Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 21

Horoscopes Sept. 26, 2025: Serena Williams, embrace what’s in front of you

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Talulah Riley, 40; Christina Milian, 44; Serena Williams, 44; Linda Hamilton, 69.

Happy Birthday: Force issues, push your agenda forward, dive in and turn your talents into a source of income. Wheel, deal and expand your interests. It’s time for you to strive for perfection and to reap the rewards. Embrace what’s in front of you, and make the outcome your own. Be bold; act swiftly and precisely to ensure everything turns out as you like. There is no time for second-guessing; forge ahead. Your numbers are 1, 13, 17, 28, 37, 42, 45.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Focus on motivation, productivity and maximizing your day. Express your feelings and intentions, and discuss financial matters with anyone who can influence how you move forward. A large purchase will require discipline and restraint from biting off more than you can chew. Planning and overseeing every detail are essential. Get what you want in writing. 5 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Refuse to let the changes unfolding around you deter your plans. An adjustment may be difficult, but it is essential, so relax and ease into situations with an open mind and a backup plan. A social event can lead to an interesting encounter with someone who sheds light on a topic or person that interests you. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Interactions will open doors and offer insight into something that can change what you do professionally, financially or medically. Exhaust all possibilities before you commit to something that can alter your life. Emotional situations will require your thought, patience and input to avoid setbacks. Take the road less traveled but more intriguing. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Channel your energy wisely. Focusing on the moment and what you want to achieve will help distance you from stress and situations that you cannot control. Disciplining yourself toward a creative project will prove interesting and offer insight into promising prospects. How others perceive you will vary depending on your honesty, integrity and follow-through. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Anger management, along with common sense and open communication, will help you get things done. Refuse to let emotions interfere with good choices and getting along with loved ones. Educate yourself before committing your time, skills or money. Choose to use brain over brawn if you want to get things done with the least interference. 2 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Look and observe, but hold off on making a premature move. Do the legwork required to put your mind at ease and save money. Budget for entertainment, and focus on rest, relaxation and reevaluating your next move. Refuse to let your emotions interfere with work-related situations that could compromise your reputation or position. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Clear your head, eliminate what’s not necessary and stick to your budget. Focus on your work, getting things in order and finding a creative outlet that can generate additional income or bring you peace of mind. Reevaluate your goals, dreams and what truly matters to you. Trust your instincts, and abundance will come your way. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Using force will set you back. Let situations flow naturally, and you’ll avoid controversy. Look for creative outlets, such as social events that make you question and think about your future, or that connect you with key people who can uncover obscure options to turn your plans into something concrete. Romance is favored. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Protect your home, possessions and loved ones. Think before you spend on something you don’t need. Don’t take a risk with your health or offer to do something you know little about. Protect your reputation and maintain proper upkeep of your skills, knowledge and what’s happening in the industry in which you work. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Listen carefully; someone may offer false information or twist your words. Pay more attention to your physical and financial well-being. The energy you put toward fitness and investing more time in yourself will pay high dividends. A change in how you feel about someone or a commitment you have made will require more thought and patience. 4 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Money and wheeling and dealing are in your best interest. Refuse to let anyone else step in and oversee what needs your undivided attention. A change at home, investing in a space that will help you be more productive, or stepping away from someone or a debilitating situation are favored. 2 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Put your energy into something that makes you proud or helps you invest more in yourself and what you have to offer. Refuse to let emotional matters cost you by leading you to act when you are best to sit back and let things develop naturally, rather than using force. Choose peace over discord. 5 stars

Birthday Baby: You are deliberate, curious and charming. You are detailed and persistent.

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.

High School football: Duarte’s school record night lifts Alisal past Monterey

SALINAS — There is an anticipation that each time Jayden Duarte touches the ball, a highlight reel moment is not far behind in what is becoming a historical season.

Four games into the season and there isn’t a position on the football field that the Alisal High multi-purpose back has not had a magical moment.

Duarte accounted for five more touchdowns Thursday, rushing for a school record 339 yards, while throwing a 78-yard scoring strike, lifting the Trojans to a wild 62-40 win over Monterey.

“I will let it sink in tomorrow,” Duarte said. “It’s all about my offensive line. It’s high caliber. They make it happen. In order to play all these positions, you have to be conditioned.”

The 62 points are the second-highest total in Alisal’s 50-plus years of existence, having scored 63 points in 2005 in a win over North Salinas.

Having produced touchdowns four different ways this fall, Duarte has amassed 19 total touchdowns. His 339 rushing yards on 25 carries fell 16 yards short of the county record of 355 yards, set in 2011 by Monterey’s John Wyatt Williams.

“He (Duarte) has a good balance of speed and strength,” Monterey coach Alex Besaw said. “He’s similar to (Eli) Dukes, but in a  different frame and offense. He’s a physical runner. He bounces off guys. You think you’ve got him down and he gets away.”

The seniors’ five total touchdowns equaled his output from last week, as Duarte had touchdown bursts of 77, 41 and 73 yards, while tossing a 78-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Garcia.

“Coach preached effort all week,” said Duarte, who has accounted for nearly 1,000 multi-purpose yards in the last two games. “We didn’t give enough effort in our last game. I felt we had our best week of practice all season.”

Last week Duarte accounted for five touchdowns and 490 yards in total offense, coming within a shoestring tackle of returning his second kickoff for a touchdown as time expired in a 44-40 loss to Hollister.

“We talked about how one game doesn’t define us,” Alisal coach Francisco Estrada said. “We preached all week that no one has won a title in Week 4. Everyone was zeroed in. Our theme of the week was focus or fold. The kids responded.”

The theme could easily have been big plays as Duarte had three plays of 75 yards or longer for touchdowns, while Pepe Jacinto returned a kickoff 99 yards for six.

“He (Duarte) has made me grab my head in absolute amazement each week,” Estrada said. “He jumped through three guys and landed in the end zone. Jayden makes play-calling easy.”

Running behind an offensive unit that includes holdovers Jorge Martinez and John Barrett, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Duarte set the tone on the first play from scrimmage with a 77-yard touchdown run.

“Our offensive line was resetting the line of scrimmage,” Estrada said. “We emphasized finishing blocks. The plays were being executed the way it was set up.”

Despite Duarte rushing for 199 yards in the first half, the Trojans held a slim 27-20 halftime lead, as Monterey receiver turned quarterback Dekota Ordonio accounted for all three first-half touchdowns.

Filling in for Bronson Gulley, who is out six weeks with a broken right wrist, Ordonio orchestrated an offense to 40 points for the second time this year.

“Dekota was phenomenal playing quarterback,” Besaw said. “But it’s been different personnel each week. It’s difficult finding that rhythm when it’s a revolving door of players.”

Duarte’s touchdown pass to Garcia — the second straight week the pair have hooked up — in the third quarter put the Trojans up 47-34.

“This will carry on into next week,” insisted Duarte, whose Trojans will visit Aptos next Friday. “I’m feeling great. This is a big win. We had to get right.”

Giving up 40-plus points for the third straight week is something that Estrada feels is correctable. The Trojans defense spent a lot of time on the field because of Alisal’s short drives.

“It’s never good when you give up 40 points,” Estrada said. “What we need to improve upon is our special teams. Our kickoff coverage gave them a shorter field. There are still things we have to improve upon in all three phases of the game.”

Ordonio tossed a pair of touchdown passes to Kai Vaughn and rushed for two, while Ethan Bonilla rushed for two touchdowns for Monterey, who after a 3-0 start to the season, has dropped two straight.

“We didn’t do the simple things and we got exposed again,” Besaw said. “We have to be able to tighten that up on defense. And it took a while to get settled on offense. It’s not about excuses. It falls on us as coaches.”

Alvarez 28, North County 0: A tumultuous first half of the season has not kept the Eagles from reaching a milestone, as they equaled their win total from last year in Week 4 of the season.

Despite having two coaches suspended for one game and eight touchdowns called back because of penalties in the last two games, Alvarez is 3-1 after putting together its first shutout of the season.

Last week Alvarez had four touchdowns from Jaylen Ward called back in a 29-7 win over Watsonville. Its first three touchdowns Thursday — two by Ward — were called back because of penalties, keeping the game scoreless in the first half.

“Last week it was more of a discipline issue,” Alvarez coach Ben Newman said. “Tonight, I did not feel some of these calls were justified. I couldn’t get an explanation. I just told the kids to keep blocking.”

Despite seeing 56 points taken off the scoreboard in their last two games, the Eagles have outscored their last three opponents 83-15 in producing their first three-game winning streak since 2019.

“When I got here last year, there was no culture,” Newman said. “Building a foundation is a process. The team is buying in and starting to come together. We’re still a new program.”

Champions of the Mission Division North last year — their first league title outright in 25 years — the Condors have fallen to three teams a combined 9-2, including 4-0 Palma.

“It’s hard,” North County coach Juan Cuevas said. “It’s hard to remember we’re young. I don’t feel Thursday games are safe. We ran out of bullets. We ran out of linemen. The bottom line is we have to practice better and be detailed.”

Alvarez’s defense, which shut out Watsonville in the second half last week, used three interceptions in the second half to ground the Condors offense, including a 40-yard pick-six from Devin Pederson.

Anchored by defensive ends Alan Mejia and Aidan Jones, the Eagles held North County without a point for the first time in 15 games dating back to 2023.

“The defense is flying to the ball,” Newman said. “It’s just a base defense. We’re playing physical football. The kids are reading and reacting.”

Julian Hanson broke up the scoreless battle in the third quarter for the Eagles — who visit St. Francis of Watsonville on Oct. 5 — when he took off and sprinted 41 yards on a quarterback keeper for a touchdown.

With the aid of a Ward interception to create a shorter field, the Eagles added to their lead when Roman Garcia — who also had a touchdown called back — followed his blockers for a 12-yard touchdown run to stake them to a 13-0 lead.

The ability to move the ball through the air is enhancing Alvarez’s ground game, as Alejandro Esquivel found Isaiah Reyes on a 29-yard scoring strike with two minutes left in the game.

“We’ve shown we can pass the ball,” Newman said. “We won a passing tournament over the summer. But we like moving the ball on the ground.”

Trump holds talks with Pakistan’s prime minister in the latest sign of warming relations

By AAMER MADHANI

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, for talks Thursday at the White House in the latest sign of warming relations between the United States and the South Asian nuclear power.

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Sharif was among the top officials from eight Arab or Muslim countries who met with Trump on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly this week to discuss strategy on ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Ties have improved between the U.S. and Pakistan as Trump’s relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, one of the Republican president’s closest with a world leader during his first term, has become strained over India’s increased purchases of discounted Russian oil after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022. India and Pakistan are neighbors and fierce rivals.

Trump has dramatically raised tariffs on India for those oil purchases in an effort to put indirect economic pressure on Moscow.

Meanwhile, the U.S. and Pakistan reached a trade agreement in July that is expected to allow Washington to help develop Pakistan’s largely untapped oil reserves and lower tariffs for Islamabad.

Sharif arrived at the White House shortly before 5 p.m. as Trump was signing executive orders and talking with reporters. The meeting between the two leaders was closed to the media, with Pakistan’s delegation leaving the White House at 6:18 p.m.

Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, left, and Gen. Syed Asim Munir wait for their meeting with President Donald Trump, in the Oval Office at the White House, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Sharif has gained favor with Trump since publicly endorsing the American leader for a Nobel Peace Prize for his administration’s efforts this year at reducing tensions between Pakistan and India. India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire in May after U.S.-led talks to end the most serious military confrontation between the nuclear-armed rivals in decades.

Unlike Sharif, Modi has declined to indulge Trump’s attempt to claim credit for brokering the ceasefire.

That deal followed weeks of clashes, missile and drone strikes across their borders. The clashes were triggered by a massacre of tourists that India blames on Pakistan, which denies the charge.

Pakistan did split with Trump on his decision to carry out U.S. strikes in June on three Iranian nuclear facilities. Pakistan said the attack “constituted a serious violation of international law” as well as on the stature of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin, not pictured, at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, Tuesday, Sept 2, 2025. (Maxim Shemetov/Pool Photo via AP)

Modi was recently photographed with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a security summit in Tianjin, in northern China. That led to a social media jab from Trump.

“Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China,” Trump wrote. “May they have a long and prosperous future together!”

But Trump has taken a warmer tack with Modi recently.

Last week, Trump offered hope that trade issues with India could be resolved.

“I am pleased to announce that India, and the United States of America, are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

“I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries!”

Trump hit India with tariffs up to 50% last month after imposing an additional 25% tariff on the country related to its purchases of Russian oil, which helps Moscow pay for its war in Ukraine.

Trump hosted Modi for White House talks in February.

Trump to put import taxes on pharmaceutical drugs, kitchen cabinets, furniture and heavy trucks

By JOSH BOAK, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will put import taxes of 100% on pharmaceutical drugs, 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, 30% on upholstered furniture and 25% on heavy trucks starting on Oct. 1.

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The posts on his social media site showed that Trump’s devotion to tariffs did not end with the trade frameworks and import taxes that were launched in August, a reflection of the president’s confidence that taxes will help to reduce the government’s budget deficit while increasing domestic manufacturing. But the additional tariffs risk intensifying inflation that is already elevated, as well as slowing economic growth, as employers getting acclimated to Trump’s previous import taxes grapple with new levels of uncertainty.

“We have begun to see goods prices showing through into higher inflation,” Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned in a recent news conference, adding that higher costs for goods account for “most” or potentially “all” of the increase in inflation levels this year.

Trump said on Truth Social that the pharmaceutical tariffs would not apply to companies that are building manufacturing plants in the United States, which he defined as either “breaking ground” or being “under construction.” It was unclear how the tariffs would apply to companies that already have factories in the U.S.

In 2024, America imported nearly $233 billion in pharmaceutical and medicinal products, according to the Census Bureau. The prospect of prices doubling for some medicines could send shock waves to voters as health care expenses, as well as the costs of Medicare and Medicaid, potentially increase.

Trump said that foreign manufacturers of furniture and cabinetry were flooding the United States with their products and that tariffs must be applied “for National Security and other reasons.” The new tariffs on cabinetry could further increase the costs for homebuilders at a time when many people seeking to buy a house feel priced out by the mix of housing shortages and high mortgage rates.

Trump said that foreign-made heavy trucks and parts are hurting domestic producers.

“Large Truck Company Manufacturers, such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack Trucks, and others, will be protected from the onslaught of outside interruptions,” Trump posted.

Trump has long maintained that tariffs are the key to forcing companies to invest more in domestic factories. He has dismissed fears that importers would simply pass along much of the cost of the taxes to consumers and businesses in the form of higher prices.

The president continues to claim that inflation is no longer a challenge for the U.S. economy, despite evidence to the contrary. The consumer price index has increased 2.9% over the past 12 months, up from an annual pace of 2.3% in April, when Trump first launched a sweeping set of import taxes.

Nor is there evidence that the tariffs are creating factory jobs or more construction of manufacturing facilities. Since April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that manufacturers cut 42,000 jobs and builders have downsized by 8,000.

“There’s no inflation,” Trump told reporters Thursday. “We’re having unbelievable success.”

Purdy ‘feeling a lot better’ ahead of 49ers-Jaguars

SANTA CLARA — Brock Purdy made it look routine. He’d take a snap, step into a throw, and drag his right toe on an apparently pain-free follow-through during Thursday’s warmups.

Judging from the media’s 30-minute viewing period, plus his toe’s confirmed improvement, Purdy is poised to reclaim his 49ers quarterback throne after a two-game hiatus.

“It’s been good. I really like where I’m at in the progress, with it healing up, dropping back and throwing,” said Purdy, who remains limited in practice. “We’ll see. I’m taking it day by day still. But I feel a lot better.”

Purdy played through his turf-toe injury in the season-opening win at Seattle, then yielded to Mac Jones as the 49ers eeked out wins at New Orleans and last Sunday against Arizona.

“It’s not a secret. It’s been 2 ½ weeks,” Purdy added. “My toe has healed up and gotten better.”

Even if the 49ers (3-0) opt to shelve him another week and roll again with Jones, their ever-changing receiving corps is switching up again Sunday against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1).

Demarcus Robinson was activated to the roster after a three-game suspension, and he joined Ricky Pearsall in leading Thursday’s wide receiver drills. That’s pertinent on at least four levels:

1.) Robinson showed a starting-caliber presence throughout training camp, a reflection of his nine seasons and 250 receptions worth of experience (2016-21 Chiefs, 2022 Ravens, 2023-24 Rams). “Just having him back out and seeing what he had done at camp, it’s the same thing,” Purdy said. “He’s feeling fresh, looks great, has great hands. I’m excited to have him back in the game plan.”

2.) Pearsall did not let a sore knee sideline him for a second straight practice. He was limited on Thursday, backing up his claim that he’ll be ready for Sunday’s game. He ranks fourth in the NFL with 17.6 yards per catch.

3.) Jauan Jennings has not practiced since his Sept. 14 ankle sprain at New Orleans, though he was in good spirits in the locker room Thursday and was not wearing an ankle brace.

4.) Brandon Aiyuk is “not close” to being activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list, general manager John Lynch told KNBR 680-AM on Thursday. Aiyuk is eligible to return as soon as Monday. He had been shadowing receivers daily in warmups the past two months, but he was not seen during Thursday’s media access; Lynch said there had been no setback.

Despite the carousel of receivers and quarterbacks, no offense in the NFL is averaging more yards per play than the 49ers’ 6.1-yard clip.

Of course, the 49ers’ steady catalyst has been running back Christian McCaffrey. He has been targeted with a team-high 32 passes, catching 25 for 213 yards and a touchdown, including 10 receptions Sunday for 88 yards.

Robinson should help ease that receiving burden and said he envisions himself as “hopefully an asset and someone who can help win more games like we’ve been doing.” Jones described Robinson as a “friendly receiver” who made plays throughout spring workouts and training camp. “He always makes plays no matter what team he’s on,” Jones added.

The 49ers are scoring just 19.7 points per game, ranking 23rd in the NFL and far off the pace from their 3-0 starts in 2019 (32 ppg) and 2023 (30 ppg).

In the 49ers’ last meeting with Jacksonville, Purdy lit up the host Jaguars in a 34-3 post-bye rout in November 2023. He completed 73.1% of his passes (19-of-26, 296 yards, three touchdowns) for the second-best passer rating of his career (148.9).

Should the 49ers delay Purdy’s return, Jones would be facing his 2024 employer, for whom he went 2-5 as the Jaguars’ starter after Trevor Lawrence’s shoulder surgery. Jones said he’ll be available despite aggravating a left knee injury; he is coming off back-to-back wins as a starter for the first time since November 2022 with the New England Patriots.

BOSA TO INJURED RESERVE

Defensive end Nick Bosa was placed on season-ending injured reserve, ahead of Friday’s surgery in Los Angeles on his right knee’s anterior cruciate ligament.

“The most painful thing is to see a guy like Nick Bosa, who I thought had a perfect offseason and a perfect training camp and he was playing at a defensive player of the year level,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said. “He was playing at an extremely high level, probably the best he’s played in the last couple of years, to end short like that after two games and a quarter, it sucks for him.”

The 49ers are 6-12 without Bosa since 2019, including a 5-9 finish to the 2020 season (left ACL), 0-1 in 2022 (groin), and 1-2 last season (hip/groin). Overall, they are 65-32 with him, including an 8-4 mark in the playoffs.

Saleh said rookie defensive lineman Mykel Williams’ versatility will help, but “we will keep it limited so we don’t overwhelm him with different techniques,” Saleh added.

“My role really doesn’t change with Nick not being here. I just miss that guidance,” Williams said. “I’m not going to say my timetable sped up because he got hurt. That wouldn’t be true.”

PRACTICE PARTICIPATION

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Jennings, fellow wide receiver Jordan Watkins (calf) and defensive tackle C.J. West (thumb) remained out of practice.

Limited were Purdy, Jones, Pearsall, defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), guard Connor Colby (groin), and cornerbacks Renardo Green (neck) and Deommodore Lenoir (illness). McCaffrey and left tackle Trent Williams practiced in full after their routine Wednesday off.

All Jaguars practiced, though running back Bhayshul Tuten (shoulder), wide receiver Dyami Brown (shoulder) and guards Eztra Cleveland (ankle), Patrick Mekari (elbow) and Wyatt Milum (knee) were limited.

Ex-FBI Director James Comey charged with making false statement, obstruction, AP source says

By ERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER

WASHINGTON (AP) — James Comey was charged Thursday with making a false statement and obstruction in a criminal case filed days after President Donald Trump appeared to urge his attorney general to prosecute the former FBI director and other perceived political enemies.

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The indictment makes Comey the first former senior government official to face prosecution in connection with one of Trump’s chief grievances: the long-concluded investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump and his supporters have long derided that investigation as a “hoax” and a “witch hunt” despite multiple government reviews showing Moscow interfered on behalf of the Republican’s campaign.

The criminal case is likely to deepen concerns that the Justice Department under Attorney General Pam Bondi, a Trump loyalist, is being weaponized in pursuit of investigations and now prosecutions of public figures the president regards as his political enemies.

FILE – Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy stand as President Donald Trump shakes hands with FBI Director James Comey during a reception for inaugural law enforcement officers and first responders in the Blue Room of the White House, Jan. 22, 2017 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Dennis Beaver, You and the Law: How an expired passport thwarted blackmail

If you watched the original The A-Team action-adventure television series in the 1980s or in reruns, one line from that show probably stuck in your memory: “I love it when a plan comes together.”

I said the same thing to a happy — and extremely lucky — reader after we thwarted an attempt by the daughter of a former employee to blackmail him with allegations of office hanky-panky with her mother some years earlier.

The underlying facts are the perfect example of why it is important to hang on to expired passports, among several other documents. This made-for-television drama began with a phone call from “Chris,” an optometrist in Upstate New York.

“For over 30 years, ‘Ada’ was my office manager — the nicest, most competent and considerate person you could ever know, always sending lovely birthday and thank-you cards with beautifully handwritten messages. We kept them all.

“Our families grew close — with the exception of her daughter, Beverly, who had drug and alcohol issues but refused rehab. She studied calligraphy as part of a college graphic design major, a skill that she put to work forging checks. She is now on probation.

“Ada died a month ago. Yesterday, Beverly came to our office, asking to see me in private, as it was ‘something about her mother.’ Beverly is the reason I am calling you.”

Chris says he agreed to see her, but added, “Knowing her past, I activated a small digital voice recorder in my shirt pocket.” (In New York, it is legal for one party to record a conversation without the other’s knowledge.)

He played the recording for me. After a friendly, initial chat, Beverly said, in a pleasant tone of voice, “There is an entry from years ago where you were both intimate on a particular Friday after everyone else had left. No one knows this except me. I will give you 10 days to get me $50,000, or I will tell your wife, your medical pals, everyone. Here is the diary. You can read the entry yourself, even make a copy. It’s real.”

Chris said, “She handed it to me. As I knew Ada’s handwriting, this was an obvious fake. And what was described never happened — I was always out of the country that week, for years, on a medical mission to South America.

“I remained calm and color-scanned the journal entry, plus several before and after that day, then handed it back to Beverly. I asked for her cell phone number and promised to call her.”

Chris did not want to cause embarrassment to Ada’s family by involving law enforcement, which could have attracted media attention.

“I thought of you, Mr. Beaver, because I recall that you wrote about something similar — attempted blackmail. My old, expired passport shows that I was out of the country (on that date), and there was local press coverage of the event, available online. I would appreciate your help in getting this to go away without paying her a cent.”

“Chris,” I replied, “if you show Beverly that this could not have happened, I’ll wager that she will quietly go away. So, scan and send me the pages in your expired passport that establish identity, your departure/return to the U.S., the stamps in it from the South American country with your entry and departure for that time frame, each year preceding and following, along with the news stories.”

Expired passports are valuable and should be retained, as they can establish your identity and travel history, literally keeping you out of jail if you become the focus of a criminal investigation.

Other documents you should keep:

Anything that proves your identity and/or where you have been, such as your birth certificate, Social Security card, transportation stubs (airline, train and bus) and driver’s licenses from all the states/places you have lived.Paperwork concerning legal status/changes, such as immigration/naturalization records, marriage/divorce judgments, name-change applications and subsequent court approval.Property and financial records, such as deeds/mortgages, homeowners/renters insurance policies, tax returns, business licenses, receipts/warranty booklets for major appliances, titles to vehicles, payment records, pension plan information, employment contracts, life and health insurance contracts/payment records, medical records, wills and trusts, even if revoked or modified, powers of attorney, lawsuits/settlement agreements.

For an excellent discussion of the ways of keeping these documents, including which ones should be kept as originals and which ones may be scanned, I suggest visiting the Kiplinger article How to Store Your Financial Documents the Right Way.

“Chris, here is my idea,” I said. “Set up a video call with the three of us. Just tell her that you have a positive resolution and want her to speak with a friend.”

Beverly agreed. I showed her his passport with the entries proving that he was out of the country and said, “Beverly, Chris does not want to bring embarrassment to your family. He is not going to the police. But there is something he would like you to do.”

“Bev,” Chris said, tears streaming down his face, “I hope the memory of your mom and your family can help get you on a better path. After completing a six-month rehab program — I will pay the insurance deductible — you can have a job in my office, from mother to daughter. So, what do you say?”

Tears replaced her smile. She agreed.

All of this happened about a year ago. Recently, Chris emailed, “When I look at Beverly now, I see Ada.”

Dennis Beaver Practices law in Bakersfield and welcomes comments and questions from readers, which may be faxed to 661-323-7993, or e-mailed to Lagombeaver1@gmail.com. And be sure to visit dennisbeaver.com.

Rep. Panetta reintroduces bill for Monterey Bay National Heritage Area

MONTEREY – With the ultimate goal of preserving historic and environmental treasures along the Monterey Bay and surrounding areas, the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act has been authored and reintroduced by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, which could also see the designation strengthen local economies and communities.

This legislation would direct the National Park Service to initiate a comprehensive study on whether the coastal communities surrounding the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary qualify for designation as a National Heritage Area. Panetta is working in tandem with the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership as the local coordinating entity for this study.

“Our home is blessed with immense beauty and bounty, and it is our responsibility to preserve our cultural, historical, and environmental treasures,” said Panetta in a press release. “This legislation begins the process of exploring a National Heritage Area designation in a way that centers local voices. By taking this step, we can preserve what makes the Monterey Bay region unique while also creating opportunities that strengthen our local economies and communities for generations to come.”

The Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act was first introduced by Panetta during the 118th Congress and once the new 119th Congress started in January, the legislation had to be reintroduced.

Between its first introduction and now, the legislation has garnered more local support and designates MBEP as the local coordinating entity to help spearhead action on the ground, provide input, and ultimately implement the National Heritage Area. With this new push, the Heritage Area Study Act is gaining steam to become a priority for passage in this Congress by Panetta.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. (NOAA)

“National Heritage Area designation would bring federal investment that could be leveraged to create jobs in our unique region, while fostering community-driven collaborations and sustainable economic development,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President and CEO Tahra Goraya in the release. “The possibility of National Heritage Area designation has profound and positive implications for this special place.”

Goraya added that since its founding in 2015, MBEP has been committed to improving the economic health and quality of life in the Monterey Bay region, and as a regional convener, it is uniquely qualified to bring together the diverse array of voices throughout the region to move this National Heritage Area designation study forward.

The legislation has picked up endorsements from State Senator John Laird, Assemblymembers Dawn Addis, Gail Pellerin and Gregg Hart, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings, as well as local organizations such as the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust, Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Northern Chumash Tribal Council and Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, among others.

The Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act directs the National Park Service to conduct the study, which will examine whether the region meets the criteria for a National Heritage Area designation, including its cultural, historical and ecological significance, assess the feasibility of establishing a local coordinating entity to manage the area in collaboration with community partners, include extensive consultation and listening sessions with local stakeholders across San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties.

National Heritage Areas are public–private partnerships that leverage federal support to empower local conservation efforts, provide technical assistance and spur economic development. Examples include the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta in California, the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area and the Wheeling National Heritage Area in West Virginia. National Heritage Area designation would highlight the region’s cultural, historical and ecological significance while fostering sustainable economic growth, heritage tourism and community collaboration.

The Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act does not designate the area as a National Heritage Area. Federal law requires a study to be completed before such a designation can be considered.

National Heritage Area designation follows a two-step process — completion of a feasibility study, and introduction of authorizing legislation.

“California’s Central Coast has some of the most culturally significant and scenic landscapes and ecosystems in the country. I’m proud to join Rep. Jimmy Panetta in reintroducing legislation to study the Monterey Bay and the surrounding region to determine whether it meets the standards of a National Heritage Area,” said Lofgren in the release. “We have a responsibility to the next generation to protect natural resources and celebrate our nation’s diverse heritage and communities.”

There are 62 designated National Heritage Areas in 36 states across the country that support a diversity of conservation, recreation, education and preservation activities, according to the National Parks Service. California is home to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area, designated in 2019, it is the first National Heritage Area in the state, and its coordinating entity is the Delta Protection Commission, a state agency.

Pacific Grove welcomes Monarchs back with Butterfly Days festival

PACIFIC GROVE – Pacific Grove will celebrate the return of the Monarch butterfly migration with its annual Butterfly Days festival on Oct. 4 – 5, bringing family activities, tours, food and music to the city.

The weekend opens Saturday morning with the Children’s Butterfly Parade, where local students dressed as butterflies, caterpillars and flowers march through the city’s streets. From there, visitors can explore hands-on crafts, community booths and special events that highlight Pacific Grove’s history and culture.

“Pacific Grove is proud to be the Butterfly Town, U.S.A., and Butterfly Days is our way of welcoming both the Monarchs and our community back together each fall,” Mark Travaille, acting president of the Heritage Society, said in a statement.

One of the weekend’s main draws will be a silent auction of handcrafted birdhouses, displayed at Chautauqua Hall, beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. Bidding closes Sunday afternoon, with winners able to take their creations home. The hall will also serve as a starting point for free walking tours led by Heritage Society volunteers at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. both days.

At Caledonia Park, the Butterfly Days Croquet Tournament will return with backyard-style matches. Games are scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. Organizers call the tournament a playful nod to John Steinbeck’s description of “hooptedoodle.”

Saturday evening will feature a Sunset Celebration at Point Pinos Lighthouse, where River Voices of Carmel will perform live music alongside food from Michael’s Taqueria and drinks from local vendors. The historic lighthouse will be open for evening tours from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are available through the Heritage Society’s website.

With the Monarchs beginning their seasonal return, Travaille said the festival offers both residents and visitors a chance to share in a long-standing tradition.

“Whether you’re bringing children to march in the parade, bidding on a birdhouse or watching Monarchs flutter through the pines, Butterfly Days promises a weekend full of joy, tradition, and community spirit,” Travaille said in a statement.

More information, including a full schedule of events, is available at pacificgroveheritage.org/events.

Trump says he will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank

By WILL WEISSERT

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump vowed Thursday not to allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank, offering strong assurances that he’d block a move that Arab leaders in the region have staunchly opposed.

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Asked about Israel officials suggesting in recent weeks that their government could move to seize control of at least some parts of the West Bank, Trump was blunt.

“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank,” he told reporters in the Oval Office while signing executive orders unrelated to foreign policy. “I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen.”

Possible annexation has been floated in Israel in response to a string of countries — including key U.S. allies like the United Kingdom and Canada — moving to recognize a Palestinian state. Trump said he’d spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but that he’d be firm in not allowing annexation, adding, “It’s been enough. It’s time to stop now.”

Trump prides himself on his full-throated support for Israel, but has also sought to broker an end to the fighting in Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. His comments constituted a rare instance of potential pushback against top Israeli officials — even as Trump has continued to demand the release of hostages seized by Hamas.

The timing is also fraught, given that Israel is waging a major offensive in famine-stricken Gaza City, while expanding settlements in the West Bank, and Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House on Monday — his fourth trip to Washington since Trump’s second term began in January.

Unlike Gaza, the West Bank is administered by the Palestinian Authority.

Trump has long bragged about his close relationship with Netanyahu. But the president has faced pressure from Arab leaders, who have publicly expressed concerns about Israeli annexation. The United Arab Emirates has warned that any Israeli move to annex would be a “red line.”

Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians want all three territories to form their future state. They, and much of the international community, say annexation would all but end any remaining possibility of a two-state solution, which is widely seen internationally as the only way to resolve decades of Arab-Israeli conflict.

Israel’s current government strongly opposes Palestinian statehood and supports the eventual annexation of much of the West Bank.

Netanyahu leads Israel’s most nationalist government in history, and has been under pressure from key coalition allies to deepen Israel’s control over the occupied territory. They were hoping that Trump’s history of broad support for Israel’s policies could pave the way for an expansion of Israeli control over the occupied territory.

More than half a million Jewish settlers now live in the West Bank in some 130 settlements. The international community largely views the settlements as illegal and an obstacle to peace.

Western countries are outraged by Israel’s intensifying offensive in Gaza, and several have recognized Palestinian statehood, which is opposed by Trump and the U.S. but has been a major issue at the United Nations General Assembly this week.

Recognizing statehood is meant to galvanize support for a two-state solution. Some 10 countries, including Britain, France and Australia, have done so this week — hoping to revive the long-moribund peace process, a move that the U.S. and Israel have vehemently rejected.

Germany, one of Israel’s closest allies, has not joined the calls for a ceasefire or the push for Palestinian statehood, but has halted some military exports.

Those actions have been welcomed by Palestinians across Gaza and the West Bank, but many on the ground continue to express doubt that it can improve their dire circumstances as Israel’s offensive continues.