Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 348

Top ceiling fans with lights to brighten and cool your home

A ceiling fan is an elegant design choice for nearly any room and can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency. To make your ceiling fan even more functional, you can choose one with lights.

A quality ceiling fan is designed for the size and type of room where it’s installed. For instance, our top pick, the Westinghouse Lighting Brentford 52-inch Ceiling Fan, is an indoor/outdoor ceiling fan perfect for larger spaces with low lighting needs.

Considerations when choosing ceiling fans with lightsSize

A ceiling fan’s purpose is to circulate air — it doesn’t cool it; it simply moves it around. To have the most efficient movement of air, match the size of the fan to the size of the room:

Rooms up to 75 square feet are best served by a fan 29 to 36 inches.Rooms 75 to 144 square feet are best served by a fan 36 to 42 inches.Rooms 144 to 225 square feet are best served by a fan that’s 46 inches.Rooms 225 to 400 square feet are best served by a fan 50 to 54 inches.Mounting height

The height of the ceiling fan is another factor in how efficiently it moves air. With an average-height ceiling, you want a flush-mount ceiling fan. However, if you have a higher ceiling, you need to purchase a model with a downrod, which allows the fan to hang lower than the ceiling. For a 12-foot ceiling, you need a two-foot downrod; for a 14-foot ceiling, you need a three-foot downrod; for a 16-foot ceiling, you need a four-foot downrod; and for an 18-foot ceiling, you need a five-foot downrod.

Rating

Ceiling fans are rated for the type of environment they’re placed in. A dry-rated ceiling fan can only be used indoors in dry locations. A damp-rated ceiling fan can be mounted indoors or in covered outdoor areas where there may be moisture but no direct exposure to water. A wet-rated ceiling fan can be fully exposed to the elements.

FeaturesLights

There are several different types of bulbs a ceiling fan may have. Some may have small sockets and feature a more narrow design (candelabra), some may accept standard-size light bulbs, and others may have the light built directly into the unit. When choosing a ceiling fan with lights, make sure the shape and style of the bulbs meet your aesthetic needs. Also, it’s important to choose a ceiling fan with lights that are bright enough to illuminate the room. Ceiling fans often aren’t designed to be the only light in a room, so they typically aren’t very bright.

Style

Ceiling fans are available in a wide range of styles, from rustic rattan to industrial-looking stainless steel. Take your time and peruse the many options to find one perfect for your needs.

Price

You can find a quality ceiling fan with lights to fit your needs for between $100 and $300. Budget models may cost as little as $50, while a top-tier designer ceiling fan could easily cost over $1,000.

FAQQ. Does a ceiling fan with more blades move more air?

A. Not necessarily. The greater the number of blades, the quieter a fan tends to run, but the less air it moves. If moving air is your primary concern, the pitch or angle of the blades is far more important than how many there are.

Q. Can I use higher-watt bulbs if the intended bulbs aren’t bright enough?

A. Light fixtures have a maximum wattage rating. Installing a bulb that’s higher than that rating can overheat the wires, which could cause a fire. Never place a 100-watt bulb in a 40-watt socket, for example.

Best ceiling fans with lightsTop ceiling fan with lights

Westinghouse Lighting Brentford 52-inch Ceiling Fan

What you need to know: This large, elegantly designed ceiling fan is best for spaces up to 400 square feet.

What you’ll love: This 52-inch, aged walnut fan features variable speeds and can be used indoors or outdoors. It comes with three 40-watt incandescent candelabra bulbs and a lifetime warranty on the motor.

What you should consider: The design of this fan limits its maximum brightness.

Top ceiling fan with lights for the money

Prominence Home Alvina 42-inch Ceiling Fan

What you need to know: This is a low-profile, indoor, flush-mount ceiling fan for small to midsize rooms.

What you’ll love: This highly affordable model has a three-speed motor. It also has two convenient pull chains that offer quick on/off functioning of the light and the fan.

What you should consider: With the size of the globe, some users were expecting a brighter light.

Worth checking out

Westinghouse Lighting Quince 24-Inch Ceiling Fan

What you need to know: This stylish 24-inch indoor, gunmetal ceiling fan is suitable for smaller rooms.

What you’ll love: This fan’s affordable price, compact six-blade design and integrated light fixture make it highly desirable. The reverse switch allows this model to be run in both summer and winter.

What you should consider: This fan is only 24 inches, so it’s best for smaller spaces.

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

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Warriors waive Summer League standout Daeqwon Plowden, paving way to sign rookie Quinten Post

The Warriors officially waived Daeqwon Plowden, per the team’s transaction log, clearing a two-way roster spot for rookie center Quinten Post.

Plowden, a 6-foot-6 wing, played so well in the Summer League that he earned a two-way contract with the Warriors. In eight Summer League games, Plowden averaged 14.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 39.6% from 3.

“He’s showing that he should be in the NBA,” Summer League coach Anthony Vereen said after Plowden scored 19 points in a win over Phoenix. “The way he plays so hard, aggressively, on both ends, he doesn’t take a play off. It’s a pleasure as a coach to watch him put himself in a better position.”

But teams only have three two-way spots, so Golden State waived Plowden just as fast as they signed him.

Before Tuesday, the Warriors had Plowden, Pat Spencer and Reece Beekman signed to two-way deals. Waiving Plowden gives Golden State the opportunity to sign their 52nd overall draft pick, Post, to a two-way contract.

Originally from Netherlands, Post projects as a stretch-center as a 7-footer with range. He didn’t play in the Summer League due to a minor leg injury, but practiced with the team.

Beekman was also injured during Summer League, limiting him to two games. An undrafted free agent out of Virginia, Beekman could become a defensive specialist. Keeping him as a two-way player over Plowden suggests the Warriors highly value his potential.

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As for Plowden, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported the team still intends to bring him into camp to compete for a two-way spot. But Atlanta’s affiliate recently acquired Plowden’s G League rights, so it may make sense for the Hawks or another team to claim him for training camp or on a two-way.

The Warriors have 14 players rostered, plus their three two-way players. Since they’re hard-capped at the first apron, they don’t have enough space, as it stands now, to sign a 15th player — even to a minimum contract.

Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and head coach Steve Kerr are scheduled to address the media on Sept. 26, days before the team’s Sept. 30 Media Day for players. The Warriors begin training camp the next day, Oct. 1, in Hawaii.

California confidence rebounds to 19-month high vs. big US dip

“Swift swings” takes a quick peek at one economic trend.

The number:  California’s consumer confidence made a major U-turn in September, jumping to its highest level since February 2023 – a distinct bullishness compared to a sour national outlook.

The source: My trusty spreadsheet looked at the Conference Board’s consumer confidence index tracking shopper psyches with polling in eight states including California and nationally.

The curve

California confidence soared 25% in September, the 14th largest one-month increase in a yardstick that dates to 2007. Revised data for August ranked statewide optimism as the lowest since July 2022.

September’s surge put this index up 10% in a year. It’s also now 1% above the 2015-19 average – a reasonable measure of pre-pandemic normalcy.

Why the pop? Well, Golden Staters told the survey they feel much better about the current economy. The index’s “present situation” measurement jumped 32% in a month. the last time it was higher was 13 months ago. Still the huge gain means it’s flat during the past year and it’s off 1% vs. 2015-19.

Plus, the future looks brighter, too, by this California math.

The index’s “expectations” measurement hit a 30-month high after rising 18% higher in the month, 22% in a year, and 4% vs. 2015-19.

Details

This is definitely one of those California things.

Nationally, confidence was off 7% in September – the biggest one-month dip in three years. That left the index down 5% in a year, and 14% below 2015-19.

And the seven other states tracked? No September gains can be found. Look at the by the month’s dips – worst to least …

Pennsylvania: 18% lower in the month, off 13% in a year, and down 34% vs. 2015-19.

New York: 14% lower in month, off 11% in year, down 2% vs. 2015-19.

Michigan: 10% lower in month, off 12% in year, down 15% vs. 2015-19.

Florida: 8% lower in month, off 12% in year, down 20% vs. 2015-19.

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Texas: 5% lower in month, up 15% in year, down 14% vs. 2015-19.

Ohio: 5% lower in month, off 8% in year, down 5% vs. 2015-19.

Illinois: 4% lower in month, off 11% in year, up 2% vs. 2015-19.

The spin

How so? Perhaps it’s California’s job market, which is outpacing the nation and making locals feel better about their finances.

And the Golden Sate’s lofty home prices makes interest rates a big monetary factor. Did hopes for much cheaper mortgages make a difference?

Jonathan Lansner is the business columnist for the Southern California News Group. He can be reached at jlansner@scng.com

Man who staked out Trump at Florida golf course charged with attempting an assassination

By ERIC TUCKER and CURT ANDERSON, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A man who authorities say staked out Donald Trump for 12 hours on his golf course in Florida and wrote of his desire to kill him was indicted Tuesday on an attempted assassination charge.

Ryan Wesley Routh had been initially charged with two federal firearms offenses. The upgraded charges contained in a five-count indictment reflect the Justice Department’s assessment that he methodically plotted to kill the Republican nominee, aiming a rifle through the shrubbery surrounding Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course on an afternoon Trump was playing on it. Routh left behind a note in which he described his intention, prosecutors said.

Court records show the case has been assigned to Aileen Cannon, a Trump-appointed federal judge who generated intense scrutiny for her handling of a criminal case charging Trump with illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. She dismissed that case in July, a decision now being appealed by special counsel Jack Smith’s team.

The attempted assassination indictment had been foreshadowed during a court hearing Monday in which prosecutors successfully argued for the 58-year-old Routh to remain behind bars as a flight risk and a threat to public safety.

They alleged that he had written of his plans to kill Trump in a handwritten note months before his Sept. 15 arrest in which he referred to his actions as a failed “assassination attempt on Donald Trump” and offered $150,000 for anyone who could “finish the job.” That note was in a box that Routh had apparently dropped off at the home of an unidentified witness months before his arrest.

The person opened the letter, took a photograph of the front page of the letter, addressed “Dear World,” and contacted law enforcement after the attempted assassination.

Prosecutors also said Routh kept in his car a handwritten list of venues in August, September and October at which Trump had appeared or was expected to be present.

The charge of attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate carries a potential life sentence in the event of a conviction. Other charges in the indictment include assaulting a federal officer, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and the two original firearms charges he faced last week.

The potential shooting was thwarted when a member of Trump’s Secret Service protective detail spotted a partially obscured man’s face and a rifle barrel protruding through the golf course fence line, ahead of where Trump was playing. The agent fired in the direction of Routh, who sped away and was stopped by law enforcement in a neighboring county.

Routh did not fire any rounds and did not have Trump in his line of sight, officials have said, but he left behind a digital camera, a backpack, a loaded SKS-style rifle with a scope and a plastic bag containing food.

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The initial charges Routh faced in a criminal complaint accused him of illegally possessing his gun in spite of multiple felony convictions and with possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. It is common for prosecutors to bring preliminary and easily provable charges upon an arrest and then add more serious offenses later as the investigation develops.

The FBI had said at the outset that it was investigating the episode as an apparent assassination attempt, but the absence of an immediate charge to that effect opened the door for Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to announce his own state-level investigation that he said could produce more serious charges.

Trump, seeking to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the investigation and the Justice Department more broadly, complained Monday — before the attempted assassination charge was brought — that federal prosecutors were “mishandling and downplaying” the case by bringing charges that were a “slap on the wrist.”

Asked at an unrelated press conference about Trump’s criticism Monday, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department “would spare no resources to ensure accountability” in the case.

“All of our top priority should be ensuring that accountability occurs in this case and that those who run for office and their families are safe and protected,” Garland said.

The Justice Department also said Monday that authorities who searched Routh’s car found six cellphones, including one that showed a Google search of how to travel from Palm Beach County to Mexico.

A notebook found in his car was filled with criticism of the Russian and Chinese governments and notes about how to join the war on behalf of Ukraine.

In addition, prosecutors have cited a book authored by Routh last year in which he lambasted Trump’s approach to foreign policy, including in Ukraine. In the book, he wrote that Iran was “free to assassinate Trump” for having left the nuclear deal.

____

Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer and Curt Anderson contributed to this report.

43rd Salinas Airshow back for another year of aviation excellence

SALINAS – The 43rd annual California International Airshow is returning to Salinas this weekend, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlining. Other performances will include the U.S. Patriots Jet Team and the infamous Wall of Fire.

Beginning Friday at 5 p.m., the Maverick’s Lounge will feature various chefs and wine, spirit and brew tastings. Lounge guests will also be treated to a special “Twilight Airshow” with civilian and military performers, a fireworks display and “Wall of Fire” show.

Crowds will also get to witness the C-17 Globemaster III flying through the air Saturday and Sunday. The C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force and provides rapid delivery of troops and cargo to bases. Along with the C-17, attendees will see five P-51 Mustangs, the FA/18 Super Hornet, the AC-130 J Ghostwriter and more aircrafts soaring over the Salinas Municipal Airport.

John Melby will be returning to the airshow after a two-year break for an individual performance as well as a duo performance with Brad Wursten. Since both Melby and Wursten are formation certified, there are no restrictions on their aerobatics performance, meaning they will be able to perform at the same time.

Melby will be flying a Pitts S-1B Muscle BiPlane, a lightweight aircraft with a maximum speed of 185 mph and range of 309 miles. Wursten will be challenging Melby’s Pitts with an MX2, a two-seat tandem sport aircraft with a maximum 253 mph.

Through ticket sales, donations and sponsors, the airshow has raised over $9 million for local charities since its first show in 1981. The event brings in around 50,000 people a year looking to appreciate the aviation industry and performers.

The USAF Thunderbirds performance will put on display the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet. The headline performance will include six aircraft in formation and solo routines.

The U.S. Patriots performance will consist of six L-39 jets in a formational flight. The Patriots Jet team is the only civilian-owned aerobatic jet team in the Western Hemisphere.

Other performances include the Sukhoi West Demo Team, with Randy Howell and Cory Lovell flying matching 400 hp Sukhoi SU-26 aerobatic aircraft; the 1,000-foot “Wall of Fire” done by Firewalkers International Pyro; Sean Tucker flying the Bob Hoover Academy T-6 Texan; and the Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Car will put its 400 mph speed to the test against a high performance aircraft.

Gates will open at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with the air show beginning at approximately 11:30 a.m. Tickets are available online and will also be available the day of the show. For more information, visit https://www.salinasairshow.com/.

Sand City sets its sights on new art during its 2024 we.Mural Fest

SAND CITY – For the fifth time since its first in 2020, Sand City will host its colorful community mural festival beginning this weekend, continuing its tradition of turning exterior building walls into works of public art.

The we.Mural Fest will take place from Sept. 29 – Oct. 4, and will be curated by the husband and wife muralist duo, Cameron and Crystal Moberg, whose Talking Walls art studio is steering the event.

“Each festival is of course new and unique as there are entirely new artists who bring fresh energy, style and creative ideas,” said Sand City City Manager Vibeke Norgaard.

The annual mural festival takes place on the streets of Sand City, turning the cityscape more picturesque each year, this time bringing in an impressive lineup of artists including Olivia Rose Losee-Unger (Orlu Arts), Ricky Watts (Watts.art), Bacon, TRAV, Kisune Jolene (Kitsunejolene.com) and Max Sansing (Maxsansing.com).

Sand City says that since murals will be painted throughout the week, it invites people to stop by the area of the city known as the West End and wander the streets during the week-long festival to see the artists in action. Murals are expected on Shasta and Orange avenues as well as on Contra Costa Avenue near the city’s Art Park. The event will culminate with a local artists’ battle on the afternoon and evening of Oct. 4. from 3-6:30 p.m. and “battle” winners will be announced at 6:45 p.m. on the town square in front of Post No Bills Craft Beer House at 600 Ortiz Ave., in Sand City.

Norgaard said that the art battle featuring six local artists will be held the same afternoon as the 831 Market at 525 Ortiz Ave., in Sand City so people can visit both and get food at the art park after the event.

The Mobergs are no strangers to Sand City, having been the curators of last year’s event.

Their company, Talking Walls studio is an art studio without walls, which it says means its canvases are anywhere and everywhere.

“The only walls we have to claim are yours!” proclaims its website. “From gritty metropolis city streets to Small Town America, we’re on a mission to transform any space; home, city, or town into a vibrant, beautiful work of art.”

Talking Walls is based in San Francisco and has curated several mural festivals across the country including Wabash Walls, Artsfest Montana and REN ART WLK in Indiana, as well as Sand City’s we.Mural fest in 2023.

Cameron has over 20 years of mural experience, 7 years of curating mural festivals, and says he has no shortage of great ideas. Crystal is a former middle school teacher, and brings her love for art and an indefinable skillset, as well as a love for order and organization.

Cameron and Crystal Moberg

The two, along with their giant network of fellow artists, say they have not just transformed towns, through murals, mural festivals and street art and graffiti art workshops, but are slowly transforming the perception of graffiti and street art and quelling fears one mural at a time.

This year’s we.Mural Fest will produce six more murals from national and international artists to add to this industrial-turned-arty city’s collection of more than 30 creations, said Norgaard, in addition, six local artists will create artworks in the art battle.

With so many murals colorfully accenting Sand City, people have much to appreciate.

What is so interesting is how different people’s reactions can vary in reaction to each mural, said Norgaard, but that there is a reaction is most important. Having a particular mural create a reaction and/or feeling either way helps us see and feel.

“Jimi Hendrix is my personal favorite,” said Norgaard.

The Jimi Hendrix mural on Redwood Avenue was created by Hiero Veiga and Thomas Evans during the inaugural we.Mural Fest.

“It recalls the time he performed at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. He went through basic training at Fort Ord when he was in the Army, too,” said Norgaard. “Sand City’s mural commemorates Hendrix’s ties to the Monterey Peninsula.”

20 mystery novels and crime collections for your fall book reading

This year has had a little something for everyone when it comes to books — fans of romantasy, science fiction, horror, and young adult fiction have plenty to choose from every time they visit their local bookstores.

But mystery readers are really in for a treat. There has been a bumper crop of whodunits, thrillers, and crime novels for those who prefer to read on the edge of their seat. And the year’s not over yet — high-profile books from crime fiction titans Michael Connelly, Attica Locke, Richard Price, and Paula Hawkins are all on the horizon.

We’ve collected 20 promising books covering all types of mysteries and thrillers — some out now, some coming soon. If you’re looking for an engrossing read that might just scare you a little, check these out — just remember to lock your door if you’re reading at night.

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, “Angel of Vengeance”

Preston and Child have collaborated on more than 30 books ever since their debut novel, “Relic,” was published in 1995. Their latest sees the return of their popular character Aloysius Pendergast, an FBI agent who this time is on the trail of a New York serial killer — who happens to be Pendergast’s ancestor.

Scott Phillips, “The Devil Raises His Own”

Phillips is best known for his historical noir fiction set in the American West, and his latest novel finds him training his eye on the Silent Era of Hollywood. The book follows an L.A. photographer in 1916 who finds himself entangled in the nascent porn industry; a series of murders complicates his life as well as that of his granddaughter, who has moved to the city from Kansas after killing her abusive husband.

Seishi Yokomizo, translated by Bryan Karetnyk, “The Little Sparrow Murders”

The British publisher Pushkin Press puts out some of the highest-quality crime fiction under its Pushkin Vertigo imprint. One of their latest comes from the late Japanese author Yokomizo, and tells the story of a detective summoned to a remote mountain town to investigate a (very) cold case, and who stays once he learns that a new series of slayings is taking place.

Hansen Shi, “The Expat”

Readers who love a good spy novel might want to reach for this one by venture capitalist Shi — it follows Michael Wang, a young Princeton graduate working a tech job at General Motors, who is headhunted by Vivian, a woman who invites him to come work in China. When Michael travels to Beijing, Vivian is nowhere to be found, and he realizes he might be entangled in something much bigger than he bargained for.

M.T. Anderson, “Nicked”

Anderson is best known for his novels for younger readers (“Feed,” “The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party”), but he has a grown-up audience in mind for this one. His latest book is a heist story, set in the 11th century and follows Nicephorus, a naive Italian monk who is talked into joining a plot to steal the bones of St. Nicholas.

P.J. Tracy, “City of Secrets”

Crime fiction fans have fallen for Margaret Nolan, the LAPD detective who starred in Tracy’s novels “Deep Into the Dark,” “Desolation Canyon,” and “The Devil You Know.” She returns in Tracy’s latest, which finds the detective investigating what looks to be a carjacking-turned-murder — but that’s just the tip of a very dark iceberg.

Leonie Swann, translated by Amy Bojang, “Agnes Sharp and the Trip of a Lifetime”

German author Swann brings the cozy in this follow-up to her mystery novel “The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp.” This one sees the return of the titular woman and her fellow elderly housemates as they attempt to solve a possible murder in a fancy Cornwall hotel.

Kate Atkinson, “Death at the Sign of the Rook”

Literary novelist Atkinson is hard to pin down when it comes to genre, but her books featuring detective Jackson Brodie are unabashedly mysteries — and undeniably fun. In her latest, something of an homage to Agatha Christie, Brodie uncovers a series of art thefts in Yorkshire that leads him to something even more sinister.  

Kwei Quartey, “The Whitewashed Tombs”

Emma Djan, the Ghanaian private investigator featured in three of Quartey’s previous novels, returns in his latest. This time, she’s investigating the murder of an LGBTQ+ activist in Accra; her investigation leads her to a group that is trying to make homosexuality illegal in several African countries.

Richard Osman, “We Solve Murders”

British author Osman scored a series of bestsellers with his cozy “Thursday Murder Club” series of novels (the first of which is headed to the big screen, courtesy of Steven Spielberg). He’s kicking off a new series with this novel, about a retired detective who works with his security officer daughter-in-law after she learns that she’s been targeted for murder.

M. Waggoner, “The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society” (Sept. 24)

Readers who enjoy a little paranormal mixed in with their mysteries should take a look at this novel, which follows a small-town librarian who realizes that a string of murders in her village might be the result of something demonic. (The possession of her cat, Lord Thomas Crowell, also clues her into the malevolent spirits.) She enlists a priest and a group of townspeople to investigate what’s really going on

Marissa Stapley, “The Lightning Bottles” (Sept. 24)

The latest from “The Last Resort” and “Lucky” author takes readers back to the 1990s grunge era. The novel follows Jane Pyre, who founded the titular band with her then partner Elijah Hart, who has since disappeared. Jane moves to Germany, where a teenage fan insists that Elijah is still alive and waiting to be found. Mystery fans who also love Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “Daisy Jones & the Six” will find much to admire here.

Ramona Emerson, “Exposure” (Oct. 1)

Emerson was longlisted for the National Book Award for her debut “Shutter,” which introduced readers to the New Mexico forensic photographer Rita Todacheene. In this follow-up, Rita is called in to help with the investigation of a serial killer who is targeting Native victims in the city of Gallup.

Lauren Ling Brown, “Society of Lies” (Oct. 1)

Brown, a film editor living in L.A., makes her literary debut with this suspense novel about Maya, who returns to her alma mater of Princeton to see Naomi, her little sister, graduate. When Naomi turns up dead, Maya suspects a secret society at the Ivy League school might have something to do with it.

Sarah Sawyer, “The Undercurrent” (Oct. 8)

In Sawyer’s debut novel, a Maine woman named Bee is trying to navigate her postpartum depression when a childhood friend makes a reappearance and leads her to travel back to her Texas home, where she becomes obsessed with the disappearance of a girl from her town. “Gone Girl” author Gillian Flynn calls this one “stunning.”

Delilah S. Dawson, “It Will Only Hurt for a Moment” (Oct. 22)

Arriving just in time for Halloween — yes, spooky season is coming soon — Dawson’s novel follows Sarah Carpenter, a woman who leaves behind her ex-boyfriend and mother to make pottery at an artists’ colony. Things get dicey when she discovers a body of a young woman, and her fellow artists start acting unusually.

Sydney Graves, “The Arizona Triangle” (Oct. 22)

Kate Christensen is well known to literary fiction fans as the author of well-received novels like “In the Drink” and “The Great Man.” Now she’s turning her talents to crime fiction — her new novel, written under the pseudonym Sydney Graves, follows a Tucson, Arizona, detective looking for her missing, estranged best friend from childhood.

Tod Goldberg, editor, “Eight Very Bad Nights: A Collection of Hanukkah Noir” (Oct. 29)

Indio-based author Goldberg is one of the best (and funniest) crime writers working today, so it makes sense that publisher Soho put him in charge of this Hanukkah-themed short story anthology. Contributors include authors Ivy Pochoda, David L. Ulin, Jim Ruland, Gabino Iglesias, Liska Jacobs and Goldberg’s novelist brother Lee, all of whom are likely to serve up thrills alongside your latkes.

Christina Lynch, “Pony Confidential” (Nov. 5)

Champing at the bit for a mystery with an equine hero? Look no further than the latest from College of the Sequoias professor Lynch, which tells the story of a pony determined to prove that her old (human) friend Penny didn’t commit a murder that she’s been accused of. With Penny languishing in jail, Pony can’t afford to horse around.

Lou Berney, “Double Barrel Bluff” (Nov. 5)

The sixth book from award-winning author Berney (“Gutshot Straight,” “November Road,” “Dark Ride”) brings back his character Shake Bouchon. In this latest one, the former L.A. mob wheelman has moved to Indiana, but he agrees to travel to Cambodia to track down a mob boss who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend.

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Horoscopes Sept. 24, 2024: Nia Vardalos, laughter and love are your path

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Spencer Treat Clark, 37; Erin Chambers, 45; Nia Vardalos, 62; Kevin Sorbo, 66.

Happy Birthday: Mixed emotions will lead you astray. Sum up how you feel and apply practical solutions to anything holding you back or confusing you. You may not welcome change, but if it will stabilize your health, wealth or emotional well-being, it’s worthwhile. Put your energy where it counts, and everything else will fall into place. Laughter and love are your path to happiness. Your numbers are 2, 14, 26, 33, 39, 42, 46.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Think before you act. Emotional situations will escalate quickly, turning a molehill into a mountain before you can change your tune if you aren’t careful. Broaden your awareness, question information and verify facts, which will open doors to truth, honesty and good decisions. 2 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Do what you can to bring about positive change. Embrace what makes you feel good about yourself and what you can do to help others. Let empathy and compassion lead the way, and the response and help you receive will lead to achieving your goal. 4 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Optimism is a beautiful characteristic to bolster. However, it requires patience, facts and the ability to initiate what you want to pursue. All talk and no action will leave you standing still. It’s up to you to open the door to the possibilities within reach. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Pick up the pace and set your sights on what matters to you. How you approach your objective will significantly affect the outcome and your reputation. Trust your instincts and follow through with your plans, regardless of who decides to help and who doesn’t. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Size up situations and make decisions. Taking too long to ponder things you cannot change or don’t want to be a part of will waste valuable time that you should spend pursuing positive ventures. Be the one to find solutions and to make a difference. 4 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Be open, learn all you can and make choices conducive to lifestyle improvements and achieving a stable and secure position at work and home. Use your imagination, compromise and avoid letting excess seep into your plans. Participate in debates that encourage truth and exciting connections. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take a deep breath and put ego and emotions aside. It’s time to do what’s best for you and to let go of what’s dragging you down. An aggressive move or lifestyle change may daunt you, but it will inevitably kickstart your efforts to forge ahead. 5 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Pamper yourself, rejuvenate and participate in something that sparks your imagination and offers a unique perspective and awareness of what’s possible. Time is on your side; evaluate prospects, and you’ll make better choices. Networking and social events will offer insight into what you want to pursue. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Stay focused on what’s at stake and how to get things done on time and to your satisfaction. Refuse to let anyone interfere or lead you astray. A deal someone hypes will fall short of your expectations. Fend for yourself and pat yourself on the back. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Dream on and turn your hopes and wishes into a reality. Please don’t settle for less than what you want or give in to someone only looking out for themselves. Make domestic changes that will help you finish what you start and encourage you to believe in yourself. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Opportunity begins with you. Consider what you want and make it happen. Participation is necessary if you want to reach your destination. Take the initiative to listen, assess what you hear and use suggestions and information that make you comfortable and capable of achieving your goal. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Let your feelings lead the way, and your actions speak for you. Don’t be shy. Put your best foot forward, and you’ll attract those who share your beliefs and can contribute to your success. Dismiss negativity and distance yourself from situations that hinder and hurt. 5 stars

Birthday Baby: You are resilient, sensitive and helpful. You are intelligent and proactive.

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.

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Chapman’s inside-the-park HR lifts Giants past Arizona, which loses ground in NL playoff race

By David Brandt The Associated Press

PHOENIX — Matt Chapman hit an inside-the-park homer, Casey Schmitt and Michael Conforto both added solo shots and the San Francisco Giants continued to be a problem for teams with postseason aspirations, beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-3 on Monday night.

The Diamondbacks (87-70) lost more ground in the National League playoff race as they try to claim one of three wild cards. They’re in sole possession of the final wild card, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Atlanta Braves (85-71). The San Diego Padres (90-66) and New York Mets (87-69) are in the first two spots.

The Mets and Braves play each other in a crucial three-game series that begins on Tuesday in Atlanta.

San Francisco is out of the playoff race, but has played extremely well over the past week against teams that are still in contention. The Giants have a 6-1 record against the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals and Diamondbacks.

It was another frustrating loss for Arizona, which coughed up an 8-0 lead on Sunday and fell to the Milwaukee Brewers 10-9.

Chapman’s inside-the-park homer in the third to put the Giants up 3-1. The third baseman laced a liner to one of the deepest parts of the park in left center, and a leaping Jake McCarthy couldn’t quite make the grab at the wall. Left fielder Pavin Smith had to retrieve the carom in center field.

Chapman was hustling the whole way and easily beat the relay throw home from Geraldo Perdomo. Denard Span was the last San Francisco player to hit an inside-the-park homer in 2017.

Schmitt added a solo homer in the fourth to make it 4-2. Conforto launched another long ball in the fifth for a 5-2 lead. Chapman added a run-scoring triple in the seventh, hammering another ball off the outfield wall to finish with three RBIs.

D-backs lefty Eduardo Rodriguez (3-4) gave up five runs on seven hits over 4 2/3 innings. He struck out eight and walked three.

Christian Walker cut the Giants’ lead to 3-2 in the fourth with an RBI double. Joc Pederson also had an RBI double.

San Francisco right-hander Hayden Birdsong (5-5) gave up two runs over five innings. Ryan Walker pitched a scoreless ninth for his 10th save.

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TRAINER’S ROOM

Diamondbacks: C Gabriel Moreno (oblique) appeared to avoid serious injury despite leaving Sunday’s game with discomfort. He could return to the lineup as soon as Tuesday. … 2B Ketel Marte (ankle) was out of the starting lineup for a day of rest, said manager Torey Lovullo said. He entered as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.

UP NEXT

The D-backs send RHP Brandon Pfaadt (10-9, 4.66) to the mound on Tuesday. The Giants will throw RHP Logan Webb (12-10, 3.58).

49ers’ Javon Hargrave out for the season with torn triceps; McCaffrey travels abroad for Achilles treatment

Javon Hargrave, last seen celebrating a sack against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday before departing with an injury, will need surgery for a torn triceps and will miss the rest of the season.

It was the latest in an injury wave that’s hit the 49ers, who are 1-2 after a 27-24 road loss to the Rams.

“It’s a big one,” coach Kyle Shanahan told local writers Monday on a conference call. “I thought he had his best game yesterday, thought he was a huge factor. Affected the quarterback in that game. It’s a big loss. He’s one of our better players. He was going in the right direction and he was going to have a big year.”

Shanahan said there’s a remote chance Hargrave could return post-surgery if the 49ers went deep into the playoffs, but it’s more likely he won’t play again until 2025.

“We’re recommending surgery and when you get surgery that’s a few months at least,” Shanahan said. “If there was a chance, it would have to be late in the playoffs.”

Hargrave was the 49ers’ prize free agent signing before the 2023 season, signing a four-year contract worth a maximum of $84 million after starring for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is the latest in an injury wave that includes 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey (Achilles tendinitis), wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf strain) and tight end George Kittle (hamstring).

McCaffrey, who has at least two more games on injured reserve, has left the country to seek treatment, Shanahan confirmed.

Photos that circulated social media over the weekend showed McCaffrey boarding a plane for Germany.

“I’m not sure what doctor it is,” Shanahan said. “I know he’s going to a specialist that can help him with his Achilles process and he’s doing that over the next few days and hopefully it will help.”

In yet more injury news, Shanahan said Brock Purdy, a bright spot in the loss, has a sore back and is day-to-day. He underwent an MRI that came back clean, Shanahan said.

The flood of injuries is in contrast to last season, when the 49ers’ star players for the most part went wire to wire.

“I think last year with some of our main guys we were very fortunate,” Shanahan said. “This year it’s been totally different to start out, so that’s been real tough. I’d like to stay positive with it in that all of ’em are eventually going to come back, but that probably changed with Hargrave today so that was a tough pill to swallow there.

“We definitely haven’t had the luck we had last year.”

The good news is that Kittle, according to Shanahan, may return to practice this week and be available to face the New England Patriots Sunday at Levi’s Stadium. Samuel is expected to be out another week. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, who was questionable against the Rams with hamstring and knee issues and struggled in coverage, is also good to go.

Running back Christian McCaffrey is heading to Germany to see a specialist to help with his Achilles tendinitis.

REPLACING HARGRAVE

With Hargrave out, either Jordan Elliott or Kevin Givens could start alongside Maliek Collins, and Shanahan said the 49ers will also look to practice squad players T.Y. McGill and Evan Anderson. On some passing downs, a defensive end could move inside, with the most likely candidate Yetur Gross-Matos.

“We’ll always look to what’s available out there, but you usually go to your practice squad,” Shanahan said.

While not available this week, Shanahan also said Kalia Davis, who was having a strong camp and preseason before needing knee surgery, would also be back soon. Original estimates had Davis being out until midseason.

GREENLAW TIMELINE

By starting the season on injured reserve after Achilles surgery following the Super Bowl last season, Dre Greenlaw had to sit out a mandatory four games. He’ll likely be out a month after that at least.

“At the beginning of the year I was hoping midseason,” Shanahan said. “I haven’t asked in a couple of weeks, but that’s what it was at the beginning of the year and we’re still hoping that. That’s still a ways away.”

HUFANGA’S RETURN

Safety Talanoa Hufanga went right to full-time duty against the Rams in his first game back after ACL surgery. He played 53 of 58 snaps and had seven tackles, second on the team to Ward’s nine.

“I thought it was a good first game back,” Shanahan said. “He wasn’t at the point of attack too much, but definitely made some plays. Had a good tackle on the sidelines. I think he held up pretty well. The film looked good and hopefully it was a step in the right direction and we’ll build forward on that throughout the season.”

J.J. AND J.R.

The 11 receptions for 175 yards and three touchdowns by Jennings made him just the second player in franchise history to have 10 or more catches, 175 or more yards and three touchdowns in the same game. Hall of Famer Jerry Rice did it twice — catching 13 passes for 225 yards and five touchdowns against Atlanta from Joe Montana in 1990, and 14 receptions for 289 yards and three scores against Minnesota from Steve Young in 1995.

Terrell Owens narrowly missed in 2001 against Atlanta with 183 yards receiving and three touchdowns with nine receptions.

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SNAP JUDGMENTS

69: Trent Williams played all but two of the 71 offensive snaps. As bad as the day was for the 49ers, at least Williams got back up and walked off the field under his own power and was back in the game after an I.V. for cramps. The rest of the starting O-line played all 71.

61: Tight end Eric Saubert had a career high in snaps subbing for Kittle. His previous high was 49 for Denver in 2021. Jake Tonges had 15 snaps and Brayden Willis 4.

58: Nick Bosa played every defensive snap for the second time in his career. Bosa also played all 63 snaps last Oct. 29, a 31-17 loss to Cincinnati at Levi’s Stadium. He came in listed as questionable with a rib injury.

30: Second-year wide receiver Ronnie Bell had his third-most snaps, getting 31 in Week 3 against the New York Giants last season and 38 (Aiyuk was injured) in the regular season finale against the Rams when the 49ers were resting some starters. He had 10 more snaps than veteran Chris Conley.

6: Dee Winters, who was to rotate in for De’Vondre Campbell in passing situations, departed with an ankle injury in the second quarter and didn’t return. Shanahan said the plan was to work Winters in for Campbell but was scuttled with the injury. Campbell had issues in pass coverage against the Rams.

5: Corner Renardo Green and safety Malik Mustapha each played five defensive snaps in a game where the 49ers were beaten deep repeatedly. Green.

0: George Odum, who started the first two games at safety along with Ji’Ayir Brown, didn’t get any snaps defensively, reverting to his special teams roles with 21 snaps.