Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 45

August 14, 2025

Best bathtub tray for holding all your bath time essentials

Which bathtub trays are best?

Few things are more enjoyable than taking a long, relaxing soak after a hard day at work. However, if you want to elevate the experience to a luxury, spa-like level, you need to invest in a bathtub tray. They provide a safe place to store your reading material and spa essentials.

The Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray stands out for its attractive style, variety of compartments and ability to adjust to most tubs. There are many other great options, though, too, if you prefer something made of metal or plastic.

What to know before you buy a bathtub trayMaterials

Bathtub trays come in several types of material, which vary in their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Wood: Arguably, bathtub trays made from teak, bamboo and other woods are some of the most attractive options. They tend to be very strong too, however they can be susceptible to mold and water damage if they aren’t allowed to dry completely between uses, especially unpainted models.Metal: Metal is another common material used in bathtub trays. Unlike wood, metal isn’t prone to mold, but it can be susceptible to rusting. This shouldn’t happen in high-quality stainless steel models, but it is a concern in lower-quality units made from other metals and featuring inexpensive chrome plating. Most metal models have a basket design, so you don’t have to worry about water pooling up on top of them like you may with bathtub trays made from other materials, but this does mean that small items can slip through their open spaces.Plastic/Acrylic: You can also find bathtub trays made from plastic or acrylic, both of which are completely impervious to water. Oftentimes, though, these have less features than wooden or metal trays. Some may also find they don’t look very attractive.Size

All bathtub trays are designed to fit basic tubs, but they do vary in width so it is important to measure your tub before purchasing any model. This is especially important if you have an uncommon or extra-wide tub. Many models are also adjustable, which not only allows you to increase their usable surface space when needed, but also ensures you can perfectly fit the tray to your tub. Some bathtub trays measure up to 42 inches long when fully extended.

Features to look for in a quality bathtub trayCup holder

If you like to have a beverage on hand while relaxing in the tub, you’ll be happy to know that many bathtub trays feature dedicated cupholders. There are even some models that feature holders specifically designed for wine glasses.

Media stand

Most bathtub trays have a media stand of some kind. Often, these are angle adjustable to hold your tablet or book at the optimal position for comfortable viewing. They also fold flat when not in use for more convenient storage of the tray.

Spa tray

The spa tray is where you can keep all your soaps, bath bombs, sponges and any other personal care product you like to use while soaking. Ideally, these should be removable so you can clean them off when you’re finished bathing.

All-purpose tray

In addition to soaps and media devices or books, you may like to keep other items close at hand while bathing. All-purpose trays provide you with a bit of extra space to do exactly this.

Nonslip grips

Bathtub surfaces can be notoriously slippery when wet. To reduce the chances of your bathtub tray slipping off the edge and potentially dropping your stuff into the water or onto the floor, look for a model that features nonslip grips on the bottom. These will be made of a high-traction material like rubber or silicone.

Handles

Handles make it easier to carry your tray to and from the tub, especially when it is already loaded up with your various toiletries, reading materials and a drink. On some models, these may be raised handles or integrated into the frame of the tray. Some trays are completely lacking in handles, which can be cumbersome to lift and carry.

How much can you expect to spend on a bathtub tray

Most bathtub trays cost between $15-$75.

Bathtub tray FAQDo bathtub trays require any assembly?

A. Most bathtub trays require little or no assembly. For those that do require assembly, the process should be very easy and, if tools are needed, they will come with them.

Will a bathtub tray damage the surface of my tub?

A. Bathtub trays shouldn’t damage the surface of your tub. However, if you are worried about this, make sure to choose a model that has a rubber, silicone or other soft material coating on any surfaces that will come in contact with your tub.

What are the best bathtub trays to buy?Top bathtub tray

Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray

Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray

What you need to know: Smartly designed with tons of great features and available in a wide variety of colors, this bathtub tray makes a nice addition to any bathroom.

What you’ll love: It extends up to 43 inches so it can fit practically any tub, and it has a dedicated wineglass holder that prevents them from spilling if the tray is accidentally bumped. The spay tray is removable too, for easy cleaning.

What you should consider: It can feel a bit oversized in small tubs.

Top bathtub tray for the money

Home Intuition Stainless Steel Expandable Shower Bathtub Tray

Home Intuition Stainless Steel Expandable Shower Bathtub Tray

What you need to know: This stainless steel tray is a top option for those who prefer a minimalist style or are looking for something with added durability and longevity.

What you’ll love: It has nonslip handles, so there is no worry that it will fall into the bathtub.

What you should consider: Small items can fall through its grates.

Worth checking out

Bambüsi Bamboo Bathtub Tray Caddy

Bambüsi Bamboo Bathtub Tray Caddy

What you need to know: This bamboo bathtub tray has space for all the things to make your bathtub experience luxurious.

What you’ll love: It adjusts to fit most tubs, and it has spots for things like a wineglass, a tablet and a smartphone. The adjustable bar lets you adjust the angle of a tablet on the tray.

What you should consider: It’s a bit heavy, and the middle slots may allow some things to fall into the water.

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

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

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Published on August 14, 2025 18:59

Upgrade your baking game with the best jelly roll pan

Which jelly roll pans are best?

There’s a reason why jelly rolls are such a classic dessert. The delicate sponge cake and sweet filling is such a delicious combination that’s perfect for various occasions. To get that traditional roll shape, though, you need a high-quality jelly roll pan to get the cake thin enough to form the roll.

Jelly roll pans are similar to half-sheet baking pans but slightly smaller, making them ideal for rolled cake recipes. The design helps produce a cake thin enough for rolling but won’t crack or burn. If you’re looking for a durable, high-performance jelly roll pan, the USA Pan Nonstick Jelly Roll Baking Pan and Cooling Rack is the best option.

What to know before you buy a jelly roll panSize

Most jelly roll pans measure 17 inches by 12 inches. Some are slightly smaller, measuring 15 inches by 10 inches. All jelly roll pans are 1-inch deep, though.

Half-sheet baking pans are slightly larger, which can affect the baking time for your cake and even cause burning. That’s why it’s best to use a dedicated jelly roll pan for rolled cakes like a jelly roll or Swiss roll.

Jelly roll pans are a fairly versatile size, though, making them useful for other recipes. Smaller jelly roll pans are roughly the same size as a baking sheet, so you can use them to make your favorite chocolate chip cookies or roast vegetables.

Material

Like most baking pans, jelly roll pans can be made of several different materials.

Aluminum is a popular option because it conducts heat well for even baking. It’s also rust-resistant to improve the pan’s durability. It’s important to choose a heavier aluminum for a jelly roll pan, though, to avoid warping.Anodized aluminum is another effective material for jelly roll pans because it’s harder and even more durable than regular aluminum. It’s scratch-resistant and nonstick, too, but you’ll pay more for it.You can also find aluminized steel jelly roll pans, which feature steel that’s been treated with an aluminum-silicon alloy. That allows it to conduct heat more effectively and offers corrosion resistance. It isn’t as likely to warp either.Stainless steel jelly roll pans are another good option because they’re thick and fairly durable. They don’t scratch or warp easily either. It doesn’t conduct heat as well as the other materials, though, so your cakes may not bake as evenly.Maintenance

Jelly roll pans that are easy to take care of are always the best option. Nonstick pans are easier to clean because food isn’t as likely to get stuck on the surface. Keep in mind that some nonstick coatings are pretty delicate, though, so you have to be careful when washing the pan.

If you want the lowest maintenance jelly roll pan, look for a dishwasher-safe option.

What to look for in a quality jelly roll panNonstick coating

You can find many jelly rolls with a nonstick coating. Not only does that save you time when cleaning, but it also means your cake will release more easily when it’s finished baking. The nonstick coating allows you to use less oil when roasting foods on the pan, too.

Keep in mind that some nonstick coatings contain potentially harmful chemicals and often become damaged over time and flake off. If your nonstick jelly roll pan looks damaged, replace it right away. Anodized aluminum jelly roll pans don’t scratch or flake as easily as other materials, so opt for a nonstick pan with an anodized aluminum base if you’re concerned about potential health risks.

Rack

For even more versatility, some jelly roll pans include a rack. It fits inside the bottom of the pan and allows you to elevate your food, so the air can circulate around it for more even baking. You can also use the rack to cool baked goods and other foods after they’ve finished cooking.

Handles

A jelly roll pan with handles is usually easier to put in and take out of the oven. You can even find some with a non-slip grip on the handles to ensure there are no accidents when handling the pan.

Corrugated surface

You may want to look for a jelly roll pan with a corrugated or textured surface for even baking. That allows the air to circulate around food, cooking more evenly and not developing any burned or crispy areas. The textured surface can also make it easier to get your cake out of the pan.

How much you can expect to spend on a jelly roll pan

Jelly rolls typically cost between $10-$40. Those that cost less than $10 aren’t usually that durable, but you can find plenty of solid pans in the $10-$20 price range. However, the best jelly roll pans generally cost between $20-$40.

Jelly roll pan FAQWhat jelly roll pans are the most durable?

A. The highest-quality jelly roll pans are usually made of professional-grade aluminum, aluminized steel or anodized aluminum. These pans tend to be the thickest and are less likely to warp or scratch.

Can I use a jelly roll pan for other recipes?

A. While a jelly roll pan is ideal for preparing jelly rolls, Swiss rolls and other rolled cakes, it’s actually pretty versatile. You can also bake cookies and roast vegetables on them. Basically, you can use it to prepare any recipe that calls for you a sheet or baking pan.

What’s the best jelly roll pan to buy?Top jelly roll pan

USA Pan Nonstick Jelly Roll Baking Pan and Cooling Rack

USA Pan Nonstick Jelly Roll Baking Pan and Cooling Rack

What you need to know: This highly durable jelly roll pan includes a cooling rack for added versatility and features a sturdy construction that allows for years of use.

What you’ll love: It’s made with aluminized steel and features a nonstick silicone coating for easy cleanup. Its surface is corrugated to improve air circulation for more even baking. The included rack is designed to prevent food from falling through.

What you should consider: The nonstick coating can be fragile, so you must take care when washing it.

Top jelly roll pan for the money

OXO Good Grips Nonstick Pro Jelly Roll Pan

OXO Good Grips Nonstick Pro Jelly Roll Pan

What you need to know: If you only make the occasional jelly roll, this pan is a solid option that delivers performance and durability at a great price.

What you’ll love: It features thick, durable aluminized steel that heats evenly. The surface is finely textured to help release food more efficiently. Its nonstick coating has two layers to reduce scratching. The edges are rolled to allow you to get a good grip.

What you should consider: The pan is somewhat difficult to clean because of the microtextured surface.

Worth checking out

Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Jelly Roll Baking Sheet

Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Jelly Roll Baking Sheet

What you need to know: This prograde jelly roll pan is one of the most durable we looked at, thanks to its resistance to rust, warping and denting.

What you’ll love: It’s made by a family-owned business. It’s made of aluminum that heats evenly. The prograde construction prevents the pan from warping or denting. It has a heavy, sturdy feel and features reinforced rims for added durability.

What you should consider: It doesn’t have a nonstick coating like the other pans on our list.

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

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

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Published on August 14, 2025 18:53

CLASSIC CAR WEEK PHOTOS: Woodies in the Woods debuts in Pacific Grove

[image error]Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music,...The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music, food and a beer garden - including a themed lager by Other Brother Beer Co. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Keith and Cheryl Smith's 1959 Morris Minor. (Arianna Nalbach -...Keith and Cheryl Smith's 1959 Morris Minor. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Sheldon Jones' 1969 Morris Minor and Keith and Cheryl Smith's...Sheldon Jones' 1969 Morris Minor and Keith and Cheryl Smith's 1959 Morris Minor both had camper trailers attached to the back. (Arianna Nalbach)Many of the Woodies, including this 1959 Morris Minor Traveller...Many of the Woodies, including this 1959 Morris Minor Traveller owned by Joe and Arlene Solis, had surfboards attached to the roof rack. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)[image error]David Rivas' 1937 Ford. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)[image error]Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)David Rivas' 1937 Ford. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)David Rivas' 1937 Ford. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music,...The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music, food and a beer garden - including a themed lager by Other Brother Beer Co. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music,...The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music, food and a beer garden - including a themed lager by Other Brother Beer Co. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music,...The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music, food and a beer garden - including a themed lager by Other Brother Beer Co. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Rowland, Dorma and Sarah Baker have had this 1949 Dodge...Rowland, Dorma and Sarah Baker have had this 1949 Dodge Coronet 9 person wagon since 1989. It is one of 657 produced and one of eight still known to exist in running condition, (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald.)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Keith and Cheryl Smith's 1959 Morris Minor. (Arianna Nalbach -...Keith and Cheryl Smith's 1959 Morris Minor. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Greg and Carol Geide featured Mic Carolan's surfboard alongside their...Greg and Carol Geide featured Mic Carolan's surfboard alongside their 1940 Ford. Carolan won the surfboard at the 2004 Woodies on the Wharf in Santa Cruz. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)John and Rae Jean Fleming's 1948 Packard had mini wooden...John and Rae Jean Fleming's 1948 Packard had mini wooden cars on display in the trunk. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Sheldon Jones' 1969 Morris Minor and Keith and Cheryl Smith's...Sheldon Jones' 1969 Morris Minor and Keith and Cheryl Smith's 1959 Morris Minor both had camper trailers attached to the back. (Arianna Nalbach)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Phil and Joann Iatomase's 1949 Ford. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey...Phil and Joann Iatomase's 1949 Ford. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)David Rivas' 1937 Ford. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)David Rivas' 1937 Ford. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Keith and Cheryl Smith's 1959 Morris Minor. (Arianna Nalbach -...Keith and Cheryl Smith's 1959 Morris Minor. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Show Caption1 of 33Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Expand
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Published on August 14, 2025 17:04

Woman pleads guilty to assault for spitting on top DC prosecutor during interview

By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN

WASHINGTON (AP) — A woman who spit on the top federal prosecutor for the nation’s capital during a videotaped interview pleaded guilty on Thursday to assault charges.

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Emily Gabriella Sommer, 32, of Washington, D.C., is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 10 for assaulting then-acting U.S. Attorney Ed Martin Jr. and two law-enforcement officers who arrested her several days after she spit on Martin. Sommer pleaded guilty to three counts of assaulting public officials, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office.

A trial for Sommer had been scheduled to start next Monday. Instead, U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb accepted Sommer’s guilty plea and will sentence her.

On May 8, a Newsmax reporter was interviewing Martin on a sidewalk outside his office when Sommer approached him.

“Are you Ed Martin? You are Ed Martin,” Sommer said before lunging at him and spitting on his left shoulder, according to prosecutors.

As she walked away, Sommer swore at Martin and called him “a disgusting man.”

“My name is Emily Gabriella Sommer, and you are served,” she said.

Sommer later took credit for the spitting incident in a message replying to a social media post by Martin.

The encounter occurred on the same day that President Donald Trump pulled Martin’s nomination to remain U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Martin faced bipartisan opposition in the Senate after a turbulent stint in the nation’s largest U.S. Attorney’s office. A key Republican senator said he could not support Martin for the job due to his support for rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Martin roiled the office with a series of unorthodox moves, such as firing and demoting subordinates who worked on politically sensitive cases. Trump replaced Martin with former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, who was confirmed by the Senate on Aug. 2.

When U.S. Marshals Service deputies went to arrest Sommer at her apartment on May 22, she spit in a deputy’s face and kicked him, prosecutors said.

“How is that spit? Taste good? I was just getting over a cold sore. I hope I gave you herpes,” Sommer told the deputy, according to prosecutors.

Sommer also kicked a second deputy during her arrest and told another deputy, “I would put a bullet in you if I had it. I would put a bullet in every one of you right now,” prosecutors said.

During her initial court appearance in May, Sommer repeatedly disrupted the hearing with outbursts. Deputies picked her up and carried her out of the courtroom after one of her interruptions prompted a magistrate to suspend the hearing. Sommer later apologized to the magistrate for her courtroom conduct.

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Published on August 14, 2025 16:40

TasteFood: Everything tastes better on a stick

By Lynda Balslev | TasteFood

It’s fun to eat with our fingers, and these little sticks of meatballs won’t disappoint. Little bites of food on sticks are a festive presentation and encourage interaction. They are also a great way to get your kids to eat their dinner or to feed a crowd as a do-ahead cocktail party bite.

These Asian-spiced morsels take the comforting meatball and jazz it up with a spicy-sweet blend of ground turkey, ginger, cilantro and garlic. They are fragrant and tasty, and when paired with a sweet-and-sour chili sauce for dipping or drizzling, they are guaranteed to be gobbled up.

Asian Turkey Meatballs With Chili Sauce

Active Time: 40 minutesTotal Time: 40 minutes, plus chilling timeYield: Makes about 20 (1- to 1 1/2-inch) meatballs

Meatballs:

2 pounds lean ground turkey1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs3 scallions, white parts finely chopped, green parts thinly sliced and reserved for garnish3 garlic cloves, minced1 small red jalapeno chile pepper, seeded, finely chopped1/2 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped2 tablespoons soy sauce1 tablespoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger1 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon ground coriander1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Vegetable oil for pan-frying

Chili Sauce:

1 cup unseasoned rice wine vinegar1/2 cup sugar2 garlic cloves, minced1 tablespoon red chili paste, such as Sambal Olek1 tablespoon soy sauce1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger

Combine the meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Mix to blend without overmixing.

With damp hands, form into 1- to 1 1/2-inch balls. Arrange on a plate and loosely cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours) to set and meld the flavors.

Prepare the chili sauce. Combine the vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining ingredients. Cool to room temperature.

Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in one layer without overcrowding the pan. Gently press down on the meatballs with a spatula to slightly flatten them. Cook until brown on both sides and thoroughly cooked through the center, 8 to 10 minutes, turning once or twice. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel and repeat with the remaining meatballs.

Spear the meatballs with small skewers. Garnish with the green scallions. Serve with the chili sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Lynda Balslev is an award-winning writer, cookbook author, and recipe developer based in northern California. Visit TasteFood at TasteFoodblog.com.

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Published on August 14, 2025 16:40

Regulators side with Cal Am on Monterey Peninsula water supply

MONTEREY – State regulators on Thursday ruled unanimously that the Monterey Peninsula will need more water by 2050 than all current available sources can supply, including the new expansion of Pure Water Monterey that will be coming online this year. As a result, commissioners believe that water deficit will need to be filled with California American Water Co.’s desalination project.

It was not a surprise for many, since administrative law judges Jack Chang and Robert Haga at the California Public Utilities Commission in May issued a proposed decision that adopted most of Cal Am’s estimates on water supply and demand by the year 2050. Cal Am’s estimated demand outstrips its estimated supply, setting the stage for the need for a desalination plant.

The ruling on what’s dubbed the Phase 2 decision, went against several Peninsula water agencies and advocacy groups, including the CPUC’s own Public Advocates Office, which was established to represent the best interests of utility ratepayers in California.

Cal Am’s estimates are supported by business interests, including the Monterey County Farm Bureau, the Monterey County Real Estate Association and the Monterey County Hospitality Association.

“Our estimates reflect responsible future supply and demand estimates to help ensure we can reliably provide water to meet our customers’ needs, whether it is a time of water abundance or more critically in time of drought,” said Kevin Tilden, president of Cal Am in a press release issued immediately after the ruling. “Today’s decision confirms the Monterey Peninsula needs additional water supply to meet customer demands today, tomorrow and well into the future to provide water security.”

But others, including long-time Cal Am foe Public Water Now, a community-based organization, argued the CPUC didn’t have a firm grasp of facts.

“Cal Am is desperate to force its desal on the Peninsula, but today’s CPUC decision shows only another 2,618 acre-feet of water will be needed by 2050,” said Melodie Chrislock, managing director of Public Water Now. “How does that justify a half billion-dollar desal plant now? There is no water scarcity as Cal Am recently claimed. As of October, there will be 2,000 to 3,000 acre-feet a year of surplus water for growth. The catch is we can’t use it unless the (cease and desist order) is lifted. Of course, Cal Am opposes lifting the (order), once again holding this community’s water hostage.”

An acre-foot is enough water to cover a football field to a depth of one foot.

Far more people called into the CPUC proceeding regarding the Monterey Peninsula Phase 2 decision than all the other statewide issues combined. About 28 callers opposed Cal Am’s estimates and a dozen supported those estimates.

Several callers said the only reason Cal Am is inflating the demand numbers is to justify inflating profits.

“Your (CPUC) role is to protect the public,” Peninsula ratepayer Barbara Moore told commissioners. “Cal Am has a vested financial interest in the desal project.”

David Prina, a board member of LandWatch Monterey County told commissioners to “protect the public’s interest, not Cal Am’s bottom line.”

Those who called in in support of Cal Am’s estimates cited the need for affordable housing that is now restricted because of a state cease-and-desist order on pumping any more water from the Carmel River. Other supporters cast shadows across the availability of source water for the Pure Water Monterey expansion project.

Jeff Davi with the Monterey County Hospitality Association supports Cal Am’s numbers, saying the Peninsula needs a permanent water supply, and that Pure Water Monterey, which recycles water, is in danger of losing its source water.

Source water for Pure Water Monterey includes wastewater, wash water from produce companies and runoff from agricultural irrigation. Cal Am opponents argued that there is no water scarcity along the Monterey Peninsula with Pure Water Monterey and it’s expansion coming online this year.

One caller cited a recent Monterey County Farm Bureau letter questioning source water supplies for Pure Water Monterey, as well as raising the issue that growers may in the future want to recycle that wash water and runoff for irrigation.

“Salinas Valley water users continue to cast doubt on the ability of the Monterey Peninsula to rely on a single source for the major portion of their potable water supply – the Pure Water Monterey project of reclaimed water operated by Monterey One Water,” wrote Norm Groot, the executive director of the local farm bureau, in a July 8 letter to commissioners.

Groot continued by saying, “we express serious concerns that the source waters for the Pure Water Monterey project are heavily dependent on effluent and surface water flows that originate in the Salinas Valley basin area, and that these source waters are not fully understood or quantified in terms of availability, rights, and moreover, reliability.”

By the numbers, Cal Am wanted to have the CPUC record a 2050 Peninsula water demand of 14,480 acre-feet. But Chang and Haga, the CPUC administrative law judges, said that was excessive and reduced to 13,732 acre-feet. Even the reduced number is an extreme exaggeration, Cal Am opponents say.

Depending on which opponent you ask, the correct 2050 demand number is closer to 11,200 acre feet, significantly below Cal Am’s estimate. The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District puts demand at 10,599, while Marina Coast Water Water District sets demand at 11,203. The CPUC’s own Public Advocates Office splits the distance at 11,073 acre feet.

Kate Mulligan, a resident of Seaside, asked commissioners to table the issue for five years in order to get up-to-date data.

“The facts you (CPUC) are ignoring will haunt you in the end,” Mulligan said. “Please take Cal Am’s knees off our backs.”

Cal Am, in its press release, said it expects to break ground on the desal plant by the end of this year.

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Published on August 14, 2025 15:16

Woodies in the Woods blends car and surf culture

Pacific Grove residents Gina and Paul Hein walked to the inaugural Woodies in the Woods event Thursday afternoon at Asilomar and were met with a collection of 50 classic Woodies in their own backyard.

The Asilomar Conference Grounds, located steps away from Asilomar State Beach, tested the waters of Classic Car Week festivities for the first time Thursday. Dedicated to the wood-paneled cars, the event combined classic cars with classic California vibes.

“Asilomar Conference Grounds is one of these very special, classically California properties,” said General Manager Alex Marin. “We looked at Car Week, which is one of Monterey’s biggest revenue-generating out-of-town events and we thought … what better way than to partner with the Santa Cruz Woodies Club and pair two classically California elements for one great event.”

One of the venue’s goals this past year, said Marin, was to engage the community and give people more opportunities to enjoy the public lands. The grounds partnered with the Santa Cruz Woodies Club, a chapter of the national club, to host the event. While the Santa Cruz chapter attends many events throughout the year, this was also their first time participating in Classic Car Week.

The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music, food and a beer garden - including a themed lager by Other Brother Beer Co. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music, food and a beer garden - including a themed lager by Other Brother Beer Co. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

The stars aligned as Thursday was also the 32nd anniversary of the first Santa Cruz Woodies meeting.

“A lot of people became more involved in (the club) because of the surf culture, I got involved because I’m a car guy,” said club President John Fleming, the owner of a 1948 Packard and a 1947 Buick Woodie originally owned by Philip Wrigley and later driven by Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe during their Catalina Island honeymoon. The Buick only has about 30,000 miles on it.

The club hosts its own Woodies on the Wharf each year in Santa Cruz, so Thursday’s event was reminiscent of that atmosphere, with a Monterey twist.

While they walked through the loop of cars, guests were also taking note of their favorites. Everyone in attendance could have their voice heard with the award categories including Asilomar’s Choice, Owner’s Choice, Attendee’s Choice and Kid’s Choice.

While taking in the sights, attendees were serenaded by live music from the Shawn Yanez band out of Santa Cruz. The Woods aspect of the event provided some cover from the sun, but in case attendees needed sustenance, there was Hawaiian-inspired food and a beer garden featuring a limited-edition lager brewed by Other Brother Beer Co.

“We’re leaning into our beach vibe here at Asilomar,” said Marin. “Casual and family-friendly, a whole different vibe than our traditional Car Week.”

Although the event was scheduled to begin at noon, people started rolling in as early as 10 a.m. and by the official start time, there were twice as many people (about 100) as there were cars. According to Marin, it’s safe to say Woodies in the Woods will be a Classic Car Week tradition in the years to come.

“We’ve never been to a Woodies on the Wharf so it’s nice to have this here,” said Paul Hein. Out of all the Classic Car Week events he’s been to so far this year, Hein said Woodies had the most character.

Despite the noise and busy streets that are inevitable during Classic Car Week, “it brings a lot of interest to the area, which is always good,” said Gina Hein. Being a free, family-friendly event is also nice, she said.

California surf culture is embedded in the cars, all of them having history that goes back decades.

David Rivas' 1937 Ford. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)David Rivas' 1937 Ford. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

Classic Car Week “is a big time event, a lot of fun,” said Dave Rivas, the owner of a 1937 Ford Woodie on display Thursday. “This is the first time we’ve done this down here. The cars are just so beautiful, I don’t care how many times I see them, it’s just really cool to see all these cars and all the stories are just so good.”

Rivas’ car has its own unique story. The car started out in Encinitas and was a present from a father to his son. As the story goes, said Rivas, the father couldn’t afford to send his sons to college, so he bought them each a Woodie instead. The two sons started their own business picking people up from the airport and eventually paid their way through college.

Decades later, after Rivas painted a picture of a green two-door Woodie on a rock with his grandson, the opportunity to purchase the 1937 Ford arose. He says he manifested the car.

Down the road from Rivas’ was Keith and Cheryl Smith’s 1959 Morris Minor. The couple bought the car for $100 in 1990 and started restoring it, eventually adding a trailer to the back.

Keith and Cheryl Smith's 1959 Morris Minor. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Keith and Cheryl Smith's 1959 Morris Minor. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)

“(Woodies) kind of give you a little bit different feel than metal, it’s kind of organic,” said Keith Smith. “That’s the feeling I get.” At the Little Car Show on Wednesday, the Smith’s car received lots of attention since many people aren’t used to seeing classics like it, he said.

“For the Woodies show, it’s really nice because so many people identify with them,” said Cheryl Smith. “It’s like ‘Oh, when I was a kid I saw those at the beach,’ it’s kind of neat.”

The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music,...The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music, food and a beer garden - including a themed lager by Other Brother Beer Co. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music,...The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music, food and a beer garden - including a themed lager by Other Brother Beer Co. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music,...The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music, food and a beer garden - including a themed lager by Other Brother Beer Co. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut...Woodies in the Woods made its Classic Car Week debut on Thursday. The free event, hosted at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove featured a variety of Woodies from coming from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Show Caption1 of 4The Woodies in the Woods featured classic woodies, live music, food and a beer garden - including a themed lager by Other Brother Beer Co. (Arianna Nalbach - Monterey Herald)Expand

 

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Published on August 14, 2025 15:14

High School football tour: Bruins adapting to a higher divisional level of play

EDITOR’S NOTE: Herald sports writer John Devine is spending most of this month visiting Monterey County schools to get a sneak peek of their football teams. This and other previews will be available at www.montereyherald.com.

GREENFIELD – Bringing home the football program’s first league title in 2023, while tying the single-season school record for wins in the process, was a milestone for Greenfield High.

That didn’t mean the mission was completed. No question, it enhanced expectations within the program, creating a new vibe in the off-season and on the practice field.

But it was just one goal among many that remain part of the journey. Stumbling to a 3-7 mark last year in the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Mission Division South wasn’t a step back, rather a reminder that the work still needs to be put in.

“We’re not big on moral victories,” Greenfield coach Adam Barsenas said. “But we were in a lot of games. It was something to take from going into this season.”

What the Bruins did last fall after being bumped into a higher division was compete. Four of their seven losses were by seven points or less – including an overtime game.

“We believed we were a couple of plays away from being 7-3,” Barsenas said. “Some kids went from playing JVs in the Santa Lucia Division to varsity in the Mission. Now this group knows what is in front of them.”

Travis Ryan, a 255-pound defensive lineman, will also play some running back for Greenfield. (John Devine -- Monterey Herald)Travis Ryan, a 255-pound defensive lineman, will also play some running back for Greenfield. (John Devine -- Monterey Herald)

Champions of the Santa Lucia Division in 2023 meant a move to the more competitive Mission Division South last fall, which the Bruins embraced as part of their development.

Still, it came with massive growing pains.

“I felt like at times we came out scared,” Greenfield lineman Raul Luengas said. “The first half we didn’t come out strong. Once the (fear) wore off, we played the brand of football we are capable of.”

The off-season was met with determination to reverse the disappointment and put the Bruins back in the postseason conversation  this season.

“The kids felt the drop off,” Barsenas said. “It didn’t sit well with them. They’re eager to get it back to where we were. A lot of them understand the importance of playing that bigger brother role better. We threw a lot of them into the fire last year. I think the whole group took last year personally. I’m excited for how they’ve responded.”

Barsenas, who is entering his sixth season at Greenfield, had seen improvement in the win column three straight years before last season’s struggles in a new league.

Developing a classroom mentality first has been part of the culture change that has enabled the Bruins to rise from the ashes since Barsenas’ arrival.

Greenfield's Travis Ryan. (John Devine -- Monterey Herald)Greenfield's Travis Ryan. (John Devine -- Monterey Herald)

“We’d lose kids to grades,” Barsenas said. “Some of our best athletes were sitting in the stands. We started tutoring sessions, getting them to work together in the classroom and on the field. You’re a student first. Once you get that done, let’s go have some fun.”

The Bruins believe they are capable of competing in a division that no longer possesses the two teams that went to the playoffs last year.

“We have our identity,” Barsenas said. “We’re gonna run the ball and play defense. But I feel the division is very young. A lot of teams graduated a lot of players, including us.”

For the Bruins to take that next step in their success, they’re going to have to be more consistent on offense, having been held to a touchdown or less in four games last season.

Part of that had to do with an inexperienced offensive line that spent most of last season learning on the job, dealing with growing pains along the way.

“Last year was my first year at the varsity level,” said Luengas, who returns at guard, one of three returning offensive linemen. “I’ve worked a lot on my technique, how to use my hands more effectively. Experience is invaluable.”

Luengas has become a team leader with his effort and attitude, joining a unit up front that includes returning starters Rigo Zavala and Nisael Gonzalez.

Greenfield's Raul Luengas. (John Devine -- Monterey Herald)Greenfield's Raul Luengas. (John Devine -- Monterey Herald)

“He (Luengas) knows the offense as well as I do,” Barsenas said. “Raul asks questions, offers suggestions. He can tell you all five guys’ responsibilities. He’s our unquestioned leader.”

Luengas will be opening holes for a running back that’s bigger than him, as 255-pound defensive lineman Travis Ryan is going to get touches in the backfield.

“His footwork is awesome,” Barsenas said. “He’s a change of pace back. During 7s over the summer, someone asked if he was our center. I said that’s our running back.”

Quarterback Daniel Nava showed flashes over the summer with his pedigree and confidence, giving the Bruins a presence in the pocket.

“We used to bring him up last year to run our scout team in practice, and he’d give our defense headaches,” Barsenas said. “He’s very poised and doesn’t get rattled.”

Defense, though, has been the tone setter since the day Barsenas arrived. Last year, the Bruins held state champion Carmel to its lowest point total of the season.

Greenfield also held 9-1 San Lorenzo Valley to its lowest point total in a 12-7 loss during the preseason.

“All my box (front seven) is back,” Barsenas said. “These guys are still upset that they gave up more rushing yards than any other unit since I’ve been here, or didn’t create many turnovers. They have something to prove. They’re hungry.”

Seven returning starters give the Bruins flexibility and stability, starting with Angel Hernandez, who was brought up two years ago as a freshman to fill a need at linebacker.

The 185-pound Hernandez became a fixture on the Bruins’ front seven, compiling a pair of 10-plus tackle efforts.

“He hasn’t given up the position since he arrived,” Barsenas said.

The defensive front is stacked with the return of Ryan, who has trimmed down from 280 to 255 pounds, Gonzalez and Yaret Ruiz in the trenches.

Ryan was disruptive in collapsing the pocket, while clogging the inside on opponents’ run games, while Ruiz has an explosive first step coming off the edge. Gonzalez was an all-leaguer as a sophomore in 2023, coming off the edge.

What Barsenas would like to eliminate is the slow starts. Greenfield produced just 21 points in the first quarter last year.

It was also outscored 40-14 in the fourth quarter and overtime in its seven setbacks. The year before Greenfield owned the fourth quarter, outscoring teams 99-6.

“The biggest thing we’re trying to do is go more tempo,” Barsenas said. “We noticed with this group of guys, they’re flying and thinking less and reacting. We’re keeping it simple. Let’s move the ball downfield.”

 

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Published on August 14, 2025 15:00

Inflation or jobs: Federal Reserve officials are divided over competing concerns

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER

WASHINGTON (AP) — One major question will be front and center for Federal Reserve policymakers as they prepare for an annual conference in Jackson, Wyoming next week and a crucial policy meeting in September: Which is a bigger problem for the economy right now, stubborn inflation or slower hiring?

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Weak job gains since April have pushed some officials toward supporting a cut in the Fed’s key rate as soon as next month, but speeches and comments by other Fed policymakers show that inflation is still a concern.

That could make the Fed’s ultimate move at its September 16-17 meeting a close call. There will be another jobs report and another inflation report before then, and both will likely heavily influence the decision of whether to cut or not. The uncertainty also means that Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech next Friday in Jackson will be closely watched for any clues about next steps.

If Fed officials worry more that unemployment will start to rise and the economy falter, they are more likely to reduce their rate in order lower borrowing costs and spur borrowing and spending. Yet if their concerns grow that inflation will stay high or worsen as tariffs ripple across global supply chains, they will lean more towards keeping borrowing costs high to cool the economy and lower prices. The rate currently stands at 4.3%.

Wall Street investors are pretty certain — for now — that the central bank will reduce rates in September, with futures prices putting the odds of a cut at 93%, according to CME Fedwatch.

Those odds jumped after the monthly jobs report Aug. 1 showed that hiring was sluggish in July and was much lower than previously estimated in May and June. Average job gains over those three months fell to just 35,000, down from 123,000 a year ago.

And Tuesday’s inflation report, which showed only a mild pickup in inflation at the consumer level and limited signs that tariffs were pushing goods prices higher, underscored the view of some officials that they could put inflation concerns aside and focus on shoring up the job market instead.

“With underlying inflation on a sustained trajectory toward 2%, softness in aggregate demand, and signs of fragility in the labor market, I think that we should focus on risks to our employment mandate,” Michelle Bowman, a member of the Fed’s governing board, said last week.

FILE - Michelle Bowman, Vice Chair for Supervision of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, takes a seat for an open meeting of the Board of Governors at the Federal Reserve, in Washington, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)FILE – Michelle Bowman, Vice Chair for Supervision of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, takes a seat for an open meeting of the Board of Governors at the Federal Reserve, in Washington, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Yet Austan Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve’s Chicago branch, downplayed the weakness in hiring in remarks to reporters Wednesday. The slowdown in job gains could partly reflect the drop in immigration stemming from President Donald Trump’s border crackdown, Goolsbee said, rather than a weaker economy. He also pointed to the still-low unemployment rate of 4.2% as evidence that the job market is solid.

This week’s inflation report included some warning signs, Goolsbee added: Prices of many services that aren’t affected by tariffs, such as dental care and air fares, jumped, a sign that inflation may not be in check.

“That was the most concerning thing in the inflation report, and if that persisted, we would have a hard time getting back to 2%,” Goolsbee said, referring to the central bank’s inflation goal. “I am still hopeful that will not be a lasting problem.”

Fed officials also disagree on how tariffs will affect inflation going forward. Many increasingly believe the duties will result in simply a one-time boost to prices that will quickly fade and not lead to ongoing inflation.

“Tariffs will boost inflation in the near term, but likely not in a persistent way” that would require the Fed to keep rates elevated, Mary Daly, president of the Fed’s San Francisco branch, said in a recent speech.

Daly also said the labor market has “softened” and suggested the Fed “will likely need to adjust policy in the coming months.”

However, Raphael Bostic, president of the Fed’s Atlanta branch, said Wednesday that the tariffs could lead to longer-term inflation if they cause more manufacturers to shift output from lower-cost locations overseas back to the United States, or to other countries with higher wages. Such a change would be more than just a one-time shift.

“You’re going to see fundamental structural changes if this is successful,” Bostic said in remarks in Red Bay, Alabama. “It is actually a different economy.”

In that scenario, Bostic said, he would prefer to wait “until we have a little more clarity.” And he added that with unemployment low, “we have the luxury to do that.”

Thursday’s July wholesale price report, which showed a sharp jump in goods and services prices before they reach the consumer, did make one move less likely: A half-point cut in September, as suggested by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Alberto Musalem, president of the Fed’s St. Louis branch, who votes on Fed policy this year, said that a reduction of that size is “unsupported by the current state of the economy, and the outlook for the economy,” in an interview on CNBC.

Tim Duy, an economist at SGH Macro, said Thursday that the Fed may have to raise its inflation forecast at its September meeting when it provides its latest set of quarterly economic projections. The central bank’s policymakers currently expect inflation, excluding volatile food and energy, to reach 3.1% by the end of this year, yet inflation is already near that level.

Cutting rates at the September meeting would be hard for the Fed if it is also forecasting higher inflation, Duy said.

“There are things that could happen that would push the Fed off the path” toward a rate cut, he said. “We’re not paying adequate attention to those risks.”

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Published on August 14, 2025 14:59

49ers injury report: Roll call on this camp’s injuries before facing Raiders

HENDERSON, Nev. – The 49ers’ medical chart is growing at a steady rate this training camp, and here is a position-by-position look before Thursday’s joint practice at the Las Vegas Raiders:

QUARTERBACK

Kurtis Rourke: Remains on the non-football injury list, due to January ACL surgery.

RUNNING BACK

Isaac Guerendo: Injured his right shoulder on kick-return duties Aug. 2 and is expected out through the preseason. He’s ramped up individual conditioning this week.

Jordan James: Rookie recently had surgery on his right hand to fix a fractured finger, following a knee issue that sidelined him four practices.

Ameer Abdullah: Placed on season-ending Injured Reserve following Saturday’s rib injury.

Kyle Juszczyk: Sustained a cut on his right calf/Achilles on Aug. 2, returned Aug. 7.

San Francisco 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk runs with teammates during practice at the 49ers training camp at the practice facility at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Thursday, July 24, 2025. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk runs with teammates during practice at the 49ers training camp at the practice facility at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Thursday, July 24, 2025. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)

WIDE RECEIVER

Brandon Aiyuk: Sounds like he will remain on the Physically Unable To Perform list into the regular season and return for a Week 6 visit to Tampa Bay on Oct. 12.

Jordan Watkins: Sustained a high ankle sprain in the preseason opener and might return in time for the Sept. 7 season opener.

Jacob Cowing: Returned to practice Tuesday after a hamstring injury in warmups the first day sidelined him 12 practices.

Ricky Pearsall: Probable Week 1 starter got activated off the Physically Unable To Perform list just three practices into camp, once his May hamstring injury was cleared for duty.

Equanimeous St. Brown: Signed just before camp, released July 31, re-signed Aug. 5, placed on Injured Reserve on Aug. 8 (foot).

Andy Isabella: He pulled up lame in Aug. 4 punt-return warmups – either an ankle or hamstring issue — and got cut the next day.

San Francisco 49ers' Ben Bartch (78) practices at the San Francisco 49ers' practice facility in Santa Clara, Calif., on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers’ Ben Bartch (78) practices at the San Francisco 49ers’ practice facility in Santa Clara, Calif., on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)

OFFENSIVE LINE

Ben Bartch: His bid to start at left guard was delayed by a quadriceps injury. He came off PUP on July 31, started the preseason opener, and he left practice with an apparent injury Aug. 12.

Andre Dillard: Potential swing tackle debuted in practice this week after an ankle injury had him open camp on PUP.

San Francisco 49ers' Nick Bosa (97) speaks to the media after the first day of training camp at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers’ Nick Bosa (97) speaks to the media after the first day of training camp at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

DEFENSIVE END

Nick Bosa: Rested three practices because of unspecified soreness, returned Aug. 7, was off Tuesday.

Mykel Williams: Sustained a hyperextended left knee in the Aug. 7 practice with the Broncos, and could return next week.

Yetur Gross-Matos: The 49ers hoped to spring him off PUP this week but a knee issue is keeping him there until at least next week.

Sam Okuayinonu: Worked on the side Tuesday after a groin injury initially shelved him Aug. 4.

Robert Beal Jr.: Exited Saturday’s preseason opener with a groin injury after splitting a sack with Sebastian Valdez.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Kevin Givens: A pectoral tear almost two weeks ago figures to keep him out until midseason, so an Injured Reserve designation is upcoming.

Jordan Elliott: A back issue forced him out of practice Aug. 7 and he’s yet to return; both he and Givens opened camp as starters.

Evan Anderson: A knee contusion kept him out a week but he returned this week to practice.

LINEBACKER

Curtis Robinson: Some 10 months after an ACL tear in practice, he got activated Friday off PUP and showed well in Tuesday’s full-team action as a strong-side option.

Chazz Surratt: Was out a few practices for unspecified reasons but returned this week.

San Francisco 49ers' Renardo Green (0) practices at the San Francisco 49ers' practice facility in Santa Clara, Calif., on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)Dai Sugano/Bay Area News GroupSan Francisco 49ers’ Renardo Green (0) practices at the San Francisco 49ers’ practice facility in Santa Clara, Calif., on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)

CORNERBACK

Renardo Green: Out since July 25 with a hamstring strain, from breaking up a deep pass. His return was expected this week but it’s been delayed.

Upton Stout: Rookie nickel back has been out with calf tightness since practicing against the Broncos.

Deommodore Lenoir: Marquee starter looks fully recovered after missing four practices with hip tightness early in camp.

Tre Brown: Wasn’t seen at Tuesday’s practice for an unknown reason; played with the third string Saturday.

Fabian Moreau: Has missed a week of practice for an unknown reason.Related Articles 49ers mailbag: Let’s talk Purdy’s preseason reps, Camp McCaffrey, Jennings’ calf-out 49ers’ Junior Bergen catching on as potential return specialist 49ers safety shuffle bumps rookie Marques Sigle into starting spotlight Eight players who 49ers should put in bubble wrap until season opener Kurtenbach: The 49ers are short on time and shorter on bodies

SAFETY

Richie Grant: A knee injury kept has him out since the Broncos practice, after he rotated between the first- and second-strings in camp.

Malik Mustapha: An ACL tear in January’s season finale figures to keep him out until at least midseason, if not much longer.

Ji’Ayir Brown: Soreness from his offseason ankle surgery has kept him from a couple of practices, but he was in Tuesday on the first-string with Marques Sigle after Jason Pinnock exited before full-team drills.

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Published on August 14, 2025 04:30