Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 343

49ers Studs and Duds: Fred Warner only needed one half to prove he’s the best in the game

SANTA CLARA — The Niners needed a game like that.

After back-to-back losses— a dud performance and a choke job — San Francisco played a team wholly inferior in the New England Patriots.

The Niners were able to get right, and pull back some (just a bit) of that hype they squandered the last two weeks.

The talent deficiency allowed the 49ers to mess around (quite a lot) but win comfortably anyway. They’re now 2-2 on the season, which seems just.

Here were the studs and duds of Sunday’s sloppy, chunky, altogether forgettable 30-13 win:

STUDS

Fred Warner • LB

» Is anyone, at any position, playing as well as Fred Warner right now?

Not to my eye.

The Niners’ linebacker is the best run-stopper in the game. He’s also the best coverage linebacker in the sport, as he put into practice with his 45-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first half.

Warner only needed the first half to prove he’s the best defensive player in the game. His ankle injury kept him sidelined in the second half, though it required multiple 49ers staffers to keep him off the field.

If his injury keeps him sidelined longer than one half, the Niners are in big, big trouble.

George Kittle • TE

» Capped off a 10-play, 80-yard drive to cap the second quarter. More importantly, he scored on a drive where the Niners had two other touchdowns taken off the board by penalty (one of them Kittle’s — it was a bad call.)

Kittle’s strong-handed catch over three Patriots defenders in the back left corner of the end zone was the game-breaker. He remains a player the 49ers simply cannot do without, as evidenced by the Niners playing him in the second half, even as he had a rib injury.

Kevin Givens • DT

» Had 2.5 sacks in the first half, after having 5.5 in his career coming into the game. It helps going against one of the worst offensive lines in recent NFL history, but it was a wildly encouraging performance with starting defensive tackle Javon Hargrave going on injured reserve. Givens gets the right of first refusal at Hargrave’s gig, next to Maliek Collins (who was immense on Sunday with 1.5 sacks as well.)

Jordan Mason • RB

» Took a while for him to get going, but when the train started rolling down the tracks, it was downright unstoppable. Mason finished with 24 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown. His chunk runs in the second half (25 and 24 yards) ended any outlandish concept of a Patriots comeback.

Nick Bosa • DE

» I don’t care what the stat sheet said after this one. He’s unreal. Everything the Niners did with the pass rush directly resulted from him winning rep after rep after rep.

Sam Okuayinonu • DE

» The man they signed off the street is much, much better than the defensive end they paid $20 million to this past offseason (Floyd). It’s strange how that happens a lot with the Niners.

DUDS

Isaac Guerendo • RB, KR

» Not only does he look so much slower than his combine testing scores (and practice play) would imply, but he also fumbled the opening kickoff of the second half, setting up the Patriots’ first (and only) touchdown of the game.

He’s a rookie, you want to give him some grace, but I doubt we’ll see him for a while yet.

De’Vondre Campbell • LB

» Even the Patriots could attack and exploit him. If not for the otherworldly play of Warner, this would be much more obvious to casual viewers. But those who are locked on the Niners are locked in on No. 59, because it simply keeps getting worse. But you can bet that opposing offensive coordinators know exactly where they’re attacking week-in, week-out. Other teams will be able to do it even better.

Leonard Floyd • DE

» Another game, another no-show. Floyd is already looking like a bust for the 49ers, but they have so many injuries on the defensive line, they have to play him.

Floyd was credited with three quarterback hits and a forced fumble in this game. The official scorer must have been watching something different. While Floyd was a bit more involved in the second half, he was a non-factor in the contest.

Mitch Wishnowsky • P

» He doesn’t look right. The majority of his punts Sunday had no lift or distance — they’re eminently returnable. Amid all the Niners’ terrible special teams play, this is a ticking time bomb.

Kyle Shanahan in the red zone

» The Niners kicked field goals of 22 and 26 yards Sunday.

That’s embarrassing.

It’s also an indictment of Kyle Shanahan’s play-calling near the end-zone.

The 49ers did score one first-half touchdown deep in Patriots territory, but it came on a jump ball from Brock Purdy to Kittle.

The game was over before halftime, so it really doesn’t matter what happened in the second half. (As evidenced by Warner not playing.)

This is where the absence of Christian McCaffrey looms largest. Teams love to play man-to-man near the end-zone — there’s less ground to cover and it allows them to blitz more. McCaffrey, a mismatch against any position you put on him, neutralized so much of that.

Without him — and without Deebo Samuel in the backfield — the Niners’ playcalling is bland and anything but incisive.

Just as it was before McCaffrey.

Instant analysis of 49ers’ 30-13 win over New England Patriots

SANTA CLARA – Fred Warner’s interception return delivered the 49ers’ first touchdown of Sunday’s triumph, and a cinematic goal-line dive completed a highlight-reel play by the NFL’s most dominant defender.

Then it was Warner’s turn to watch Sunday’s other highlights (and hiccups).

An ankle injury forced him to the sidelines as a lead of 20-0 was halved to 20-10. Instead of repeating last Sunday’s collapse in Los Angeles, the 49ers finished off the New England Patriots 30-13 at Levi’s Stadium.

The 49ers (2-2) return to their home field next Sunday to host Arizona (1-3) — an NFC West matchup in which Warner’s presence certainly will impact the Cardinals’ potent combination of Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr.

Series after series, Warner and the 49ers stymied the Patriots en route to a 20-0 lead, with no signs of defensive deficiencies that marred their road losses to the Minnesota Vikings and the Rams the previous two Sundays.

The 49ers produced six sacks and forced three turnovers, the last of which came on Nick Bosa’s strip-sack fumble recovery in the final three minutes.  The Patriots’ points all came after Warner left for the locker room before halftime.

“The defense was awesome all day,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Anytime you score, even better.”

With the 49ers initially settling for two field goals and a 6-0 lead, Warner equaled that point output with a 45-yard interception return for his second career touchdown. He cited his experience in knowing “where to be in the right spot” to snare a third-and-5 throw, then, “as soon as I got up, I found some green grass,” and off he went toward an ultimate dive for the right pylon.

Warner would be gone before halftime because of his ankle injury, which he said will require testing to determine its severity but that he otherwise “feels good right now.”

The 49ers took a 20-3 lead into halftime once New England’s Joey Slye made a 63-yard field goal matched the fourth-longest distance in NFL history. Then, with Warner wanting to play and seemingly restrained by teammates on the sideline, the 49ers allowed a 5-yard touchdown catch to Stanford product  Austin Hooper for a 20-10 margin.

The 49ers promptly launched a countermeasure in the form of Deebo Samuel’s 53-yard reception of Brock Purdy’s first-down bomb. That set up Jordan Mason’s 4-yard touchdown run for a 27-10 lead with 25 minutes to go. Purdy went deep a couple of more times, including a 45-yard completion to last game’s star, Jauan Jennings.

Purdy’s ability to scramble — twice for third-down conversions on the initial drive — served as reminders about his sneaky mobility, and George Kittle further reminded reporters that Purdy pulled off similar rambling rescues in January’s NFC Championship Game comeback.

“I feel I have just the right amount of athleticism to make plays,” Purdy said. “I don’t have to be a freak athlete. I know who I am. If something presents itself I’ll do what I can to move the chains and help my team. … I’m not Lamar Jackson by any means.”

San Francisco 49ers’ Jordan Mason (24) runs against the New England Patriots in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Mason finished with his third 100-yard rushing game in four starts in place of Christian McCaffrey, who’s projected to resume his rehabilitation Monday from an Achilles issue. Mason had 24 carries for 123 yards, including a 25-yard gain on the penultimate snap.

The offense’s more artistic touchdown came from Kittle, who made a 12-yard scoring grab over three defenders for the 20-0 lead. “I had a great view of it. I was amazed and speechless,” left tackle Trent Williams said. “That’s one of the greatest catches I’ve seen in person.”

Kittle was hesitant when he first heard the play call and double checked with Purdy. “I wasn’t really confident in the play call because we originally called it further out,” Kittle said. “It was an out and up that we originally called from the 40. To run a 12-yard out-and-up from 10 yard line is a little aggressive, but what a great play call when it works.”

Kittle later headed to the locker room early with a rib injury but returned to action in the second half; he declined to reveal the nature or severity of his injury after the game.

Continuing a troubling trend, the 49ers got punished for a special teams gaffe: rookie Isaac Guerendo fumbled on the second half’s kickoff return, and the Patriots parlayed his turnover into Hooper’s touchdown three snaps later. “It was a big fumble to open it up in the third quarter and it gave them a chance right away,” Shanahan said.

The Patriots (1-3) came in overmatched and were even more so once center David Andrews (shoulder) and right tackle Caeden Wallace (ankle) exited with injuries. It became a two-score game, however, once New England got a 54-yard field goal with 13:26 remaining from Slye, who had a three-game cameo with the 2021 49ers. Jake Moody’s 41-yard field goal made it 30-13 with five minutes left.

After railing on how poorly they finished in last Sunday’s loss to the Rams — who overcame 14-0 and 24-14 deficits — the 49ers started this game in force, at least defensively with these series-by-series highlights:

First series: Isaac Yiadom, their embattled No. 3 cornerback, broke up a third-down pass to halt a Patriots drive at the 49ers’ 41-yard line. (The 49ers offense responded with a 22-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.)

Second series: Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu opened the action by forcing Rhamondre Stevenson’s fourth fumble this season. Maliek Collins recovered at the Patriots’ 30. (The 49ers offense responded with a 26-yard field goal for a 6-0 lead).

Third series: Warner delivered his 45-yard pick-six, fooling Jacoby Brissett to snare a third-and-5 throw and then racing to the front right pylon for a 13-0 cushion. Warner dove for the pylon while being pushed in the back by running back Antonio Gibson. Warner became the first 49ers player to record at least 10 interceptions and 10 sacks in a career; his other pick-six came in a December 2019 win over the Los Angeles Rams..

San Francisco 49ers’ Fred Warner (54) returns an interception for a touchdown against the New England Patriots in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Fourth series: Warner and Ji’Ayir Brown combined for a fourth-and-1 stop at the 49ers’ 20-yard line. Brissett got sacked twice by Kevin Givens earlier on the drive. The 49ers responded with Kittle’s second touchdown catch of the season and Purdy’s fifth scoring strike, for a 20-0 lead.

Fifth series: Floyd (and perhaps Givens) forced a Brissett fumble on a third-and-2 sack shared by Givens and Collins, leading to a Patriots’ punt.

Sixth series: With Warner already in the locker room, the 49ers surrendered their points, on that 62-yard boot by Slye.

NOTES: Deebo Samuel returned from a one-game absence (calf), started at running back (two carries, 14 yards) and caught 3-of-5 targets for 58 yards.  … Jennings, after his three-touchdown outburst for 175 yards in Los Angeles, made three catches for 88 yards in his encore. … Purdy completed 15-of-27 passes for 288 yards, with the touchdown to Kittle and a fourth-quarter interception on a lob toward Brandon Aiyuk. … Aiyuk caught 2-of-5 targets for 48 yards, including a 38-yard diving grab. … Credited with forced fumbles were Okuayinonu, Leonard Floyd and Evan Anderson, the latter of whom made his NFL debut and did so wearing the soft-shell Guardian cap over his helmet. … Brissett was 19-of-32 for 168 yards with one touchdown, one interception and six sacks. … Kyle Juszczyk cleanly fielded his first career punt return at the 9-yard line and returned it eight yards; rookie Jacob Cowing was sidelined by a shoulder injury and Ronnie Bell was inactive. … Givens had 2 1/2 sacks, Collins 1 1/2 and Okuayinonu one. … The 49ers ruled out defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (knee) for the second half. … Kittle caught 4-of-4 targets for 45 yards, and he returned after a rib injury sent him early to the locker room before halftime.

San Francisco 49ers’ Jauan Jennings (15) makes a 45-yard catch against New England Patriots’ Marcus Jones (25) in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco 49ers’ Jauan Jennings (15) makes a 45-yard catch against New England Patriots’ Marcus Jones (25) in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws against the New England Patriots in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco 49ers’ Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) makes a 53-yard catch against New England Patriots’ Jonathan Jones (31) in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco 49ers’ Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) runs against the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

New England Patriots’ Jabrill Peppers (5) intercepts the ball in the end-zone on a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk (11) in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco 49ers’ Jordan Mason (24) scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco 49ers’ Deommodore Lenoir (2) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots’ Ja’Lynn Polk (1) in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. Lenoir was called for pass interference on this play. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco 49ers’ Kevin Givens (90) sacks New England Patriots starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco 49ers’ Maliek Collins (99) celebrates his turnover with teammates against the New England Patriots in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

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San Francisco 49ers’ Jauan Jennings (15) makes a 45-yard catch against New England Patriots’ Marcus Jones (25) in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

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SF Giants end disappointing season with loss to Cardinals, securing losing record

SAN FRANCISCO — For the fourth time in six years under Farhan Zaidi, the Giants ended the 2024 season with a losing record.

They had already guaranteed they would miss the postseason for the fifth time on Zaidi’s watch and ensured they couldn’t finish with a winning record for the only time besides their 107-win 2021 season, but a 6-1 loss Sunday afternoon to the St. Louis Cardinals secured a final record of 80-82.

Hayden Birdsong was handed the loss, while all seven of the Giants’ hits came from the bottom half of their lineup or players who started the game on the bench, including Brett Wisely’s RBI single in the seventh inning that accounted for their only run. Dropping two of three games in their final series of the season, the Giants finished in fourth place in the NL West, 18 games behind the Dodgers, and nine games back of the National League’s final playoff position.

“Regardless of what our record was here, it was going to be disappointing based on what we felt the team was all about to start the season,” manager Bob Melvin said. “We got some guys some playing time, some guys some feel-good moments. But 81-81 (or) 80-82, it wasn’t going to feel that much better, regardless.”

In six seasons since Zaidi was hired to lead their baseball operations department, the Giants have amassed a record of 453-417 (.521) but missed the playoffs five times. While they have not lost more than 83 games any of the past three seasons, they have not won more than 81, either.

Zaidi received a contract extension when the Giants hired Melvin before this season. His deal is guaranteed through 2025 with language for 2026, in line with Melvin, but that wouldn’t necessarily prevent the team from making a change. When he met with reporters in this week in Arizona, Zaidi confirmed he hasn’t received any clarity about his job status, and ownership has not provided a public show of support.

A resolution one way or the other should arrive by Tuesday, when Giants officials are scheduled to meet with the media for their annual postseason debriefing.

While some of the Giants’ most encouraging breakout seasons came from players who predated the present administration — Heliot Ramos and Tyler Fitzgerald — Zaidi’s regime can take credit for drafting and developing Birdsong, who got the nod on the final day of the season and looks to be a fixture in the starting rotation.

Birdsong, 23, was only drafted in 2022 but made 16 starts since debuting in mid-June with a 4.75 ERA and 88 strikeouts in 72 innings — a career-high 129⅓ between all levels — and had turned in three straight outings of five-plus innings before coming two outs shy Sunday.

“He pitched better than 4⅓ and three runs,” Melvin said of Birdsong’s pitching line. “That down and away fastball, down and away breaking ball has really helped him. At the top of the zone, obviously he can get swings and misses up here, but it he can can go north-south and really dial in that down-and-away spot, where he got a lot of them with that fastball and slider, it’s going to make him a lot better. He’s got a lot of reasons to feel good about how he pitched today.”

Birdsong racked up 11 strikeouts, his second time reaching double digits, but paid for the pair of walks he issued to begin the fifth inning, which both came around to score. Brendan Donovan was responsible for the only other run on his pitching line, depositing a curveball over the right field wall that gave St. Louis a 1-0 lead in the third.

“Happy I could punch guys out. It was fun to do that again. But I know what I need to work on,” said Birdsong, who also issued 43 walks this season. “Obviously I need to work on controlling the strike zone. … Just pound the zone earlier.”

Donovan also drove in the first run of the fifth, and after Alec Burleson followed with another RBI single, Melvin came to get his rookie right-hander, who walked off the mound to a standing ovation, though it wasn’t the first nor the last salute of the afternoon.

San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) is greeted by his teammates in the dugout after leaving the game in the third inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Melvin had Matt Chapman take the field to begin the third inning but replaced him with Casey Schmitt, allowing him some formal recognition from the 32,348 on hand. To start the sixth, Mike Yastrzemski received a similar moment when Luis Matos took over for him in right field.

“Being the last game, we wanted to get them an applause,” Melvin said.

Chapman received a well-earned round of cheers after leading the club virtually every offensive category, appearing in all but eight of their games (three while on the paternity list) and playing the best defensive third base in the league, according to most metrics.

Chapman is sure to be back next year after signing a six-year, $151 million extension earlier this month. But Yastrzemski’s future is less clear, and he made sure to tip his cap and acknowledge the crowd as he left the field. Yastrzemski, 34, is the longest-tenured and one of the most respected players in the clubhouse but could be nontendered if the Giants decide to move in a more youthful direction in the outfield.

Whereas Brandon Crawford addressed the crowd over the public address system after their final game last year, it was Logan Webb and then Chapman who took the microphone and delivered brief messages to the remaining fans.

“We’ve talked about the core of younger guys, but it’s also really important to have two established players, big-time players, All-Stars, and a big part of this going forward,” Melvin said. “Whether it’s recruiting players — everyone knows them in the game — but to have those guys here, embracing San Francisco, embracing this team, I think it means a lot and it means a lot to our younger players, as well.”

San Francisco Giants pitcher Trevor McDonald (72) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. This was McDonald’s first major league debut. Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

It was also a big day for Trevor McDonald, who was recalled from Triple-A after the Giants used seven pitchers covering Blake Snell’s slot in the rotation the previous afternoon. McDonald, 23, had his parents in attendance to watch his him make his big-league debut with three scoreless innings of relief to end the season.

He joined catcher Justin Knoedler as the only players in Giants history to make their debuts on the final day of the regular season, becoming the 12th different rookie pitcher to appear in a game for them this season. Overall, rookies logged more innings for the Giants this year (536⅓) than any other season besides 1975 (541⅓).

“I wasn’t expecting it,” said McDonald, who was in Arizona getting ready to watch the Georgia-Alabama game Saturday evening when he got the call. “Had to cancel (those plans). It was worth it.”

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OF Heliot Ramos was held out of the lineup after tweaking his hamstring and aggravating the plantar fasciitis he has battled all season on the basepaths Saturday night. … IF/OF Mark Canha (right thumb sprain) was placed on the injured list, allowing OF Luis Matos to finish the year on the active roster. … The Giants finished the season with 2,647,736 fans visiting Oracle Park, an increase of nearly 150,000 (or almost 2,000 per game) from last season.

Up next

The MLB postseason begins Tuesday, but the Giants will spend the week cleaning out their lockers and looking ahead to 2025.

Clouds part for Salinas Airshow success

SALINAS >> Thousands of guests were at Mother Nature’s mercy Saturday afternoon as they waited for the clouds to part during the 43rd annual California International Airshow.

Once the sky opened up, the planes took to the air and the Airshow began. Since 1981, the airshow has brought ground and air entertainment to the community and raised over $9 million for local charities.

The festivities were delayed by about an hour as pilots waited for nearby hilltops to be exposed in order to comply with safety regulations but spectators didn’t seem to mind. Patiently waiting in lawn chairs throughout the Salinas Municipal Airport, the crowd cheered as Airshow Hall of Famer Sean D. Tucker got the weekend started flying the Bob Hoover Academy’s T-6 Texan.

John Manning was one of those spectators patiently waiting, but for him it was to see his cousin, John “Bordz” Posson perform with the U.S. Patriots Jet Team. The Jet Team performance was a nearly 30-minute routine with six L-39 jets in formation flight. The infamous Wall of Fire also made an appearance during the performance.

Careful not to spoil the performance, all Manning could say was it would be “as good as, if not better, than the Blue Angels or the Thunderbirds.”

Spectators sat out on lawn-chairs near the AC-130 cargo plane to watch the 43rd annual California International Air Show. (Andrea Valadez – Monterey Herald)

The team consists of six dedicated pilots: Dean “Wilbur” Wright, retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot; Rob “Stache” Hutschison, competitive aerobatic pilot; Posson, commercial pilot and instructor, Paul “Sticky” Strickland, retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and former Thunderbirds pilot; Scott “Intake” Kartvedt, newest Patriots pilot and former U.S. Navy first Commanding Officer; and Randy “Howler” Howell, aerobatics and formation instructor.

Greg Tessier drove down from Santa Cruz and returned to the airshow this year after a years-long hiatus.

“I’m most excited to see the P-51s,” said Tessier. “Our area is kind of tough this year for airshows with the weather, so that’s kind of a bummer, but I think this is a great thing. We should have more.”

Tessier and the rest of the crowd were treated to an impressive P-51 display, consisting of four of the WWII vintage Mustangs.

What inspired Tessier to come back this year? “Airplanes are just cool in general,” he said.

Donna Martin grew up watching her father fly in similar airshows. Major Chris Patterakis was the commander/leader of the Thunderbirds in 1975-76 and flew the T-38 Talon.

“We try to come to every area show that we can,” said Martin. “The excitement and how professional these pilots are … they are just phenomenal pilots and the maneuvers they do are stunning. Their wings are 18 inches apart when they fly. It’s amazing.”

Aerobatic flying has remained a part of Martin’s life, as the Patriots Jet Team is based in Byron, just minutes away from her home in Discovery Bay in eastern Contra Costa County.

“It’s just a very exciting event and we love coming down here to Salinas,” said Martin. “I think it brings people together. It’s a happy time.”

Each year, volunteers run the event. From directing traffic, ticket sales, admissions, ushering and more, hundreds of Salinas locals work together to keep the airshow a success.

“I have to congratulate the volunteers here,” said Martin. “This community comes together and makes it happen. It’s a lot of work.”

Even though the fog eventually passed, the cloudy skies did interfere with Brad Wursten and Jon Melby’s plans to perform their new duo routine. To the crowd’s delight, the pair still managed to perform individually once the sun came out. Melby returned to Salinas after a two-year hiatus and flew his Pitts S-1B Muscle BiPlane for a high-energy aerobatic performance.

Wursten and his 1,300-pound MX 2 gave the crowd lots to marvel at during the stunt-filled display. While signing autographs and taking photos with passersby, Wursten said the people he meets at airshows are always the highlight.

Along with everyone he gets to meet, Wursten’s favorite part of the job is all the new places he gets to visit and fly over. “It’s all just at your fingertips.”

Updates: Niners bouncing back, blowing past Patriots in lopsided first half at Levi’s Stadium

The 49ers aim to reverse a disappointing start to the season Sunday afternoon when they host the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium.

Deebo Samuel and George Kittle are expected back after both missed last week’s game in Los Angeles against the Rams, which the 49ers led for more than 54 minutes before collapsing in the final moments for a 27-24 loss.

The 49ers will still be missing running back Christian McCaffrey, last season’s NFL offensive player of the year, for a fourth straight game. He is on injured reserve and out until at least the Oct. 10 game in Seattle with a calf/Achilles injury that kept him out of training camp and sent him last week to Germany for treatment.

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More negative news came this week when Javon Hargrave was placed on injured reserve with a torn triceps suffered in the loss to the Rams.

The Patriots come into the game with a few extra days to prepare after losing 24-3 to the Jets on Thursday night last week. New England’s passing attack has struggled mightily as Jacoby Brissett has not crossed 150 yards passing in any of the Pats’ three games so far, though they are eighth in rushing yards behind a tandem of Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson.

Follow along below for live updates:

49ers pregame: Hufanga comeback on hold but for different injury

SANTA CLARA — Safety Talanoa Hufanga, one game into his comeback from knee reconstruction, will not play for the 49ers today against the Patriots, but because of a different ailment.

Hufanga sustained an ankle injury in Thursday’s practice, the same one in which defensive tackle Jordan Elliott and linebacker Curtis Robinson (knee) were carted off to the locker room, although only Robinson’s turned out to be a season-ending injury.

Hufanga observed Sunday’s warmups but did not appear to test his ankle. Rookie Malik Mustapha could make his first career start unless the 49ers return George Odum to Hufanga’s spot as they did the first two games this season.

Ten months after tearing his right knee’s anterior cruciate ligament, Hufanga made his season debut last Sunday, recording seven tackles and playing 53-of-58 defensive snaps in a 27-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Hufanga was listed as questionable, as were the following players who will suit up: wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf), left tackle Trent Williams (toe, illness),  Elliott (foot) and linebacker Dee Winters (ankle).

Also inactive for the 49ers are wide receiver Ronnie Bell, cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. and offensive lineman Ben Bartch, with Joshua Dobbs the No. 3 quarterback.

Receiver Chris Conley was added to the 49ers’ ever-growing injury list this morning, but he will play through an illness that is running through the locker room.  Williams and wide receiver Jacob Cowing each missed a day of practice this week because of an unspecified illness.

Conley is part a full-staff receiving corps that welcomes Samuel back from a one-game absence, as well as tight end George Kittle, who missed last Sunday’s loss at Los Angeles with a Grade I hamstring strain. Also active among the 49ers wide receivers are Jauan Jennings and Jacob Cowing.

On Saturday, the 49ers moved defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (triceps) and linebacker Curtis Robinson (knee) to Injured Reserve, and they filled one of those roster spots by promoting defensive end Sam Okuayinonu from the practice squad. Two undrafted rookies were elevated from the practice squad: safety Jaylon Mahoney and defensive tackle Evan Anderson.Related ArticlesSan Francisco 49ers | Another wrinkle to the Purdy legend — deep shot Brock throws long against Patriots San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: The 49ers’ chaotic September did provide this bit of clarity San Francisco 49ers | 49ers Studs and Duds: Fred Warner only needed one half to prove he’s the best in the game San Francisco 49ers | Instant analysis of 49ers’ 30-13 win over New England Patriots San Francisco 49ers | Updates: Niners bouncing back, blowing past Patriots in lopsided first half at Levi’s Stadium

FINE TIME

The Rams got fined $100,000 in response to their sideline confronting 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk after last Sunday’s final play — a seven-lateral thriller that almost produced a miraculous touchdown. Docked over $5,600 for their involvements were Derion Kendrick and Kamren Kinchens, the latter of whom struck Aiyuk in the back of the helmet and then taunted him. No 49ers were fined either from that incident or the game.

 

 

CSUMB president reflects on accomplishments and her vision for growing university

SEASIDE >> Cal State Monterey Bay President Vanya Quiñones joined the university in 2022 and faced a budget deficit and declining enrollment. Four years later, the budget is balanced and CSUMB has experienced its biggest boost in enrollment in a decade. Under Quiñones’ leadership, the university is poised to tap into various local industries to create the next generation of workers on the Monterey Peninsula.

Before moving out west, Quiñones served as the provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at Pace University in New York. She is a neurobiologist, biopsychologist and noted researcher.

Quiñones recently sat down with The Herald to discuss her focus on the student experience, the importance of tapping into local industries and resources and how she plans to make CSUMB a nationally recognized institution.

Local industries

CSUMB has recently developed partnerships with Pebble Beach Company, Taylor Farms and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These partnerships have created scholarships, funded new academic programs and buildings and created a path for many students to enter the workforce in local hospitality, tourism, agriculture and engineering.

According to Quiñones, these were strategic moves that will lead to a more successful university and local economy down the line.

One of President Vanya Quiñones’ main goals when she started was fostering community and expanding the student experience. (Arianna Nalbach – Monterey Herald)

“I think that we are well positioned in the county and in the Peninsula,” she said. “We’re the only comprehensive institution on the whole Peninsula, and therefore we have a responsibility to ensure that we provide workforce development for the region and the economic base.”

The university recently ranked No. 23 among the nation’s top 500 colleges in terms of social mobility, which is how well a university prepares low-income students for success after graduation. The social mobility of her students is a guiding force in Quiñones advocating for local industries to invest in local students.

“There is a link between what is the future of the Peninsula and our social mobility. We have to create spaces for our students, which are the kids, the daughters, the sons of people that work in this area and create spaces for them to move forward,” said Quiñones. “We have to also provide the education that will allow them to move forward socially … It’s almost like a ripple effect. You will have the student go forward, the family, the community. So we are trying to continue moving forward the students’ lives and what the industries need.”

The school recently partnered with Taylor Farms and NOAA to launch the Edward “Ted” Taylor Science and Engineering Building which will serve as the location for a new mechatronics program, the marine science program as well as an office space for NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Next year, the university will also establish a new agribusiness supply chain management program that was funded by local philanthropic help, according to Quiñones.

“The industries around us came to us and said, ‘We need this. We are going to give you seed money,’ and then we did the work. So that’s an example of how, if you have a good balance with the community, you can actually move the needle for students on jobs that will be created in the future.”

Student experience

“The Strength of Us” reads banners scattered throughout the CSUMB campus. This new slogan is part of the university rebranding, but also reinforces one of Quiñones’ main goals when she started, which was fostering community and expanding the student experience.

Last year, the school opened an E-Sports lounge, which includes several computers for students to come in and play video games. All around campus are multi-color Adirondack chairs meant for students to relax in between classes. A fitness facility and juice bar just opened, expanding students’ access to exercise equipment.

In August 2022, Vanya Quiñones stepped into her new role as the fourth president of California State University at Monterey Bay (Molly Gibbs – Monterey Herald).

Departments like the Personal Growth and Counseling Center and the Basic Needs hub — which has a food pantry, second-hand clothing and helps students apply to benefits like CalFresh — have also received expanded resources and funding.

“Those are things that increase student belonging, and so they’re very important for the well-being of the students, and, you know, also the day-to-day life of the student,” she said.

Increasing recognition

A recent report by the Pew Research Center found nearly a third of respondents did not think college was worth it.

“The perception of value on education is really important,” said Quiñones. “Because I want the students from the area to know that they’re not compromising by coming to CSUMB, they’re actually coming to a top-ranked institution.”

The U.S. News Best Colleges rankings were released recently and CSUMB ranked No. 1 in social mobility among Western regional universities. CSUMB also tied for No. 5 among public Western universities and No. 10 in regional universities.

“We have no equity gaps. So it means that you could be, you know, a recent immigrant, or somebody that is working (multiple) jobs, or somebody that comes from a little bit more middle-class, you will have the same opportunity. That’s unique,” said Quiñones. “Nobody talks about that, but that’s what is important. We have this vision of a university that is accessible, that you will come and you will graduate regardless of who you are, what your background is, because there’s no equity gap and that’s really critical.”

Keeping up with growing enrollment

This year marked the biggest enrollment boost at CSUMB in over a decade, with an approximate 16% growth and around 7,000 students enrolled. While this growth signals positive future enrollment trends, CSUMB has struggled to keep up with the influx of new students.

Although the university’s close proximity to the ocean and open spaces behind various buildings is a draw for many students, CSUMB’s location in the region is “a blessing but a challenge,” according to Quiñones. The university was originally designed for 8,000 students and with enrollment continuing to grow each year, the need for extra resources also grows.

According to Quiñones, the university has invested $10 million to renovate each of the eight dormitories and should be finished with renovations in summer 2026. There is also a plan to build a new dormitory to accommodate more students in the future.

“We project that there is going to be growth, but the growth has to be balanced with the resources we provide to students and as I said before, that’s the priority for us.

“Being a residential campus in a place that is a little bit isolated is also something that is a challenge. How can you create a cohesive student life, where students feel that they belong? And so that’s one of the major things that we’re working with rapid growth on housing to ensure that we have a strong student life.”

Balancing a budget

Since Quiñones started her tenure, the university has worked to reduce a $12 million structural deficit. Earlier this year, the university announced 16 layoffs and 86 staff opted into the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program, taking an early retirement.

With these measures along with restructuring departments and eliminating open positions, the university balanced the budget and is no longer facing a deficit. Of those who were laid off, six have since been reassigned to different departments.

According to Quiñones, the university is now on track to have a balanced budget for the next two school years.

“I feel very optimistic, acknowledging that it was a tough year for everybody, but I think that the changes that we have done have really helped the institution to be stabilized,” said Quiñones. “Once you’re stabilized, then you can grow in a better way.”

What will the next five years look like?

“I want everybody to know how great we are,” said Quiñones. “Because I think that the more people get to know CSUMB, the more they will know the value.”

Through those partnerships with local industries, Quiñones aims “to continue to increase the recognition of the university, to be able to continue to work on social mobility and to educate the future majority of the U.S.”

The university will also start to forge a connection with the health care industry on the Peninsula by establishing a new health building that will house a nursing program, restart the physician assistant program and perhaps include a master’s program for nurse practitioners and doctoral pathways for psychology.

“What we’re trying to do is to increase the health workforce in an embedded way that will serve the population of Monterey County, and we’re very proud of that, so we are drastically working on those aspects of growth.”

Quinones feels that as CSUMB celebrates the 30th anniversary of its founding this fall, it’s a good time to reflect.

“When I turned 30,” said Quinones, “I was kind of like, ‘this is a major change in my life,’ you know, like that is a milestone. When you reach those milestones in your personal life, you have to really sit down and look at what you are, what you have done, and how you’re going to change.

“So I think 30 is pretty important for an institution. Look at what we have done in 30 years and what we’re going to do in the next 10, 20, 50 years.”

Horoscopes Sept. 29, 2024: Roger Bart, use your skills fortuitously

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kevin Durant, 36; Russell Peters, 54; Roger Bart, 62; Bryant Gumbel, 76.

Happy Birthday: Be willing to let go of what isn’t working for you anymore. A change will lead to gains. Structure your life accordingly, and you’ll ease stress, buy freedom and open doors to new beginnings. An intelligent approach to living will also reflect how well you do professionally. Peace of mind will lead to happiness and prospects that allow you to explore your talents and use your skills fortuitously. Your numbers are 7, 10, 26, 34, 38, 42, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Direct your energy wisely. Refrain from letting anyone discombobulate your day with innuendos or false offers. Question everything and take responsibility for what transpires. Expand your interests, knowledge and plans, and take credit for your successes. Proceed with confidence, and you’ll boost your reputation. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Actions will lead to opportunities. Trust and believe in yourself and your abilities, and put yourself on display. The outcome will be unanimous, and the prospects are promising. A positive attitude and a desire to play to win will pay off. Personal gain, love and romance are favored. 5 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You can stretch your imagination, but when it comes time to get things done, be reasonable and stick to what’s affordable. Engage in activities or events where you can use intelligence and experience to advance. You’ll impress someone who can guide you to a higher platform. 2 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Choose your battles carefully. Wasting valuable time on something that brings low returns will frustrate you. If you want to make a difference, aim higher and make your cause worthwhile. You’ll connect with someone special by following what you feel passionate about. Romance and physical improvements are favored. 4 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Travel, communication and discovery are on the rise and will lead to new beginnings. Use your intelligence and experience to make better choices and maintain a budget that won’t leave you financially vulnerable. Keep personal information and intentions a secret and avoid being taken advantage of by a scammer. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Tone things down. Give yourself a chance to think and breathe. Preparation, planning and budgeting are necessary before you engage in change. How much you are willing to do will determine the outcome. Detail and precision will put your mind at ease and convince onlookers to support your efforts. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Reflect an upbeat image, and you’ll attract positivity in return. Align yourself with people who broaden your perspective and give you food for thought. Let your creative imagination lead the way, and you won’t be disappointed. Set expectations and fulfill your dreams, hopes and wishes. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Pamper yourself. Take a moment to organize and consider what brings you joy. Make a point to declutter and clear a path to your desired lifestyle. Put your energy to good use and let your passion to excel lead the way. Make romance and personal gain take precedence. 4 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Proceed with caution. Someone will offer false information to entice you to participate in something foreign. Do your due diligence before you agree to anything, regardless of how tempting it may be, and you’ll avoid an emotional or financial loss. Protect your reputation and inspect prospects with care. 2 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Listen, absorb and evaluate; consider the cost of a joint venture and rethink your strategy and how best to handle sensitive situations. It’s essential to lay down ground rules before you embark on an adventure or a change that can influence your life or financial future. 5 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): An opportunity is within reach. Leap at the chance to invest or make a move that will increase your financial security. Put your energy into expanding your awareness, skills and connections. Stick to the rules and leave nothing to chance. Your prospects look promising. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Say no to bullying, excessive behavior and promising more than you can deliver. Aim for peace of mind, not additional stress. Put your energy into personal growth, gains and physical fitness, and you’ll achieve happiness. Participate in an event or activity you enjoy, and you’ll connect with someone special. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are informative, detailed and flexible. You are passionate and energetic.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

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Pro soccer: Union’s scoreless streak reaches six matches in loss to Detroit

SEASIDE — At some point, it has to end.

Until it does, Monterey Bay F.C. continues to add to a record it would prefer not to be a part of.

For the sixth straight match, the Union failed to produce a goal on the pitch, extending their winless streak to a franchise record 11 in a 2-0 loss Saturday to Detroit FC at Cardinale Stadium.

The Union haven’t produced a goal since falling 3-2 to New Mexico on Aug.17. Their last win was July 6 when they beat Pittsburgh 1-0 in a rare road win.

The setback was crippling for the Union’s postseason chances, as they are now five points out of the eighth and final slot with four matches remaining in the season — all against Western Conference opponents ahead of them in the standings.

The Union are a combined 1-1-2 against their remaining opponents, with three of them playoff- bound.

Monterey Bay F.C. has never reached the postseason in its three-run existence. The Union are the second-lowest-scoring team in the United Soccer League Championship with 24 goals in 30 matches.

The Union remain winless since the firing of former head coach and sporting direction Frank Yallop — a stretch of seven matches.

The win moved Detroit one step closer to clinching a playoff spot as it sits in third place in the Eastern Conference at 13-8-9 (47 points).

At 7-14-9, the Union are on pace for their lowest point and win total in their short existence, having won 11 matches in 2022 and 12 in 2023.

Monterey Bay F.C. played the match in front of over 4,700 fans. The Union was also minus its two leading scorers in Tristan Trager and Alex Dixon, who were out for various reasons.

It also played its fourth straight match without goalie Antony Siaha in the starting lineup. He still leads the USL in saves with 102.

The winless streak is currently the longest in the USL, but not the longest on the season, as that distinction belongs to Miami, whicho went 17 matches between wins earlier this year. The Union have never beaten Detroit, falling to 0-2-1.

 

PHOTOS: Sunny skies for the Monterey Jazz Festival

The Berklee Institute for Jazz and Gender Justice Quartet performed on Saturday. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

The Monterey Jazz Festival celebrated its 67th anniversary this weekend. The event featured over 100 artists and bands throughout the course of three days at the Monterey Fairgrounds. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

The Sara Jones Trio performed Saturday at the Courtyard Stage for the Monterey Jazz Festival. (Arianna Nalbach)

Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles took to the Jimmy Lyons Stage on Saturday. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

A Monterey Jazz Festival emcee talks to the crowd before Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles' set. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

Mimi Fox Organ Trio performs at the Tim Jackson Garden Stage on Saturday. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

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Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles took to the Jimmy Lyons Stage on Saturday. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

The Sara Jones Trio performed Saturday at the Courtyard Stage for the Monterey Jazz Festival. (Arianna Nalbach)

Monterey Jazz Festival attendees had the opportunity to meet with some of the musicians and get merchandise signed. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

The Sara Jones Trio performed Saturday at the Courtyard Stage for the Monterey Jazz Festival. (Arianna Nalbach)

A Monterey Jazz Festival attendee browses through the selection of vinyls for sale in the merchandise store. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

The Sara Jones Trio performed Saturday at the Courtyard Stage for the Monterey Jazz Festival. (Arianna Nalbach)

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Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles took to the Jimmy Lyons Stage on Saturday. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

The Berklee Institute for Jazz and Gender Justice Quartet performed on Saturday. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

The Sara Jones Trio performed Saturday at the Courtyard Stage for the Monterey Jazz Festival. (Arianna Nalbach)

The Sara Jones Trio performed Saturday at the Courtyard Stage for the Monterey Jazz Festival. (Arianna Nalbach)

The Monterey Jazz Festival celebrated its 67th anniversary this weekend. The event featured over 100 artists and bands throughout the course of three days at the Monterey Fairgrounds. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

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The Berklee Institute for Jazz and Gender Justice Quartet performed on Saturday. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

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