Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 83

Adames, Birdsong shine as Giants take series finale against Athletics

SACRAMENTO — The Giants came out of Sacramento with a good win. 

After getting off to a slow start in the series opener on Thursday, the Giants closed out the Athletics on Sunday to notch a 6-2 win in front of a sold out crowd of 12,180 fans and capture the I-80 series. 

“We played cleaner and we got some big hits,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. ” Willie (Adames) was fantastic this series and is swinging the bat great at this point in time. We got some hits when we needed to and just did enough on the pitching end.”

Shortstop Willy Adames went 1 for 3, hit a solo homer and drove in three runs. Rafael Devers and Wilmer Flores each had two hits and scored once.

Hayden Birdsong made his second career start against the A’s, striking out five and allowing a home run across five innings. It was a strange start for Birdsong as he threw just 46 strikes on 90 pitches and walked five batters, but had a stretch in the first and second innings where struck out four straight. 

“I don’t know how I did it, but I guess I battled a little bit,” Birdsong said. “I’m happy I got through five.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 06: Hayden Birdsong #60 of the San Francisco Giants pitches in the bottom of the first inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on July 06, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Birdsong has not gone past five innings in his last four starts. 

San Francisco put its first three batters on base in the first inning, but only scored once when Adames was walked with the bases loaded, scoring Heliot Ramos. 

After taking a 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth, the A’s responded with a home run from Tyler Soderstrom to cut the deficit to one run. 

But just when it looked like the A’s were finding their groove, the Giants broke the game open in the fifth inning. 

San Francisco loaded the bases after Wilmer Flores’ blooper to right center field advanced Andrew Knizne to third and Rafael Devers to second. Two batters later, Adames walked in another run with the bases loaded to give the Giants a 3-1 lead. 

In the next at-bat, Luis Matos knocked in two runs on a ground rule double when he hit a laser to right center field that bounced off the warning and into the Giants’ bullpen. 

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 06: Luis Matos #29 of the San Francisco Giants hits a two-run, ground-rule double in the top of the fifth inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on July 06, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)Related Articles Pitchers Webb, Ray, Rodríguez earn All-Star nods for Giants Melvin makes plea for SF Giants’ ‘fireman’ to get All-Star Game nod Chapman makes big impact and Webb shines in homecoming in SF Giants win Sputtering SF Giants activate Matt Chapman, and not a moment too soon Could some Athletics players never play a home game in a big-league park?

To add insult to injury, Tyler Fitzgerald hit a deep fly ball to the warning tracks in the eighth inning that looked like it was caught by Soderstrom in left field. The ball bounced off the third-year player’s glove and over the wall to give San Francisco a 6-1 lead. 

It was Fitzgerald’s first home run since April 17. 

“I thought I got enough of it at first,” Fitzgerald said. “I saw him jump for it and I thought he was going to catch it. It was just a relief when I saw it bounced over.”

Adames has been playing better as of late after struggling through the first few months of the season. He totaled seven RBIs in the series and is hitting came into Sunday’s game hitting .474 through five games in July.

He believes he can build on the momentum from the last few games.

“Just to have a good week or two, I feel like I didn’t have that from the start of June and that’s how it goes sometimes,” Adames said. “Fans were worrying. Everybody was worrying. I was worrying. My parents were worrying. But I was like, ‘Chill out, chill out. It’s a long season.’ But we were winning and I felt it more when we were losing.”

Melvin agreed with Adames’ sentiment.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 06: Willy Adames #2 of the San Francisco Giants turns a double play over Brent Rooker #25 of the Athletics in the bottom of the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park on July 06, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

“He just looks more comfortable at the plate,” Melvin said. “When you knock some runs in, it makes you feel a little more comfortable. I think maybe there was some pressure on him early on and he kind of got past it, and now we’re seeing better swings. … He’s been pretty instrumental in the wins.”

The Giants will return to Oracle Park on Monday when they play the Philadelphia Phillies. 

NBA Summer League takeaways: Warriors rookie Will Richard makes debut vs. Spurs

Richard makes debut

SAN FRANCISCO – The Warriors‘ acquisition of their three second round picks – Australia’s Alex Toohey, Florida’s Will Richard and Tennessee’s Jahmai Mashack – became official on Sunday afternoon.

No. 56 overall pick Will Richard saw his first Summer League action with the team in Golden State’s 90-88 loss to the Spurs at Chase Center, and looked comfortable at the shooting guard position, even if his buzzer-beating 3-point attempt bounced off the rim.

Despite not being able to practice with the team before the trade became official, he started strong. Richard began the game by making a layup in transition, and late in the fourth quarter, he made a catch-and-shoot triple to cut the Spurs lead to 89-88 with 20 seconds left.

Richard scored 16 points on 3 of 10 shooting. He also displayed an ability to get to the line and make his shots — Richard went 8-for-8 on his free throws.

“That was my first time playing fives since the (National) championship game,” Richard said. “It felt good to get back out there with the guys.”

His fellow rookies Alex Toohey and Taran Armstrong, flanked by second-year pro Quinten Post and longtime assistant coach Ron Adams, watched and cheered from the stands. Coach Lainn Wilson said he did not know if Toohey would play during the next game on Tuesday. 

SJSU’s Moore, Uduje, Diallo face Warriors

The best San Jose State Spartan in recent memory suited up against the hometown team. Omari Moore, the 2023 Mountain West Conference co-Player of the Year, started for the Spurs and threw down a thunderous dunk in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, he threw a slick dime to Osayi Osifo for an easy layup in transition. Moore played the role of a do-it-all guard in a manner reminiscent of his days at SJSU, scoring 13 and throwing four assists. 

Moore spent the previous season playing for Darüşşafaka Lassa in the Turkish League. 

Jose Udeje, his fellow Spartan, played four minutes and had two assists, after he scored seven points in just over five minutes on Saturday. Big man Ibrahima Diallo grabbed two rebounds for San Antonio. 

San Antonio Spurs’ Omari Moore (29) goes up for a dunk against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter of their California Classic Summer League game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 6, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Unheralded Warriors make impact

LJ Cryer made a name for himself in March as the top guard on championship runner-up Houston, and he displayed his accurate shooting stroke by making 5 of 7 triples and scoring 19 points. On one of his most spectacular makes, Cryer’s crossover left his defender splayed out on the Chase Center court.

“I’m just getting in the flow of the offense, and my teammates are doing a great job of creating advantages,” Cryer said at halftime.

His former Houston teammate Ja’Vier Francis put up 10 tough points on a variety of finishes.  

Isaiah Mobley had another strong game after scoring 13 points on Saturday. The older brother of NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan of Cleveland, the elder Mobley utilized an advanced faceup and off-the-dribble game to get to his spots and score 16 points.

“If the ball ends up in his hands, something good will typically happen,” Wilson said.

Buzzer beaters

After being a healthy scratch against the Heat, Bronny James started on Sunday for the Summer League Lakers. He had a monster open-court dunk and made 3 of 7 shots for 10 points in just 10 minutes. James, a Sierra Canyon product, did not play in the second half. Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in the recent draft and son of former NBA champion Ron Harper, was held out for the second consecutive game because of a groin injury. Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game at Rutgers next season, forming a dynamic duo with No. 5 overall pick Ace Bailey.

Pitchers Webb, Ray, Rodríguez earn All-Star nods for Giants

WEST SACRAMENTO — When the National League announced its reserves for the All-Star Game on Sunday, it included three Giants pitchers – Logan Webb, Robbie Ray and Randy Rodriguez. 

No other team in the NL had more pitchers represented.

The Giants have an ERA of 3.45, trailing only the Texas Rangers who are first in the majors at 3.22. Webb (2.62) ranks fifth among starting pitchers in the NL and Ray is eighth (2.68). Rodriguez, the Giants’ right-handed reliever, has a 0.71 ERA and has allowed just 21 hits across 38 innings this season. 

“It was exciting for different reasons for all these guys,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said before Sunday’s game. “Randy was my first call. I’ve been doing this for a long time, but for someone like him to make the All-Star team … to be one of the elite pitchers in the game, and with the role that he that he has, I mean that was very rewarding.

“Robbie, he’s been an All-Star. He’s been a Cy Young Award winner, and then had double surgery, and it’s almost like you have to start all over again. So, there’s some toughness and some perseverance involved to come all the way back and now to be an All-Star again.

“And then Logan, you know, you make it twice in a row, that’s a perennial All-Star. So that’s different level stuff. He’s just one of the best pitchers in the game, it feels like every year, and getting better and better and better.”

Webb, who was named an All-Star for the first time last year after being snubbed earlier in his career, could soon get another honor. He is a leading candidate, along with former Giants prospect Zack Wheeler of the Phillies, to start for the NL in Truist Park in Atlanta on July 15. Last year’s NL starter, Paul Skenes would be in the mix, but he is currently scheduled to pitch in the Pirates’ final game before the break.

Webb was at the Granite Bay Golf Club with his dad and brother when he found out he was an All-Star. He said it was a full-circle moment getting to hear that he earned All-Star honors in his hometown.

“Last night was pretty amazing being with the Sacramento crowd,” Webb said. “It was a cool moment earlier today, getting the call and getting to be with my dad and my brother and getting to call my mom.”

Webb’s next scheduled start before the break would be against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park on Friday. The All-Star Game is set to take place four days later in Atlanta. 

San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray (38) pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the second inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, June 22, 2025. The San Francisco Giants defeated the Boston Red Sox 9-5. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Should he be chosen to start the All-Star Game, Webb would be the seventh Giants pitcher, and first since Johnny Cueto in 2016, to do so.

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Webb went 6 2/3 innings, striking out six and allowing two earned runs in the Giants’ 7-2 win over the Athletics on Saturday night.

Ray, who has a sparkling 9-3 with a 2.68 ERA, will be making his second All-Star appearance.  The 33-year-old left-hander was an All-Star for Arizona in 2017. 

It’s been quite a trek back to becoming an All-Star-level pitcher again for Ray. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023, while making just seven appearances and posting a 4.70 ERA.

“It’s been a long journey,” Ray said. “It’s nice to see some payoff this year being the first full year being back healthy. I feel really good.”

Ray is scheduled to pitch next Sunday against the Dodgers. Melvin said they are still talking about whether or not he’ll pitch in that game.

Designated hitter Rafael Devers was not selected Sunday. He has struggled since joining the Giants from the Boston Red Sox, posting a .221 batting average and a .707 OPS. He would have been a surefire DH selection in the American League, but will miss out on his fourth All-Star game appearance. 

San Francisco Giants pitcher Randy Rodríguez (73) pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the seventh inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The San Francisco Giants defeated the Boston Red Sox 3-2. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Local books: Former Carmel resident crafts a novel by the sea

As the storyline goes, billionaire Conrad Worthington, following a mysterious car accident, has been rendered unconscious and clinging to life in the ICU, just days before the scheduled reading of his revised will.

Imagine — and we can since the protagonist is from Pebble Beach, and Fiona Mackenzie, author of this recently released murder mystery-suspense thriller, grew up in Carmel. Apparently Worthington’s loved ones — which may be a stretch – -are more concerned with the state of his will than the status of the patient.

Things become more contentious when the “anxious family” learns that Worthington had made plans to leave the majority of his estate to his eldest daughter, Darcy, leaving other family members to question their worth — and his.

Author Fiona Mackenzie (Courtesy photo)

To complicate or, perhaps, clarify matters, Worthington suddenly “disappears” from his hospital bed, which may or may not be a euphemism for “dead.” This development forces Darcy to abandon the sophisticated city life that suits her in New York and return to the (stereo)typically safe-by-the-sea setting of her seemingly idyllic childhood in Carmel, to sort things out.

Enter the unrequited love affair whose demise may have prompted that escape to the Big Apple, which seems to have been left smoldering and just might reignite.

Now, we’ve got the makings of a movie which, Mackenzie reveals, has caught some early interest among those who have the wherewithal to make it happen. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. First, we have to find out what the heck happened to Conrad Worthington, whose name alone is like a target on his back. Then we can turn our attention to the romance and imagine what will get in the way of that, until it doesn’t. If Hallmark picks it up, it will end with a kiss. If Netflix gets involved, it could be disastrous.

The title of the thriller, “Murder in Pebble Beach—Mystery in The Club, Book One,” gives us a bit of foreshadowing and the promise of more to come. And the prologue, penned by actress Katherine Kelly Lang, who lives in Carmel, further ignites intrigue.

Citizens of the world

Mackenzie’s family ended up in Carmel through the narrative of a love story. Her parents, both from Scotland — hence her name — met on an arranged date in San Francisco and, six weeks later, were married in Carmel. Perhaps the premise for another book their daughter may one day write.

But, before they could settle by the sea, they moved to Hong Kong, where Fiona was born, and her father opened the first Mandarin Hotel.

“I was 5 or maybe 6 when we moved back to the Peninsula,” Mackenzie said, “where my father ran a hotel in Monterey and then on to Atherton, and then Canada, followed by Texas. Finally, when I was going into sixth grade, we came back to Carmel where my dad, Graeme Stuart Mackenzie, owned Sandpiper Inn on Carmel Point for 25 years.”

Sandpiper Inn was used in filming the 1965 film, “The Sandpiper,” starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, who had met on the set of “Cleopatra” in 1962 and married in 1964 — the first time. The Inn, originally called “Holiday Inn,” underwent a name change to avoid confusion with the hotel chain that was developing its presence in the 1970s.

Mackenzie flipped the tassel on her mortarboard at Carmel High and headed to Cal Berkeley, where she studied political science, paired with a lot of English graduate classes. One of Mackenzie’s truest inspirations remains her high school English teacher, the late Frederick “Buzz” Rainer, who taught English and coached sports for the Padres for 33 years.

“I remember Buzz was so passionate about the English language and literature, introducing us to ‘Beowulf’ and Chaucer,” she said, “and both encouraging me and embarrassing me by reading my papers aloud.”

After commencing from Cal, Mackenzie went to graduate school at Georgetown, where she was studying foreign service. During her last year, as she began to rethink her interest in foreign service work, one of her professors commented on her natural ability for writing and suggested she consider a career in journalism.

“A light went off in my head. I fired off a resume to British Vogue,” she said, “and was hired to write features. Poorly paid, I began lobbying to be sent to Paris. After getting my foot in the door at CNN and 60 Minutes, I got the Paris assignment and started working for news production companies.”

As her French improved, Mackenzie garnered a job offer to work on a new television show, “Highlander,” in English but set in Paris. Once the show wrapped, she was hired as an entertainment correspondent in New York. She now lives in Los Angeles.

Bottom line: This author can craft a story. Mackenzie, who spent a lot of time on the golf course with her dad, let her characters percolate a little while she considered the setting for her book, in this coastal community she still calls home.

“I actually wrote the pilot for the movie version of this story before I wrote the book,” she said. “It’s a big glossy story, so once I was told it would make a great book, I turned my attention to that. Book #2 is coming along, and I’m now pitching it as a series.”

The lingering question: “Is Conrad Worthington alive?” Fiona Mackenzie says we’ll just have to read the book, which is available in local bookstores and via Amazon.

Warriors add Jahmai Mashack in biggest NBA trade ever. Who is he?

SAN FRANCISCO – As part of the first-ever seven-team trade in NBA history, the Warriors added a third rookie from the 2025 NBA Draft to their roster.

In a swap that also included the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Phoenix Suns, big names such as Kevin Durant and Jalen Green will switch teams.

The Warriors made the trade official on Sunday afternoon.

The Warriors will bring in Australian rookie Alex Toohey as expected once the draft-day deal that brought the No. 52 overall pick from Phoenix to the Bay Area is finalized. 

However, Rockets selection Jahmai Mashack, the last pick in the draft, has also been included. Who is Mashack, and what does he bring to the Warriors?

He is an athletic perimeter defender who joins a wing rotation that includes Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Gui Santos, No. 56 overall pick Will Richard and possibly Gary Payton II.  

Here’s what to know about the California native and University of Tennessee-Knoxville alum.

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Measurements: 6-foot-4, 192 pounds

Age: 22

Position: Shooting guard/Small Forward

Where is he from: Fontana, Calif.

High school: Etiwanda-Rancho Cucamonga

Statistics: 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 steals per game on 45/34/72 shooting splits. 

Biography: Mashack was a decorated prep player, being named Cal-Hi Sports’ senior of the year in 2021. In Knoxville, he became arguably the best stopper in the country, being named to the SEC all-Defense team while winning the Field of 68 National Defensive Player of the Year award. Mashack helped Tennessee reach the Elite 8 in each of his last two seasons. 

Fun fact: Mashack overcame a battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome as a child. His father, Elton, is a firefighter and was a standout basketball player at Loyola Marymount from 1997-2001. 

Looking back: A rodeo in Monterey, 1968

CEQA reform: Will big changes to landmark California environmental law lower housing prices?

Gov. Gavin Newsom upended the state’s oldest and most powerful environmental laws this week, signing two bills that will make it easier to build housing in a state that has some of worst shortages and highest prices in America.

Newsom described the bills as the “most consequential housing reform that we’ve seen in modern history in the state of California.” But the legislation has angered some environmental groups and labor unions. Here are the details:

Q: What are the politics behind all this?

A: The bills passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in Sacramento, where Democrats have large majorities in the Senate and Assembly. Newsom played political hardball, threatening to block the state budget unless they were approved.

Multiple studies over the last decade have found California is failing to build enough housing to keep up with demand, leading to high prices. After Democrats lost the White House and Congress in November, polls showed affordability issues such as the cost of rent, gasoline and groceries were among voters’ top concerns. Newsom is expected to run for president in 2028, and has fallen short of housing goals he set when he first became governor.

Q: What bills did Newsom sign on Monday?

A: Assembly Bill 130 and Senate Bill 131.

Q: What is the landmark law they rewrote?

A: The California Environmental Quality Act, known as CEQA.

Q: Why is it such a big deal?

A: CEQA has been one of the most stringent environmental laws in the nation for half a century. Former Gov. Ronald Reagan signed it in 1970. Back then, another Republican, President Richard Nixon, also signed key environmental laws amid the first Earth Day and a national push to reduce pollution after the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and the 1969 fire on the Cuyahoga River in Ohio.

Q: What does CEQA do?

A: It requires state and local agencies in California to study and publicly disclose the effects that significant new projects will have on wildlife, noise, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, archaeological sites and other factors. Those studies create an environmental impact report, and developers must then offset or reduce those impacts.

Q: So what’s the problem?

A: The law has been hailed by environmental groups as a cornerstone of public participation that helps ensure everything from power plants to new highways are built in the least environmentally harmful way.

But over time, opponents have increasingly filed CEQA lawsuits to block and delay all kinds of projects, often having little to do with environmental issues. Unions have threatened to sue to force solar power developers to use union labor. Neighbors in Berkeley recently delayed construction of a much-needed new UC dormitory for three years, claiming the students would create noise pollution. Bike lanes in Oakland, San Diego and Los Angeles have faced CEQA lawsuits. Neighbors sued to block construction of a food pantry last year in Alameda saying it was on a “historic parking lot.” In San Jose in 2012, the owner of a gas station sued under CEQA when a competing gas station across the street attempted to add four new pumps, delaying the project for three years and costing its owner thousands in legal fees.

In 2021, in San Francisco, the Board of Supervisors used a CEQA challenge to hold up plans for 500 new homes on a vacant lot near Market Street, one block from a BART station, when neighbors threatened to sue under CEQA, claiming it would cause gentrification.

“This is what we’ve all been waiting for — a long-overdue step to stop CEQA from being weaponized against housing,” said Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, an Oakland Democrat. “With AB 130, we’re taking a major step toward building desperately-needed homes faster, fairer, and with more certainty.”

Q: What do the new laws actually do?

A: AB 130 allows “infill development” in urban areas to be built without CEQA review if the property is less than 20 acres, and surrounded on three sides by other urban uses. The goal is to build more apartments.

It was endorsed by business groups like the Bay Area Council, unions like the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and some environmental groups, like Greenbelt Alliance, along with the League of Women Voters, AARP and California YIMBY (Yes in My Back Yard).

Q: What about the other bill?

A: SB 131 was more controversial. Largely written by State Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat, it allows for residential zoning changes without CEQA review. It also exempts farmworker housing; day care centers, food banks, small water systems in low-income communities; rural health clinics, wildfire safety projects like fuel breaks; projects in parks; high-speed rail stations; and “advanced manufacturing facilities” for semiconductors, biotechnology and nanotechnology on land zoned for industrial uses.

Q: Who is opposed?

A: Weiner says California has lost out on billions in federal funding to assist computer and clean energy industries passed during the Biden administration to states like Texas because projects here take too long to build. Environmental groups and some unions, however, blasted the bill as a last-minute deal that could cause more pollution.

“This half-baked policy written behind closed doors will have destructive consequences for environmental justice communities and endangered species across California,” said Jakob Evans, a senior strategist with Sierra Club California.

Some unions agreed. The Teamsters, United Auto Workers and United Steelworkers wrote a letter to lawmakers in which they said SB 131 “would give carte blanche to companies like Tesla to expand without any environmental oversight.”

Q: What happens next?

A: Weiner has said he’ll work with opponents to make adjustments in the coming months. Although many experts say the bills will make it easier to build new housing in cities, there are still other factors that could keep costs high — from land prices to interest rates to potential hikes in steel and other building materials’ prices due to President Trump’s tariffs.

210 fall athletes to watch over 70 days

Jaylen Ward, Alvarez football: Opponents that threw in Ward’s direction paid a price as the all-leaguer collected five interceptions last fall as a sophomore, with a handful of pass breakups.

Ward is a lockdown corner who can shut down one side of the field. Look for the junior to potentially have a more impactful role as a receiver in the Eagles attack.

Ricky Guillory, MPC football: Redshirted last year, Guillory has had a full season to grasp the Lobos offense, providing another deep threat.

His emergence in the off-season gives MPC another dynamic option in the passing game as a receiver — for an offense that finished second in the state in scoring last fall.

Maya Giannini, CSUMB volleyball: A two-time member of The Herald’s All-County volleyball team, Giannini was the Mission Division Player of the Year last fall.

Limited to just 12 matches, the 6-foot Giannini had 20 or more kills in 11 of those matches, with a pair of 30-kill efforts. She also finished with 150 digs.

Tom Karwin, On Gardening | Cultivating herbaceous perennials

Tuberous Begonia (Begonia x tuberhybrida pendula ‘Illumination Apricot’). This Begonia hybrid reaches 2 feet by 2 feet, with double peachy-apricot blossoms from late spring to fall. It grows best in coastal California, ideally in filtered shade with only morning sun, and requires moderately moist conditions. Begonias are native to moist subtropical and tropical climates, not summer-dry zones. (Courtesy Tom Karwin)Chilean Lily of the Valley Tree or Evergreen Snowbell (Cirinodendron patagua). This unusual South American tree’s genus is one of 12 in the Quandong plant family (Elaeocarpaceae). It grows to 16 feet tall and eight feet wide, and from mid to late summer, it lines the stems with pure white, waxy bells resembling small bells. The bottom of the waxy bloom is deeply serrated. This small tree will be a feature in my Chilean garden bed. (Courtesy Tom Karwin)[image error]Miniature Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Minima). The dwarf South African succulent grows to 30 inches tall and 34 inches wide, with thick trunk and branches. Its leaves are fleshy, round and glossy yellow with subtle reddish edges, and its flowers are small, star-shaped and coral-pink. It is shown in front of a Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’). (Courtesy Tom Karwin)[image error]Four O’clock (Mirabilis jalapa). This tuberous-rooted tender perennial, a native of Mexico, grows to 3 feet tall and wide. From June to frost, it produces blossoms with colors ranging from pink, rose, red, magenta, yellow and white, as well as various patterns known as sectors, flakes and spots. Different combinations of flowers and patterns can occur on different flowers of the same plant. This characteristic is reflected in the generic name, which means ‘miracle’; the specific name refers to several places in Mexico. The common name refers to the flowers opening in the late afternoon and closing the following morning. (Courtesy Tom Karwin)Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum). This plant is an old-fashioned favorite for perennial borders and cut flowers. American horticulturist Luther Burbank introduced the original Shasta daisy in 1901 as a quadruple hybrid of the oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), English field daisy (Leucanthemum maximum), Portuguese field daisy (Leucanthemum lacustre), and Japanese field daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum). Numerous single and double-flowered cultivars are currently available. (Courtesy Tom Karwin)[image error]Red Chestnut Bromeliad (Vriesea fosteriana var. seideliana ‘Red Chestnut’). This plant, endemic to Brazil, produces glossy-green, white-striped leaves that turn a rust-red hue as they age. The base of the leaves forms a cup-like shape that collects water. Flowers, growing on a shaft, are white and green with red spots, and last only one night. It is monocarpic, flowering only once in its life. The plant is epiphytic, absorbing nutrients from the air and its water reservoir, rather than from the soil. (Courtesy Tom Karwin)Show Caption1 of 6Tuberous Begonia (Begonia x tuberhybrida pendula ‘Illumination Apricot’). This Begonia hybrid reaches 2 feet by 2 feet, with double peachy-apricot blossoms from late spring to fall. It grows best in coastal California, ideally in filtered shade with only morning sun, and requires moderately moist conditions. Begonias are native to moist subtropical and tropical climates, not summer-dry zones. (Courtesy Tom Karwin)Expand

Our most recent column addressed the planning of a year-round garden, including designing landscape basics and searching for (mostly) California native plants.

Today’s column introduces guidelines for year-round gardening for herbaceous perennial plants that are native to a Mediterranean climate zone. This category focuses on the majority of plants commonly grown in typical gardens. It excludes trees and annual plants, which we will address in a future column.

Herbaceous perennial plants have various cultivation requirements, so an annual calendar must include exceptions. Given the large number of garden plants in this category, we can’t list all the exceptions. Therefore, to find information on specific plants of concern, gardeners can search the internet for “cultivate (botanical name).” Searching for a plant’s common name might succeed.

Guidelines for herbaceous perennials

Planting and Transplanting. The ideal planting period continues from October through February. Installing new plants in the garden during this period allows them time to establish strong roots in cool temperatures and with natural rainfall. New plants can be installed at any time of the year, including summer months, but require irrigation (see below). Mulching newly installed plants helps to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Irrigation. Newly installed or transplanted plants require regular irrigation until they have established a strong root system. This is particularly important during the summer-dry period. Once established, Mediterranean plants are summer-dormant and require little or no summer irrigation. When a garden includes Mediterranean and other plants that require irrigation, the gardener should group plants by water needs to avoid overwatering the drought-adapted species. This practice is known as “hydrozoning.”

Pruning to Control Form. Dead, broken, or diseased branches can be pruned at any time. In late summer or winter (depending on their growth cycle), herbaceous perennial plants can be cut down to the ground or a basal rosette. For example, cutting back Salvias in late winter or early spring. This annual practice supports renewed growth from the plant’s base. Light pruning or pinching to shape bushy perennials can be done March through May, during their active growth period.

Pruning to Promote Blooms. Late-summer flowering perennial plants benefit from cutting their flowering stems back in late May or early June. This method is known as the Chelsea Chop, referring to the Chelsea Flower Show held in late May. Cutting back the stems of these plants by up to two-thirds produces plants that are more compact, do not slump, and do not need staking.

After early-summer flowering perennials have flowered, they can be cut back to just above ground level. Cutting back the whole plant promotes the growth of young foliage and future flowers and prevents self-seeding. This method is known as the Hampton Hack, referring to the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, which takes place in early July.

Removing spent blossoms (deadheading) regularly prolongs bloom on herbaceous perennials. Gardeners can pursue this practice casually during blooming periods. Deadheading also applies to woody perennials, such as roses and lilacs.

Propagation by Division. Clumping perennials, such as Pacific Coast Irises (including Iris douglasiana), Yarrows (Achillea), and Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium), should be completed in the fall. Dividing other perennials should be done in either the October to November period or the February to March period, depending on when the plant is dormant or resprouting.

The basic guideline for cultivating herbaceous perennial plants is to follow nature.

Advance your gardening knowledge

Mark your garden calendar for the Native Plant Bootcamp from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 2 at 719 Old Stage Road, Salinas. The UC Master Gardeners of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties will present this free event, which will include several workshops: Creating Habitats with Native Plants, Year-Round Color with Native Plants, and Replacing your Lawn with Native Plants. Also included: interactive demonstrations, observing drawing by natural history illustrator Erin Hunter, learning from selected local garden-related organizations, and purchasing plants from the Blue Moon Native Garden. There is a full schedule! For details, browse to tinyurl.com/3k4knsze.

This week in the garden

If you have gasoline-powered small off-road engines for landscaping, replace them with environmentally friendly electric alternatives. Corded equipment is workable, but battery-operated devices are easier to move around the garden.

Enjoy your garden!

Tom Karwin can be reached at gardening@karwin.com.

Horoscopes July 6, 2025: Kevin Hart, your energy and enthusiasm require an outlet

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kevin Hart, 46; Tia Mowry, 47; Tamera Mowry, 47; Sylvester Stallone, 79.

Happy Birthday: Your energy and enthusiasm require an outlet. You can latch onto anger that leads to loss or regret, or focus on personal growth, happiness and making a positive difference. Pay attention to how you look, feel and advance this year, and you will find the people, places and options that will carry you toward your dreams, hopes and wishes. The choice is yours. Your numbers are 6, 14, 23, 27, 32, 35, 46.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The time you spend on home and domestic matters will pay off. Investing in your comfort, convenience and meaningful relationships will add to your security and emotional well-being. Participating in an event or cause with loved ones will bring you closer together. Don’t donate cash; volunteer your skills. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You are overdue for a change. Sign up for something that inspires your imagination or helps you expand your interests and friendships. It’s essential to stretch your mind and let your creativity take over. Attend an event or start a new activity that motivates you to try something new. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Pay attention to detail. Observe how others respond. Applying what you learn to how you live will help you avoid overspending on something you don’t need. Recognize when someone is trying to scam you. Protect your money, your identity and your reputation. Stick close to home and to those you trust. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Lift your preconceptions, and move forward with optimism and with the intent of turning whatever you discover into something workable and achievable. Give yourself credit for being unique and having insight into what works for you. It’s time to please yourself and let others do their own thing. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. 5 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Refuse to let your emotions interfere with rationality. Social and domestic matters will lead to controversy. Choose to listen, digest and figure out what’s best for you without a display of feelings. Let your choices take others by surprise, gain momentum and lead the way. 2 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Think big, reflect and follow through with what’s important to you. Participate, and your actions will set you up for plenty of options. You must choose what you can afford and where to make the most significant impact. Be open to suggestions, but only do what suits you mentally, physically and financially. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Speak from the heart and clear up anything you feel is running amok before it can spin out of control. Emotions are high; ignoring what requires attention will lead to unnecessary setbacks. Make physical changes to your domestic environment to satisfy your needs and appease anyone within your sphere. Romance is looming. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take the plunge, make a move, show your feelings and put whatever isn’t working behind you. Be careful not to overextend yourself financially or physically. Being too generous with your time will lead to begrudging what you signed up for. Put your needs first and pace yourself. Personal growth is favored. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Follow whatever lead comes your way and see what unfolds. Emotional situations will bring you closer to someone you love. Commit to something that will improve your life. Sharing ideas and expenses with someone special will help you achieve your goals. Romance is in the stars. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Pay attention to what’s going on in your community. A change of scenery will lead to playful action and a change of heart. Communicate, address lifestyle choices and consider what might enhance your life. An investment will pay off. Devote more time, effort and cash to personal growth and self-improvement. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Adjusting your attitude, helping others and being part of the solution will stir up emotions and give you something concrete to sink your time and effort into. Personal and physical upgrades to your surroundings will be rewarding. Share your feelings, make plans and get your priorities straight. Romance is favored. 4 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Expand your interests and friendships. What you say will impact others, but your actions will drive home the validity of your aspirations. Changing your surroundings will spark your imagination and point you in a direction that offers challenges to help you grow, shape how you proceed and resolve unfinished business. Don’t run; act now. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are spontaneous, goal-oriented and colorful. You are energetic and intense.

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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