Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 371

Use these strategies to avoid impulse buying

By René Bennett, Bankrate.com

Many of us have given in to the temptation to buy something we don’t need.

Maybe you were passively scrolling through your social media feed when a sponsored post came up, showcasing the latest tech gadget with glowing reviews. Unable to resist, you clicked the “buy” button for fear of missing out, only to find the excitement faded not long after, leaving you with regret and a dent in your bank account.

What is impulse buying?

Impulse buying is the act of making unplanned purchases on a whim without considering long-term goals and needs. From flashy tech to trendy fashion items, impulse purchases can quickly drain your bank account and hinder your long-term financial goals.

The temptation is further fueled by social media — 48% of social media users have made an impulse purchase, according to Bankrate’s Social Media Survey. And 68% of those said they regretted an impulse purchase they made on social media.

Coupled with the current high-inflation environment, succumbing to impulse purchases can have even more detrimental effects on our savings than usual. But there are ways you can curb impulsive spending habits and focus on more long-term financial goals.

Strategies to stop impulse buying1. Reflect before purchasing

Getting into the habit of slowing down and reflecting before making an impulse buy can be a big money-saver.

Some questions you should ask yourself:

Is this item a want or a need?Can I afford it without sacrificing something more important?Will this bring long-term value and satisfaction?2. Stick to a shopping list

Before heading to the store or browsing online, make a shopping list of items that you genuinely need. A shopping list provides a clear plan for your shopping trip, eliminating ambiguity and reducing the chances of being swayed by impulses. It also acts as a reminder of your goals and priorities.

You could try using a shopping list app which can help you organize your shopping lists and even share them with friends or family members to streamline your shopping process.

3. Implement the 24-hour rule

When you come across something you’re tempted to buy immediately, give yourself a cooling-off period of 24 hours. Why? The purpose of the 24-hour rule is to create a space between the initial impulse and the actual purchase — often, the initial excitement and compulsion to buy can fade after that time period. By waiting, you give yourself a chance to reconsider the purchase in a more neutral state of mind.

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During those 24 hours, you can take the time to research the item’s features, read reviews, compare prices and consider if it aligns with your needs and budget.

4. Unfollow accounts that fuel your temptation

The constant stream of captivating images, flashy ads and influencers promoting products on social media can make it incredibly tempting to click that “buy now” button without a second thought. With just a swipe or a scroll, we’re exposed to a never-ending array of products and services, each promising to improve our lives in some way. But that promise can be deceiving and succumbing to the temptation can lead to financial stress and instability.

One big step you can take to help resist the siren call of impulse buys is to carefully curate your social media feed to prevent yourself from seeing those items in the first place. Unfollow brands and promoters that consistently tempt you. You might even want to remove certain shopping apps from your phone or set time limits for those that have the strongest pull on you. Even a few changes to your social media feed can reduce the constant exposure to shopping triggers and help you save money.

5. Prioritize clear financial goals for long-term gratification

Envision your ideal financial future, and set clear goals. Instead of simply saying you want to save money, set a specific target, such as saving $5,000 within the next year. Once you’ve established goals, you can fit them into your budget to align your spending with what you want to achieve in the long term.

It’s easy to give in to temporary pleasures when we’re surrounded by lures to buy stuff all the time, but reminding yourself of your financial goals and learning to wait can help you find long-term fulfillment. As you achieve smaller milestones toward your goals, reward yourself (within reason) to maintain a positive mindset and reinforce your commitment to the larger goals.

6. Pay with cash

Take the time to budget exactly how much you can spend on your purchases and withdraw cash to spend on those purchases. By using cash, you avoid overspending and impulse purchases.

If you’re used to paying with a card to rack up credit card points or cashback rewards, you’ll lose out on these benefits when you pay with cash. But once you start to gain more discipline by paying with cash, you might be able to transition back to responsible credit card use.

Be aware of signs of impulsive spending habits

The thrill of impulsive buying might not show up right away, but there are some signs to look out for, including:

You’re spending beyond your means or more than you intended during your purchase.You hide purchases from family members or a partner.You’re unable to pay bills or save as much as you’d like because of high spending elsewhere.You feel guilty or regretful about spending.Bottom line

By establishing clear financial goals and prioritizing your long-term needs over short-term impulse purchases, you can regain control of your finances and make decisions that support future aspirations. Keep track of how much you’ve saved from cutting back on impulse buying — those savings can go toward a specific savings fund or be invested in a high-yielding certificate of deposit (CD) to earn money back in the form of interest.

Key takeawaysImpulse buying means purchasing items you did not plan to buy.Impulse buying can result in more spending which can lead to less savings and even an increase in debt.There are steps you can take to reduce impulse buying, such as prioritizing financial goals and sticking to a shopping list.

Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com.

©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Horoscopes Sept. 2, 2024: Salma Hayek, it’s time to put yourself first

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Zedd, 35; Salma Hayek, 58; Keanu Reeves, 60; Mark Harmon, 73.

Happy Birthday: Mixed emotions will promote a desire for change. Consider what you can afford and how to de-stress your life by following your heart and doing what brings you peace. It’s time to put yourself first and encourage others to do the same. The choice is yours, so don’t let anyone else determine your next move. Make common sense and taking responsibility for your happiness a priority. Your numbers are 3, 10, 16, 27, 32, 36, 45.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Look around you and observe before you decide to implement change. Ensure you have the funds necessary to follow through with your plans and the documentation to avoid implications from authority figures or antagonistic neighbors. Be open and proactive, and exercise your right to pursue your plans. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Inconsistency will be your downfall. Surpass your expectations by choosing a path and following it through to the end. Don’t let anger lead to exhaustion, stress, or the loss of friendship, position or prospects. Put your energy where it counts and make positive progress. Rely on your instincts. 5 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Take responsibility. Don’t go overboard or make promises or excessive overtures that compromise your chance to do something that makes you happy, healthy or free to live life your way. Rule out proposals that limit an opportunity to learn something new. Be the author of your destiny. 2 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Size up what everyone around you is doing and adjust your path to avoid situations that may compromise your chance to reach your goal. Think creatively, be spontaneous and act on your behalf instead of letting someone intervene or pressure you. Protect your health and physical wellness. 4 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take better care of your money and possessions. Don’t overpay for something that is more hype than help. Research will help spare you the grief of appearing unrealistic. Look for the positive, be aware of the negative and make affordable, doable choices that offer peace of mind. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The route to a better future is to simplify your life. Lower your debt and put your energy into transforming chaos into peace. Change begins with you; making time for activities and people that bring you joy will make a difference and soothe your soul. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A change is overdue; it’s time to rethink what you know and do well so you can apply it to what’s trending in today’s marketplace. Think outside the box and transform the way you present your assets. Anger and negativity won’t help; try dedication, hard work and a good attitude. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): What you put out, you will get back, if you do so with compassion and your best intent. Take pride in what you do and care for those you love. Choose your words wisely and you will make a difference. To do your best is to receive your best. 4 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sit on the sideline, observe and summarize how best you can respond. Offering your opinion about a concern too quickly will be counterproductive. Get all the facts and only voice your opinion when ready to act. Look for inconsistency and ask questions to differentiate fact from fiction. Protect your reputation. 2 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Establish your cost of living and revise your budget to fit your lifestyle. Staying on top of financial matters will help calm your nerves and encourage you to invest more time and money into viable prospects. Use your imagination, but rely on facts and practicality. 5 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Rethink how you want to live and adjust your schedule, budget and mindset to help fulfill your dreams. A change to how you use your funds will make a huge difference. Once you decide what’s important to you, the rest will fall into place. Personal growth is favored. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Know when to be secretive and whom to share with before revealing your plans. Domestic issues are apparent if you are too aggressive or forthcoming regarding your thoughts and plans. Bide your time, and consider how you present your long-term plans. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are insightful, caring and helpful. You are comprehensive and pragmatic.

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.

Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters. 

SF Giants drop series to lowly Marlins, fall further behind in standings

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants are running out of time.

They have 24 games remaining in the regular season. There are four teams — the Cardinals, the Cubs, the Mets, and the Braves — ahead of them for the National League’s final wild-card spot.

This weekend, they had a perfect opportunity to gain ground: a three-game set against the Marlins, one of the NL’s worst teams. As the saying goes, good teams beat up on bad teams.

Instead, the Giants have arrived at their season’s nadir. They lost Sunday’s game at Oracle Park, 7-5, before a sellout crowd. Logan Webb conceded six runs in six innings, playing into his demise by failing to convert a double play that set the stage for Miami’s four-run fifth inning.

After dropping two of three games to the Marlins (50-86), the Giants are two games under .500 (68-70). Their September schedule does not provide reprieves. And they are running out of time.

“This is probably as bad of a loss as we’ve had,” said manager Bob Melvin.

“I lost that game today,” Webb said. “That was on me today. It just sucks. We score five runs and we score early. I feel like I’m in a good spot. I had good stuff. Then, all of a sudden, I let one ground ball — I haven’t watched it. I don’t really want to watch it. It kind of caught me off guard, and I made a bad throw. It just can’t happen.”

This series represented San Francisco’s final opportunity this season to punch below its weight class. Now, the Giants face a gauntlet, as all their remaining opponents have a record above .500.

Seven of the Giants’ final eight series are against teams that would be in the playoffs if the season ended today. The lone exception is the Cardinals, who are one spot above the Giants in the Wild Card standings.

“It’s always tough being in these positions,” Webb said. “But it’s happened before where teams get hot. You can go on winning streaks. Anything can happen. If you have the goal of coming in and trying to be the best version of yourself and trying to win every day, I think good things happen.”

Before Webb’s errant throw, before he allowed six runs, the Giants assumed early control of the game, entering the fifth inning with a 2-0 lead. Mike Yastrzemski led off with a home run, the 100th of his career, and Michael Conforto scored in the third inning on an error.

Webb was cruising, needing 46 pitches to complete the first four innings. It was the blueprint to a win.

Soon enough, any semblance of control would slip through their fingers.

In the fifth inning, with one out and a runner on first base, José Devers hit a comebacker to Webb. If Webb delivers a throw to shortstop Tyler Fitzgerald cleanly, the Giants likely turn an inning-ending double play.

Instead, Webb’s throw was high. Fitzgerald leaped off the base and tagged Griffin Conine, but the Giants had to settle for a force out instead of a double play. The Marlins had new life, and they took advantage.

David Hensley followed with a single, putting runners on first and second. Nick Fortes pulled a single into left field; Devers scored, Hensley advanced to third, and Fortes took second base when center field Grant McCray unfurled an ill-advised throw home. Kyle Stowers sent a changeup into the Marlins’ bullpen with two on and two out.

If the Giants turned the double play, they would’ve ended the inning with a 2-0 lead. Instead, they entered the bottom of the fifth with a 4-2 deficit.

By the end of the fifth, they were back on top.

Matt Chapman drove in Yastrzemski with a bases-loaded groundout. Mark Canha entered the game off the bench and shot a single into right field to score Fitzgerald. Jerar Encarnacion scored Conforto with a sacrifice fly to give the Giants a 5-4 lead.

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By the end of the sixth, the lead belonged, again to the Marlins — a lead they’d never relinquish. Jonah Bride doubled home a run, Otto Lopez drove in a run with a groundout and the Marlins had a 6-5 advantage. They expanded the lead to two runs in the following frame as Jesús Sánchez drove in a run against Camilo Doval with a sacrifice fly.

“It had all the makings of a really good game for us,” Melvin said. “We score a couple of runs, which we were having a tough time doing. Then, we don’t turn a double play, which (would’ve gotten) us out of the inning with no runs. Then, it just got away from us.”

Before the game got away from San Francisco, Yastrzemski totaled the 100th home run of his major-league career, sending a middle-middle fastball from Miami’s Darren McCaughan into the right-field arcade.

Yastrzemski and grandfather Carl Yastrzemski become the fourth grandfather and grandson duo to hit at least 100 home runs in their major-league careers. They join former Giant David Bell and grandfather Gus Bell, plus Aaron Boone, and Bret Boone with grandfather Ray Boone.

“To tack on that many as a guy who started so late in his career in the big leagues, I’m feeling pretty humbled and very lucky today,” Yastrzemski said.

Darren Baker, son of former SF Giants manager Dusty, earns first call-up

It was, depending on who you ask, the defining image of the 2002 World Series: a three-year-old Darren Baker being scooped up by J.T. Snow as he crossed home plate. More than two decades later, Baker has graduated from bat boy to major leaguer.

Baker, the 25-year-old son of former Giants manager Dusty Baker, was called up to the big leagues by the Nationals on Sunday, marking the first time he will appear on a major-league roster.

the darren baker MLB call-up REVEAL pic.twitter.com/WUTGAqnrKR

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 1, 2024

In the seventh inning of Game 5 of the 2002 World Series, Giants outfielder Kenny Lofton sent a towering fly ball off the right-center field wall. Snow, standing on third base, ran home. So did Baker.

After crossing home plate, Snow grabbed Baker, who was about four months from his fourth birthday, and carried him away from the live play. Once the play ended, Snow set down Baker and allowed him to retrieve the bat. The “Darren Baker Rule” was subsequently established, requiring that bat boys be at least 14 years old.

“Thank goodness that J.T. Snow was aware and got Darren Baker out of the way,” said Joe Buck during the broadcast.

Baker, 25, spent four seasons at Cal before being selected in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. During his time in Berkeley, Baker hit .303 and swiped 58 bases. This season, Baker hit .285 with 38 steals on 43 attempts for the Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate.

The elder Baker currently works for the Giants as a special advisor to baseball operations. Baker had an 840-715 record during his 10 seasons managing the Giants (1993-2002), leading the team to the World Series in his final season at the helm.

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49ers’ Ricky Pearsall discharged from hospital, recovering from shooting

49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has been discharged from San Francisco General Hospital as he begins his recovery from Saturday’s gunshot wound to his chest, the team announced Sunday afternoon.

Pearsall was shot near San Francisco’s Union Square in an attempted robbery by a 17-year-old male from Tracy, police said.

Pearsall was seen on video walking under his own power to an ambulance while assisted by paramedics who applied pressure to his wound before he took a seat on a gurney.

“San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was released from the hospital this afternoon as he continues to recover from a bullet wound to his chest.

“He and his family, along with the entire San Francisco 49ers organization, would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department, emergency medical services, doctors and staff at San Francisco General Hospital,” the 49ers said in a statement.

Pearsall, a 23-year-old rookie, was initially listed in serious but stable condition at the hospital, as noted by the 49ers in a statement that requested privacy for their first-round draft pick and his family.

Pearsall’s mother, Erin, posted on Facebook after the shooting that the bullet that struck her son did not hit any vital organs, adding that her son was “extremely lucky”. She said the bullet entered his chest and exited his back.

The suspect, who is in police custody, also sustained a gunshot wound during the altercation.

It’s still to be determined how soon Pearsall might return to the football field and begin his rookie season in the NFL.

John Lynch, the 49ers’ general manager, went to the hospital to visit with Pearsall following the incident. Meanwhile, a team party went ahead as planned Saturday night, in which coach Kyle Shanahan traditionally hosts players after the initial roster is set before the season. Shanahan was pictured with wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel as well as music icon Rick Ross, who posted videos on his Instagram Story.

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Two years ago, Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. was shot twice in his right leg in an attempted robbery and carjacking. Hospitalized for just one night, Robinson recovered so quickly from his surgery that he was playing six weeks later. He spent the first four games of that 2022 season on the non-football injury list, and over 12 ensuing games, he rushed for 797 yards.

Pearsall’s wound appeared to be on the upper right part of his chest. He missed three weeks of training camp with a partially dislocated left shoulder suffered Aug. 6. He resumed practicing last week from the injury, a repeat of a dislocation he suffered in spring practices. A summer hamstring injury kept him out of the first week of training camp practices.

30 years after university’s founding: A conversation with Peter Smith, Cal State Monterey Bay’s first president

SEASIDE >> When Cal State Monterey Bay opened its doors to its inaugural cohort 29 years ago, students had everything they needed to succeed: a set curriculum, excited professors, newly-renovated dorms. But, they had nowhere to sit down and eat. Official construction for the university had only begun eight months prior, and the Dining Commons were the last to be finished.

So, founding President Peter Smith and some other faculty bussed a few hundred students to the Big Sur woods for a camping trip to bond and most importantly, wait out the rest of the construction.

Smith and other founders of the school had ambitiously decided to open only a year after the legislation was passed to approve a university on the former Fort Ord base. What followed was a 12-month mad dash to establish what 30 years later, has become a part of the culture on the Monterey Peninsula.

Peter Smith, founding president of Cal State Monterey Bay. (Courtesy of Peter Smith)

Hailing from George Washington University in Washington D.C. as the dean of the graduate school of education and having previously founded the Community College of Vermont, the former congressman and lieutenant governor of Vermont had a very clear vision for this university. He moved out west ready to add to the California State University system “the 21st campus for the 21st century.”

Smith, 78, was president of Cal State Monterey Bay from January 1995 through June 2005. He is currently a senior advisor for Yellowdig Inc., an online learning platform for student engagement.

Smith sat down recently with The Herald to talk about some of the founding principles of the school, how those first years went and his thoughts on the university’s current trajectory.

Founding vision

Smith’s vision was “to serve the communities that immediately surrounded it … it was going to be active, learning oriented,” Smith said. He and the founding faculty quickly established service-learning, a community-based volunteer class that is still a requirement for CSUMB students.

As far as the kind of students the school attracted that first semester, “I wanted risk takers. I wanted people who knew they were walking into a situation that was going to be risky … in the beginning, I was interested in getting people who understood what they were walking into and were going to help us grow the place.” That first cohort of risk-takers was made up of 654 students. This year there are around 7,000 students enrolled at CSUMB.

The role of a president

“What I brought was a vision of what 21st century education was going to look like,” Smith said. “That was based on putting the learner first, active, engaged learning, respecting the background that the learner brings with them. In other words, they’re not coming to a university to learn my view of the world. They’re coming to help develop their view of the world based on active learning.

“You’re creating a vision, but then you’re listening to people and modifying the vision.”

Outgoing CSUMB president Peter Smith giving his last “State of the University” address to staff, faculty and students. (Vern Fisher, Monterey Herald Archive)

Creating an institutional identity

“I was very conscious, having been through it before, that your personality and your way of thinking about the world and your values may be important to getting the job done, but they’re not the reason why you’re getting the job done,” he said. “They’re not the point. The point is to create an organization with values, culture, capacity and competence that is going to be consistent over time … as I spoke with (current CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones), what I understood, what I got very powerfully, was that there’s things she wants to do better and there may be changes in innovations. I hope there are.

“The place has a culture that will support changes in innovation, but that she now wants to recheck with the communities around CSUMB. Connect with those communities, make sure that the college is a more institutional entity. (And) are we keeping more high school graduates in Monterey and Salinas and up toward Santa Cruz and down into the valley? Are more people staying in the area to work? Because when I started there, more people were leaving and never coming back, and part of it is to grow the social, civic, economic, cultural workforce … and I’ve got a very strong feeling that (Quiñones) sees the communities within which the campus exists as very important.”

A community pillar

“There are no walls around that university. It’s part of the community,” Smith said. “And I think it’s the experiential learning and the service learning and the back and forth. What I felt when I came back (for a visit) almost 20 years after I left, is that the university is not an island in the community. It is part of the community, and there’s a lot of back and forth and its culture is part of the community’s larger culture and cultural events.”

CSUMB Provost Diane Cordero de Noriega, CSUMB President Peter Smith and Leon Panetta revel in the news that CSUMB is finally a accredited institution. The announcement was made in front of faculty and staff and some alumni at the University Center in 2003. Leon Panetta holds a cake as Peter Smith thanks the attended guests. (Vern Fisher — Monterey Herald Archives)

What’s next?

Those paying close attention to CSUMB in the past few years may have noticed a curriculum shift gearing more toward agriculture, hospitality and engineering.

“I think it’s a critical shift, and I noticed it too, just in terms of the number of people and what degree programs they’re in and what they’re doing,” Smith said. “And none of that is to naysay or underestimate technology and marine science and all that stuff, because it’s critically important, too. But there’s more to the Tri-County area than technology and marine science.

“I know some of the things (Quiñones) is doing are very much oriented toward having learners at the campus engaged directly in different employment situations in the county and really focusing on the things that make the economics of the county operate, and tourism is one of them, agriculture is one (as well as) hospitality … but that’s great, you know? Times change and you find new ways to do an old thing and if you do it well, it still works.”

CSUMB President Peter Smith was pulled into CSUMB’s new pool by Athletic Director Bill Trumbo at the dedication ceremony in 2003. (Vern Fisher, Monterey Herald Archive)

Monterey County Fair welcomes hundreds of youth to show off their animals

MONTEREY >> Around 10 years ago, Andy Clarke purchased a goat through the Junior Live Auction at the Monterey County Fair. The child who was showing that goat received the proceeds from the sale and told Clarke he was excited to now be able to buy a new pair of glasses. Clarke kept that thank you note in his wallet for years.

The auction, a staple of the yearly fair, has dozens of stories like Clarke’s of connecting youth with animals and animals with buyers. The proceeds of each sale go back to the youth to be used for their needs, often being used for college funds. Saturday’s auction featured 216 swine, goats, lambs and hogs for sale. Last year, the auction raised around $627,000 for local youth, agricultural awareness and barn and grounds improvements.

“The thing I like most is getting to have new experiences with raising animals and getting to meet all the different buyers and people who come to the Monterey County Fair to see our exhibit,” said Brianna Glass, president of the Carmel Valley 4-H club, which sees many of its members participate in the auction. Glass, 15, ensures her club members are ready to show off their animals and have a successful auction day.

Community members and local agriculture organizations bid on the various livestock which typically go for between $8 and $19 a pound. Buyers can opt for their purchases to be processed, cut and wrapped for the freezer or go for resale animals, which are automatically resold at current market price. Beef purchases can also be donated to the Food Bank for Monterey County or the Salvation Army.

Some of the exhibitors are part of the Monterey County 4-H Program, a national nonprofit youth program that focuses on youth development through multiple projects such as agriculture, civic engagement and STEM. Kids can participate in 4-H from the ages of 5-19.

“4-H is a great program, kids learn amazing life skills,” said Glass. “The fair is such an amazing place where you learn about finances and how to take care of your animal.” Parents are not allowed to help raise the animals, according to Glass, so the youth learn how to bathe, feed and work them on their own.

Salinas FFA member Riley Mauras showed off her market hog Saturday morning, which was sold to Taylor Logistics for $17. (Andrea Valadez – Monterey Herald)

The Future Farmers of America, or FFA, youth organization also has some of its members show off their animals in the auction. The FFA prepares youth for leadership and careers in the agriculture industry. The livestock are locally raised without antibiotics and their handlers are trained in quality assurance.

“This is a real great opportunity for young adults and kids to take on leadership roles and learn responsibility,” said Clarke, treasurer of the Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit created in 2011 dedicated to supporting the fair. “I know when my kids were 9 and 10 raising their first animal, we saw a real maturity growth just through that thought of ‘I’m in charge of this animal.’”

One of Clarke’s children, 18-year-old Abigail, still works with animals through 4-H and as a leader of the Junior Fair Board, a youth volunteer organization that helps run the various livestock shows during the yearly fair.

“The public gets to see how we work and how we raise our animals, the buyers get to fill their freezers and the kids get to support themselves,” said Clarke. Many of the 4-H and FFA kids also participate in the Junior Fair Board, getting experience on the administration and organizational side of things as well as raising their animals.

“You get so much experience doing so many different things,” said Clarke. “It’s a great confidence booster. We had a lot of new kids this year who knew nothing about Junior Fair Board and they’re all doing fabulous … it’s really amazing to see them all learn so quickly and gain so many new skills in such a short period of time.”

Raising an animal project for the auction is not an easy feat – exhibitors often dedicate hundreds of hours toward caring for the animal. “It’s not just the kids that are doing this for fun,” said Clarke’s father. “Some of these kids really need this money and these opportunities to pursue themselves and make themselves better.”

49ers newcomer Leonard Floyd warns Aaron Rodgers ‘will embarrass you’

SANTA CLARA – Aaron Rodgers got sacked twice by Nick Bosa in his final Green Bay Packers playoff game, that coming amid a snow-capped Lambeau Field in the 49ers’ divisional-round upset in January 2022.

A year ago, Rodgers got sacked by Leonard Floyd to not only ruin Rodgers’ New York Jets debut but end his season. Rodgers sustained a torn Achilles tendon.

“It was just a regular football play for me, a regular sack on the quarterback,” Floyd recalled Thursday. “He just happened to get hurt.”

Floyd came to the 49ers to pair up with Bosa as the 49ers’ premier pass rushers, and Rodgers is the first quarterback they’ll face together, come the Monday night, Sept. 9 regular-season opener at Levi’s Stadium.

Floyd turns 32 a day earlier, so he’s been around long enough to not only experience that prime-time spotlight, but even do so in pursuit of Rodgers.

“I’ve done played a lot of football. In Chicago, sometimes we’d have Aaron as a first game,” said Floyd, a 2016 Bears’ first-round pick who indeed faced the Packers to open both the 2018 and ’19 seasons in prime time.

“Shoot, man, my scouting report is he’s a legendary quarterback and you have to come with your ‘A’ game, because he’s the type where he’ll embarrass you,” Floyd added. “If you give him some momentum, he’s going to carry that momentum for the whole game. You just have to be on your Ps and Qs, because he’ll score every time if you let him.”

Rogers was 0-4 against the 49ers in playoff action for Green Bay, with a 6-3 regular-season record that includes wins in his 2020 and ’21 visits to Levi’s Stadium.

The 49ers, for as much as their highly paid offensive stars generate attention, are still insistent that their defensive front dictates games. That means Floyd and Bosa – plus interior linemen Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Jordan Elliott — must get after Rodgers to spoil another of his and the Jets’ Monday night debuts.

When a reporter asked Bosa in camp about Floyd (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) being a leaner pass rusher, Bosa came to his new teammate’s defense. “Have you seen him up close? He’s pretty built,” Bosa said. “He’s 245, shredded, probably like 5% body fat and can run.

“He’ll be just fine in the scheme and he’s proved that he can rush the passer so it’s good to have him.”

With No. 3 defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos having suffered a more severe knee injury than Floyd in the preseason finale, the 49ers could lean even more so on Bosa, who, a year ago, was coming off a training camp holdout and signed a top-end contract days just before the opener at Pittsburgh.

San Francisco 49ers’ Nick Bosa (97) practices at the Levi’s Stadium practice facility in Santa Clara, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)

“Bosa is Bosa. He’s going to come in and ball out,” cornerback Charvarius Ward said. “Obviously missing training camp (last year) was probably rough on him, because he was rough around the edges a little bit. But I think he’ll be himself this year and everybody is going to see the best Bosa they’ve ever seen, hopefully.”

Nick Sorensen, the 49ers’ new defensive coordinator after two years as an assistant, described Bosa as having a great camp that went according to the sixth-year veteran’s strict plan. “I expect that he’ll have a good year and I think he’s in really good shape too,” Sorensen said. “He’s in a good mindset and state of mind as far as how he’s attacking it and his attitude.”

Arguably the best game Bosa played, or at least one of his most memorable, was his first ‘Monday Night Football’ affair. That was an October 2019 home rout of Cleveland and Baker Mayfield, with Bosa accruing two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

“Nick is a great guy, a great pro,” Floyd said. “He’s all about the team, all about winning, and making sure we have that as a common goal.”Related ArticlesSan Francisco 49ers | 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall shot in San Francisco San Francisco 49ers | 49ers tout draft ability in announcing Brandon Aiyuk extension San Francisco 49ers | 49ers' Trent Williams is next millionaire on to-do list before season San Francisco 49ers | Brandon Aiyuk won with his new contract. Now it's the 49ers' turn San Francisco 49ers | Aiyuk needed the 49ers more than they needed him

To that end, Floyd and Bosa often compare notes and discuss pass-rushing techniques during defensive warmups at practice. “We definitely do,” Floyd said, “because we’re both trying to get to the quarterback as much as possible.”

One time was enough for Floyd — and Rodgers — a year ago for the Monday night audience.

“I didn’t really have a view. I was just celebrating my sack,” Floyd said. “I didn’t know about it until the other quarterback just kept playing.”

Rather than keep rehashing that play and inciting Rodgers’ rage, Floyd scurried away from reporters in the locker room, saying: “We’ve got to still play. I can’t jinx it.”

Horoscopes Sept. 1, 2024: Zendaya, prioritize meaningful relationships

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Zendaya, 28; Zoe Lister-Jones, 42; Gloria Estefan, 67; Lily Tomlin, 85.

Happy Birthday: Leave nothing to chance this year. Be diligent about what you want, what you spend and what you are willing to part with before you proceed. Detail, budgets and common sense will help you make choices that lead to positive change and the life you deserve. Avoid unnecessary pressure, unrealistic people and offers, and changes that benefit others more than yourself. Look out for Numero Uno. Your numbers are 9, 15, 22, 28, 31, 34, 42. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Do your homework, calculate your goals and prepare for your next challenge. If you approach your goals with a positive, confident attitude, the future looks bright. Preparation is the path to success. Regarding personal matters, prioritize meaningful relationships and determine your next move. 5 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You can dream, but only start something you can finish. Gather information, discuss prospects and weed out the challenges of following your heart. The right decision will spare you emotional or financial setbacks. Choose peace of mind and personal growth over anxiety and stress. 2 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Do something that makes you look, feel and perform better. Refuse to fall victim to being a people pleaser. Do what makes you happy, puts your mind at rest and gives you the confidence and boost you need to reach your goals. Make self-improvement a priority. 4 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Look over your options and what it will take to reach your objective. Consider the ramifications involved in dealing with institutions and how best to handle red tape issues that can stand in your way. Enjoy the benefits of contacting someone you trust to give you sound advice. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Participate in something that will help you connect with people heading in a similar direction. A change of scenery will help you adjust your vision to suit your needs. Revamp how you use your skills, experience and knowledge to suit your objective, and you’ll achieve success. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t give in to pressure tactics or emotional manipulation. Say no to temptation and excessive behavior. Settle into what feels comfortable and brings you peace of mind. Question authenticity and hype. It’s okay to observe, take a pass and set your goals aside while you rejuvenate. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Assess your feelings, apply what you know and do your best to reach common ground with someone who can contribute to your goals. Don’t sit idle when you can make a difference. Network, socialize and charm those you want on your team. Love and romance look promising. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Assemble your thoughts, double-check everything you do and verify all information you receive. A diligent process of elimination will help you avoid a scam. Change your mindset to fit what’s happening around you and protect your privacy. Don’t take anything for granted. 2 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Participation will lead to information and people who can augment your perspective and enrich your life. Be open to suggestions and embark on challenges that spark your interest. Explore the possibilities and discover something that makes you feel alive. Romance and travel are on the rise. 5 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take an interest in what’s healthy. Refuse to let temptation set in and indulgence take over. Focus on what’s good for you. Choose your friends, associates and partners carefully; only some of those you encounter will want what’s best for you. Make home improvements a priority. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Refuse to let others stand in your way. Consider your needs, dreams and the timeline you set for yourself, and put your plans in motion. Don’t wait for slowpokes to join in; follow your heart and make your dreams come true. Romance and personal improvements are favored. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Take the high road regardless of what others choose to do. The choices you make must be conducive to reaching your objective. Be true to yourself and make discipline your choice. Don’t follow someone who lets temptation lead the way. Say no to indulgent behavior and unreliable people. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are observant, cautious and questioning. You are helpful 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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‘Terrible’ controversial call looms large in SF Giants’ loss to Marlins

SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants’ wasted three prime scoring opportunities, misplayed more than one ball defensively, let a leadoff walk come around to score and replaced their starting pitcher after five strong innings with a reliever who hung a breaking ball to the first batter he faced.

But after their 4-3 loss Saturday night to the Miami Marlins, who own the National League’s worst record, manager Bob Melvin and his players’ primary complaint was with the umpiring crew, who employed a new and rarely used rule to reverse a late out on the bases that set up what proved to be the decisive run.

“I don’t know how you make that call,” a dismayed Melvin said afterward, while shortstop Tyler Fitzgerald said the ruling was “terrible.”

Fitzgerald was called for obstruction in the seventh inning when he planted his left foot in front of the bag covering second base, and two batters later Otto Lopez had extended the Marlins’ lead to 4-2. He drew a leadoff walk from Spencer Bivens and bolted for second, where Patrick Bailey’s throw and Fitzgerald’s glove beat him to the bag. But rather than hold up a fist to signal the clear out, second base umpire Ryan Blakney repeatedly pointed to the bag and waved his arms safe.

Blakney was acting on guidance issued by MLB this spring to crack down on infielders blocking base runners’ paths to the bag. It falls under the existing Rule 6.00(h), which awards runners the next base if their path is impeded by a defender — but it is a judgement call and not reviewable.

“There should be some feel involved with that, is what I was told” when all 30 managers were informed of the new emphasis this spring, Melvin said. “It’s not an instinctive call. It’s not something you’re looking for. They said you can ask the umpires to get together, and they did get together. But I just don’t know how you can make that call if it doesn’t affect the play.”

Diving headfirst into second, Lopez reached his right hand around Fitzgerald’s cleat without altering his path much at all. Fitzgerald applied the tag and confusion ensued. Bailey held his arms up in disbelief. Melvin repeatedly tried to get home plate umpire Alan Porter’s attention.

Fitzgerald said he received no explanation on the field.

“They didn’t relay anything to us,” Fitzgerald said. “My foot was originally in front of the bag, but I moved it. I pulled it back. Maybe by rule it was obstruction, but in no way did I obstruct the runner. Watch the replay. He slid in and he was able to get to the bag. I tried to move my foot so he was able to reach the bag. I didn’t think I was obstructing at all.”

The controversial call turned a leadoff walk into a leadoff double and allowed Lopez — one of three former Giants on the other side — to score the Marlins’ fourth and final run on a pair of productive groundouts, or the kind of timely hitting the Giants’ lacked once again.

As a team, they went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and stranded seven men on base. In three separate innings, they had multiple runners on base with less than two outs and managed two total runs out of the opportunities.

Still, the Marlins’ insurance run in the seventh loomed large after Michael Conforto launched a solo shot to center field with two outs in the eighth inning that cut the deficit to 4-3. That was as close as the Giants would get, though, as they went down in order in the ninth against Calvin Fauchner.

The loss sent them back below .500 (68-69), kept them 6½ games back of the Braves, and wasted a spot start from Mason Black that was as much as they could ask for.

Filling in for Robbie Ray and Black made his first big-league start since May and turned in the best performance of his young career but still departed in a 2-1 hole.

The 24-year-old right-hander fanned a career-high six batters without issuing a walk, evenly mixing his four-seamer, sinker and sweeper over 74 pitches (58 strikes).

“Five innings, couple of runs, he did his job,” Melvin said. “He looked good. Just gave up the one homer.”

The Marlins’ only damage against him came on a two-run homer to right from Griffin Conine — the first of his career — after Fitzgerald muffed a slow hopper that allowed Jonah Bride to reach base (and counted as one of Miami’s four hits off Black) with one out in the second.

After Conine’s home run, Black retired nine of the final 11 hitters he faced, erasing one of the two batters to reach base on a strike-’em-out, throw-’em-out double play to end the third. He completed five innings for the first time as a big leaguer.

“I didn’t get through that fifth the last couple times I was up here, so it meant a lot just to get my feet wet again and be able to back out there and hopefully get more innings in the future,” said Black, who chalked up his improvement to a mechanical tweak to be more upright in his delivery.

But immediately upon taking over to start the sixth inning, Taylor Rogers allowed the Marlins to extend the lead to 3-2.

Making his first appearance in six days — the 500th of his career — Rogers served up a solo shot to the first batter he faced, leadoff man Connor Norby, who worked a full count and unloaded on a sweeper left at the letters. He faced four batters and recorded only one out in his first appearance since reportedly being placed on waivers.

“He just hung a breaking ball right there,” Melvin said. “Sometimes you’re going to make a pitch and they’ll put a good piece of wood (on it). The lefties got a couple of hits off him, so I had to go get him. But he gave up one run.”

Spencer Bivens took over for Rogers and turned two to get out of the two-on, one-out jam handed to him but issued the leadoff walk to Lopez the next inning.

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Black was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento to make his fourth start of the season — his first since May — in the rotation spot vacated by LHP Robbie Ray (hamstring). While Melvin said he hoped the 24-year-old right-hander, who had a 2.91 ERA in his past four starts for Sacramento, would take advantage of the opportunity, Ray had already progressed to playing catch and could miss only the minimum 15 days.

In a corresponding move, RHP Austin Warren was optioned to Sacramento. … Catcher Andrew Knapp, who was designated for assignment earlier this week, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Sacramento.

Up next

RHP Logan Webb (11-8, 3.24) gets the ball in the series finale, while the Marlins have not named a starter yet. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m.