Scorekeeper for Feb. 23, 2017

By John Flynn

Boogie banished
Despite being within sniffing distance of the playoffs, the Sacramento Kings traded dynamic, three-time all-star DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans for draft picks, unproven rookie Buddy Hield, proven bust Tyreke Evans, Smoothie King coupons and two bead necklaces. Perhaps the often cantankerous center would never have led Sacramento to title contention, but Boogie made tuning into games worth it even when the team stunk. Why should fans watch now?
– 15

Live like a refugee
Hashmat Amin served as a combat translator for U.S. forces fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan. That service put his family in danger, including his 3-year-old son and a 5-month-old daughter. After several years navigating the refugee vetting process, his family won approval and emigrated to Granite Bay, where Michael Seagraves heard about their story through his church and started an online fundraiser to welcome his new neighbors. So far, community members have raised over $2,000 and donated a van through www.gofundme.com/refugee-family-support. Take that, Trump.
+ 2,000

Single-player state
On February 17, state Sen. Ricardo Lara proposed a single-payer system for California in the face of Republicans’ plan to recklessly repeal (without replacement) the Affordable Care Act. The bill would allow the state to negotiate with health care providers on everything from prescriptions to treatments. Perhaps, finally, in the richest state, in the richest country in the world, being healthy will no longer be a luxury.
+ 2,017

Box out
On February 17, Democratic Assemblyman Kevin McCarty introduced a bill that, expanding on a Sacramento city ordinance, removes the box on job applications asking if a prospective employee has been convicted of a crime. The box has long disqualified former convicts trying to go straight. Here’s hoping this ends the cruel and unusual treatment of those seeking to reform their ways.
+ 17