Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 195

Best Sun Joe lawn mower

Which Sun Joe lawn mower is best?

Lawn mowers play a significant role in landscaping and choosing the right one can be challenging. Sun Joe is a well-known brand that produces a variety of lawn mowers. Whether you want a manual, electric or battery-powered mower, Sun Joe has what you need.

What to know before you buy a Sun Joe lawn mowerSun Joe Lawn Mower styleCorded-electric mower: These are often among the most affordable Sun Joe lawn mowers and are relatively powerful. The power ranges from 6.5 to 13.5 amps, but they may have trouble mowing dense lawns. The cord’s length can be a hassle, and you can run over it if you aren’t careful.Cordless mower: These are usually more expensive than corded models, but you don’t have to worry about a cord getting in the way. They’re often less powerful than corded mowers but more powerful than manual ones. The battery can last anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes.Manual mower: These require no power source and are surprisingly efficient. Manual mowers are usually the most affordable and compact. Still, they typically require more effort than corded and cordless mowers.Cut width

The cut width ranges from 11 to 20 inches. Those with a larger width may be more challenging to maneuver, although they’re usually an excellent choice for those with large yards. Sun Joe mowers are lightweight, so even wide ones are easier to operate than gas mowers.

Assembly

Most Sun Joe mowers require assembly. Most include an easy-to-understand manual, although the setup is intuitive, so you may not need it. Many mowers take less than 15 minutes to assemble.

Adjustable cutting height

Adjustable cutting height is essential for those with uneven lawns. Many Sun Joe mowers have between three to six height settings. You can usually adjust the height easily with a lever.

What to look for in a quality Sun Joe lawn mowerClipping disposal

Many include bags that catch and store your clippings. Bags are ideal for overgrown lawns, as the clumps of dead grass other mowers leave behind can kill the grass beneath them. Most bags are detachable, so if you’d prefer to leave the clippings on your lawn, you can spread them across your yard after mowing.

If you prefer not to bag your clippings, Sun Joe also offers rear and side-chute mowers. Leaving your clippings on your lawn leads to healthy, green grass.

Run time

If you opt for a cordless mower, you’ll want one with enough battery life to mow your lawn on a single charge. Inexpensive ones with around 25 to 30 minutes of run time should be enough for small yards. If you have a medium-sized lawn, you may want one with 45 minutes of run time. It may be best to buy a corded electric or manual mower if your yard is large, although manual mowers can be strenuous with big lawns.

Ease of use

Ease of use depends on your personal preferences. Corded electric mowers are ideal for people who don’t want to deal with charging and changing batteries, as having a battery die in the middle of mowing can be frustrating. Still, if you feel that a cord will get in your way, it’s best to buy one that’s battery-powered or manual.

Manual mowers are the hardest to push, although many people like that they provide a light workout. They’re ideal if you don’t like noisy mowers or want to mow early in the morning when your neighbors are asleep.

What you can expect to spend on a Sun Joe mower

Manual mowers usually cost under $120. Corded electric ones cost anywhere from $100-$150. Battery-powered mowers cost $180-$500.

Sun Joe lawn mower FAQWho makes Sun Joe lawn mowers?

A. Sun Joe mowers are made by Snow Joe, a well-known producer of affordable snow blowers.

How long does it take for a Sun Joe lawn mower to charge?

A. Though times can vary, most take three to five hours to charge fully.

Is it OK to leave a lithium-ion battery on the charger?

A. In most cases, it’s perfectly fine to charge a lithium-ion battery overnight. These batteries typically won’t overcharge unless the control system malfunctions.

How do you cut with an electric corded lawn mower?

A. When using a corded mower, it’s best to drape the cord over your shoulder to keep it out of the way of the blades. Start from the point closest to the cord and mow away from it.

What’s the best Sun Joe lawn mower to buy?Top Sun Joe lawn mower for the money

Sun Joe MJ501M Manual Reel Mower

What you need to know: This mower doesn’t require a cord or battery.

What you’ll love: It comes with a 7-gallon detachable bag. It has numerous cutting widths, between 14 to 20 inches. It features five steel blades and four durable wheels. It is nearly silent compared to other mowers.

What you should consider: It can be challenging to use on tall grass and large lawns.

Worth checking out

Sun Joe MJ403E 17-Inch Electric Lawn Mower

What you need to know: This features a large 17-inch cutting path and 12-gallon bag.

What you’ll love: It starts instantly and features all-terrain wheels. It has a seven-position height control and a safety switch. Although it isn’t self-propelled, it’s light enough to push with ease.

What you should consider: Assembly can be tricky compared to other Sun Joe mowers. Most users felt it was easy to maneuver.

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

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Best robotic vacuum

Which robotic vacuum is best?

Robotic vacuums are designed to clean a space as thoroughly as possible. Once you activate a robotic vacuum, it starts cleaning instantly. After the robotic vacuum is done, it returns to its charging station.

Our top pick, eufy L60 Robot Vacuum, includes smart features and is user-friendly.

What to know before you buy a robotic vacuumFloor type

Robotic vacuums generally perform great on all types of surfaces. If you have linoleum or tile floors, however, tiny surface gaps sometimes interrupt a robotic vacuum while it’s cleaning. Meanwhile, low-end robotic vacuums rarely work on low-pile carpet. Some may also struggle going from hardwood floor to high-pile carpet.

Home or office layout

Sometimes, large lips between rooms help hide seams between two types of surfaces, but they may also cause a robotic vacuum to stop working. To manage this issue, purchase a robotic vacuum that can seamlessly move from one room to the next, regardless of surface or bumps.

Battery life

Top-of-the-line robotic vacuums may clean up to two hours on a single charge. A large battery usually indicates a robotic vacuum can clean a spacious home or office on a single charge.

Surface debris

If you regularly clean up pet hair, kids’ spills and assorted surface debris, choose a heavy-duty robotic vacuum designed to help you instantly handle these issues.

What to look for in a quality robotic vacuumMobile app

Certain robotic vacuums work in conjunction with a mobile app. That way, you can download an app onto your smartphone or tablet and use it to control your robotic vacuum from any location at any time.

Voice control

If you own an Amazon Echo or other smart speaker, you may use be able to use your speaker to control your robotic vacuum with your voice.

Smart sensors

Some robotic vacuums include smart sensors to navigate carpets and floors and adapt to furniture and other potential obstacles.

Drop sensing

Thanks to a robotic vacuum that includes drop sensing technology, you can reduce the risk that your vacuum will fall down stairs or off ledges.

How much you can expect to spend on a robotic vacuum

Set a budget before you shop for a robotic vacuum. Robotic vacuum prices range from $200-$1,000. Basic robotic vacuums are usually priced at $200-$500. These vacuums tend to be simple to use and provide excellent choices in apartments, condos and other compact spaces.

Middle-of-the-pack robotic vacuums are typically priced at $500-$750. These vacuums are intended for use on a variety of surfaces and run for one hour or longer on a single charge.

High-end robotic vacuums are priced up to $1,000. These vacuums commonly offer a large dust bin, a self-cleaning brush roll, an anti-scratch tempered glass cover and other premium features.

Other important details

The ideal robotic vacuum varies based on the size of your space. Some robotic vacuums can clean up to 3,000 square feet at once. Additionally, if your home has a lot of nooks and crannies, you’ll want to look for a vacuum that can operate in tight spaces.

Robotic vacuums FAQCan you use a robotic vacuum at the same time your pet is home?

A. It depends on your pet. To find out if your pet is comfortable with a robotic vacuum, run the device and watch his or her reaction to it. If you believe your pet might attack your robotic vacuum or fears it, err on the side of caution by running the device when your pet is outside.

Can you program a robotic vacuum to run on its own at a set time each day?

A. Some robotic vacuums can be programmed and allow you to set up a regular cleaning schedule. Once you set up your cleaning schedule, your robotic vacuum will start to clean your space based on your specifications. You can also adjust your robotic vacuum cleaning schedule at your convenience.

If you buy a robotic vacuum, will you ever need to vacuum again?

A. A robotic vacuum may provide a viable substitute to standard vacuuming. If you purchase a quality robotic vacuum, you may significantly cut down on the time it takes to clean your home or office space. However, robotic vacuums can’t go up and down stairs, so you’ll still have to pull out your regular vacuum occasionally.

What’s the best robotic vacuum to buy?Top robotic vacuum

eufy L60 Robot Vacuum

What you need to know: This top vacuum does a very good job picking up hair with its specialized hair detangling technology.

What you’ll love: The self-empty dock has a blade that cuts the hair as it’s sucked up into the dustbin. It uses laser-based mapping to find its way around your home and syncs with an accompanying app on your phone. It has impressive suction power, offering four levels of suction up to 5,000 Pa of power, which is extremely good for a robot vacuum.

What you should consider: It’s a bit loud, and it can get stuck on higher-pile rugs.

Top robotic vacuum for the money

eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S (Slim), Robot Vacuum Cleaner

What you need to know: This budget-friendly robotic vacuum features an ultra-thin design, spacious dust bin and other outstanding features.

What you’ll love: It delivers up to 100 minutes of suction on a single charge and operates quietly in comparison to similar models. It works great to clean up pet hair.

What you should consider: Sometimes it fails to detect potential obstacles.

Worth checking out

iRobot Roomba s9+ Self Emptying Robot Vacuum

What you need to know: This robotic vacuum works really well on hardwood floors and can pick up all types of debris.

What you’ll love: It can run for over an hour and a half on a single charge. It’s really good at getting debris in corners. It also does a good job transitioning from hard floors to carpet.

What you should consider: It can sometimes scatter heavier debris when vacuuming hardwood floors.

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

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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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March 10, 2025: Olivia Wilde, take precautions this year

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Olivia Wilde, 41; Carrie Underwood, 42; Jon Hamm, 54; Sharon Stone, 67.

Happy Birthday: Take precautions this year. Plan, organize and refrain from making promises you’ll regret. Use your energy wisely and put your needs first, and it will change how you feel about yourself and your perspective regarding how much you can do for others once you have taken care of yourself. Your objective is to gain respect and master the art of self-love and giving back. Trust your judgment, and you will flourish. Your numbers are 6, 14, 20, 27, 36, 41, 45.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): A passionate approach to life, love and the pastimes that bring you joy will help your disposition and encourage friendships with people who share your beliefs and interests. Refuse to let trivial matters infiltrate your mood and ruin your day. Step away from controversy and toward what makes you smile. 5 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Put more thought and action into home improvements, and make your life easier. Stop waiting for others and procrastinating. Refuse to let time pass you by; be the one to make the first move, engage in something new and exciting, or step into a leadership position. Live life to the fullest. 2 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Be careful what you say or offer. If you fall short of fulfillment, someone will hold you to your promises or make you look bad. Stick close to home, and do it for yourself and your family before venturing out and sending mixed messages to people you barely know. 4 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take a serious look at your lifestyle, consider what brings you joy and what you’d like to walk away from, and put your energy where it benefits you most to ensure better days ahead. Let go of or change the dynamics of situations that are too demanding. Change begins with you. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Research will pay off. Your personal changes will offer clarity and revision and give you a purpose that makes life worth living. Mix and mingle with people heading down a similar path, and you’ll find solace in meaningful conversations. Love, personal gains and self-improvement are within reach. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take the time to discover what’s available to you. Travel and attend conferences, reunions or talks that open your mind to various options. Put your energy into what draws you in the most and fine-tune what you discover to help you achieve your goals. Refrain from letting too many choices lead to procrastination. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Create a safe place to think and develop what you want to do next. Refuse to let anyone push you in a direction that suits their needs more than yours. Look at the big picture and make choices that conform to what makes you feel comfortable. Choose peace over discord. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Implement activities that get you moving and stir up feelings that push you to follow your dreams or take on exciting projects. Go on a learning expedition, discover the ins and outs of what you want to pursue and take a wholehearted approach to satisfying what makes you feel alive. 2 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Not everyone you meet today will be on your side. Listen carefully, and decipher what’s valid or fits into your plans before you give in to persuasive manipulation. Look out for your interests and be responsible for yourself and your actions. Make self-improvements, and you will achieve your goals. 5 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Push yourself, diligently finish what you start and keep the momentum flowing. Refuse to let what others do or say interfere with your progress. Push forward aggressively and turn your back on meaningless and time-consuming situations. Protect your space, reputation and peace of mind. Let go of what’s holding you back. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take the plunge, and don’t look back. Focus on what’s ahead of you, be open and receptive to new beginnings and learn all you can to bring about the changes that make you happy. Life is about living; stop procrastinating and start doing, and your perspective will change along with your life. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Tone down the rhetoric and bypass involvements that entail excessive behavior. Choose discipline instead of overindulgence, and put your energy where it will bring the highest return and enhance your life and bank account. Avoid situations that are risky or volatile. Do your best to get along with your associates. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are focused, proactive and disciplined. You are patient and helpful.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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How SF Giants’ Hicks could continue seeing velocity uptick with splitter

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A bit of Sunday frustration aside, right-hander Jordan Hicks likes where he’s at this spring. Especially when he can tap into triple-digit heat when he wants it.

Hicks allowed three runs over 2 2/3 innings as the split-squad Giants beat the San Diego Padres at Scottsdale Stadium, 7-4, exiting in the third inning after failing to record a single out but re-entering in the fourth inning and finishing his outing strong. The right-hander threw 62 pitches in total, sitting in the 95-97 mph range and touching 100 mph on two occasions. Results aside, Hicks feels stronger than he did at this point last spring.

“That’s 60 pitches right there and I felt like I could’ve kept going and it’s only my third start — second real start with fans and everything,” Hicks said.

On the topic of velocity, Hicks’ splitter sat in the 88-89 mph range on Sunday against the Padres. Last season, Hicks’ splitter clocked in at 84.3 mph. Of the 373 splitters that Hicks threw last season, only eight were thrown at least 88 mph.

“I think it’s a little firmer, and that comes with everything else,” Hicks said. “Added velo on the fastball is going to add my splitter. … That’s a healthy increase splitter velocity wise whenever I’m increasing my fastball.”

Hicks had a fine enough start to his afternoon, tossing two efficient scoreless innings and working his way out of hitters counts. The third inning, though, got a little squirrely.

The frame began with back-to-back singles from Tyler Wade and Eguy Rosario, neither being hit all that hard. With runners on first and third, Hicks fired a first-pitch sinker to Connor Joe that missed inside and clocked in at 100 mph — a sudden velocity spike given Hicks was sitting in the 95-96 mph range. Hicks’ triple-digit heater forced pitching coach J.P. Martinez to visit Hicks on the mound to calm him down.

“I shouldn’t have let that frustrate me as much and keep moving on to the next pitch,” Hicks said.

Hicks couldn’t dig himself out of the trouble. Joe doubled in a run, then Hicks gifted the Padres a run on a 100 mph wild pitch. Gurriel drove in Joe with a double of his own, Elias Días drew a walk and that was the end of Hicks’ inning. Right-hander Ryan Watson, a minor-league reliever, entered for Hicks and recorded three straight outs, but the damage was done.

Five batters. Three runs. No outs.

Hicks re-entered to begin the fourth inning and retired the first two batters he faced before being removed from the game for good. The right-hander finished his day with his velocity in a more manageable place, getting back down to the 95-96 mph range.

“My wrist was a little stiff. Overall, I think I’ll find the zone more in the next outing,” Hicks said. “But that up-and-in miss was pretty consistent today.”

Roupp roughed up vs. Cubs

Right-hander Landen Roupp has firmly entrenched himself in the competition for the fifth spot in the Giants’ rotation, entering Sunday having thrown 8 1/3 shutout innings with 11 strikeouts over his first three Cactus League starts. His outing in Mesa against the Chicago Cubs represented a setback.

Roupp had his worst outing of the spring as the Giants beat the Cubs 8-6, at Sloan Park, allowing five earned runs over 3 2/3 innings on seven hits (one home run). Tough start aside, Roupp still owns a 3.75 ERA this spring with 14 strikeouts to one walk over 12 innings.

Giants stage comeback in Mesa

Over in Mesa, the Giants put up a five-spot in the top of the ninth inning to overcome a three-run deficit and beat the Cubs.

All of the offense derived from San Francisco’s minor leaguers. Shortstop Aeverson Arteaga, who played 21 games for High-A Eugene last season, sliced the deficit to 6-4 with a solo home run, then catcher Adrián Sugastey singled home a run to cut the Cubs’ lead to 6-5.

Down to their last out, infielder Sabin Ceballos, acquired from the Braves when the Giants traded Jorge Soler and Luke Jackson to the Braves, hit a go-ahead three-run homer.

Worth noting

Heliot Ramos was slotted into leadoff against the Padres, a spot in the batting order that he hit five times last season. Melvin said that Ramos could potentially bat leadoff against left-handed pitchers. Ramos reached base twice with a walk and a hit.Outfielder Wade Meckler left the Giants’ game against the Cubs in the first inning after diving for Ian Happ’s line drive and faceplanting on the outfield warning track. Meckler was able to walk off under his own power and was replaced by Hunter Bishop. The Giants announced that Meckler left the game with a mild neck strain and will be monitored for concussion symptoms.LaMonte Wade Jr. hit his second home run of Cactus League play during the Giants’ road game against the Cubs.

SF Giants option Ragsdale, Seymour in latest round of cuts

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Giants entered spring training with three Carsons in camp: Carson Whisenhunt, Carson Ragsdale and Carson Seymour. San Francisco reassigned Whisenhunt, its best pitching prospect, to minor-league camp on Thursday, and as of Sunday morning, the Carson count is down to zero.

The Giants announced before Sunday’s game against the San Diego Padres at Scottsdale Stadium that Ragsdale and Seymour, a pair of 26-year-old right-handers, have been optioned as San Francisco begins to stretch out other starting pitchers. Ragsdale and Seymour won’t begin their seasons in San Francisco,

“Both were very impressive,” said manager Bob Melvin. “These guys are both going to pitch in the big leagues, in my opinion.”

Seymour, acquired when the Giants traded Darin Ruf to the New York Mets, appeared in two games this spring, allowing two earned runs over four innings and striking out two batters. The right-hander spent all of last season with Triple-A Sacramento, posting a 4.82 ERA over 134 1/3 innings in the notoriously hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Per FanGraphs, Seymour is the Giants’ No. 6 prospect in their system.

“Another guy with a big arm and big stuff and a guy our organization really values highly,” Melvin said. “Seymour might be able to pitch in the rotation and/or the bullpen potentially, depending on what the need is.”

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Ragsdale, who is San Francisco’s No. 11 prospect per FanGraphs, dealt with injuries in ‘22 and ‘23 but finally enjoyed a full healthy season this past year, owning a 4.18 ERA over 120 2/3 innings between Double-A Richmond and Triple-A Sacramento. The right-hander appeared in two Cactus League games, tossing 4 2/3 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts despite walking five batters.

“He walked some guys, but then he pitched out of it, which is good to see,” Melvin said. “He didn’t give up any runs, had guys on third and got big strikeouts when he needed to. … But it’s big stuff, it’s a power arm. It’s a young kid. There’s a lot to like.”

49ers expected to release defensive tackle Maliek Collins in advance of free agency

The 49ers’ need for interior defensive linemen became even more pronounced Sunday with the news that tackle Maliek Collins will be released.

Collins, who turns 30 next month, played in all 17 games for the 49ers and recorded five sacks. And while Collins seemed highly regarded by his teammates and received mostly praise from the coaching staff, he was at the center of a defense that gave up 141.3 yards per game and 14 rushing touchdowns over the last nine games and a 2-7 finish to a 6-11 season.

The 49ers made no announcement regarding Collins, with both ESPN (Adam Schefter) and NFL Network (Mike Garofolo) reporting the move. Assuming Collins is officially released (meaning the 49ers couldn’t trade him for a late-round draft pick), he’ll be free to sign with any team.

Collins was scheduled to make $1.255 million in salary with a cap number of $4.762 million and was due $10 million including an option bonus for 2025, an indication the transaction was more about production than accounting.

The 49ers currently have only three defensive tackles — Jordan Elliott, Evan Anderson and Kalia Davis — on their depth chart. Javon Hargrave will be released and free to make his own deal, and veteran Kevin Givens is scheduled for unrestricted free agency. So it’s clear that when the negotiating period begins Monday, defensive tackle will be a point of interest as well as the NFL Draft.

The 49ers are scheduled to have the No. 11 overall pick and defensive tackle is considered to be one of the strongest positions in terms of talent.

Washington’s Jonathan Allen, who was released Friday when the Commanders couldn’t trade him, is among the free agent defensive tackles. Allen (6-foot-3, 300 pounds) was reportedly included in original trade talks with the 49ers and Commanders when wide receiver Deebo Samuel was dealt for a fifth-round draft pick.

The final year of Allen’s contract was to pay him $15.5 million, coming after a season in which he played in eight games with three sacks because of a torn pectoral muscle. Allen was extremely durable before last season, playing in 109 games with 108 starts. He was a Pro Bowl player in 2021 and 2022.

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The question remains whether Allen would be too rich for the 49ers’ blood, given general manager John Lynch’s talk of an “organizational reset” while talking with reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine.

One player who would likely come cheaper than Allen is defensive end Joey Bosa, who was released by the Los Angeles Chargers after missing 28 of 51 games over the last three seasons due to injury. Joey Bosa could conceivably sign for a short-term deal with incentives for a chance to be a bookend pass rusher with his brother Nick.

Amaral rediscovering his baseball swing at USF

Having missed a good portion of last year after shoulder surgery, JT Amaral is showcasing what the University of San Francisco baseball program believed when it signed him out of Palma.

The senior outfielder is hitting .292 in eight starts for the Dons, with a homer and four runs batted in this spring. Amaral has walked six times and sports a .433 on-base percentage.

Amaral started 12 games last year for the Dons before having season ending surgery, compiling a .349 on-base percentage.

In 46 career games, the 6-foot-1 outfielder has hit three homers and driven in 13 runs, while being hit by a pitch 12 times. He has nine steals and a .345 on-base percentage.

Amaral was a two-sport standout at Palma in football and baseball, helping the Chieftains beat Salinas in football in 2021, while leading the baseball team to the CCS Division IV finals.

Erin Brockovich on Moss Landing battery fire: ‘The truth’s not coming out’

Twenty-five years ago, Julia Roberts won an Oscar for the hit movie “Erin Brockovich.” She portrayed the real-life single mother of three who, as a paralegal, spearheaded a major lawsuit against PG&E for its years of polluting water supplies in the small Mojave Desert town of Hinkley, which residents said caused cancers and other health problems. PG&E settled the case for $333 million in 1996.

Today, Brockovich is still an environmental activist. She is working with a San Diego law firm representing residents of Moss Landing, a town in Monterey County where a battery storage plant owned by Vistra, a Texas company, burned Jan. 16, releasing smoke and toxic heavy metals. Vistra says subsequent tests of air, soil and water show no risks to public health. The fire has raised big questions about the future of battery storage in California as dozens more of the plants are planned to help expand solar and wind energy. This interview with the Bay Area News Group has been edited for length.

Q: When you first saw reports of the Moss Landing fire, what was your reaction?

A: I was thinking ‘Oh my, gosh, we’ve got Northern California on fire again.’ Then someone said ‘It’s a lithium battery storage fire.’ Over the course of the next few days, it was 20 emails, then 50 emails, then 80 emails, 90 emails.

Everyone was very concerned. They said: ‘The fire isn’t out.’ ‘Why is nobody talking about this?’ ‘We need to evacuate.’ ‘Now we can go home but we can’t go to school.’ ‘Keep your windows and doors closed.’ As time started going on, the concerns were headaches, nosebleeds, people from farms concerned that lithium is dangerous, and it could hurt their crops.

When you have dozens and dozens of people from the same location experiencing a situation at the same time, something’s wrong.

Q: You participated in a town hall meeting with Moss Landing residents shortly after the fire. What did you hear?

A: First and foremost, frustration. They weren’t getting information. They were trying as a community to do Zoom and just work together to try to find out what was going on. There were a lot of questions.

Q: What are your concerns about the fire?

A: I’m always concerned that somebody’s not being forthright. So you’re going to have to go dig and figure out what that is. I am concerned with lithium power storage facilities so close to farmland and so close to communities because these accidents happen.

There didn’t seem to be any preparedness. I’m definitely concerned about what the impacts are to people. When you have a fire of that origin, lithium is not good. It creates its own combustion. People were going to the emergency room, having respiratory problems, sore throats and getting no answers.

Every single situation seems to start like this. What concerns me is that it just feels like somebody knew. They did. They’ve got infrastructure inside there. Did they jerry rig something? Did they allow it to happen? The truth’s not coming out. So, my concern is that information is being concealed.

Q: Battery storage is considered critical to California reaching its renewable energy goals to reduce climate change. How should the state handle this issue going forward?

A: I’m concerned that in our quest to do something good, we’re not going to do it right. And then we’re going to have something bad — more fires. If you get fires like that in any Santa Ana wind condition, you could have a much larger, uncontrollable scenario.

The state is pushing through in haste, to hurry. They’re not going to catch their mistakes, and we’re going to have a bigger problem.

Q: It sounds like you’re not saying that California should ban the construction of new battery storage plants but that you want them built more safely?

A: Absolutely. Moving forward, this is going to be about infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure. This facility is in one of PG&E’s old places, which has failing infrastructure. I’ve dealt with that way too many times with that company.

I think all of us appreciate that we need to reduce our carbon footprint. Listen, climate change is already here.

But get your infrastructure in place first. Understand the nuances that are causing these lithium battery fires. They’re not just happening in California. I’m getting reports from all over the United States.

Q: Assemblywoman Dawn Addis, D-Morro Bay, has introduced a bill (AB 303) to ban companies from constructing new battery storage plants within 3,200 feet of homes, schools, businesses and hospitals. Critics say the bill could harm the state’s renewable energy efforts. What are your thoughts?

A: It’s definitely got to be a balance. We can have both. I’m glad that (AB 303) is introduced. We should look at it. So many of the places where they want to go have been there forever and already have a community built up around it.

They want to hook up to infrastructure that’s already there, and that’s probably aged-out and antiquated and going to fail, as opposed to building something new that’s away from farmland, tourism, public health and welfare.

Q: In Hinckley, with the case that made you famous, a lot of people suffered serious health impacts. Are we seeing that in Moss Landing?

A: The same thing that happened in Hinkley is happening in this entire region where the fire occurred. They’re not being heard. They’re not being listened to.

What happened in Hinkley was a cover-up. There’s no other way to say it. They knew. They covered it up. They told them it was chromium 3 and said it’s good for you. How do I know the same thing’s not going on up there? We’re going to find out.

Q:  What lessons did you draw from your experience with PG&E back then?

A: When I began in Hinkley, I didn’t know everything I needed to know. I had to muster up some bravery, some courage to step out and say, ‘This is messed up. This is wrong. Can’t you look and see what’s happening here?’

I encourage young people, when they feel something’s wrong, to be able to step in front of it and say, ‘Something’s not right, we need to look at this.’ And oftentimes we won’t because we assume that some agency knows what’s going on, and they’re gonna fix it. I just don’t think we can make those assumptions anymore.

Asked about Brockovich’s comments, Vistra issued a statement:

“Air quality monitoring, which has been ongoing since the start of the fire and continues today, has been conducted by the U.S. EPA, Monterey Bay Air Resources District, and others and has not detected risks to public health at any time. Additionally, soil and water testing conducted by Cal EPA/Department of Toxic Substances Control, Monterey County, and Santa Cruz County have not detected risks to public water supplies or soil in the community. Moss Landing is not only home to our facility; it’s home to our employees and neighbors. We are committed to doing everything we can to do right by our community, and we continue to work in concert with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure public health and safety.”

Top 10 boys golf rankings

Top 10 boys golf rankings

1. Stevenson:

2. Salinas:

3. Carmel:

4. Palma:

5. Hollister:

6. Aptos:

7. York:

8. San Lorenzo Valley:

9. Alvarez:

10. Monte Vista:

On the bubble: Monterey, Harbor, Rancho San Juan, Alisal, St. Francis.

Steph Curry reaches 25,000 career points in Warriors’ win over Pistons

By JANIE McCAULEY

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry became the 26th player in NBA history to score 25,000 career points, reaching the milestone during the third quarter of the Golden State Warriors’ 115-110 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night.

“BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!” Curry yelled while running back through the hallway to the locker room following a quick return to the court postgame.

And that was actually a tribute to teammate Draymond Green, who loves to yell “boom” after making a 3-pointer and hit the go-ahead 3 with 35 seconds left. Green secured the game ball for Curry — but Curry said Green would keep it.

“He’s going to keep it for me. I heard he has a little bit of KD’s memorabilia,” Curry said in reference to former teammate Kevin Durant. (Green told Durant on a recent podcast that he still had the ball from when Durant broke the U.S. international scoring record.)

Curry, who turns 37 next Friday, surpassed 25,000 with a 3-pointer at the 8:32 mark of the third quarter then received a warm ovation when recognized during a timeout with 5:42 to go.

He finished with 32 points — pushing his total to 25,017 — on 8-for-22 shooting and converted all 12 of his free throws.

Curry wasn’t keeping track of his totals.

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“It was a surprise actually. I knew I was coming up on it but I didn’t think about it until I heard it in game,” Curry said. “There’s a list, (radio broadcaster) Tim Roye told me after the game only 10 guys I think or now 10 guys that have done it with one franchise, so that’s pretty special. And the names that are on that list are synonymous with basketball history. so that’s pretty cool.”

His next remarkable task is becoming the first player in the league to make 4,000 3-pointers. Curry made four Saturday and needs seven more.

“It’s crazy, crazy,” coach Steve Kerr said. “It feels like 25,000 3s actually. It’s dynamite. Just night after night, and tonight was obviously not a great shooting night for him. But I loved that he played through fatigue and a physical defense and got to the line 12 times. He was brilliant on a night when his shot really wasn’t there, he was still brilliant. That’s the mark of a great player.”