Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 263

PHOTOS: Rain, wind pummel region, knock out power

Heavy rain and strong winds swept the region early Saturday morning, prompting power outages, flood watches and wind advisories.

Downtown San Francisco was also hit with intense winds, prompting the first tornado warning ever issued for the city, according to the National Weather Service. The warning, which also included parts of northern San Mateo County, went into effect around 5:54 a.m. before being lifted about 20 minutes later. Trees were blown down across the city, blocking major roadways and streets. More than 10,000 people were without power in San Francisco as of Saturday morning, according to PG&E.

Power outages hit the Monterey Peninsula as well, with thousands reporting outages Saturday morning, including in Pebble Beach, Monterey and Marina.

A car is damaged by a fallen tree in Monterey on Saturday. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

Power lines damaged from a fallen tree are seen across Sylan Road in Monterey on Saturday. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

A large tree branch crashed into a garage near Coe Avenue in Seaside on Saturday. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

A man clears downed trees near his house in Seaside on Saturday. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

A cyclist looks at a large tree that took out power lines as it fell across Sylan Road in Monterey on Saturday. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

A truck is damaged after a large tree fell across a street in Seaside on Saturday. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

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A car is damaged by a fallen tree in Monterey on Saturday. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

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A flood watch went into effect at 4 a.m. Saturday morning and will last through Sunday afternoon at Carmel River State Beach in Carmel Valley. Flooding is likely to occur at the beach parking lot and potentially near the neighborhoods south of 15th Avenue, according to the NWS.

Another flood warning was issued from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon for Sonoma, Napa and Marin counties. The NWS reports excessive rain may lead to flooding in creeks and rivers, and water ponding on roadways and in other low-lying areas. A coastal flood advisory for areas along the San Francisco and San Pablo bays also went into effect Thursday morning and will remain until Monday afternoon.

The storm has also left thousands without power in the South Bay.  As of 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning, the outages have been largely concentrated on the coast including areas around Pomponio State Beach, Pescadero State Beach and Butano State Park, according to PG&E. In downtown Menlo Park neighborhoods more than 1,000 people experienced power outages, along with customers in parts of Millbrae and downtown Burlingame. Power for all the areas was expected to return Saturday afternoon, according to PG&E.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Santa Cruz County Saturday afternoon.

Sunday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny conditions on the Monterey Peninsula with rain expected to return Monday.

The Monterey Herald contributed to this report. 

 

CSUMB senior focuses on fun in First Night Monterey poster

MONTEREY – First Night Monterey has welcomed Monterey into the New Year for over 30 years with a popular all-ages event.

And since 2003 the program has depended on one Cal State Monterey Bay communication design student to create the visual identity of each year’s celebration.

First Night Monterey Creative Director Ellen Martin visited the Publication Design class, taught by lecturer Lawrence Omoto, with a competition to create the official poster design, buttons and accompanying materials for the event. This year, 21-year-old CSUMB senior Dara Leon won the competition.

Leon said that throughout the design process, Martin came in to give feedback on students’ poster and button designs individually and ensure the designs had what she was looking for. After students had finished their designs, Martin’s team voted on their favorites – Leon’s design had initially been the second favorite.

“ The guy that got first, he looked at me in class and he was like, ‘I think you’re going to have to end up doing it,’” because he would be too busy to do additional work for First Night Monterey. Martin later reached out to Leon to inform her that her design was selected. “ I was like, wow, it’s a lot to take on. That’s really exciting.”

CSUMB senior Dara Leon said she was thankful for the opportunity to design for First Night Monterey 2025. (Photo courtesy of Dara Leon)

Leon also expressed that she was happy with the changes her design made throughout the process. “ It’s crazy to see how differently my designs shifted since that first initial meeting with (Martin),” she said. “I knew that I wanted something kind of symmetrical and with a lot of fun elements, but she always wanted more and so I was like, all right, I can do more. I can make this vibrant and colorful and awesome.”

Thinking back on the design process, Leon said she went through a lot of different iterations and spent a lot of time tweaking the color and layout to best represent the event. The experience, from working with the client to getting a new portfolio piece, has also been a great step in preparing for the design world outside of college for Leon.

“I think this is going to be extremely helpful because it’s such an established citywide event,” she said, mentioning she had gone to previous years’ events. “ I think it’s just such a good opportunity to establish myself in the kind of publication design world that I want to go into after graduating. This is just a really, really good step. I’m so extremely thankful to actually get the scope of how big this opportunity is, which is insane to me, honestly.”

After graduating in the spring, Leon wants to work in printing publications like brochures and posters. Working on First Night Monterey has given Leon an idea of what working with a client as a professional will be like.

While every student is responsible for making a poster and button designs – which First Night attendees purchase as their tickets for the event – the winner is also responsible for creating social media posts, making any additional edits needed to their designs and any additional design materials needed.

Leon said when entering the communication design program, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to go into and changed her mind multiple times, but found her passion in publication design.

“I finally was able to take a class where I excelled and I was like, I can really do something awesome and do stuff that people like which has led to this really fun citywide event that people are going to be able to see,” Leon said.

Leon and her family are all excited to see the event.

“My dad already bought all of our buttons and stuff,” she said. “It’s exciting to see what everyone’s doing to make it happen, like all the artists and all the people that actually work there painting backdrops and stuff based on my designs as well.  It’s just really, really cool to see everything kind of come together.”

First Night Monterey activities will kick off at 3 p.m. Dec. 31 and go until midnight. Buttons (i.e. tickets) to attend First Night Monterey are on sale online at www.firstnightmonterey.org or you can purchase in person at all Monterey County Safeway stores, Andronico’s Market in Monterey and Grove Market in Pacific Grove.

Operation Christmas Cheer: Answering a cry for help

Kathy Lefler’s struggles began at a young age. Dealing with an abusive father at home, she turned to drugs and alcohol for comfort. She was able to get clean after a few years, but fell back into addiction after her mother survived an attempted murder by a family member. She has now been sober for two years.

Years ago, Lefler’s life changed when she walked into a Salvation Army and admitted she needed help. Through the organization’s food banks, housing assistance and faith-based approach, Lefler was able to turn her life around and give back to others who are in situations she used to be in.

Lefler’s story is similar to those who have been helped by Operation Christmas Cheer, a fundraising project sponsored by 1st Capital Bank, The Herald and the Salvation Army. It aims to help local individuals and families who find themselves in need this time of year. Since 1985, it has raised more than $2.6 million, which has been distributed in various forms to needy Monterey County families and individuals during the holidays.

When Lefler was living in San Francisco, she turned to the Salvation Army for the first time and received support through the Adopt-A-Family program.

Lefler and her boyfriend were homeless and made their way to the Monterey Peninsula. They utilized the Sabu Shake, Sr. Good Samaritan Center in Sand City to get warm meals and showers and six years ago were eventually able to get back on their feet.

“Since I quit drinking and started going to church, my life has turned back around,” she said. Lefler has enjoyed attending church at the nonprofit’s chapel on Contra Costa Street in Seaside. “We get to share stories and talk with other people, so it’s been really nice.”

Now, Lefler volunteers with the church – her favorite aspect of the organization. “It’s like my second family now. It’s beautiful,” she said. “It’s amazing what just a few new people in your life can do.”

Not only did the church and the Salvation Army help Lefler get back on her feet, but they supported her through some of her toughest times. Last year, Lefler’s boyfriend died. “He was a good influence on me,” she said.

Volunteers and the previous Monterey Peninsula Corps administrators put together a celebration of life for Lefler’s partner. “The church was here for me,” she said.

The love and support she’s received from the organization has helped keep Lefler on the track she believes she was meant to be on. “Being that I was in the situation, I have empathy (and) can help other people to get through it,” she said. She now volunteers with the same church that has helped her through so much.

While it can be difficult to see herself in others who come through the Salvation Army’s doors, “I just put it in my heart, ask God for His guidance and just do it.”

According to Lefler, she understands that being in a bad situation for a long time can take away an individual’s faith that a better future is ahead. Her advice to others in similar situations to the one she was in is “just to hold on and hope.” She emphasizes that everything people might need is available to them through the Salvation Army. “It’s just knowing where to go and how to ask.”

The Peninsula’s giving spirit is a beacon of Lefler’s own hope. She has seen firsthand the generosity of the community. “Even the small things make such a big difference in (people’s) lives,” said Lefler. “It doesn’t take a lot: just kindness.”

Gifts with messagesJamie & Pete Bundy: In loving memory of Cynthia & Norman Martella, $250Carmel Chapter #282 OES: In memory of Bee Little beloved member of Carmel Chapter #282 OES, $250Michael Amodt: In memory of Len and Betsy Amodt, $200Dave Whipple: In honor of Sharon Blaziek who gave so much, $100Phyllis Jones & Heather Bakich: In memory of Nat Jones husband, father & greatly missed, $100Jean Rasch: Thank you, District 3 voters for electing me to Monterey City CouncilKeith & Meredith Standiford: Best wishes, $50Roberta Little: In memory of Sioux Scott, Cannery Row entertainer who loved celebrating Christmas, $25Cristina Manuguerra: Memory of family, Diego & Francesca Arancio, Joe & Cristina Manuguerra, Vitinat Joe Pironi, Suzanne & Jacoban, $10Gifts without a messageSuzanne & Todd Schmidt, $100Anne Ursino, $100Skip & Liz Lord, $100Dr & Mrs George Penn, $100Charles Hays, $50Anonymous gifts with messageFrom the Angel’s, $500In memory of Russ, LaVonne and Suzy, $300In fond memory of Pete Petit, bell ringer extraordinaire, $300Christmas love & peace to all, $200Happy Christmas Joyce & Geoff, $100Prayers abound for world peace! $100God bless you for doing this, $100Merry Christmas! $100Missing Ruthie, Ginny & Barbie, $100Wishing everyone a season of peace, love & joy, $100Peace on Earth…no Really! $50Remembering Mac with love, $50Danny, $25Anonymous gifts without message$7,300

Jim Tunney, Tunneyside: A fond farewell as acclaimed NFL referee dies at 95

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Tunney, a longtime NFL referee, educator and motivational speaker, died peacefully at his Pebble Beach home Thursday night according to his son-in-law, John Oldach. Tunney was also a longtime Herald contributor, filing his observations on sports, teamwork and sharing his memories in his weekly Tunneyside columns. He was 95. The following is one of the last columns Tunney wrote for the Herald. It reflects some of his strong principles and vast experience.  

A running back fumbles about the 30-yard line. One of the defenders picks it up and returns it for a touchdown. Then eight or nine defensive players run into the end zone to join the young man who picked up the fumble. They all pose for a photo. I couldn’t see that there was a photographer there, but then this was not an NFL team but a local high school game. Where did they learn that? The NFL, of course. When did this antic start and is it necessary? At one time the NFL had a rule about “showboating” after scoring etc. I know what you’re thinking: NFL No Fun League. Maybe you’re right. However, I’ve always thought it is best NOT to embarrass your opponent.  Obviously, that has changed!

The Lambeau Leap is a touchdown celebration in American football in which a player leaps into the bleachers behind the end zone after scoring. It was once a unique and enjoyable leap but has now become a trend in other stadiums, as I’ve noticed recently. I’m sure you’ll witness it again; some just can’t resist being copycats or trying to outshine others!

Pushing-the-tush

At one point in my 60-year NFL relationship, there was a rule where the offense could not help a ball carrier keep his feet — it was called “helping the runner.” Today’s game has gone much farther. This “scrum” that we see at every NFL game needs correcting. Now we see that in a third- or fourth-and-1 situation, the offensive team places its fullback or another player of that size right behind the quarterback for a QB sneak to gain a first down. This rugby-type scrum often occurs with some 10 or so players pushing against the other team to gain that first down or cross the goal line. I even saw a bigger back put his arm around the “sneaker” and lift him forward. Hmm! The NFL competition committee needs to correct this. Soon we’ll see this at college and high school games.  Oh, and by the way, it’s not called a “QB sneak” anymore. It was never a “sneak” anyway, since the guy in the 60th row of the stadium knew what that play-call was going to be. It’s now called the “Brotherly Shove” with several players pushing that player across the line. I recently heard a player, who had several years of NFL playing experience (I won’t mention his name, but it was one of the days of the week) say that shoving a player in this type of play was a normal/natural football play. I disagree! What is your thought on shoving a player of your own team to gain yardage?

Regarding the NIL

As you have read here before, this column is not in favor of the NIL (name, image, likeness). Simply, if our country is in favor of inclusion, this is producing just the opposite. If we as sports organizations believe in what I’ve labeled T*E*A*M (Together Everyone Accomplishes More) unity, this separates the “star” from their teammates. Why should a player help the “star” who is making several thousands of dollars for his performance receive even more with another’s help? Perhaps today’s youth think about this differently.

In the past, players who became eligible for the professional leagues often made the immediate transition, despite their coaches’ reservations about leaving college early. Coaches, however, would still encourage players to capitalize on potential financial rewards. Nowadays, players have the opportunity to assess professional offers while considering the benefits of securing a stronger deal through a NIL contract with their college.

Although the specific requirements for college tenure before eligibility for professional sports vary, there is a consensus that a player must be at least 19 years old. Notably, as demonstrated by LeBron James and the late Kobe Bryant, a player who remains out of high school and reaches the age of 19 can be both eligible and highly qualified to play professionally.

John Devine, Just a Thought: Celebrate Carmel’s state title, tune out the critics

Two years, two different schools. Two state football champions from the same county. This just doesn’t happen – even in larger counties.

It’s unprecedented. Historic. Surreal. Mindblowing.

Yet, for the second straight year, it feels like it has not been properly embraced, celebrated as a historic moment for an entire region – at least on social media.

Carmel High just didn’t win a state title Friday with a 48-7 win over El Capitan in the Division 5AA finals. It capped the first-ever 15-0 season for a program in the Pacific Coast Athletic League.

Carmel ran the gauntlet in beating three “A” league (top-tier) opponents in the Central Coast Section playoffs and then upsetting defending State Division 3A champion Acalanes of Lafayette for a Northern California title.

Somehow, instead of the Padres being hailed as state champions, on some corners of the social media critics are asking why Carmel didn’t play the regular season in the most competitive division of the PCAL.

Are we still talking about this 15 weeks later? I mean, sure the Padres went 3-0 against teams in the Gabilan Division (the top division in the PCAL) this past fall, beating Aptos 62-35 in the CCS Division III finals. So maybe there is an argument.

But that’s not where the PCAL committee placed them last fall. So are we going to continue to whine about that?

Critics berated Palma last year after it won the State Division 4A title, accusing the Chieftains of purposely forfeiting three games for using an ineligible player earlier in the year to drop a division.

To this day, I would find it hard to believe a program would want to enter the second half of the season 0-5 in the Gabilan Division.

But let’s not belabor something that’s a year old and just plain stupid. Did Carmel have the talent to compete in the Gabilan Division? Of course.

Would a football program that doesn’t train year-round be able to withstand the rigors of a Gabilan Division schedule? I think that’s the real debate.

We get enamored when we see University of Alabama-bound Jackson Lloyd and his 6-foot-7, 290-pound frame roughing up defenses as a right tackle for Carmel.

Yet, did anyone notice the 160-pound guard next to him? It’s pretty hard to miss. Or the 5-7, 150-pound linebacker who is fearless when called upon?

The last four games of the postseason took a toll on the Padres. At the hotel before Friday’s state title game, the school rented an entire ballroom just to set up training tables. You just don’t hear the coaching staff complaining about the injuries.

“Our training staff does an incredible job of getting these kids prepared each week,” Carmel coach Golden Anderson said. “Think about it. We’ve played a season and a half of football. The district made this a first-class trip for these kids.”

Because the Padres don’t have a year-round program, Anderson believes it might have benefited them during the postseason, in terms of having a few more miles on their legs after a four-plus month grind.

When you’re a roster with around 45 players – 95 percent of whom are multiple sport athletes — football is a priority for just four months, unless your last name is Lloyd.

There’s no off-season weight training because the core of this team is playing another sport in the winter and spring.

It’s encouraged at Carmel. It’s called competition, which in the long run never makes a moment too big for the Padres.

That’s been proven throughout the postseason when the Padres rallied from deficits against Hollister at halftime and Aptos early in the second quarter.

It happened again against Acalanes. There’s never a sense of panic. Just peek at the final play of the that game when Simeon Brown made one of the biggest tackles in county history on a potential game-winning 2-point conversion attempt with no time left.

Look closer at the Padres. How many of these seniors – which this team is built around – are going to play college football at a four-year school? Maybe two.

Those critics who hide behind a wall on social media, want to penalize a program with an enrollment of 730 kids for having success, without looking at the big picture.

Jealous, envy, vindictiveness. Let it go. What Carmel and Palma — not to mention Soquel — have done in successive years is put a county, an entire region on the state map. It’s respect for an area that often gets ignored.

And before barking about how Carmel wins all the time, let me remind you coming out of the pandemic, it went 3-5 and 5-5, missing the postseason in 2021 and 2022.

This was a process, a culmination of seeing the big picture and sticking to a plan that started in 2021, when these seniors were still in the eighth grade.

“You know what means a lot to me,” Anderson said. “It’s having (Palma coach Jeff) Carnazzo, (King City coach Mac) Villanueva, (Salinas coach Steve) Zenk and (Scotts Valley coach Louie) Walters offering support, even coming to the games. It’s nice to have coaches with great programs reaching out.”

Carmel never set a goal to win a state title. All it cared about when practice began in August was to keep The Shoe Trophy (awarded to the winner of the Pacific Grove-Carmel game) on campus.

Along the way, the wins began to pile up, along with a Mission Division South title, a Central Coast Section Division III crown – its first in 15 years – and the program’s first Northern California championship.

“This (state) was not our goal,” Anderson said. “State was so off our radar when the year began. We’re a seasonal football program. But when we got into the tournament, we said let’s try and win it.”

Did you know nine of the 15 opponents the Padres faced this year were playoff teams?

Unlike most programs, the process won’t begin again in January. The weight room is open. It’s just most are involved in other sports.

There will be a rebuilding process. You don’t replace your quarterback, tailback and top three receivers overnight, not to mention Lloyd on both sides of the ball.

You don’t retool a defense that’s losing a handful of starters without dealing with some growing pains.

If Carmel ends up in the Gabilan Division next fall, so be it. The numbers, particularly at the lower levels, as well as their record, don’t necessarily warrant it.

But can we at least put that aside for a few days and honor the achievement? Let’s put this in perspective for a moment.

We’ve had two state football champions. Two state basketball champions. One track and field boys team title and one boys golf state crown in the past 35 years.

That’s it.

Am I reaching you? This is hard. It’s rare. Six state champions. It’s an enormous achievement. Add the undefeated season and it truly is a surreal moment that needs to be celebrated.

Liza Horvath, Senior advocate: Apparently, I have a silent trust

Question: My parents and grandparents created trusts for my siblings and me. The trustee, a bank in another state, did not tell us about these trusts and has given us no information. I asked my attorney here to help me get information and, initially, she was very optimistic that she could force the trustee to divulge the existence of the trusts and give us information about when and how we will receive the assets. My attorney has now advised me that the trusts are “silent” and I have no right to know anything about them. I feel like my parents don’t have faith in me to “do the right thing” with my inheritance. I am also confused because you often write that beneficiaries are entitled to full disclosure of trust information. What gives?

Answer: Trust laws differ from state to state and country to country. California trust and probate laws require a trustee to provide information to beneficiaries and, personally, I believe these are great regulations. Some states like Alaska, South Dakota, Nevada and Delaware, to name a few, allow for silent or quiet trusts. Silent trusts can eliminate a beneficiary’s right to get any information about the trust completely and for a long period. These quiet or silent trusts usually designate someone to act as a representative or trust protector for the beneficiaries. The representative can receive accountings for the trust (a report showing the assets and activities of the trust) and can consent to and sign releases for actions taken by the trustee. The representative acts as a proxy for the beneficiary and often is given the power to remove and replace trustees.

Silent trusts are popular among families with significant wealth who may be concerned that children or grandchildren may not strive for achievement or who could become lazy if they know there is a big pile of money coming their way. Silent trusts are also set up to avoid the possibility of creating “trust babies” or to keep large amounts of money from landing in the hands of someone who may not be capable of managing wealth.

It is true that silent trusts can send the message that parents or grandparents lack faith and confidence in the beneficiary, but they are helpful in some situations. If a beneficiary has creditor problems or a parent is concerned that the beneficiary may have a divorce in their future, a silent trust can protect the assets. Also, if a beneficiary has substance abuse issues, the last thing we should do is have them inherit a significant amount of money outright. If a parent wants to give more to one child than another, setting up silent trusts can keep this secret. Finally, if a parent is fearful that their child could become a target of fraud, scams or frivolous lawsuits, a silent trust adds protection.

With silent trusts, there is normally a triggering event that allows the trustee to disclose the existence of the trust and distribute the assets to the beneficiary. These events may be the beneficiary attaining a certain age or could be the death of a parent. However, most states that allow silent trusts also allow what are called “dynasty trusts.” Again, California is not such a state. California trusts must be distributed after a certain number of years while dynasty trusts can go on forever.

We all have our own personal views about wealth. Many parents and grandparents believe they should keep their finances and wealth private and choose not to disclose this kind of information to their children. You, as the beneficiary, are unfortunately in a situation of knowing there is a trust, but nothing further. Regrettably, your attorney is right, there is little you can do to get information about the trust.

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

Bowl bound for a trio of local athletes

Three former county athletes will be in uniform for their respective college football programs over the next four weeks as the college bowl season heats up.

Among those suiting up is Logan Saldate, who is listed as a redshirt receiver for Notre Dame, who is facing Indiana on Dec. 21 in the first round of the college football playoffs.

The former Palma multi-sport standout, who broke the school record in the long jump in placing fourth at the state meet in 2023, will be wearing No. 19 for the Fighting Irish.

One of the better non-playoff bowl games will be the Alamo Bowl, where Carmel graduate Antonio Posadas and No. 23 Colorado face Stevenson alum Evan Johnson and No. 17 Brigham Young University.

Johnson has had a productive second season as a defensive back for BYU, with an interception, a pass breakup and 15 tackles this fall.

The Herald’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2022 and the county record holder in the 100 meters, Johnson excelled in four sports as a senior at Stevenson.

Posadas, whose senior season was limited to two games because of the pandemic, walked on and made Deion Sanders’ roster two years ago as a 6-foot-4 tight end.

There is also a chance that Carmel offensive tackle Jackson Lloyd will be in uniform for No. 11 Alabama, who faces Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on Dec. 30.

The 6-foot-7, 290-pounder is graduating from Carmel early, will enroll at Alabama on Dec. 20 and will be allowed to practice with the Crimson Tide.

Horoscopes Dec. 14, 2024: Vanessa Hudgens, make room for new endeavors

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Vanessa Hudgens, 36; Sophie Monk, 45; Beth Orton, 54; Dee Wallace, 76.

Happy Birthday: Digest information, analyze your situation and contact experts for input this year. Knowledge is the path to success. Question what you don’t understand or have difficulty believing, and clear up uncertainty. Make room for new endeavors, put a budget in place and make every move count. Procrastination will set you back; let your confidence lead the way and make every move count. Charm will win favors. Your numbers are 9, 14, 24, 30, 33, 41, 48.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Avoid overspending. Put a budget in place and avoid hidden costs and point-of-purchase sales at the checkout register. Don’t let your generosity and desire to please get the better of you. Donate time and items you no longer use. Share your feelings with someone you love. Romance is favored. 4 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Embrace change. A different environment or engaging in conversations with people you encounter while out and about will help you envision what you want to pursue next. Don’t limit what you can do; it’s time to tidy up loose ends and prepare for new beginnings. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Enjoy the festivities and appreciate the glitter throughout your neighborhood. Make a point to contribute to helping those less fortunate. Put travel plans in place or arrange to get together with old friends or to attend a reunion. Updating your appearance will lead to compliments. Romance is favored. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Jot down your ideas. Your imagination will offer vivid renditions of how you can utilize your skills, experience and knowledge in new and exciting ways. Check to ensure you have taken care of time-sensitive issues. Update documents and financial matters that have tax implications. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Join the party, engage in activities promoting romance or make plans that help you bring about changes you want to pursue that could improve your life. Personal improvements can be made that will encourage better health and a confident look that appeals to those you want to impress. 4 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A change of scenery will bring out the best in you. Getting away from the stress and your daily routine will make you think about life, love and what’s important to you. Take note of what and who makes you happy, and consider the changes that you want to occur. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Live, learn and listen to what others reveal, and ask direct questions to ensure you know exactly what someone wants or expects of you. Love, romance and excitement are in the air, and something special is heading your way. Be brave; if you want something, set your plans in motion. 5 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Be aware of what’s happening around you and sidestep any situation that might cost you financially, hurt your reputation or harm you. Look for unique venues that offer hope and spark your imagination. Stick close to home and put your time and effort into home improvements. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Being organized, well-informed and prepared to make changes on the fly will help you stay on track and enjoy the festivities in your neighborhood. Reminiscing with old friends or relatives will spark ideas that will help you initiate long-overdue changes. Consider updating your skills to enhance your chance to advance. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Prepare for upcoming events. Make changes at home that help to lower your overhead or that add value to your holdings. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you or put you in a vulnerable position. Keep up with the latest scams, and you’ll avoid being targeted. Trust your instincts. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Personal opportunities are apparent. Reach out to someone you love to share your aspirations. Listen to concerns that may encourage you to tweak your plans to fit your budget, and your success rate will increase. Implement personal growth and a healthier lifestyle. Romance is on the rise. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Set a budget to avoid debt. Uncertainty is a sign that you are best to take a pass. Too much of anything will set you back, and indulgent behavior will jeopardize your reputation. Take the high road and avoid getting talked into doing something you shouldn’t. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are opportunistic, enthusiastic and friendly. You are hardworking and stylish.

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.

CIF State Division 5AA football finals: Carmel caps perfect season with state title

FULLERTON — No one wanted this moment to end. Players weren’t in any hurry to take off the uniform for the final time, or cut the tape from their shoes or wrists.

As subdued as the celebration was Friday, clutching that state high school championship football plaque was a milestone moment for 47 players and a coaching staff.

“I’m in disbelief right now,” Carmel quarterback Hudson Rutherford said. “I’m so proud of these guys, This is incredible. We’ve work so hard for this. It’s a dream come true.”

Achieving perfection came with a prize Friday as the Padres won the CIF State Division 5AA football title after a 48-7 blitzing of El Capitan of Lakeside at Fullerton High Stadium.

“This is very surreal,” tailback Ashton Rees said. “Look where we are? We have never done this in Carmel history. There are no words to explain it. It’s amazing.”

Carmel, who set a county record last week with its 14th win, completes the regions first 15-0 season, averaging 50 points a game in five postseason games.

The state title is just the second in county history, as Palma captured the State Division 4A title last season.

Carmel was the only team in the Central Coast Section to play for a state title this fall.

“It’s crazy,” said Carmel lineman Jackson Lloyd, who is headed to Alabama later this month to begin his college career. “To see this happen is a huge blessing.”

Rees, who spent the entire week in a walking boot with a sprained toe, walked off the bus to the stadium in a boot before the game.

“It’s (boot) going back on after the game,” said Rees, whose cleat was heavily tapped to add support.

For three hours Friday, Rees ignored the pain, rushing for 208 yards and produced five touchdowns in the route of the Southern Section champions.

“I knew last week I was playing,” Rees said. “It’s the last game of the season. No matter how much it hurt, nothing was going to keep me off the field.”

Over the course of a 15 game schedule, the Padres won the Mission Division South title, their first Central Coast Section title in 15 years and the Northern California crown.

“We wanted to keep this week as regular as possible,” Carmel coach Golden Anderson said. “The whole week was turned upside down. We needed to get out of town.”

Carmel actually left Thursday, practiced that night at Fullerton College, before having class Friday morning in a hotel.

“We kept them on a regular schedule,” Anderson said. “We had class, we watched film, even gave them time to themselves. We had our team meal and were focused.”

Unlike last week’s dramatic 42-41 win over Acalanes, when Simeon Brown stopped a two-conversation with no time left at the 1-yard line, there would be no need for late game heroics.

In fact, midway through the fourth quarter, a running clock was installed after Carmel built a 41-point lead, enabling Anderson to take off head set and pull all of his starters with six minutes left.

The Padres were possessed in the first half in all three phases of the game, running off 28 straight unanswered points in the second quarter.

Yet, where the game turned occurred in the final 2:08 of the second quarter, when the Padres scored on Rees’ third touchdown of the game to open up a 21-7 cushion.

What transpired over the next 1:02 were interceptions from Matt Maxon and Carter Lloyd that resulted in Carmel’s offense putting 14 more points on the scoreboard.

Rutherford, who was 12-of-16 in the first half, found Brooklyn Ashe for the first of his two touchdown catches, while Rees took off on a 77-yard touchdown run with 54 seconds left.

“Great blocking from the offensive line,” said Rutherford, who finished with 307 passing yards. “Our receivers are studs. They make it easy for me. They just get open.”

The three interceptions in the first half by El Capitan nearly matched its entire season total of five, as it found itself starring at a 28-point halftime deficit.

“The last couple of minutes of the half was kind of us to a tee, on the attack, explosive plays, getting the ball back,” Anderson said. “We tried to the manage the middle of the game. They (El Capitan) kept throwing.”

The onslaught of 21 points in 62 seconds even left Anderson speechless after the game.

“I have never seen another team do that to that team in all the film we watched this past week,” Anderson said. “We were just trying score last in the first half.”

With the Padres getting the ball to start the second half, they went on a seven plus minute drive, capped with Rees’ fifth touchdown of the game.

“There was no big talk,” Anderson said. “We told them at halftime to stay aggressive. We knew the opportunity was there. We wanted to showcase who were were.”

As a unit, the Padres forced five turnovers in the game. Of the six plays that El Capitan ran in the entire second half, two resulted in turnovers.

Owners of a 10-game winning streak, the Vaqueros — who were making the programs second state championship appearance — were held to a season low seven points.

Jackson Lloyd was a disruptive force all night when El Capitan was attempting to throw the ball, chasing the quarterback out of the pocket.

Rees, who added a 17-yard touchdown reception, produced 17 touchdowns in five playoff games, while Rutherford threw 15 touchdowns passes.

“I do not know when it will set in,” Anderson said. “I’m just so proud and humble to be a part of this whole ride with this group. These kids represented what we are as a program.”

 

Carmel wins state football title

Carmel High finished a perfect high school football season Friday night, beating El Capitan 48-7 to win the state 5AA championship in Fullerton.

The Padres finished 15-0. El Capitan of Lakeside, which is near San Diego, finished 11-4. The game was tied early at 7-7 before Carmel began dominating, scoring 41 unanswered points. At one point in the first half, the Padres scored three touchdowns in less than two minutes.

Ashton Rees scored five touchdowns for the Padres and had 163 yards rushing in the first half alone.