Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 82

SF Giants open big homestand with 3-1 win over Phillies

SAN FRANCISCO – Before the Giants can finally welcome the Dodgers to Oracle Park this season on their way into the All-Star break, the National League East-leading Phillies are here first as a three-game undercard.

It’s a high-powered homestand, and it got off to a victorious, tension-filled start Monday night with the Giants prevailing 3-1 before a sellout crowd of 40,043.

“Two really good teams are coming in here and we just have to keep playing baseball,” Giants pitcher Landen Roupp said. “Guys are hitting, making plays and we’re throwing the ball well. We have to keep it going.”

Swept by Miami their last time at home, the Giants produced two runs in an eighth-inning rally dependent on ground balls and batters hit by pitches.

The winning rally, step-by-step:

— Willy Adames, having already extended his hitting streak to a season-best eight games, led off by getting hit by a pitch from reliever Orion Kerkering.

— Matt Chapman, in his third game back from a sprained wrist, battled to a full count before grounding a single to right and moving Adames to third. “It’s a big homestand for us, so it’s big to get this first one for us,” Chapman said after getting a celebratory water shower on NBC Sports Bay Area’s postgame show.

— Wilmer Flores, the Giants’ RBI leader, got hit by a 3-1 pitch to load the bases.

— Casey Schmitt, in his first game off the 10-day Injured List, hit a grounder to shortstop to bring home Adames for a 2-1 lead; Schmitt beat the relay throw to first to avoid a double play.

— Jung Hoo Lee rattled a grounder to first baseman Bryce Harper, whose wide throw home allowed Chapman to slide in head first for an insurance run and a 3-1 lead.

Camilo Doval came on for his 14th save in 18 opportunities, and that capped a top-notch night for the Giants’ bullpen in relief of Roupp’s start. “It hasn’t been his best here recently. But he’s finding a way to get it done,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said.

Doval, like Monday’s pitching predecessors, allowed the leadoff runner to reach (Max Kepler; walk). Schmitt made a leaping snare for the inning’s first out (on Doval’s 13th pitch to J.T. Realmuto). Bryson Stott then grounded to Flores at first for what would be a game-ending double play.

The Giants (50-42) have won three in a row. The Phillies (53-38) had won their previous two.

The Giants parlayed a bases-loaded rally in the second inning into a 1-0 lead, with Chapman scoring that lone run when Luis Matos’ RBI grounder was botched by shortstop Trea Turner, who potentially could have started an inning-ending double play had he cleanly fielded the ball. Chapman had led off with a single, followed by a Flores single and Schmitt walk.

Roupp opened with four scoreless innings, while twice striking out All-Star Kyle Schwarber.

San Francisco Giants’ Willy Adames (2) throws to first base after tagging out Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper (3) for an attempted double play on a ball hit by Philadelphia Phillies’ Nick Castellanos (8) in the fourth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. Castellanos was safe at first. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee (51) hits a ball foul against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Willy Adames (2) throws to first for an out on a ball hit by Philadelphia Phillies’ Trea Turner (7) in the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Casey Schmitt (10) celebrates his single at first base against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper (3) hits a single against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp (65) throws against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)The ball bounces over the head of Philadelphia Phillies’ Brandon Marsh (16) in centerfield on a double hit by San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) in the third inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Casey Schmitt (10) throws to first base for an out on a ball hit by Philadelphia Phillies’ Max Kepler (17) in the second inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) high-fives a teammate after scoring off of a hit by San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee (51) against the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Casey Schmitt (10) grounds into a fielders choice against the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Luis Matos (29) hits into a grounders choice which scored San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Casey Schmitt (10) swings at a pitch for a strike against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos (17) heads to the dugout after striking out against the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Willy Adames (2) rounds second base on his way to third base on a single hit by San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) against the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee (51) grounds into a fielders choice which scored San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) against the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Camilo Doval (75) throws against the Philadelphia Phillies in the ninth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Willy Adames (2) tags Philadelphia Phillies’ Max Kepler (17) out at second base to end the ninth inning and win the game 3-1 at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Willy Adames (2) celebrates his double at second base against the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Willy Adames (2) and San Francisco Giants’ Mike Yastrzemski (5) celebrate their 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Show Caption1 of 19San Francisco Giants’ Willy Adames (2) throws to first base after tagging out Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper (3) for an attempted double play on a ball hit by Philadelphia Phillies’ Nick Castellanos (8) in the fourth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. Castellanos was safe at first. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Expand

Then the ball literally bounced the Phillies’ way as they pulled even in the fifth inning. Bryson Stott scored on a wild pitch from third, but only after Stott reached base when a bad-hop grounder clanked off first baseman Flores’ right foot and between his legs on its way down the right-field line for a leadoff double.

“The ball to Flo, it took a left turn. I don’t know what happened there. That was one of the worst hops we’ve seen so far,” Melvin said. “Other than that we played clean baseball, and you have to when you’re not scoring a lot of runs. … We pitched and played defense.”

Roupp escaped further damage in the fifth, thanks to Luis Matos making a diving catch on a Schwarber liner before Harper struck out looking on a high, full-count sinker.

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“Today he just had great energy out there. It was like early in the season energy, not coming down to the half,” Melvin said. ” … It’s obviously a tough lineup to navigate through. The last three times out, he’s been really good.”

Roupp, who has a 1.85 ERA in his seven home starts, said: “I was locked in. I did my job and got through five.”

Then it was up to the Giants’ bullpen to tease then shut down the Phillies.

Ryan Walker worked a 1-2-3 sixth, then Joey Lucchesi yielded a leadoff single in the seventh before recording three consecutive outs – on a sacrifice bunt, on a comebacker off his left hip, and on a strikeout of Turner. Reliever Tyler Rogers mimicked that pattern, surrendering a leadoff single (to Schwarber) before inducing three outs and keeping the score tied.

Rogers got the win, and his 1.62 ERA ranks sixth-best in the majors.

NOTES: “For the most part I felt good, swung at good pitches, laid off some good pitches, took a walk,” Schmitt said of his 1-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 walk return as he settles in as the second baseman with Tyler Fitzgerald sent back to Triple-A Sacramento. Schmitt’s .276 batting average was the best in the Giants’ lineup entering Monday’s game. … Roupp has allowed four runs combined over his past four starts. … Adames stretched his season-best hitting streak to eight games with a fifth-inning double. … A marriage proposal – congrats to Olivia and Tobias – drew the night’s most emotional standing ovation, including from some Giants in their neighboring dugout during the sixth-inning stretch. … The Giants were poised to take a 2-0 lead in the third, but a ground-rule double by Chapman off the center-field track forced Rafael Devers back to third base. Flores struck out to strand both runners in scoring position; Devers reached by skying a ball into the bay breeze before it kindly fell ahead of right fielder Nick Castellanos. … The Phillies are 2-11 at Oracle Park since 2021. … Robbie Ray (9-3, 2.68 ERA) will oppose Taijuan Walker (3-5, 3.64) in Tuesday’s 6:45 p.m. start, followed by Justin Verlander (0-6, 4.84) vs. Jesus Luzardo (7-5, 4.44) in Wednesday’s 12:45 series finale.

Clipboard: Four Hartnell players land beach volleyball scholarships

Arriving at Hartnell College to extend their indoor volleyball careers two years ago, four players are moving on – as beach volleyball players.

Katie Barclay, Jordyn Pascone, Paige Mason and Theresa Habrik were instrumental in leading the Panthers to a Coast Conference North volleyball indoor title last fall.

The Fab Four’s rise as beach volleyball players in two years earned all of them scholarships this coming fall.

Headlining the list is Habrik, who landed at Division I Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.

Theresa Habrick (Courtesy of Hartnell College)Paige Mason (Courtesy of Hartnell College)Jordyn Pascone (Courtesy of Hartnell College)Katie Barclay (Courtesy of Hartnell College)Show Caption1 of 4Theresa Habrick (Courtesy of Hartnell College)Expand

Habrik was the Coast Conference North Most Valuable Player indoors and on the beach this past season as the team’s setter. She was also Hartnell’s valedictorian.

Barclay, who earned all-conference honors in both indoor and beach for the Panthers in both of her years at Hartnell, will play at Hope International University in Fullerton.

Pascone, a North Salinas High graduate, along with Mason, are headed to Hawaii Pacific University.

Pascone is going to Hawaii to compete in both sports, earning all-conference honors last fall as a hitter indoors, and all-conference honors on the beach.

A defensive specialist indoors, Mason earned all-conference honors on the beach two straight years for the Panthers, leading them to a conference beach title in 2024.

Rossi to Youngstown State

Luke Rossi made the most of a new lease on his baseball career, as he will play next spring at Youngstown State.

Having committed out of Palma to play at the University of San Francisco in 2023, Rossi transferred to College of San Mateo, where he tore up pitching.

Last spring, the right-handed utility player sizzled at the plate, hitting .384 with 41 runs batted in over 41 games.

A member of the Herald’s All-County football team in 2021, Rossi hit six homers last spring, with 21 of his 58 hits going for extra bases, posting a .478 on-base percentage.

A two-sport standout at Palma, Rossi compiled nearly 2,000 yards in total offense, throwing for just under 1,400 yards, while leading the team in rushing with 562 yards, totaling 15 touchdowns.

Jensen released

Salinas graduate Ryan Jensen has been released by the Minnesota Twins, where he had spent the season with their Triple-A team St. Paul.

The 6-foot former first round pick put together a strong April, posting a 2.16 earned run average with 13 strikeouts in eight innings.

However, Jensen struggled in June with his control, walking seven hitters over nine innings of relief.

Jensen, who is averaging 12.4 strikeouts every nine innings, throws a fastball near the century mark.

The Cubs’ No. 1 selection in 2019, Jensen has pitched for three different organizations, the last two seasons with the Twins’ Triple-A team.

In 151 appearances (53 starts) over five minor league seasons, Jensen is 13-28 overall with 367 strikeouts in 301 innings, posting a 4.69 earned run average.

A member of The Herald’s all-county football and baseball teams, Jensen earned second-team All-American honors at Fresno State in 2019 after going 12-1 with 107 strikeouts in 100 innings.

Aldrete looks for big second half

The month of June could not have ended sooner for Carter Aldrete, who struggled with a .188 batting average.

The infielder will go into the second half of the season for the Sacramento A’s Double-A franchise in Midland, hitting .203 with three homers and 23 runs batted in over 52 games.

Aldrete, who put together an all-star season last summer playing Independent baseball, was signed in the off-season by the A’s, spending the entire spring training with the team.

A former Monterey High and Arizona State slugger, the 6-foot-2, 208-pound Aldrete has hit 50 homers over four minor league seasons with teams affiliated with Major League Baseball.

Drafted by the Giants in the 15th round in 2019, the right-handed Aldrete has driven in 217 runs over 400 minor league games, making an all-star team for Class-A Eugene in 2021.

Coaches needed

Carmel is looking for a varsity girls volleyball coach, a varsity boys and girls cross country coach, a JV flag football coach and a JV boys water polo coach. Go to http://carmelunfied.org

Officials needed

Peninsula Sports Incorporate is looking for high school and middle school officials for all sports this season. Varsity officials are paid $100 a game. There is an immediate need for officials in the fall for football, flag football, water polo, field hockey and volleyball. Training is provided. Call Tom Emery at (831) 241-1101.

Biden’s former doctor asks to delay testimony to House panel, citing patient privilege concerns

By MATT BROWN and MICHELLE L. PRICE, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Joe Biden’s physician has asked to delay his testimony before the House oversight committee this week, citing the need for an agreement that will respect doctor-patient confidentiality rules as part of the investigation into Biden’s health in office.

Dr. Kevin O’Connor, who served as Biden’s physician at the White House, requested a delay until the end of July or early August “to reach an accommodation that will protect the very substantial privilege and confidentiality interests of Dr. O’Connor and former President Biden,” according to a letter from his lawyer sent to Rep. James Comer of Kentucky on Saturday. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the letter.

A spokesperson for Oversight Republicans said the committee will follow the House’s deposition guidelines, which allow for witnesses to assert privilege on a question-by-question basis, with the committee chair ruling on each claim. But O’Connor is not allowed, in the committee’s view, to delay or decline a congressional subpoena due to concerns over questions about potentially privileged information.

The back-and-forth is part of a broader struggle over the scope of the House Republican inquiry into Biden’s age and mental fitness, with serious implications for both politics and policy. Republicans have also claimed that some policies carried out by the White House “autopen” may be invalid if it is proven that Biden was mentally incapacitated for some part of his term.

Biden has strongly denied claims that he was not in a right state of mind at any point while in office, calling the claims “ridiculous and false.”

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The House Oversight Committee first requested O’Connor testify before the committee last July, but the Biden White House blocked his testimony. Comer renewed his request in May and later subpoenaed the doctor in June.

David Schertler, the attorney for O’Connor, in the letter said the committee is refusing to “accommodate to any degree Dr. O’Connor’s objections” over protecting privilege. He said the committee’s decision was “unprecedented” and “alarming” and warned that it threatened broader principles around medical privacy.

Scherlter said O’Connor could face “serious consequences” for violating his obligations as a doctor, including losing his medical license.

In a June subpoena of O’Connor, Comer said that claims of physician-patient privilege under the American Medical Association’s code of ethics “lack merit” because that code is not part of federal law. He said the committee’s subpoena meets the AMA’s own requirement that physicians must share a patient’s medical information if “legally compelled to disclose the information” or “ordered to do so by legally constituted authority.”

Comer has promised that the committee will make all its findings public in a report after the inquiry has finished. He has subpoenaed O’Connor and Anthony Bernal, former chief of staff to former first lady Jill Biden. The committee last month heard voluntary testimony from Neera Tanden, former director of Biden’s domestic policy counsel.

The committee has also requested the testimony of nearly a dozen former senior Biden aides, including former White House chiefs of staff Ron Klain and Jeff Zients; former senior advisers Mike Donilon and Anita Dunn; former deputy chief of staff Bruce Reed, former counselor to the president Steve Ricchetti, former deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini and a former assistant to the president, Ashley Williams.

The Trump White House has waived executive privilege, a principle that protects many communications between the president and staff from Congress and the courts, for almost 10 senior former Biden staffers. That move clears the way for those staffers to discuss their conversations with Biden while he was president.

While the privilege can apply to former staffers, the decision of whether to waive it is decided by the sitting administration.

Migrants deported from US to Salvadoran prison remain under US control, Salvadoran officials tell UN

By MARK SHERMAN, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government of El Salvador has acknowledged to United Nations investigators that the Trump administration maintains control of the Venezuelan men who were deported from the U.S. to a notorious Salvadoran prison, contradicting public statements by officials in both countries.

The revelation was contained in court filings Monday by lawyers for more than 100 migrants who are seeking to challenge their deportations to El Salvador’s mega-prison known as the Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT.

The case is among several challenging President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

FILE – The exterior of the Terrorist Confinement Center as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrives, in Tecoluca, El Salvador, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

“In this context, the jurisdiction and legal responsibility for these persons lie exclusively with the competent foreign authorities,” Salvadoran officials wrote in response to queries from the unit of the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The U.N. group has been looking into the fate of the men who were sent to El Salvador from the United States in mid-March, even after a U.S. judge had ordered the planes that were carrying them to be turned around.

The Trump administration has argued that it is powerless to return the men, noting that they are beyond the reach of U.S. courts and no longer have access to due process rights or other U.S. constitutional guarantees.

But lawyers for the migrants said the U.N. report shows otherwise.

“El Salvador has confirmed what we and everyone else understood: it is the United States that controls what happens to the Venezuelans languishing at CECOT. Remarkably the U.S. government didn’t provide this information to us or the court,” American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Lee Gelernt said in an email.

Skye Perryman, CEO and president of Democracy Forward, said the documents show “that the administration has not been honest with the court or the American people.” The ACLU and Democracy Forward are both representing the migrants.

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A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment. White House and Homeland Security Department officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The administration in March agreed to pay $6 million for El Salvador to house 300 migrants. The deal sparked immediate controversy when Trump invoked an 18th century wartime law, the Alien Enemies Act, to quickly remove men it has accused of being members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

In a related case, the administration mistakenly sent Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the same prison, despite a judge’s order prohibiting the Maryland man from being sent to El Salvador.

The administration initially resisted court orders to bring him back to the U.S., saying he was no longer in American custody. Eventually, Abrego Garcia was returned to the U.S., where he now faces criminal charges of human smuggling while legal battles continue.

Last month, a coalition of immigrant rights groups sued to invalidate the prison deal with El Salvador, arguing that the arrangement to move migrant detainees outside the reach of U.S. courts violates the Constitution.

SF Giants’ Schmitt returns from injured list, Fitzgerald optioned to Triple-A

SAN FRANCISCO — Casey Schmitt won’t be the Giants’ starting third baseman now that Matt Chapman is back from the injured list, but another starting opportunity awaits.

The Giants announced on Monday afternoon that Schmitt has been activated off the 10-day injured list after the infielder dealt with left hand inflammation for the last week-and-a-half. Schmitt will hit sixth and start at second base in his return, kicking off his time as San Francisco’s starting second baseman.

In a corresponding move, San Francisco optioned infielder Tyler Fitzgerald to Triple-A Sacramento. Additionally, catcher Logan Porter cleared waivers, elected free agency and re-signed a minor-league contract.

Before landing on the injured list, Schmitt played his way into the starting second baseman role by excelling in Chapman’s absence. In 14 games as Chapman’s replacement, Schmitt hit .375/.444/.646 with four homers and 12 RBIs before being plunked in the left hand by the Miami Marlins’ Calvin Faucher on June 25.

Schmitt, 26, played two rehab games with Triple-A Sacramento this weekend against the Reno Aces, going 1-for-5 with three walks.

“Just build off of what I was doing before I got hurt and keep the same mindset,” Schmitt said. “I made sure I wrote everything down that I was thinking — routine, stuff like that — and just make sure that I’m staying consistent with it. Staying consistent with my approach and just taking it one day at a time.”

Schmitt has primarily been a third baseman during his professional career but he’s not completely new to second base, having played 55 games at the position between the majors and minors. Last year, Schmitt spent several weeks as San Francisco’s starting second baseman after Thairo Estrada hit the injured list.

“Like any new position, it’s going to take a little bit of time, but he does have some experience playing there,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “(Brett) Wisely has been playing pretty good, too. We got to mix him in there as well, but predominately second base for Casey.”

With Chapman and Schmitt both back from the injured list, the Giants will have their first opportunity to deploy a fully operational starting lineup since acquiring Rafael Devers in mid-June. In their first two games with Chapman back, San Francisco’s offense has generated 13 runs on 19 hits.

“We’ve got a great squad here, top to bottom, and I’m really excited to get out there,” Schmitt said.

As far as Fitzgerald, he returns to Sacramento for what should be an extended run with the River Cats.

The Giants optioned Fitzgerald on June 23 due to his extended struggles and intended for him to spend several weeks with Sacramento to find his rhythm and regain his confidence. But on June 30, San Francisco recalled Fitzgerald after placing Schmitt on the injured list.

In his brief time back with the Giants, Fitzgerald went 4-for-20 with a homer, two doubles and three RBIs (.723 OPS). Now, Fitzgerald will head back to Sacramento.

“When we sent him down, we wanted him to get some at-bats to get going. Based on injury, it didn’t work out that way,” Melvins said. “I think he kind of knew (being optioned) was coming, too. He needs to get comfortable again at the plate. There’s a lot to like about Fitzy. I think this is a little bit of a reset and take a little pressure off.”

Worth noting

Infielder/outfielder Jerar Encarnacion (left oblique strain) took batting practice on Monday, the first time he’s done so since sustaining the injury. He will continue to ramp up his hitting the rest of this week.Infielder Christian Koss (left hamstring strain) will begin baseball activity this week. He will be re-evaluated after the All-Star Break.Left-handed reliever Erik Miller (left elbow sprain) is currently not participating in any baseball activity. He is rehabbing and receiving treatment, and he will be re-evaluated after the All-Star Break.

Frog Pond area focus of FORTAG construction in Del Rey Oaks

DEL REY OAKS – Work on the Canyon Del Rey Segment of the Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway project through Del Rey Oaks includes the start of construction in the Frog Pond Wetland Preserve area.

This week, expect continued installation of trail lighting in the Work Memorial Park area, continued forming, installing rebar, pouring concrete, removing forms and backfilling for sidewalks, curb ramps, stamped concrete and retaining walls along Carlton Drive. Construction of retaining walls in the Frog Pond area will also begin.

Carlton Drive is closed between Highway 218 (Canyon Del Rey) and Work Avenue through mid-October. Emergency vehicles and residents of the south end of Carlton Drive will have access to their residences via Quendale Avenue or Highland Street.

Access to Work Memorial Park, the Butterfly Garden and tennis courts will be restricted during construction. The Frog Pond Wetland Preserve is closed for the remainder of stage one construction and is expected to reopen in October.

(TAMC)

The 1.5-mile Canyon Del Rey segment runs from the intersection of North Fremont and Canyon Del Rey boulevards in Del Rey Oaks through Work Memorial and Del Rey parks, under Highway 218 — via a new roadway bridge constructed to carry vehicles using the highway — and into the corner of the Frog Pond Wetland Preserve, back up to Highway 218 at Carlton Drive and on to Plumas Avenue, where it ends at Del Rey Woods Elementary School in Seaside.

The newly-built bridge on Highway 218 — Canyon Del Rey Boulevard — will enable hikers, cyclists and pedestrians to move freely under the highway through a 10.5-foot-high passageway connecting the parks to the preserve.

The Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway is proposed as an approximately 28-mile continuous 12-foot-wide paved bicycle and pedestrian trail with an open-space buffer on both sides. FORTAG will connect to the existing Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail and will provide connections to unpaved trails in the Fort Ord National Monument.

Construction of the Canyon Del Rey segment of the FORTAG project is being done in phases and different areas of the project will be affected at different times. As the project moves forward, residents and businesses will be provided additional notifications in advance of work that restricts driveway access. Construction is expected to last through August 2026.

Work hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday. The contractor’s plan is to limit the majority of work between 7 a.m.-5 p.m. When needed, night work hours are from 9 p.m.-6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, unless authorized for specific operations with advance notice.

The Transportation Agency for Monterey County, the lead agency on the project, is working with Caltrans District 5, the cities of Del Rey Oaks and Seaside and the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District to complete the project.

Funding for the Canyon Del Rey Segment project is provided by Measure X Transportation Safety and Investment Plan funding, a 3/8% local sales tax for transportation that was approved by more than two-thirds of Monterey County voters in November 2016, and grant funds from the California Transportation Commission for the Active Transportation Program in 2019. The grant covers design and construction of the Del Rey Oaks segment from the intersection of North Fremont Boulevard to the Frog Pond and the connection to Del Rey Woods Elementary School.

The expected total cost for the construction is approximately $17.9 million.

The southern loop of FORTAG encircles Seaside and bisects Del Rey Oaks, following a 15-mile route that includes 4 miles of the existing coastal trail system. The route includes spurs connecting with existing and planned bike/pedestrian infrastructure.

The northern loop of FORTAG encircles Marina, following a 13-mile route that includes three miles of the existing Coastal Rec Trail.

Several sections of the paved trail will link to nearby unpaved trails.

For information about the FORTAG project or to sign up for updates, visit https://www.tamcmonterey.org/fort-ord... or email 79829@publicinput.com.

Federal transportation agency targets rainbow crosswalks

MONTEREY – The rainbow crosswalk unveiled last month in downtown Monterey may now face federal scrutiny.

President Donald Trump’s Department of Transportation is demanding states remove any “politicalized” paintings from roads. In a letter sent to all 50 governors, as well as leaders in Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy specifically cited rainbow crosswalks as markings that must be removed.

“Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork,” Duffy wrote in the letter. “Far too many Americans die each year to traffic fatalities to take our eye off the ball.”

The letter, sent as part of the agency’s SAFE ROADS ( Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies) initiative, outlines a new federal push to standardize road markings and remove what the department calls “distractions” from intersections and crosswalks. Duffy noted more than 39,000 people died in traffic-related incidents in 2024 — a nearly 4% decrease from 2023. Duffy said the number was still “unacceptable.” He did not cite any data connecting rainbow crosswalks to traffic deaths.

Monterey unveiled its own rainbow crosswalk last month at the intersection of Alvarado and Pearl, just ahead of the city’s Pride celebration. The project was entirely privately funded, with Monterey Peninsula Pride raising more than $10,000 in 24 hours to complete and maintain the crosswalk. The city council approved the project in early June after hours of public comment and deliberation.

In his letter, Duffy requested that each state submit a list of noncompliant crosswalks or roadway art within 60 days. The list would be used to coordinate repainting and compliance by the end of the 2026 fiscal year.

It remains unclear how California transportation officials will respond to the directive, or if cities like Monterey will be required to remove the crosswalk. City Manager Hans Uslar said the city has not received any direction from the state.

Monterey Peninsula Unified chosen for $500k service learning grant

Monterey Peninsula Unified School District has received a $500,000 grant administered by the California Department of Education to implement a service learning model for high school seniors.

The California Serves grant is administered in collaboration with California Volunteers, a state office focused on engaging people in civic action. With the grant, districts are tasked with supporting students to earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement. The grant began in May and runs through June 2027.

“This grant is a powerful investment in our students, educators and community,” said Cresta McIntosh, associate superintendent of educational services in a news release. “By integrating service learning into our high school curriculum, we’re not only enhancing instruction but also cultivating student agency, civic identity and community connection.”

The grant is specifically geared toward high school seniors in districts where over 55% of students are unduplicated pupils – students who fall into categories that make districts eligible for specific funding. These categories include English learners, foster youth and students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.

This year will mark the third cohort of districts participating in the grant, with Monterey Peninsula Unified being chosen for the first time. Based on current enrollment, the grant offerings will impact 867 seniors in the upcoming school year, 800 seniors in 2026-27 and 850 seniors in 2027-28.

Grant funds will go toward professional development and educator training, curriculum development, travel costs for student conferences and program evaluation.

Service learning will be embedded into the new 12th-grade curriculum, following the College, Career and Civic Life framework, a guide for social studies instruction that focuses on inquiry-based learning. New senior seminar courses and course revisions will also be implemented to align with State Standards for Civic Education.

The district will work with Facing History and Ourselves, a Boston-based nonprofit established in 1976 to use historical case studies as a means to create curriculum for middle and high schoolers based in empathy, ethics and anti-racism. The organization also focuses on professional development for educators to be able to better teach complex topics having to deal with past human behavior and actions.

Monterey Peninsula Unified will also be working with Learner-Centered Collaborative, a research-driven nonprofit that works with districts to create more personalized and collaborative learning environments.

“This initiative reflects MPUSD’s deep commitment to equity, engagement and empowering students as active citizens,” said McIntosh. “We’re honored to be recognized and supported by the California Department of Education to lead this important work.”

RFK Jr. promoted a food company he says will make Americans healthy. Their meals are ultraprocessed

By AMANDA SEITZ and JONEL ALECCIA, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday praised a company that makes $7-a-pop meals that are delivered directly to the homes of Medicaid and Medicare enrollees.

He even thanked Mom’s Meals for sending taxpayer-funded meals “without additives” to the homes of sick or elderly Americans. The spreads include chicken bacon ranch pasta for dinner and French toast sticks with fruit or ham patties.

“This is really one of the solutions for making our country healthy again,” Kennedy said in the video, posted to his official health secretary account, after he toured the company’s Oklahoma facility last week.

But an Associated Press review of Mom’s Meals menu, including the ingredients and nutrition labels, shows that the company’s offerings are the type of heat-and-eat, ultraprocessed foods that Kennedy routinely criticizes for making people sick.

The meals contain chemical additives that would render them impossible to recreate at home in your kitchen, said Marion Nestle, a nutritionist at New York University and food policy expert, who reviewed the menu for The AP. Many menu items are high in sodium, and some are high in sugar or saturated fats, she said.

“It is perfectly possible to make meals like this with real foods and no ultra-processing additives but every one of the meals I looked at is loaded with such additives,” Nestle said. “What’s so sad is that they don’t have to be this way. Other companies are able to produce much better products, but of course they cost more.”

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Mom’s Meals do not have the artificial, petroleum dyes that Kennedy has pressured companies to remove from products, she noted.

Mom’s Meals said in an emailed response that its food products “do not include ingredients that are commonly found in ultra-processed foods.” The company does not use synthetic food dyes, high fructose corn syrup, certain sweeteners or synthetic preservatives that are banned in Europe, said Teresa Roof, a company spokeswoman.

The meals are a “healthy alternative” to what many people would find in their grocery stores, said Andrew Nixon, U.S. Health and Human Services spokesman, in response to questions about Mom’s Meals.

Mom’s Meals is one of several companies across the U.S. that deliver “medically tailored” at-home meals. The meal programs are covered by Medicaid for some enrollees, including people who are sick with cancer or diabetes, as well as some older Americans who are enrolled in certain Medicare health insurance plans.

Patients recently discharged from the hospital can also have the meals delivered, according to the company’s website.

It’s unclear how much federal taxpayers spend on providing meals through Medicaid and Medicare every year. An investigation by STAT news last year found that some states were spending millions of dollars to provide medically tailored meals to Medicaid enrollees that were marketed as healthy and “dietician approved.” But many companies served up meals loaded with salt, fat or sugar — all staples of an unhealthy American’s diet, the report concluded.

Defining ultraprocessed foods can be tricky. Most U.S. foods are processed, whether it’s by freezing, grinding, fermentation, pasteurization or other means. Foods created through industrial processes and with ingredients such as additives, colors and preservatives that you couldn’t duplicate in a home kitchen are considered the most processed.

Kennedy has said healthier U.S. diets are key to his vision to “Make America Healthy Again.” His call for Americans to increase whole foods in their diets has helped Kennedy build his unique coalition of Trump loyalists and suburban moms who have branded themselves as “MAHA.”

In a recent social media post where he criticized the vast amount of ultraprocessed foods in American diets, Kennedy urged Americans to make healthier choices.

“This country has lost the most basic of all freedoms — the freedom that comes from being healthy,” Kennedy said.

Aleccia reported from Temecula, Calif.

Horoscopes July 7, 2025: Ringo Starr, share a little and observe a lot

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Michelle Kwan, 45; Berenice Bejo, 49; Cree Summer, 56; Ringo Starr, 85.

Happy Birthday: Pay more attention to your finances, work prospects and home maintenance this year. Refuse to let bullies or scammers infiltrate your mind, space or future. Create opportunities rather than jump on someone else’s bandwagon. Share a little and observe a lot, and you’ll discover how to turn what you already have into something spectacular. Look within, and you’ll find the path that serves you best. Create your good fortune. Your numbers are 3, 15, 23, 28, 31, 36, 44.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Determination will get you everywhere. Think big, go the distance and make a difference. Direct your energy where it offers the highest return. Take care of yourself first, and you’ll feel better about yourself and more willing to help those who don’t have as much energy as you. Self-improvement and growth are favored. 5 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Communication will lead to opportunity, new connections and tips that will help solve domestic concerns. Apply what you discover to your personal and professional relationships, and encourage those around you to pitch in and help. An energetic approach will help you fast-track your way to the top. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Take the pressure off by dealing with matters before things erupt into something uncontrollable. Networking will help you recognize who is on your side and who poses a threat to you. Astute behavior will challenge anyone trying to outmaneuver you. An avant-garde appearance and friendly demeanor will seal a deal. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Face uncertainty head-on and devote time sorting through differences and desires. Turn your attention to domestic matters, comfort and peace of mind. Refuse to let others dictate your future. Take the initiative to create the scenario that offers the most promise. Follow your passion and promote what you have to offer. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Concentrate on learning, gaining experience and connecting with people who have much to offer you. Social or networking events will change how you approach meetings and turn uncertainty into an opportunity. Speak from the heart, question anything that doesn’t sound legitimate and proceed confidently. A partnership and lifestyle change look promising. 5 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take a moment to realign your thoughts and body language to suit your situation. Maintain a state of calm and think matters through before you share your plans. A premature move will lead to unforeseen costs. Figure out a reasonable budget before you agree to move forward. Changes at home will require guidance. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Put your responsibilities first before moving on to more pleasurable tasks. The order in which you do things will affect the outcome and how others perceive you. Rearranging your space to suit your routine better will positively impact your life and relationship with those nearby. Personal growth, physical improvements and romance are favored. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Learn about money management, investments and budgeting to ensure a less stressful lifestyle. Refuse to let your emotions cause work-related problems that can negatively influence your reputation or long-term goals. Getting along with associates and aligning yourself with those who share your values are encouraged. Mixing business with pleasure is in your best interest. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You are in a better position than you realize, so don’t get upset over nothing. Blowing situations out of proportion will backfire. Use your intelligence to initiate a positive step forward. Partnerships and educating yourself to use new technology are favored. Overspending on unnecessary items will be your downfall. Strive for stability. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Check what’s available and within your budget before proceeding. Knowledge will help you avoid emotional mistakes. Choose your associates with care, and think twice before participating in a joint venture. Someone is likely to use the power of persuasion to lure you down a questionable path. Protect your money and possessions. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You have the wherewithal to get things done if you don’t allow outside influences to step in and take control. Trust your instincts, intelligence and experience; you will stand out as a frontrunner in any situation or competition. Personal gain and growth will improve your lifestyle and your relationships. 4 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Look at every angle and size up who you are dealing with before you engage in talks. Developing a fair plan will be difficult if emotions and ego get involved. Composure will be necessary if you want to gain ground. Be willing to compromise, but don’t allow anyone to take advantage of you. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are questioning, tolerant and intuitive. You are intentional and clever.

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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