Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 43

Horoscopes Aug. 17, 2025: Austin Butler, be wild, open and free

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Austin Butler, 34; Tammy Townsend, 55; Donnie Wahlberg, 56; Robert De Niro, 82.

Happy Birthday: Be wild, open and free. Participate in events that are meaningful to you. What you are willing to give will lead to rewards and personal satisfaction. An emotional encounter can change your perspective and help you determine the best course of action to move forward. It’s time to shine and show your attributes openly; you’ll make a lasting impression on those who can help you reach your goal. Your numbers are 6, 17, 24, 27, 31, 36, 44.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Social events will be informative and energizing, helping you look and feel great. Engage in activities that encourage improved health and well-being. Gather information and choose a fitness plan that suits your schedule and helps you build strength, stamina and confidence. Working out with someone you love will bring you closer together. 4 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Talks will lead to trouble, and doing something without consent will backfire. Make sure you have everything in order, do things by the book and let precision guide you toward a result built on integrity, fair play, facts and the support of those your choices will affect. Change is good when handled with care. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Keep moving. Having downtime can be nice, but it will not be advantageous. Having too much time on your hands can lead to discord, indulgent behavior and a lack of continuity when interacting with others. Don’t leave yourself open for criticism or blame others for your shortcomings. Do something that makes you feel proud and accomplished. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take a closer look at how you live, your finances, your responsibilities and what you can do to lighten your load. Stress the importance of time management, reducing your overhead and utilizing your skills to your advantage or in new and exciting ways. Choose to elevate your quality of life by managing your time effectively. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Keep an open mind and heart and offer a kind word of encouragement, and everything you require to satisfy your needs will unfold around you. Engage in what’s happening in your vicinity and provide your expertise to those in need of support or a friendly gesture, and something good will transpire. 4 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep what you are working on to yourself. Interference and emotional duress can confuse you, so it’s essential to distance yourself from influences that may lead to embarrassing actions. Devote more time and effort to supporting a cause that makes you feel good about yourself. Choose peace and love over chaos and discord. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Put your energy into building your resources and packing your brain with knowledge that encourages others to listen and contribute to your plans. Reconfigure your space, lifestyle or plans, and engage in the act of turning your expectations into something concrete. Protect against excess health risks and injuries. 5 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Pay attention to how you look and present yourself. Travel, attend reunions or participate in learning expeditions that offer insight into something you want to incorporate into your daily routine. Let your gestures be a testament to how much you love someone. Less talk and more action will pave the way to a brighter future. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Make money and investments and maintain your focus. An innovative approach will enable you to increase your earning power by prompting you to make professional changes that utilize your skills and help you grow your interests and reputation. A business or personal partnership looks promising; however, keeping your assets separate is in your best interest. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A positive attitude will help ward off anyone trying to negate opposition or dismantle your plans. If you look on the bright side and engage in kind gestures while surrounding yourself with loved ones, you’ll build a strong defense against anyone who gets in your way. Make personal improvements, love and romance your objectives. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pay attention to money, health and contractual matters. By doing your due diligence, you will make better choices and come out ahead. Making a change at home can significantly impact your monthly expenses and encourage you to dedicate more time and effort to simplifying your life. Open your doors to those who bolster your imagination. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You’ll be prone to attending events and talking to people that lead you astray. Being too trusting will lead to indecisiveness and setbacks. Question everyone and everything, and rely on facts, not hearsay, before making a costly decision. Pay attention to detail and self-improvement and spending time with those who motivate you. Romance is in the stars. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are inspiring, helpful and engaging. You are clever and interactive.

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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Vintage Verlander not enough for SF Giants vs. Rays in seventh straight loss

SAN FRANCISCO — The all-time strikeout leaderboard is about as meaningful as any scoreboard these days in the world of the San Francisco Giants, at least every fifth day when Justin Verlander takes the ball.

No wonder, then, why fans slowly rose from their seats and the Giants’ second game of their series against the Rays briefly paused after the first out of the top of the fifth Saturday night. Verlander, in vintage form, pinpointed a breaking ball that froze Ha-Seong Kim for strike three — his seventh punchout of the night and the 3,510th of his career.

The future Hall of Famer — along with 35,070 in attendance — thought he had passed Walter Johnson for ninth place all-time.

“I knew I was close to ninth, so I figured that was it,” Verlander said.

The strikeout, it turned out, was merely one of 21 outs Verlander recorded in his deepest and strongest start of the season. He didn’t allow a run, limited Tampa Bay to just two hits and needed only 88 pitches to complete seven innings while finishing with eight strikeouts.

It still wasn’t enough to end the Giants’ malaise at Oracle Park or reverse Verlander’s season-long misfortunes.

An RBI single from Christian Koss in the sixth inning amounted to the Giants’ only run, and their bullpen coughed up another lead in a 2-1 loss to the Rays. It was the sixth time in 21 starts Verlander has walked off the mound in line for a win only to be saddled with a no-decision in a loss.

“Literally a hard-luck pitcher this year,” manager Bob Melvin said.

San Francisco Giants third baseman Christian Koss (50) connects for an RBI single in the sixth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Koss drove home Willy Adames to give the Giants a 1-0 lead heading to the top of the seventh, which Verlander breezed through on seven pitches. He was in line for his second win of the season when Jose Butto took over to start the eighth.

Butto retired the first two hitters he faced but hit the No. 9 batter, catcher Nick Fortes, and wouldn’t complete the inning. A pair of hits followed the hit batsman, tying the game on a single from Yandy Diaz, and Butto’s replacement, Matt Gage, surrendered the go-ahead knock to the first batter he faced, Brandon Lowe.

Jung Hoo Lee singled to lead off the bottom of the ninth and stole second with two outs, but Wilmer Flores went down swinging as a pinch-hitter for the final out.

Melvin said there wasn’t much consideration in pushing Verlander even further past his previous season-high of 6⅓ innings. He hadn’t completed six innings since before the All-Star break and had pitched into the seventh inning just four times, last on June 29.

“He did his job,” Melvin said. “… You have two out and nobody on in the eighth (holding a 1-0 lead) and you can’t finish it off, it’s pretty frustrating.”

The loss was the Giants’ seventh in a row and their 15th in their past 16 overall at Oracle Park, dating back to July 11. The skid is a new season-long, surpassing two previous six-game losing streaks — all of which have come since the calendar turned to July.

The Giants’ season has turned as Verlander has pitched the best he has all year. In four of his past five starts, he has limited opponents to one or zero runs. On Saturday, he set a season-high in innings and finished one away from his personal-best this year in strikeouts.

“I look at the velo on the fastball and the shapes on all my pitches and I know that stuff-wise, it’s pretty damn close if not identical to three years ago when I won the Cy Young,” Verlander said, crediting an adjustment to his slider. “I feel like there’s just a really minute, small thing that needs to be adjusted and then you go from there. I hope this is that. I know today was, by far, the most at-ease I’ve felt on the mound.”

Only thing is, he would have needed five more strikeouts to pass Johnson.

After getting Kim looking on a perfectly placed 0-2 sweeper, a message flashed across the jumbotron in center field congratulating Verlander on his latest milestone. According to most public record books, including those kept by Baseball-Reference and MLB.com, the freeze job elevated the 42-year-old past Johnson and into sole possession of ninth place among the all-time strikeout leaders.

Related Articles SF Giants expect Casey Schmitt to avoid injured list after HBP SF Giants’ losing streak hits six games with loss to Rays SF Giants’ Chapman lands on injured list, Roupp returns to rotation SF Giants fans react to team’s nosedive: ‘It wasn’t a bad season, but I’m looking forward to next year’ Without Yastrzemski, SF Giants try to find what future holds in right field

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, however, Johnson, who debuted in 1907 and threw his last pitch in 1927, is credited with 3,515 career strikeouts, which the Giants and MLB consider to be the official record. Verlander sits at 3,511.

“What do you mean?” Verlander said when informed of the discrepancy. “I guess the guy keeping track back then by hand … Sheesh. All right. Wow. That’s crazy. I had no idea. That’s funny. … I guess I’m in limbo.”

The history won’t be lost on Verlander — when the time comes.

“Every pitcher who’s picked up a baseball, who’s played for a significant amount of time, knows who Walter Johnson is,” Verlander said. “You grow up a fan of the game, there’s just these names that come up and they’re like, ‘OK you just passed so-and-so.’ And I’m like, ‘I did what? Who? That guy’s a frickin legend.”

A milestone almost a century old proved to be as elusive as a home win for the Giants, who were held to fewer than three runs for the 13th time in their past 16 home games. They had been 0-12 in such games but, thanks to Verlander, seemed to be in line to break their streak.

“We’ve got to do a better job offensively and give him a little more support,” Melvin said. “That’s been an issue here for a while.”

Notable

RHP Keaton Winn made his season debut in the ninth inning, pitching around a leadoff single to record a scoreless inning. The 27-year-old had been slowed by offseason elbow surgery and a separate shoulder injury that sidelined him for three months this summer at Triple-A Sacramento.

Up next

RHP Logan Webb (10-9, 3.34) starts the series finale against RHP Ryan Pepiot (8-9, 3.86). First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays in the fifth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe (8) fails to catch a fly ball hit by San Francisco Giants’ Rafael Devers (16) in the first inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (2) kneels at the entrance of the dugout as he watches the Tampa Bay Rays celebrate their win after their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the San Francisco Giants 2-1. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)Tampa Bay Rays’ Ha-Seong Kim (7) reacts after being thrown out at third base as San Francisco Giants third baseman Christian Koss (50) stands above him in the ninth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the San Francisco Giants 2-1. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Grant McCray (58) stands dejected in the dugout after their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the San Francisco Giants 2-1. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Tom Karwin, On Gardening | Arranging succulent plants

Cream spike agave (Agave applanata ‘Cream Spike’). This small agave, a native of Mexico, has variegated olive green leaves with cream-colored margins and dark brown spines. This cultivar has an unclear origin, a striking appearance as a garden highlight, and produces a colony of pups. (Courtesy Tom Karwin)Bristly agave (Agave horrida). This Mexican Agave grows to 2 feet high and wide, forming symmetrical rosettes of dark green leaves with brown, often recurved, sharp teeth along the margins and a sharp terminal spine. In its native habitat, it’s known as ‘Mexcalmetl’ because its leaves can be boiled and eaten or baked to make an alcoholic beverage called Mexcalli. (Courtesy Tom Karwin)Chalk lettuce (Dudleya edulis). A native to Southern California and Baja California, this plant grows in rocky sandstone soils. The fleshy, snakelike leaves, called “fingertips,” grow vertically from just below ground level. The tips of the fingers often turn orange or red during the summer. This plant’s form contrasts with the rosettes of other succulent plants. (Courtesy Tom Karwin)Ruby houseleek (Sempervivum ‘Ruby’). This hardy succulent, a native of southern Europe, develops symmetrical, tight rosettes 8 inches wide and 6 inches tall, with year-round dark maroon coloration when grown in full sun. New leaves emerge greenish but soon redden. The name for the genus comes from the Latin words meaning “always” and “living,” referring to the long-living nature of these plants. (Courtesy Tom Karwin)Blue finger (Senecio mandraliscae). This South African succulent thrives in full sun, and grows 12 inches tall and 3 feet wide, with blue-gray pencil-like fleshy leaves. In summer, it develops small, dull white flowers. Its form resembles chalk lettuce (Dudleya edulis), and both might be included in a design emphasizing blue color tones. (Courtesy Tom Karwin)Show Caption1 of 5Cream spike agave (Agave applanata ‘Cream Spike’). This small agave, a native of Mexico, has variegated olive green leaves with cream-colored margins and dark brown spines. This cultivar has an unclear origin, a striking appearance as a garden highlight, and produces a colony of pups. (Courtesy Tom Karwin)Expand

In recent columns, we focused on switching two groups of species within the same genus: aeonium and mangave.

That project raised my interest in ways to group plants in the garden. Landscaping is an overly expansive topic for a newspaper column, so we will focus today’s column on alternative approaches to arranging succulent plants.

For context, review the succulent garden design essentials provided by Debra Lee Baldwin: tinyurl.com/y5zsv2sc.

In a future column, we will review these essentials for succulent garden design. These are good basic ideas, but plant arrangements should be included.

Today’s image gallery

This image gallery features succulent specimens from my garden, selected as individuals rather than groups for reference to different arrangement approaches.

Brief overview of succulent plants

Succulents are plants that can retain water in their leaves, stems or roots as a strategy to survive and develop during drought conditions. The succulence attribute distinguishes these plants from garden plants that require regular access to water for survival and growth.

Succulence is a horticultural concept, not a scientific category. When taxonomists (scientists) organize plants by their characteristics, they organize them by species, genus, family and order.

For a comprehensive view of these plants, browse en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Succulent_plant. Succulent plants occur in about 60 different plant families. The families or subfamilies in which most members are succulent are cactus (Cactaceae), agavoideae (subfamily of the Asparagaceae), fig-marigold (Aizoaceae) and stonecrop (Crassulaceae).

Horticulturists narrow the broad concept of succulent plants by separating two kinds of water-storing plants: cacti and geophytes.

Cacti (members of the Cactaceae plant family) are plants that have areoles, defining specialized structures from which spines, flowers and new shoots emerge.

Geophytes (members of 15 plant families) are plants that store moisture in an underground organ (bulb, corm, rhizome or tuber) to survive adverse seasons and resprout when conditions improve.

For today’s column, we exclude cacti and geophytes and focus on grouping other succulents.

Designs with mixed succulents

An internet search for residential gardens for succulent plants typically displays mixtures of plants, drawing on their range of forms, colors and sizes. For examples of such mixtures, search YouTube for “succulent garden designs,” “Debra Lee Baldwin” or “Design for Serenity.”

Gardens with mixed succulents work well in the Monterey Bay area and much of coastal California. Many gardeners find the plants attractive and easy to install, maintain and propagate.

Still, succulent garden designs that assemble a range of plants by size, form or color have randomness without a thematic goal.

Garden design depends on the gardener’s individual perspective, so this brief review of alternative approaches invites the reader’s preferences.

Grouping succulents by genus

In addition to the aeonium and mangave groups already mentioned, my garden includes more genus groups: agave, agapanthus, alstroemeria, rosa, salvia and perhaps others.

This approach yields advantages: common cultivation needs, the ability to compare species variations and the pursuit of a plant collection project.

Grouping succulents by origin

My garden includes two beds dedicated to succulent plants grouped by their origin: Mexico and South Africa. This grouping method yields plants with a common heritage, a well-defined garden bed and a selection criterion for adding plants as needed. It does not necessarily represent natural plant communities.

For gardeners interested in the geographic origins of plants, the World of Succulents website provides the native habitats for many succulent plants. To find plants in a selected nation, browse tinyurl.com/26y9j4pr.

For a garden organized by Mediterranean climate regions, the World of Succulents website will list succulent plants native to Australia, Chile, South Africa and each of the multiple nations around the Mediterranean Basin.

For succulent plants native to California, browse the iNaturalist website (tinyurl.com/4wcn8r9s), which lists 126 species, or the Calscape website (calscape.org), click on “Explore Native Plants” and select Plant Type: Succulent. The Calscape site lists 196 species.

Grouping succulents with other plants

Combining drought-tolerant succulents with plants that require regular moisture can succeed in the Monterey Bay area when the gardener emphasizes plants that need low irrigation.

I have oriented my garden to Mediterranean climate plants. The Chilean bed and the Australian bed both include a mix of succulent plants with other herbaceous specimens. This combination works well, in my view, because all the plants have a common geographic origin.

Mixing succulents with tropical plants could result in challenging irrigation activities.

Identify succulents by dormancy

Some succulents grow in the summer and become dormant in the winter. Familiar examples include aeonium, aloe, dudleya and haworthia.

Other succulents grow in the winter and become dormant in the summer. These include agave, echeveria, euphorbia and tillandsia.

The difference is important for appropriate care. Specifically, gardeners should repot their succulents during their growing periods, not during their dormancy.

For lists of winter growers and summer growers, browse tinyurl.com/5eeuph87.

This week in the garden

Consider grouping succulent plants in a thematic arrangement.

Enjoy your garden!

Tom Karwin is a past president of Friends of the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and the Monterey Bay Iris Society, a past president and lifetime member of the Monterey Bay Area Cactus and Succulent Society, a Lifetime UC Master Gardener (certified 1999-2009), past board member of the Santa Cruz Hostel Society and active with the Pacific Horticultural Society and other garden-related societies. To view photos from his garden, visit facebook.com/ongardeningcom-566511763375123. To review the archive of recent On Gardening columns, visit santacruzsentinel.com and search “Karwin.” Go to ongardening.com to review columns from 2012-2020 (and soon) from 2025. Send comments or questions by email to gardening@karwin.com.

SF Giants expect Casey Schmitt to avoid injured list after HBP

SAN FRANCISCO — Casey Schmitt was out of the lineup Saturday after leaving Friday night’s loss injured, but the Giants don’t expect to miss their starting second baseman for long.

“In the next day or two, I think we’ll have him (back),” manager Bob Melvin said.

Schmitt underwent X-rays after the game on Friday that came back clean. He was feeling “better than I thought he would be” than 24 hours later, Melvin said, leaving the team optimistic that the 26-year-old won’t require a second stint on the injured list this season from a hit by pitch.

Schmitt left the 7-6 loss in the eighth inning after a first-pitch fastball from Rays reliever Edwin Uceta ran inside and hit him on his right forearm. He was forced to miss two weeks before the All-Star break after a similar pitch from the Marlins’ Caleb Faucher got him on his left wrist.

“It looked pretty bad,” Melvin said of his initial reaction to the pitch. “He’s been hit there — the wrist, forearm — a couple times this year. … Hopefully Schmitt’s in there tomorrow or next day and it’s not too long.”

Melvin would surely love to be able to write Schmitt’s name on the lineup card Sunday if his health allows. The Rays are scheduled to start Ryan Pepiot, the former Dodger, whom Schmitt has faced twice and taken him deep both times.

In the meantime, the Giants went with their Opening Day second baseman, Tyler Fitzgerald, while Christian Koss occupied third base on the second day of Matt Chapman’s absence with inflammation in his right hand.

Related Articles Vintage Verlander not enough for SF Giants vs. Rays in seventh straight loss SF Giants’ losing streak hits six games with loss to Rays SF Giants’ Chapman lands on injured list, Roupp returns to rotation SF Giants fans react to team’s nosedive: ‘It wasn’t a bad season, but I’m looking forward to next year’ Without Yastrzemski, SF Giants try to find what future holds in right field

A third baseman by trade, Schmitt would offer the Giants a more natural fill-in for Chapman at third. Koss has held his own at all three infield positions he has been asked to play this season, but logged most of his time at second.

Koss, 27, reached base three times in Friday’s loss and is batting .265/.315/.381 in 51 games this season. Acquired from Boston in a minor-league trade before last season, he has made a strong impression with his versatility on defense and professional approach at the plate.

Fitzgerald, also 27, lost his starting job after struggling mightily to start the season and could find himself in competition with Koss next spring to become the Giants’ utilityman. Fitzgerald recently made his first start in right field, and the club has discussed the possibility of using Koss in the outfield, as well.

“To be able to come up here and done what he’s done, play different positions, hit in different spots in the lineup, and produce,” Melvin said of Koss. “Credit to a hard-working guy who’s got a big competitive streak in him.”

CLASSIC CAR WEEK PHOTOS: No sour taste in these lemons

The Mom Taxi, a 1984 Volvo 245 Wagon, was a labor of love by Karl Deardorff who wanted to re-create a car beloved by his mother. The name "Mom Taxi" stems from the idea of taking your mother on a roadtrip. Deardroff and his mother Claudio traveled from San Luis Obispo to participate in Concours d'Lemons. (Photo by Kyarra Harris/Monterey Herald)Chris Wollard from Tulsa, Oklahoma is awarded 'Worst of Show' for a vehicle he created himself called a Galaxy Glider which he jokingly says is from the year 2525. Wollard was awarded with a plaque, a used watch, and doused in silly string as a prize. (Photo by Kyarra Harris/Monterey Herald)'Worst of Show' winner Chris Wollard smiles covered in silly string with his "used" Timex watch. (Photo by Kyarra Harris/Monterey Herald)Guests took turns signing a 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo from Dodi Auto in Monterey. With an array of colors, the red vehicle was adorned with messages, names and doodles. (Photo by Kyarra Harris/Monterey Herald)A family takes photos inside a 1995 EZ Go, a golf cart, owned by George Krieger from Seaside. (Photo by Kyarra Harris/Monterey Herald)Concours d'Lemons founder Alan Galbraith (right) and head judge Tim Suddard moderated the award ceremony together, shelling out interesting facts about each car and interviewing the drivers. "Each year, I look forward to the stuff I've never seen before," Galbraith said. "I'm a bit of a automotive historian and there's always something new to see." (Photo by Kyarra Harris/Monterey Herald)Those who won awards during the show lined up for a mini parade on the Seaside City Hall lawn, with each driver sharing stories about how they came got the vehicle and what they loved about it.(Photo by Kyarra Harris/Monterey Herald)A 2012 Coda, one of 117 of it's kind sold exclusively in California by Coda Automotive. The owner, 29-year-old Nicky Ivy Santa Cruz, said he got the car off craigslist. "I like goofy things," Ivy said. "It's extremely unique, but nobody knows what it is." Ivy won the 'Driving on a Prayer' award. (Photo by Kyarra Harris/Monterey Herald)Whitney Weibel from Salinas took home the 'Slightly better than a go-kart' award for her 1992 Geo Metro with a horsepower of about 50. All of the day's rewardees were given wacky titles and gifts. (Photo by Kyarra Harris/Monterey Herald)Show Caption1 of 9The Mom Taxi, a 1984 Volvo 245 Wagon, was a labor of love by Karl Deardorff who wanted to re-create a car beloved by his mother. The name "Mom Taxi" stems from the idea of taking your mother on a roadtrip. Deardroff and his mother Claudio traveled from San Luis Obispo to participate in Concours d'Lemons. (Photo by Kyarra Harris/Monterey Herald)Expand

Kurtenbach: 49ers Studs and Duds — Purdy shows poise vs. Raiders, key draft pick confuses

There was a semblance of high-level football on display Saturday in Las Vegas, as the 49ers’ first team (down a good number of first-team players) took the field for the first time this season for a series (or two) against the Raiders.

And here, dear reader, I have to ask: Have you ever wanted a thousand words about preseason football?

Because if you do, I am ready to deliver with my studs, duds, and a special category of player from this contest:

STUDS

Brock Purdy – QB

» Down the team’s top three wide receivers? Patchwork offensive line? Backup to backup running backs?

No problem.

Purdy was in control and in rhythm in his preseason debut on Saturday, injecting a serious dose of confidence into a team that has had little to celebrate this preseason. The $265 Million Dollar Man looked like he was ready for the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, completing his first five passes while making plays with his feet on his only dive of the game.

Ricky Pearsall – WR

» He’s going to start the season as the Niners’ No. 1 receiver, despite being their fourth option in an ideal world where Brandon Aiyuk, DeMarcus Robinson, and Jauan Jennings are all available and in form in Week 1.

But Pearsall’s practice dominance translated onto the field against the Raiders on Saturday.

It’s clear that with a bit of practice (he missed most of training camp last year with injury and then returned from his gunshot wound mid-season, at the point where the Niners are barely practicing because of injuries), Pearsall has taken his game to another level. His routes are crisp and clever — his 14-yard catch to open his account, featuring a sharp stop on a dig route, was a veteran move.

He’s been the standout of training camp. He was the standout on Saturday.

Now the Niners should find a hotel room 100 miles away from any football field and keep him there until they fly to Seattle.

Isaiah Hodgins – WR

» It was hardly a standout performance, but Hodgins had a nice catch and a series of really solid blocking. When you’re someone who is fighting to make the roster and you are given an opportunity like Hodgins — possible No. 2 receiver (relatively) Jacob Cowing was held out of this game — this is how you make the most of it.

Russell Gage – WR

» Hodgins didn’t overtake Gage on the depth chart, though, as the former Falcon made an even nicer catch and delivered even better blocks. The 49ers are looking for their Chris Conley replacement — a dirty-work veteran who will always give you a good snap. Gage, finally healthy after two seasons, appears to be just that for this team.

Marques Sigle – S

» The rookie safety has been a revelation. He’s yet to truly be tested in pass coverage, but his ability to read plays, attack the ball with straight-line speed, and deliver a surprising amount of thump is exactly what separates the good from the great at the safety position. Ask Raiders linebacker Ashton Jeanty — the favorite to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors — about that. Sigle laid a solid hit on him in the open field. He followed that “pop” play with an even better tackle on former 49er Raheem Mostert on a screen.

As it stands today, Sigle should be starting in Week 1.

Trevis Gipson – DE

» The veteran defensive end made plays for a d-line that was merely trying to get through the game uninjured. Given the current state of the roster, Gipson’s positive performance might make general manager John Lynch’s job even more difficult than it already is come cut-down day.

Spencer Burford – LT

» Perfect? No. But Burford looked far better a week after a tough contest against the Broncos. I see no reason why he shouldn’t be the Niners’ swing tackle for Week 1.

DUDS

Nick Zakelj – LG

» The 49ers keep trotting him out there, hoping that today is the day he shows he’s worthy of serious snaps.

That day is yet to come.

Zakelj was pushed back again and again by a middling at best Raiders defensive line on Saturday.

It was a rough game for backup center Matt Hennessy as well. Rookie guard Connor Colby also had some truly rough snaps (as you’d expect from a rookie seventh-round pick).

I mention those other linemen only because right guard Dom Puni was rolled up on the Niners’ first field goal attempt of the game and was ruled out of the game with a knee injury. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Puni has a possible PCL (knee) injury and might miss a few weeks, but still could be ready for the Sept. 7 opener in Seattle. Nevertheless, the Niners are down their top two guards going into the final weeks of preseason. Ben Bartch missed Saturday’s game with an elbow injury. There’s no timetable for his return.

As it stands, there are no backups on the roster that anyone should have any confidence in to play starter snaps in the regular season. It leaves San Francisco in the unenviable situation of needing to run undrafted free agent Drew Moss out there for early-game snaps against the Chargers in the preseason finale.

Related Articles 49ers win on Moody kick but lose starting guard Puni, two running backs to injury against Raiders Jake Moody’s 49ers’ future looked shaky before delivering game-winner against Raiders 49ers-Raiders preview: Five-plus Niners to watch in preseason visit to unlucky venue Kurtenbach: What’s a realistic expectation for the 2025 49ers? No, seriously, Kyle Shanahan is asking To young 49ers’ defenders, Fred Warner sets both the pace and the standard

Austen Pleasants – RT

» If he’s not going to be a good run blocker, he doesn’t have a role in the NFL. He had a poor run-blocking game on Saturday. I’m not sure Pleasants can do enough in the final weeks to make this roster as the No. 3 or No. 4 tackle. I didn’t see an injury, so him being replaced mid-drive in the third quarter seems telling, no?

NICK MARTIN

Martin is his own category because the rookie linebacker, a third-round pick, is truly an agent of chaos.

When he can run forward and untouched, he explodes off the tape like few others in the NFL can. His second-quarter sack was a perfect example of the kind of excitement he can bring.

There were enough positive plays from Martin to be a stud in this game.

But… there were also enough negative plays from him to be the No. 1 dud.

For example, on the Raiders’ fourth drive of the game, Martin wildly missed a run-fill, followed it up with a strong one-on-one open-field tackle, and then missed an open field tackle. That came in the span of four plays.

In all, his second game as a professional was an improvement, even if there was nowhere for him to go but up after a disastrous debut.

One school of thought is that the more he plays, the better he will be. He can fly — he just needs to catch up to the speed of the NFL game.

The other school of thought is that Martin — at 5-foot-11, 220 pounds — is going to be pushed around and that his speed is the only thing that puts him on the field.

Both of these things appear to be true at this exceptionally early juncture in his career.

In fact, the truths seem to alternate by play.

At this point, I can say this definitively: Martin is the most interesting player on the Niners.

Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: Problems with squatters and more

Question: I am reaching out because I saw your recent column in the Monterey Herald that discussed home title theft and mentions title insurance. I appreciate you bringing attention to this rising fraud risk! Your statement that title insurance is not helpful is inaccurate. Most standard title insurance policies, like the American Land Title Association owners and lender policies, provide coverage for forgery and fraud that occurs before you acquire title.

However, there are title insurance products that address fraud or forgery that take place after closing. For example, First American Title offers an Eagle Policy that also covers forgery and fraud that occurs after you purchase your home. I wanted to take opportunity to educate you for the future but also ask if there’s a way that the story can be updated to reflect this. There’s a lot of misinformation about the title industry and you’ve rightly spotlighted a rising risk, so it is really in the consumer’s benefit to understand what is available to help protect them.

Answer: A heartfelt thanks for bringing this to my attention. In doing further research on title insurance that can cover future fraud or forgery, I found that not only can we get this kind of coverage when we buy our home, but we may be able to add it to an existing title insurance policy. Speak with your title company and specifically ask if you can apply for an American Land Title Association 49.1 endorsement to add post-policy coverage for deed or mortgage fraud.

Question: In your last column you warned readers about home title theft. There is an additional concern that folks should be warned about and that is squatters. My father moved to assisted living and, in the few months it took my brothers and I to clear out his house and get it on the market, squatters moved in! They just made themselves at home and it took months of legal work to get them out. Please caution readers about this problem. It is amazing what can happen when a home is sitting vacant, even for a short period of time.

Answer: Squatters can be a serious problem and particularly with vacant or unmonitored property. You are fortunate that it only took months to get your uninvited guests out. Even more frightening is that a squatter can get actual legal ownership of a home by occupying it openly and consistently for five years. When a squatter takes possession of a home by open and consistent occupancy, it is called adverse possession. The four requirements for an adverse possession claim are: 1) Hostile possession: the squatter truly believes they are the owner and are there without the owner’s permission; 2) Actual possession: they pay associated bills and property taxes; 3) Open and notorious possession where their occupancy must be apparent. For example, their cars are in the driveway, or their furniture can be seen through the windows, and; 4) Exclusive and continuous possession: their possession cannot be interrupted or shared with other parties for at least five years.

The difference between a squatter and a trespasser is that a squatter is a civil action and a trespasser is a criminal action. If someone walks up to your door without your permission, you can call the police, and they can be removed and perhaps cited for trespassing. If a squatter has settled into your property, you might call the police but in a squatter situation the police will advise you that “This is a civil action, and you will have to call your attorney.” And hence begins the three-to-four-month process of getting them out. It’s quite outrageous!

Prevent squatters by making sure you pay your property taxes. Remember that this is one of the four requirements for someone to claim adverse possession. If you are making the tax payments, it throws up one roadblock. If the property is a second home where you are gone for months at a time, hire a property manager to check on it for you. Install security cameras on the property. There are great and inexpensive cameras available that will ping your phone if there is movement in your empty home. Finally, maintain your property, don’t let it look like it is abandoned. So many things to worry about if you own property but there are ways to protect your investment.

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

Classic Car Week: Auto auctions cover a wide array of vehicles

John Kraman knew cars and guitars, trucks and airplanes. A collector, historian, rock and roll band member and former automotive and aircraft salesman, Kraman thrived on details.

Kraman, who died in January at age 68, was also the long-time television coverage co-host of Mecum Auctions around the country and at the Hyatt Regency and Del Monte Golf Course. For 17 years, he kept every vehicle on the auction block fresh. Surprises were rare, Kraman often said.

But during Mecum Auction’s annual three-day gathering last year, the broadcaster was astounded. It wasn’t a high-end Ferrari in a bidding battle but a 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue. The 3.5-liter V6 with 17,695 original miles sold for $2,000.

But a few days later, Mecum also announced another surprise. Its total sales during Classic Car Week were $54 million and it had the fourth-highest price paid for a vehicle among all cars, track and motorcycles sold.

Mecum’s top seller was a 1969 Ford GT40 Lightweight at $7.865 million. A 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona sold for $3.36 million at the auction, a record for the iconic muscle car.

The unique financial Mecum Auctions extremes provided an ideal example of why the auctions are held.

Collectors, analysts and other experts may know the pedigree of every Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce. But it’s the oddities like a vintage Oldsmobile, celebrity car or a family heirloom or two that make an auction unpredictable. There’s still a chance for the unexpected bargain or a surprisingly high bid.

Classic Car Week auctions included Bonhams, Broad Arrow, Gooding & Company, Mecum and RM Sotheby’s. Most of the auctions were held for multiple days and all tout their offerings as the rarest of the rare.

Kraman called Mecum’s Auctions in Monterey “an auction with a pulse.” The nationally televised daytime auction presented a vehicle on its red auction carpet every few minutes, the quickest by multiple fold of the other auctions

Mecumn’s annual 600 vehicles in Monterey represent the smallest volume in its national series of auctions. But the selling price per vehicle is the highest among the Mecum Auctions’ stops spread across the country – Texas to Pennsylvania to Florida.

High price tags are status quo for all Classic Car Week auctions. The auctions collectively have a year unofficial bragging session with sales from the week.

Last year, RM Sotheby’s had five vehicles among the top-10 highest sales, including the No. 1 sale, the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider ($17,055 million).

Gooding & Company placed three vehicles on the list. Mecum and Broad Arrow each had one car sale among the top-10. Mecum’s top sale, fourth on the list, was the week’s surprise.

Broad Arrow Auctions is a division of Hagerty, the Michigan-based insurance agency specializing in classic car insurance. It assumed a calendar opening in 2022 from the departed McCall’s Motorworks Revival. Broad Arrow for the first time rotated its vehicles on an automotive turntable.

RM Sotheby’s desire to maintain its familiar perch at the top of the sales list this year was highlighted by 1990 and 1992 Ferrari F40s. The 1990 Ferrari has been in storage for 35 years; the 1992 features a rare LM racing gearbox and bespoke upgrades.

Among the top-10 highest-priced auctioned vehicles last year, seven were Ferrari models. Alfa Romeo, Porsche and Ford were also represented.

Happening Sunday: Concours is the grand finale

PEBBLE BEACH — If it’s Sunday at Classic Car Week, it’s confetti, wide-brimmed hats, blue blazers and striped ties at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

It’s the serious business of seriously pristine, pricey and otherwise iconic automobiles presented as owners’ crown jewels. And it’s all for fun and public participation.

Concours d’Elegance organizers make it happen. They research automotive history and then celebrate it.

Globally prominent manufacturers’ mass-produced machines to esoteric niche innovators’ nearly extinct wheels are showcased. The rarities arrive on the Monterey Peninsula and sometimes from far-flung countries after spending as long as several months at sea on container ships.

With pomp and circumstance at the forefront, carmakers’ anniversaries take top priority in the nearly show’s anticipated finale on and around Pebble Beach Golf Links.

The year’s 74th edition may be the most diverse.

Chrysler, founded in 1925 by roving railroad mechanic Walter P. Chrysler, will share top billing with a handful of industry beacons including other centenarians Invicta and Moretti.

Invicta was founded in 1925 by Noel Macklin, a former captain in Great Britain’s Royal Horse Artillery.

Chrysler, now owned by Stellantis, is part of the “Big Three” automakers in the United States and manufactured millions of vehicles. Invicta made 77.

Chrysler became successful quickly via his namesake vehicle’s technical innovation. Several additional marques followed. A 1931 CG LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton and a 1932 CH Speedster, both built on top-line Imperial chassis, have earned top honors at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Invicta’s most prominent vehicle arrived at the London Motor Show in 1930. It featured a “4½ Litre Meadows 6 cylinder engine in a racy, under-slung chassis,” according to the Concours d’Elegance experts.

Moretti, another unheralded manufacturer, made cars in Turin, Italy from 1925 until 1989. Founder Giovanni Moretti was versatile. He made motorcycles, microcars and several commercial vehicles.

The lineup eventually totaled seven cars including arguably one of the more uniquely named vehicles in history — the Moretti Elettroveicoli (electric vehicle). Fiat and Moretti soon entered a manufacturing partnership to make 16 vehicles until the company’s demise in 1989.

Beyond centennial celebrations, featured classes will include:

* Virgil Exner Creations — An automotive visionary who excelled from a young age, Exner studied at the University of Notre Dame but left college because of a lack of funding. It proved fortunate.

Exner got work as an art studio assistant and his talents quickly advanced. He became the chief stylist at Pontiac at age 26 and worked in similar capacities for Studebaker and Chrysler all before age 40.

Known for his gentlemanly and well-spoken demeanor, diplomacy and innovation, Exner created the 100 Million Dollar Look and Forward Look.

Several Exner-designed vehicles, highlighted by low and wide styling and increasingly prominent rear fins, will be on display.

* Formula 1: 75th Anniversary — Often described as the “fastest and most advanced race cars on the planet,” F1 racing dates to 1950. The prestigious series’ 75th anniversary will be celebrated with several vehicles and a timeline display.

Italian Giuseppe “Nino” Farina, driving for Alfa Romeo, won that first race and the first F1 Drivers’ Championship. Max Verstappen of Belgium, driving Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT, is the current F1 champion.

* Shelby Cobra — Among the most intimidating and attractive cars of its era, the Shelby Cobra 427’s 60th anniversary will be designated with a showcase of the racing vehicles created by Carroll Shelby. The American automotive designer, race driver and entrepreneur died in 2012.

The 427 Cobra was equipped with the world’s first computer-designed chassis with Dual A-arm, four-wheel coil-over independent suspension. The lightweight frame featured hand-laid fiberglass and hand-formed aluminum. With its wide fenders and large radiator, the Cobra 427 immediately found success.

Four versions of the 427 Cobra were produced: “Comp” (competition), S/C (semi-competition), Street and Narrow Hip. Each version will be showcased as well as the first and last production Cobra models. The 427 boasted 425 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and had a top speed of 185 miles per hour.

For more information about the Concours d’Elegance and tickets, visit  www.pebblebeachconcours.net

Horoscopes Aug. 16, 2025: Angela Bassett, pay attention to how you look and feel

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Cameron Monaghan, 32; Steve Carell, 63; Angela Bassett, 67; Madonna, 67.

Happy Birthday: Set standards, manage emotions and avoid mixing business with pleasure. You’ll gain the most if you are curious, learn and try different ways to use your skills to reinforce your ability to lead the way forward with class and hope for a brighter future. Pay attention to how you look and feel, and set aside time for pleasure, rest and personal fulfillment. A positive change requires a bold transformation. Your numbers are 2, 14, 23, 25, 32, 35, 43.

ARIES (March 21–April 19): Focus on what’s important to you. Time, money, partnerships and socializing while bringing every aspect of your life into perspective will offer insight into where your happiness measures up to your expectations. Balance is the key, along with money management and eliminating unnecessary worry. Learn to trust your instincts and follow your heart. 4 stars

TAURUS (April 20–May 20): Maintain stability. Avoid persuasive tactics that may lead you to take a leap of faith, potentially resulting in a loss. Pay more attention to how you look and where you live. Make room for improvement in your personal life, and establish a routine that promises both physical and financial benefits. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21–June 20): Choose kindness when dealing with the ones you love. A positive attitude has the most effective influence on others. Refrain from letting your emotions surface, as this can lead to problems when handling sensitive information. Get approval from those you live with, near or rent from before you make domestic changes. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21–July 22): Anger will lead to regret. Gather the facts before pointing a finger at someone. Question your motives and what you expect in return for what you do. Life is complicated, but solutions can be simple if you choose to be honest and have integrity. Choose home and self-improvement over trying to change others. 4 stars

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22): Take your time regardless of who is poking or prodding you to act in haste. It’s up to you to manage each situation to maintain your status. Your skills will yield better results if you are the one to determine what you use and when to gain the momentum and success you demand. 2 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): Patience will keep you from making an emotional blunder. Keep your thoughts to yourself. Pay attention to your finances and how money flows in and out of your hands. With a little extra wheeling and dealing, you can lower your overhead or increase your income. A venture you embark on will pay off. 5 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): Set the stage for change, and do whatever it takes to improve your health and well-being. Don’t set yourself up for failure unnecessarily. Preparation will make the difference, so don’t scrimp when it comes to research, learning, asking questions and making adjustments that support your actions. What you do matters more than what you say. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): Take care of business and move on to something you look forward to doing. Time is precious, and spending it with someone you enjoy will make a difference in how your day unfolds. Pampering or updating your image will boost your self-esteem and give you the confidence to step into the spotlight. Romance is favored. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): Put pressure on yourself to take care of unfinished business. Home improvements that help you get organized and lower your overhead will put your mind at ease and encourage you to incorporate what makes you happy into your routine. Live life your way and learn from experience, and you’ll find your niche. Change begins with you. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19): Be aware of what’s happening around you. Not everyone will be on your team or look out for your interests. Verify information before sharing it. Protect your reputation at all costs. Partnership opportunities are apparent, but they will require thorough screening before engaging in any joint ventures or investments. Romance is favored. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): Look, see and do what you can to make things happen. Consider what excites you most and head in that direction. Engage in talks and associate with those who are heading in a similar direction. Invest more time in your surroundings, your attributes and your aspirations. Put your energy behind your promises and fulfill them. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19–March 20): Spend less time trying to force change and more time establishing what means the most to you. Concentrate on personal appearance, health, diet and positioning yourself for what you want to achieve. Attend events that are conducive to expanding your connections and skills to meet the demands you want to achieve. Romance is favored. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are sympathetic, changeable and appealing. You are influential and compassionate.

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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