Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 243

Kerr co-signs Dunleavy’s message: Next few weeks about evaluating Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO — Both general manager Mike Dunleavy and head coach Steve Kerr appear to be in lockstep in their desire to see what this current Warriors group can do in January before focusing on potential big splashes.

During the Warriors’ most recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers, TNT reporter Jared Greenberg reported on the broadcast that Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy wants to spend the next couple weeks evaluating the team before making “reactionary decisions.”

On the same night, Jimmy Butler requested a trade out of Miami. The Heat suspended him seven games for conduct detrimental to the team and are open to hearing trade offers.

The Butler market, then, could materialize quickly. As in, during the time Dunleavy wants to be taking stock of his team rather than making trade proposals.

Asked about the report starting Dunleavy’s wait-and-see approach, head coach Steve Kerr said he has talked to the general manager about the topic.

“I think that makes perfect sense,” Kerr said.

After beating Philadelphia, the Warriors improved to 17-16. They started the season 12-3, riding hot shooting and tenacious defense before De’Anthony Melton tore his ACL. During the Warriors’ 3-12 slide, they flipped Melton for Dennis Schroder.

That may be the only transaction the team makes for the time being.

“We’ve been up and down this year, but we like the group,” Kerr said. “We like the people we have. We really want to see how we play over the next month. And then just, you know, keep our options open.”

Warriors power brokers have long stated the desire to maximize Steph Curry’s championship window. The clearest way to do that is by getting him immediate help in the shape of a star sidekick before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

Although Jonathan Kuminga has blossomed over the past two weeks into a nightly force, he’s still only 22 and won’t be in his prime for several more years.

“Obviously, we’re a game above .500, so we’re not in a position to say, ‘Hey, we’re good enough, let’s stand firm,’ ” Kerr said. “We have to assess all the options. Players know that. They understand how this league works. For me, it’s let’s see what we can do these next few weeks. Hopefully, we settle into this rotation, start shooting the ball better. I think with Dennis (Schroder) in the mix now, we have a chance to really be a great defensive team again like we were earlier in the year.

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“If we can put it together, we may not need to do anything. But we definitely need to take this next month and really see what we have.”

Kerr’s comments came before Golden State’s Saturday night matchup against the Grizzlies at Chase Center. Neither team was near full strength.

Curry (bilateral knee tendinitis; injury management) and Ja Morant are out, removing the headlining point guard matchup from the equation. The Warriors are also still without Brandin Podziemski (abdominal tightness) and Gary Payton II (calf strain); Payton got cleared for individual on-court workouts and will be re-evaluated next week.

Beyond Morant, Grizzlies role players Marcus Smart, Santi Aldama and GG Jackson were also sidelined.

Saturday was Curry’s seventh missed game of the season. He had an ankle sprain earlier in the year before his knee issues popped up; he hasn’t played both legs of any back-to-backs since that ailment.

Players must play 65 games to be eligible for end-of-season awards like MVP and All-NBA, meaning Curry can only miss 10 more games on the season for such honors.

Operation Christmas Cheer: Continuing the tradition of giving back

A Marina resident suffering from a debilitating neck injury that had kept him from working for 15 months. His disability checks had run out in October.

With custody of two sons, ages 8 and 13, he wondered how he’d pay rent and other bills, while awaiting the outcome of a drawn-out worker compensation case and recent applications for assistance.

The Salvation Army helped him pay his rent in November.

Another Marina man, just scrapping by after enduring 35 surgeries. Diabetic, over 50 and living off a $860 disability insurance check. He sought help from the Salvation Army after one of his disability checks didn’t arrive. The agency helped him pay his rent.

A woman with five children loses her husband to cancer and, during that painful time, loses the family business as well. After being evicted, she moves in with her brother. She sleeps on a couch in the apartment. The children all share a room. And still they have problems paying rent and the power bill. Salvation Army helps with the bills.

These aren’t stories from this year, they are from 20 years ago. In 2004, the Herald was in its 19th year of a partnership with First Capital Bank and the Salvation Army to raise funds. Operation Christmas Cheer was established in 1985 in response to the death of Danny Holley, a local 13-year-old who had died by suicide after telling others he felt he was too much of a burden on his financially strapped family. Organizers wanted to give folks a way to help out, no matter how large or small the donation. None of the money raised is used for administrative costs.

That hasn’t changed, nor has the need for help in our community. This year, thanks to the generosity of The Herald’s readers, Operation Christmas Cheer raised more than $18,000, a significant increase from last year. More than $2.6 million has been raised since Operation Christmas Cheer’s inception. In the past, the Salvation Army has used those funds to help pay for things such as Christmas toys for children, holiday food boxes for families, transitional and emergency housing, as well as rental and utility assistance, among other things.

“There are so many people trying to help us, it’s like they’re pushing us in the right direction,” said one woman whose family had been helped by the Salvation Army. To show appreciation, the woman and her husband volunteered at the Salvation Army by passing out food baskets one Thanksgiving.

“We’re always willing to give a helping hand,” she said. “We don’t have anything to offer, but our time.”

A unique aspect of Operation Christmas Cheer was that contributors were able to use coupons printed in The Herald or a direct link to 1st Capital Bank to have personalized messages published in the newspaper. Here is the latest list:

Attributed gifts with messageMrs Michel Nasr: Let heaven and nature sing joy to the world, $500Lori Crouse and Joe Shepard: Merry Christmas from Payment Point Solutions, $350Jane Altavilla: To honor lovely Lundy Family, $200Mary Jeanne Vincent & Richard W Gadd: To support a kinder more joyful world, $125Dave Kellogg: To Penny and Clay who inspire me every holiday season, $100Susan Murphy: For all the wonderful volunteers, $100K & M Sheffer: Karen Ho! Mike Ho! Millie Woof! $100Bill & Kathi Wojtkowski: Happy Holidays, $100Arlen Grossman & Nancy Allison: Gracie & Lucy wish everyone Happy Holidays! $75Laureen Simpson: Merry Christmas and blessings for the New Year, $50Ann Schrader: Merry Christmas to all, $50Joan & Reno: Wishing everyone fulfillment of your needs! Health, Prosperity, Peace, Love, Joy, $50Kim Bui & Steven Silveria: In memory of Doung Bui, dearly beloved, greatly missed, $50Nancy Harray: Wishing everyone a good New Year, $50Attributed gifts without messageGrange Womens Association, $100Fred & Phyllis Meurer, $100Elizabeth Brown, $50Anonymous gifts with messageBecause we all need a little help from our friends, $1,000God bless you, Salvation Army for helping those in need and sharing the love of Jesus! $1,000Peace on Earth! Good will towards ALL! $777For our parents who deserved far more credit than we gave them, $500We hope you have a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, $200I hope this helps make someone’s holidays happier & less stressful, $200May the world come together in Peace and Love, $200In memory of Dave Harn, $100To honor the good works of St. Anthony, $100Frohe Weihnachten, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad and Merry Christmas, $100Have a safe and Merry Christmas! $100Remembering my loved ones: Earl, Don & Jim, $100May God’s blessings be with you this holiday season, $100Warm hugs for A & P Love Gramsy, $100Seasons Greetings, $100Be of good cheer-There’s a New Year out there, $100Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, $50In memory of James & Louise Roberts who modeled good citizenship and generosity to all, $50

Total anonymous gifts without message $540

Lisa Wooninck, Finding Sanctuary: The Sunflower Sea Star may shine again in local waters

The kelp forests of central California, and particularly those within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, have undergone interesting and, in some cases, dramatic changes in the past decade. Since a series of marine heatwaves warmed coastal waters beginning in 2014, iconic kelp forests – once a common sight – have changed in a variety of ways: some kelp-dominated rocky reefs are now urchin-dominated, other areas are a mosaic of kelp and urchins, and some areas seem relatively unaffected.

Sunflower stars are very agile, move up to 1 meter per minute, and actively pursue mobile prey like snails. (Photo by Steve Lonhart)

The concurrent decline of kelp and the increase in visible purple urchins occurred at the same time that sea star wasting syndrome decimated 20 species of sea stars, converting the multi-armed predators into piles of goo. The sunflower star (Pycnopodia helianthoides), a beautifully colored species in bright orange, yellow, or purple hues, was the largest and fastest of the local sea stars, and with its 20+ rays (or “arms”), an active predator in kelp forests. Tim Herrlinger’s (Moss Landing Marine Labs) 1983 master’s thesis provided insight on the diet of sunflower stars. It indicated that the stomach contents of 41 individuals captured in Monterey Bay consisted mostly of gastropods (e.g., snails, 79%) and crustaceans (e.g., hermit crabs, 13%). Of the 353 different prey species found in the stomachs of sunflower stars by Herrlinger, only 4 were urchins.

Sunflower stars have been touted as key predators of urchins, and they do eat urchins. A recent lab study in Oregon demonstrated an adult sunflower star takes about a day to completely consume a single adult urchin, whereas lab-grown, juvenile sunflower stars in Washington consume multiple tiny (<5 mm) urchins per day. And while sunflower stars cruising on a reef cause potential prey species to scatter before them, it remains to be seen whether these stars can reduce the current overpopulation of purple urchins.  Research ecologist Dr. Steve Lonhart at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary remains skeptical about their role in central California.

A look inside the Sunflower Star Laboratory. (Courtesy Reuven Bank)

“Sunflower stars are amazing animals, and it is unfortunate that they are currently locally extinct in the sanctuary. They were never very common in central California, unlike Washington, Canada, and Alaska, where they could carpet a reef, at least they did before the wasting syndrome,” said Lonhart. “And because sunflower stars in central California eat lots of different prey species, they may not solely focus on urchins, although the urchins will be hard to miss in some areas, and might be the only common  prey item left!”

Currently the sunflower sea star is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is classified as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The species may be formally listed as endangered in the next year, which would make the species the first sea star to be added to the U.S. Endangered Species List.

But help is on the way. The Sunflower Star Laboratory is a Monterey-based non-profit committed to restoring sunflower star populations. This group is supporting research and developing aquaculture methods to restore sunflower stars to their historic range in California.

Typical coloring of sunflower stars in central California ranges from orange to purple-gray. (Photo by Steve Lonhart)

“Saving the critically endangered sunflower star is one important component of restoring ecosystem function to California’s kelp forests,” said Dr. Jan Freiwald, SSL board member. “We are interested in advancing our knowledge of how sunflower star predator-prey interactions at various life stages occur across local environments.”

The SSL focuses on sunflower star conservation and research, partnering with fellow members of the Pycnopodia Recovery Working Group to grow this critically-endangered species at the SSL Moss Landing aquaculture facility, coordinating sunflower star research amongst partners in California and beyond, and conducting outreach to our local communities. Readers can learn more about the SSL work at sunflowerstarlab.org.

San Jose tech giant PayPal accused of fraud over Honey online-shopping coupon finder

Online influencers who make money off promoting products online are getting played by one of Silicon Valley’s iconic technology companies, a new lawsuit claims.

“It involves almost every high-profile creator that I can think of, including myself,” tech influencer Marques Brownlee, who has almost 20 million subscribers on YouTube, said in a video this week.

San Jose tech giant PayPal uses “deceitful and clandestine” methods to steal money from social media influencers and other creators of online content, the class-action lawsuit filed Thursday in San Jose U.S. District Court by five online-content companies representing influencers alleged.

Thousands of content creators allegedly have fallen victim to what the lawsuit described as “fraudulent business practices” involving the diversion of millions of dollars in creators’ commissions to PayPal.

At issue is PayPal’s free Honey internet-search browser extension that the company claims will scour the web for the best discount coupons and apply them to online purchases. Google’s Chrome web store shows Honey has 17 million users.

PayPal, which bought Honey in 2020 for $4 billion, did not answer detailed questions Friday from this news organization but said in a statement that it disputed the lawsuit’s claims.

“Honey is free to use and provides millions of shoppers with additional savings on their purchases whenever possible,” PayPal said. “Honey follows industry rules and practices.”

A mid-December video exposé by a tech-journalist YouTuber that led to the lawsuit shows a series of high-profile social media influencers — including MrBeast, arguably the world’s biggest influencer celebrity — hyping Honey online to millions of viewers with statements such as, “Honey will find every working code on the internet and apply the best one to your cart.”

Many influencers, meanwhile, recommend products to their viewers and get a payment when a viewer buys one of those products — via a link the influencer provides — in a process known as “affiliate marketing.”

But when a discount-hungry viewer who has installed Honey uses an influencer’s product link to buy something and then clicks on Honey to seek discount codes, the extension diverts credit for the sale to PayPal, allowing the company — valued at $87 billion in the stock market — to steal the influencer’s commission, the lawsuit alleged.

Such theft can occur even when Honey tells a shopper no coupons are available, but they buy the product anyway, the lawsuit claimed.

PayPal also offers Honey Gold, a system that awards consumers PayPal Rewards points redeemable for gift cards, the lawsuit noted. However, when a shopper gets points worth a small amount — even less than a dollar — from a purchase, PayPal may snatch a $35 commission that should have gone to the creator, the lawsuit alleged.

While the lawsuit does not allege online shoppers were defrauded, the practices PayPal is alleged to have engaged in could undermine the foundations of online shopping, said Josh Sanford, a lawyer for the plaintiffs.

“PayPal has grown the world of e-commerce, which is great for everyone,” Sanford said. However, he said, “if the allegations are born out as true, they’re going to have made e-commerce harder because it makes vendors and consumers less able to trust each other and less confident that they understand the terms of their transaction.”

The five content-creation companies suing PayPal all make money from sales of products they promote online, the lawsuit said.

Los Angeles company Businessing operates several YouTube channels for artist and musician Ali Spagnola, with one channel having 2.25 million subscribers, the lawsuit said. Wendover Production of Colorado has several educational YouTube channels, one with 4.7 million subscribers. The Charismatic Voice, of Arizona, with nearly 2 million subscribers, was founded by opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff — who has performed at Palo Alto’s West Bay Opera — and offers resources for aspiring and professional vocalists. Clearvision Media of Nevada produces educational content for online creators, with one of its channels having more than 3 million subscribers. Washington-based Gear Live Media covers tech and gadgets, with more than 400,000 people subscribing to founder Andru Edwards’ YouTube channel.

A first version of the lawsuit, filed Dec. 29, included only Wendover and Businessing as plaintiffs.

The updated lawsuit filed Thursday accused PayPal of interfering in contracts and financial dealings and unjustly enriching itself. The content creators want a court order granting class-action status in order to bring in thousands of other creators. They are seeking unspecified damages and a court order banning PayPal from its alleged diversion of commissions from online sales.

Brownlee had this advice for YouTube viewers: “Uninstall Honey,” Brownlee said. “Warn people not to install Honey.”

Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: Are you my daddy?

Question: You recently wrote about the wife in a divorce situation who used stored genetic material to become pregnant after the divorce (and death) of the husband. It got me thinking. In the late 60’s while I was in medical school and long before the DNA era, I was asked by my OB-GYN professor if I was willing to be a semen donor for a couple having conception issues. No papers were signed, no names given, it was a completely loose affair. I just went to the OB-GYN’s clinic, knocked on a door, a hand reached out with a $20 and I handed over the specimen. I did this twice for the same recipient. I never heard whether this was a “take” or anything further. Now 50 years later, using sites like 23andMe, if my unknown-to-me progeny discovered their genetic father, would/could they have legal claim to my estate?

Answer: Developments like 23andMe and other ancestry websites are causing many to worry about a kid showing up on the doorstep with the Seuss-like question, “Are you my daddy?” Your situation is interesting and makes me wonder what else they ask smart, young med-students to do? Alas, I digress.

You can breathe easy, Doc. The short answer to your question is that according to both the California and United States Supreme courts, you do not need to worry about a child showing up and making a claim against your estate. Family Law code section 7613 provides that if a woman conceives through assisted reproduction with seamen or ova or both donated by a donor who is not the woman’s spouse, with the consent of another intended parent, that intended parent is treated in law as if that intended parent is the natural parent. The U.S. Supreme Court weighed in further with rulings on whether such a child can claim the donor’s social security benefits and the answer to that is also, generally, no.

The Probate Code underscores the “presumed parentage” issue. If you are married and a child is conceived during the marriage and you hold that child out to be your own, whether or not you are actually the bio-parent, it is presumed that the child is yours for inheritance purposes. This presumed parentage can be rebutted if the bio-parent comes forward and presents contrary evidence. Absent that, the child is assumed to be the married parents’ child.

Question: My brother and I have been fighting over a piece of jewelry my father left me in his estate. This has been going on for 15 years! We do not speak other than swapping jabs about the piece of jewelry. I want the jewelry and then want nothing more to do with this brother. What can I do?

Answer: If your brother handed over the jewelry today, you would walk away from the only relationship he has with you, right? Even though the relationship is contentious, beneficiaries are sometimes reluctant to “settle” an estate because it means the end of everything – the parents are gone, usually the assets of the estate, including the family home, are gone and, once the arguing is over, the relationship with siblings will be gone, too. Could it be that he is hanging on to the jewelry in hopes that it could lead to a meaningful reconciliation?

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

Top 10 girls wrestling rankings

Top 10 girls wrestling rankings

1. Monterey:

2. Alisal:

3. Hollister:

4. Santa Cruz:

5. Scotts Valley:

6. Salinas:

7. Aptos:

8. Alvarez:

9. Rancho San Juan:

10. Gonzales:

On the bubble: North County, North Salinas, Greenfield, Watsonville, Soledad.

How to watch the 2025 Golden Globes: red carpet, streaming, nominees and more

The 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards is setting the tone for an exciting awards season. Taking place this Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, the star-studded ceremony will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+.

Known for the party-like atmosphere of the event, the Golden Globes celebrate excellence in film and television, spotlighting the past year’s standout performances, compelling stories, and artistic achievements. The Globes also mark the beginning of the televised awards season, paving the way for major events like the Critics Choice Awards, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and, ultimately, the Oscars.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s ceremony, from the show’s schedule and host to how to watch and the nominees who could take home the coveted trophies.

When are the 2025 Golden Globes?

The ceremony will take place at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at  5 p.m. PT. Fans can watch live on CBS or stream via Paramount+ with SHOWTIME for subscribers. For those with Paramount+ Essential, the show will be available to stream the following day.

Who is hosting the Golden Globes?

Comedian and nominee Nikki Glaser will host the 2025 Golden Globes. Known for her brazen attitude, Glaser also earned a nomination in the Best Stand-Up Comedian on Television category, promising a night filled with humor and heartfelt moments.

How to watch the red carpet?

The Golden Globes red carpet preshow begins at 3:30 p.m. PT and will stream across Variety and Penske Media platforms. Entertainment Tonight’s Rachel Smith and Variety’s Marc Malkin will co-host the preshow, bringing interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the night’s biggest fashion moments.

Who are the 2025 Golden Globe nominees?

The 2025 Golden Globes boasts a lineup of nominees across film and television.

Best Drama

The BrutalistA Complete UnknownConclaveDune: Part TwoNickel BoysSeptember 5

Best Drama Actor

Adrien Brody, The BrutalistTimothée Chalamet, A Complete UnknownDaniel Craig, QueerColman Domingo, Sing SingRalph Fiennes, ConclaveSebastian Stan, The Apprentice

Best Drama Actress

Angelina Jolie, MariaNicole Kidman, BabygirlTilda Swinton, The Room Next DoorFernanda Torres, I’m Still HerePamela Anderson, The Last ShowgirlKate Winslet, Lee

Best Comedy/Musical

AnoraChallengersEmilia PérezA Real PainThe SubstanceWicked

Best Comedy/Musical Actor

Jesse Eisenberg, A Real PainHugh Grant, HereticGabriel LaBelle, Saturday NightJesse Plemons, Kinds of KindnessGlen Powell, Hit ManSebastian Stan, A Different Man

Best Comedy/Musical Actress

Amy Adams, NightbitchCynthia Erivo, WickedKarla Sofía Gascón, Emilia PérezMikey Madison, AnoraDemi Moore, The SubstanceZendaya, Challengers

Best Supporting Actor

Denzel Washington, Gladiator IIKieran Culkin, A Real PainGuy Pearce, The BrutalistJeremy Strong, The ApprenticeYura Borisov, AnoraEdward Norton, A Complete Unknown

Best Supporting Actress

Zoe Saldaña, Emilia PérezAriana Grande, WickedSelena Gomez, Emilia PérezFelicity Jones, The BrutalistMargaret Qualley, The SubstanceIsabella Rossellini, Conclave

Best Director

Jacques Audiard, Emilia PérezSean Baker, AnoraBrady Corbet, The BrutalistEdward Berger, ConclaveCoralie Fargeat, The SubstancePayal Kapadia, All We Imagine as Light

Best Screenplay

Emilia PérezAnoraThe BrutalistA Real PainThe SubstanceConclave

Best Original Score

The BrutalistConclaveChallengersDune: Part TwoEmilia PérezThe Wild Robot

Best Original Song

The Last Showgirl – “Beautiful That Way”Challengers – “Compress/Repress”Emilia Pérez – “El Mal”Better Man – “Forbidden Road”The Wild Robot – “Kiss the Sky”Emilia Pérez – “Mi Camino”

Best Animated Feature

FlowInside Out 2Memoir of a SnailMoana 2Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most FowlThe Wild Robot

Best Film in a Language Other Than English

All We Imagine as LightEmilia PérezThe Girl With the NeedleI’m Still HereThe Seed of the Sacred FigVermiglio

Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

Alien: RomulusBeetlejuice BeetlejuiceDeadpool & WolverineGladiator IIInside Out 2TwistersWickedThe Wild Robot

Best Comedy Series

Abbott ElementaryThe BearThe GentlemenHacksNobody Wants ThisOnly Murders in the Building

Best TV Comedy Actor

Adam Brody, Nobody Wants ThisTed Danson, A Man on the InsideSteve Martin, Only Murders in the BuildingJason Segel, ShrinkingMartin Short, Only Murders in the BuildingJeremy Allen White, The Bear

Best TV Comedy Actress

Kristen Bell, Nobody Wants ThisQuinta Brunson, Abbott ElementaryAyo Edebiri, The BearSelena Gomez, Only Murders in the BuildingKathryn Hahn, Agatha All AlongJean Smart, Hacks

Best TV Drama Series

The Day of the JackalThe DiplomatMr. and Mrs. SmithShōgunSlow HorsesSquid Game

Best TV Drama Actor

Donald Glover, Mr. and Mrs. SmithJake Gyllenhaal, Presumed InnocentGary Oldman, Slow HorsesEddie Redmayne, The Day of the JackalHiroyuki Sanada, ShōgunBilly Bob Thornton, Landman

Best TV Drama Actress

Kathy Bates, MatlockEmma D’Arcy, House of the DragonMaya Erskine, Mr. and Mrs. SmithKeira Knightley, Black DovesAnna Sawai, ShōgunKeri Russell, The Diplomat

Best TV Movie/Limited Series

Baby ReindeerDisclaimerMonsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez StoryThe PenguinRipleyTrue Detective: Night Country

Best TV Movie/Limited Series Actor

Colin Farrell, The PenguinRichard Gadd, Baby ReindeerKevin Kline, DisclaimerCooper Koch, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez StoryEwan McGregor, A Gentleman in MoscowAndrew Scott, Ripley

Best TV Movie/Limited Series Actress

Cate Blanchett, DisclaimerJodie Foster, True Detective: Night CountryCristin Milioti, The PenguinSofía Vergara, GriseldaNaomi Watts, Feud: Capote vs. the SwansKate Winslet, The Regime

Best TV Supporting Actor

Tadanobu Asano, ShōgunJavier Bardem, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez StoryHarrison Ford, ShrinkingJack Lowden, Slow HorsesDiego Luna, La MáquinaEbon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear

Best TV Supporting Actress

Jessica Gunning, Baby ReindeerLiza Colón-Zayas, The BearHannah Einbinder, HacksDakota Fanning, RipleyAllison Janney, The DiplomatKali Reis, True Detective: Night Country

Best Stand-Up Comedian on Television

Jamie Foxx, What Had Happened WasNikki Glaser, Someday You’ll DieSeth Meyers, Dad Man WalkingAdam Sandler, Love YouAli Wong, Single LadyRamy Youssef, More Feelings

Horoscopes Jan. 4, 2025: Michael Stipe, compassion and discipline are your tickets to success

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Dot-Marie Jones, 61; Dave Foley, 62; Michael Stipe, 65; Patty Loveless, 68.

Happy Birthday: Compassion and discipline are your tickets to success. Refuse to let outside influences lead you astray or convince you otherwise. The results of your actions will show up in your home, lifestyle and relationships. Channeling your energy positively will result in change that leads to growth. How you use your time, money and power will determine how you feel about yourself and what you achieve. Put your best foot forward. Your numbers are 8, 15, 24, 29, 31, 36, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keep life simple, your plans to yourself and your secrets well hidden. Focus on events that motivate you to volunteer or do your part to make a difference. Make financial choices that set you on a path to independence. Apply your skills and expertise to lifestyle upgrades and self-improvement. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Check out your options and fine-tune how best to proceed. Changing your environment or surroundings will stimulate your mind and encourage you to rethink how you earn your living. Don’t let uncertainty lead to procrastination. A change will help you reinvent your next phase of life. 4 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Bide your time, consider what’s meaningful and define your purpose before you engage in something new. Don’t let distractions come between you and doing what makes you happy. Getting lost in someone else’s drama or goals will weigh you down when you should be embracing what energizes your soul. 2 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Explore the possibilities and engage in events offering a different perspective regarding something you want to pursue. Refrain from committing to something that isn’t a good fit. Your objective is to find peace and happiness. An open heart will enhance and encourage a personal relationship and romance. 5 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Turn up the volume and get physical. What you accomplish will change how you view your life and fine-tune your to-do list. When doubt surfaces, broaden your awareness and eliminate what befuddles you. Use charm to gain information and insight, but keep your intentions to yourself. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Confusion occurs if you overreact or read too much into what others do or say. A change of location or activity will trigger new beginnings. Pay attention to what’s available and engage in something that lifts your spirits and gets your heart racing. A romantic gesture will boost your morale. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Reach out to someone you miss and catch up. The information you receive will give you a reason to consider taking a trip. A financial opportunity looks inviting. Consider your assets and what you can part with, but be wary of scammers or deals that sound too good to be true. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Change your plans to suit your needs. Pampering yourself or relaxing in the comfort of your home will help you put things in perspective. A diversion may entice you, but consider what you’ll get in return before joining in. Put yourself first and choose what makes you happy. 5 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Focus on health, fitness and your emotional well-being. Refuse to let anyone interfere with your plans or pressure you to agree to something that makes you uncomfortable. Misinformation is apparent and will require you to verify the facts before you commit. Avoid situations that are costly or entail indulgent behavior. 2 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take nothing for granted. Size up situations and take care of matters yourself. Listen to your inner voice and refuse to let temptation set in or your ego to take over. Put your energy where it counts and benefits everyone, including yourself. Commitment, personal growth and romance are on the rise. 4 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pay attention to what’s happening at home. Excessive behavior will put you in a vulnerable position. Take the initiative and say no to temptation and anyone trying to push or manipulate you in a direction that favors them more than you. Busy yourself with something constructive and avoid drama. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Someone will take advantage of you if you are too accommodating. Set boundaries and make your position and plans transparent, and you will attract the right crowd and get the help and support you need to reach your destination on time. It’s what you do, not pontificate about, that counts. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are caring, sensitive and helpful. You are imaginative and relentless.

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.

Excerpts from the judge’s ruling to go ahead with Trump sentencing

NEW YORK (AP) — The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s hush money case in New York dealt with a host of weighty, unprecedented questions before deciding Friday that the president-elect should be sentenced later this month for the crime of falsifying business records.

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“Indeed, the sanctity of a jury verdict and the deference that must be accorded to it, is a bedrock principle in our Nation’s jurisprudence,” Merchan wrote.

But the judge also signaled that he intended to impose a sentence of “unconditional discharge,” which means Trump would not face any punishment beyond having the conviction on his legal record.

Trump’s spokesperson said after Merchan’s ruling that the president-elect would continue to fight against the case, which he called a hoax.

Here are some key excerpts from the judge’s decision:

A president-elect is not immune from prosecution

“The Constitution dictates that only a President, after taking the oath of office, has the authority of the Chief Executive, a President-elect does not. Accordingly, a President-elect is not permitted to avail himself of the protections afforded to the individual occupying that Office. … Binding precedent does not provide that an individual, upon becoming President, can retroactively dismiss or vacate prior criminal acts nor does it grant blanket Presidential-elect immunity.”

Trump’s election win doesn’t mean he can’t be sentenced

“Any claim Defendant may have that circumstances have changed as a result of Defendant’s victory in the Presidential election, while convenient, is disingenuous. Defendant has always pronounced, since the inception of this case, confidence and indeed the expectation that he would prevail in the 2024 Election — confidence that has proven well-founded. That he would become the ‘President-elect’ and be required to assume all the responsibilities that come with the transition were entirely anticipated. Thus, it was fair for this Court to trust that his request to adjourn sentencing until after the election carried with it the implied consent that he would face sentence during the window between the election and the taking of the oath of office.”

The conviction should not be dismissed ‘in the interests of justice’

“Here, 12 jurors unanimously found Defendant guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records with the intent to defraud, which included an intent to commit or conceal a conspiracy to promote a presidential election by unlawful means. It was the premediated and continuous deception by the leader of the free world that is the gravamen of this offense. To vacate this verdict on the grounds that the charges are insufficiently serious given the position Defendant once held, and is about to assume again, would constitute a disproportionate result and cause immeasurable damage to the citizenry’s confidence in the Rule of Law.”

Trump has engaged in ‘unrelenting and unsubstantiated attacks’ on the legal system

“Defendant’s disdain for the Third Branch of government, whether state or federal, in New York or elsewhere, is a matter of public record. Indeed, Defendant has gone to great lengths to broadcast on social media and other forums his lack of respect for judges, juries, grand juries and the justice system as a whole.”

The jury’s verdict should not be disregarded

“This Court recognizes the importance of considering and balancing the seemingly competing factors before it: ensuring that the Executive Branch is free to fully dispense the duties of the President and safeguard the interests of the Nation, unencumbered by pending criminal proceedings; to ensure that the Supreme Court’s ruling and the citizenry’s expectation be honored that all are equal and no one is above the Iaw; and the importance of protecting the sanctity of a jury verdict. This Court is simply not persuaded that the first factor outweighs the others at this stage of the proceeding, either on its own or in conjunction with the other … factors.”

“To dismiss the indictment and set aside the jury verdict would not serve the concerns set forth by the Supreme Court in its handful of cases addressing Presidential immunity nor would it serve the Rule of Law. On the contrary, such decision would undermine the Rule of Law in immeasurable ways.”

Trump likely won’t go to jail

“While this Court as a matter of law must not make any determination on sentencing prior to giving the parties and Defendant opportunity to be heard, it seems proper at this juncture to make known the Court’s inclination to not impose any sentence of incarceration, a sentence authorized by the conviction but one the People concede they no longer view as a practicable recommendation. As such, in balancing the aforementioned considerations in conjunction with the underlying concerns of the Presidential immunity doctrine, a sentence of an unconditional discharge appears to be the most viable solution to ensure finality and allow Defendant to pursue his appellate options.”

49ers stagger to finish line against Arizona with lengthy injury list

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers will be without some key players when they visit the Arizona Cardinals Sunday to close out the regular season.

Which sounds about right for a 6-10 team that has 15 players on injured reserve and another on the physically unable to perform list.

Arizona has lost five of its last six games and is 7-9, so both teams will get an early start on the 2025 season.

Among those listed as “out” Friday by 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan were wide receiver Deebo Samuel (rib/wrist), cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (shoulder), quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder), tackle Spencer Burford (calf) and defensive end Ronald Beal (ankle).

Linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) was listed as doubtful, while those who were questionable and likely to play include tight end George Kittle (ankle/hamstring), tackle Colton McKivitz (knee), safety Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle) and cornerback Isaac Yiadom (pelvis).

Defensive end Nick Bosa, who missed some practice time earlier in the week with a knee issue, was taken off the injury list entirely and conceded it was a strange feeling to be shutting it down after Sunday’s game.

“I feel like my body is ready for the run, like it’s used to kind of going through a season, struggle to get through and then kind of rebound and get ready,” Bosa said. “There will be no reason for that this year but finishing strong is what we’re trying to do.”

If the game had a playoff implications, Shanahan said things would be different

“Guys would be pushing real hard to play and we’d probably let ‘em,” Shanahan said. “In this case they’re pushing hard to play and we’re not going to let ‘em.”

Without the focus of a playoff run, the 49ers will have a chance to begin planning for 2025 much earlier.

“I’d be much more excited to go all the way to February again, but that is tough when you go that long,” Shanahan said. “Everybody needs to get away and by the time you get back is usually right when free agency is starting and you’re not quite there yet. I think this will be the first time since COVID being off in January.”

Bosa thinks the additional time off will be good for a reset.

“I think we kind of needed it as a team,” Bosa said. “It’s definitely a grind. It’s only one more month but adding one more month to what you’ve already done feels like three months. It’s a huge, huge thing.”

Jane Tyska/Bay Area News GroupFullback Kyle Juszczyk has been named to nine Pro Bowls, the last eight with the 49ers.

JUSZCZYK HAS NO PLANS TO RETIRE

Fullback Kyle Juszczyk was named to his ninth Pro Bowl (eight with the 49ers) and has designs on making a run at No. 10 in 2025.

“I know I have at least a few more years. I’ll play it by ear from there,” Juszczyk, 33, said. “I definitely want to continue to play. I still feel I’m at the top of my game. I still feel as healthy as I possibly could be. so I know I have at least a few more.”

Juszczyk took a pay cut prior to this season and is under contract through 2025, at a $4.1 million salary. He’s played in every game this season, and his touchdown catch Monday night assured him of at least one in each of his years with the 49ers.

The nine Pro Bowls are the most ever by a fullback, a position that Juszczyk never intended to play.

“I honestly never even watched fullbacks, I never wanted to be a fullback. That was not the goal,” said Juszczyk, who wanted to become a wide receiver and grew up idolizing Wayne Chrebet and tight end Dallas Clark. “But fullback got me employed.”

Juszczyk’s wife, Kristin, announced Thursday she’s launching an NFL-licensed apparel line called Off Season that hits the market Tuesday, in partnership with Emma Grede and Fanatics. “Oh my gosh, I’m so excited for that, and yesterday was a big for us to announce the launch,” Juszczyk said. “We’ve wanted this to happen for so long, and I know so many fans have.”

PURDY’S ‘FUNNY BONE’

General manager John Lynch downplayed any notion that Purdy’s elbow injury is more serious than the team is letting on.

Shanahan all but ruled Purdy out on Tuesday the day after the Lions game, and named Josh Dobbs the starter Wednesday. The quick hook gave rise to speculation that Purdy’s elbow, which had UCL replacement surgery after the 2022 season, was a concern.

“It’s really nothing more than like when you hit your funny bone,” Lynch said on his weekly appearance on KNBR-680. “When you get hit in the wrong place, it irritated the nerves a little . . . just caused some numbness. Everything’s all right. Brock’s going to be fine.”

Shanahan said during a normal week, Purdy would probably be testing his elbow Friday in hopes of playing.

Lynch said everyone had input into the decision to sit Purdy for the finale, but that ultimately the call was made by team doctors.

LENOIR’S `SNUB’

Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir wasn’t happy when he learned he was a Pro Bowl alternate rather than part of the cornerback quartet selected for the NFC. The former fifth-round draft pick took to X to vent his frustration, including one that said, “Don’t ever let them tell you Draft status doesn’t matter.”

The cornerbacks were Jaylon Johnson of Chicago, Byron Murphy of Minnesota, Devon Weatherspoon of Minnesota and Xavier McKinney of Green Bay.

Lenoir has already signed a five-year contract extension worth a maximum of $92 million.

“It’s always been a thing and seems like it’s never going to change that the first year you really deserve to be in the Pro Bowl, it takes another year and you’ll be there,” Lynch said. “I think D-Mo is going to be just fine. I really, truly believe his play warranted it.”

Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said the perceived snub will only make Lenoir better.

“Guys that are really competitive will use anything for motivation and I think he can just add that to the mix,” Sorensen said.

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INJURED RESERVE

The following players ended the season on injured reserve: wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, guard Aaron Banks, guard/center Ben Bartch, guard/center Jon Feliciano, defensive lineman Kevin Givens, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, cornerback Darrell Luter Jr., running back Jordan Mason, running back Christian McCaffrey, running back Elijah Mitchell, tackle Jaylon Moore, safety George Odum, linebacker Curtis Robinson, tackle Trent Williams and punter Mitch Wishnowsky.

Defensive end Drake Jackson spent the entire season on the PUP list and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell spent the last three games on the suspended list.

The 49ers are likely to add to the injured reserve list before Sunday in order to add practice squad players and fill out the roster.