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Feb. 8 (Asia Today) — A few years ago, I visited Washington for work related to South Korea’s advisory council on democratic and peaceful unification. A former senior official offered a simple suggestion: if you come to Washington, there are two places you should see. One was the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The other was the Victims of Communism Museum.

At the time, I only had enough time to rush through the Holocaust museum. The other stayed on my mental list as unfinished business.

On this trip, I finally went.

The museum sits not far from the White House in a modest building downtown. The moment I stepped inside, the mood shifted. The exhibition design is not flashy, but it is not bare either. Everything, however, points toward a single question: what happens when an era believes ideology can “save” humanity, then turns human beings into expendable tools.

I left feeling a kind of melancholy. It was not only sadness. It was sharper than that, like a demand that you keep hold of your own judgment and values until the end.

The museum is run by a private nonprofit, not the government. Admission is free, and it operates on donations. The exhibition is organized as a narrative: the rise of communism, rule by terror, resistance and freedom. It begins with the Russian Revolution and the formation of the Soviet Union, then moves quickly into the machinery that crushed individual lives. It ends by tracing how communist rule spread beyond borders and how resistance emerged, linking that history to places where repression continues today.

As you follow the exhibition, a map of country names unfolds: the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, China, Cambodia, Cuba, Vietnam. Then comes a name Koreans know all too well: North Korea.

Any system can look clean on paper as theory. But once it becomes a state, power and organization, it often reveals a different face. Revolutions promise liberation. But when the power that enforces liberation refuses to tolerate criticism, promises become orders. At that point, people are no longer the goal. They become the means.

What stayed with me most was not the statistics, but the human faces. The museum foregrounds a sweeping claim that more than 100 million people died under communist regimes. Numbers are powerful, but they cannot fully convey the texture of tragedy. A diary entry, a photograph, an arrest record can linger longer than any total.

The exhibition shows how hunger arrives under the name of “policy,” how suspicion hardens into the label of “enemy,” how silence is demanded as “loyalty.” That is when visitors confront another lesson: violence does not always begin with guns. It can begin with language. Words like “people,” “justice,” “history” and “enemy” can become knives that divide and judge.

Another section that shifts the tone is testimony from those who fled and rebuilt their lives elsewhere. Leaving a regime is not the end of struggle. It can mean crossing borders at risk, living with guilt over family left behind, surviving in a new society. Their stories make one point unmistakable: freedom is not a destination. It is a starting line.

That is also why the North Korea-related exhibits feel especially immediate. “Human rights” stops being an abstract phrase and becomes a concrete voice. For someone living under severe control, freedom is not a debate. It can be the question of whether you make it through the night.

Still, this is not a national museum. It is a memory space built by a private organization with a clear viewpoint. When complex histories are grouped under a single label, there is always a risk of simplification. Visitors should read not only what is presented, but also the frame that shapes what is emphasized.

Yet even with that caution, the voices of victims demand priority. Before any schematic, a human being comes first.

Of course, capitalism has its own failures: inequality, exclusion, greed and recurring crises. Blind faith in the market can also be dangerous. But criticizing capitalism’s defects is not the same as arguing that communism is a better alternative. Communism often presents itself as the promise of a fairer society. But where power concentrates and dissent becomes a crime, the system is driven not by fairness but by fear.

Walking through the museum, one sentence kept returning to my mind: capitalism’s imperfections do not make abandoning freedom the answer. The real question is whether a society still has living channels to correct itself.

Washington is filled with places that confront the world’s darkest chapters. If the Holocaust museum shows what happens when hatred becomes institutionalized, the Victims of Communism Museum asks how far human dignity can be pushed when ideology becomes the language of power.

Neither place is comfortable. But that discomfort may be the minimum price we pay to avoid crossing the same threshold again.

So I would recommend this museum to visitors. It is not a cheerful stop. But if you can spare 45 minutes to an hour, it can be a meaningful way to repay a debt of thought.

Ideology often leads with beautiful words. The harder question is what happens when those words become reality: whose voices are silenced, whose lives are erased.

Leaving the building, I found myself returning to what matters most. Not a “perfect system,” but the freedom and institutions to criticize and reform any system, and the dignity of each person.

Song Won-seo is a professor at Shumei University in Japan. This column reflects the writer’s views, which may differ from those of Asia Today.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260208010002760

During their recent magical World Series run, the champion Dodgers had many heroes, but one constant.

Whenever they needed a leader, they found one.

No matter how dire the circumstances, whenever they needed a hero, somebody stepped up.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto won a game on zero day’s rest. Will Smith won a game with one hand.

Freddie Freeman was an 18th-inning savior on one leg. Kiké Hernández was a ninth-inning savior with a bad elbow.

Everywhere you looked, there was a veteran Dodger willing to sacrifice himself for the good of the team.

That needs to happen again.

That needs to happen now.

A player needs to spearhead a decision that will not be made by the big business that runs this team, a decision that will bypass the biased blather and directly connect to their many besieged fans, a decision that only a player can make.

In the wake of Thursday’s White House confirmation that the Dodgers will be making the traditional champions visit there this spring, somebody needs to send a clear message to President Donald Trump.

“No.”

Federal immigration agents stage outside Gate E of Dodger Stadium on June 19. Sporadic immigration raids continue to roil Southern California.

(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

No, they won’t go.

No, they will not support the ICE raids that are taking place daily just outside their clubhouse doors.

No, they will not openly support an administration that has declared war on its fan base.

No, after basking in the adulation of four million diverse neighbors every summer, the players will not turn their backs on these people while the government continues to round them up despite no criminal history.

This isn’t about asking pro athletes to be politicians. This is about asking them to be people.

Some will say players should not be involved, that it’s a management decision high above the pay grade of the average southpaw or slugger. But when their backyard becomes a battlefield, those players need to fight back, and that time is now.

Dodger management will always leave any tough choice like this one up to the players. By virtue of hundreds of millions of dollars of salaries, the players are essentially partners who need to embrace that responsibility.

No matter what owner Mark Walter says, if the players don’t want to visit the White House, they won’t go.

No matter who shouts the loudest, whether it be conservatives or liberals, the players’ collective voice is the only one that counts.

So, when spring training begins next week, here’s hoping for a hero.

After being showered with numerous curtain calls by an adoring fan base, it’s time for the players to return the favor.

How about a standing ovation for the brave law-abiding immigrant family of four that cheers you from in the left-field pavilion even though they know they could be arrested and hauled away at any time?

How about a, “Let’s Go Dodgers” chant for the longtime residents with no criminal record who spent last October huddled around their TV sets clinging to your victories as reason for hope?

How about being there for so many who have been there for you?

A protestor wearing a Mookie Betts jersey and waving a Mexican and American flag stitched together protests ICE outside the Dodger Stadium game on June 21.

(Carlin Stiehl/Los Angeles Times)

This was an issue last year, when former Times columnist Dylan Hernández urged the Dodgers to cancel their initial White House visit.

“This was something we discussed with all the players, all of whom wanted to go,” team president Stan Kasten told Hernández. “Remember, everyone in here grew up wanting to be a world champion and all the things that come with it, and it comes with a champagne toast, silliness in the locker room, a parade, rings, an invitation to the White House. It’s what they all come to associate with being world champions. Everyone wanted to go, and so we did.”

So they went, all of them except an injured Freddie Freeman. The event was even attended by Mookie Betts, who had previously declined a visit when he was with the Boston Red Sox.

Since then, the landscape has dramatically changed in light of the ICE raids that ramped up during the middle of the season.

This is no longer simply about the rebuke of a president. This is about a fight against a system that has consistently terrorized southern California streets and recently, in Minneapolis, resulted in the deaths of two American citizens at the hands of agents of the American government.

Surely the Dodgers clubhouse leaders see this. Surely they feel this.

They can’t be so insulated that they don’t notice the protests in city streets that resemble those near Chavez Ravine. They can’t be so sheltered that they don’t hear the outrage from people who look just like their biggest fans.

The players can’t hide from this. The players need to handle this.

And, no, it’s not even up to manager Dave Roberts, who last week told the Times’ Bill Shaikin that he supports the visit.

“I was raised — by a man who served our country for 30 years — to respect the highest office in our country,” Roberts said. “For me, it doesn’t matter who is in the office, I’m going to go to the White House.”

Again, this is no longer about just Trump. This is about Tom Homan and Greg Bovino and Kristi Noem and all the other immigration officials that have wrought so much unfounded havoc.

Baseball clubhouses have traditionally leaned heavily to the right.

Nobody is asking anybody to disavow their beliefs. This is no longer about ideology, this is about standing up for those who are being wrongly arrested, being unfairly harassed or being made to feel constantly frightened in their own homes.

Dodger Stadium is one of those homes, and those who permanently live there need to do their best to provide comfort and safety for those who don’t.

Dodgers veteran leaders, this is your time.

Their White House visit would probably occur during the team’s trip to play the Washington Nationals in the first week of April. Here’s hoping that before the road trip, the secure and well-paid Dodgers veterans let the team’s kids understand what it means to be a Dodger and how declining a White House visit would be the Jackie Robinson thing to do.

Sending a title team to the White House is baseball tradition. Sending a message about equality and fairness and freedom is a Dodgers tradition.

Somebody in a Dodgers uniform needs to stand up for that tradition.

Anybody?

Tourists are being encouraged to visit war-torn Afghanistan with a new guide being published this month

A new travel guide is being published for first time in 20 years persuading tourists to visit … Afghanistan.

The war-torn country is not on on most travellers’ current bucket lists and the Foreign Office tells tourists they must not visit. Once a key stop on the hippie trail, Afghanistan disappeared from travel itineraries in recent years. But the mainstream publisher Bradt feels the time is now right for the country to re-emerge onto the map.

Author James Willcox said: “Nearly all of Afghanistan can currently be visited and, with the right preparation, an inspiring range of trips is possible.

“We’ve tried to bring together an invaluable resource which gives readers a good grounding in Afghanistan’s history and culture, along with the practical information they need to get there, get around and enjoy this much misunderstood country.”

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In recent decades Afghanistan has been more well-known for war, the Taliban and as the hideout for 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden. And there’s even more reasons not to visit: Temperatures can reach a staggering 50C in summer and -25C in the winter.

Beer is strictly banned in Afghanistan but can be obtained on the black market in Kabul. The £24.99 guide is being released on February 20. Written by Willcox and colleague Dana Facaros, the guide covers locations such as the legendary Khyber Pass and activities from mountain trekking with nomads to the goat-related sport of buzkashi.

It says it is “aimed at the curious and the adventurous” , and covers locations such as the riverside spire of the Minaret of Jam, a 12th-century structure 14 hours from the nearest paved road, and the Niches of Bamiyan, where the Buddha statues once stood, before their destruction by the Taliban.

A spokesman for Bradt went on: ”Afghanistan is a paradox: a nation so well-known internationally, yet one so infrequently explored that it has been effectively untouched by tourism since being a key stop on the hippie trail four decades ago.

“The Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, China and the ex-USSR ‘stans collide in Afghanistan. It is both the graveyard of empires and one of the world ’s most hospitable countries.

“From the searing deserts of the south to the high peaks of the Hindu Kush, any trip here is challenging – but one that is now eminently possible with the right preparation.

“Even the most well-travelled visitor will find their soul stirred and their blood pumping from spending time in Afghanistan. With the new Bradt Afghanistan Guidebook to inform and inspire you, the off-beat holiday of a lifetime beckons.”

But the Foreign Office advice for tourists is pretty clear: “You should not travel to Afghanistan.” It goes on: “The security situation is volatile and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously resulted in violent clashes in border regions.

“Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous and a number of border crossings are not currently open.

“There is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan. If you are a British national and you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years of imprisonment.”

The Cotswolds is home to some of England’s most stunning scenery – but Daylesford Organic Farm Shop is overpriced and overcrowded.

I’m a frequent visitor to Cotswold villages and spend considerable time exploring the area. From Stow-on-the-Wold to Bourton-on-the-Water, the Cotswolds boast some of England’s most charming villages.

Yet, it’s also where you’ll find certain social media hotspots that frankly aren’t worth the hassle.

Established by Carole Bamford, Daylesford Organic Farm Shop has skyrocketed in popularity recently, with countless visitors documenting their experiences on TikTok. Situated on their operational organic farm, the shop stocks fresh bread, seasonal produce, award-winning cheeses and homeware items.

The estate also features multiple restaurants, along with a garden shop brimming with handcrafted tableware and antique pieces.

Admittedly, it’s beautifully presented, visually impressive and undeniably photogenic for Instagram snaps or TikTok content, but it’s also shockingly pricey and constantly heaving with people, reports the Express.

Particularly at weekends, it resembles less of a peaceful countryside retreat and more of a hectic supermarket, complete with rammed car parks, congested aisles and never-ending queues.

That said, Daylesford isn’t without its merits. The cafe is pleasant, and when you visit at an opportune moment, the service is excellent, and the cuisine is delicious.

Beyond that, however, the pricing is excessive, the ambience can seem contrived rather than tranquil, and the whole experience frequently leaves me feeling frazzled.

Take, for instance, a sharing packet of crisps priced at roughly £7, a flower-pressed chocolate bar commanding a staggering £15, and a packet of biscuits costing £9. The fresh beverages were equally eye-watering, with a coffee costing £6.50.

All the produce is organic, which goes some way towards explaining the cost, but I still reckoned they were steep.

Regarding homeware, I couldn’t locate any transparent storage containers bearing Daylesford’s logo on the lid for less than £20. Actually, one of them carried a whopping £45 price tag. I also snagged a wicker tote for £60.

When the café proved too hectic to secure a hot beverage, I ventured outside to the van for a swift takeaway drink. Nevertheless, I stood in a static queue for 10 minutes, which genuinely discouraged me from returning.

Should you be exploring the Cotswolds and happen to be in the vicinity, it might be worth crossing off your bucket list, but I wouldn’t suggest making a dedicated journey there.

There are considerably superior farm shops, home stores, and destinations to invest your time and money.

Feb. 2 (Asia Today) — Elizabeth Salmon, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in North Korea, began a five-day visit to South Korea on Monday, meeting vice minister-level officials under the Lee Jae-myung administration, a shift from ministerial-level meetings held during the previous government.

The visit, which runs from Feb. 2 to 6, marks Salmon’s third official trip to South Korea since assuming the post and her first since September 2023.

During earlier visits in 2022 and 2023, Salmon met with ministers and vice ministers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification, discussing broad cooperation on improving human rights conditions in North Korea. This time, her meetings with the South Korean government are limited to vice minister-level officials, reflecting differing policy approaches between the former Yoon Suk Yeol administration and the current Lee government.

The Foreign Ministry said Salmon met Monday with Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jin-ah to discuss the current state of North Korean human rights.

Kim praised the rapporteur’s efforts to raise international awareness of human rights abuses in North Korea and expressed hope that her work would contribute to tangible improvements for North Korean citizens. She also commended Salmon for focusing her report to the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council on the Universal Periodic Review process and urged continued engagement.

Salmon said she would explore technical assistance to help North Korea implement recommendations it accepted through the review process and support efforts to promote dialogue and engagement.

She is scheduled to meet Vice Unification Minister Kim Nam-joong on Wednesday, as well as officials from other government bodies including the Ministry of Justice, according to officials.

During her first official visit in 2022, Salmon met with then Foreign Minister Park Jin, then Vice Foreign Minister Lee Do-hoon, Ambassador for International Cooperation on North Korean Human Rights Lee Shin-hwa, and then Unification Minister Kwon Young-se. On her second visit in 2023, she also met with former peace negotiations chief Kim Gun and former Unification Minister Kim Young-ho.

During this visit, Salmon is also meeting with North Korean human rights groups and defector organizations to hear their assessments and recommendations. She plans to hold a news conference on Thursday to outline the results of her trip.

Salmon will reflect the findings from the visit in her annual reports on North Korean human rights to the UN Human Rights Council in March and the UN General Assembly in September.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260202010000760

Surrounded by the picturesque countryside and boasting a lively market centre, this charming mill town offers no shortage of activities for those keen to explore its many attractions.

A charming market town in Lancashire boasts what’s been dubbed the ‘finest house and garden’ in the entire county – and the best part is, entry won’t cost you a penny.

Accrington, Lancashire’s well-kept secret, is packed with culture, stunning natural landscapes, and rich heritage, guaranteeing something special for every visitor who makes the journey. Nestled amongst rolling countryside and featuring a thriving market at its centre, this historic mill town offers no shortage of activities for those keen to explore its many attractions.

Among the standout destinations in Accrington is an art gallery housing the spectacular Tiffany Glass Collection, which art enthusiasts simply cannot miss.

The Haworth Art Gallery and Museum is an essential stop for lovers of art and history alike, and according to Visit Lancashire, it’s also where you’ll find ‘Lancashire’s finest house and garden’, reports Lancs Live.

Originally known as Hollins Hill, the Haworth Art Gallery and Museum was first constructed for siblings William and Anne Haworth, and has been carefully ‘designed in the Arts and Crafts style’.

Bequeathed by the brother and sister to serve as a museum, art gallery and public park for Accrington’s residents, this historically important building welcomes visitors throughout the year, with absolutely no admission fee.

Bursting with elaborate details and stunning features, every corner of this remarkable building has been ‘inspired by nature and made with a love of materials and craftsmanship’.

In its current incarnation, the property’s historic stables and coach house have been transformed into Artists’ Studios, providing workspace for numerous skilled artisans who create and sell their pieces on the gallery-museum’s prestigious premises.

Spanning nine acres of parkland, this historic site provides refuge in its rose garden, room to relax on sweeping lawns, or chances to wander through the woodland encircling this house-turned-gallery.

Guests can also enjoy a genuine dining experience at the venue’s licensed Gallery Kitchen, located in Haworth’s original Arts and Crafts dining room.

However, the standout attraction of the Haworth Art Gallery and Museum is arguably its stunning Tiffany Collection.

This assemblage of beautiful American glassware was presented to the town by Accrington-born Joseph Briggs, who, following an apprenticeship as an engraver, relocated to New York at just 17 years old.

Joseph worked at Tiffany for roughly 40 years, starting out as an errand boy before eventually ascending to managing director of the world-famous company.

This glassware collection, produced by the legendary designer Louis Comfort Tiffany, was dispatched by Joseph to Accrington in 1933. The iconic works remain on permanent public display throughout four themed galleries within the art venue.

One review of the art gallery and museum on Tripadvisor reads: “Beautiful art gallery with a wonderful collection of tiffany glass. The surrounding gardens are very pretty. Had a fantastic lunch in the cafe.”

Another satisfied visitor shared their experience: “Most interesting place which still has the feel of a large family home in the Arts and Crafts style with superb Tiffany exhibits and other items of interest. Excellent tea room and gift shop with pleasant gardens . We will definitely come again.”

Key information for visitors

Entry to the Haworth Art Gallery and Museum in Accrington, including parking at the gallery, is absolutely free. For 2026, the attraction welcomes visitors from January 1 to December 20, Wednesday through Sunday from 12pm to 4.30pm.

The Gallery Kitchen operates on the same days and dates, but timings differ slightly, with service starting from 11.30pm to 4.30pm. Last admission to the house is at 4pm and the building is closed over Christmas and New Year.

Must-see attractions in Accrington

For those keen to delve deeper into Accrington, Oswaldtwistle Mills is another must-see attraction in the town. This historic cotton mill played a crucial role during the Industrial Revolution and is the birthplace of the spinning Jenny.

Accrington also offers an array of splendid green spaces, including Oak Hill Park and Memorial Park situated in Great Harwood.

Those passionate about history and architecture shouldn’t miss the Victorian Market Hall during their stay – a landmark that opened for business in 1869 and continues to serve as the community’s beating heart – along with the Town Hall, a favourite venue for weddings and celebrations.

This delightful market town is also renowned for its yearly celebrations including the Soapbox Challenge and The Accrington Food Festival, offering visitors a delicious insight into the area’s culture and culinary scene.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, art aficionado, or someone simply wanting to enjoy the natural surroundings and local character, Accrington provides plenty to suit every preference, allowing guests to discover the town’s enchantment for themselves.

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SAN ANTONIO — A 5-year-old boy and his father must be released by Tuesday from the Texas center where they’ve been held after being detained by immigration officers in Minnesota, a federal judge ordered Saturday in a ruling that harshly criticized the Trump administration’s approach to enforcement.

Images of Liam Conejo Ramos, with a bunny hat and Spider-Man backpack being surrounded by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, have been a rallying point in the outcry over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota. It also led to a protest at the Texas family detention center and a visit by two Democratic members of Congress.

U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, an appointee of President Clinton, said in his ruling that “the case has its genesis in the ill-conceived and incompetently-implemented government pursuit of daily deportation quotas, apparently even if it requires traumatizing children.”

Biery had previously ruled that the boy and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, could not be removed from the U.S., at least for now.

In his order Saturday, Biery wrote: “Apparent also is the government’s ignorance of an American historical document called the Declaration of Independence,” suggesting the Trump administration’s actions echo those that Thomas Jefferson enumerated as grievances against England.

Biery also included in his ruling a photo of Liam Conejo Ramos and references to two lines in the Bible: “Jesus said, ’Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,’” and “Jesus Wept.”

He’s not the only federal judge who has been tough on ICE recently. A Minnesota-based judge with a conservative pedigree said this week that ICE had disobeyed nearly 100 court orders in the last month.

Stephen Miller, the White House chief of staff for policy, has said there’s a target of 3,000 immigration arrests a day. It’s that figure that the judge seemed to describe as a “quota.”

Spokespersons from the departments of Justice and Homeland Security did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

Neighbors and school officials say that federal immigration officers in Minnesota used the preschooler as “bait” by telling him to knock on the door to his house so that his mother would answer. The Department of Homeland Security has called that description of events an “abject lie.” It said the father ran off and left the boy in a running vehicle in their driveway.

The government says the elder Arias entered the U.S. illegally in December 2024. The family’s lawyer says he has a pending asylum claim that allows him to remain in the country.

During a visit Wednesday to the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, by U.S. Reps. Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett, the boy slept in the arms of his father, who said Liam was frequently tired and not eating well at the detention facility housing about 1,100 people, according to Castro.

Detained families report poor conditions including worms in food, fighting for clean water, and poor medical care at the detention center since its reopening last year. In December, a report filed by ICE acknowledged it held about 400 children longer than the recommended limit of 20 days.

As far as first impressions go, new UCLA football coach Bob Chesney has been hitting the ball out of the park, according to high school coaches who have been receiving visits since Chesney started focusing on introducing himself to local coaches when the college transfer portal closed on Jan. 16.

“He’s a high-energy guy who has a clear vision,” St. John Bosco coach Jason Negro said. “He’s going to bring some excitement back. I was highly impressed. If he’s going to execute what his plan is, he’s going to have immediate success.”

There are so many Chesney sightings at high schools around Southern California, you have to wonder if he’s also scouting for a new house, but that’s probably left to his wife. On his visit to St. John Bosco, his driver was former St. John Bosco assistant Marshawn Friloux, a holdover in the Bruins’ recruiting department from the previous staff.

Bellflower coach Keith Miller, whose son, Austin, is one of the top tight ends from the class of 2029, got a school visit from Chesney, who also met Miller’s wife. Austin was offered a scholarship on Saturday after an unofficial visit to Westwood.

Miller said Chesney was eloquent and transparent, telling his son, “I didn’t just watch your film, I studied it and what stood out to me are the multiple efforts you make, especially your ‘scoop and score’ vs. Oxnard. Multiple effort playmakers are special. All great players have that trait. That’s what I love about you.”

UCLA has also been making early scholarship offers far more than the days when Chip Kelly refused to join that trend. Things started to change under former coach DeShaun Foster and Chesney’s new recruiting philosophy appears to be to get UCLA involved among multiple prospects in all grades and be competitive in Southern California, where coaches from USC, Oregon, California, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Oregon State and Washington were among those making the rounds last week while making scholarship offers.

As an example of the challenge Chesney faces, USC coach Lincoln Riley brought in the No. 1 recruiting class this year and was visiting the No. 1 player for the class of 2027 in California, defensive back/running back Honor Fa’alave-Johnson from San Diego Cathedral Catholic.

“I think he’s got a vision and a belief to develop kids and not create this transactional culture in college football,” Orange Lutheran coach Rod Sherman said of Chesney. “I think you’d be a fool to sleep on UCLA the next few years. He’s super personal. What I sense from him is they have well thought out recruiting strategy and they’re not throwing spaghetti against the wall. He knows which kids can be successful in his culture and system and thrive and love UCLA.”

But NIL resources remain critical in this new era, and some players and parents will continue to place that priority over others. That will require Chesney to find those “diamonds in the rough” from his James Madison coaching days.

Negro said, “He’s going to fit to what is needed for the program. He’s not normally going to focus just on the stars. He’s done that at a lower level. He’s going to find some foundational players. It’s going to be hard at first. If people have expectations they’re going to pull an Indiana, that’s premature. But UCLA is closer than people think. This guy is very dynamic, hard-driven and understands L.A.”

Said Servite coach Chris Reinert: “He’s doing things the right way. He seems to be hitting the ground running. He spent an hour here.”

Chesney promised in his opening news conference in December that he wanted to build relationships with high school coaches, and Negro confirmed Chesney is inviting coaches to visit UCLA. That’s not unusual. Reinert said USC’s Riley did the same.

Chesney dropped by City Section school Hamilton, which has a top Class of 2029 quarterback in Thaddeus Breaux. Then Breaux was offered a scholarship. Hamilton coach Elijah Asante said, “Coach Chesney is a grinder and he’s going to find those hidden gems.”

Expect more Chesney sightings this week until the recruiting period closes at the end of this week.