Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 202

Horoscopes Feb. 28, 2025: Jason Aldean, embrace the change

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jason Aldean, 48; Ali Larter, 49; Eric Lindros, 52; Pat Monahan, 56.Happy Birthday: Embrace the change that lowers your overhead, helps you grow personally and encourages a healthy lifestyle. Focus on what makes you feel revitalized, unstoppable and ready to conquer the world. Say no to indulgence, emotional baggage and those trying to lure you to do something that doesn’t further your initiative. Be true to yourself and walk away from those trying to convince you to do something not on your bucket list. Your numbers are 8, 13, 24, 28, 37, 40, 46.ARIES (March 21-April 19): Refuse to give up, give in or let anger come to the surface. Your best response is success. Focus on what you can do, and you’ll rise to the top and enjoy the glory and gratification of accomplishing your goals. Personal growth is yours to behold. Where there is purpose, there is meaning. 3 starsTAURUS (April 20-May 20): Discover the pleasure of positive change and fixate on making your surroundings comfortable. Stick to the people and pastimes that put your mind at ease. Invest your energy into something that enriches your life and points you in a direction that leads to fulfillment and personal joy. Fuel the fire within. 4 starsGEMINI (May 21-June 20): One step at a time. Minimize your plans to ensure you do your best and achieve your goal. Personal growth comes at a cost, but ultimately, it helps set the stage for a better tomorrow. Experience new places and meet exciting people, but refuse to let anyone take advantage of you. 2 starsCANCER (June 21-July 22): You’ll have the drive, imagination and skills to outperform. Put your energy to good use, do your best, and market and promote who you are and what you can do. You’ll attract attention, interest and worthwhile suggestions and connections to point you in a prosperous direction. Avoid physical and emotional risks. 5 starsLEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Pay attention to how you look at and respond to others. Be the one to make positive suggestions, lend a helping hand and use your skills and knowledge to make situations easier. Focus on fixing problems, not masking them, and you’ll become the go-to person in your circle. Self-improvement and romance are favored. 3 starsVIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Put your plans in motion. Build momentum, put a smile on your face and engage in talks that change how people perceive you and what you are trying to achieve. Be imaginative with your money, and you’ll find a way to make it stretch. An open mind will lead to new beginnings. 3 starsLIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Get out and about. Participate, engage in exciting events and broaden your sense of what’s possible. Use your home base as a springboard, and you’ll evolve in a direction that surprises everyone. It’s time to start an adventure that sparks your imagination and invites new friendships. Romance is on the rise. 3 starsSCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Relax, enjoy and let the chips fall where they may. Put your heart and soul into exploring what brings you joy, and you will discover something you love doing that can also offer prosperity. Turn your likes into new possibilities, and forge ahead with stamina, ingenuity and a smile. Social and networking events are favored. 3 starsSAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Be aware; leave nothing to chance. Be ready and able to pick up the slack if someone lets you down. Say less, listen more, read between the lines and be prepared to do whatever it takes to surpass even your own expectations. Rise above conflict by doing what you do best. 2 starsCAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You are in a better position than you realize, so don’t slow down or give anyone a chance to step in and take over. Rise above conflict and let your precision and actions be your voice, and diligence when handling money and leading the way will be your calling card. 4 starsAQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The best improvements you can make are the ones you do yourself. Put a cap on spending and use your skills and creative imagination, and you’ll surprise everyone with your desired outcome while deterring those expecting failure to ponce. Keep your eye on the goal and on any competition you encounter. 3 starsPISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Take the initiative and implement your agenda. Plan every detail, and you will enjoy turning something you desire into a reality. Make financial changes that offer peace of mind, security and the opportunity to achieve something you long for. Be true to yourself, and you’ll find the happiness you seek. 3 starsBirthday Baby: You are intuitive, grateful and persuasive. You are considerate and effective.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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Best rug runner

Which rug runner is best?

Runners are strips of carpet that have finished edges on all four sides. They are one of the best and easiest ways to protect your home’s flooring from scrapes, dirt and moisture. Rug runners brighten narrow spaces in your home and make them look bigger, too.

Rug runners have another practical purpose: a runner made with a sure-grip backing protects your family and guests from slip-and-fall injuries. If you are looking for a runner that never skids, take a look at House, Home And More Skid-Resistant Carpet Runner. Its soft loop-pile surface and neutral tan color complement a wide range of home decors.

What to know before you buy a rug runnerWhere you will put itEntrance areas: When you place a rug runner just inside your front door, you are showing visitors your sense of style. You are also being practical, because people’s shoes naturally collect dirt, dust and other debris from outside, and a runner protects the floor in your entryway.Hallways: Long, narrow runners in hallways help narrow corridors seem wider, brighter and more inviting to the eye. Hallways typically get a lot of traffic, so durability is a primary consideration.Staircases: If you have hardwood stairs, runners help prevent dangerous slips and falls, reduce the sound of feet tromping up and down and protect your beautiful hardwood, all while making a fashion statement.Kitchens: In kitchens, runners repel the inevitable greases and liquids that come with cooking. Kitchens are good places for synthetic runners that shrug off stains and are easy to clean. Runners also provide a bit of springiness that makes standing easier on the cook.Bedrooms: Bedrooms don’t get as much traffic as hallways, living areas and kitchens. Bedroom rug runners provide traction and warmth for wooden and tile floors. Runners placed on carpet keep the nap of your wall-to-wall carpet from getting trampled down in the same places over and over.Material

High-traffic areas need durable runners that handle traffic and dirt. Wool resists both dirt and liquids, so it’s easy to clean. In kitchens, look for runners that repel the greases and liquids spilled by even the finest chefs. Check out runners that have enough padding to add comfort for cooks who are on their feet for hours. All runners help reduce sound by cushioning footsteps and absorbing sound waves.

Pile height

For that luxurious, cushiony feeling, deeper piles are better. But deep piles also trap more dirt and debris and are harder to clean, so choose high piles for low-traffic areas and low piles for areas that get lots of foot traffic.

Step up

For added safety that looks good, too, look for runners that taper at the edges so they don’t stick up and trip you.

Bounce back

Runners should rebound immediately from impressions made by people’s feet and shoes. Check the bounce-back factor before choosing a runner.

How much you can expect to spend on a rug runner

The cost of a runner depends on its size and materials. Smaller runners made of synthetic fibers can be found for as little as $20 while plush rug runners made of high-quality fabrics cost almost as much as fine carpets.

Rug runner FAQDo all rug runners have the same backing materials?

A. No. Rugs used on slippery surfaces such as wood and tile need to have sturdy backing made to hug the floor and grip it tightly. When you put a runner on top of a carpet, it has much less chance of skidding, but may bunch up, so make sure you match your runner’s backing material and design to the surface where you put it.

Can I install a staircase runner by myself?

A. Yes, if you know exactly how to attach it to your staircase. Stairs are the site of slips and falls and you want to know that without a doubt, your runner will never cause an injury. When in doubt, call a pro.

What’s the best rug runner to buy?Top rug runner

House, Home And More Skid-Resistant Carpet Runner

What you need to know: Walk safely and comfortably on this soft loop-pile beige runner that complements a wide range of home decor.

What you’ll love: The neutral color and solid design of this 27-inch-wide, 6-foot-long runner provide protection for your floors while not drawing attention from your furnishings. This runner is finished and bound around all four edges and at the corners to provide a finished look and prevent fraying. The rubber backing resists skidding and prevents bunching while vacuuming.

What you should consider: The quarter-inch pile is functional, not luxurious.

Top rug runner for the money

Well Woven Barclay Sarouk Red Traditional Runner

What you need to know: This 2-foot-wide, 7-foot-long red runner is a great addition to any hallway or entrance.

What you’ll love: It also comes in light blue, green, black and ivory. Made of stain- and fade-resistant polypropylene that is very durable and easy to clean, it has a jute backing safe for wood floors and is serged on all sides for added durability.

What you should consider: This inexpensive artificial runner needs to be periodically replaced if used in a high-traffic area.

Worth checking out

Kapaqua Custom Size Solid Color Rubber Backed Non-Slip Stair Runner

What you need to know: This 22-inch-wide stair runner comes in any length you want, all the way up to 50 feet.

What you’ll love: Get the length you want in either a standard 22-inch or 31-inch width for larger staircases, and avoid the gaps and overlaps of trying to use a rug runner that is too long or too short. Choose from seven colors with this solid design that goes with any decor.

What you should consider: You can vacuum it regularly but will have to hand wash only.

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

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Best pregnancy stretch mark cream

Which pregnancy stretch mark cream is best?

Stretch marks are narrow streaks or stripes on the skin that are often caused by pregnancy, weight gain, rapid growth spurts or puberty. They can appear anywhere on the body where the skin is forced to rapidly expand. Stretch marks typically appear on the stomach in pregnant women, but they are also common on the breasts, back, lower back, hips, upper arms, calves and thighs.

Also known as striae, stretch marks appear when the skin is torn or stretched by rapid growth. Pregnant women can decrease their chances of getting stretch marks by using a pregnancy stretch mark cream. These creams can soothe and hydrate your stretched, irritated and dry skin.

What to know before you buy a pregnancy stretch mark creamWhat causes stretch marks

Your genetics can impact whether or not you develop stretch marks during pregnancy. For example, those who have sensitive, freckled, pale or easily sunburned skin are much more likely to get stretch marks during pregnancy than others. Stretch marks are most common during pregnancy, but they can also appear on skin that is thin or damaged by the use of topical steroid creams.

Harmful ingredients

There are some ingredients and products that are dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, since the ingredients can be harmful to your baby. These ingredients include retinol, hydroquinone, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, parabens, aluminum chloride and essential oils.

Make sure to choose wisely when selecting a pregnancy stretch mark cream. It’s important to speak to your healthcare provider before adding a stretch mark cream to your routine, as you want to make sure that any ingredients that you apply to your skin are safe for both you and your baby.

What to look for in a quality pregnancy stretch mark creamFormula

Pregnancy stretch mark treatments come in body butters, creams, oils and lotions, and the consistency of the treatment varies depending on the formula. For example, body butters tend to have the thickest consistency, while lotions and oils provide the thinnest consistency and creams fall somewhere in the middle.

Size

Many pregnancy stretch mark creams come in large, 32 ounce jars, since this provides the best value per ounce. You don’t need to repurchase these economy-size jars of cream as often, and they may last your entire pregnancy. That being said, you might also want to purchase a 2 ounce travel bottle for on-the-go use.

Fragrance

Most stretch mark creams have a mild floral fragrance, but if you are pregnant or feeling nauseous, a fragrance-free formula might be the best option for you. It’s also a good idea to patch test your stretch mark cream before use to ensure that the fragrance won’t irritate your skin.

How much you can expect to spend on a pregnancy stretch mark cream

The more basic pregnancy stretch mark creams go for about $8-$15, while mid-range pregnancy stretch creams vary in price from $20-$35. High-end pregnancy stretch mark creams can go for $50 or more.

Pregnancy stretch mark cream FAQHow long after pregnancy does it take for stretch marks to fade?

A. Stretch marks never completely go away, but they will fade over time. That being said, keeping your skin hydrated with a moisturizing pregnancy stretch mark cream can help decrease irritation and keep your scars less noticeable. Similar to other kinds of scarring, topical creams can diminish the visibility of scars and reduce any redness.

Will stretch marks appear if you lose weight?

A. Stretch marks are caused by the stretching of the skin. Lesions can appear when you rapidly gain weight and become more visible after you lose weight. Many teenagers also notice stretch marks after they go through a significant growth spurt during puberty. Creams, lotions and corticosteroid pills can decrease the skin’s ability to stretch, and these medications can actually cause stretch marks as the skin loses elasticity.

What’s the best pregnancy stretch mark cream to buy?Top pregnancy stretch mark cream

TriLASTIN Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream

What you need to know: This cream’s nourishing formula helps regenerate new skin cells, so you won’t be so itchy.

What you’ll love: It’s nongreasy to lock in moisture and prevent tears in the skin. It also boosts new skin cell formation.

What you should consider: It’s described as “odorless,” but isn’t actually odorless. It has a mild fragrance.

Top pregnancy stretch mark cream for the money

Mommy Knows Best Stretch Marks & Scars Removal Cream

What you need to know: This affordable pregnancy stretch mark cream will give you the most bang for your buck.

What you’ll love: This natural and budget-friendly pregnancy stretch mark cream includes natural ingredients like mango butter, jojoba butter, shea butter and coco butter to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks on the skin. This product is safe to use during and after pregnancy.

What you should consider: Customers say that this stretch mark cream doesn’t help eliminate scars.

Worth checking out

Era Organics Stretch Marks & Scar Treatment Oil

What you need to know: This organic stretch mark and scar treatment oil helps prevent stretch marks and eliminate scars.

What you’ll love: This Era Organics pregnancy stretch mark cream comes with anti-aging oil to revitalize the skin by treating rosacea, burns and acne. The blends of organic oils help keep the skin hydrated, nourish the skin and eliminate any wrinkles and scars.

What you should consider: Some customers say they wish this pregnancy stretch mark cream would come in a larger bottle so it would last longer.

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

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Best kitchen apron

Which kitchen apron is best?

Whether you’re making a casual dinner, baking a birthday cake, or preparing a holiday feast, it’s easy to get messy in the kitchen. A kitchen apron will help protect your clothes while also keeping the dirt and germs they carry away from your food.

This guide will help you determine what you need from a kitchen apron. We’ve also included some recommendations, such as our top choice, the Arawak Brave’s Professional Cooking Apron, a sturdy choice with some handy features, such as pockets and a headphone loop.

What to know before you buy a kitchen apron?Half apron vs. full apron

Most kitchen aprons are full aprons, which start from just below the collar and end anywhere from mid-thigh to the knee, depending on the wearer’s height. However, you can also buy half aprons, which start at the waist and reach down to the knees. The former is more popular for cooking because they offer greater coverage.

Material

Cotton is a popular material for kitchen aprons because it’s strong, easy to clean, and breathable (a huge plus in a hot kitchen), but you can also find options made from polyester or a cotton/poly blend, which are usually cheaper. Some cotton aprons are wax-coated for a waterproof outer layer that’s easy to wipe clean without compromising washability.

Size

Kitchen aprons are almost exclusively sold in just one size, which can be tricky for particularly tall or short people. The best options have adjustable neck straps, which can help you achieve a better fit.

What to look for in a quality kitchen apronColor or print

You can find kitchen aprons in all kinds of colors and prints. Plain black and plain white are both popular choices as are vertical stripes and plaid. However, you have countless options available to you, from patchwork prints to Star Wars designs and just about everything in between.

Stain-resistance

Some kitchen aprons are designed to be stain-resistant, which is an excellent feature for any particularly messy cooks out there.

Pockets

The majority of kitchen aprons feature at least one pocket, but many have several pockets of varying sizes and locations. You can put almost anything you need to keep close at hands in your apron pocket, such as recipes, kitchen utensils, or jars of herbs. Although pockets aren’t entirely essential, they’re definitely a useful addition.

Headphone loop

Like to listen to music on headphones while you cook? Then look for a kitchen apron with a built-in headphone loop. You don’t want your earbuds to fall out of your ears and onto a hot stove or into a pot of soup. A headphone loop keeps the wires in place to prevent any mishaps.

How much you can expect to spend on a kitchen apron

Expect to pay anywhere between $10 and $100 for a kitchen apron, though you can find some excellent choices around $20 to $40.

Kitchen apron FAQAre there any other uses for kitchen aprons besides cooking and baking?

A. Yes, kitchen aprons don’t need to be used in the kitchen only. They can be useful for gardening, messy crafts, woodworking, and decorating. Of course, it’s not particularly hygienic to use an apron in the kitchen after using it for gardening or other outdoor uses, so it’s best to have a dedicated cooking apron.

Why are so many kitchen aprons white? Doesn’t white stain easily?

A. Yes, white does stain easily, but it can also be bleached to keep it looking bright and fresh, which is why professional kitchens often use white aprons and why they’re also popular for home use. Of course, there’s no reason why you need to opt for a white apron if you prefer the look of dark colors or more adventurous patterns.

What are the best kitchen aprons to buy?Top kitchen apron

Arawak Brave’s Professional Cooking Apron

What you need to know: This rugged unisex apron is designed with grilling in mind, but you can use it for all kinds of kitchen tasks.

What you’ll love: It features a range of pockets for keeping utensils and other useful kitchen gadgets close. The adjustable straps mean they will fit most adults. The headphone loop is a welcome feature.

What you should consider: It attracts lint easily.

Top kitchen apron for money

DII’s Cotton Adjustable Buffalo Check-Plaid Apron

What you need to know: This is a simple yet sturdy kitchen apron that offers excellent value for the money.

What you’ll love: It has an adjustable neck strap for a personalized fit and a large front pocket. It comes in a range of plaid prints. Matching dish towels and potholders are also available.

What you should consider: It can only be dried in a cool cycle.

Worth checking out

Maison d’ Hermine’s Colmar Cotton Apron

What you need to know: This 100% cotton apron is designed in Europe and has an attractive floral pattern that’s also available in a range of other kitchen gear.

What you’ll love: It’s got a durable cotton construction and is machine-washable. It has an adjustable neck strap to fit people of varying heights.

What you should consider: The floral print might not appeal to some.

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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CCS high school boys’ basketball: Carmel, Palma advance to section title games

CARMEL – One thing Kurt Grahl has prided himself on during a two-decade plus run as a head basketball coach is attention to detail and keeping the focus solely on the game in front of him.

That’s not to suggest that the Carmel boys coach didn’t understand the ramifications of Thursday’s Central Coast Section Division IV semifinals went well beyond a return trip the title game.

In addition to returning to the Division IV championships after a 71-47 win over Half Moon Bay, the Padres have ensured themselves of a spot in the State Northern California tournament.

“I don’t look at the semifinals as more pressure,” Grahl said. “One thing I’ve been pretty good at is focusing on the game in front of us.”

That includes Saturday when the reigning CCS Division IV champion Padres will face top seed King’s Academy of Sunnyvale in the title game at 3 p.m. at Santa Clara High.

The West Bay League champion Knights dismantled league rival Sacred Heart Prep for the third time this year in the semifinals with a 64-50 win, improving to 22-4 overall.

King’s Academy, who beat Carmel in the semifinals in 2023 enroute to a CCS title, have won 15 of their last 16 games, with their last loss coming from Division V finalist Woodside Priory.

“I’ve seen them in recent years,” Grahl said. “I have an idea of the style they play. They have a freshman that’s the real deal. He is a talented kid and a DI prospect. King’s Academy’s first five is pretty tough.”

Grahl, who is 3-0 lifetime in CCS title games, has guided the two-time Gabilan Division champions to seven straight wins. Carmel is 18-2 since getting six football players back from the state championship football team.

Among them was Simeon Brown, who bounced back from the flu last Tuesday to ignite Carmel with 22 points in arguably their best game as a team this season.

“If it wasn’t our best game, it was close,” Grahl said. “We were running on all cylinders. “We just had it going. We were able to get our transition game going early. That was our focus in practice. We had been settling in a halfcourt offense.”

For all intent purposes, the Padres blew the game open in the second quarter behind Brown and Warren Blut, outscoring them 24-8 in the quarter to open up a 40-18 lead, extending it to 24 in the fourth quarter.

“They tried to extend their zone,” Grahl said. “When the floor is spread, we’re pretty good. We got guys that can attack the rim. That leads to opportunities. I think Half Moon Bay got a little rattled.”

Half Moon Bay (18-8), who finished second to Carlmont in the Peninsula Bay League, came into the semifinals as the No. 3 seed, having knocked off Pacific Grove 66-59 last Tuesday.

Blut, a three-year starter for Grahl, chipped in with 17 points, while Brooklyn Ashe was dominate in the paint with 14 rebounds to go along with six points. Sean Carr came off the bench to add six points.

“When you score easy baskets, you can get into your press,” Grahl said. “I think it bothered them a bit.”

Palma 79, Shasta Summit 71: Erupting for a season high 79 points could not have come at a better time. Yet, it was the Chieftains defense in the second half that has extended their season after knocking off Shasta Summit.

Palma is headed back to the CCS finals for the first time since 2022, this time in Division V, as five players produced double digits in the scoring column.

“That team was as good as advertised,” Palma coach Brian Driscoll said. “Shasta came out swinging. There was no fear. It was a hell of a high school basketball game.”

Seeded No. 2 in Division V, the Chieftains (21-6) will face top seed Woodside Priory — 64-45 winners over defending DV champion Oakwood — on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Santa Clara High.

The Chieftains — who also clinched a spot in the State Northern California tournament — swept Oakwood in the Gabilan Division this past season with wins by one and seven points.

“I don’t know if you can take much out of that,” Driscoll said. “Teams match up differently against each other. Matchups, particularly at this level are big. Priory historically is very good. It has a real program.”

Priory has the distinction of beating Division IV top seed King’s Academy, who was nearly bumped to the Open Division at this year’s CCS seeding meeting.

The Panthers (20-6), who finished third in the West Bay League behind King’s Academy and Sacred Heart Prep, have won five CCS Division V titles in the last decade, including back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.

“We will watch some film over the next 24 hours,” Driscoll said.

Momentum seemed to shift the Chieftains way just before halftime when Wyatt Hippensteel tipped in a missed basket to tie the game at 38.

“Those little plays really helped,” Driscoll said. “I challenged our guys at halftime to dig in defensively. We have been a defensive minded team all year. But we gave up 38 points in the first half. The third quarter was big for us.”

Palma continued its assault with a balanced scoring attack, anchored by JJ Saucedo’s 19 points, opening up as much as a 13-point cushion in the second half.

“This group has really grown,” Driscoll said. “They don’t care who gets the credit. These guys just play hard together and love to compete together.”

Soren Robert contributed a double-double for Palma with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Chase Amaral continued his strong second half of the season with 15 points. JT Harreld added 13 points and nine boards, with Hippensteel scoring 12.

“I can’t say enough about the effort Wyatt brings every night with his defense,” Driscoll said. “Tonight, he shot the ball well. He’s just a good solid player.”

CCS high school girls basketball: Salinas, Palma fall in semifinals

LOS GATOS — Before the game even tipped off, Salinas High was assessed a technical foul after officials ruled that their uniforms — one’s that they have used since girls’ basketball coach Jen Gordon took the job three years ago — were illegal.

“I was told the numbers, which are purple on black were illegal,” Gordon said. “We have never been called on it. These are the only road uniforms we have. I was told to get new uniforms.”

It snowballed from there as the Cowboys had no answer for top-seed Los Gatos’ twin towers, as the pair dominated the paint in a 53-35 win, advancing to the Division I finals for the third time in four years.

The loss snapped an eight-game winning streak for the Cowboys (19-8), who won the Gabilan Division, and were in the semifinals for the first time in 18 years.

“There size hurt us,” Gordon said. “We tried to attack in a two-three zone. We sandwiched the big girls. But both are DI commits. It reminded me of when Jeff Foster and I were in high school and we passed over defenses. It was choir.”

Gordon, who is 6-feet-8 and played professional in Germany, helped North Salinas to a pair of CCS titles in 1984-85, along with the 6-9 Foster.

Salinas had no answer to Los Gatos’ 6-2 Ashley Childers and 6-1 Nicole Steiner, who dominated the paint in producing double digits in the scoring column.

“I thought our defensive plan went well,” Gordon said. “But when you give an opponent extra shots, one is going to fall. Sometimes they were getting five shots on one possession. Our tallest girl is 5-10.”

Freshman Isabella Stepp led Salinas with seven points, while twins Erin and Alice Uchida each scored six. Jennifer Rivera and Alyssa Escutia were praised for their defense by Gordon.

“I’ll take a few weeks off, recharge the batteries and see who wants to get back in the gym,” Gordon said. “We’re losing six seniors. But the core of the team will be back.”

Division V

Castilleja 26, Palma 13: Usually when you hold an opponent to 26 points in the postseason, you’re not talking about your season coming to an end.

The Chieftains, however, struggled from the field as they were held to a season low 13 points — five in the second half in falling in the CCS Division V semifinals to Castilleja in Palo Alto.

“We could not put the ball in the basket tonight,” Palma coach Robbie Johnson said. “The game plan was to attack the basket. But their guards were big. We were shooting a lot of 3’s. We took some bad shots.”

Runner ups in the Cypress Division, Palma finished its first season 23-4. The loss snapped an eight-game winning streak.

“I had no idea what I’d have when I took the job,” said Johnson, who had three players that played for him at Notre Dame last year transfer when Palma opened its doors to girls for the first time in 60 years.

Having scored a season high 78 points in its playoff opening win over Pescadero, Palma found itself down 10-8 at the half to the top seed in Division V.

“I think at halftime the girls believed we could win this game,” Johnson said. “But you could tell that program has been here before. Hats off to them. They outhustled us at times.”

Seniors Frankie Rossi and Aveena Ducusin each had four points for the Chieftains, who are likely ticketed to move up a division next season in the Pacific Coast Athletic League.

“I’ve requested we go to the Mission Division,” Johnson said. “I think it will prepare us better for moments like this. We’re only losing three players. I told the younger girls to set the bar high for yourselves next season.”

State high school wrestling: Palma’s Garcia, Alvarez’s Perez and Monterey’s Myers reach quarterfinals

BAKERSFIELD — Becoming the first freshman at Palma and in the county to podium at the state wrestling championships last year wasn’t what Aiden Garcia was searching for.

Garcia felt he had more in him, that he left points on the mats. While a sixth place podium place was respectable — especially for a then 15-year-old, it wasn’t acceptable.

Bumping up a weight class this year, Garcia opened the California Interscholastic Federation State wrestling tournament with three wins at 113 pounds Thursday at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield.

“It’s a tough weight class,” Palma coach Isaiah Jimenez said. “Seeds really go out the window. But we are in a good spot. Aidan is winning at all the positions right now, which is what you want at this stage.”

A Gabilan Division and Central Coast Section champion, Garcia was one of three wrestlers in the county to go undefeated on the first day of the three-day double elimination tournament.

Jacob Perez won all three of his matches at 157 pounds for Alvarez, while Ella Myers of Monterey pinned her two opponents at 140 in the girl’s division.

Garcia is attempting to become just the second Palma wrestler to podium twice, joining Joey Dansby. His coach Isaiah Jimenez took seventh as a senior 17 years ago.

“California is a tough wrestling state,” Jimenez said. “There are no divisions in wrestling. You’re the guy if you get to this level. He’s in the mix.”

Seeded No. 6, Garcia (25-6) will face No. 3 seed Carlos Melgoza of Kingsburg — an opponent he defeated earlier this winter in a tournament, with the winner reaching the medal on Saturday.

“He took some losses earlier this year, which was good,” Jimenez said. “It motivated him more. He’s hungry.”

Jacob Perez, who entered the state tournament ranked No. 2 in the state at 157 pounds for Alvarez, opened with a dominating performance.

A Gabilan Division and Central Coast Section champion and two-time state meet qualifier, Perez came into the state meet with a 35-3 overall record.

Isaiah Rangel of Palma opened the tournament with a win at 165 pounds, before falling in his second match, dropping him into the consolation rounds. A CCS runner-up, the senior is a two-time state meet qualifier, having wrestled last year at 175.

North Salinas’ Jason Valencia (175), Alisal’s Fabian Martinez (215) and Gabriel De La Rosa (113) of Monterey all fell in their first matches and will compete Friday in the consolation rounds of the double-elimination tournament.

Girls

Ella Myers may be college bound as a softball hurler. But the multisport senior is leaving a legacy on the wrestling mats at Monterey High.

The three-time state meet qualifier won her first two matches at 140 pounds at the state wrestling championships to advance to the quarterfinals on Friday.

Myers, who has a softball scholarship to UC Santa Barbara, is one win away from ensuring herself of no worse than a top eight finish.

Unranked coming into the state tournament, the senior won her first match by a pin, then took down her second opponent an hour later — also by a pin — to improve her season record to 32-3.

An illness last year at the state championships saw Myers go just 2-2. Over the course of three years, the senior has captured three Gabilan Division titles, and a Central Coast Section championship, collecting 131 wins.

Two-time state meet qualifier Keria Siason open the tournament with a win at 105 pounds for Alvarez, before suffering a loss to a ranked opponent, advancing to Friday’s consolation round.

Siason, who was forced to drop weight the night before to get down to the appropriate weight, won her first match, despite feeling sluggish.

“I didn’t feel good about it at all,” Siason said. “I didn’t have time to prep myself. I had to look at my coach to calm myself down. I had not had much to eat. I had to drop quite a few pounds to make it today.”

Despite falling in her second match, Siason felt much better about her performance, providing momentum going into the consolation rounds on Friday.

“The girl that beat me is a stud,” Siason said. “She outwrestled me. But mentally I felt more prepared. I was trying to get small victories. I got a good experience out of it.”

Siason, who has over 100 wins in her career, understands that each match from this point could be her last high school competition — something she isn’t taking lightly.

“There is no reason to be disappointed with myself,” Siason said. “Instead of saying I should have done this or could have done that, I’ve learned to appreciate just being here more.”

Alisal’s Briana Ochoa (110) and Areli Rodriguez (170) both won their opening matches, before succumbing in their second bouts in the double-elimination tournament.

A CCS champion as a sophomore and returning state qualifier, Rodriguez knocked off the No. 4 seed in the first major upset of the tournament.

“Honestly I didn’t expect to win,” Rodriguez said. “My dad gave me a bunch of confidence and helped me overcome my fear. It came down to who had better conditioning, and it was me.”

Rodriguez, who is 26-6 on the season, reinjured her elbow — an injury that kept her out for two weeks during the season — in a loss in her second match, but expects to compete Friday.

Ochoa, who was 0-2 last year as a freshman at the state tournament and a CCS runner-up last week, won her first match to erase a lot of nerves.

“It felt really good just to get that out of the way,” Ochoa said. “I’ve got a different mindset this year. It still can be intimidating being here and watching a bunch of people warming up next to you. I just have to remind myself I’m just as good.”

CCS champion Natalie Ramirez won her opening match for Soledad at 225 pounds, before being pinned in her second match. She will also move to the consolation round.

Marina Davis (145), Tillia Perry (110) and Violette Ross (225) of Monterey, along with Iliyana Nava of Salinas (140) all fell in their opening matches, but still advanced to Friday’s consolation rounds.

Steph Curry drops 56 to lift Warriors over Magic

The Warriors faced their biggest deficit of the game for 1.1 seconds and 44 feet of the court.

Steph Curry, down 17 as Orlando shot the lights out, took a dribble and launched a heave from beyond halfcourt, swishing in a miracle at the end of the first half.

That was one of Curry’s 12 3-pointers and tipped off a 40-14 Warriors run that flipped the game. Behind Curry’s best game of the year, the Warriors (32-27) came back for a 121-115 win over the Magic to start their five-game road trip.

Curry dropped a season-high 56 points, his highest-scoring game since last February’s 60-bomb in Atlanta. He’s registered three 50-point games since turning 35 years old, the most all-time. He needed just 34 minutes to do it, going 16-for-25 from the field and 12-for-19 from deep while sinking all 12 of his foul shots.

“For us to win this game, it obviously took all those points, but it took a collective resilience that I love that we showed tonight,” Curry said in his on-court interview with NBC Sports Bay Area. “It would’ve been easy to lay down in the first game of a road trip down (17), but we all clawed back.”

The Warriors rode Curry’s 16-point second quarter, 22-point third and crunch-time flurry to their fifth straight victory. Quinten Post also chipped in a crucial 18 points off the bench.

Orlando’s Paolo Banchero finished with 41 points, but Curry was the one getting M-V-P chants at the end of the game in his Kia Center.

It looked like the type of game the Warriors would’ve had no chance coming back in. They trailed by double digits for almost the entire first half and Banchero hit 10 of his 12 shots to score 24 first-half points. The Magic, the worst jump shooting team in the league, were hitting everything; they shot 83.3% in the first quarter, the highest mark of a Warriors opponent all year.

But these Warriors are so much better than the ones from earlier this season. They’re invigorated, with a new life thanks to the addition of Jimmy Butler.

Butler struggled offensively, but Curry more than picked him up. Butler may have changed Golden State’s season, but the Warriors are still undoubtedly Curry’s team.

As Banchero dominated every matchup the Warriors threw at him — Moses Moody, Kevin Knox, Buddy Hield, zones — Curry scored 16 points in the second quarter to keep the Warriors in it. He pulled up from the logo, lifting the Warriors as his teammates misfired from deep.

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Curry’s halfcourt shot at the end of the half made him 5-for-7 from deep. The rest of the Warriors were 3-for-16 at that point and Butler was a -21 in the box score.

“He was due for one of those,” Kerr told reporters postgame. “That’s what I love about Steph, of the many things: he always shoots the halfcourt shots. Doesn’t care about his percentages.”

The Warriors inserted Post into the lineup to start the second half, and he poured in 10 quick points. The move allowed Draymond Green to slow down Banchero, who missed six straight shots.

Curry rattled home a shooter’s-touch 3 that grazed the top of the backboard and kept cooking. He drained his eighth 3 by denying a screen and going behind the back on the left wing. Then he sank No. 9 in transition on the very next possession, breaking out the putting celebration as Orlando called timeout.

When Curry returned from his regularly scheduled rest to begin the fourth quarter, the Warriors led by 13 after more solid Post minutes. With over six minutes left, he had a chance to flirt with Klay Thompson’s single-game record of 14 3s.

“We’re spoiled around here, and we’re used to it, but it never gets old watching,” Kerr said. “I can tell you that I think the fans here tonight, even the Magic fans, they know they’re witnessing the greatest shooter ever and one of the greatest performers ever.”

With the Magic inching within six, Curry poured in his 10th triple in a two-man game with Post. With so much spacing cleared out on one side of the court, the Magic couldn’t double-team Curry.

His 11th came from 28 feet, but Wendell Carter Jr. answered. He tried another, but rimmed out on a catch-and-shoot try that he fired as soon as he got his hands on the leather. Then he beat the shot clock with a reload try for his 12th.

Curry threw both hands in the air after what ended up being the dagger. The Warriors needed every single one of them. And Curry deserved to snag the game ball on his way off the court.

“Very very special, just love to score the basketball, nice to have these and soak it all in,” Curry said.

Judge finds mass firings of federal probationary workers to likely be unlawful

By JANIE HAR

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge in San Francisco on Thursday found that the mass firings of probationary employees were likely unlawful, granting temporary relief to a coalition of labor unions and organizations that has sued to stop the Trump administration’s massive dismantling of the federal workforce.

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U.S. District Judge William Alsup ordered the Office of Personnel Management to inform certain federal agencies that it had no authority to order the firings of probationary employees, including the Department of Defense.

“OPM does not have any authority whatsoever, under any statute in the history of the universe,” to hire or fire any employees but its own, Alsup said.

The complaint filed by five labor unions and five nonprofit organizations is among multiple lawsuits pushing back on the administration’s efforts to shrink the federal workforce, which Trump has called bloated and sloppy. Thousands of probationary employees have already been fired, and his administration is now aiming at career officials with civil service protection.

Lawyers for the government agree that the office has no authority to hire or fire employees in other agencies.

But they say the Office of Personnel Management asked agencies to review and determine whether employees on probation were fit for continued employment. They also say that probationary employees are not guaranteed employment and that only the highest performing and mission-critical employees should be hired.

Attorneys for the coalition cheered the order, although it does not mean that fired employees will automatically be rehired or that future firings will not occur.

“What it means in practical effects is the agencies of the federal government should hear the court’s warning that that order was unlawful,” said Danielle Leonard, an attorney for the coalition, after the hearing.

Emails for comment to the U.S. Department of Justice and to attorneys on the case were not immediately returned Thursday.

Alsup ordered the personnel office to inform a limited number of federal agencies represented by the five nonprofits that are plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which include veterans, parks, small businesses and defense. He seemed particularly troubled by firings expected at the Department of Defense.

He also ordered the acting head of the personnel office, Charles Ezell, to testify in court about the nature of a Feb. 13 phone call in which agency heads were told to fire probationary employees.

“The agencies could thumb their noses at OPM if they wanted to if it’s guidance, but if it’s an order, or cast as an order, the agencies may think they have to comply,” he said.

There are an estimated 200,000 probationary workers — generally employees who have less than a year on the job — across federal agencies. About 15,000 are employed in California, providing services ranging from fire prevention to veterans’ care, the complaint says.

Elon Musk has led the purge through the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, roiling the workforce with demands including a Saturday email sent through the personnel office ordering workers to list five things they did last week or risk getting fired. The Office of Personnel Management later said that the edict was voluntary, although workers could face similar requests in the future.

The plaintiffs said in their complaint that numerous agencies informed workers that the personnel office had ordered the terminations, with an order to use a template e-mail informing workers their firing was for performance reasons.

Probationary employees of the National Science Foundation, for example, were told by the foundation that it had decided to retain its workers but was overruled by the Office of Personnel Management, according to the complaint.

Unions have recently struck out with two other federal judges.

A judge in Washington, D.C., last week denied a motion from unions to temporarily block layoffs because he found their complaint should be heard in federal labor court. Earlier this month, a judge in Massachusetts said unions suing over a deferred resignation offer weren’t directly affected and so lacked legal standing to challenge it.

Alsup said labor unions likely lack legal standing to sue, but the nonprofit organizations likely have cause because their members will be denied government services resulting from the loss of workers, such as the enjoyment of parks, mental health services for veterans and loans for small businesses.

He was appalled that probationary employees were fired with a mark against them for poor performance.

“Probationary employees are the lifeblood of our government. They come in at the low level and work their way up,” he said.

Alsup plans to issue a written order. An evidentiary hearing is set for March 13.

Horoscopes Feb. 26, 2025: Erykah Badu, take the pressure off

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Corinne Bailey Rae, 46; Erykah Badu, 54; Mark Dacascos, 61; Michael Bolton, 72.Happy Birthday: Take the pressure off by eliminating outside influences that jar your nerves, cost you emotionally or financially, and leave you cleaning up messes and mistakes that don’t belong to you. It’s time to utilize your strengths and rid yourself of weaknesses. Determine what and who are assets or liabilities, and proceed down the path that surrounds you with the love and support you need to put your best foot forward. Your numbers are 8, 10, 22, 24, 35, 39, 48.ARIES (March 21-April 19): Shut yourself in a quiet room and focus on handling unfinished business. Today is not the time to engage in arguments or to let anyone test your patience. While working diligently to declutter your life, take a long, hard look at how you want to direct your energy and build new opportunities. 4 starsTAURUS (April 20-May 20): Strengthen your ties with the people who count. Address issues that have meaning for you and can help you choose the path that leads to peace of mind and personal benefits. Refrain from letting emotional situations control your mind or lead you astray. Put yourself and your needs first. 2 starsGEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll meet with opposition. Refuse to let anyone put you in a vulnerable position. Saying yes when you know you should decline to participate in someone’s plan will cause tension between you and those who matter. Set your priorities straight. Avoid excessive and indulgent behavior. Focus on personal gain and self-respect. 5 starsCANCER (June 21-July 22): Raise the bar and study up on how to outmaneuver anyone who competes with you. You have the edge to get ahead if you are willing to step outside the norm and let your unique, creative imagination set you apart. Use the element of surprise as your secret advantage. 3 starsLEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Look at trends and consider updating how you present yourself to others. Refreshing your look, updating your skills or qualifications, and taking a heartfelt approach to handling money, emotions and health matters will make a difference. Play to win, and you won’t be disappointed. Romance is on the rise. 3 starsVIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Note who’s watching in the wings. You want to send the right impression. Stick to facts and figures, and call on experts when necessary to avoid vulnerable situations. Change requires thought, precision, detail and timing to achieve benefits. A partnership with or input from the right individual will stabilize the outcome. 3 starsLIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Think big, but budget wisely. How you handle matters and associates will be reflected in the outcome. You don’t have to impress anyone; enforcing moderation, insight and ingenuity to get the most for the least will give you the wiggle room to adjust as you move forward. Make self-improvement and relationships a priority. 5 starsSCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Change will beckon, but before making a move, determine if your decisions are due to emotions or reason. Socialize, communicate, pick experts’ brains and summarize what’s best and right for you. Investing in your future personally and professionally is wise but requires precision if you plan to come out on top. 2 starsSAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Work toward a goal, but don’t take shortcuts. Time is on your side, so don’t feel pressured by anyone’s manipulative tactics to rush you. A domestic problem will spin out of control if it becomes impossible to find common ground with those you must deal with to make a sound decision. 4 starsCAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Change is favored, and the opportunity to get ahead is within reach. Put your energy into partnerships, your home environment, and how you earn your living. You have plenty to gain if you rely on your skills, experience and connections to help you make things happen. Protect against injury and health risks. 3 starsAQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Be open with your allies and secretive with those prying into your affairs. Look for alternatives that you can quickly implement if the going gets tough. Thinking ahead and putting preparations in place will make it easier to move forward with finesse and confidence. Self-improvement is favored. 3 starsPISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Standing alone isn’t necessary, but knowing who is best to ally with is. Walk away from those who lead you astray. Focus on expanding your vision through learning from and communicating with people who can offer insight into how best to use your energy, time, skills and experience. 3 starsBirthday Baby: You are brave, intuitive and hardworking. You are unique and confident.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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