Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 373

High School football: Monterey strikes fast in season opening win over Alisal

MONTEREY — Two touches, two touchdowns, totaling 19 seconds to start a season. It was a glimpse of how dangerous Monterey’s athleticism can be when it executes and units as one.

Yet, there were other moments when the Toreadores looked mortal, uninterested and mistake prone in the first half, enabling Alisal to recover and gain some momentum.

“The halftime message was find our identity and play as a team,” Monterey coach Alex Besaw said. “We were very individualist in the first half. It was pretty disappointing. Guys wanted to just get there’s. We stuttered and were out of rhythm.”

Maintaining their focus will be addressed this week in practice. Because when the Toreadores were locked in, they demonstrated a desire to dominate Friday in a 40-14 win over Alisal.

“Our growing pains right now are not believing everything people say,” Besaw said. “It’s a natural tendency to believe the hype. Be humble, show up to work and perfect your craft. Complacency is something we have to fight with this group.”

In his three seasons as a head coach at Monterey, Besaw has outscored the opposition 123-14 in season openers. Yet, the score felt misleading.

“Yet it did,” Besaw said. “It was a frustrating game. I’m glad we came out in the second half and responded. But it felt like a seven point game, partly because of our lack execution at times.”

While blindsided by Monterey’s explosive start, the Trojans — Central Coast Section Division III finalists last year — didn’t panic or point fingers. Instead, their defense settled down and gave the offense opportunities.

“Our boys kept their composure and stayed in the game and focused,” Alisal coach Francisco Estrada said. “I know the scoreboard doesn’t reflect it. But there are building blocks going forward. We as coaches have to prep our guys better.”

Alisal made it a game to open the second half when Jayden Durate intercepted a pass and returned it 85 yards for a pick six, getting them to within 12 points in third quarter.

“We’re always looking to attack,” Besaw said. “An interception doesn’t mean anything. We’ll keep slinging it. In this offense, we will find ways to get Preston (White) back in a groove.”

Entering his senior season with 55 touchdown passes in 25 games, White’s first pass of the season was a 45-yard scoring strike to Kavon Collins — the first of four times the pair would hook up for touchdowns.

Last year that combination connected 69 times for over 1,000 yards – 15 of which went for touchdowns, with Collins setting school records for receptions and yards.

Collins finished with nine catches for 147 yards for Monterey, while Enobong Wirth gave the offense balance, quietly piling up 168 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown run.

“We have to play better as a team,” Besaw said. “That may mean you’re blocking for somebody. That’s just as important. I’m glad we came out and responded in the second half. But it still didn’t have that feeling tonight.”

Attention to detail will be preached in practice this week as the Toreadores gear up to host perennial CCS power Menlo-Atherton next Friday.

“I hope this was a learning experience,” Besaw said. “We stressed all week that Alisal was a tough team. We let them hang around. We let them back in the game. I hope we can overcome the mistakes next week.”

One the preseason favorites in the Mission Division North, the Trojans set a school record for wins last fall with 11 in playing in their first ever CCS title game before falling to eventual state champion Palma.

“We talked about how no team has won a championship in Week 1,” Estrada said. “During my senior season at Alisal, we got beat 48-0 by Palma and ended up winning the programs first league title. It’s a long season.”

What was frustrating for Estrada in his first game as a head coach was witnessing Monterey produced two touchdowns in the first minute without getting a hand on either player — including Kai Vaughns 85-yard kickoff return to open the game.

“Starting off a game with giving up a kickoff return, followed by a blown coverage is hard,” Estrada said. “We sputtered on offense. I know the score doesn’t reflect it. But I thought our defense played lights out.”

The Trojans defense set up Caleb Gabriel’s 2-yard touchdown run by recovering a fumble — one of three turnovers they created — in the second quarter. The defense accounted for the second touchdown with Durate pick six.

For all the flair in the opening minute of the game, it was the Toreadores defense that set the tone when Soakai Funaki recorded a tackle for a loss on the Alisal’s first offensive play.

With Funaki and Ahmond Willis roaming around as linebackers and Jayden Brown coming of the edge, the Trojans running game was grounded.

“We put them in bad positions,” Besaw said.

Snell shines as SF Giants rally for needed win. How much longer will he be here?

SAN FRANCISCO – It appears the dye has been cast in terms of the San Francisco Giants’ playoff hopes for this season.

The Giants had just 27 games left on the schedule going into their date with the Miami Marlins on Friday, and a just-completed 2-4 road trip left them 6½ games back of the National League’s third and final wild-card spot.

FanGraphs listed the Giants’ playoff chances at a less-than-robust 1.0% as they began a six-game homestand.

With that in mind, perhaps it’s time to start wondering which Giants players will be back in 2025, and that speculation probably has to start with two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.

Snell took the mound Friday for what figured to be one of his final starts of the season at Oracle Park. Looking to bounce back from his outing last Saturday in Seattle, in which he lasted just three innings, Snell struck out eight in seven innings before the Giants rallied for a 3-1 win over the Marlins before an announced crowd of 33,606.

With two outs and the bases loaded in the eighth inning, Matt Chapman doubled a belt-high slider from George Soriano to the left-center field wall, scoring all three baserunners.

Ryan Walker then came in the ninth and earned his fifth save of the season as the Giants won for the third time in the last eight games.

“Just trying to make sure that I could get to the fastball, but still try to cover the slider,” Chapman said. “Trying to battle, trying to put a ball in play, trying to just get a base hit and extend the inning.

“Obviously, (Soriano’s) got good stuff. As I got deeper into the count, I started seeing more pitches and started getting more comfortable, so I was luckily able to put a good swing on that last one.”

The Giants trailed 1-0 after David Hensley sent a 97-mph fastball from Snell into right field, scoring Derek Hill from third base in the seventh inning. The run ended Snell’s home scoreless inning streak at 30 1/3, the longest in Oracle Park history (since 2000).

“Just vintage Blake,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “It’s almost a shock when he gives up a run, especially with guys on base like that. He always seems to be able to pitch out of a jam.”

In the bottom of the eighth, Jerar Encarnacion singled and Mike Yastrzemski and Heliot Ramos both walked to load the bases with one out. Marlins reliever Mike Baumann struck out Michael Conforto, but after the pitching change, Chapman, who went 5-for-22 on the road trip, drove Soriano’s 1-2 offering.

Snell’s season has been the definition of up-and-down.

Before he went on the injured list with a groin strain in early June, Snell was 0-3 with a 9.51 ERA (25 earned runs in 23.2 innings), 31 strikeouts, and a 1.94 WHIP in six starts.

But in his last nine starts since returning from the IL on July 9, Snell, before Friday, was 2-0 with a 1.30 ERA (eight earned runs in 55.1 innings pitched), 75 strikeouts, and a 0.76 WHIP. Opposing batters have hit .111 over that span.

Snell figures to get at least four or five more starts this season if he stays healthy. Then it’ll come down to whether he wants to play out the final year of his contract with San Francisco, sign a longer-term deal with the Giants if one is available, or opt-out, become a free agent, and sign elsewhere.

The two-year, $62 million contract Snell signed with the Giants in March calls for him to make $38.5 million in 2025, with $15 million of that deferred to 2027 without interest.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported on Aug. 18 that Snell, who is represented by Scott Boras, is expected to opt out, something that Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi seemed to acknowledge in an August 16 interview on KNBR.

“His representation is known for taking things into the offseason,” Zaidi said on the ‘Tolbert and Copes’ show when asked if the Giants would be willing to extend Snell now. “That’s not a commentary or critique. It’s just the way it is. And I think he recognizes that there’s going to be a healthy market for his services.

“And we’ve got some young pitching, we’ve got other guys in the rotation, but everybody could use Blake Snell at the top of the rotation.”

Snell said he’s trying to stay focused on the present, as the Giants remained 6 1/2 games out of a playoff spot.

“I don’t think about it,” Snell said of the offseason. “I’m really big on where I’m at is where I’m at, and my feet are here, and I’m not going to look at what ifs or what could happen possibly. It doesn’t matter right now. It’s I’m here, we need to win, I love this team, and that’s all I’m focused on.”

Friday, Snell used his curveball and changeup to register five strikeouts in the first three innings. He and the Giants’ defense also stranded three runners in the first four innings.

After Otto Lopez led off the second inning with a single to left, Snell didn’t allow another hit until the top of the seventh inning when Hill also singled to left. Hill then stole second base, advanced to third on a Lopez flyout, and scored on a Hensley single to right for a 1-0 Marlins lead.

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The Giants, who scored 20 runs on their six-game trip, were stymied by Marlins right-handed starter Adam Oller, who struck out eight and allowed just two hits over six innings. The Giants struck out 11 times in total.

The Giants have had their issues with opposing starting pitchers in recent games.

“I think, really, we try too hard sometimes,” Melvin said when asked about his team’s issues with opposing starting pitchers in recent games. “We try to be patient, we try to be aggressive. Kind of get caught in the middle a little bit sometimes. We’re striking out.

“Some of them are called, some are swinging. So we’re kind of caught in the middle of how aggressive we need to be, but hopefully hit like that (Chapman’s) jump start us.”

NOTE: Melvin announced after the game that Mason Black will start Saturday’s game.

SF Giants outright struggling infielder to Triple-A Sacramento

SAN FRANCISCO – Two days after placing Thairo Estrada on waivers, the San Francisco Giants outrighted the struggling second baseman to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, possibly signaling that the veteran’s time in the organization will end after this season.

The Giants, in other transactions ahead of their series-opening game against the Miami Marlins, also recalled infielder/outfielder Brett Wisely from Triple-A and placed left-handed reliever Tyler Matzek on unconditional relief waivers.

Estrada, after going 2-for-15 with one RBI and four strikeouts in his last four games before Friday, was hitting just .217 with a .590 OPS in 96 games this season — well off the pace he set last year when he hit .271 with a .731 OPS in 120 games.

But injuries have played a role in Estrada’s struggles.

Estrada dealt with a bruise on his right hand in June, then had a left wrist sprain that cost him nine games from June 28 to July 9. He then missed 20 more Giants games from July 26 to Aug. 18, dealing with the same ailment. Estrada then played five rehab games in Triple-A Sacramento earlier this month before he rejoined the big club.

The Giants entered Friday 6 1/2 games back of the Atlanta Braves for the National League’s third and final wild card spot with just 27 games left. Giants manager Bob Melvin said that sending Estrada down was as much, or perhaps more, about giving other players a look as it was Estrada’s on-field performance.

“Look, he had a tough road this year with his hand and wrist, and he didn’t perform the way he has in the past since we brought him back,” Melvin said. “I think it’s more now about trying to get some guys some opportunities and the fact that maybe the performance wasn’t there.

“It’s tough not to love Thairo. He’s a great guy. He plays hard every day, never makes excuses. He’s been a great Giant. Unfortunately, it was the decision that we made.”

Estrada was a mostly solid contributor for the Giants since they purchased his contract from the New York Yankees in April 2021. In 312 games with the big league club from 2021-23, Estrada provided steady defense and hit .266 with a .736 OPS, adding 35 homers and 133 RBIs.

Estrada’s success in 2023 resulted in a one-year, $4.7 million deal with the Giants in January as the two sides avoided arbitration. Estrada, 28, is eligible for salary arbitration for the next two years and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

If Estrada had been claimed off waivers earlier in the week, that team would have simply paid him whatever he’s still owed for the season.

“That’s something that I just can’t control,” Estrada said in Milwaukee after being placed on waivers earlier this week. “It’s part of the game, but the one thing I can control is just go out there again and play as hard as I can and try to get my team some wins.”

Wisely was in the Giants’ clubhouse Friday but Melvin started Casey Schmitt at second base against the Marlins.

With Estrada out, Melvin couldn’t say whether Marco Luciano would rejoin the Giants once rosters expand next month, saying he and the team’s front office have not yet discussed that possibility. Luciano, who has played 45 games for the Giants this season, was reassigned to Triple-A on Aug. 15 when the team brought up speedy outfielder Grant McCray.

Melvin also couldn’t say Friday whether Estrada will be back before the end of the regular season.

“I just know where we stand right now,” Melvin said. “We’re able to add one more (player to the roster) in September, and we’ll see where we go.”

Left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers, who was also placed on waivers this week but remains with the club, is in the second year of a three-year, $33 million deal he signed with the Giants in Dec. 2022. He’s owed $12 million in the final year of his contract in 2025.

The Giants acquired Matzek and Sabin Ceballos for Luke Jackson and Jorge Soler just ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline in July.

SATURDAY’S STARTER?: Right-hander Mason Black was back inside the Giants’ clubhouse before Friday’s game and is an option to start Saturday.

Melvin said the club wanted to wait until after Friday’s game before deciding what to do with Black, who made four appearances for San Francisco in May, going 0-1 with an 8.79 ERA in 14 1/3 innings, before he was sent back to Sacramento.

In four Triple-A starts in August, Black had a 2-1 record and a 2.91 ERA in 21 2/3 innings.

“We’ve seen him here some. Some good, some bad, and I think his performance here recently has been good,” Melvin said of Black, “so we’ll see where we go with it.”

Black said he tried to simplify things after he returned to Triple-A.

“I think I was just really overthinking things at first and trying to make it more complicated than it is,” Black said. “Just getting back to the basics is what really has helped.”

Board of Supervisors moves forward with strict short-term rental regulations

SALINAS >> The Monterey County Board of Supervisors this week voted to start amending the county code when it comes to short-term vacation rentals, including instituting a licensing fee of $965.

The amendments passed by a 3-2 margin at Tuesday’s meeting, clarifying what is considered a vacation rental and setting limits for maximum occupancy

The amendments will add stringent regulations for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas of Monterey County, and neighborhoods in Carmel Valley and Carmel Highlands will join Big Sur in virtually banning the short-term rentals from residential areas.

Supervisors Mary Adams, Glen Church and Wendy Root Askew were in the majority, while Supervisors Luis Alejo and Chris Lopez voted no. Lopez called the plan “unrealistic” and suggested that only millionaires and large corporations would benefit from the amendments.

The county defines a vacation rental as the use of residential property for transient lodging, where the term of occupancy is 30 days or fewer. The process is akin to an Airbnb reservation, but typically handled by a homeowner.

For years, residents have complained that short-term rentals are taking over available housing for the community and bringing in large groups of people who take up parking space and can often be noisy or disruptive in the evenings.

The housing issue has grown to where many of the short-term rental owners are large companies or out-of-state owners who have no connection to Monterey County.

Dozens of county residents attended Tuesday’s meeting and spoke during public comment. Most of the comments supported fewer short-term vacation rentals and more regulation from the county.

Several people hailing from Carmel Valley neighborhoods were also in attendance, claiming that they’ve seen the situation grow out of hand where there are multiple short-term rentals on a single road.

“When we moved here, we thought it was going to be a community not a commercial zone,” said Marlene Martin, from Carmel Valley and a member of the Carmel Valley Association. “This is not what we want. Let’s keep our neighborhoods for people, who desperately need affordable rentals.”

There is also a difference between a homestay, where the owner occupies at least one bedroom while the occupant stays; a limited vacation rental, where the space is not rented more than three times a year; and a commercial vacation rental, that is rented out more than three times a year. All of the vacation rental types require a vacation rental operational license, but commercial rentals also require a use permit or a coastal development permit.

These new regulations are mostly for unincorporated areas of Monterey County, and commercial rentals are not allowed in most of the county. Staff clarified that Pebble Beach would still be allowed to operate commercial rentals

Adams, who has championed the proposal for years, said she was “delighted by the outcome.”

Norteno gang member sentenced for Salinas double murder, assault

SALINAS – A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the double murder and assault of a young couple in Salinas three years ago, Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced Friday.

On Aug. 31, 2021, Mario Rodriguez, a Norteno criminal street gang member, shot and killed the two on E. Bernal Drive in Salinas. The evidence showed Rodriguez and several other Norteno gang members were in the area believing it to be rival Sureno criminal street gang territory where they might find an enemy to target; instead, Rodriguez and others recklessly targeted and killed a couple with no affiliation to the Sureno gang according to the DA. Rodriguez personally shot and killed both victims.

On March 17, 2024, while in custody, Rodriguez attacked several deputies in the Monterey County jail. The evidence showed Rodriguez and several other Norteno gang members attacked deputies as they tried to enforce rules prohibiting the possession of tattoo equipment in the facility. While others involved punched and kicked the deputies, Rodriguez seized one deputy’s baton, striking him with it multiple times.

Rodriguez pled guilty to two counts of murder and admitted personally discharging a firearm causing death with the intent to benefit the Norteno criminal street gang. He also pled guilty to two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer. Judge Rafael Vazquez sentenced Rodriguez to 50 years to life in state prison.

These cases were investigated by Salinas Police Detective Alejandro Zamora and Monterey Sheriff’s Office Detectives Christian Zarate and Jesus Reyes.

Home on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links sells for record $45M

PEBBLE BEACH – The sale of a home in Pebble Beach with million-dollar views marks the highest sale in Monterey County history at $45 million.

Tim Allen of the Tim Allen Properties Team, affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty in Northern California, represented the sellers in the closing on Aug. 26 for the property at 1544 Cypress Dr., in Pebble Beach.

“We are delighted that we could orchestrate a successful discreet marketing and sale of our client’s estate, one of only five prestigious homes located on the 18th hole of this iconic golf course,” said Allen. “The allure of unparalleled amenities and spectacular ocean views awaiting the new owners has propelled this closing to an all-time record high for Monterey County home sales. We extend our warmest wishes to the new owners as they enjoy their awe-inspiring modern home in this beautiful location.”

The home was designed by architect Robert Griffin and includes about 10,500 square feet of living space with five bedrooms, six full- and four half-bathrooms on approximately 1.78 acres of manicured and private grounds adjacent to the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links.

It is one of only five homes built near the 18-fairway and is also close to the Pebble Beach Resort and Beach Club with some of the most iconic views of the storied golf course, scenic surroundings, and the Pacific Ocean.

Griffin Architects, P.A., located in Asheville, North Carolina, has grown from a private practice founded in 1979 to a full-service architectural firm, according to its website. It is experienced in single and multi-family custom residential designs, as well as commercial developments, environmental design, community planning, and historic preservation. The architectural firm says it works with clients on a personal level and feels it is the client’s input that makes a project successful.

The previous owner of the home on Cypress Drive in Pebble Beach was former San Diego Padres owner John Moores, according to The Real Deal, a real estate news site. Moores bought the property with his then-wife Rebecca in 1994 for $7 million. That same year, the Texas-born software company founder and venture capitalist bought the San Diego Padres baseball team.

The new owner is WhiteApple DE LLC, according to public records, and The Real Deal said that it was not on the multiple listing service, or MLS, database, but instead sold off-market.

The Pebble Beach home at 1544 Cypress Drive has set a new sales price record, one that was previously held by the sale of the DL James House in the Carmel Highlands that was sold to Brad Pitt in August 2022 for $40 million.

Pitt bought the house that sits on a cliff-side perch high above the ocean in an off-market purchase that was said at the time to be one of the priciest sales in one of the most sought-after locations in the country.

15 must-read romance novels to love as summer ends

You’re just a reader, standing in front of a bookshelf, asking it to tell you what to read.

Luckily, it has answers — or at least we do. The last days of summer are the perfect time to check out a romantic comedy, whether on a still-warm (for now) beach or at a coffee house where you might just experience your own meet cute. 

SEE ALSO: Sign up for our free Book Pages newsletter about bestsellers, authors and more

We compiled a list of novels that are either out now or coming soon — but we needed a little help, so we turned (once again) to Leah Koch, the co-founder and co-owner of The Ripped Bodice, the romance bookstore in Culver City (and Brooklyn). Read on to discover a list of our, and Leah’s, picks for light-hearted rom-coms to get lost in this summer (or, if you prefer, in the wintry holidays).

We hope they’ll complete you.

“The Bump,” Sidney Karger

Love goes on the road in this rom-com from “Best Men” author Karger. In his latest, TC commercial director Wyatt and his partner, actor-turned-journalist Biz, decide to drive a ‘92 Volkswagen from Brooklyn to California to pick up their baby, who is being delivered via a surrogate. Things get … well, bumpy.

“Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream,” Tehlor Kay Mejia

“A heartwarming Queer romance set in a tight-knit small-town community, where long-time friends navigate the transition from friends to lovers, all while on a quest to save their bar,” says Koch of one of her summer favorites.

“The Design of Us,” Sajni Patel

Bhanu is sunny. Sunny, despite his name, is not. The two tech co-workers have opposite temperaments, and do not get along at all — but they’re forced to pretend to be lovers thanks to Bhanu’s impulsive lie when the two encounter each other in Hawaii. This is an enemies-to-lovers story with a tropical twist.

“Everyone I Kissed Since You Got Famous,” Mae Marvel

Leah Koch describes this novel as a Queer love story about childhood friends, one of whom is now a famous actress. She says of the author, “Marvel’s great writing brings to life the irresistible chemistry between characters, making it a must-read rom-com for the season.”

“The Friend Zone Experiment,” Zen Cho

Renee Goh seems to have it all — her own women’s clothing company in London and a pop-star boyfriend. After she gets dumped, her father offers her the chance to run the family business in Singapore, but there’s a complication — she reconnects with her college boyfriend, Ket Siong, throwing her future into doubt. 

“Hot Summer,” Elle Everhart

“Wanderlust” author Everhart’s latest follows Cas, who finds herself a contestant on a British reality dating show. She wants to win the series in order to gain a promotion at work, but her plans go awry when she falls for Ada, a contestant who pines for a real relationship.

“Just Some Stupid Love Story,” Katelyn Doyle

The latest from L.A. writer Doyle (who writes historical romances under the name Scarlett Peckham) is a meta-rom-com: It tells the story of Molly, a rom-com screenwriter who thinks love is actually a sham, but might have to change her mind after she reconnects with her high-school boyfriend. 

“Lavash at First Sight,” Taleen Voskuni

The second novel by San Francisco author Voskuni follows Ellie and Vanya, two Armenian American women from rival Bay Area families who can’t help but be drawn to each other. Expect some mouth-watering food content in this one.

“Let the Games Begin,” Rufaro Faith Mazarura

The games might be over, but you don’t need to let go of your Olympics fever just yet. Mazarura’s debut follows two strangers who (literally) run into each other at the summer games: Olivia, an ambitious intern, and Zeke, a star runner for Great Britain’s team. Talk about carrying torches.

“The Lost Story,” Meg Shaffer

“A fairy tale for grown-ups!” raves Koch. “Inspired by C.S. Lewis’s ‘The Chronicles of Narnia,’ best friends Jeremy and Rafe, once lost in a magical realm, must confront their mysterious past to help vet tech Emilie find her missing sister, with Schaffer’s masterful storytelling weaving together enchantment and adventure.

“Miranda in Retrograde,” Lauren Layne

The latest from “Made in Manhattan” author Layne focuses on the title character, a young physics professor who, after losing out on a promotion, decides to spend a year following her horoscope. She ends up meeting two intriguing men — but which one do the stars think she’s fated for?

“Name Your Price,” Holly James

In the latest from Southern California author James, a public fight between actor Chuck and Hollywood scion Olivia leads to the couple’s breakup — and lands them on a reality show where they’ll have to live with each other for a month for the chance to get a million dollars each. Of course, there’s a twist: they’re not allowed to touch each other, and the house only has one bed. 

“The Royals Upstairs,” Karina Halle (out Sept. 10)

Prolific author Halle, who lives in L.A. and Canada, returns with a rom-com about James, who takes a job as a protection officer for a Norwegian prince, only to find that the nanny for the royal children is his ex-girlfriend. Sparks fly, even in frigid Scandinavia.

“Sunshine and Spice,” Aurora Palit (out Sept. 10)

Palit’s debut novel follows brand consultant Naomi, who agrees to fake-date Dev, whose mother is desperate for him to get married as soon as humanly possible. It doesn’t take long for the faux couple to realize they have actual feelings for each other.

“The Truth According to Ember,” Danica Nava

The debut novel from Southern California-based author Nava follows a Chickasaw woman who pretends to be White in order to score an accounting job. She meets and falls for a fellow Native coworker, Danuwoa, but their employer forbids intra-office dating — which sets the pair up nicely for a blackmailing colleague. 

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Horoscopes Aug. 30, 2024: Lisa Ling, don’t allow others to waste your time

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Andy Roddick, 42; Lisa Ling, 51; Cameron Diaz, 52; Michael Chiklis, 61.

Happy Birthday: Be true to yourself and stick to a budget. If you focus on your goals, have faith in what you can accomplish. Don’t allow others to waste your time by coercing you to commit to something that will enrich their lives more than yours. Fend for yourself, and don’t feel guilty going after your dreams. It’s your life, so write the script and play the lead role. Your numbers are 7, 15, 21, 26, 29, 34, 42.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Buy into something that makes you money, not takes your money. Learn something new, express what you want to pursue and socialize with people already heading in the direction you want to go. Embrace life, love and adventure, and become a part of something you care about. 5 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Look for someone who motivates you or for activities that rejuvenate you. Address domestic or emotional issues that require nurturing, an overhaul or a departure from your current situation. Don’t quibble over what’s impossible. Size up situations and do what’s necessary to achieve peace and happiness. 2 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Try something new; a challenge will exhilarate you, and a change of scenery will point you in a new direction. Attend social events or contact someone you want to get to know better. Love, self-improvement and personal growth are favored, but you must first start the process. 4 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Let your intuition guide you. When in doubt, wait until you feel confident you are doing what’s best for you. Refuse to let hype or people pressure you to do something that leaves you feeling stressed and anxious. A creative outlet will ease your mind. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): An innovative approach to learning, exploring and changing your lifestyle will spark your imagination and encourage you to try something new and exciting. The people you meet and the information you gather will help transform what you already have going for you into something prosperous and impressive. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A change will give you renewed hope and motivate you to initiate your plans. Get involved in something you enjoy doing, and you’ll figure out how to bring in extra cash. Believe in yourself and refuse to let anyone discourage you from pursuing your dreams. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Channel your energy into something that helps transform what you don’t like or enjoy into something that energizes you. A change that comes from the heart will prompt you to be innovative and to use your imagination to outmaneuver anyone who stands between you and your desires. 2 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Consider your options from beginning to end and get a broader picture of the possibilities. A change may be inviting, but your reasoning must be valid to pursue something you cannot afford. Do the research and map out a long-term plan that suits your budget. 5 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Up your game, look your best and present what you can contribute. An opening will supercharge your imagination and give you the charisma to charm your way past anyone who questions your validity. Refrain from scrimping when it comes to presentation or proving your worth. Romance is in the stars. 5 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may think you know what you want, but you are better off taking a pass until you look at the logistics and costs involved. Focus on lowering stress and sticking to the people and pastimes you can count on to look out for your best interests. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Follow your heart and set expectations that motivate you to engage in activities conducive to reaching your dreams. Play an active role in what unfolds, leave nothing to chance and don’t hesitate to change your mind if necessary. Control the outcome; be a survivor, not a victim. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t let anger take over when success is the best revenge. Keep your life simple, your expenses within reason and your mindset on what gives you the edge you need to reach your goal. Discipline and hard work are necessary; don’t give anyone else jurisdiction over the outcome. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are invigorating, mindful and deliberate. You are heartfelt and original.

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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High School football: Rees’ three touchdowns lifts Carmel past Christopher

GILROY — The arguments will rage on why Carmel isn’t in the Gabilan Division this fall. Its season opener Friday won’t defuse those debates anytime soon.

One game isn’t going to dictate a season. Yet, before the word ‘over raided’ floods social media, Thursday’s opponent was a Central Coast Section Division II finalist last fall.

Owners of 12 consecutive regular season wins coming into their season opener, the Padres recovered from an 11-point second half deficit, then used a late defense stand for a 35-31 win over host Christopher.

“It’s about staying focused,” said Carmel receiver Ashton Rees, who celebrated his 18th birthday with three touchdown runs. “We all had to get better and push through and play as one. That’s how we practice. We try and stay ready for any circumstance.”

Both teams are coming off 10 win seasons, in which each had their seasons cut short in the Division II playoffs last fall by eventual State Division 4AA champion Soquel.

“We exposed ourselves to a team that’s pretty good,” Carmel coach Golden Anderson said. “You learn a lot, what you need to work on when you look at it critically. We’ll regroup tomorrow. We saw where we can get better.”

With the changes in the CCS playoff format this season, Carmel can’t be pushed any higher than in Division III this year because it’s a ‘B’ league team, playing in the Mission Division South.

The Padres last regular season loss came on October 21 of 2022 against Seaside, who they host next Saturday. Since then, they have averaged 40 points a game during their 13-game winning streak, scoring 50 or more points five times.

“You want to face teams that identify your weaknesses,” Anderson said. “But these are really physical games. We will see what we look like in the morning. The tradeoff with this is we’re exposing our JV’s to this. We don’t stake up against these teams as well.”

A much-maligned defense over the years rose to the occasion in the final two minutes when Alabama bound Jackson Lloyd created havoc with a fierce pass rush that forced an errant throw on fourth down in the red zone with under 50 seconds remaining.

A four-star recruit as an offensive tackle, the 6-foot-7, 285-pound Jackson might be one of the faster linemen in the section as he chased down the quarterback.

“Jackson put some pressure on the last play,” Anderson said. “He flushed him out of the pocket and forced a desperation throw. We got pressure on the four plays after they got inside the 15-yard line.”

Having given up 20 straight points during a stretch of eight minutes, Carmel’s defense held the Cougars to eight points over the final 20 minutes of the second half.

Rees, who had two touchdown runs earlier in the game, gave Carmel the lead for good in the fourth quarter when he took a direct snap out of the ‘wildcat’ and sprinted 55 yards for a touchdown — his third of the game.

“I actually fumbled the snap,” Rees said. “I ended up reversing and going to my right. I made a move and saw nothing but grass. I just took off and ran.”

While listed as a receiver, Rees spent time as a tailback in short yardage situations last year for Carmel, rushing for 15 touchdowns during the regular season.

“He (Anderson) can put me anywhere,” said Rees, who also starts in the secondary. “I will do what he needs me to do. As of now, I’m going with the flow.”

The Padres showed off their aerial game on their opening possession when senior quarterback Hudson Rutherford connected with Ty Arnold on a 33-yard scoring toss. He later added a 2-yard scoring strike to Brooklyn Ashe.

“Having a quarterback with experience allows us to put together a schedule like this,” said Anderson, who also has North Coast Section champion Miramonte and Monterey on its non-league schedule.

The reigning Mission Division South champions opened up a 14-3 lead in the second quarter before Christopher scored 20 straight points to take its first lead of the game in the third quarter.

Mistakes cost Padres when a 79-yard kickoff return and a 60-yard run for a touchdown were called back because of penalties.

“We didn’t hang our heads,” Anderson said. “We failed on a fourth and goal attempt. We tried a fake punt. We wanted to put them pressure situations. That’s the stuff we have to be prepared for. What stood out is how connected we were in the fourth quarter.”

Contributions came from throughout Anderson’s roster, as players that didn’t take a snap in the first half, were making an impact in the second half on both sides of the ball.

“Some of these kids were playing their first varsity game and didn’t come in until the second half,” Anderson said. “We rotated and tried to keep them fresh. Our conditioning needs a little work. We wanted to keep the tempo up on offense.”

Gonzales 14, Rancho San Juan 0: The road is where the Spartans will spend their season this fall as renovations on their stadium and football field won’t be complete before 2025.

If Thursday’s opener was any indication, Gonzales is using it as motivation as its defense pitched a shutout in posting its first season opening win in six years.

“I think we’re prepared for it,” Gonzales coach Eddy Ramirez said. “Our schedule keeps changing. What we need to focus on is just playing our game. It doesn’t matter who is in front of us. Focus on getting better.”

Gonzales, who has improved in the win column three straight years since returning from the pandemic, turned to its defense to set up its first touchdown when Juan Arreola intercepted a pass.

On their ensuing drive, the Spartans broke up a scoreless battle in the second quarter when Ely Cisneros ripped off a 24 yard touchdown run and added a two-point conversation for an 8-0 lead.

“We don’t have a place to practice our field goals because we don’t have a goal post,” Ramirez said. “So, we’re going to go for two most of the year. We have a kicker. We’re a soccer town. We might have to figure something out.”

Gonzales tacked on a touchdown in the third quarter when Ray Blanco connected with Alejandro Anguiano on a 14-yard reception to give them a 14-0 cushion with 2:24 left.

“Our offense showed flashes,” Ramirez said. “But our defense set the tone and kept us in the game. The defense created some turnovers and that was the difference.”

Kurtenbach: Brandon Aiyuk won. Now it’s the 49ers’ turn

It was messy, ugly, and downright bizarre, but for Brandon Aiyuk, it was all worth it.

He’s a very, very rich man, now.

The 49ers’ wide receiver, after six months of strange contract negotiations that featured both a hold-in and, eventually, a hold-out, agreed to a four-year deal worth a whopping $120 million on Thursday.

He won. It’s as simple as that.

And now the big question: Can the 49ers win, too?

Overpay? Underpay? That will be decided in the not-too-distant future. Aiyuk wanted to be paid like a top wide receiver, and anything less than that level of play simply won’t do.

And anything less than a Super Bowl win simply won’t do for the Niners.

Frankly, I’m surprised the Niners paid at all. With the market for wide receivers exploding this offseason, a few days ago, it looked as if Aiyuk’s days in a 49ers uniform were numbered. Aiyuk’s demands were too high, and there was only so much money to go around to a team loaded with star players. He was going to be the odd man out.

But San Francisco did pay — handsomely — and can chalk up that nearly 25 percent mark-up from the team’s original contract offer to Aiyuk this spring to the cost of doing business.

Or call it a Super Bowl tax, if you must.

The fact remains that Aiyuk is worth what he just landed from the Niners, to the extent that any receiver in football is worth that kind of cash. San Francisco and Aiyuk know the receiver’s market value because they let him shop himself in that market a few weeks ago, and other teams were more than willing to meet the receiver’s contractual demands.

Ultimately, though, Aiyuk wasn’t interested in playing for the Patriots or Browns. He wanted to be a Niner (or a Steeler, I suppose.)

He wanted to win and be paid. To have his cake and eat it, too.

He can afford a whole bunch of cake now.

What does this all mean for the Niners?

It means they have Brock Purdy’s favorite pass-catching target under contract, long-term. Ignore the cost for a moment — that’s a good thing if you’re trying to win games.

On the flip side, Aiyuk’s new deal paired with Purdy’s new contract, which is expected to cost the team more than $55 million per year when it’s signed after this season, likely means an era of austerity is coming for the rest of the Niners roster.

There’s a reason Aiyuk (and Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams) pushed so hard to be paid this summer — there won’t be much, if any money left for the rest of the team next summer.

As such, these will likely be the final years of Deebo Samuel and Charvarious Ward’s 49ers careers. Deommodore Lenoir might have been priced out of Santa Clara, too.

That won’t blindside the Niners. Those calculations were priced in when they put this contract in front of Aiyuk.

The end result needs no translation: The Niners are all-in on winning a Super Bowl this season.

Well, almost all in. They still need to sign Williams, their star left tackle, to a new contract if they are to pull him out of his semi-retirement in Texas.

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But the precedent has been set, and it shouldn’t be applied selectively now.

They paid Aiyuk. It’s time to pay Williams, too.

Once this team is able to put this messy, unbecoming offseason behind it, it might find itself on a straight path to New Orleans and Super Bowl LIX.

These are the 49ers, after all. Salary cap numbers are interesting for dorks like me, but ultimately, the only number that matters for this team is how many Lombardi Trophies are in the case at the team facility.

And if the Niners have six of them come February, the ends will justify the means.