Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 64

Whisenhunt’s debut spoiled as SF Giants’ losing streak hits four

SAN FRANCISCO — Carson Whisenhunt could only play the waiting game.

When Whisenhunt was scratched from his start on Saturday with Triple-A Sacramento, his mind couldn’t help but turn to the looming trade deadline. He had no clue as to why he wasn’t making his scheduled start. All he could do was play things by ear.

“You know how the rumor mill goes when something comes out,” Whisenhunt said.

On Sunday, Whisenhunt got his answer. He wasn’t being traded; he was being promoted. In the midst of the Giants’ tailspin, the team called on their top pitching prospect to make his debut.

The nerves were evident when he allowed four runs over his first two innings. The talent was evident when he didn’t allow a run over his next three. Whisenhunt couldn’t stop the slide as the Giants lost 6-5 to the Pittsburgh Pirates, their 10th loss in their last 12 games that dropped them to 54-53. With a rotation missing two young starters, Whisenhunt will have his opportunity to continue earning staying power.

“Obviously, it’s an a little nervous here and there, but other than that, it was pretty calm,” Whisenhunt said. “Try not to overthink or overdo anything and enjoy the moment.”

Whisenhunt had about 10 friends and family members in attendance to witness the left-hander’s first career start — some of whom had a much easier time getting to Oracle Park than others.

His father, Dennis, was in the Philippines on a work trip when he received the news and had to hop on a 13-hour flight back to the States to witness his son’s big day. The travel logistics were complicated by the elder Whisenhunt losing his wallet on the flight to the Philippines, leaving him with only his phone and passport.

“He didn’t think he was going to be able to make it,” Whisenhunt said. “Trying to battle that one was a tough one today.”

Whisenhunt’s first two innings in the majors could also aptly be described as tough. The third batter he faced, Nick Gonzales, sent his signature changeup into the left-field bleachers for a solo homer. In the second, the Pirates scored three runs on Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s two-run double and Tommy Pham’s RBI single, both hits also being against the changeup.

From there, Whisenhunt settled in. He didn’t allow a run over the next three innings, the product of a mid-game adjustment.

Over his first two innings, Whisenhunt threw 20 changeups and 21 sinkers. Whisenhunt and pitching coach JP Martinez agreed that the Pirates were sitting on the changeup, so the left-hander dropped the usage. From the third inning onward, he threw 10 changeups to 25 sinkers.

“The changeup was used a little bit too much, in my opinion, early on,” Whisenhunt said. “It was also a little too firm tonight compared to where it has been.”

As things stand, Whisenhunt may have more opportunities to prove himself at the major-league level.

Landen Roupp is currently recovering from right elbow inflammation, while Hayden Birdsong is working things out with Triple-A Sacramento. The Giants’ acquisition of a starter ahead of the deadline could bump Whisenhunt back down to Sacramento after the deadline, but the front office has yet to make their move.

“If he performs well, it’s going to be a spot,” said manager Bob Melvin prior to Monday’s game.

San Francisco’s offense showed signs of life by going 4-for-13 with runners in scoring position after going 0-for-23 with runners in scoring position against this past weekend against the Mets. Still, plenty of runs were left on the table.

The Giants entered the bottom of the ninth inning trailing by two runs but put Pirates closer David Bednar on the ropes. Willy Adames started the inning with a bloop single down the right-field line, then Jung Hoo Lee drove him home with an opposite-field that cut the Pirates’ lead to 6-5. Wilmer Flores followed Lee with a single, putting runners on first and second with one out.

That would be the extent of the rally. Mike Yastrzemski popped out, Patrick Bailey grounded out and the game was over.

“I thought in the 9th, it had one of those feelings where we’re gonna come back and win the game. I really did. Crowd got into it,” Melvin said. “We’ve had that feeling before — not recently but for the better part of the season.”

States file lawsuit against Trump administration over efforts to collect SNAP recipients’ data

By KIMBERLY KINDY, Associated Press

Washington (AP) — A coalition of 20 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit Monday challenging the Trump administration’s demand that their states turn over personal data of people enrolled in a federally funded food assistance program, fearing the information will be used to aid mass deportations.

The data demand comes as the Trump administration has sought to collect private information on mostly lower-income people who may be in the country illegally. It has already ordered the Internal Revenue Service and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to share private information with the Department of Homeland Security to aid in deportation efforts.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture told states last week that it had until Wednesday to hand over the data for those enrolled in its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which serves more than 42 million people nationwide. The USDA said the data will help it combat waste, fraud and abuse.

The states’ lawsuit seeks an injunction to block the data transfer. In the meantime, state attorneys general in the SNAP lawsuit said they will not disclose what they consider to be private information of recipients — including their immigration status, birthdates and home addresses — because they believe it would be a violation of privacy laws.

“It’s a bait-and-switch of the worst kind,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a Monday afternoon news conference announcing the lawsuit. “SNAP recipients provided this information to get help feeding their families, not to be entered into a government surveillance database or be used as targets in the president’s inhumane immigration agenda.”

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In May, the department announced it was seeking the data as part of President Donald Trump’s executive order to obtain data from state programs to help root out fraud and waste. “For years, this program has been on autopilot, with no USDA insight into real-time data,” USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said in a statement at the time. “The Department is focused on appropriate and lawful participation in SNAP, and today’s request is one of many steps to ensure SNAP is preserved for only those eligible.”

USDA officials declined a request for comment on the suit.

The USDA did not mention immigration enforcement in the announcement or later notices. It is not clear why USDA officials believe the data will help it weed out fraud and abuse. The agency claims the program is already “one of the most rigorous quality control systems in the federal government.”

Immigration advocates noted that the Trump administration has used the same argument to obtain other sensitive data, only to later admit it would be using the information to enhance its deportation operations. Trump administration officials, for example, initially claimed they were seeking state Medicaid data to fight fraud. Last week, a top immigration official conceded they would be utilizing that same information to locate immigrants.

Agency officials have threatened to withhold SNAP funding if states fail to comply with their demand for data.

While immigrants without legal status are ineligible to receive SNAP benefits, they can apply on behalf of their children who are U.S. citizens or those who are part of a mixed-status household.

Under the program, formerly known as food stamps, the federal government pays for 100% of the food benefits, but the states help cover the administrative costs. States are also responsible for determining whether individuals are eligible for benefits and for issuing those benefits to enrollees.

Immigration and data privacy advocates expressed alarm at the Trump administration’s efforts to obtain sensitive SNAP data maintained by states.

“The administration has all but told us that their intention is to comb this data and use it for unlawful purposes that include immigration enforcement,” said Madeline Wiseman, an attorney with the National Student Legal Defense Network, which filed a lawsuit in May with privacy and hunger relief groups that are also challenging USDA’s efforts for SNAP data.

Court restricts who can bring voting rights challenges in a case involving voters with disabilities

By GARY FIELDS, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court panel on Monday ruled that private individuals and organizations cannot bring voting rights cases under a section of the law that allows others to assist voters who are blind, disabled or unable to read.

It’s the latest ruling from the St. Louis-based 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, saying only the government can bring lawsuits alleging violations of the Voting Rights Act. The findings upend decades of precedent and will likely be headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The case centered on whether an Arkansas state law that limits how many voters can be assisted by one person conflicts with Section 208 of the landmark federal law.

The opinion from the three-judge panel followed the reasoning of another 8th Circuit panel in a previous case from 2023. That opinion held that the Arkansas State Conference NAACP and the Arkansas Public Policy Conference could not bring cases under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

“Like the provision at issue in Arkansas State Conference, we conclude the text and structure of (Section) 208 do not create a private right of action,” said the decision written by Judge L. Steven Grasz, a nominee of President Donald Trump. “Likewise, we conclude no private right of action is created by the Supremacy Clause.”

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In the previous case, the district court judge said he could not reach an opinion on the merits because the plaintiffs did not have standing under Section 2 and gave the Justice Department five days to join the case. The circuit court panel agreed with his reasoning in a 2-1 decision.

The 8th Circuit, which covers Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, has issued three rulings holding that individuals and private entities don’t have standing to bring challenges against voting laws. The other came in May in a lawsuit over North Dakota redistricting.

In that case, the Spirit Lake Tribe and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, with reservations 60 miles apart, argued that the state’s 2021 legislative map violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting their voting strength and ability to elect their own candidates.

The appeals court ruled in a 2-1 decision that only the U.S. Department of Justice could bring such lawsuits, and the full circuit declined to take up the case. The U.S. Supreme Court blocked the ruling last week while it decides whether to hear the case.

The Justice Department declined to comment on whether it would be intervening in the Arkansas case. It earlier declined to comment on the case involving the two North Dakota tribes.

The Mexican American Legal Defense Fund, which is representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit revolving around voters with disabilities, declined to comment on Monday’s ruling.

Sophia Lin Lakin, director of the Voting Rights Project for the ACLU, said she wasn’t surprised by the ruling given the decisions in the earlier cases.

“I think it’s important to keep focus on the fact that the 8th Circuit’s decisions are radical and completely at odds with decades of precedent, including from the Supreme Court itself, as well as the text, history and purpose of the Voting Rights Act,” said Lakin, who was one of the attorneys in the initial Arkansas State Conference case. “Private litigants have been the engine of enforcement of the Voting Rights Act for sixty years.”

Section 2 is considered one of the more consequential parts of the Voting Rights Act that remains intact, after a 2013 Supreme Court decision removed Section 5. That section required that all or parts of 15 states with a history of discrimination in voting get approval from the federal government before changing their voting and election laws.

SF Giants officially promote top pitching prospect Whisenhunt

SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants have selected the contract of left-hander Carson Whisenhunt, the top pitching prospect in their organization, ahead of his first career start on Monday night at Oracle Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In a corresponding move, right-hander Sean Hjelle was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. Right-hander Carson Ragsdale, who was part of San Francisco’s trio of Carsons along with reliever Carson Seymour, was designated for assignment.

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Whisenhunt, 24, posted a 4.42 ERA over 18 starts with Sacramento and was twice named PCL (Pacific Coast League) Pitcher of the Week prior to his promotion. Earlier this month, Whisenhunt represented the Giants alongside undrafted reliever Trent Harris at the All-Star Futures Game, retiring both batters he faced.

Manager Bob Melvin said following Sunday’s 5-3 loss to the New York Mets that the length of Whisenhunt’s outing will depend on his efficiency.

To stay sharper while aging, get active, challenge your brain, and eat healthy

By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s official: Older Americans worried about cognitive decline can stay sharper for longer by exercising both their bodies and their brains and eating healthier.

That’s according to initial results released Monday from a rigorous U.S. study of lifestyle changes in seniors at risk of developing dementia. People following a combination of healthier habits slowed typical age-related cognitive decline — achieving scores on brain tests as if they were a year or two younger, researchers reported in JAMA and at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.

It’s not too late to get started — study participants were in their 60s and 70s — and it doesn’t require becoming a pickleball champ or swearing off ice cream.

“It was the first time I felt like I was doing something proactive to protect my brain,” said Phyllis Jones, 66, of Aurora, Illinois, who joined the study after caring for her mother with dementia and struggling with her own health problems.

In this photo provided by Phyllis Jones, she prepares a smoothie with spinach, frozen blueberries, almond milk with pumpkin spice and date sugar at home in Aurora, Ill., on Friday, July 25, 2025. (Courtesy Phyllis Jones via AP)

It’s too soon to know if stalling age-related decline also could reduce the risk of later Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. But Jones and other study participants underwent brain scans and blood tests that researchers now are analyzing for clues – such as whether people also saw a reduction in Alzheimer’s-related protein buildup.

“We’re all on a cognitive aging clock and anything we can do to slow that clock down, to me, that is a significant benefit,” said Laura Baker of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, who led the study.

What’s good for the heart is good for the brain

Doctors have long encouraged physical activity and a healthy diet for brain fitness. Those steps fight high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes, factors that increase the risk of dementia.

But until now the strongest evidence that specific lifestyle changes later in life could improve how people perform on brain tests came from a study in Finland.

Would it work for a more sedentary and culturally diverse U.S. population? With funding from the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging, Baker’s team tested the strategy for two years in 2,100 adults ages 60 to 79.

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Half of participants were randomly assigned to group classes for exercise and dietary changes plus brain-challenging homework – with peer support and coaches tracking their progress.

They did a half-hour of moderately intense exercise four times a week — plus twice a week, they added 10 to 15 minutes of stretching and 15 to 20 minutes of resistance training.

They followed the “MIND diet” that stresses lots of leafy greens and berries plus whole grains, poultry and fish. Nothing is banned but it urges limiting red meat, fried or “fast food” and sweets, and substituting olive oil for butter and margarine.

They also had to meet someone or try something new weekly and do brain “exercises” using an online program called Brain HQ.

Other study participants, the control group, received brain-healthy advice and minimal coaching — they chose what steps to follow.

Both improved but the groups fared significantly better.

Combining social engagement with exercise and dietary steps may be key, said Jessica Langbaum of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, who wasn’t involved with the study.

“Americans want to have that one easy thing – ‘If I just eat my blueberries,’” Langbaum said. “There is no one magic bullet. It is a whole lifestyle.”

How to exercise your body and mind on your own

Moderately intense physical activity means raising your heart rate and panting a bit yet still able to talk, said Wake Forest’s Baker. Pick something safe for your physical capability and start slowly, just 10 minutes at a time until you can handle more, she cautioned.

Make it something you enjoy so you stick with it.

Likewise there are many options for brain exercise, Baker said – puzzles, joining a book club, learning an instrument or a new language.

Jones, a software engineer-turned-tester, learned she loves blueberry-spinach smoothies. Her favorite exercise uses an at-home virtual reality program that lets her work up a sweat while appearing to be in another country and communicating with other online users.

One challenge: How to keep up the good work

Researchers will track study participants’ health for four more years and the Alzheimer’s Association is preparing to translate the findings into local community programs.

Will people with stick with their new habits?

Jones lost 30 pounds, saw her heart health improve and feels sharper especially when multitasking. But she hadn’t realized her diet slipped when study coaching ended until a checkup spotted rising blood sugar. Now she and an 81-year-old friend from the study are helping keep each other on track.

The lifestyle change “did not just affect me physically, it also affected me mentally and emotionally. It brought me to a much better place,” Jones said.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

49ers rookie ‘fire hydrant’ C.J. West douses linemen with his violent hands

SANTA CLARA – C.J. West put his 49ers helmet down, stood outside the locker room for a brief chat, then smiled as he unwrapped black braces from his superpower wrists.

“First off, I was really excited to finally put the pads on, to get the full speed of the big leagues,” West said Monday after his first full-pad practice.

Three months ago, the 49ers spent their top five draft picks on defensive players. West, a 318-pound defensive tackle, was the fifth of the bunch, No. 113 overall in the fourth round.

He is less heralded than their first two picks, 6-foot-5 linemen Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins, but West will factor into an overhauled rotation. Monday’s debut in pads affirmed that.

“He’s like a little fire hydrant, right? He’s powerful. He’s got heavy hands,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said.

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman C.J. West, bottom, performs a drill during practice at the team’s NFL football training camp, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

West’s introduction to the big leagues began with one-on-one dominance against offensive linemen. He went 5-0 as he ripped his way past all comers, including starting right guard Dominick Puni, whose fleet feet and mirroring ability surprised West.

“Part of my game is how violent I am with my hands and what I can do with that,” West added. “A lot of times, I may be shorter than offensive linemen, so I need something to separate myself from other players.”

Chaddrian West Jr. is a 6-foot-1 native of Chicago. Yep, he’s tough. Yet, he’s charming (after fittingly majoring in public speaking). He didn’t take the easy road here. He played four years at Kent State before increasing his draft stock last year at Indiana.

He credits his ninja-like hand skills to forearm work in the weight room and, well, “just violently striking things, violently striking pads, working on how quickly you can shoot your hands when you get out of your stance.”

“He’s going to be fine. Like a lot of rookies, there are so many things he’s learning, especially on the interior of the D-line,” Saleh added. “It’s a game within a game. The first thing they do is pocket push, then they learn how to capture an edge and rush from there.”

West’s full-pad debut hit a wall in the full-team drills. Even with incumbent starter Jordan Elliott not practicing for unknown reasons, West mainly worked on the third-string defense, while Collins, Evan Anderson and Kalia Davis worked on the first string next to Kevin Givens. West attracted some double-team blocks, and although he didn’t make any big-time stops, he held his own.

“It was good to get the experience and understand the speed of the game, how they block differently, how aggressive they are when they do combo (blocks). So it was awesome,” West said.

Part of that experience was learning how to practice as hard as you can, even when you’re tired. This was the fifth practice of camp, but the first in pads and it was the longest at nearly two hours.

West was ready for that grind by training this offseason here alongside Williams and Collins. “I love those guys. Those are really cool dudes,” West said. “We’ve become really close throughout the offseason. We stayed here, trained with each other, got to know each other more and more, so when the time comes, we can trust and rely on each other when things get difficult and hard.”

West acknowledged he hasn’t yet had his “Welcome To The NFL” moment, but three preseason games await, as do joint practices against the Denver Broncos (Aug. 7) and the Las Vegas Raiders (Aug. 14).

It’s imperative the 49ers get all their rookies – heck, their entire new defense – aligned by the Sept. 7 regular-season opener in Seattle. That will officially start the clock on a rookie class that could be counted on more than any in recent 49ers memory, with the 1981 class having set the standard with a Super Bowl win.

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“First off, winning is how you make something special,” West said. “Throughout the season, win as much as possible, make history.”

West sounded like someone special back on draft day, when he told the media he’ll line up at 1-technique to “just abuse centers, be as violent as possible and just cause havoc down there in the middle.”

For now, West must adapt to the increased speed in the NFL. As for how the lifetime Midwesterner is coping with any culture shock in California, he said: “The weather, that’s the biggest difference. Once I got drafted, I was, ‘Man, it’s going to be hot all the time.’ But it’s really mild, 70 to 80 degrees. No humidity and there’s never a cloud in the sky. That’s absurd to me.”

NOTES: Defensive end Tarron Jackson returned Monday to the 49ers’ facility, although he did not practice after being discharged from Stanford hospital, where he went after sustaining an apparent neck injury in Sunday’s practice. … Wide receivers Jauan Jennings (calf) and Jacob Cowing (hamstring) did not practice, nor did Elliott, cornerback Renardo Green (hamstring). … Monday’s top plays included a Brock Purdy completion to George Kittle for a would-be 70-yard touchdown catch-and-run, and a Dee Winters interception of a Purdy passes intended for Kittle but deflected by safety Jason Pinnock. … Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, in his second straight day practicing, made a sliding catch of a well-placed, 20-yard pass from Purdy. … Linebacker Fred Warner made a pass breakup on one of the many blitzes the 49ers have deployed more than usual in camp. … The one-on-one linemen drill opened with Trent Williams keeping Nick Bosa at bay, but Bosa rebounded with multiple would-be sacks in team drills while alternating from the left and right edges. … Dee Winters had the hit of the day, on an Isaac Guerendo run. … Russell Gage made an acrobatic, sideline catch of a Purdy pass against cornerback Tre Brown. … Darrell Luter Jr. got first crack at filling in for Green. … Cornerback Dallis Flowers had a one-handed interception in one-on-one coverage of Jordan Watkins.

U.S. Education Department encourages schools to use AI in the classroom

The U.S. Department of Education is encouraging schools across the country to take advantage of federal funding to expand their use of artificial intelligence.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement Tuesday that AI “drives personalized learning, sharpens critical thinking and prepares students with problem-solving skills that are vital for tomorrow’s challenges.”

“Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize education and support improved outcomes for learners,” McMahon said. “Today’s guidance also emphasizes the importance of parent and teacher engagement in guiding the ethical use of AI and using it as a tool to support individualized learning and advancement. By teaching about AI and foundational computer science while integrating AI technology responsibly, we can strengthen our schools and lay the foundation for a stronger, more competitive economy.”

The move comes as some experts have expressed concern the technology could exacerbate inequality and deepen the digital divide, and educators across the country have said using AI in K-12 education “does more harm than good,” according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey.

David Goldberg, president of the California Teachers Association, slammed the Trump administration for focusing on artificial intelligence while slashing school funding and student resources.

“Instead, they are using their power to slash meals and services for kids while ‘encouraging’ the use of artificial intelligence in public education,” Goldberg said in a statement Wednesday. “Innovation should benefit us all, not a select wealthy few and we have zero faith in the Trump administration to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and communities.”

Goldberg said the association will continue to demand that teachers, parents and students are part of the decision-making process regarding the use of artificial intelligence in California schools.

The guidance — distributed in a letter sent to schools and educational agencies Tuesday — follows President Donald Trump’s April 23 executive order promoting AI literacy and proficiency among students and comes as the Trump administration unveiled a sweeping artificial intelligence action plan Wednesday aimed at ensuring the United States wins the the global “AI race.” The package includes several policies and initiatives aimed at boosting artificial intelligence innovation and rolling back regulations the White House said were smothering development. The plan also includes proposed policies that would eliminate AI system references to misinformation, diversity, equity and inclusion and climate change — topics the White House called “social engineering agendas.”

The “Dear Colleague” letter to educational agencies also advised that schools’ use of artificial intelligence should align with state and regulatory requirements.

The letter said schools can utilize unspecified federal education funds to use artificial intelligence to create instructional materials and tutor students, help students identify career interests and advise students with course planning and transitioning to higher education or career pathways. The letter also said schools can use funds to train educators and families to use AI tools effectively and responsibly.

The California Department of Education said Wednesday only that it had seen the letter.

The state education department’s guidance on artificial intelligence in California K-12 education emphasizes the importance of AI technology supporting educators rather than replacing them. The guidance also encourages educators to review AI data collection and user privacy and teach students about AI inaccuracies and bias and reframe artificial intelligence in “terms of math, rather than magic.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom also signed Senate Bill 1288 last year, sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, which created a collaborative AI workgroup of educators, industry experts and students to develop guidance on AI use in public schools.

Monterey Peninsula community has fond memories of plane crash victims

PACIFIC GROVE – Many in the scuba diving community, both locally and internationally, are mourning the loss of James Vincent, the owner of the Aquarius Dive Shop in Monterey, as well as Steve Clatterbuck and Jamie Lee Tabscott, who all died in a plane crash Saturday night off the coast of Pacific Grove.

Vincent “has been great to me over the years that I’ve worked with that dive shop. I knew the former owner and met James when he first took over,” said Dennis McFadden, a diving enthusiast in Monterey. “He gave great service and terrific area dive guidance. Several times when I had equipment issues he offered grace and flexibility. I’m greatly saddened by his passing, his shop was a true asset. My grandson and three of his friends were certified at Aquarius.”

Steve Clatterbuck (Facebook)

“R.I.P. Stevie and James, my heart is completely in pieces, to have woken up and to hear about this. My condolences to the families that have to endure the devastating news of their loved ones,” George Raptis of Amaso Dive Center in Greece posted Sunday night on Facebook. “I miss you all tremendously.”

Monterey residents Vincent, 36, and Tabscott, 44, as well Clatterbuck, a 60-year old from Salinas, were aboard a small aircraft that crashed about 400 yards off Point Pinos, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The twin engine plane departed the San Carlos Airport in the Bay Area just after 10 p.m. Saturday, heading to Monterey Regional Airport.

Flight N8796R, a twin-engine Beechcraft, crashed into the ocean near Sunset Drive and Jewell Avenue around 10:38 p.m. The Coast Guard Station Monterey launched a 29-foot Response Boat-Small crew which arrived on scene approximately 15 minutes after notification, according to a news release.

The Coast Guard did a full search with divers, and recovered three bodies, according to Lt. Kyle Fagan. The search concluded at about 9 a.m. Sunday morning.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.

Others involved in the diving community have shared stories and photos of Vincent and Clatterbuck online — both well-known on the Peninsula for being involved with other nonprofit organizations and dive shops.

Friends and family have also shared about their time with Vincent over the years, knowing him to be staple in the community.

“I have known James for many years through business interactions. He was a kind-hearted, fair, smart, ambitious, and adventurous person,” said Laurie Huelga, the communications manager for the city of Monterey. “His warm smile and steadfast presence will be missed by so many in the community. He had so much more to accomplish and to give us through his love of life.”

“Anyone who knew him (Vincent) will smile, shake their head, and probably have a really awesome story to tell,” Monterey Moose Family Center posted to Facebook Sunday evening. “James was the kind of guy who made you feel like you mattered, who brought calm, laughter and common sense to any conversation.”

Former Herald reporter Eve Britton hadn’t seen Clatterbuck for years, but remembered him as “a good guy, like a really good guy. He walked the talk. I had a lot of respect for him.”

Melissa Johnson, who identified herself as Clatterbuck’s stepdaughter on Facebook posted, “Both (Clatterbuck and Vincent) were adventurers and lived life to the fullest, whether they were in the air, underwater or on land.”

Relocated dealership in Marina to keep Mercedes-Benz of Monterey name

MARINA – Mercedes-Benz is relocating to Marina, but that site change will bring along its established full name – Mercedes-Benz of Monterey – even though the Marina City Council had requested the name include the city it will be residing in.

The Unstoppable Automotive Group reached out to Mercedes-Benz USA to see if they could get approval of the name change and were informed that this is not possible, according to city documents. MBUSA stated that the relocation to Marina was approved and processed under the name “Mercedes-Benz of Monterey.” MBUSA is requiring that the name be retained to ensure continuity across customer communications, manufacturer systems and branding efforts.

At a special council meeting July 18, the governing body voted 4-1 to approve the name Mercedes-Benz of Monterey for the Marina dealership as part of the sales tax revenue sharing agreement between the city of Marina and Unstoppable Automotive MBMCA LLC to assist in covering high site development and construction costs associated with developing a Mercedes-Benz automobile dealership in Marina, and authorize the city manager to execute the amendment subject to final review by the city attorney.

Artist rendering of the Mercedes-Benz dealership that is proposed for the city of Marina in its Dunes On Monterey Bay development. (Unstoppable Automotive Group MBUSA)

In a letter to the city of Marina from Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, it said in part, “While the dealership would be relocating to the city of Marina, it would also still be operating in Monterey County. Due to this distinction, their relocation was approved and processed under the name ‘Mercedes-Benz of Monterey.’”

The Mercedes-Benz of Monterey moniker has been in use for nearly 70 years.

The letter went on to say that “Additional factors should also be considered as Mercedes-Benz of Monterey has a rich history since opening in 1957 including established long-term client loyalty, brand recognition and existing goodwill. We also want to emphasize that we value their strong partnership and commitment to the local community and customers across Monterey County.

This commitment to maintaining the business as Mercedes-Benz of Monterey is strictly administrative and branding-related, and in no way diminishes our appreciation for their new location or their service to the city of Marina.”

In May, the city of Marina and developer Shea Homes (Marina Community Partners) entered into a sales tax revenue sharing agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the developer will purchase a development site within the Dunes project at the former Fort, on which it will develop an approximate 60,000 square foot dealership in accordance with all design and quality requirements stipulated by Mercedes-Benz USA.

The proposed future site of the dealership will be bordered by Highway 1 to the west, 1st Avenue to the east, Divarty Street to the south and about 5th Street to the north.

A representative for Unstoppable Automotive Group said at the meeting that a large sign on the property facing Highway 1 at Divarty Street will proclaim “City of Marina” as part of the plan for the Mercedes-Benz of Monterey site, similar to one erected at its Mercedes-Benz dealership in the city of Temecula.

A spokesperson from Unstoppable Automotive Group MBUSA said the relocated Mercedes-Benz of Monterey dealership planned for Marina will have a gateway sign similar to the Mercedes-Benz dealership in the city of Temecula. (Unstoppable Automotive Group MBUSA)

An amendment to the approval process at the July 18 meeting includes that Mercedes-Benz not only build but maintain the gateway sign, according to the city.

Under the terms of the Agreement, the payment of the subsidy to the Developer is conditioned that first the developer will privately fund all development costs including city building permit and development impact fees and provide documentation demonstrating that expended development costs exceed $40 million, and second, the developer shall commence construction of the dealership by no later than Jan. 1, 2026, and subject to Force Majeure, complete construction no later than 15 months after commencement.

According to city of Marina documents, the city will provide subsidy payments to the developer equal to 50% of the actual amount of annual sales tax revenues that the city receives from the application of the 1% Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales Tax Rate (“1% Sale Tax”) to the actual annual amount of taxable sales that the dealership generates until the earlier of: a) the date that the cumulative total of subsidy payments to the developer equals $5 million, or b) the agreement terminates due to nonperformance terms provided in the agreement.

The fiscal impact for the city of Marina is projected as first year direct new tax revenue to the city will be $882,000. Cumulative over five years, the new direct tax annual revenue will be $6,420,000. The revenue will go to the General Fund. Additionally, the City’s portion of the Monterey County pooled sales tax is expected to increase annually by an estimated additional $150,000.

A second amendment would allow for Mercedes-Benz and the city to discuss potential financial annual contributions to the city of Marina that would start in year 10 or shortly thereafter, according to the city.

Horoscopes July 28, 2025: Peter Cullen, learn, discover and embrace life

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Dustin Milligan, 40; Sally Struthers, 78; Jim Davis, 80; Peter Cullen, 84.

Happy Birthday: Talk less and do more. The changes you enforce will make a difference in how your life unfolds. Learn, discover and embrace life. Opportunity comes when you put forth an effort. Utilize your enthusiasm and charisma to garner support and guidance from those who share your ideals, plans and vision. Learn as you go; lead the way, and you’ll gain momentum. Personal growth and interesting connections will enhance your year. Your numbers are 5, 11, 24, 26, 35, 37, 48.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take time to engage in talks and conduct research that will lead to better choices. Connect with people who can direct you accordingly and offer insight into how you can effectively utilize your skills to meet market demands. Avoid restrictions that compromise your health or emotional well-being. Trust your instincts. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Set high standards and enforce the changes necessary to achieve your goals. A passionate, aggressive work attitude will ensure you live up to your claims and impress the people who can help you advance. There is no place for anger or stubbornness. To succeed, you must first learn to get along with others. 5 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A change of scenery will improve your attitude and feed your imagination. Your approach will depend on the people you choose to work with and the changes you want to implement. Networking and social events that excite you will pay off in the information you receive and the people you meet. 2 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Dream big, but be realistic. Consider how to make your surroundings more convenient or clear a space to develop a moneymaking sideline. Don’t limit what you can do just because you think it’s impossible. Start small and build from there. Set a budget, stick to it and transform your life to suit your needs. 4 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Rise to whatever occasion emerges, and do your part. The way you approach achieving your goals will have an impact on your popularity. Don’t jeopardize your health or physical well-being trying to impress others. Progressive ideas will help you outshine any competition you encounter. Put more thought into how you present yourself to others. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep your financial position to yourself. The less you share, the easier it will be for you to negotiate on your own behalf. Don’t jeopardize your health or finances to accommodate someone else. It’s time to put yourself first and to look out for what’s best for you, taking control to achieve the best possible outcome. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A change will become a revelation, encouraging you to broaden your vision while dismissing what’s no longer working for you. Set new boundaries, and apply more attention to those you associate with and how you take care of your personal, physical and emotional needs. Put your energy where it counts, and you will feel the difference. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Let your feelings and instincts guide you. You will surpass expectations with what you do, not what you say. Living up to your standards will lead to respect and help position you for better opportunities. Learn as you go and elevate your game in real time. Be the force and make things happen. 4 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Pay attention to your finances, health and home. The changes you make in these sectors will have a positive influence on how you live and your relationships with others. Updating your look, getting in shape and socializing more will lead to interesting connections and insight into what to strive for next. 2 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Listen, but don’t believe everything you hear. Someone will be more intent on impressing you than sticking to facts. Double-check all information before agreeing to participate in something that has associated costs. Emotions may surface in response to financial or health issues. Get the lowdown and avoid joint ventures. A minimalist attitude is favored. 5 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Deal with issues regarding lifestyle, expenses or boundaries first. Make a point of letting others know what you are willing to share and what’s off-limits to those who venture into your world. Clarity now will save you from heartache and regret later. Physical fitness will help ease stress and encourage you to look your best. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Evaluate situations before you proceed. Ask questions and consider the emotional ramifications your actions will have on your life and the lives of others. Take physical precautions to avoid injury or illness. Spend less time trying to change others and more time working on self-improvement, physical and emotional strength, and well-being. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are thoughtful, generous and imaginative. You are disciplined and outgoing.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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