC and owned or controlled by Gemini S.A.S.U.
Woodford Enterprises Limited SASU, based in the DRC and owned or controlled by Gemini S.A.S.U.
Rosehill DRC SASU, based in the DRC and owned or controlled by Woodford Enterprises Limited SASU.
Woodhaven DRC SASU, based in the DRC and owned or controlled by Rosehill DRC SASU.

These designations are the first in a series leading up to International Anti-Corruption Day and International Human Rights Day that demonstrate the whole-of-government approach to combatting corruption through the Treasury’s unique position and powerful tools.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the persons above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or otherwise exempt, all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

GLOBAL MAGNITSKY

Building upon the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, E.O. 13818 was issued on December 20, 2017, in recognition that the prevalence of human rights abuse and corruption that have their source, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States, had reached such scope and gravity as to threaten the stability of international political and economic systems. Human rights abuse and corruption undermine the values that form an essential foundation of stable, secure, and functioning societies; have devastating impacts on individuals; weaken democratic institutions; degrade the rule of law; perpetuate violent conflicts; facilitate the activities of dangerous persons; and undermine economic markets. The United States seeks to impose tangible and significant consequences on those who commit serious human rights abuse or engage in corruption, as well as to protect the financial system of the United States from abuse by these same persons.

CFPB Issues Final Rule to Facilitate Transition from LIBOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 7, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of Communications
Tel: (202) 435-7170

CFPB Issues Final Rule to Facilitate Transition from LIBOR

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today finalized a rule facilitating the transition away from the LIBOR interest rate index for consumer financial products. The rule establishes requirements for how creditors must select replacement indices for existing LIBOR-linked consumer loans after April 1, 2022. No new financial contracts may reference LIBOR as the relevant index after the end of 2021. Starting in June 2023, LIBOR can no longer be used for existing financial contracts. The transition away from LIBOR was set into motion after a criminal rate-setting conspiracy implicated large international banks and undermined public confidence in the index. Approximately $1.4 trillion of consumer loans are estimated to be currently tied to LIBOR.

“The criminal manipulation of LIBOR by global financial institutions was extremely costly to our country,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “LIBOR will soon be a relic of history, and we will be working to ensure that companies make an orderly transition away from this index.”

Read Director Chopra’s statement on the transition from LIBOR.

The final rule, effective April 1, 2022, includes closed-end credit provisions that require creditors to choose an index comparable to LIBOR when changing the index of a variable rate loan, or consider it a refinancing for purposes of Regulation Z. To help creditors determine a comparable index for closed-end loans, the rule identifies certain Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)-based spread-adjusted indices recommended by the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (ARRC) for consumer products as examples to illustrate a reference rate that would be comparable to replace 1-month, 3-month, or 6-month tenors of USD LIBOR. Another closed-end credit provision of the final rule includes a non-exhaustive list of factors for creditors to help determine whether a replacement index meets the Regulation Z “comparable” standard regarding a particular LIBOR index. The rule also updates post-consummation disclosure sample forms for certain adjustable-rate mortgage loan products replacing LIBOR references with a SOFR index.

For open-end loans, the rule adds LIBOR-specific provisions to permit creditors or card issuers for HELOCs and credit card accounts to replace the LIBOR index and adjust the margin used to set a variable rate on or after April 1, 2022, if certain conditions are met. The creditor or card issuer generally must choose a replacement index that has historical fluctuations that are substantially similar to those of the LIBOR index and ensure that the new interest rate or APR is substantially similar. The rule provides creditors and card issuers with a non-exhaustive list of factors to consider when determining whether a replacement index meets the Regulation Z “historical fluctuations are substantially similar” standard regarding a particular LIBOR index, and identifies certain SOFR-based spread-adjusted indices recommended by the ARRC for consumer products and the Prime rate as examples of indices that meet this standard. The rule also finalizes change-in-terms notice requirements proposed by the Bureau for disclosing margin reductions for HELOCs and credit card accounts when LIBOR is replaced. To help consumers understand how creditors will determine rate changes in the variable rates for their loans, these disclosure requirements will be effective April 1, 2022, and have a mandatory compliance date of October 1, 2022. Further, the rule also amends Regulation Z to address how the requirement to reevaluate rate increases on credit card accounts applies to the transition from using a LIBOR index to a replacement index.

The Bureau is reserving judgment on the SOFR-based spread-adjusted replacement index to replace 1-year USD LIBOR until it obtains additional information. Once the Bureau knows which SOFR-based spread-adjusted index the ARRC will recommend for replacing the 1-year USD LIBOR index for consumer products, the Bureau will consider whether that index meets the comparability and “historical fluctuations are substantially similar” standards and, if so, whether to codify such determinations in a supplemental final rule.

Today’s rule follows other efforts by the Bureau to help financial markets prepare for the discontinuation of LIBOR. The CFPB is also issuing an updated set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help creditors address other LIBOR transition topics, regulatory questions, and general implementation considerations. In 2020, the Bureau released an update to an important consumer resource on ARM loan products. The Consumer Handbook on Adjustable Rate Mortgages provides consumers information about the features and risks for those loan products. This year, the agency joined other financial, state bank, and credit union regulators to issue a statement on LIBOR discontinuation, emphasizing expectations for supervised institutions with LIBOR exposure to continue efforts in the transition to avoid undermining their financial stability, safety, and soundness.

To keep consumers informed about this important transition occurring in the financial markets, the CFPB also published a blog today with advice on navigating any issues that may arise.

Read the final rule.

Read the FAQs.

Read the blog post with consumer advice on navigating the transition away from LIBOR.

###

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a 21st century agency that implements and enforces Federal consumer financial law and ensures that markets for consumer financial products are fair, transparent, and competitive. For more information, visit consumerfinance.gov

Paula Abdul to Judge the Uplive WorldStage Global Singing Competition

Announcing Grammy Winner Paula Abdul to Judge the Uplive WorldStage Global Singing Competition; Launch Press Event December 7th at the W Hollywood

 

 

Participants from over 150 Regions will Compete for Thousands in Prize Money and Talent Contracts

 

 

WHAT:                 Uplive, the largest independent global video social entertainment platform with more than 260 million registered users from over 150 countries, will announce its second annual global live streamed singing competition, Uplive WorldStage. Formerly known as Singing for the World, WorldStage, is judged by Emmy/Grammy award winner Paula Abdul and ranked by peer-voting. Last year’s competition drew over 4,000 participants from 20 regions around the world, and this year’s contest has expanded to over 150 participating regions. The grand prize includes a hit song and video produced by a Grammy producer, as well as a recording deal. The competition is the latest example of Uplive’s commitment to empowering creators with cutting-edge technology while providing a global stage upon which to showcase their talents.

 

The month-long competition will be streamed live 24 hours a day and will include head-to-head PK battles and a “party mode” where mentors, judges and viewers can participate. The top 100 finalists will receive talent host contracts from Uplive. There will be two top winners, one crowned by Paula Abdul as the overall winner and one “People’s Choice” winner crowned by other judges and viewers. Both winners will receive prize money, a virtual mentoring session with industry leaders, and a personalized song written by Grammy nominated producers. Winners will also have a chance to record at or join Uplive Boy Bands or Girl Bands in cooperation with KDS studios, which has produced albums for some of the biggest artists in the U.S. including Justin Timberlake, NSYNC, Usher, and Christina Aguilera. The competition starts December 7th, and more information can be found at https://www.upliveworldstage.com/2021

 

WHO:                In addition to Paula Abdul, keynote speaker and guest, Abigail Posner , a public speaker, show host, cultural anthropologist and women executive from Google will share her personal experience of how technology platforms are enabling content creators such as herself to express their creativity through honest and real authentic moments where people can truly connect. The competition will be judged by a group of high-level music producers, Grammy songwriters, record label executives and accomplished singers including Nathan T Wang ( famous Asian American music composer, director, Grammy and Oscar winner),Willie Baker (Grammy Nominated Producer), Ray De La Garza (Former Radio Disney VP, Record label owner), Chris Rosa (Grammy Nominated Producer), Azim (Sony Music EVP),  Lisa Chen (Producer, Singer, Philanthropist, and World Madam Global Chairwoman), and famous singer Sisi Zhang. Famous musician Kenny G, Latin Billboard Artist Luis Coronel and many trending influencers such as Montana Tucker @montanatucker, @uldouz, @hanagiraldo, @carolinedecampos, @nikkigiavasisofficial etc also sent their shout out videos. More attendees will be announced and a few surprise guests.

 

WHERE:               The W Hollywood

6250 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood CA

 

WHEN:                 December 7th, from 11Am pst to 3pm pst

Media check in 10 30- 11:00

Red carpet open 11:00-12:00

Press Conference to begin at 12pm to 1:30

 

Press RSVP to Juliette@itgirlpr.com/ one on one interviews with Paula Abdul and other key people/influencers

** credentialed press will have validated parking**

 

Luke Sevilla – 10 Year Old Menifee Wrestler – Caps off Rookie Season with 7 National Wrestling Titles

Luke Sevilla – 10 Year Old Menifee Wrestler – Caps off Rookie Season with 7 National Wrestling Titles

luke with flag

The Team So. Cal Youth Wrestler is a Stand-Out 4 Sport Athlete Who is Coached by Legendary California Coach – Steve Glassey, Juan Lopez and Ron Cota.Luke Sevilla turned 10 years old in May and started his wrestling career with the 3G Wrestling Club in La Verne, California at the age of 8 in the Summer of 2019, under Coach Brian Sandmark and Glenn Bell.  After about 6 weeks of training, the team went on hiatus – which is common among California wrestling clubs before Fall/Winter Leagues begin, then resumed and competed in the California Age Group Wrestling Association (CAGWA) as an Intermediate (Beginning) Wrestler; Luke would lose his first 8 matches but then win several matches and place in several CAGWA League Tournaments; including 2nd Place in the Temecula Battle for the Belt Tournament. He would repeatedly lose to the same wrestlers in the finals (especially friend and multi-Champion – Ace Aguilar – then of the league’s dominant Cal Grapplers Wrestling Club) but would begin to close the gap. Luke would then break his hand in a non-wrestling accident and become inactive for several weeks while wearing a cast. Having barely qualified for the CAGWA League Championship Tournament, Luke’s cast was removed early and he chose to compete in the League Finals but failed to make weight in his 86 lb. weight class, but chose to compete in the 93 lb. weight class and would dominate his competition, becoming the 2019 CAGWA League 93 lb. Champion (Aguilar would dominate the 86 lb. weight class and be crowned Champion there).

In January/February of 2019 Global Pandemic struck and youth wrestling – like all other sports – was shut down and Luke went 6 months without competing or training with a club and during this time moved from Jurupa Valley to Menifee, California. However, Luke would continue to train hard for his various sports in his home gym with his father, Tommy Sevilla, who also coaches him in wrestling (tournaments), boxing, baseball and football. Not agreeing with the liberal Democrat politics related to COVID-19, Tommy would pack the family up and take Luke and the family to compete in national wrestling competitions in Iowa, Missouri, Idaho, Arizona and Nevada (Arizona and Nevada several times) where Luke would capture impressive wins and at times dominate the RMN Events Rookie Divisions in various weight classes, even the Heavyweight Division while weighing less than 100 lbs.

Luke would eventually become a nationally ranked All-American wrestler; ranked #1, #2 and #3 in the RMN National Rankings for Rookies in various weight classes – earning 5 National Event Rookie Titles; including 2 weight classes at the Arizona Showdown, 2 weight classes at the Arizona Rumble and 1 at the Supreme Nationals.

Luke would also compete simultaneously in the Boys 9u and Boys 10u brackets and place 3rd at 100 lbs at the prestigious and ultra-competitive Freak Show of Wrestling Tournament in 2020 and breakthrough the non-Rookie Divisions with 2 National Event Titles in Boys 9u and Boys 10u, with one championship at the 2021 Supreme Nationals in Las Vegas and the other at the 2021 D-Day on Broadway Wrestling Tournament in San Diego, California this Summer.

Luke would also win or place at local and regional 10u wrestling tournaments in Bakersfield and San Diego, while regularly wrestling in 3 weight classes or brackets and even continue to wrestle 8 more matches (12 total matches) with a broken nose that was snapped back into place, at the prestigious Rocky Mountain Nationals, where he would earn two (2) second place finishes and a fourth, improving upon a single 3rd place finish the year before.

At one point during the 2021 season, Luke reeled off 17 straight wins without a loss and at his most recent tournament, wrestled in the Rookie Heavyweight finals against a fellow rookie wrestler who weighed 146 lbs. – 48 lbs. heavier than Luke. Luke would win the match 5-3, easing off a pin in the first period to show sportsmanship; himself almost getting pinned as he attempted to throw his much heavier competitor.

Luke is currently ranked #1, #2 and #3 in various weight classes and divisions in the RMN Rankings and has earned NUWAY All-American Wrestler status numerous times.

Luke’s younger sister, Gracie Sevilla (a Type 1 Diabetic competitive athlete), would also begin training as a wrestler with Coach Glassey’s Team So. Cal during the 2021 season and would win her first several wrestling matches; the opposite of her brother Luke, even winning a national tournament in Phoenix, Arizona – also earning the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award – as well as a regional tournament in Bakersfield, California.

Luke has trained at Coach Steve Glassey’s prestigious Camp of Champions, Northview High School Wrestling Camp and Poway State Champ Camp and others, learning from wrestling champions, coaches and clinicians such as: Steve Glassey, Boris Novachov, Steven Neal, Christian Pagdilao, Wayne Brandstetter, Brody Barrios, Logan Stieber and others.

Luke is a fan of American and International Freestyle, Greco and Folkstyle Wrestling. His favorite wrestlers are Jordan Burroughs, Dave Taylor and Kyle Synder. Luke trains and competes while wearing the Matabourne Terra Grappler Zahid Valencia wrestling shoes.

Luke Sevilla is showing great potential as a Boxer training at the Temecula Boxing Academy alongside undefeated and up and coming Pro Boxer, Raul Lizarraga and his brother, Christopher Lizarraga. Luke is trained by his father at home and at the Temecula Boxing Academy by Navy Veteran and Coach Jesse Moreno and veteran welterweight professional contender, Felix Nance – who fought Hall of Famer, James “Buddy” McGirt, twice for the Title. Luke began his amateur boxing career at the Jurupa Valley Boxing Club and with the support and guidance of the World Boxing Hall of Famer and 1968 U.S. Olympian – Armando Muniz.

Luke’s late grandfather, Tommy Pimentel, was a lightweight contender with an undefeated record, who was trained by the legendary lightweight – Henry Armstrong at the storied Main Street Boxing Gym in Los Angeles.

Luke’s great grandfather – Antonio Pimentel – now 98 years old, was a boxer in Mexico City and Luke’s father, trained as a youth at the Chino Boxing Club, La Verne Boxing Club and Sanger Youth Boxing Club (which he and his step-father, Dave De Leon founded in 1983) under the coaching of such luminaries as Jack Mosley (Sugar Shane was a sparring partner), Bobby Sedillo, Mike Sedillo and Chuck Bodak.

Luke is set to have his first fight soon, possibly by the end of 2021; the Pandemic and his other sports have set back his boxing debut twice already.

Luke was a 10u All-Star in the Spring of 2021 for Menifee Valley Little League, also taking his 2021 AAA Menifee Little League Spring Team to the District 28 Tournament of Champions after winning a League Title. 5 games into the Fall 2021 Season, Luke has recorded 23 stolen bases and has hit 3 home runs and has a + 800 batting average to lead his team, playing Pitcher, Catcher, Shortstop and First Base.

Luke Sevilla is a member of the Elite 7 on 7 Murrieta Frat Boyz competition football team, and also a starter on the D1 Micro Murrieta Junior All-American Football League Team – both coached by Vista Murrieta Defensive Coordinator –  Chris Mercadal; the Broncos are currently 6-0 and headed for the playoffs. Luke plays Quarterback, Defensive End, Linebacker, Running Back and Special Teams.

Luke is a sports focused youth who aims to always remain humble and always give God the glory for his talents and achievements. He has a dream and a goal of playing football or baseball collegiately at the Division 1 Level and specifically football at the University of Southern California or wrestling and boxing in the Olympics.

Aside from sports, Luke enjoys spending time with his family and outdoor activities. Luke, a USC Trojan Football fan, is mentored by and has been trained by former Southern Utah and Utah Defensive Lineman, Turnbull Tuliaupupu, whose son, Solomon Tuliaupupu, the nation’s best high school linebacker in 2018, is coming off two season-ending injuries to play his first snaps at USC soon this year. Solomon “Solo” Tuliaupupu, who often boldly expresses his faith in Jesus Christ, is an athlete Luke has spent time with and greatly admires and looks up to.

 

luke qbluke with his medals 2021luke landing a right hand 2021Luke stole third base 2021