Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 196

March 9, 2025: Bow Wow, socialize and network more this year

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Bow Wow, 38; Brittany Snow, 39; Matthew Gray Gubler, 45; Juliette Binoche, 61.Happy Birthday: Socialize and network more this year; the payoff will be substantial. What you learn and who you connect with will encourage you to participate in activities and practices that are foreign to you but offer hope for a brighter future — if you adjust based on your needs and not what someone else wants you to do. Don’t sell yourself short; follow your heart and intuition, and do what’s best for you. Your numbers are 6, 18, 23, 29, 33, 41, 48.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Affairs of the heart will waver, causing you to question your personal and professional connections and relationships. Retreat and give yourself a chance to carefully evaluate each situation you face. Acting in haste will lead to poor decisions. Get your facts straight, and you’ll find better alternatives. 2 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Spend more time at home. Being introspective will offer insight into what you need and want in your life to feel content. Don’t rely on others to make choices for you. Giving someone else jurisdiction will leave you feeling incapable and doubting yourself. Your happiness depends on the choices you make. 4 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Speak up, be clear and deflect anyone’s attempt to manipulate you or your choices. Listen carefully, and you will gain insight into any ulterior motives someone has and how to deflect any negativity coming your way. Weigh in on everything that occurs and protect yourself and your interests. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Work behind the scenes to bring about change, and you’ll avoid interference. Pie-in-the-sky ideas that others offer may excite you, but refuse to get caught in someone else’s dream. Listen to your heart and let your insight into who you are and what makes you happy decide your fate. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A positive attitude will carry weight. Worry less about what others do, and go about your business. Don’t feel you have to accommodate others. Giving them the freedom to do as they please will allow you the same privilege. Focus on being your best through learning, experiencing and growing. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A little sparkle will go a long way. Do your best to get out and mingle with people who need a little cheer. It will change your perspective about life, love and what’s important to you, and help those you encounter get back on track. Leave nothing to chance, and reap the rewards. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You have plenty to gain whether you travel physically or spiritually. Open-mindedness will lead to encounters with interesting people and those who touch you deeply. What you get from them will help you put your prospects in perspective, making it easier to let go of the past as you speed into the future. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Check out possibilities, courses and organizations of interest, and you’ll discover something that resonates with you and what you want to pursue. Let your imagination take you on a journey that helps you uncover your feelings and desire for a better future. It’s a good time to implement a positive lifestyle change. 2 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll be torn between what you want to do and what others expect. Get your act together and organize a schedule to do both. Disappointment comes from a lack of acting succinctly. Get your priorities straight and barrel ahead with optimism and a backup plan, and you won’t be disappointed. Romance is favored. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Pay attention to detail when dealing with financial and professional gain; you’ll notice something obscure that will give you an advantage. Refuse to let anyone interfere or talk you out of following your instincts. A positive change will improve your lifestyle, position and reputation. Choose practicality over emotions. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put your energy into making the most of what you already have. Refuse to get bamboozled by someone offering something too good to be true. Know your financial limitations, stand your ground and protect your interests. Peace of mind is worth far more than an unrealistic desire. Choose pragmatism over debt. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Reevaluate what you want. Attend a social event that offers a unique perspective regarding new possibilities. Keep an open mind, but don’t let anyone take over. Make decisions based on your needs instead of trying to please others. Personal happiness allows you to grow and encourage others to do the same. 5 stars

Birthday Baby: You are dedicated, efficient and imaginative. You are passionate and heroic.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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NorCal DIV high school boys’ soccer finals: Gonzales heartbroken in overtime loss

SALINAS — In time, the magic created on the pitch will be celebrated by a group of players that watched a community rally behind them.

The heartbreak, however, of Gonzales falling in its final soccer match Saturday on the highest plateau for high school sports will sting for a while, as emotions left players and fans in tears.

“The kids are devastated,” Gonzales coach Miguel Vidauri said. “Emotions are all over the place, for all of us. Us coaches, we ran straight to the field to pick them up. It hurts.”

A goal in the final minute of overtime lifted Roseland University Prep of Santa Rosa to a 2-1 decision over the top-seeded Spartans in the State Northern California Division IV championship at Rabobank.

The loss ended the Spartans 13 game winning streak, a streak that catapulted them to their first Cypress Division championship in seven years, their first Central Coast Section Division IV championship in 18 years, and their first ever state playoff win.

“We accomplished a lot,” Vidauri said. “It was our first playoff appearance in seven years. All this was a bonus. We had a magical run. It will take a day or two to sink in.”

A contingent of Gonzales supporters floated Rabobank in what might have been the biggest soccer crowd — at least for one team — seen in the decade plus old stadium.

“Oh my God, I’ve never seen or heard anything like that before,” Vidauri said. “The roar. I think we had the whole town of Gonzales here tonight.”

Because of renovations to its field and stadium on campus, the Spartans have played their home matches over the last two years at Rabobank.

Little was known about the Knights (16-4-2), other than they won the North Coast Section title and came into the title match riding a six-game winning streak, including a 1-0 win over No. 2 seed Chico in the semifinals.

The roar that Vidauri spoke about occurred just before halftime when Jorge Uribe used his left foot on a cross over, sending the ball through the upper left side of the net to tie the game at 1-1.

“It was one of the best goals I’ve ever witnessed in high school,” Vidauri said. “He is right-footed. But he used his left foot to put it in the top of the left corner of the net.”

Uribe, who finished the season with 27 goals, produced six in six postseason games for Gonzales (20-4-2). More importantly, it gave his team momentum going into the second half.

“No question,” Vidauri said. “We had ball position maybe 85 percent of the time in the second half. I felt like we were dominating possession.”

While Vidauri didn’t feel it was a turning point, the Knights kept the game tied when Diego Figueroa blocked a penalty kick late in the second half.

“Credit their goalie,” said Vidauri, who was a member of the Spartans last CCS title team in 2007. “But I didn’t sense a momentum swing. The kids kept on fighting.”

That included the 15 minute overtime period when the Spartans defense, anchored by freshman defender Kevin Tavares, limited the Knights attempts on goal — along with Jose Camacho and Omar Gonzales.

Goalie Luis Cabada had another big night between the pipes with a handful of critical saves, according to Vidauri.

“We were getting ready for penalty kicks,” Vidauri said.

Yet, with under a minute remaining in overtime, Roseland put one through the net to end the drama.

“It’s heartbreaking for sure,” Vidauri said. “We had countless opportunities. If you don’t take advantage, it comes back to haunt you.”

Having doubled their win total from the previous season, the Spartans set a single-season school record for wins this year with 20.

“I think Gonzales soccer is back to what it used to be when coach Juan Flores had it,” Vidauri said. “We’ve brought the pride back. The seniors left it all on the field. They left their stamp on the program. With the new stadium, I can’t wait until November.”

Pro Soccer: Monterey Bay FC falls to San Antonio FC in USL opener

SAN ANTONIO — A new season with new faces has created a new identity. Yet, it was a similar result Saturday for Monterey Bay FC.

The Union, who went six straight matches last summer without scoring, opened the United Soccer League Championship season, failing to produce a goal in a 1-0 road loss to San Antonio FC.

Dating back to last year, Monterey Bay FC has been held without a goal in 12 of its past 21 matches, finishing with its worst record in its three-year existence in 2024.

The addition of 12 new faces to the Union’s roster has provided a new look. The chemistry on the pitch, however, will likely have to develop over the first month of the season for head coach Jordan Stewart.

Stewart, who took over the franchise in July of last season, used the off-season to retool the roster, adding players from all over the world. Nine of them made their debuts, including former Alisal High defender Joel Garcia Jr.

A tenacious defense, which held nine teams scoreless last year, gave up just one goal in the 40th minute when Diogo Pacheco took a pass from Mitchell Taintor and produced the match-winning goal.

Goalie Nico Campuzano was credited with three saves for the Union, who will open their home season Saturday, hosting the Oakland Oaks at Cardinale Stadium.

 

NorCal DI high school boys’ soccer finals: Alvarez completes the hat trick, wins Division I title

SALINAS — Following the embraces, the emotions expressed and a jubilant team picture taken with the plaque, players for Alvarez High’s boys soccer team raced over to the stands to share the milestone with their fans.

No one wanted to leave, choosing to soak it all in. And why not? A run to perfection in any sport is rare. Reaction replaced words as the Eagles celebrated a Northern California Division I title.

“So many emotions are going through my mind,” Alvarez forward Jorge Hernandez said. “Since my freshman year, I’ve wanted to reach this dream. I did this for my family and teammates today.”

Alvarez’ Luis Macias battles for the ball along the sideline with De La Salle’s Matthew Rejecki. (Donald Fukui — Herald Correspondent)

The Eagles completed the hat trick for soccer Saturday, using two goals from Hernandez to secure a 2-1 win over De La Salle of Concord, completing an unbeaten overall season.

Alvarez won titles this past season in the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Gabilan Division, the Central Coast Section Division I finals and the Northern California Division I championship.

“Euphoria,” Alvarez coach Gabriel Campos said. “We’re making history and putting Salinas on the map. Half the town was here today. To these kids it means the world to them. What an amazing feeling. We’re overwhelmed and humble.”

The Eagles became the first soccer program to complete an unbeaten season, shattering the single-season school record for wins, finishing 24-0-2. They join Alisal and King City as the only boys’ soccer programs to win NorCal titles.

Alvarez’ Jorge Hernandez drives on De La Salle’s Matthew Rejecki late in the second half on Saturday. Alvarezclaimed the Northern California Division I crown with a 2-1 win over the Spartans.(Donald Fukui -- Herald Correspondent)

The Alvarez High School soccer team displays the Northern California Division I championship plaque after Saturday’s 2-1win over De La Salle. (Donald Fukui -- Herald Correspondent)

Alvarez rooters fill the grandstands at Jim Reavis Field for Saturday night’s Northern California Division I soccer championship game. Alvarez claimed the title with a 2-1 win over De La Salle. (Donald Fukui -- Herald Correspondent)

Players from Alvarez and De La Salle battle for a ball near midfield in the first half of Saturday’s Northern California Division I soccer championship game at Alvarez High in Salinas. (Donald Fukui -- Herald Correspondent)

Alvarez High School soccer coach Gabriel Campos accepts the Northern California Division I championship plaque after the Eagles’ 2-1 win over De La Salle on Saturday. (Donald Fukui -- Herald Correspondent)

Alvarez teammates engulf Jorge Hernandez (7) after his goal in the first half of Saturday’s Northern California Division I championship game at Everett Alvarez High School in Salinas. (Donald Fukui -- Herald Correspondent)

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Alvarez’ Jorge Hernandez drives on De La Salle’s Matthew Rejecki late in the second half on Saturday. Alvarezclaimed the Northern California Division I crown with a 2-1 win over the Spartans.(Donald Fukui -- Herald Correspondent)

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The Eagles soccer team became the second program on campus to win a NorCal title, joining the softball team, which won the Division IV championship last spring.

“We’re going to cherish this,” Campos said. “It’s been a long season. If you had told me three years ago that we’d be in this position, I would have said you’re crazy. I’m overwhelmed with happiness and joy.”

Campos has built a program in three short years that has taken down three of the more historic programs in the state, with just two senior starters on the pitch.

“I will never forget this,” sophomore goalie Alvaro Reyes said. “I can’t believe we won. This group worked so hard. I really appreciate all of them.”

Reyes, who made a name for himself with his sensational saves in the playoffs, added 12 more after giving up a goal in the opening minute, making four saves in traffic in the final five minutes.

“I was really nervous,” said Reyes, who kept Alvarez’s season alive in the CCS semifinals with a save on a penalty kick in sudden death and a game-winning goal on a PK. “I kept hoping the time would end.”

As players on the bench nervously fidgeted, Campos calmly paced back and forth during the most intense moments of the match against the state’s No. 4 ranked program.

“My heart was racing those final five minutes,” Campos said. “It was a crazy last five minutes. But I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m just so happy for these boys.”

A season that began five months saw the Eagles open the year with seven straight wins before playing 2024 NorCal Division IV champion King City to a 2-2 draw.

Five matches later another tie ensued with perennial county power Alisal before Alvarez ran off a school-record 13 straight wins, avenging that tie with Alisal before embarking on a magical and nail-biting postseason.

Five of the six matches were decided by one goal, with one going to sudden death penalty kicks. The other game was a memorable comeback in which Alvarez erased a 2-0 deficit with four goals in beating Bellarmine in the CCS Division I title game.

Reyes was the backbone of the Eagles defense, as the 6-foot-2 goalie recorded 66 saves in the postseason.

“He has been doing it all season,” Campos said. “Alvaro really shined in the playoffs. The margins have been tight. He’s a difference maker. He’s the reason we went deep into the playoffs. He’s an amazing player.”

An argument can be made for Hernandez as well, who produced five goals in the playoffs. The team leader last year in goals as a sophomore, the playmaker finished with 19 goals.

“Jorge was on fire today,” Campos said.

Hernandez matched De La Salle’s first goal with an equalizer 18 minutes into the championship game. Moments later, he took a free kick and sent the ball screaming past the goalie for a 2-1 lead.

“I don’t know how to describe it,” Hernandez said. “Everything is kind of a blur right now. I’m just embracing the moment. It was a great night.”

With junior Luis Macias and his 28 goals drawing De La Salle’s attention, Hernandez took a pass from Gabilan Division Player of the Year Edwin Moreno and produced the tying goal.

Runner-ups in the North Coast Section, the Spartans were 19-1-2 against teams other than Dougherty Valley, which beat them twice during the season, including in the NCS title match.

For as good as Reyes was between the pipes, support came from defenders Christian Castro, Omar Lopez and Alexis Ramirez, as the trio took turns disrupting De La Salle’s attack.

“The boys will finally have a break,” Campos said. “Although I’m not sure anyone wants the season to end. But I think it is time for some celebrating.”

Fire alarm interrupts Warriors’ homestand-opening win over Pistons

SAN FRANCISCO — Steph Curry had never experienced a fire alarm during a game. Same with Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

Chase Center’s soldout crowd of 18,064 was ordered to evacuate Saturday night’s homestand-opening game after the first quarter, and roughly 20 percent of the fans headed for the nearest exit.

The all-clear signal was given a few minutes later on the false alarm, and what ensued was a 115-110 win over the physically formidable Detroit Pistons.

Along the way, Curry was honored for becoming the NBA’s 26th player to cross the 25,000-point threshold, and the crowd broke into an “MVP” chant as he sank four free throws in the final seconds to cap his 32-point homecoming after the Warriors’ impressive 4-1 road trip.

Much of the postgame storylines centered on Draymond Green’s last-minute, go-ahead 3-pointer, Jimmy Butler’s winning touch, the Warriors ability to endure the Pistons’ bully-ball, and, of course, Curry’s legacy.

But there also was what Curry termed the “weird fire alarm.”

“They had the violinist out there and I thought it was part of her routine,” Curry said. “I thought it was a grand finale and thought, ‘That’s aggressive.’ Then you realize it’s real, and nobody knows what to do. There’s 19,000 people. Where do you go?

“Me and Draymond were laughing, because, it took us a minute to get going physically after the long road trip and the quick turnaround,” Curry said. “None of us wanted to go back in the locker room, get stiff, then come back out and get re-warmed up. Thankfully everybody was safe.”

Added Kerr: “Somebody told us just to stay put. It’s the first time I’ve ever been a part of anything like that in my NBA career. It was a bizarre few minutes.”

Players on both teams remained on the court and loitered around their respective benches, with the Warriors ahead 22-20 after the first quarter. As the game resumed, Chase Center’s public-address system and music went silent for about 15 minutes, which Kerr said he was oblivious to while he was coaching one of the NBA’s hottest teams toward the playoffs.

Both teams entered with 35-28 records, so it shouldn’t have been too shocking that a tight, back-and-forth affair played out on this stage.

“It was physical. It was testy. A lot of pushing and shoving,” Kerr said. “To win a game like that, when clearly we were tired and trying to get our legs underneath us coming off that trip, it was a big-time win.”

It was their 11th win in 13 games since Butler’s Feb. 8 arrival, via a trade that Kerr again commended general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. for making.

“A month and a half ago, we would have lost that game,” Green said.

Only 35 seconds remained once Green gave the Warriors an insurmountable lead. Butler dished the ball to Green, who immediately launched a 3-pointer for a 110-108 lead. It was the third time in his career he hit a go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute of a fourth quarter or overtime.

“Obviously we were trying to get the ball to Steph,” Green said. “… Jimmy threw me the ball and I knew I was shooting it when I caught it. I knew it was cash the second it left my hand.”

Butler made his own clutch bucket with 1:22 remaining, hitting a 12-foot, pull-up jumper to put the Warriors back in front. That gave him 26 points for his most yet in a Warriors’ uniform, surpassing his 25 in his Feb. 8 debut against Chicago as well as Thursday’s win at Brooklyn.

“This is part of the Jimmy dynamic. He is built for these kinds of games,” Kerr said. “He’ll get us a shot, he’ll get to the line, and he’ll take big shots. Playoff Jimmy is a real thing, and in some ways that felt like a playoff game with the physicality.

“It was kind of a rock fight, frankly,” Kerr added. “Guys like Jimmy thrive in games like this.”

Added Curry: “It’s pretty clear as day the difference, not just the record but how we’re playing and how we’re winning and his impact.”

The Warriors opened the evening with a 9-0 lead, but they led just 22-20 after the first quarter, which is when the fire alarm went off and cast curious looks on everyone inside the 6-year-old, bayfront home.

The Pistons and the Warriors then traded the lead throughout the second quarter (and the third and the fourth). Curry was scoreless for eight minutes after the false alarm; he had seven points in the first quarter to carry some momentum over from his sensational road show, which opened with a 56-point outburst in Orlando nine days earlier.

Curry was just 1-of-6 on 3-point attempts before halftime, and his teammates weren’t much better from there (4-of-20 overall). Curry finished 4-of-15 from 3-point range, 8-of-22 on all field-goal attempts, and 12-of-12 on free throws against the physically minded Pistons.

“Tonight was not a great shooting night for him, but I love how he played through fatigue and a physical night,” Kerr said. “That’s the mark of a great player.”

Curry crossed the 25,000-point mark during the third quarter and was honored with a photo montage on the videoscreens while he took a seat on the bench. “(Radio announcer) Tim Roye told me after the game only 10 guys have done it with one franchise, so that’s pretty special. The names are synonymous with basketball history so that’s pretty cool.”

Butler opened the third-quarter scoring with a game-tying 3-pointer – his first of the night and only his fourth in 12 games with the Warriors. He hit another 3-pointer in the quarter’s closing minute.

The Warriors got outscored 32-12 in the paint in the first half, but that balanced out afterward to the tune of 24-24.

“Very physical team. We knew they were going to come in and beat us up a little bit. That’s just how they play,” Green said. “They’ve kind of taken on that ‘Bad Boy’ moniker again, which I think is beautiful especially because I’m from the state of Michigan.”

NOTES

Jonathan Kuminga’s return from a right-ankle sprain “should be soon and we’re excited to get him back,” said Kerr, noting that the young forward had just looked good in a scrimmage as was feeling positive. … Trayce Jackson-Davis checked into the game late in the first quarter, after Kevon Looney drew his third foul. Jackson-Davis had fallen out of the Warriors’ rotation and is expected to play Sunday at Chase Center for the G League’s Santa Cruz Warriors against the Mexico City Capitanes (12:30 p.m.). “Tomorrow is about getting rhythm,” Kerr said. “We’re here at Chase so he’ll get a really good run. … I would wager almost anything in these last 19 games, he’ll find his way into the rotation at some point and he’s just got to steady ready for that.” … Guard Brandin Podziemski (lower-back soreness) was ruled out after a pregame workout.

 

Could a second lefty join SF Giants’ Miller in bullpen?

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Left-hander Erik Miller made his first appearance of Cactus League play on Saturday at Scottsdale Stadium after dealing with a pair of setbacks, tossing a scoreless inning and striking out three batters as the Giants beat the Royals, 7-3. His spot on the Opening Day roster has long been secure. The Giants are still trying to determine whether he’ll be the only lefty in their bullpen come Opening Day.

San Francisco entered spring training with Miller as the only left-handed reliever on their 40-man roster. Halfway through Cactus League games, that remains the case. Last week, the Giants re-assigned left-handed non-roster invitees Raymond Burgos, Miguel Del Pozo and Ethan Small to minor-league camp, leaving Joey Lucchesi, Enny Romero, Antonio Jimenez and Helcris Olivarez as the remaining left-handed relievers in camp.

“It’s definitely interesting,” Miller said earlier this spring. “Those are obviously decisions that are way above my pay grade. … Obviously, it’s not conventional. That’s the obvious thing. When you play teams that have a lot of (left-handed hitters), it’s usually beneficial to have more than one. I can only throw so many games in a row. It’s definitely open and I think it would probably help. We have a lot of lefties here who are super talented.”

Manager Bob Melvin said things are “up in the air” when asked if the Giants are leaning towards having two left-handers in their bullpen. Melvin added that having two lefties in the ‘pen is “ideal,” especially if one can throw multiple innings. Melvin joked earlier this spring that his main criteria when looking at the different lefties is “outs.”

“I don’t think at this point in time, anybody has stood out yet,” Melvin said on Friday before the Giants’ game against the Reds was rained out.

Of the four left-handed non-roster invitees remaining, Lucchesi and Romero are the only two with major-league experience. And of those two, Lucchesi has an advantage in that he pitched in the majors last year whereas Romero’s last appearance in the big leagues was in 2018. As far as free agents go, the list of available left-handers includes former Giant Drew Smyly and Brooks Raley.

Lucchesi, 31, had been a starter for his entire professional career prior to last season but converted from starting to relieving with the New York Mets’ Triple-A affiliate last August. The Newark native enjoyed success (3.16 ERA, 25 2/3 innings) as he learned the nuances of the role and is fully embracing the new chapter of his career.

“The Giants hit me up and said, ‘Hey, we have a lot of starters in house, so your best opportunity to make the team at camp would probably be as a reliever,’ ” said Lucchesi, who has thrown 2 2/3 scoreless innings this spring. “They don’t have too many lefties with experience. Me, my agents and my family talked about it and thought I could have a revival in my career. I’m still adjusting to it, but I feel like I’m doing well and I enjoy it.”

Romero, 34, has been a journeyman’s journeyman over the last seven years. Since he last touched a big league mound on July 15, 2018, Romero has suited up for the Chunichi Dragons (NPB, 2019), Los Angeles Dodgers (2021), Chiba Lotte Marines (NPB, 2021-22), SSG Landers (KBO, 2023) and Toros de Tijuana (2024). That doesn’t include his time in the Dominican Winter League, either, where he was the reigning Pitcher of the Year for Aguilas Cibaenas. The left-hander has a 5.40 ERA this spring but allowed one earned run across four innings with five strikeouts in his first three outings.

“I’m very happy for the opportunity,” Romero said through team interpreter Erwin Higueros. “I’m a believer that God puts you in the right place.”

The next two weeks of games — and the looming next round of cuts — will determine whether Lucchesi, Romero, Jimenez or Olivarez can pitch their way onto the Opening Day roster. At the minimum, the Giants will have Miller, who was happy to finally pitch in a real game after dealing with illness and inflammation in his middle finger.

Most of the Giants’ pitchers have appeared in at least three games at this point, and Miller admitted to feeling “a bit of anxiety” due to being behind other pitchers. Miller was scheduled to pitch on Friday against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark, but the game was canceled due to rain.

“I drove over there and I got in even earlier than those guys,” Miller said. “I was in the outfield playing catch and someone walked out and said, ‘Yeah, we’re not playing.’ I was like, ‘That’s sweet.’ I got (my first game) out of the way today, but it was like, ‘Dude, I can’t get on the mound no matter what it is.’”

Adames, Chapman showcase defensive prowess

On paper, third baseman Matt Chapman and shortstop Willy Adames represent one of the best left sides to an infield in baseball. On Saturday, they flashed their collective potential on both sides of the ball in a 7-3 win over Kansas City.

In the first inning, Chapman fielded a Nelson Velázquez chopper on the barehand then fired to first base for the out, the latest example of him making a difficult play look routine. The following inning, the Royals’ John Rave smoked a grounder that bounced off Keaton Winn’s foot and ricocheted into the air. Shortstop Willy Adames camped himself under the ball, then quickly fired to first base once it landed for the out.

Along with the defense, Chapman hit an opposite-field home run on a fly ball that kept on carrying with the help of the dry Arizona air, his fourth homer of Cactus League play and his third in his last two games. In seven games, Chapman is hitting .533/.650/1.333 with as many walks as strikeouts.

“We’re going to be able to try to cover the whole left side, and if I’m taking the six-hole, he’s able to be up the middle,” Chapman said. “We’re just trying to spread it out as much as we can and get used to playing with each other.”

Worth noting

Mike Yastrzemski hit his third home run of the spring, a no-doubter to right field that landed on the roof of the Charro Lodge. Yastrzemski has a 1.006 OPS through eight games. David Villar hit his first homer of the spring as well.Right-handed Joel Peguero tossed a scoreless inning with a strikeout and touched 102 mph. The reliever has tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings this spring with five strikeouts and no walks.

Kurtenbach: Jed York is coming out of the shadows. That’s terrible news for the 49ers

Eight years ago, 49ers CEO Jed York stood at the lectern in Levi’s Stadium and declared “I own this football team. You don’t dismiss owners.”

It was a moment of defiance born of years of incompetence—a stretch during which the 49ers had fired three head coaches in three seasons and had only 15 total wins.

And it looks like York is pulling rank once again.

That’s terrible news for the 49ers.

York, who was given the team president job by his parents at 28 and two years later became the team’s top decision-maker, had been making his presence known in the years prior to that quote.

After a down 2014 season, York fired Jim Harbaugh — you’ll never get me to say they “mutually agreed to part ways.” He then hired the woefully overmatched Jim Tomsula to replace Harbaugh, comparing the defensive line coach to Steve Kerr in the process. He fired him a year later, only to bring in Chip Kelly, whose “innovations” made a bad situation worse.

It wasn’t until the Niners were at rock bottom that York moved to the side. His hail mary heave to land Kyle Shanahan—handing a first-time head coach not only a six-year contract (two years longer than the standard) but also full personnel control, a la Bill Belichick—connected. Shanahan’s hire relegated York to the periphery—he spent his time dabbling in politics and buying soccer teams—and the Niners were unquestionably better for it.

Within three years, San Francisco was playing in the Super Bowl. Four years and three NFC Championship Games later, they were back.

But after a six-win 2024, York is seemingly up to his old tricks and making his presence known again.

And if that proves to be anything more than bluster, it’s a harbinger of more losses to come.

There really is a simple rubric: the more involved York is on the football side of the team’s business, the worse the team becomes.

Perhaps the Niners owner thought we would forget that fact over the last seven years. I imagine it won’t take long for Niners fans to be reminded of why he needed to step into the shadows in the first place.

We can all agree on this: The 49ers’ roster needs a reset. The team tried to “run it back” after their Super Bowl loss and looked old, slow, and injured. The failure to see that so many players’ window of excellence had closed is something everyone in the organization has to wear.

There is also little dispute that the supposed checks-and-balances system between the three branches of the Niners—personnel, ownership, and coaching—has become out of whack in recent years.

Shanahan had been stepping back from having complete control of the team’s roster since the equally disastrous 2020 season, letting general manager John Lynch to actually be the team’s GM and not just Shanahan’s attache that handled the minor issues and political responsibilities of the top job. But when the contract negotiations got tough, with Deebo Samuel in 2022, Nick Bosa in 2023, and Brandon Aiyuk this past season, Shanahan pulled rank and pushed through deals. The head coach couldn’t stand to lose one of his best players — dollars and cents, and his responsibility, be damned.

But just because Shanahan and Lynch — the faces of the franchise since 2017 — ran into a bad year doesn’t mean York should change what he’s doing.

Alas, when you spend money like it isn’t yours, eventually, someone sees the bill.

And the purse strings sound like they’re tightening. The trade of Samuel — despite the significant salary-cap hit that came with it — was the first sign that things have changed in Santa Clara. The lingering Aiyuk trade rumors and a reported low-ball opening offer to Purdy in contract negotiations provide further insight.

Adam Schefter recently leaked that the Niners have a “cash issue” that could limit how much they can offer Brock Purdy.

“Since Kyle and I have been here, we’ve been certainly a top-five — I believe No. 2 – cash-spending team,” Lynch said at the NFL scouting combine. “[A]t some point you have to reset a little bit or at least recalibrate. You can’t just keep pressing the pedal and I think there’s some good that could come out.”

And there’s plenty of validity to that latter statement.

But it sure sounds like something a team owner would say, no?

Ultimately, those constraints are entirely artificial.

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The 49ers don’t need austerity measures. While I am not privy to the organization’s books, if the Niners are even moderately competent in how the organization is run — and all indications point to that being more than true — they should be teetering between dirty rich and filthy rich. The team values itself at $9 billion.

It also has a plum setup: laughably low rent at Levi’s Stadium, and a brand is as valuable as any team’s in professional sports.

If every NFL team brings in more than $500 million in revenue, how much are the Niners raking in annually? I can say this with certainty: the league’s television and league-marketing deals cover the full cost of even the most lavish cash-spending years, like last season when the Niners spent roughly $350 million on salary.

Yes, the league’s check should cover all football operations costs.

So why is football operations feeling the pinch? Now’s not the time to be stingy.

Yes, going younger, faster, and cheaper can be a football decision, but it doesn’t sound like it is.

That severely limits the Niners’ chances of doing enough this offseason to correct this team’s problems.

There’s a reason the Bengals, Lions, and Chargers have never won a Super Bowl.

York hasn’t won one, either.

And if he ever wants to win a Lombardi Trophy, he’d be well-served to remember that you get what you pay for in this league.

York’s job is to cut checks and sleep on a bed of money. The Niners can’t win a title if he can’t do that.

It really is a simple rubric.

Congressman hosts town hall to speak out against cuts to Medicaid, Medi-Cal

Congressman Jimmy Panetta, from California’s 19th district including Monterey County, hosted a Medicaid town hall Friday, joined by a panel of physicians and health care providers who shared their views on the consequences of the House Republicans’ blueprint proposal that would require cuts to Medicaid.

Panetta spoke out against the budget resolution in which the House Energy and Commerce Committee would have to cut at least $880 billion from its annual budget. Based on that committee’s authority and overall budget, that amount could lead to severe cuts in Medicaid, ACA premium assistance and health care programs for working families. In our congressional district, such cuts could negatively impact the healthcare for nearly 165,000, including 50,000 children and 26,000 seniors.

“We can’t allow this administration to use the excuse of getting rid of fraud to take a sledgehammer to absolutely blow up agencies,” Panetta said. “We can’t allow this President and Elon Musk to basically cut out services that all of us rely on.”

The town hall served as an opportunity for Panetta to share his reasoning for pursuing litigation against the Trump Administration and bring a panel of experts to discuss how cuts to Medicaid and MediCal could affect Monterey County residents.

The congressman said he would stand up against both Republicans and Democrats who went against their constituents best interests, by pursuing dozens of legislative actions.

“I will work with them (Republicans), but if they go against their districts in order to support the administration, then they need to be held accountable by their constituency,” Panetta said.

The panel – Donaldo Hernandez, former president of the California Medical Association, Ananta Addala, from Stanford University and Chad Harris the CEO of Natividad Hospital – took turns explaining why an end or pause to Medicaid could be detrimental to their respective practices, then answered questions from the public.

“In Monterey County, 203,000 people are on Medi-Cal, that’s 47% of the population of the county,” Hernandez said. “Every county voted in favor of Prop 35, the largest increase in the Medi-Cal fee schedule in the history of the program since 1965, so Medi-Cal is important to California, and in fact, 67% of all Californians voted in favor of Prop 35 because they understood the value of that.”

Hernandez said more than half of the state’s residents use some kind of government insurance for health care, and cuts to the program could be devastating.

“The largest insurance group in the state of California right now are governmental based insurances. Fifty percent of children are on Medicaid. Forty percent of all women in the state are Medicaid,” Hernandez said. “That’s a population that none of us are willing to walk away from, the economically disadvantaged and historically economically disadvantaged really need to have that voice.”

The panel, (left to right) Chad Harris the CEO of Natividad Hospital, Ananta Addala, from Stanford University, and Donaldo Hernandez, former president of the California Medical Association, each spoke on how their industry benefits from Medicaid and Medical. (Kyarra Harris – Monterey Herald)

Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: The forgotten details of estate planning

Dear Readers: This column ran in 2014 but the information is still extremely important. 

At a certain time of life people begin to focus their attention on getting their estate planning done. Maybe there was a recent health scare, the birth of a baby or a close scrape that galvanized you to think about your “stuff” and what you want done with it after you are gone. The planning process can be arduous and has the tendency to make us face things we would really rather not – but out of necessity we force ourselves to do the planning.

Most estate planning choices revolve around who gets what and who will be the executor, trustee or named guardian of minor children. Unfortunately, while this planning is good, oftentimes there is an entire part of planning that is not adequately considered or addressed.

The clients of most estate lawyers are fit and healthy and death is, presumably, a long time away. Because “the event” is not imminent, what should happen in the hours and days immediately after death is often left undiscussed. Our documents may instruct an agent to arrange for cremation or we may preplan with a funeral home – but most children, spouses, partners or friends are ill-equipped to deal with the many details that need to be tended to immediately after death.

Consider this, the person you have named as your representative – your agent – has received a call in the middle of the night that you have passed away. What should he do? Hopefully, a discussion between you and your agent will have taken place long before the call, but many times it has not.

The first question your agent will need an answer to is: “Who will be picking up the body?”  If he knows you have made prearrangements, he can simply call for the pick-up. If he does not have the information or, worse, if no planning has been done, your agent will need to “shop for services.” In this case, the agent will come to find that payment for services is expected in advance so hopefully your agent is in a position to comfortably pay the fees and later seek reimbursement from your estate.

Your agent will also need to provide your vital statistics to the funeral home that include your full name, marital status, name of surviving spouse or registered domestic partner, usual residence, social security number, birth date, state of birth, usual occupation and father’s and mother’s names and places of birth. Without full information, services may be delayed and there could be a hold up on the issuance of a death certificate. Absent the death certificate, administration of your estate cannot go forward.

An agent named in an advance health care directive can make arrangements for you. Without such a directive California law dictates who can make arrangements: first your spouse or legal partner, then children, parent, sibling and so on. Be aware that if you and your spouse are separated but not legally divorced, your surviving spouse may be in charge of arrangements – which may not necessarily be the ones you would have preferred.

The bottom line is that in addition to the usual estate planning, consider the actions that will need to be taken immediately post-death and then communicate those plans to both the agent and to your trustee or executor. These may be the same person but, if not, best that both are advised of your wishes and any arrangements you have in place.

Liza Horvath has over 30 years of experience in the estate planning and trust fields and is the president of Monterey Trust Management, a financial and trust management company. This is not intended to be legal or tax advice. If you have a question call (831)646-5262 or email liza@montereytrust.com

Herald Hero deadline coming up Monday

We have received some amazing nominees for this year’s Herald Hero Award, but there is still time to get one in before Monday’s deadline.

The winner will receive a $500 cash prize. Just send an email to heroes@montereyherald.com and tell us in 200 words or less who you’d like to nominate, and why. Nominations are due by noon March 10.

How you choose your hero, and what criteria you want to establish for your hero, is entirely up to you. You can send us an email about anyone you see as someone who does great things for other people, animals, the environment or anything you consider hero-worthy. We’ll give equal consideration to heroes who perform their extraordinary feats behind the scenes, and those who are paid to do it.

In 2023, it was Al Siekert, who for years has run “Al & Friends Sunday Breakfast,” aimed at feeding the needy. Our other four finalists were Margy Mayfield and her team of pediatric nurses at Coastal Kids Home Care, Tom Newton, the principal of Monterey High, Marge Brigadier, a volunteer with Bay Net, a network of volunteers who serve as stewards of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary, and Chris Shake, the local restauranter who is well known for his volunteer work in the community.

Our county is filled with heroes such as these, and in many other arenas too numerous to mention. So this year, that fabulous five of 2023 won’t be eligible. We’re asking for your assistance in helping us identify a few more who deserve the Hero honor.

We’ll convene a panel to review the entries and announce five finalists and write stories on each, highlighting their heroic acts.

From there, we’ll choose one as the winner, honoring that person as our “Herald Hero.”

The everyday heroics of people doing great things behind the scenes have always been a big part of what makes Monterey County such a special place to live. We’re looking forward to receiving even more nominations and sharing their stories.