Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 118

CCS baseball/softball: Monterey, Stevenson, King City advance to finals

MONTEREY — Playing its best baseball couldn’t be coming at a better time for a program that two weeks ago seemed like it would be turning in uniforms rather than making plans for the postseason.

The struggles that Monterey endured in the Gabilan Division are paying dividends in the playoffs as it is headed to the Central Coast Section Division V finals.

“We play in a tough division in the regular season,” Monterey coach Michael Groves said. “But it’s also a test. You learn how to lose and learn how to win. None of it’s easy. So I think we’re battle-tested.”

Using a gem on the mound from Luke Miramontes, the Toreadores have put together their longest winning streak of the season after Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Harbor in the CCS Division V semifinals at Sollecito Park.

“It’s an opportunity to seize the moment,” Groves said. “There are days when we’re starting three freshmen and three sophomores. It’s been teaching on the job. It’s just teaching all the time.”

In two playoff games, Monterey has outscored two opponents 10-3. It will chase its second section title in four years on Thursday when it faces top seed Menlo — who beat Piedmont Hills — at Excite Park in San Jose.

“We didn’t think we’d make the playoffs,” Groves said. “We’ve been in a lot of close games. We just kept trying to find those pieces. We kind of finally started hitting our stride at the end of the regular season.”

Miramontes took a no-hitter into the fourth inning against Harbor, relying on a trio of pitches to tame their bats, finishing with nine strikeouts in the rout going effort.

While the Toreadores managed just three hits, it manufactured runs on the base paths and played flawless defense in the field in support of Miramontes.

“We try and get our free passes when we can,” Groves said. “We try and move guys over. What we didn’t do earlier in the season is get the key hit when we had guys in scoring position. We’re starting to put the ball in play. No big swings. Just short swings.”

Miramontes, who is one of the few seniors on the roster, helped himself at the plate with a fielder’s choice RBI in the fourth inning to stake Monterey (12-17) to a 4-0 lead.

Holding a 1-0 lead on a Johnny Money RBI ground out, the Toreadores struck for a pair in the third when Gino Grammatico laced a two-run double.

Division VI

Stevenson 12, Sobrato 8: Over the last three years, the Pirates have brought home a league and section championship. What it hasn’t achieved is both in the same season.

The Mission Division champions put themselves in a position to raise two banners in the same season after knocking off Sobrato of Morgan Hill in the Division VI semifinals at Sollecito Park.

“We have fought through so much adversity during the year,” Stevenson coach Nick Wilcox said. “Their resilience all year showed up tonight. There is so much team chemistry. I think it’s helped us win a lot of games. It’s infectious.”

The top-seeded Pirates (18-8) will face No. 2 seed South San Francisco — 6-3 winners over Fremont — on Thursday at Excite Park in San Jose at a time yet to be determined.

The Warriors (23-5) won the Peninsula Lake League title, and are 18-1 over the last 19 games, including a 9-3 win over Cypress Division champion North Salinas last Saturday.

“I don’t know much about them,” said Wilcox, who took the Pirates to the programs first ever CCS title in 2023. “They probably don’t know much about us. But it will be fun.”

Stevenson is 8-2 in its last 10 games, with the two setbacks coming from teams still alive in the section playoffs in their respective divisions.

Gradation has already put a dent into the Pirates after they lost one of their starting pitchers for the duration of the playoffs because of a planned senior trip.

“We have a lot of guys that can throw,” Wilcox said. “We’ll try and come up with a game plan. It could be a bullpen game. It will be a race to 21 outs.”

With the add of a seven-run second inning on a pair of runs batted in from Phinn Thomas and Alex Wang, the Pirates built a 9-4 lead, increasing it to 12-4 after three innings.

“When we gave up four runs in the second, no one panicked,” Wilcox said. “We went out and scored seven in the bottom of the inning. These kids believe in themselves. As a team, we’ve worked so hard to get to this point.”

Thomas, who hurled five plus innings, also doubled home a run in the first inning, finishing with three hits, while aggressive base running enabled JJ Hall, Henry Blaxter and Tono Borgomini to pick up run-scoring singles.

“We’re getting great secondary leads on the base paths,” Wilcox said. “We’re getting such good jumps off the bat, that we’re getting to where we need to get to. We’re picking up that extra base.”

Softball

Division V

King City 16, Independence 0: The Mustangs are headed to the program’s first ever section divisional title game, knocking off top seed Independence of San Jose in five innings in the Division V semifinals at Hollister.

In two postseason games, King City has outscored the opposition 25-3. It will face the Soledad-South San Francisco winner on Saturday at a site to be determined.

Alizah Carrillo tossed a two-hitter in the circle for her second shutout of the season, striking out six for King City, who improved to 17-11 overall.

Janesa Lopez collected three hits and four RBI for King City, a member of the Mission Division, while Avery Munoz, Jocelyn Romero and Amity Hearne all had a pair. Raylie Moore doubled home two runs.

Best one-piece swimsuits

What are the best one-piece swimsuits?

If you’re looking for versatile swimwear that’s just as well-suited to a day at the beach as laps in the pool, you might be considering a one-piece swimsuit. Many people feel more comfortable in a one-piece than in bathing suits that show off more skin, plus they look relaxed and timeless.

What to consider when buying women’s one-piece swimsuitsStyle

A classic one-piece swimsuit with a tank-style top and a bikini cut bottom is known as a maillot, though this term is rarely used. The maillot is the most common style of one-piece swimsuit, though others are available.

You can find styles with short-cut or skirt bottoms and styles with high necks and sleeves. Specific offerings are usually listed as women’s one-piece swimsuits, but people of any gender can wear one-piece swimsuits if they want to. Some styles are more deliberately gender-neutral.

Size

It’s essential to get the sizing right when purchasing a swimsuit to ensure a proper fit. In most cases, you can simply select your usual dress size and get a good fit, but some swimsuits can run large or small, so it’s best to check the sizing chart before buying.

Unfortunately, many manufacturers only make their swimwear up to a size 18, which is frustrating for those who wear larger sizes. However, some companies offer more inclusive sizing, and there are plenty of great plus size brands.

Neckline

You can find one-piece swimsuits with a range of different necklines, so you should be able to find one you love. Some have reasonably conservative tank-style necklines, others have low scoop or plunge necks, and others sit above the collar bones.

What to look for in a quality one-piece swimsuitColor choices

It’s nice when a swimsuit is available in a range of color choices, so you can pick the color or print you like most without sacrificing the style. A black one-piece swimsuit is a classic choice that will never go out of fashion, but some people prefer brighter colors or bold prints.

Elastane content

Swimsuits typically use a blend of nylon and Lycra or elastane. They must contain enough elastane to maintain their shape but not so much that they feel uncomfortably tight. An elastane or Lycra content of around 20% seems to be the sweet spot.

How much you can expect to spend on a one-piece swimsuit

Essential one-piece swimsuits start at around $20, while designer bathing suits can cost $400 or more. You shouldn’t need to spend more than $100 on a one-piece swimsuit that isn’t from a designer brand.

One-piece swimsuit FAQAre one-piece swimsuits fashionable?

A. Some people worry that one-piece swimsuits appear unfashionable or dated. The fact is that many people prefer one-piece swimsuits, and they can be extremely stylish. When choosing a swimsuit, we’d recommend buying something you like the look of and feel comfortable wearing, rather than worrying about what’s in vogue. What’s fashionable is constantly changing, whereas a simple, classic one-piece swimsuit will never go out of style.

Can you machine wash a one-piece swimsuit?

A. Some one-piece swimsuits are machine washable, but the majority are hand wash only. The heat from washing machines and harsh substances in some laundry detergents can cause bathing suits to fade and sag. Even those listed as safe for machine washing are better hand-washed. That said, if you’re extremely pressed for time and want to wash your swimsuit in a washing machine, do so on the lowest temperature setting with a gentle detergent and air dry it.

What’s the best one-piece swimsuit to buy?Top one-piece swimsuit

SUMMERSALT The Sidestroke One Piece Swimsuit

What you need to know: This viral one-piece swimsuit was called “the unicorn of swimsuits” on The Today Show.

What you’ll love: It’s comfortable and flattering on any body type. The stylish one-shoulder, front-lined design provides just the right amount of compression and support without needing padding or cups. It’s also made from 78% recycled polyamide.

What you should consider: Some people were not happy that it didn’t have cups or padding.

Top one-piece swimsuit for the money

Women’s Lands’ End Tugless Sporty Chlorine Resistant One-Piece Swimsuit

What you need to know: This is great for buyers looking for a high-quality swimsuit that’s affordably priced.

What you’ll love: It’s available in a wide range of colors, has a built-in shelf bra for chest support and UPF 50 sun protection.

What you should consider: It can fade over time.

Worth checking out

Dolfin Color Block Aquatard Swimsuit

What you need to know: With short-style legs, this is a practical, contemporary swimsuit.

What you’ll love: It’s highly durable, stands up well to regular use without stretching or fading, is fully lined with a shelf bra for chest support and has a scoop back design.

What you should consider: Pay attention to chest size in the sizing chart, as some buyers find it too small on the chest and others too large.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

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Bob Melvin ejected, Logan Webb hit around in SF Giants’ loss to Tigers

Their ace put them in an early hole, their manager got tossed in the fifth inning, and the Giants lost to the American League-leading Tigers for the second game in a row.

Logan Webb allowed Detroit (36-20) to plate runs in each of the first three innings Tuesday at Comerica Park, and that was more than enough as the Giants’ bats stayed silent in a 3-1 loss.

It required an RBI double from Wilmer Flores in the ninth inning for the Giants (31-24) to avoid being shut out for the second time in five games on this road trip. They need to win Wednesday to avoid being swept in a series of three or more games for only the second time this season.

The team’s frustrations boiled over at the beginning of the bottom of the fifth when home plate umpire Tony Randazzo ejected Bob Melvin for arguing balls and strikes. Questionable calls had gone against the Giants in the top half of the inning and in the Tigers’ first at-bat of the bottom half.

Webb rebounded to complete six innings and struck out 10 batters, but allowed the Giants to fall behind early for his second consecutive start.

Until a week ago, only the Mets’ Kodai Senga had allowed fewer home runs than Webb among qualified starters. He surrendered two in his first 10 starts with a 2.42 ERA. But opponents have taken him deep in each of his past two starts as he allowed nine runs (six earned) on 17 hits in 10 innings, raising his ERA to 2.82.

The Giants lost both games, the first time they have lost consecutive starts of Webb’s all season, dropping their record behind their ace to an even 6-6.

When things have gone south for Webb, it has often happened early. Of the 27 runs scored against him this season, 19 have come in the first three innings. The Royals got to him in each of the first two innings in his last start, and the Tigers followed the same pattern on Tuesday.

Riley Greene ripped a 114.5 mph double that scooted away from Mike Yastrzemski in right field, allowing Gleyber Torres to race home and open a 1-0 lead in the first.

Webb fell behind Wenceel Pérez — activated from the 60-day injured list before first pitch — and allowed him to line a 2-0 sinker over the right field wall in his very first at-bat of the season, extending the lead to 2-0 in the second.

Yastrzemski ran into more problems in the third when the leadoff hitter sent a line drive into the right field corner. He gave chase as the ball ricocheted off the wall and around the warning as Colt Keith cruised into third for a leadoff triple.

Greene, the next batter, collected his second RBI in as many at-bats, sending the first pitch over the head of the infielders playing in on the cut of the grass to make it 3-0. He finished 3-for-4, adding another double for the Tigers’ seventh and final hit off Webb in the fifth.

Despite taking the loss, Webb finished strong by retiring 11 of the final 13 batters he faced and successfully pleaded his case to go back out for the sixth inning, allowing him to record his eighth quality start of the season and reach double-digit strikeouts for the third time.

Willy Adames snapped a 0-for-12 streak at the plate with a single up the middle to lead off the second, and Flores came a benevolent gust of wind away from a two-run home run in the first. Still, the Giants struggled to manufacture much of anything offensively against Jack Flaherty.

From Adames’ single until Flaherty exited the game after six innings, they went hitless in their next 14 at-bats. The struggling shortstop also broke the drought with a single off Chase Lee in the seventh inning, his first multihit game since May 16, raising his average to .211.

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Flores got the Giants on the board against Tigers closer Will Vest in the ninth. Heliot Ramos worked a two-strike single to lead off the inning, and Flores doubled him home for his 44th RBI of the season, fifth-most in MLB, but the next three San Francisco batters went down in order with him standing on second base.

The loss dropped the Giants to 2-3 on the road trip, scoring three or fewer runs in all but one game. They haven’t scored more than four since a 9-1 win over the A’s on May 16, batting .186 as a team over that span, the lowest mark in the majors.

Notable

RHP Justin Verlander (right pec strain) threw a bullpen session Tuesday in Detroit and is scheduled to throw another later this week. … IF/OF Jerar Encarnacion (left hand fracture) is nearing his season debut as he began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Sacramento.

Up next

RHP Landen Roupp (3-3, 3.63) will look to build on back-to-back starts of six shutout innings against RHP Jackson Jobe (4-1, 4.06) as the Giants try to avoid being swept in the series finale (10:10 a.m. PT). They have played 16 series of three or more games and been swept just once so far this season, their last time visiting an AL Central foe, from May 9-11 against the Minnesota Twins. They’re off Thursday before wrapping up the trip in Miami.

High School golf: Stevenson recovers to advance to state championships

EL CERRITO — Rust was expected. So was the unexpected. Practice can’t replicate competition. On the heels of its best and most powerful performance as a team on the links, Stevenson was in a holding pattern for two weeks.

“The two weeks off was the longest stretch we’ve had without competition,” Stevenson golf coach Justin Bates said. “It was enough to take off the edge of their game.”

And it showed over the first nine holes. Add a foreign course, cramming for finals, and graduation, and fatigue was a factor as well for the state-ranked Pirates.

“I think all of it plays a factor,” Bates said. “Three of our players graduated over the weekend. There was a lot on their plates besides golf. These kids are exhausted.”

Yet, Bates’ program is accustomed to pressure and expectations. Rebounding on the back nine, the Pirates regrouped, going from seventh to second to advance to the state championships Tuesday at the Northern California finals at Berkeley Country Club.

“It’s a true testament to our team,” senior Luke Brandler said. “We’re not just going to quit. The stage we were playing on is nothing new. It’s a very contagious thing to have a positive attitude.”

The Pirates, who shot 13 strokes under par two weeks ago in winning the Central Coast Section title, finished two strokes behind De La Salle to advance to the state tournament, slated for next Tuesday at Poppy Hills in Pebble Beach.

“The boys are really happy,” Bates said. “Exhausted, but happy. The front nine was about as bad of a start as you could have asked for. No one started well. At one point, I was thinking how am I going to say goodbye to these seniors?”

Unlike other sports, once players tee off, coaches are mostly regulated to spectators, unable to have a dialogue with their players on the greens, especially with six players spread throughout 18 holes.

“They’re out there doing their own thing,” Bates said. “The only thing I can do is put them in the right mindset before they tee off. Maybe I did not do a good job of that. But I’m proud of how they kept grinding.”

Having spent the last three matches at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch, where Stevenson won its 14th straight Gabilan Division title and third straight CCS crown, players were not allowed to practice at Berkeley Country Club because it’s a private course.

“They don’t even let you play the course for practice rounds,” Bates said. “For a couple of the boys, it was the first time they had seen it. It’s a terrifying course. It was very windy. It’s a mental grind.”

No longer on the friendly confines of Laguna Seca, the mental fortitude of the Pirates was challenged. Sitting in seventh after the first nine holes, no one panicked.

“I think a lot of different factors added up to it,” said Brandler, who is bound for Princeton. “The front nine is trickier. Maybe there was a little rust in there. Maybe we didn’t get our feet set.”

Each time Bates refreshed his phone and checked the leaderboard, Stevenson was climbing into contention. Drives began to find the greens instead of the rough. Wedge shots were working and the putting improved.

“We were able to see each other between the holes,” Brandler said. “I saw a couple of teammates around holes 6 and 7. We had all gotten off to bad starts. I reminded them that every shot counts. There are so many holes to bounce back.”

Anchored by Brandler, the Gabilan Division MVP, who shot 2-under, the Pirates climbed five spots over the final nine holes, coming within a pair of putts of catching De La Salle.

Brandler’s performance — third overall — over the second nine seemed to get contagious as fellow senior Steven Lai fired 1-over, while freshman Zachary Hawkins was 2-over.

“It’s weird how team momentum can work,” Brandler said.

Despite the poor start, Stevenson actually shot better as a team than it did last year when it won the Northern California team title.

“We were talking about it on the van ride home,” Brandler said. “The fact that we had a poor front nine and were able to come back, we’ve got a little momentum. We’re feeling better than last year.”

The Pirates were all within six strokes of each other, as Calvin Etcheverry carded a 75, followed by Marc Gabriel Sasetia (76) and Jonshveer Chadha (77).

“We can build off of how we did today,” Brandler said. “We’ll get a practice round in on Monday. “It is (state) not something we are taking lightly.”

Advancing as an individual included Julien Cho, who carded a 2-under to finish in a tie for third overall — the third Carmel golfer in the last three years to advance to the state tournament.

“Overall, I was pretty steady,” Cho said. “It allowed me to play better on the back nine. Gusts were blowing. But the greens were slow. I was able to be aggressive with my putts.”

Earning a spot in the Northern California tournament after shooting seven strokes better at the CCS finals than he did the previous week at the regionals, Cho brought confidence into the match, birding the first hole.

“I was missing some up and downs on the front nine,” Cho said. “But I felt confident out there. Poppy Hills is a course that I play at least once a month. Making it to state as a junior is exciting — perhaps even more so for next year when I’m a senior.”

US stops scheduling visa interviews for foreign students while it expands social media vetting

By MATTHEW LEE and ANNIE MA, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department has halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for foreign students hoping to study in the U.S. while it prepares to expand the screening of their activity on social media, officials said.

A U.S. official said Tuesday the suspension is intended to be temporary and does not apply to applicants who already had scheduled their visa interviews. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an internal administration document.

A cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and obtained by The Associated Press says the State Department plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting.

“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consulate sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity” until the guidance is issued, the cable says.

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Asked about the suspension at a briefing Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the U.S. uses every available resource to vet people applying for visas.

“We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that’s coming here, whether they are students or otherwise,” Bruce said.

The move, first reported by Politico, is the latest in the Trump administration’s crackdown on international students.

Last week, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, removing the college from the program that allows schools to sponsor foreign students for visas. That effort was quickly challenged in court and for now is blocked by a federal judge.

This spring the administration also revoked the legal status of thousands of international students already in the country, leading some to leave the U.S. out of fear of deportation. After many students filed successful legal challenges, the administration said it was restoring the students’ legal status. But the government also expanded the grounds for terminating international students’ legal status going forward.

President Donald Trump’s previous administration stepped up scrutiny of all visa applicants, introducing reviews of their social media accounts. The policy remained during President Joe Biden’s administration.

An extended pause in scheduling student visas could lead to delays that may disrupt college, boarding-school or exchange students’ plans to enroll in summer and fall terms.

A downturn in enrollment of international students could hurt university budgets. To make up for cuts in federal research funding, some colleges shifted to enrolling more international students, who often pay full tuition.

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Monterey Council tables rainbow crosswalk proposal for next meeting

MONTEREY — A divided Monterey City Council voted 3-1 Friday to continue discussion over a proposal to install a rainbow crosswalk in the city, citing financial, logistical and community considerations. Councilman Ed Smith voted no. Vice Mayor Kim Barber was absent. The item will return for further deliberation at the council’s regular meeting June 3.

During a special council meeting Friday, the proposed crosswalks, intended to signal the city’s commitment to equity and inclusion, sparked a lot of public interest. According to city staff, 57 public emails were submitted in support of the project, and 50 were against. That trend was reflected in the public comment portion of the meeting, which drew in more than 25 public comments in-person and a dozen more on Zoom.

City staff outlined the financial scope of the project, estimating a cost of $2,000 to $15,000 per intersection, depending on design and location. Maintenance costs are expected to be higher than traditional crosswalks, especially on concrete. A recent decorative crosswalk on Wave Street had a three- to five-year lifespan.

Proposed locations include intersections near Lighthouse Avenue and Reeside Avenue, Alvarado and Pearl Streets, and Pacific and Madison Streets — areas frequently visited by students, residents and tourists.

Mayor Tyller Williamson, who is Monterey’s first openly gay elected official, said he approved of the proposal not only because of personal experiences with not feeling included, but because of how much it would mean to the next generation of people who came to Monterey.

“This is the most engagement I’ve seen since taking public office,” he said, growing emotional as he recalled his own experiences. “When I was still in school, I was closeted. If I had something like this in my city, it would’ve made a world of difference.”

Williamson emphasized that the crosswalks are not about art or decoration but safety and visibility, aligning with the city’s stated values of equity and inclusion.

“This is about people seeing themselves reflected in their own city,” Williamson said.

Public comments were divided, with many coming to support the proposal, sharing personal anecdotes and their experiences seeing rainbow crosswalks in other cities. While others were against the crosswalk for both financial reasons and religious beliefs.

One commenter, a volunteer with Monterey Pride, said the project would be “worth every penny,” noting, “You can’t put a price on inclusion.”

Those in opposition questioned the use of public property for what they saw as ideological expression. Smith pushed back on the idea, saying public infrastructure should be neutral and other ways could be used to show off Monterey’s inclusivity.

“What about citizens of faith who don’t want city streets to promote any particular group?” Smith said, adding that he did not like the timing of the agenda item and believed it caught the public off guard.

Councilwoman Jean Rasch agreed with Smith, citing visibility issues and possible safety concerns.

“I wonder if the transportation triangle wouldn’t be the perfect place to celebrate diversity,” Rasch said. “I’m just worried about the safety of doing this expression in the streets I find when I drive everything’s distracting.”

The council ultimately decided to revisit the issue June 3, with a full quorum.

No formal designs have been selected, and city officials reiterated that the intent is not to promote engagement with the crosswalks, but rather to provide a visible symbol of inclusivity and support.

Trump set to pardon reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley of fraud and tax evasion convictions

By WILL WEISSERT Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he’s planning to pardon TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, famous for “Chrisley Knows Best,” a reality show that followed their tight-knit family and extravagant lifestyle.

The Chrisleys were convicted in 2022 of conspiring to defraud banks in the Atlanta area out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans by submitting false documents. They were also found guilty of tax evasion by hiding their earnings while showcasing a luxurious way of living that prosecutors said included luxury cars, designer clothes, real estate and travel.

The move continues a pattern of Trump pardoning some high-profile friends, supporters, donors and former staffers. The president also recently pardoned Paul Walczak, a Florida health care executive imprisoned on tax charges, whose mother helped expose the contents of a diary kept by Ashley Biden, daughter of former President Joe Biden.

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Todd Chrisley was accused of filing for bankruptcy and walking away from more than $20 million in unpaid loans. Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, and Todd Chrisley got 12 years behind bars. The couple was also ordered to pay $17.8 million in restitution.

“Your parents are going to be free and clean and I hope that we can do it by tomorrow,” Trump said in a call with their daughter Savannah Chrisley, according to a video posted online by a White House aide.

“They’ve been given a pretty harsh treatment based on what I’m hearing,” the president added a few moments later.

A White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity said the pardons would be forthcoming.

The Chrisleys’ attorney, Alex Little, said the pardon “corrects a deep injustice and restores two devoted parents to their family and community.”

“President Trump recognized what we’ve argued from the beginning: Todd and Julie were targeted because of their conservative values and high profile. Their prosecution was tainted by multiple constitutional violations and political bias,” Little said in a statement.

Little’s statement added, “Todd and Julie’s case is exactly why the pardon power exists. Thanks to President Trump, the Chrisley family can now begin healing and rebuilding their lives.”

Before the Chrisleys became reality television stars, they and a former business partner submitted false documents to banks in the Atlanta area to obtain fraudulent loans, prosecutors said during their trial. They accused the couple of spending lavishly, then using new fraudulent loans to pay off old ones.

A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last summer upheld the Chrisleys’ convictions but found a legal error in how the trial judge had calculated Julie Chrisley’s sentence by holding her accountable for the entire bank fraud scheme. The appellate panel sent her case back to the lower court for resentencing.

Savannah Chrisley spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where she talked about her parents’ imprisonment. She said then that they were “persecuted by rogue prosecutors” — echoing Trump’s rhetoric about the criminal justice system as he faced investigations and criminal cases of his own.

She said Trump had been targeted for his politics, and said her parents likewise were targeted because of their conservative beliefs and high profile.

“I’ll never forget what the prosecutors said in the most heavily Democratic county in the state, before an Obama-appointed judge. He called us the ‘Trumps of the South,’” Savannah Chrisley said in her remarks at the convention, adding, “He meant it as an insult but, let me tell you, boy, do I wear it as a badge of honor.”

Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price contributed.

Trump campaign against law firms dealt another setback as judge blocks executive order

By ERIC TUCKER, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s campaign against the legal profession hit another setback Tuesday as a federal judge struck down yet another executive order that sought to sanction one of the country’s most prestigious law firms.

The order in favor of WilmerHale marks the third time this month that a federal judge in Washington has deemed Trump’s series of law firm executive orders to be unconstitutional and has permanently barred their enforcement.

“The cornerstone of the American system of justice is an independent judiciary and an independent bar willing to tackle unpopular cases, however daunting. The Founding Fathers knew this!” wrote U.S. District Judge Richard Leon.

To permit the order to stand, Leon wrote, “would be unfaithful to the judgment and vision of the Founding Fathers.”

The firm applauded the ruling from Leon, an appointee of former Republican President George H.W. Bush.

“The Court’s decision to permanently block the unlawful executive order in its entirety strongly affirms our foundational constitutional rights and those of our clients. We remain proud to defend our firm, our people, and our clients,” a spokesperson for the firm said.

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The ruling was similar to one from Friday by a different judge that rejected a Trump edict against the firm of Jenner & Block and another one from earlier in the month in favor of the firm Perkins Coie.

The firms had all been subjected to Trump executive orders that sought to impose the same set of consequences, including suspending security clearances of attorneys and barring employees from federal buildings. The orders have been part of a broader effort by the president to reshape American civil society by targeting perceived adversaries in hopes of extracting concessions from them and bending them to his will.

Several of the firms singled out for sanctions have either done legal work that Trump has opposed, or currently have or previously had associations with prosecutors who at one point investigated the president.

The order against WilmerHale, for instance, cited the fact that the firm previously employed former Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller, who led an investigation during Trump’s first term into potential ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Other major firms have sought to avert orders by preemptively reaching settlements that require them, among other things, to collectively dedicate hundreds of millions of dollars in free legal services in support of causes the Trump administration says it supports.

Horoscopes May 27, 2025: Shanola Hampton, reach for the stars

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Chris Colfer, 35; Shanola Hampton, 48; Jack McBrayer, 52; Paul Bettany, 54.

Happy Birthday: Reach for the stars. Chat your way to the top. Live, love and learn, and be the one to make a difference. Put your energy where it will do some good, and satisfy your soul. Change begins at home and influences those you care about most. There is much to achieve this year if you stay focused on what’s important to you. Express your thoughts and follow through. Your numbers are 2, 10, 17, 24, 35, 41, 46.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Dream big and do your best to make it a reality. Set a budget, fine-tune your plans and rally support to ensure success. Let your actions speak for you, and your dedication will encourage others to follow your lead. Changing how you handle money will help you save for something you long for. 4 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A change will give you the boost you require to get ahead. Approaching what you do best in a unique manner will grab the spotlight. Don’t be shy; trust your instincts, focus on what matters to you most and put your skills and foresight to the test. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Voice your opinion, take a stance and make a difference. What you learn and pass along throughout your day will be valuable to you and those who receive your message. Opportunity comes when you believe in and promote yourself. Dedicate more time to home, family, health and love. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Review details thoroughly before initiating change. Refuse to let pressure tactics jeopardize or push you into a force play of your reputation, position or cash. Pay attention to investments and legal matters, and question the motives of others. Keep your thoughts to yourself, listen carefully and make sound choices. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Listen, but refrain from letting anyone push you in one direction or another. What you choose to do has to come from the heart. A partnership that isn’t in sync needs to be reevaluated; you will find either common ground or the wherewithal to walk away. Love, romance and self-care are favored. 4 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Deep breath in; exhale. Nothing will be as it appears. Question, dig deep and wade through your findings with scrutiny. What you discover will help you decide what’s best for you. Participating in something for the wrong reason or to please someone else will put you in a vulnerable position. Protect your interests. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Travel, education and communication are worthwhile. Talk to experts and people with shared interests; the feedback will help point you in the right direction. Personal gain, partnerships and turning your passion into a lucrative endeavor are worth looking into. Refuse to let fear stand in your way. Do your due diligence and proceed. 5 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Be careful what you wish for. Aggressive behavior, snap decisions and pressure tactics will send the wrong message. Take your time, observe and let the chips fall where they may. Your strength is your ability to outmaneuver using your intellect, not your brawn. Time is on your side; relax, evaluate and prepare your recourse. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ve got the moves and the stars on your side. Opportunities are apparent if you open your eyes and visualize what you want to achieve. Refuse to sit back when you are best to engage and enthusiastically push forward. Fix up your surroundings, make a move and set a goal that excites you. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may relish change, but it’s best to weigh the pros and cons before you step into something iffy or over budget. Temptation and emotions will steer you in the wrong direction. When doubt kicks in, take a pass. Information you receive may be tainted with bias, ulterior motives or jealousy. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Jump into action and keep the momentum flowing. Push forward and fix up your surroundings. Make changes at home that support family fun and romance or put you in your comfort zone. Pay attention to joint ventures, investments and personal partnerships. Clarity is essential; you’ll tend to overspend and overanalyze situations. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Take a moment to rethink your journey. You’ll receive prompting from someone with an outside interest influencing the input they offer. Don’t hit the reset button until you feel comfortable making a change. When inundated with too much information, you should start fact-checking and deliberating. Focus on your needs, not on another’s stipulations. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are gracious, helpful and intelligent. You are energetic and influential.

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.

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Clipboard: Amaral earns softball triple crown at Notre Dame

Addison Amaral, a Notre Dame High grad,  capped her sophomore softball season by leading the University of Notre Dame in eight different offensive categories.

Moved to shortstop this spring, Amaral won the triple crown for the Fighting Irish, leading them in hitting (.365), homers (9) and runs batted in (43).

Amaral also led Notre Dame in hits (57), doubles (11), runs scored (29), walks (27) and on-base percentage (.463), starting all 55 games this past spring.

A third team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection, Amaral sported a .958 fielding percentage for the Fighting Irish, whose season ended in the ACC Tournament.

The Herald’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2023, Amaral earned all-county honors in softball and volleyball, helping Notre Dame of Salinas to a CCS Division I softball title in 2023.

Salinas area wrestlers shine

Seven local high school wrestlers brought home state titles in their respective weight classes and divisions at the California State Duals.

Wrestling for the Santa Clara Valley Association, high school state meet qualifier and soon to be Alvarez graduate Keira Siason was a champion in Greco Roman at 110 pounds.

Joining her at the top of the podium were Alisal’s Brianna Ochoa (115) and Areli Rodriguez (170), and Salinas’ Olivia Gott (190). The fab four also all placed third in freestyle in their weight classes.

Jason Valencia of North Salinas was a champion in freestyle at 175 pounds, as was Alisal’s Fabian Martienz (285) and Diego Rodriguez (120).

Panziera starts every game

Salinas High grad Marley Panziera was the only member of the UC Davis softball team to start all 51 games this past spring, extending her streak of starts to 57.

The sophomore shortstop hit .248 for the Aggies, with three homers and 15 runs batted in. A third of her hits this past season went for extra bases.

Panziera compiled a .320 on-base percentage with six steals, scoring 15 runs. She also sported a .900 fielding percentage for UC Davis.

A  teammate of Panziera’s is Hollister grad Gia Felice, who hit .270 in 42 starts at third base.

Monterey PONY League softball

The Monterey PONY League Tsunami 12-under softball team completed an undefeated season by winning the CCGS title, going 15-0 this past spring.

The Tsunami defeated Carmel 6-1 in the Central Coast Girls Softball championship game to win the league title for the second straight year.

Members of the team were Alexandra Aliotti, Cadence Hicks, Caterina Montante, Hannah Liu, Isabella Davi-Plascencia, Jade Perry, Khloe Mora, Kierra Phillips, Sadie Mazzei, Sky Ontiveros and Violet Mazzei.

Coaching the team were Gaspare Montante, Prashant Mora and John Mazzei.

Synchronized sensations

Three combinations from the Cypress Swim Club have qualified for the U.S. National Junior Olympic Artistic Championships in Texas.

Taking part in the technical duet routine, sisters Reagan and Scarlet Dotterer finished third in the 15-17 age group at the West Zone Artistic Championships in Walnut Creek.

The Dotterer sisters teamed up with Elena DeCarlo, Elyse DeSalvo and Kathrin Reichstadt to take fourth in the team routine, adding Jannah Noonari in the Youth Combination to place fourth.

DeCarlo also finished fourth in the youth solo routine, with Noonari placing fifth, while the Dotterer sisters were eighth in the Youth Duet.

Johnson-Toney Football Camp

The Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County will showcase the 13th annual Johnson-Toney free football camp.

The camp — boys and girls ages 9-14 — will be staged June 24-27 at the Cal State Monterey Bay soccer fields, with boys and girls ages 15-17 slated for July 22-25 at Rabobank Stadium in Salinas.

Ron Johnson and Anthony Toney, who both played for the Philadelphia Eagles, have been a part of the camp since its inception when it was called the Herm Edwards Football Camp.

The camp is non-contact, mirroring the NFL Play 60 Character Camp. Coaches will teach basic football skills, as well as gratefulness, self-control, loyalty, honor, truthfulness and integrity.

The youth camp is limited to 300 participants, with the high school portion limited to 100 kids. Deadline to register is June 23. Register online at bgcmpc.org

Coaches needed

Carmel is looking for a varsity girls volleyball coach, a varsity boys and girls cross country coach, a JV flag football coach and a JV boys water polo coach. Go to http://carmelunfied.org

Marina is looking for varsity, JV and freshman head coaches this coming fall for girls’ volleyball. Go to edjoin.org

Officials needed

Peninsula Sports Incorporate is looking for high school and middle school officials for all sports this season. Varsity officials are paid $100 a game.

There is an immediate need for officials in the fall for football, flag football, water polo, field hockey and volleyball. Training is provided. Call Tom Emery at (831) 241-1101.