Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 103

Following shocking Rafael Devers trade, SF Giants drop finale to Dodgers

LOS ANGELES — At approximately 5:18 p.m. PST, Joey Lucchesi emerged from the visiting bullpen doors at Dodger Stadium and jogged out to the mound for his season debut. When the funky-throwing lefty delivered his first pitch of the night, the Giants had yet to announce that Lucchesi was officially on the roster.

It was not until 5:45 p.m. PST that San Francisco officially announced Lucchesi had been selected from Triple-A Sacramento — after Lucchesi’s outing had ended. Given what unfolded pregame, it felt oddly apropos.

That’s because minutes before their 4:10 p.m. PST game against the Los Angeles Dodgers — a game they would lose 5-4 — news broke that the Giants were acquiring three-time All-Star Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for left-hander Kyle Harrison, right-hander Jordan Hicks, outfielder James Tibbs III and right-hander Jose Bello.

And for all the emotions, there was still a game to be played.

“It was a lot,” manager Bob Melvin said of the day. “And it was late. To get it done, though, is something we really needed. It was a huge move by Zack (Minasian) and Buster (Posey).”

Harrison, who had spent his entire professional career with the Giants, was scheduled to start. That was no longer possible because of the trade, forcing Melvin into his first bullpen game of the year.

Melvin was already without long reliever Spencer Bivens, who threw a season-high 3 1/3 innings in Saturday’s 11-5 loss. Right-hander Tristan Beck, another multi-inning reliever, contributed two innings before backup catcher Logan Porter pitched the eighth.

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Roughly 40 minutes before the game, Melvin told right-hander Sean Hjelle that he was starting. Hjelle initially didn’t know why he was starting Harrison, but put things together once he saw Harrison and right-hander Jordan Hicks say their goodbyes.

“It’s tough to process when you’re out there getting ready for a game,” Melvin said. “In Kyle’s case, he’s been with one organization and he’s from the Bay Area. There’s a lot for him to process immediately right after the game. I spent a little time with him — not as much as I could like, but the reaction, there’s obviously some shock involved.”

It was far from the ideal circumstances for Hjelle to make his first career start, but the towering right-hander was ready for the assignment. Hjelle’s mentality was simple: empty the tank.

Melvin was hoping for three innings, and Hjelle delivered. Despite the short notice, Hjelle allowed two runs over a season-high 3 2/3 innings.

“I told (pitching coach) J.P. (Martinez) and Bob before the game, ‘Just run me,” Hjelle said. “If you still think I’ve got a couple of pitches left, then keep me out there. Just run me. Squeeze me dry. We have an off day (Monday). We’ll reload, and we’ll all be fine.’”

The Giants could’ve easily rolled over given the shocking pregame news, but they actually led the Dodgers after four innings, 3-2, thanks to Christian Koss’ RBI single and Jung Hoo Lee’s two-run triple.

Lucchesi, who arrived to Dodger Stadium earlier this morning, ended up taking the loss, allowing a pair of singles that set the table for Andy Pages’ three-run homer in the fifth off Ryan Walker to give the Dodgers a lead that they’d never lose. Before day’s end, Daniel Johnson hit a solo homer in the eighth to trim the deficit to one run, his first home run since August 2021.

“We battled today. We did,” Melvin said. “It’s one pitch to Pages that (Walker) makes a bad pitch on a slider. Other than that, with the group we had out there today, and then Casey coming out of the game … I thought we battled really well right down to the end. Proud of the way they played today with a lot of emotions and everything that was going on right before the game as well.”

Less than an hour after the trade, third baseman Casey Schmitt, who has been filling in for the injured Matt Chapman, left the ballgame with a left ankle contusion after fouling a ball off himself in the top of the second inning. Schmitt had been playing exceptionally well upon taking over for Chapman, going 7-for-20 with three homers and becoming the first player in franchise history to hit grand slams in back-to-back games.

If Schmitt has to miss time, the Giants won’t have to look far to find someone capable of playing the hot corner.

“This fits us perfectly,” Melvin said of Devers. “It’s a power left-handed bat that can go the other way and hit for power in our ballpark. It’s tailor made for us. Kudos to the front office to swing this.”

Trump directs ICE to expand deportations in Democratic-run cities, undeterred by protests

By AAMER MADHANI, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday directed federal immigration officials to prioritize deportations from Democratic-run cities after large protests have erupted in Los Angeles and other major cities against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

Trump in a social media posting called on ICE officials “to do all in their power to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History.”

He added that to reach the goal officials ”must expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in America’s largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside.”

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Trump’s declaration comes after weeks of increased enforcement, and after Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff and main architect of Trump’s immigration policies, said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers would target at least 3,000 arrests a day, up from about 650 a day during the first five months of Trump’s second term.

At the same time, the Trump administration has directed immigration officers to pause arrests at farms, restaurants and hotels, after Trump expressed alarm about the impact aggressive enforcement is having on those industries, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter who spoke only on condition of anonymity.

Protests over federal immigration enforcement raids have been flaring up around the country.

Opponents of Trump’s immigration policies took to the streets as part of the “no kings” demonstrations Saturday that came as Trump held a massive parade in Washington for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

Saturday’s protests were mostly peaceful.

But police in Los Angeles used tear gas and crowd-control munitions to clear out protesters after the event ended.

Officers in Portland, Oregon, also fired tear gas and projectiles to disperse a crowd that protested in front of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building well into the evening.

Trump made the call for stepped up enforcement in Democratic-controlled cities on social media as he was making his way to the Group of Seven economic summit in Alberta, Canada.

He suggested to reporters as he departed the White House for the G7 on Sunday evening that his decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles was the reason the protests in that city went peacefully.

“If we didn’t have the National Guard on call and ready, they would rip Los Angeles apart,” Trump said.

SF Giants acquire All-Star slugger Devers for pitchers Hicks, Harrison and prospects

LOS ANGELES — Willy Adames couldn’t be bothered to stretch before the Giants took on the Dodgers for Sunday Night Baseball. He was too excited. For good reason.

The Giants currently reside two games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the NL West following a 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. It’s mid-June and they’re 41-31 despite rolling out an average offense — an offense that has been collectively subpar since May. To be a legitimate contender, they needed a legitimate bat.

In acquiring Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox, Buster Posey delivered.

“We needed a bat like him,” Adames said. “Me, personally, I’m so happy. I don’t even know how to describe it. I didn’t even stretch today. I was so pumped.”

The cost for Devers — a one-time champion, two-time Silver Slugger and three-time All-Star — was a pair of major leaguers in left-hander Kyle Harrison, right-hander Jordan Hicks. Harrison, specifically, was scheduled to start Sunday’s game before being informed less than an hour before first pitch.

The deal also included outfielder James Tibbs III, last year’s first-round selection, and 20-year-old right-hander Jose Bello. Despite Devers’ talents, the Giants kept Bryce Eldridge, their top overall prospect, and left-hander Carson Whisenhunt, their top pitching prospect.

Posey said he called the Red Sox’s chief baseball officer Craig Breslow a few weeks ago about Devers, and following their initial conversation, talks progressed from there. General manager Zack Minasian had conversations with Boston’s assistant general managers as well.

“The bat’s so special. My thoughts are, it’s really hard to acquire this type of talent at this point in his career,” Posey said following the Giants’ 5-4 loss to the Dodgers. “We’re obviously taking on a lot of money. We’re giving up some pitching. We’re giving up our first-round pick last year. It didn’t come without a cost, but we felt like this was a chance to take a shot.”

The bat, indeed, can be described as special. Over nine seasons, the 28-year-old owns a career slash line of .279/.349/.510 with 215 home runs and 696 RBIs. He’s currently in the midst of one of his best offensive seasons, posting a .894 OPS with 14 home runs and 57 RBIs while leading the American League in walks (56).

The 28-year-old joins a lineup in much need of power. Entering Sunday, the Giants rank 19th in runs (163) and 21st in OPS (.691) since the beginning of May. On June 4, Posey designated first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. for assignment and signed Dominic Smith as part of a seismic roster shakeup.

The trade comes at a time when starting third baseman Matt Chapman is currently on the 10-day injured list due to right hand inflammation and is set to miss the next three to four weeks.

Casey Schmitt has done an excellent job of filling in for Chapman during this road trip, going 5-for-20 with three homers and 11 RBIs over five games and becoming the first Giant in franchise history to hit grand slams in back-to-back games. He left Sunday’s game early after fouling a ball off his left ankle, but Devers will take precedence even if Schmitt is fine and healthy.

But once Chapman, a five-time Gold Glover returns, the Giants will have to figure out where Devers will play.

Devers’ relationship with Boston became strained this season when the Red Sox signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman, then asked Devers to give up the position and become their primary designated hitter. Devers publicly expressed his discontent but eventually agreed to the move.

Following that debacle, Devers was then asked to play first base — a new position — when Triston Casas ruptured his patellar tendon in May. Devers criticized Red Sox management and the team ultimately backed down from the request, leaving him to  DH.

Posey said he was told by Breslow that “some of the stuff that was in the media was a bit unfortunate,” adding that he’s heard from people across the industry that Devers is a “great teammate” who “loves to play the game.” Once Devers and Posey meet in-person, they will discuss how Devers will best fit into San Francisco’s lineup.

“He’s a great guy,” Adames said. “Obviously, there has been some miscommunication there. From what I know about him … he wants people to communicate with him and be honest. I feel like here with Buster, that’s all we’ve got. Buster is a super honest guy. He’s going to be straight up and (Devers) is going to love that. He’s going to feel comfortable here.”

Added first baseman Dominic Smith, who played with Devers last year: “He was always positive. Every day, he came in, encouraged the guys, let us know we have to compete at a high level. The thing that I admired is he wanted to play every day. .. He’s a grinder. He doesn’t want a day off. He wants to play against elite pitching. He wants to be in the big moments. He wants to win.”

Aside from the players involved, Devers’ services come at a steep price.

Prior to the 2023 season, Devers signed a 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension with the Red Sox. Boston did not send over any money as part of the deal, meaning the Giants will owe Devers roughly $250 million over the next decade. Once the contract ends, Devers will receive $7.5 million of deferred money for 10 years after the 2033 season.

Between Devers, Matt Chapman, Willy Adames and Jung Hoo Lee, San Francisco has four position players on its roster who signed nine-figure contracts. Posey said that the Giants’ ownership was “extremely involved” as the deal came together, adding that he was in constant communication with chairman Greg Johnson.

“It’s a group of guys that are proven, that have been there. They have a track record. My hope is that these guys feed off one another and they make each other better,” Posey said. “I believe adding a guy like Rafael Devers to the lineup not only gives you a boost from his own personal production, but just the ability for guys to talk to that elite type of hitter, watch that elite type of hitter.”

Somewhere down the line, Harrison might have the opportunity to face that core of hitters as a member of Boston’s pitching staff.

Harrison, who was optioned to the Red Sox’s Triple-A affiliate, has only pitched for the Giants as a professional. He was drafted by the Giants in the third round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of De La Salle High School and made his debut in 2023. The Bay Area native finishes his Giants tenure with a 9-9 record and a 4.48 ERA over parts of three seasons.

“I told Kyle before he left, ‘Go be a star over there,’” Webb said. “You guys have heard me talk about Kye before. I’m the biggest believer in him. He’s getting to go learn from some really good pitchers. … I think it’s a good landing spot for him, and I think he’s going to be great.”

Trump vetoed Israeli plan to kill Iran’s supreme leader, US official tells AP

By AAMER MADHANI, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump vetoed a plan presented by Israel to the U.S. to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter.

The Israelis informed the Trump administration in recent days that they had developed a credible plan to kill Khamenei.

In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attends a ceremony marking the anniversary of the 1989 death of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini at his shrine just outside Tehran, Iran, June 4, 2025. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

After being briefed on the plan, the White House made clear to Israeli officials that Trump was opposed to the Israelis making the move, according to the official who was not authorized to comment on the sensitive matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The Trump administration is desperate to keep Israel’s military operation aimed at decapitating Iran’s nuclear program from exploding into an even more expansive conflict and saw the plan to kill Khamenei as a move that would enflame the conflict and potentially destabilize the region.

Asked about the plan during an interview on Fox News Channel’s “Special Report with Bret Baier,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly address whether the White House rejected the plan.

“But I can tell you, I think that we do what we need to do, we’ll do what we need to do. And I think the United States knows what is good for the United States,” Netanyahu said.

FILE – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem, May 21, 2025. (Ronen Zvulun/Pool Photo via AP, File)

Netanyahu also said regime change “could certainly be the result” of the conflict “because the Iranian regime is very weak.”

Trump’s rejection of the proposal was first reported by Reuters.

Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on the reports.

Trump on Sunday issued a stark warning to Iran against retaliating on U.S. targets in the Middle East while also predicting Israel and Iran would “soon” make a deal to end their escalating conflict.

The president in an early morning social media posting said the United States “had nothing to do with the attack on Iran” as Israel and Iran traded missile attacks for the third straight day. Iran, however, has said that it would hold the U.S.—which has provided Israel with much of its deep arsenal of weaponry—for its backing of Israel.

Israel targeted Iran’s Defense Ministry headquarters in Tehran and sites it alleged were associated with Iran’s nuclear program, while Iranian missiles evaded Israeli air defenses and slammed into buildings deep inside Israel.

“If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,” Trump said.

Hours later Trump took to social media again to predict “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal.”

The U.S. president said he has a track record for de-escalating conflicts, and that he would get Israel and Iran to cease hostilities “just like I got India and Pakistan to make” after the two countries’ recent cross-border confrontation.

India struck targets inside Pakistan after militants in April massacred 26 tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan has denied any links to the attackers. Following India’s strikes in Pakistan, the two sides exchanged heavy fire along their de facto borders, followed by missile and drone strikes into each other’s territories, mainly targeting military installations and airbases.

It was the most serious confrontation in decades between the countries. Trump on Sunday repeated his claim, disputed by India, that the two sides agreed to a ceasefire after he had offered to help both nations with trade if they agreed to de-escalate.

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Trump also pointed to efforts by his administration during his first term to mediate disputes between Serbia and Kosovo and Egypt and Ethiopia.

“Likewise, we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran!” Trump said. “Many calls and meetings now taking place. I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!”

The growing conflict between Israel and Iran is testing Trump who ran on a promise to quickly end the brutal wars in Gaza and Ukraine and build a foreign policy that more broadly favors steering clear of foreign conflicts.

Trump has struggled to find an endgame to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

And after criticizing President Joe Biden during last year’s campaign for preventing Israel from carrying out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Trump found himself making the case to the Israelis to give diplomacy a chance.

His administration’s push on Tehran to give up its nuclear program came after the U.S. and other world powers in 2015 reached a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday about the growing Israel-Iran conflict. And Trump is set to travel later Sunday to Canada for Group of Seven leaders summit where the Mideast crisis will loom large over his talks with the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan and the European Union.

Some influential backers of Trump are him urging to keep the U.S. out of Israel’s escalating conflict with Iran.

GOP Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson are among the prominent backers of Trump who have argued voters backed Trump because he would not involve the nation in foreign conflicts.

Kirk said last week that before Israel launched the strikes on Iran that he was concerned the situation could lead to “a massive schism in MAGA and potentially disrupt our momentum and our insanely successful Presidency.”

GOP Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul praised Trump for having shown restraint and said he hoped the president’s “instincts will prevail.”

“So, I think it’s going to be very hard to come out of this and have a negotiated settlement,” Paul said in an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” ”I see more war and more carnage. And it’s not the U.S.’s job to be involved in this war.”

In an interview aired on CBS’ “Face the Nation” GOP South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham said he preferred diplomatic efforts, but if diplomacy doesn’t work Trump should “go all in” on destroying Iran’s nuclear program.

“If that means providing bombs, provide bombs,” he said. “If that means flying with Israel, fly with Israel.”

Associated Press writer Gary Fields contributed reporting.

Thousands take over Monterey’s Del Monte Avenue for No Kings Rally

MONTEREY – Local residents attended the local “No Kings” rally by the thousands Saturday, occupying Window on the Bay park with the crowd stretching up and down Del Monte Avenue.

Hosted by 50501 Monterey, a coalition of nonprofit organizations including Indivisible Monterey, organizers estimated more than 6,000 people attended the rally, carrying signs, banners and lots of American flags.

Attendees wore shirts with messages of peace and liberty, and some came decked out in red, white and blue outfits. People came alone, with their families and representatives for other groups and organizations. Though the rally was slated for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., event organizers said people were already hundreds strong by 1 p.m., and people stayed until after 5 p.m.

Protesters stretched down both sides of Del Monte Avenue from the Chevron gas station to the Monterey Sports Complex, calling on passing cars to honk in support. Attendance increased more than 60 percent since the organization's last similar protest in April. (Photo by Kyarra Harris/Monterey Herald)

Thousands of No Kings rallies took place across the U.S. on Saturday to protest President Trump’s military parade in Washington D.C., among other things.

But for many in California, Saturday was also a way to show their support for the city of Los Angeles after days of protests prompted the president to send active military service members to work alongside the National Guard.

“Our community is showing that we support our immigrant neighbors, we support Los Angeles and stand against the regime,” said Heidi Feldman, one of the event organizers. “Either documented or undocumented doesn’t matter to us, these are members of our community so why would we want to hurt them? It just hurts ourselves.”

According to Indivisible’s national chapter, more than 5 million people participated in a local rally Saturday.

While there were reports of a few clashes in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Culpeper, Virginia — Monterey’s rally remained peaceful throughout the afternoon.

Zoe Martinez, from Hollister, said part of what drove her and her family to visit Monterey’s protest was seeing California consistently in the news including Los Angeles protester clashes with law enforcement, or Sentator Alex Padilla who was forcibly removed from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s news conference in Los Angeles on Thursday.

“We just wanted to be a part of the rally and show up for the community,” Martinez said. “We’ve seen the news and what’s happening is shameful. I’m here to stand up for my family and community.”

Event organizers asked for protesters to bring a lot of American flags to “take back” its imagery and symbolism. Conservative groups and organizations have donned the American flag as a pseudo-mascot of sorts, but recently more liberal and left-leaning groups have taken up the flag to symbolize equality and togetherness. (Photo by Kyarra Harris/Monterey Herald)Kathy DeMers (right), 43, from Pacific Grove stands with her husband showing off signs that are both messages and artwork. DeMers, who is a CSUMB graduate in visual and public arts is not new to using art as a medium to protest. “I want people to keep hitting the streets, even if we have to keep doing this once a week for the next four years,” DeMers said. (Photo by Layna Hughes/Monterey Herald)Protesters hold up signs denouncing tyranny and calling for unity during the Monterey No Kings rally. The group participated in a series of chants while occupying the space for the entire afternoon. (Photo by Kyarra Harris/Monterey Herald)Steven Hall, 71, attends his second protest in the area. Hall, who has been a resident of Monterey for the last 10 years called the size of the crowd “heartening” saying it inspired hope for change. (Photo by Layna Hughes/Monterey Herald)Thousands of demonstrators showed up Saturday at Monterey's Window on the Bay park for the "No Kings" rally. (Kyarra Harris -- Monterey Herald)Thousands of demonstrators showed up Saturday at Monterey's Window on the Bay park for the "No Kings" rally. (Kyarra Harris -- Monterey Herald)Show Caption1 of 6Event organizers asked for protesters to bring a lot of American flags to “take back” its imagery and symbolism. Conservative groups and organizations have donned the American flag as a pseudo-mascot of sorts, but recently more liberal and left-leaning groups have taken up the flag to symbolize equality and togetherness. (Photo by Kyarra Harris/Monterey Herald)Expand

Sisters Doree Hyland and Ellorie McReynolds from Seaside came with signs calling for accountability from the president’s administration, also expressing their frustration over recent national events.

“It’s disrespectful, the way this administration has been acting, what’s happening in L.A., what happened to Alex Padilla, it’s just disgusting,” Hyland said.

Both, said they had also been keeping up with the news and felt compelled to show up for the community.

“We are pleasantly surprised at the turnout, there’s so many people,” McReynolds said. “We outnumber them (opposing political parties), and I think today shows that.”

Attendance jumped considerably from a similar anti-Trump protest hosted by 50501 Monterey in April, which drew 3,700 people according to organizers. Many protesters were moved by the size of Saturday’s crowd.

Steven Hall, from Monterey, said this is the second protest he’s attended in the area. “This is the biggest one we’ve been (to) here, and it’s really heartening,” Hall said. “I just hope it gets bigger and bigger from here.”

Kathy DeMers, from Pacific Grove, said she would like to see people come out as often as once a week to keep the conversation going.

“People are caring about what is going on, and if we can draw a crowd like this in Monterey, crowds across the country have got to be just awesome,” DeMers said. “I want people to keep coming out, let’s never stop.”

Ultimately, the goal of the protest is to inspire change on a local level, according to event organizers. For 50501 Monterey, they want local lawmakers to continue showing their support and protect vulnerable communities from potential raids or working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“We’re grateful to have politicians who speak up in Monterey County,” Feldman said, referring to comments made by Monterey City Council members, for example, and the county’s Board of Supervisors, condemning immigration raids. “But we need to ensure we keep protecting our vulnerable communities.”

Event organizers say this will not be the last event of the year and they plan to have more rallies in the coming months.

Cal State Monterey Bay student journalist Layna Hughes contributed to this report. 

Wildfires: Which parts of California are at highest fire risk this summer?

After two years of devastating wildfire in 2020 and 2021, California experienced three relatively mild years in a row.

But this year began with historic blazes in Los Angeles when months of extremely dry winter conditions combined with 100 mph Santa Ana winds, destroying more than 16,000 homes and killing 30 people in a disaster that shocked the nation.

Does that mean California is in for another bad year as summer temperatures heat up and vegetation dries out? Not necessarily, fire experts say. But here’s a clue: how much rain and snow fell during the previous winter.

Since 1993, seven of the 10 worst fire years in California, ranked by total acres burned, have occurred after drier-than-normal winters. By contrast, eight of the state’s 10 mildest fire years occurred after wetter-than-normal winters, according to an analysis by the Bay Area News Group and Golden Gate Weather Services, a Half Moon Bay company.

“Generally, we see that wet years have fewer large fires” said Craig Clements, director of the Fire Weather Research Laboratory at San Jose State University. “And big years with lots of acres burned often come after dry winters. If you have less water and lower soil moisture, the plants dry out quicker and earlier in the season.”

To be sure, more grass grows after wet winters. And grass is flammable. But when trees and shrubs contain more moisture, experts say, it’s more difficult for fires to spread quickly into out-of-control infernos.

“Fire agencies always say it’s going to be a bad fire year,” said Jan Null, a meteorologist with Golden Gate Weather Services, who has examined fire and rain patterns for decades. “If it’s wet, they say there are a lot of fuels. If it’s dry, they say everything is bone dry. But it can’t be worse-than-normal every year.”

Both Null and Clements noted that unexpected variables, such as huge dry lightning storms, multiple arsonists or extreme wind events, can spike fire danger in any year. But generally speaking, wet winters lower wildfire risk and dry winters increase it.

What does that mean this year? It’s a tale of two states.

Northern California received much more rain and snow this winter than Southern California.

From Oct. 1 through Thursday, Santa Rosa received 123% of its historical average, while San Francisco was at 87% and Los Angeles was at just 58%. San Diego was even lower, at 48%. While none of the nine Bay Area counties are currently classified as being in any kind of drought, all of Southern California from Santa Barbara to San Diego is, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a weekly federal report.

“We are expecting high fire activity in Southern California,” said Battalion Chief Jess Torres, a spokesman for Cal Fire, the state’s main firefighting agency. “We have vegetation that is drying out more and more. Southern California could potentially be worse than Northern California. But we don’t want people to let their guard down anywhere.”

After the Los Angeles fires, state lawmakers introduced a dozen bills aimed at increasing readiness and wildfire response.

One of the main bills, SB 581, by Sen. Mike McGuire, a Santa Rosa Democrat, would convert roughly 3,000 seasonal Cal Fire firefighters who work 9 months a year to full-time staff. That bill, which would cost about $175 million a year, passed the state Senate 39-0 this month with support from Republicans and Democrats. It now goes to the Assembly.

Cal Fire also continues to expand. The agency has nearly doubled its fire protection staff since 2019, from 5,829 to 10,741 positions, and nearly doubled its fire protection budget from $2 billion to $3.8 billion.

In April, Cal Fire rolled out a new C-130 Hercules cargo plane, a massive former Coast Guard aircraft retrofitted to carry 4,000 gallons of fire retardant — more than triple the capacity of the other tankers that Cal Fire has been using for years. The agency also has been acquiring new Nighthawk helicopters, which can drop water and fire retardant at night.

Working with UC San Diego, Cal Fire has helped create a system of 1,144 remote video cameras perched statewide on hills and mountain tops to detect wildfires, called ALERTCalifornia. Using AI, the cameras report fires to emergency dispatchers, sometimes faster than humans do, and can complete 360-degree sweeps every two minutes out to 60 miles away.

Firefighters say that it’s critical every year that homeowners clear brush and flammable materials away from their homes.

“Give us a fighting chance to save your home or business,” said Matt Thau, a battalion chief with the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department.

There are other concerns. Climate change has made heat waves and droughts more severe. The 10 hottest years on record globally since 1880 all have occurred since 2014, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

President Trump’s administration fired 3,400 workers at the U.S. Forest Service — about 10% of the agency’s staff — in February as part of Elon Musk’s DOGE cuts. Since then, the administration has reduced Forest Service staffing by another 4,000 people through early retirement offers.

Firefighters have been exempt from those cuts. But many “red cards” — employees who hold certifications for firefighting skills and can deploy during major wildfires — have left, some taking early retirement or let go as probationary employees as part of an effort to trim the federal workforce.

Tom Schultz, a former timber industry executive whom Trump named to run the Forest Service, has asked some of those workers to come back. On Wednesday, Schultz told members of the Senate Appropriations Committee not to worry.

“I do believe they’re ready,” Schulz told Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. “When it comes to the wildfire season, yes ma’am, we do have the critical folks in place.”

California has 18 national forests in the Sierra Nevada, Big Sur, and mountains around Los Angeles, covering 20 million acres, or one-fifth of the state.

Murray and other Democratic senators were skeptical.

“The stakes are life and death here,” Murray said. “It feels like we are not prepared for this wildfire season. You just said we were. We’ll see what happens. But I fear I’m going to be right.”

Firefighters watch a helicopter drop water on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon in Los Angeles, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)Homes in the hills above Pacific Coast Highway sit in ruins after being burned by the Palisades Fire in Malibu, CA, on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. The Palisades Fire, burning in the Santa Monica Mountains, has burned an estimated 5,300 structures. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)Firefighters respond to a 15 acre blaze that broke out in the grass near Happy Hollow Park and Zoo Wednesday May 14, 2025. (San Jose Fire Department)

 

 

 

 

How Desi Arnaz finally gets his due in ‘The Man Who Invented Television’

Like just about everyone who grew up at a time when a few networks decided what Americans watched on their television sets, author Todd S. Purdum knew all of the antics of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, the characters played  by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, on the ’50s sitcom “I Love Lucy.”

“It was unavoidable in syndication,” says Purdum, 65, on a recent video call. Though he’s too young to have seen its original run, “I Love Lucy” always seemed to be on, he says.

Lucille Ball as Lucy was the star around whom Arnaz as Ricky, and William Frawley and Vivian Vance as neighbors Fred and Ethel Mertz, orbited in each of the 180 episodes of “I Love Lucy” that originally aired from October 1951 to May 1957.

Comedian-actress Lucille Ball and her husband, musician-actor Desi Arnaz from the comedy series, “I Love Lucy,” are shown here in an undated photographer. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” examines the life and career of Arnaz whose contributions to the show and TV in general have often been underappreciated. (Associated Press photo)The Ricardos and the Mertzes, from left to right, actors Vivian Vance, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz and William Frawley, gather for the holidays in the “I Love Lucy Christmas Special”, an episode of the original “I Love Lucy” series. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” examines the life and career of Arnaz whose contributions to the show “I Love Lucy” and TV in general have often been underappreciated. (Associated Press Photo)Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” examines the life and career of Arnaz whose contributions to the show “I Love Lucy” and TV in general have often been underappreciated. (Book jacket courtesy of Simon & Schuster)Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” examines the life and career of Arnaz whose contributions to the show “I Love Lucy” and TV in general have often been underappreciated. (Photo by Jeffrey MacMillan)Television producer, musician and actor Desi Arnaz seen here on July 2, 1955. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” examines the life and career of Arnaz whose contributions to the show “I Love Lucy” and TV in general have often been underappreciated. (Associated Press photo)Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz sign a contract. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” was published on June 3, 2025, and tells the story of the “I Love Lucy” stars life and career from the less-reported point of view of Arnaz. (Courtesy of Ben White/Herald Examiner/Los Angeles Public Library)The cast and creators of “I Love Lucy,” left to writer producer-writer Jess Oppenheimer, actress Lucille Ball, actor Desi Arnaz, and actress Vivian Vance, after winning Emmy Awards in the mid-1950s. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” examines the life and career of Arnaz whose contributions to the show and TV in general have often been underappreciated. (Associated Press Photo)Band leader Desi Arnaz watches as his wife actress Lucille Ball dances with their friend actor Van Johnson during a party at Ciro’s in Hollywood, Feb. 13, 1946. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” examines the life and career of Arnaz whose contributions to the show “I Love Lucy” and TV in general have often been underappreciated. (Associated Press Photo)Actor and producer Desi Arnaz is shown on July 14, 1978 in New York. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” examines the life and career of Arnaz whose contributions to the show “I Love Lucy” and TV in general have often been underappreciated. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz check a script for a forthcoming sequence to be filmed for “I Love Lucy.” Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” was published on June 3, 2025, and tells the story of the “I Love Lucy” stars life and career from the less-reported point of view of Arnaz. (Photo courtesy of Bettmann / Getty Images)Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball accept the award for best comedy show for “I Love Lucy,” during the 1953 Emmy Awards at the Hollywood Palladium on Feb. 11, 1954 in Hollywood, California. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” examines the life and career of Arnaz whose contributions to the show “I Love Lucy” and TV in general have often been underappreciated. (Photo by TVA/PictureGroup/Invision for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences/AP Images)Desi Arnaz warms up the audience and introduces his wife and costar Lucille Ball before filming an episode of “I Love Lucy” in Oct. 1952. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” was published on June 3, 2025, and tells the story of the “I Love Lucy” stars life and career from the less-reported point of view of Arnaz. ( Photo courtesy of Bettmann/Getty Images)Stage and movie actor Desi Arnaz carries his new bride, actress Lucille Ball, across the threshold of a theater dressing room in Greenwich, Conn., on Nov. 30, 1940. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” examines the life and career of Arnaz whose contributions to the show “I Love Lucy” and TV in general have often been underappreciated. (Associated Press Photo)Lucille Ball is pictured with her husband Desi Arnaz and their two children, Desi Jr. and Lucie, in Los Angeles in1955. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” examines the life and career of Arnaz whose contributions to the show “I Love Lucy” and TV in general have often been underappreciated. (Associated Press Photo)Television star Desi Arnaz at the Del Mar Racetrack in 1957. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” examines the life and career of Arnaz whose contributions to the show “I Love Lucy” and TV in general have often been underappreciated. (Associated Press Photo)Comedian George Gobel, right, gets chucked under the chin by Lucille Ball as her husband Desi Arnaz looks on at the Television Academy’s seventh annual awards dinner at the Moulin Rouge in Los Angeles on March 7, 1955. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” examines the life and career of Arnaz whose contributions to the show “I Love Lucy” and TV in general have often been underappreciated. (AP Photo/Dick Strobel)Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, seen here in an image from the documentary “Lucy and Desi,” directed by Amy Poehler. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” was published on June 3, 2025, and tells the story of the “I Love Lucy” stars life and career from the less-reported point of view of Arnaz. (Courtesy of Desilu, too)Lucille Ball, left, appears in a scene from “I Love Lucy” with cast members Desi Arnaz, center, Vivian Vance and William Frawley in this undated photo from the 1950s. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” was published on June 3, 2025, and tells the story of the “I Love Lucy” stars life and career from the less-reported point of view of Arnaz. (AP Photo/CBS Photo Archive)Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, seen here in an image from the documentary “Lucy and Desi,” directed by Amy Poehler. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” was published on June 3, 2025, and tells the story of the “I Love Lucy” stars life and career from the less-reported point of view of Arnaz. (Courtesy of Desilu, too)Show Caption1 of 19Comedian-actress Lucille Ball and her husband, musician-actor Desi Arnaz from the comedy series, “I Love Lucy,” are shown here in an undated photographer. Writer Todd S. Purdum’s new book, “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” examines the life and career of Arnaz whose contributions to the show and TV in general have often been underappreciated. (Associated Press photo)Expand

And it’s Lucy whose voice and visage come first to mind when “I Love Lucy,” which played in reruns for decades after it ended, is remembered today.

For good reason, too. Ball was a brilliant comedian, her timing impeccable, her pratfalls hilarious, her physical comedy perfection. And no matter how frustrated or worked up Lucy might have made Ricky, played by her real-life husband Arnaz, by the end of each episode she was always back in his good graces.

Over the years, Purdum gradually learned more about Arnaz. He read his 1976 memoir, “A Book.” He knew elements of his Cuban origins, his reinvention after immigrating to the United States as a teenager, first as the leader of a Latin dance band, later as an actor, his twin careers by the time he met and married Ball in November 1940.

And Purdum knew that Arnaz had played a significant role in the creation of “I Love Lucy” and the formation of Desilu Productions, which in addition to “I Love Lucy” also made many more TV shows including “The Untouchables,” “Mission: Impossible,” and “Star Trek.”

“Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television” is the book Purdum began to when in 2020 the pandemic upended a career in journalism that included several decades as a New York Times reporter followed by stints at Vanity Fair and the Atlantic.

The book rebalances the history of the relationship of Arnaz and Ball, both on screen and off, giving Arnaz’s side of the story in more depth and detail than earlier biographies. It also explores ways in which Arnaz, through good fortune and a canny business sense, changed the making of television in ways that still influence the industry today.

“It seemed, at a moment when the culture was interested in re-examining the lives of people who might have been overlooked in their day, that he would make an interesting subject,” Purdum says of the decision to take up the story he tells in the book.

“And the more I got to know, the more I was impressed.”

Desi discovers TV

In many ways, “I Love Lucy” sprang from the desires of Ball and Arnaz to have more time together by collaborating on something with the stability of an ongoing TV show.

Given the success that “I Love Lucy” later found, it might have seemed a small thing to contact the right people, cast the show, and get it on the air.

It was, in fact, anything but simple.

The first hurdle, as Purdum writes, was a fear that audiences would not welcome an interracial couple or Arnaz’s accented English into their homes every week.

“One thing I found interesting about Desi was he didn’t take the first ‘no’ as the definitive answer,” Purdum says. “So if CBS said, ‘No, we don’t want this,’ he kept going.”

Arnaz organized a cross-country comedy tour for him and Ball as a kind of proof of concept for the TV show they wanted to make, Purdum says. “Taking the vaudeville tour to do an end-run around them and prove that the audience would accept it, that’s a pretty clever move.”

The network and ad execs who held the purse strings also initially insisted that Arnaz and Ball make the show in New York City, like nearly every other TV show at the time.

There was no easy way to broadcast a show across the continent as television and the 1950s began, so programs aired live from New York in the Eastern and Central time zones, where the majority of the population then lived, with copies later broadcast to the less-populated western states.

Arnaz and his team proposed something entirely different for “I Love Lucy.” They would shoot it live in Hollywood with three film cameras simultaneously capturing the action on the set. It would quickly be edited and then provided a few days later to air in the entire country in the crisp black-and-white of 35 millimeter film.

“He didn’t do it by himself, but he’s leading the charge that filmed the show with the three-camera system and synchronization,” Purdum says of what remains a standard way of shooting sitcoms today.

“This led to filming becoming the norm,” he says. “I mean, live television still persisted for news and special events, but quickly other people, especially for half-hour sitcoms, wanted to film television programs.

“And that led to the transfer of the center of the business from New York to L.A.”

Value in the vault

The original contract to make “I Love Lucy” also granted Arnaz full ownership of the episodes after they aired. At the time, the networks didn’t see any value in a show past its original broadcast. The idea of reruns or syndication didn’t exist and even Arnaz wasn’t sure what he’d be able to do with the filmed episodes.

“He acknowledged that he didn’t quite know,” Purdum says. “There’s some suggestion that he thought they could maybe be valuable for foreign sales. But he’s the first to acknowledge that he had a lot of bravado for pretending he knew what this would amount to.”

A kind of instinct was there from the start, he says of Arnaz’s ability to sense what television might become.

“There’s a quote he gave to Earl Wilson, the Broadway columnist, in 1958, about how someday you’ll have a TV as big as your wall, as big as your house,” Purdum says. “So there was a part of him that clearly was visionary. He was also the beneficiary of, I don’t say dumb luck, but informed luck.

“One of the lines I love in E.B. White’s essay ‘Here Is New York,’ about people who come to New York from other places, is ‘No one should come to New York to live unless he is willing to be lucky,’” Purdum says..

“I think there was a part of Desi that was willing to be lucky. He made his own luck.”

A great love affair

“I Love Lucy” ended in the spring of 1957. The marriage of Arnaz and Ball ended in divorce three years later.

The couple had experienced success beyond their dreams with the show. Their Desilu Productions studio was booming. They had two young children, Lucie and Desi Jr., whom they adored.

But the grind of making a weekly TV show combined with Arnaz’s heavy drinking and constant infidelity, and the almost daily clamor of the couple’s battles, finally took its toll on a relationship their friends had always considered one of “great love affairs of all time,” Purdum says.

“They never stopped loving each other,” he says. “They couldn’t be together. They had a great deal of capacity to hurt each other, it seems to me, but they never stopped having this essential connection.”

Years earlier in their relationship, it was easy to see how much they were in love, Purdum says.

“You can see on the show, their obvious attraction to each other, their obvious chemistry,” he says. “It’s pretty palpable.

“Clearly, there was just a sheer animal magnetism, a physical attraction that must have been very real,” he says. “It’s always been remarked that Lucy was the rare female comedian who was absolutely radiant. She had been a showgirl at times.

“And Desi, the pictures of him as a young man, before age and alcohol took their toll, he was devastatingly handsome.”

The couple may have also been drawn together by early traumas each experienced as children. Arnaz’s family fled Cuba after a change in the government and had to restart their lives from scratch in the United States.

“Lucy also had what I think you could call unprocessed childhood trauma,” Purdum says. “Her father died before she was 3. She shunted around to different relatives.”

Both also became responsible, financially and otherwise, for their mothers, he adds.

“On some level, that was something that caused tension, but it also must have drawn them together,” Purdum says. “Because they felt a mutual obligation to be the breadwinners and caregivers for their extended family.”

In some ways, the paradox of “I Love Lucy” was that the show Arnaz and Ball created to save their marriage contributed to the opposite outcome, he adds.

“It didn’t single-handedly break up their marriage, but it helped create the stresses and tensions,” Purdum says. “And the 24-7 working together, that probably only exacerbated the tensions, and in the end was part of what drove them apart.”

The industry leaves Desi

In the years that followed, as “I Love Lucy” became ubiquitous in reruns everywhere, Arnaz’s fortunes slowly declined as Ball’s held steady with several Desi-less spinoffs and reboots of the show that made her a superstar.

Arnaz eventually sold his share of Desilu Productions to Ball and struck out to create his own shows as an independent producer. “The Mother-In-Laws” was a modest success. A sitcom with Carol Channing never got off the ground.

“Bernie Weitzman, a Desilu executive, said [Arnaz] didn’t leave the industry, the industry left him,” Purdum says. “Because he was what they call in the insurance business an assigned risk, a bad risk.”

Alcoholism, the absence of Ball as his creative partner, and the under-recognition of all of his innovations in the television industry further contributed to the decline of Arnaz as a Hollywood player.

“The people who had dealt with him intimately knew the role he was playing,” Purdum says. “But the broader industry probably tended to typecast him as just a funny, accented second banana. There was a gulf between the people who really knew the role he played and the people who were too willing to assume that he was just an appendage to Lucy.”

Looking Back: Kicking off the ‘Summer of Love’ in Monterey

Horoscopes June 13, 2025: Kat Dennings, take pride in what you do

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kat Dennings, 39; Chris Evans, 44; Tim Allen, 72; Stellan Skarsgård, 74.

Happy Birthday: Take pride in what you do. Trust your instincts and take the path that makes the most sense and brings you peace of mind. Focus on saving, investing and caring for your body, mind and soul. Opportunities will be plentiful if you handle and manage your affairs with long-term objectives. Set yourself up for success. Restructure your qualifications and skills to meet demands. Engage in doing, not dreaming. Your numbers are 7, 12, 20, 28, 31, 36, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Venture out, discover what’s new and exciting and put your energy into building friendships with people heading in a similar direction. Keep an open mind, but don’t lose sight of your endgame. You’ll gain acceptance and support using charm and intelligence instead of pressure and demands. Communicate, share intentions and forge ahead. 2 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Presentation is everything when you want others to do things for you. An enthusiastic and entertaining approach to getting ahead comes from doing your homework, upgrading your skills and qualifications and heading in a direction you feel passionate about. Combining thought with action will bring you to the winner’s circle. 5 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Review the possibilities and move forward one step at a time. Enjoy each moment instead of blasting your way through, forgetting what life’s all about. It’s time to breathe, smell the flowers and be grateful for what you have. Consider your options and choose to nurture and protect, not dismantle and regret. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep the momentum growing. The moment you slow down or give someone the chance to step in and take over, you’ll have regrets. Opportunity requires action if you wish to be a forerunner in your field. Don’t be afraid to take an assertive approach to whatever you do. It’s OK to stand out. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Be careful: Too much, too soon will be costly. Put a halt on your plans until you have all your ducks in a row. Precision, timing and execution are essential to fulfilling your destiny. Don’t rely on others or cheat on your homework. Live up to your expectations and honor your commitments. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A shift in thinking and how you handle financial and medical affairs is necessary. Get out into the mainstream and discover what’s meaningful to the masses. That’s where you’ll find your safe place and the best route forward. Knowing what’s necessary and what’s fruitless will save you time and money. 5 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): First and foremost, be honest with yourself. Keep your situation in perspective. Refuse to let laziness or “poor me” syndrome set in when your creativity, charm and confidence will carry much more weight when you want something. Make commitments you can keep and finish what you start. 2 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Are you kidding? Do you want to bulldoze your way forward or intellectually win the popular vote and enlist the best of the best to help you make your voice heard and complete your mission? Think big, but fine-tune your game plan to fit your budget, time and available help and skills. 4 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Look for something that moves you. Walk away from annoyances and toward those showing interest in what you want to pursue. Socialize, network and formulate a group that can escalate your dreams and benefits alongside you. Taking on too much or acting too evasive will threaten your home life. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Get out, venture into the mainstream and get a better view of trends. Attend conferences, networking functions and exhibits where you can display and share your thoughts and skills. Whether you are trying to bring about positive personal or professional changes, it’s up to you to make them happen. Romance is favored. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Defuse your emotions before they get you in trouble. Applying pressure will make you look bad, not compel the stubborn person you are trying to convert to thinking your way. Take an approach that offers insight into the desired results. Unique incentives will motivate your audience. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Uncertainty will hold you back. Approach someone who can offer a financial perspective regarding your plans, and you’ll gain insight into your aspirations’ affordability. Time is on your side, so don’t feel pressured. Relax and enjoy the company of friends and family, and the banter with loved ones will help clear your head. 4 stars

Birthday Baby: You are pioneering, aggressive and charismatic. You are fickle and compelling.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes.2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others.3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals.4 stars: Aim high; start new projects.5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

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Israeli strikes on Iran lead to new test of Trump’s ability to deliver on ‘America first’ agenda

By AAMER MADHANI, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Just hours before Israel launched strikes on Iran early Friday, President Donald Trump was still holding onto tattered threads of hope that a long-simmering dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program could be resolved without military action.

But with the Israeli military operation called “Rising Lion” now underway — something Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says will go on for “as many days as it takes” — Trump will be tested anew on his ability to make good on a campaign promise to disentangle the U.S. from foreign conflicts.

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“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” Trump said in a Friday morning social media post. “I told them, in the strongest of words, to ‘just do it,’ but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn’t get it done.”

The administration’s first reaction to the Israeli assault came not from Trump, but from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is doubling as Trump’s national security adviser. He sought to make clear that the U.S. was “not involved” and that the Republican administration’s central concern was protecting U.S. forces in the region.

“Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense,” Rubio said in a statement. “President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”

As Israel stepped up planning for strikes in recent weeks, however, Iran, had signaled that the United States would be held responsible in the event of an Israeli attack. The warning was issued by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi even as he engaged in talks with Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.

On Thursday, just hours before the strikes, Trump made the case that there was still time for diplomacy — but it was running out. The White House had even planned to dispatch Witkoff to Oman on Sunday for the next round of talks with Araghchi. It wasn’t immediately clear how the strikes would affect plans for those discussions.

But Trump on Friday urged Iran to make a nuclear deal “before there is nothing left and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire.”

“No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” Trump added.

Trump is set to meet with his National Security Council in the Situation Room on Friday to discuss the tricky path ahead.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., offered rare words of Democratic praise for the Trump administration after the attack “for prioritizing diplomacy” and “refraining from participating” in the military strikes. But he also expressed deep concern about what the Israeli strikes could mean for U.S. personnel in the region.

Iranian officials made clear that they intended to retaliate with decisive action after the Israeli strikes targeted Iran’s main enrichment facility in Natanz and the country’s ballistic missile program, as well as top nuclear scientists and officials.

“I cannot understand why Israel would launch a preemptive strike at this juncture, knowing high level diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran are scheduled for this weekend,” Kaine said.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said the U.S. Senate “stands ready to work with President Trump and with our allies in Israel to restore peace in the region and, first and foremost, to defend the American people from Iranian aggression, especially our troops and civilians serving overseas.”

Trump in the hours before the attack still appeared hopeful that there would be more time for diplomacy.

The president, in an exchange with reporters, again urged Iran to negotiate a deal. He warned that a “massive conflict” could occur in the Middle East without it.

He later took to social media to emphasize that his “entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran.”

As long as there was a chance for an agreement, Trump said of Israel, “I don’t want them going in because I think it would blow it.”

But it was clear to the administration that Israel was edging toward taking military action against Iran. The State Department on Wednesday directed a voluntary evacuation of nonessential personnel and their families from some U.S. diplomatic outposts in the Middle East.

“I don’t want to be the one that didn’t give any warning, and missiles are flying into their buildings. It’s possible. So I had to do it,” Trump explained.

Before Israel launched the strikes, some of Trump’s strongest supporters were raising concerns about what another expansive conflict in the Mideast could mean for the Republican president who ran on a promise to quickly end the brutal wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

Trump has struggled to find an endgame to either of those conflicts and to make good on two of his biggest foreign policy campaign promises.

And after criticizing President Joe Biden during last year’s campaign for preventing Israel from carrying out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Trump found himself making the case to the Israelis to give diplomacy a chance.

The push by the Trump administration to persuade Tehran to give up its nuclear program came after the U.S. and other world powers in 2015 reached a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

But Trump unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the Obama-administration brokered agreement in 2018, calling it the “worst deal ever.”

The way forward is even more clouded now.

“No issue currently divides the right as much as foreign policy,” Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and an ally of the Trump White House, posted on X Thursday. “I’m very concerned based on (everything) I’ve seen in the grassroots the last few months that this will cause a massive schism in MAGA and potentially disrupt our momentum and our insanely successful Presidency.”

Jack Posobiec, another prominent Trump supporter, warned a “direct strike on Iran right now would disastrously split the Trump coalition.”

“Trump smartly ran against starting new wars, this is what the swing states voted for — the midterms are not far and Congress’ majority is already razor-thin,” Posobiec added in a posting on X.

Rosemary Kelanic, director of the Middle East program at Defense Priorities, said the job ahead for Trump and his team is to protect U.S. forces who are highly vulnerable to Iranian retaliation.

“Israel’s strike on Iran must not become the United States’ war,” Kelanic said. “The U.S. public overwhelmingly opposes another military engagement in the Middle East for good reason — an open-ended military campaign in Iran would risk repeating the catastrophic mistakes of the 2003 war in Iraq, which inadvertently strengthened Tehran’s influence there.”

AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed reporting.