Daily Republic: Wednesday, January 11, 2023

A vehicle splashes water while driving along Abernathy Road

Aaron Rosenblatt/Daily Republic photos

Solano County declares emergency due to storms

Todd R. H ansen THANSEN@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — Solano County supervisors on Tuesday ratified the Proclamation of Local Emergency signed a day earlier by County Administrator Bill Emlen.

The apparent emergency threats from the storms, however, have mostly not been made public.

“Whereas damage to infrastructure have included localized flooding, roadway slope erosion and embankment slip-outs, debris flows, landslides, the culvert failure affecting the safety of said roadways; obstruction of public roadways by stormwater, storm debris and roadway failure; damage to storm drain infrastructure; and damage to public and private utilities and damage to public facilities and parks, throughout Solano County,” the proclamation states.

It goes on to state, “damages to levee infrastructure have included boils, levee breach, levee break,

overtopping, erosion from wavewash and sloughing.”

The proclamation also notes the ground is saturated and with more storms in the forecast, additional damage is likely.

County Public Works crews have been put on 12-hour shifts, rotating around the clock seven-days a week. Their efforts were lauded by board members for keeping the public as safe as possible. City

crews also are on full watch, including some contracted crews.

Still, the declaration comes as a bit of a surprise given that while emergency officials have said they are keeping a close eye on the weather conditions, they have routinely dampened the impacts.

Daily questions to officials asking about any significant problems from the storms have been routinely met with general comments about minor power outages, localized flooding, a few downed trees, some road closures, and as the storms have piled up, concerns about waterway levels – specifically creeks such as Suisun, Alamo, Ulatis, American Canyon and Green Valley.

Emlen specifically noted Suisun Creek as a particular concern. Levee failures – such as “breaches,” breaks” or “overtopping” – have never been mentioned in responses to storm questions.

Vasquez will serve as Board chair for 3rd straight year

Todd R. H ansen THANSEN@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan heralded 2023 as a year of change, but as the adage goes, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”

Wanda Williams on Tuesday took her seat for the first time on the Board of Supervisors, the first elected Black woman to sit at the dais. And by doing so, the county board for the first time had a female majority.

She replaces Jim Spering as the 3rd District representative.

Williams took her ceremonial oath of office, having already been sworn in Dec. 21 during an

event filled with friends, family and supporters.

Ana Petero, a trustee on the Fairfield-Suisun School District board, administered the oath.

Judge Wendy Getty, the presiding judge for the Solano County Superior Court, then issued the oaths, as a group, to Glenn Zook, first-term assessorrecorder; Chuck Lomeli, seven-term treasurertax collector-county clerk; Supervisor John Vasquez, starting his fifth term; three-term District Attorney Krishna Abrams; Lisette EstrellaHenderson, appointed in 2017, she has won two additional terms; and twoterm Auditor-Controller

Haiti’s ‘instability’ among the topics Biden and Trudeau discuss in Mexico

matologist and disaster expert with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

SAN FRANCISCO —

The latest in a series of intense winter storms continued to lash Northern California on Tuesday, bringing periods of thunderstorms, heavy rain, wind and hail to the already waterlogged region as the death toll from the extreme weather climbs.

The back-to-back storms across the Golden State have killed 17 people, including two motorists who died early

County when a tree that had been struck by lightning fell into the road, authorities said.

“These floods are deadly and have now turned to be more deadly than even the wildfires here in the state of California,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said during a news conference over the weekend.

While it’s too early to make an accurate estimate, the cost to repair the damage from these storms could reach or exceed $1 billion,

Last year the U.S. experienced 18 weather and climate disasters costing at least $1 billion, putting 2022 in a threeway tie with 2017 and 2011 for the third highest number of billion-dollar disasters in a year, according to a report published by the agency.

Thunderstorms and strong gusts whipped through Northern California on Tuesday, causing many trees to fall, including some onto homes and power lines.

The National Weather Service issued a flash

flood warning for the San Francisco area Tuesday, cautioning people that thunderstorms could produce periods of heavy rain. Hail was reported in San Francisco and Oakland and in Walnut Creek, a mile-long stretch of Ygnacio Valley Road – a major thoroughfare – was closed after a tree fell on a power line.

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TRibune ConTenT agenCy

The ongoing instability in Haiti became a focal point of discussions Tuesday between President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the two kicked off a North American leaders summit in Mexico City.

The summit debuted on the same day that Haiti finds itself out of constitutional order with no elected leaders, after the mandate of its last remaining senators expired as of midnight on Monday. Haiti’s interim government, led by Prime Minister Ariel Henry, has asked the United States and others in the international community to support the deployment of troops to assist the country’s beleaguered police

force in getting humanitarian relief through gang-controlled areas. The United States, which doesn’t want to send its own military in, has agreed to support the request. Along with Mexico, the United States penned a resolution at the U.N. Security Council calling for the quick deployment of an outside protection force to Haiti.

Three months later, there has been no movement and no indication that a multinational force is in the offing. Canada, which has been approached by the Biden administration to lead such a force, also has not shown any public willingness to move ahead. Instead the Ottawa government has focused on

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Aaron Rosenblatt/Daily Republic Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson, left, and Supervisor John Vasquez take their oath of office during the Solano County Board of Supervisors meeting at the Council Chambers in Fairfield, Tuesday.

It’s difficult to compare American, international students

In public education, not everything that can be measured matters, and not everything that matters can be measured.

The factors that describe the development of highly educated and productive citizens are far more nuanced and complex than, say, student standardized test scores. Nevertheless, Americans continue to make sweeping generalizations about the quality of American public education based primarily on standardized test scores – and this can lead to heavy-handed policy decisions not always in the best interests of children.

Davis Eye on education

in 1983. Its authors proclaimed that “the educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a nation and a people.”

Faced with an increasingly global economy, it was inevitable that critics of public schools would bolster their arguments by illuminating the sliding standardized test scores of American students in comparison with students from several advanced nations.

Carnoy, “differences between the educational cultures [e.g., norms, policies and practices] of other countries and of the United States make it difficult to draw education policy lessons from student test scores.”

Few quantitatively grounded assumptions about the quality of America’s public schools exceed the importance attributed to comparative test scores between U.S. and international students. This dynamic exploded onto the American political landscape after the release of the federally sponsored report “A Nation at Risk”

In essence, critics argued that poorly educated American students would lose a competitive edge over their international counterparts and would subsequently weaken America’s status as the world’s leading economy.

However, comparing the academic knowledge and skills of U.S. students with students from other nations poses significant challenges. According to Stanford economist Martin

He ate at 18 Michelin-starred

The WashingTon PosT

When Eric Finkelstein finished the last bite of his chawanmushi, a savory Japanese egg custard, he knew he’d done it.

He’d gotten the dish at Noda, an upscale sushi restaurant in New York City, with 50 minutes to spare. Noda was the 18th restaurant he’d dined at that day – all of them Michelin-starred.

There, seated at a round table in dim light just before midnight in late October, he checked off the last spot on his list.

“I definitely felt the sense of relief there, that it was done,” Finkelstein said. “Because, the whole day, I knew there was chances of things not working out.”

Guinness World Records announced on Dec. 29 that Finkelstein had set a record for visiting the most Michelin-starred restaurants in 24 hours.

The 34-year-old, who was living in Morristown, N.J., attempted the record on Oct. 26. Witnesses worked in shifts, and Finkelstein wore a body camera to document each bite.

He ate grilled avocado salad, caviar and lingonberries. Then oysters, grilled scallops and steak tartare. His total bill after noshing on dishes at a dozen and a half of the city’s most in-demand restaurants: $494 before tax and tips, according to the Guinness announcement.

Though Finkelstein set the record in one day, the planning had started more than a year earlier, when

someone in a food group on the social networking app Discord had tagged him in a post about the record.

Finkelstein knew he wanted to apply to break it but kept quiet about his plans – not even telling most of his friends, preferring to wait until after the fact for the “comedic effect,” he said.

In April, Guinness World Records accepted Finkelstein’s application, which he submitted in August 2021. Then, the organization gave him access to the record guidelines, instructions for collecting evidence and the number of restaurants to beat.

It was 12.

“Records are being attempted every day,” the acceptance email hedged. “So check your profile again before your attempt to see if the record to beat has changed.”

Finkelstein went headfirst into planning out his 24 hours of highend eating.

He called and emailed

In addition, what students learn and the methods of instruction used to teach them also varies greatly across the 50 states and America’s 13,500 school districts. Unlike the national school systems of many developed nations, America’s schools are locally controlled and subject to the particular education laws and policies of each state. Every state develops its own assessment frameworks (or adapts available frameworks) and test specifications for its mandated subject-matter tests.

Not surprisingly, what American students are taught, how they are taught, and how they are assessed are not necessarily synonymous with curriculum, instruction, or assessment protocols used in other countries.

Nevertheless, there are two standardized tests commonly

dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants, explaining his goal and inquiring about reservations. He posted call-outs in social media groups to find witnesses. He created a timeline for each stop and mapped out his route.

And to keep it all organized, he created a multi-tab spreadsheet.

The morning of Oct. 26, Finkelstein was ready. His first dish of the day at the French restaurant Le Pavillon got to his table just before noon.

The plan was going smoothly, with Finkelstein spending about 30 to 45 minutes at most of the restaurants, then walking, biking or taking the subway to the next spot. But the nerves were still there. Would there be wait times at the next restaurant? Would he be able to travel fast enough to stay on schedule?

By 9 p.m., he’d fallen behind. When his girlfriend, who’d helped Finkelstein make reservations, called to check his progress, he was on his way to his 16th restaurant.

It was nearly 9:30 p.m., and Oiji Mi, a Korean restaurant, was closing in a half-hour.

“Please, let them serve me,” Finkelstein recalled telling his girlfriend as he raced in.

Despite being behind schedule, he made it through his beef tartare at Oiji Mi before dashing off to two more restaurants. When he finished at Noda, his worries had finally dissolved. He had managed to visit all 18 res-

used to compare U.S. students with international students in reading, math and science: PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) and TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study). Neither test was purposely aligned with America’s National Assessment of Educational Progress, state mandated achievement tests or the Common Core State Standards.

For example, PISA emphasizes skills by asking students questions that require specific competencies. TIMSS emphasizes knowledge by probing what students know. In contrast, the Common Core is not an assessment tool at all, but rather a set of standards in each subject area that describe what students should know and do.

When judging the comparative academic competence of U.S. and international students, consider this: Every country that outranks the U.S. on PISA and TIMSS test scores have one thing in common – lower rates of child poverty. A UNICEF study on child poverty found

that among 41 well-off nations, the U.S. ranked 34th. According to Dianne Ravitch, “International tests scores don’t matter, except to tell us that if we really wanted to raise them, we would reduce poverty.”

In addition, many foreign school systems stratify students according to their academic ability levels. Consequently, only the most capable students take PISA and TIMSS. This is not the case in America where students who take these tests are randomly selected from the entire population of public school students in each state.

So how do American students measure up? In the most recent PISA tests (2018), U.S. students scored slightly above average in reading and science but well below average in math. But what do these scores really tell us? That’s up for debate.

Stephen Davis is a career educator who writes a column that publishes every other Wednesday in the Daily Republic.

Reach him by email at stephen davis71@gmail.com.

a world record

taurants in about 11 hours, Guinness World Records later reported.

A few weeks later, Finkelstein got official word from Guinness.

The Nov. 16 email from the organization declared: “You are now the Guinness World Records Title Holder!”

But it wasn’t Finkelstein’s first time being “Officially Amazing!” as the email exclaimed.

On Oct. 9, weeks before he attempted the Michelinstar-restaurant record, Finkelstein and two friends set a Guinness World

Record for building the largest mosaic with table tennis balls. In July 2021, he set a record for the longest table tennis serve.

The three records he now holds called out to him, Finkelstein said. He used to play table tennis competitively, which inspired the longest serve attempt. For the mosaic, he teamed up with his roommate, an artist, and another friend to combine their interests and create a mosaic of the Ukrainian flag.

And Finkelstein likes food and wanted to do something “really silly,”

like visiting 18 Michelinstarred restaurants in one day.

“It was just me trying to do something that I thought was, like, fun and funny,” he said.

If this latest record is beat, Finkelstein is unsure he’d attempt it again. But he and his girlfriend, Jackie Cheng, have submitted an application to set another Guinness World Record - one that doesn’t yet have an existing titleholder, he said.

But as with his other records, he’s keeping his plan secret - for now.

Stephen

Eric Finkelstein courtesy photo Eric Finkelstein, at one of the 18 Michelin-starred restaurants he visited in New York.

Solano supervisors remember Harry Price as statesman, community advocate

Todd R. H ansen THANSEN@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — Solano County Supervisor Mitch Mashburn said he never met a man “who cared more about his community” than the late Fairfield Mayor Harry Price.

More than just a true love of Fairfield, Mashburn said that affection went out to every resident, too, and most especially the youth of the community.

newsman in his early adult years, and before a decades-long career as a teacher.

“Not only would he take all the words out of the room,” board Chairman John Vasquez said about never wanting to speak after Price, “but he would take all the air out of the room.”

Vasquez, who started his fifth term on the board, also described Price as “a mentor to me.”

Fairfield businesses received most Covid paycheck protection dollars in Solano

Todd R. H ansen THANSEN@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — Businesses with fewer than 500 employees in Solano County’s three largest cities received more than $507 million from the federal Paycheck Protection Program from April 2020 to about July 2021.

Construction was the largest benefactor, according to a new study released by Smartest Dollar, a self-described “team of financial nerds and consumer advocates” that provides information on financial products and services.

Fairfield received the most total funding at nearly $192.72 million, but Vacaville received the most per capita at $1,650.

The median loan received by Fairfield businesses was $20,780 – the point at which half the loans were higher and half were lower. The report states that 92.4% of the loans were forgiven by the U.S. government. The amount per capita was $1,610.

Vacaville’s total funding was listed by Smartest

Dollar at $170.13 million, with the median loan amount at $20,833 and 96.6% of the total forgiven.

Vallejo businesses received $144.72 million, with a median loan of $20,117 and a per capita amount of $1,159. The study shows that 89.9% of the loans was forgiven.

There was no data for Suisun City, Dixon, Benicia, Rio Vista or the county as a whole.

California received $103 billion, the most by far of the 50 states, but only 16th per capita at $2,630. North Dakota had the highest per capita amount at $3,734. The state with the second highest total amount was New York at $60.73 billion. It was also second per capita at $3,062, the report states.

Professional, scientific and technical services were the top industries receiving funds in California, the report states.

Construction received the most in the three Solano cities.

While the amount Solano construction firms received was not reported, as an industry nationally, construction received nearly $98 billion.

“The health care and social assistance industry and professional, scientific, and technical industry were not far behind, receiving roughly $96 billion and $94 billion, respectively. Accommodation and food services received the fourth largest amount in PPP loans overall, and first relative to its smaller (gross domestic product),” the Smartest Dollar report states.

“To help businesses stay afloat, the government-led initiative allowed companies with fewer than 500 employees to apply for forgivable loans. With mandated store closures, social distancing guidelines and increased cleaning requirements, many businesses were faced with a series of hard choices like laying off certain employees to meet payroll for others, or closing their doors forever to avoid a very uncertain future. PPP loans were intended to help businesses keep their doors open with less stress, retain employees, and boost suffering local economies,” the report states.

“During its first of three rounds from April 3, 2020,

to Aug. 8, 2020, the PPP distributed $525 billion to small businesses in need, and eventually distributed nearly $800 billion in loans by the time the program ended in mid-2021.”

More than two-thirds of the program loans were under $25,000, the study showed. Two percent of the loans were for $100,000 to $124,000, and 10% were for more than $125,000.

“The remainder of loans fell between $25,000 and $99,999: 11% were between $25,000 and $49,999, 5% were between $50,000 to $74,999, and 3% were between $75,000 and $99,999,” the report states.

Initially, the program required businesses to spend 60% of allocated funds on payroll in order for them to be eligible for loan forgiveness, as the funds were intended for to pay workers, avoid layoffs and stay in business, the report states.

Learn more

The full report can be found at https://smart estdollar.com/research/ cities-that-took-themost-ppp-money.

Supervisors shine light on human trafficking

Todd R. H ansen THANSEN@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — Solano County supervisors on Tuesday adopted a resolution recognizing January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and recognized the efforts of local agencies combating the problem.

“The Solano County Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Steering Committee is a countywide team of professionals with representatives from the Health and Social Services Child Welfare Services and Behavioral Health divisions, law enforcement, district attorney, Solano County Office of Education, a member of the Board of Supervisors and a host of community-based organizations, each committed to increasing awareness,” the resolution states.

The coalition has helped 16 victims of trafficking since April, it was reported.

“Trafficking in persons is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. Human trafficking continues to be a growing problem in the United States and around the world. California, with its large immigrant communities, the world’s ninth

largest economy, and extensive international border, is considered one of the top four locations in the United States for human trafficking,” the staff report to the board states.

Recent data from the Bureau of International Labor Affairs of the U.S. Department of Labor, as cited in the staff report, states, “There are an estimated 27.6 million victims of forced labor globally, 3.3 million of the victims are children.”

Additionally, “it is estimated that worldwide human trafficking amounts to an annual estimated $150 billion industry that takes place in all industries, to individuals of all genders, age and socioeconomic status.”

Other cited statistics include:

n In 2021, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 10,360 trafficking situations in the United States, of which there were 1,334 reported cases for California.

n According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, there was a record 29.4 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation made to NCMEC’s Cyber Tipline in 2021, up from 21.7 million

reports in 2020.

n Of the more than 25,000 cases of children reported missing to NCMEC in 2021 who had run away, 1 in 6 were likely victims of child sex trafficking.

n The California Department of Social Services, Child Trafficking Response Team, reported in their August 2022 newsletter that statewide between June 2016 and December 2021, there have been 6,888 Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, children victimized or ‘at risk’ in child welfare and probation systems.

In other action, the board:

n Recognized Falona Simmons, with Child Support Services, as the January “Employee of the Month.”

n Recognized Martin (Scott) Silvernail, custodian in General Services, upon his retirement after 23 years with Solano County.

n Recognized David Michel, equipment mechanic with General Services, upon his retirement after 16 years with Solano County.

n Affirmed the appointment of Emery Cowan, chief deputy Behavioral Health and director of

Mental Health Services.

n Appointed Chris Calvert, Terry Riddle and Kathleen Stutz as directors of the Solano Resource Conservation District with terms to end Nov. 26, 2026.

n Appointed Richard Harris, Marshall Cook and Matt Gause as trustees of Reclamation District No. 2084 for terms to end Dec. 5, 2025.

n Affirmed the appointment of Donnie Reeve as trustee of Reclamation District No. 2136. The action corrects a previous announcement.

n Recognized January as Positive Parenting Awareness Month in Solano County.

n Approved the Notice of Completion for Northeast Apron and Taxilane Reconstruction Project, Phase 1, at Nut Tree Airport. Granite Rock Company of San Jose was the contractor. The final cost was just under $1.09 million, the full amount of the project budget, of which $803,685 went to construction. The board also approved a transfer request of $22,592 to recognize additional unanticipated revenues from the Federal Aviation AdministrationAirport Improvement Program Grant.

Price was an English teacher at Vanden High School for 33 years, was committed to scouting and was a founder of what is now Leaven Kids.

PRICE

The supervisors’ comments came as the board adjourned its meeting in memory of Price, whose memorial service is Saturday.

“He was a statesman, that’s what he was,” Supervisor Wanda Williams, who attended the same church as Price, and was happy to get “my last hug” just a few days before Price died Dec. 16. He was 85. “He was a public servant.”

Several supervisors noted Price’s speaking ability, aided, of course, by his baritone voice that had served him as a TV

Supervisor Erin Hannigan said she first met Price in 2008 after Fairfield Councilman Matt Garcia had been killed. The council also lost Frank Kardos at the same time. He died just 19 days after Garcia was fatally shot.

“He had all the right words to say,” Hannigan said. “He handled that situation like nobody else could.”

Supervisor Monica Brown said she certainly remembers Price as a teacher, but will think of him alongside his beloved wife, Betsy, who died four years earlier.

“Cared about kids; cared about his community; and he cared about Betsy,” Brown said.

“I know they are together.”

$3M in pandemic relief funds supports mental health projects

Todd R. H ansen THANSEN@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD —

More than $3.4 million in federal pandemic relief funding was allocated by Solano County supervisors Tuesday to four county Behavioral Health projects.

All the projects had been previously approved. The American Rescue Plan Act funds will provide:

n $2.074 million to the Beck Campus Mental Health Treatment Facility to provide for the second year of operations at the new 32-bed mental health treatment and housing facility for individuals diverted from jails and formerly homeless.

n $637,236 to create a Behavioral Health Internship Program through a structured training environment for the Mental Health workforce to recruit and offer opportunities for students, and for new hire experience and training.

n $550,000 as local match and start-up funds for a new Substance Use Treatment Facility to support development of a medically monitored intensive inpatient facility.

n $150,000 to support to enhance coordination for people with mental health and substance use challenges navigating the justice system by retaining a consultant to assist with improving and expanding policy and procedures related to the court and Behavioral Health over two years.

Additionally, the $3.41 million in funding supports the addition of one Mental Health clinical supervisor, one Mental Health licensed

clinician, one office assistant and two limitedterm psychology interns through June 30, 2024.

In other action, the board: n Adopted the amended Personnel and Salary Resolution, which provides “equitable benefits and incentives to unrepresented employees” as approved for represented employee groups.

n Approved a $75,000 contract amendment with Sloan Sakai Yeung & Wong LLP, for a total contract of $150,000, that extended the term of the contract through Dec. 31, 2022, for representation of the county in labor negotiations and the provision of related technical assistance.

n Accepted the Proposition 47 grant award of $6 million from the Board of State and Community Corrections to improve coordinated re-entry planning for people with behavioral health needs returning to the community from jail, including housing and support services, through June 1, 2026; and approved a $637,508 appropriation transfer to recognize unanticipated revenue for fiscal year 2022-23. The board also added a community services coordinator position and a planning analyst position, both for terms ending June 30, 2026.

n Extended 12 full-time equivalent eligibility benefits specialist II limited-term positions through June 30, 2024, to administer Medi-Cal renewals; added four fulltime eligibility benefits specialists II for CalFresh

Aaron Rosenblatt/Daily Republic file

Construction crew members work on a site along Marina Boulevard in Suisun City, Dec. 16, 2022.

2-vehicle collision on West Texas Street sends 2 to hospital

Park & Rec to review Audubon grant

FAIRFIELD — The Solano County Parks and Recreation Commission on Thursday will be given a presentation on the lone applicant for the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund grant, and consider awarding the money.

Napa-Solano Audubon Society was the lone applicant. The commission also will receive park attendance and revenue reports.

The panel meets at 10 a.m. in Multipurpose Room 1600 on the first floor of the government building, 675 Texas St., in Fairfield.

Queen Mote

Queen Esther Mote (Queenie), passed away in her sleep and the tender age of 84. She was a longtime resident of Fairfield since the year of 1967. Queen was born in Ware County Georgia and was one of 10 children. She got a job in her teens and saved up enough money to buy her family their first television. Queen was always known to take care of others without any thought, it was just her nature. Her husband, Robert Mote, passed away in 2005 and she was able to take care of her home and enjoy life with her remaining family until her untimely departure to the heavens.

Services were held at Bryan Braker funeral home on January 4th of 2023. Officiating her services was Reverend Dewayne Byrdsong of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Fairfield, CA.

Clifford (Bubba) E.

Meyerhoffer

Solano County reps reintroduce bill to name Mare Island vets facility

Daily Republic Staff DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

MARE ISLAND —

Legislation has been reintroduced in the House of Representatives to name the Mare Island Veterans Affairs Clinic after Vallejo native and community icon Delphine Metcalf-Foster.

“I am honored by the reintroduction of this legislation,” Metcalf-Foster said in a statement. “I dedicate this honor to all veterans, including my father – Joseph Robert Taylor. He paved the way for me to have a life dedicated to public service. If this legislation becomes law, and the Mare Island VA Clinic carries my name, it will carry his, too.”

Reps. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Creek, and Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, introduced the bill Tuesday to honor Metcalf-Foster for her military service, volunteerism and advocacy for local veterans.

“I am thrilled to join with Congressman Mike

Thompson in recognizing Delphine Metcalf-Foster’s incredible volunteerism and lifelong commitment to service,” Garamendi said in a statement released through his office.

METCALF-FOSTER

“After a 21-year Army career, Ms. Metcalf-Foster began passionately volunteering at the local, state, and national levels to improve the lives of countless veterans. Ms. Metcalf-Foster epitomizes the leadership, compassion, and care all veterans deserve. I look forward to this bill becoming law, finally recognizing Ms. Metcalf-Foster for her decades service and tireless work on behalf of our veterans and the Vallejo community,” Garamendi added.

Metcalf-Foster had served in the U.S. Army Reserves and is a combat veteran of Operation

Desert Storm. She retired as a first sergeant. Her father was a veteran of the Spanish-American War and a 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldier.

The family military tradition carries on with her granddaughter, who is an Iraq-Afghanistan War veteran, and her great-granddaughter, who currently serves in the U.S. Army.

Metcalf-Foster is a past commander of the Disabled American Veterans Ozie Boler Chapter 21 in Vallejo, DAV Department of California in 2004-05, and DAV National Commander in 2017-18. She is also a life-member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. She was recognized in 2018 as one of the “Mighty 25: Influencers Supporting the Military Community.”

“While Ms. Met -

Fairfield-Suisun district schedules fentanyl awareness town hall meetings

Daily Republic Staff DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — The Fairfield-Suisun School District will host a series of three fentanyl awareness town hall meetings to educate parents and community members on the dangers of fentanyl.

The meetings will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at locations throughout the district. The first meeting will take place Jan. 18 at Solano Community College, 4000 Suisun

Valley Road in rural Fairfield. The second meeting will be held Jan. 25 at The Salvation Army Kroc Center at 586 E. Wigeon Way in Suisun City. The third meeting will take place Jan. 31, at the Public Safety Academy campus at 230 Atlantic Ave. in Fairfield.

This community event will provide information and resources on the opioid crisis afflicting communities today, according to a press release. The primary focus is to educate families

on the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid drug that is 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.

Information will be presented by the Fairfield Police Department, Fairfield Fire Department, Solano Public Health and Solano Collaborative Courts. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. Recordings of the three-part series will be made available after each presentation.

calf-Foster continues to volunteer countless hours at local VA facilities, her leadership is constantly sought from local to national levels. She has served as a member of the Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity board of directors, the VA Northern California Health Care System Veteran and Family Advisory Committee, VA Advisory Committee on Women Veterans, and the VA Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses. She has also testified before the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs, advocating to improve outreach to and services for women and all veterans,” the statement said.

Clifford (Bubba) Meyerhoffer age 67, peacefully entered eternal rest in his sleep on December 7, 2022. Cliff was an Army Vete ran who served his country proudly Cliff loved riding his Harley and spending time with his family. Cliff is survived by his wife of 32 yrs Nancy Meyerhoffer, 4 children, 16 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, parents and 2 sisters and 1 sister preceded in death.

Ser vices will be held at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA. January 19, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice in his name.

Leon Lakin

Leon K. Lakin, 57 of Fairfield passed away at home on Thursday, December 22, 2022. Leon was born on Monday, April 19,1965 in Fairfield, CA. He attended Anna Kyle, Sullivan and Armijo schools. He lived his entire life in Fairfield.

In March 1984 Leon started working in a metal shop in Vallejo, CA and retired in October 2020 after 36 years. He was just starting to enjoy his retirement years.

Leon was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charles and Evelyn Lakin of Illinois, maternal grandparents Jessie and Virginia Swearengin of Fairfield. Father, Harry L. Lakin of Illinois.

He also lost his beloved pets Ice and Reno.

He is survived by his mother, Janice Lakin of Vacaville, brother Dion Lakin (Lisa) of Vacaville, sister Cheryl Soucie (Tim) of Vacaville, nieces Jessie Lakin and Jennifer Lakin of Dixon, nephews, Derek Soucie (Chrissy) of Dixon, Jared Soucie of Vacaville. Great-niece Maci Soucie of Dixon, maternal aunt Glenda Vollet of Fairfield along with numerous cousins.

Services will be held on Thursday January 12, 2023 at Fairfield Funeral Home. Viewing will be held from 11:00 am-12:00 pm, funeral at 12:00 pm and burial at the Suisun Fairfield Cemetary at 1:00 pm.

Donna Osburn

Donna Jean Osburn passed away suddenly on Dec. 14, 2022 in Munich, Germany while traveling home from a business trip. She was 61.

Donna was born January 23, 1961 in Rapid City, SD, where her father served at Ellsworth Air Force Base. She was the oldest of two children born to Richard and Yuki Osburn. As an “Air Force brat,” she became accustomed to moving from one base to the next. The family moved from Ellsworth to Alexandria, VA; Ewa Beach, HI; Travis AFB; and ultimately, settled in Vacaville, CA when Richard retired in 1978.

Donna graduated from Vanden High School in 1979. She made her way through life and college, attending U.C. Santa Barbara, Solano College, and (as she would say) finally graduating from U.C. Davis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences in 1990. With degree in hand, she landed her first job in biotechnology with Genentech and worked there for 27 years. She switched careers to real estate before going back to biotechnology full-time in 2019. She began working for T-Knife Therapeutics in 2021 with the hope and sheer

Eleanor Fay Hood

Eleanor Fay Hood was born October 26th, 1940, in Tampa, Florida. She passed away December 4th, 2022, in Placentia, California, in the company of her family.

Eleanor’s family moved to California when she was 4, where she lived in Fresno and Sacramento. She spent her Jr. High & early High School years in Vancouver, Washington. On returning to California, she graduated from Sacramento High School and attended Sacramento State University She met, and later married Elvin Hood in 1960. They lived in Fairfield, California, for 47 years. After raising their two daughters, Denise and Darla, she returned to the workplace, retiring from State of California employment after 22 years of exemplary service.

Eleanor was first and foremost committed to Jesus; to her family & friends; and especially to her husband, Elvin, with whom she shared a ‘forever love’. He says of Eleanor, “No one could be around her for 2 minutes, without being impacted. She had a huge heart for God, her Countr y, learning and the unborn. She always put others first, and her care & generosity touched hundreds, if not thousands of people – truly reach-

excitement that T Knife’s innovative therapies would be a cure for cancer.

Donna always had a big personality and presence. Each stop along her life journey from childhood, to high school, from being a server at Lyon’s, an aerobics instructor, working in realty, biotech and through all facets of her life, she made long-term, lasting friendships. She treasured and maintained those relationships. She was a loving, thoughtful, and supporting mother, sister, and daughter. They say that the love you receive is equal to the love that you give. She gave and received so much. Several of her Vanden classmates held a touching candlelight vigil for Donna on Dec. 17, 2022.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by sons Connor (Dawson Hoover) Spurling and Aaron (Abbey Lindsay) Spurling; brother, Dan (Liz) Osburn; life-long friend Karen Goodlow; and many valued relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15 at Vaca Hills Chapel. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16 at Vaca Hills Chapel and a reception will follow at Vacaville’s Opera House, 560 E Main Street. A graveside service and internment will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18 at Vacaville-Elmira Cemetery.

ing to the ends of the earth.

Her love of music and for books, brought joy and encouraged education everywhere she went. In every church in which she and Elvin belonged, she was the church pianist and librarian, either starting libraries or leading the charge to improve existing ones. She spent endless hours perfecting her piano playing, and to research and discover the right materials and resources to best serve her church community. She was a Proverbs 31 kind of lady, for sure.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, Orie & Fay Bower; younger sister, Joyce Bower; mother-in-law, Ellen Blevins; sisters-in-law Janelle Steen, Ora Mae Brownlee and Nancy Simmons; and brothers-in-law, Loren Davis, Avin Brownlee, Mark Barnes and Everett Harlow.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Elvin Hood; children, Denise & Darla, daughter-inlaw Michelle Farmer, son-in-law, Tony Checchin; sister, Carol Davis; dozens of multi-generational nephews and nieces, as well as chosen grandchildren, to include the Nelson children of Fairfield, California and the Segulin children of New Jersey.

All will miss Eleanor ’s infectious laugh, chats, profound wisdom, great l ove and twinkling blue eyes.

Eleanor’s Celebration of Life service will be held from 11 am to 1 pm on January 28th, 2023, at her home church of many years, First Baptist Church. The address is: 512 First Street, Winters, California.

ARMY VETERAN

Aaron Rosenblatt/Daily Republic

A Fairfield police officer investigates a car that struck a light pole following a two-vehicle collision along West Texas Street in Fairfield, Tuesday. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. and sent two people to nearby hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Solano County Library offers reading challenge for new year

Daily Republic DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — The Solano County Library is offering readers a way to meet their reading goals in the new year.

Solano Reads is a yearlong reading challenge that offers 50 prompts to keep patrons reading books throughout the year.

Participants are encour aged to read 20 books from the 50 prompts (reading categories). Each book read must fit a single category prompt. Earn a commemorative Solano Reads completion pin after completing 20 books. Read more than 20 books and earn a bonus pin.

All registrants receive a Challenge pin at sign up. Readers are automatically entered into quarterly drawings for chances to win gift cards.

Solano Reads runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. Registration is always open. This is a reading challenge for all ages.

Solano Reads focuses on building literacy skills

and forming healthy reading habits, the library reports in a press release. For that reason, participants are encouraged

to engage in any way they can. All forms of reading count, including audiobooks, eBooks, magazines and more.

To register for the reading challenge, visit solanolibrary.com/solanoreads or stop by your local library.

Party for Soroptimist causes like it’s the ’20s

Daily Republic Staff DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — Soroptimist International of Central Solano County will have its annual “Speakeasy – The Roaring ’20s” event Feb. 25, billed as a fun-filled soiree that promises to be the cat’s pajamas.

Get the glad rags, flapper dresses and buffed shoes ready for a night of dinner, dancing and giggle juice from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the swanky Green Valley Country Club.

The event benefits the Soroptimists’ commitment to improve the lives of women and girls.

Tickets are $125 per person and include a champagne welcoming; dinner w ith accompanying wine; music by DJ Ed; a no-host bar with specialty Roaring ’20s mixologistcrafted cocktails, and other surprises.

This year’s goal is to net $40,000, which supports programs such as the Girl’s Circle Life Skills Program at the Matt Garcia PAL Teen Center;

Assist-a-Grad scholarships; “Chance to Rise” scholarships; and underwriting literacy programs for women. Additionally, the local Soroptimists also provide grants through the Live Your Dream Award for women who are returning to school; helps internationally to educate and keep girls in school; and supports the local domestic violence centers and STEM programs.

Tickets and sponsorship options can be found at www.sicentralsolano. com/spring-fund-raiser.

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Soroptimist of the Americas organization celebrated 100 years of service in 2021, while in June 2022, the Central Solano County club celebrated 20 years of service.

For additional information, contact Sally Silvia, event chairwoman, at sally.silvia@si centralsolano.com.

Thompson joins bill to exempt fire settlements from income tax

Republic Staff DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — Legislation that would make settlements from the PG&E Fire Victim Trust exempt from income tax has been reintroduced in the House of Representatives.

The tax relief legislation passed the House, but failed in the Senate last year.

“Fire survivors have been through living hell in the wake of losing their homes and livelihoods to wildfires and should not

be taxed on the settlements from the PG&E Fire Victims Trust,” Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, said in a statement. “This bipartisan bill is a top priority, and I will continue to work with Rep. LaMalfa and Rep. Huffman to enact this bill into law to bring much needed relief to fire survivors.”

The bill also carried the endorsements of Reps. Doug LaMalfa, R-Richavale, Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, and Tom McClintock, R-Granada Hills.

Photographer to address Fairfield Garden Club

Daily Republic Staff DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — The Fairfield Garden Club will hold its first meeting of the new year Jan. 18 with a presentation by Doug Wirtz, photographer and docent for the Solano County Land Trust.

“Jepson Prairie Preserve explodes into color during it’s spring wildflower display. The prairie is transformed by winter rains into a tapestry of colors, and its vernal pools

host a rich diversity of aquatic life,” the Garden Club said in a statement.

Wirtz’s photos of wildlife and plants of Jepson Prairie are incredible, and his knowledge of the area outstanding, the Garden Club said.

The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Adult Recreation Center, 1200 Civic Center Drive, in Fairfield.

For more information, call Mary Colridge at 707-330-9920.

Subscribe. 427-6989.

THOMPSON

Aaron Rosenblatt/Daily Republic file

Daniel Salas reads at the Fairfield Library, in 2014.

Newsom touts freedom, but disses reporters

Areporter for West Virginia’s public broadcasting system was fired last month after exposing the state health agency’s abuse of disabled people.

Amelia Ferrell Knisley said she was axed after ignoring orders to stop reporting that the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources was hiding information about treatment of its disabled clients, including allegations of patient dumping and warehousing.

Knisley’s reportage prompted calls by legislative leaders for an official investigation, but, she said, orders to fire her came from the broadcasting system’s boss, Butch Antolini, a former press secretary for Gov. Jim Justice. It would be easy to dismiss Knisley’s dismissal as an isolated incident in a backward state dominated by a self-serving clutch of right-leaning politicians.

Not so. Throughout the world, politicians of all stripes try to control what’s reported about their activities. In autocratic regimes, such as China, Iran or Russia, the suppression is naked. State-owned media spew propaganda and journalists who don’t toe the party line are repressed – or worse.

Four years ago, agents of Saudi Arabia assassinated dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. American journalist Austin Tice was kidnapped in 2012 while reporting on events in Syria and his family has heard nothing from him ever since. In 2002, Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and later decapitated in Pakistan. American politicians don’t kidnap or kill journalists, but when a sitting president of the United States points to reporters and calls them “enemies of the people,” as Donald Trump did, he’s making them potential targets of violence.

Gavin Newsom was sworn in last Friday for a second term as California’s governor, standing on the Capitol’s steps after leading a march down Capitol Mall. It was meant to commemorate the violent assault on the nation’s Capitol exactly two years earlier by fervent Trump supporters, seeking to block Congress from ratifying Joe Biden’s election as president.

Newsom devoted much of his 22-minute inaugural address to depicting California as a model of tolerance and freedom and Republican-led states as bastions of repression.

Afterward, Newsom’s press office described the speech as “lifting up California’s work to protect and advance the fundamental rights and freedoms under attack across the country amid rising extremism and oppression, and underscoring the state’s commitment to continue leading the way forward to prosperity and progress for all.”

The message, however, didn’t ring true for the journalists who were covering Newsom’s carefully staged inaugural celebration because the governor’s operatives had been harassing them for trying to do their jobs.

During the march, Angela Hart, a reporter for Kaiser Health News, tweeted, “@Gavin Newsom leading a march for ‘freedom’ and ‘democracy’ ahead of his inauguration, however the governor and his team has restricted press access to the march after the photo opp (and) we’re not allowed to follow the march and do our jobs.”

CalMatters reporter Alexei Koseff echoed Hart, tweeting, “Governor’s press office and campaign largely focused on keeping the media away from this media stunt of a march to kick off Newsom’s second inaugural, including threats that we would be blocked from attending the speech.”

This was not an isolated instance of Newsom’s disdain for the professional journalists who cover his governorship. He is notoriously thin-skinned about coverage that portrays him in other than a heroic light – such as Koseff’s revelation in 2020 about his notorious maskless and hypocritical partying with lobbyists at a high-end Napa restaurant.

Newsom’s media operatives give special access to reporters deemed to be friendly while minimizing contact with others who might ask questions he doesn’t want to answer.

So much for California being a beacon of openness and freedom.

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters. For more stories by Dan Walters, go to Commentary.

COMMENTARY

Letters to the editor

Letters must be 325 words or less and are subject to editing for length and clarity. All letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number. Send letters to Letters to the Editor, the Daily Republic, P.O. Box 47, Fairfield, CA 94533, email to gfaison@ dailyrepublic.net or drop them off at our office, 1250 Texas St. in Fairfield.

Without Walt Cunningham, there would be no moon landing

Without Walt Cunningham, we would not have walked on the moon. Subsequently, we never would have beaten the Soviets and begun the process to end the Cold War.

He knew it. I knew it. And America should know it, too.

Walt, who died last week at the age of 90, was the lunar module pilot for the Apollo 7, the first successful manned operation of the Apollo missions. Without that “perfect mission,” our flight to the moon never would have happened.

He was a lifetime friend. Selected into the third class of NASA astronauts with me in 1963, Walt was part of the backup crew for Apollo 1, along with Wally Schirra and Donn Eisele. When Apollo 1’s crew died tragically in a launchpad fire in January 1967, the backup crew became prime.

It might be hard for people to grasp the pressure under which Walt and that Apollo 7 crew operated. The prior crew never reached space. The American public was restless, and Apollo 7 in some ways was a “go/ no go” mission. During the 11-day flight in 1968, the crew had to test and adjust hundreds of systems – every-

THE OTHER SIDE

thing from life support, engines and communications to basic electrical hardware – on a spacecraft never flown before. The Soviets were hard on our tail. The mission had to be perfect – and it was. Walt always stepped up. He was part of the Apollo 1 accident review board and helped redesign the Apollo capsule. Having tested the capsule systems the day before the tragedy, he was in a special position to assess the platform. He suggested design changes, including rethinking the environmental control systems and re-engineering the spacecraft for safety. That ensured success for all subsequent Apollo missions.

If the review board had gotten it wrong, we would probably have had a catastrophic event in space – long before we got to the moon.

Each of us got to the program in a different way. Mine was the U.S. Military Academy; Walt’s was studying physics, engineering and working hard. His patience, patriotism, courage and love of flying made him a natural fighter pilot and astronaut. We worked well together. Together, along with Neil Armstrong

and Gene Cernan, we sat in front of congressional oversight committees in the 1990s to share a common view: America cannot afford to lose our leadership edge in space. Human exploration is essential. We must return to the moon, and then go farther.

Finally, on an individual level, Walt knew something about exceptionalism. He flew 54 combat fighter missions in Korea, logged more than 4,500 hours in 40 different planes and spent 263 hours in space.

Less well known might be Walt’s wry wit, candor and depth. In a world of egos, Walt always had his in check. Walt’s other hallmark was gratitude, for everything – for the chance to fly for the Marines, for becoming an Apollo astronaut and for being able to serve the nation. He and his wife, Dot Cunningham, made it a point to be at mission anniversaries, including the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 in 2019, held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. I was grateful for that.

Bottom line: We have lost a real treasure in Walt. Americans should give him thanks.

Buzz Aldrin was lunar module pilot for the Apollo 11 mission.

Hamlin’s recovery offers lessons for all

When Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin collapsed from cardiac arrest last week, it was assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington who performed CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), saving his life. It reminded me of the time years ago when my dad collapsed at work and paramedics were able to resuscitate him and my brothers and I got years more time with him.

While we applaud the Bills’ medical staff, paramedics and staff at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for saving a life that could’ve easily been lost, would we be able to spring into action if someone had a cardiac emergency in front of us?

Nearly 383,000 outside-the-hospital sudden cardiac arrests occur every year and 88% of them happen in the home. Still, most of those victims never receive CPR. And no more 10% of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital survive. That’s a chilling statistic that we can all work toward changing.

Thirty-eight states now require hands-on CPR training in high school. And the hope is by training young people, they will teach family members – and so on.

Even if we’re not going to go out and take a course to become certified, there are simple things the average

person can do to increase their life-saving proficiency. Most of us are on our phones in our spare time using social media, texting and watching silly videos. Surely, we can all pull up how-to videos on CPR and educate ourselves. There are many videos on YouTube by the American Red Cross and other organizations that demonstrate how to perform CPR, step by step.

From the Red Cross website:

n If the person is non-responsive after you tap on their shoulders and shout their name, call 911 or tell someone nearby to.

n Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface.

n Give 30 chest compressions.

n Hand position: Two hands centered on the chest.

n Body position: Shoulders directly over hands; elbows locked.

n Depth: At least 2 inches.

n Rate: 100 to 120 per minute.

n Allow chest to return to normal position after each compression.

n Give two breaths.

n Continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and two breaths until help arrives.

There are hands-only CPR techniques that omit the breaths and you’ll come across that if you delve into learning these potentially life-saving tactics.

Survival rates would skyrocket if people had an automated external defibrillator (AED) at home. These devices allow lay people to administer electrical shocks to restore a normal rhythm to an arrhythmic heart.

Unfortunately, entry level AEDs cost between $900 and $1,200 and go up steeply from there. One can envision a day when the costs are brought down and having such devices in the home are no different than having fire extinguishers and fire / carbon monoxide detectors in homes.

There’s something else we can do. We can pull over for emergency vehicles. Far too often, I see drivers who don’t pull to the side for emergency vehicles. Perhaps it would help to think that every time you hear sirens, it could mean someone is lying on their living room floor unresponsive, waiting on that life-saving treatment that’s headed toward them, if only you move out of the way. One day that could be your loved one lying on the floor. Waiting. Minutes count.

It’s not enough to just applaud Damar Hamlin’s amazing recovery and donate to his toy drive. This is one of those teachable moments if we’re just willing to learn the lesson. Peace.

Kelvin Wade, a writer and former Fairfield resident, lives in Sacramento. Reach him at kelvinjwade@ outlook.com.

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Assemblywoman Lori Wilson (11th District) 1021 O St. Suite 5150 Sacramento, CA 94249-0011 916-319-2011

1261 Travis Blvd., Suite 110 Fairfield, CA 94533 707-399-3011

State Sen. Bill Dodd (3rd District) State Capitol Room 5114 Sacramento, CA 95814 916-651-4003

Vacaville District Office: 555 Mason St., Suite 275 Vacaville, CA 95688 707-454-3808

Fairfield City Hall 1000 Webster St. Fairfield, CA 94533 707-428-7400

Suisun City Hall 701 Civic Center Drive Suisun City, CA 94585 707-421-7300

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Former ABC News anchor Elizabeth Vargas joins NewsNation

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

Nexstar Media Group’s NewsNation has landed another former ABC News star for its nightly primetime lineup.

The cable news channel announced Tuesday that Elizabeth Vargas, who previously was a co-anchor for “ABC World News” and “20/20,” has signed on to host a nightly program.

“Elizabeth Vargas Reports” will air out of the Chicago-based network’s New York studios at 6 p.m. Eastern starting April 3.

Vargas is the second veteran network news personality to join NewsNation in recent months.

Chris Cuomo, formally of ABC News and CNN, signed on to NewsNation in September with a

nightly program.

Dan Abrams, chief legal correspondent for ABC News and a former MSNBC host, joined NewsNation in fall 2021.

All three previously worked with Michael Corn, the former senior executive producer for ABC’s “Good Morning America,” who took over NewsNation’s editorial operation in May 2021.

Corn signed on after NewsNation stumbled out of the gate with a leadership team that had no experience in cable or network news.

Although NewsNation lags far behind established cable news channels Fox News, CNN and MSNBC in the Nielsen ratings, it has made gains since adding Cuomo’s program to its prime-time lineup.

Zits Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

Pearls Before Swine Stephan Pastis

Dilbert Scott Adams

Baby Blues Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott

Baldo Hector Cantú

Crime logs FairField

SATURDAY, JAN. 7

3:10 a.m. — Fight with a weapon, 1300 block of CROWLEY LANE 11:34 a.m. — Battery, EL BASSET COURT 5:46 p.m. — Vehicle theft, 5100 block of BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE 7:26 p.m. — Grand theft, 1200 block of B. GALE WILSON

SUNDAY, JAN. 8

5:02 a.m. — Fight with a weapon, 1900 block of MOOSUP COURT

5:31 a.m. — Vehicle theft, 600 block of TAYLOR STREET 5:43 a.m. — Robbery, KIDDER AVENUE 9:24 a.m. — Vehicle theft, 200 block of JASMINE STREET 9:29 a.m. — Vehicle theft, 2000 block of PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE 10 a.m. — Battery, 1600 block of WOOD CREEK DRIVE 10:08 a.m. — Commercial burglary, 4500 block of BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE 11:08 a.m. — Trespassing, 700 block of WREN COURT 12:24 p.m. Vehicle theft, 4300 block of CENTRAL PLACE 12:36 p.m. — Vehicle theft, 200 block of JASMINE STREET 1:15 p.m. — Battery, 2700 block of NORTH TEXAS STREET 4 p.m. — Hit-and-run property damage, AIR BASE PARKWAY 7:26 p.m. — Vandalism, 1500 block of RAYBURN COURT 7:32 p.m. — Trespassing, 100 block of EAST TRAVIS BOULEVARD 7:48 p.m. — Trespassing, 300 block of TRAVIS BOULEVARD 8:44 p.m. — Trespassing, 4700 block of BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE 9:53 p.m. — Robbery, 3200 block of HARTFORD AVENUE 10:14 p.m. — Trespassing, 2100 block of NORTH TEXAS STREET 10:29 p.m. — Hit-and-run property damage, WOOLNER AVENUE BOULEVARD 7:31 p.m. — Shots fired, 2100 block of NEWFOUNDLAND DRIVE 8:08 p.m. — Reckless driver, WATERMAN BOULEVARD 8:23 p.m. — Grand theft, 500 block of PARKER ROAD 9:41 p.m. — Grand theft, 2000 block of CADENASSO DRIVE 11:25 p.m. — Hit-and-run property damage, 2000 block of WOOLNER AVENUE MONDAY, JAN. 9 2:28 a.m. — Shots fired, WILKIE STREET

4:29 a.m. — Fight with a weapon, 1400 block of UNION AVENUE

7:13 a.m. — Vehicle burglary, 1100 block of SANDERLING DRIVE 9:42 a.m. — Forgery, 900 block of OHIO STREET 10:10 a.m. — Battery, 1000 block of HAYES STREET 11:20 a.m. — Grand theft, 4800 block of AUTO PLAZA COURT 12:49 p.m. — Residential burglary, 100 block of TABOR AVENUE 1:06 p.m. — Hit-and-run property damage, GRANDE CIRCLE 1:53 p.m. — Battery, 1200 block of TRAVIS BOULEVARD 2:48 p.m. — Vehicle theft, 1100 block of WILKIE STREET 2:50 p.m. — Vandalism, 100 block of LOPES ROAD 2:56 p.m. — Vehicle theft, 1000 block of BROADWAY STREET 6:14 p.m. — Battery, 100 block of EAST TRAVIS BOULEVARD 8:12 p.m. — Trespassing, 1300 block of HOLIDAY LANE 8:28 p.m. — Vehicle burglary, 1100 block of TEXAS STREET 9:50 p.m. — Reckless driver, SAN LUCAS DRIVE 11:06 p.m. — Indecent exposure, 300 block of TRAVIS BOULEVARD

SuiSun City

SATURDAY, JAN. 7 9:43 a.m. — Vehicle theft, 500 block of SKYLARK DRIVE 10:32 a.m. — Fraud, 500 block of WOOD DUCK DRIVE

SUNDAY, JAN. 8 12:42 p.m. — Vandalism, 500 block of WHISPERING BAY LANE 5:07 p.m. — Assault with a deadly weapon, 700 block of CAPISTRANO DRIVE MONDAY JAN. 9 6:37 a.m. — Assault, 300 block of CIVIC CENTER BOULEVARD 3:58 p.m. — Fraud, 1000 block of LIBERTY DRIVE 4:05 p.m. — Vandalism, 300 block of MERGANSER DRIVE 4:46 p.m. — Grand theft, 200 block of SUNSET AVENUE

From

Robyn Rains, the acting Office of Emergency Services manager, said in an interview Tuesday the primary levees of concern are Van Sickle Island in the Suisun Bay and the Little Egbert Tract in the Cache Slough Complex.

“It’s an accumulative thing,” Emlen said after the board meeting. He said the decision to declare an emergency was made Monday afternoon.

“I know there are several levees in the Delta we are concerned about,” Emlen said.

He also noted Solano received more rain at this time in 2021-22 than it has this year, but in 2021-22 it all came in two large events. He said he thinks this series of storms will be more beneficial for groundwater recharge.

It was also noted during the meeting that the supervisors receive an internal update of conditions on a regular basis. However, those updates are not made public

despite the clear need for the public to know about potential dangers. Those updates also are public documents.

The public is, of course, urged to sign up for Alert Solano to get updates in case there is an imminent threat in their areas.

“The forsaid constitute conditions of disaster and extreme peril to the safety of persons, their property and public services,” the

proclamation states.

Madigan, Frey and Curry lakes spilled over the weekend, and as of Monday afternoon, nearly two dozen roads were closed in the county and a dozen more in the cities due to flooding from the latest storms.

Learn more

n Storm preparedness resources: www.solanocounty.com/stormready.

n Countywide sandbag

locations: www.solano county.com/sandbags.

n Sign up for emergency alerts: www. alertsolano.com.

n County road closures (unincorporated): https://oes.maps.arcgis. com/apps/webappviewer/ index.html?id=91df8afef2 c447688c212acfe8afcb30.

n Follow city social media for information on roads there.

A day earlier, Merced city officials had issued evacuation orders and warnings along a number of residential neighborhoods along Bear Creek, which runs through the heart of the city.

Bear Creek, which bisects Merced, reached major flood stage early Tuesday, pushing muddy water into neighborhoods that sent cars bobbing along like boats, drifting near half-submerged stop signs.

County Supervisor Rodrigo Espinosa, who represents the area, said he spent Monday evening trying to lay sandbags in a fruitless attempt to hold back the water.

After several hours, as the water kept rising, it became clear the whole community would have to be evacuated.

less,” Martinez added. About 190,000 Pacific Gas & Electric Co. customers across the state remain without power Tuesday. Efforts to restore power overnight were stymied by wind gusts exceeding 70 mph in some areas and more than 100 lightning strikes, according to the utility.

When Katie Bass, 35, a Fresno resident who owns San Joaquin Drug in Planada, arrived at her store Tuesday morning the building wasn’t damaged, but the power was out. Bass had to rush to save vaccines and insulin, which need to be refrigerated.

Bass has lived in the Central Valley most of her life and compared the storms to those in the 1990s, when the area around Bear Creek was evacuated.

northern half of the state, wet weather and periods of intense showers will occur across the region, with some thunderstorms.

“If a strong thunderstorm does develop over an area, people need to realize that it could produce really gusty winds as well as dump heavy rainfall,” said Brooke Bingaman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in the San Francisco Bay Area. “So what that means is, while that thunderstorm is there, more trees could go down and there could be quick water rises if you’re near a creek or stream.”

In South San Francisco, aggressive winds pulled back a section of the decking on an apartment building’s roof around 2 a.m. Tuesday, sending rainwater into two units. The entire four-unit building was evacuated and no one was injured, said Matt Samson, the city’s deputy fire chief.

issuing economic sanctions against Haitian politicians and business leaders it believes are behind the gang warfare, while calling for a broad political agreement among the country’s political and civil-society leaders.

In a statement, the White House said Tuesday that Biden and Trudeau committed to continue coordination with partners on the U.N. Security Council on next steps to address “instability in Haiti.”

“The two leaders committed to continue coordination with partners on the UN Security Council on next steps to support stability to Haiti, including support to the Haitian National Police,” the White House said.

“Both leaders also underscored the importance of continued collaboration on migra-

tion issues, particularly in expanding legal pathways and increasing refugee resettlement – centerpieces of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection,” the statement added.

Ahead of the summit, the United States announced a new border policy that calls for the quick expulsion of Haitian migrants and others crossing the U.S.Mesico border without pre-authorization under the Title 42 public health order. It also launched a new parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans seeking to temporarily live in the United States. Under the parole program, the United States will accept 30,000 immigrants a month from the four countries on a case-by-case basis for a two-year parole into the United States. Beneficiaries will need to meet certain criteria, including having a sponsor in the United States capable of providing them with housing and medical care.

“We didn’t think it was going to be that bad,” he said of the flood risk. “And it was worse than we thought. And there are two more storms coming.”

“The county is just putting sand everywhere,” he added, “but sand can’t do much anymore.”

Alex Martinez, 29, who grew up in Planada but now lives in Merced, rushed over in his lifted truck to help family members evacuate.

As he waited for them to load their cars, he launched a drone camera to fly over the hard-hit area. His camera revealed a town destroyed – covered in feet of water with many residents facing a long road ahead even after the water recedes.

The unincorporated community is made up of about 90% renters, very few of whom likely have flood insurance, officials said.

“It’s really devastating,” Martinez’s fiancee, Monica Manzo, 30, said.

“You almost feel hope-

“Down the street, everything was flooded, but a few of my employees were evacuated late last night,” she said. “My other employees in Merced can’t get to the pharmacy at all.”

The Felton area of Santa Cruz County, portions of which were flooded Monday from the rising San Lorenzo River, also sustained major damage overnight from powerful winds gusting up to 70 mph that toppled trees. Highway 17 was closed after power lines went down and were sparking on the roadway, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters are keeping close watch on the Salinas and Big Sur rivers in Monterey County.

Sheriff’s officials issued an evacuation order for residents near the Salinas River early Tuesday. Officials anticipate the river could reach flood stage by Wednesday, according to the California Nevada River Forecast Center.

While forecasters say the brunt of the storm, which began late Sunday, has passed through the

board had been headed.

From

Phyllis Taynton.

“Thank you for your service to our community,” Getty, donning her robes, told the group.

All the officials had taken prior oaths. Their terms actually started at noon Jan. 2. Sheriff Tom Ferrara did not participate.

Vasquez was then selected to serve as the board chairman for a third straight year, nominated by Supervisor Mitch Mashburn, who said he liked the direction the

Supervisor Monica Brown was named vice chairwoman, the fourth straight year: two with Vasquez as the chair and one prior to that with Hannigan as the chair.

“Actually I would like to mix things up,” Hannigan said in response to Mash burn’s stay-thecourse comment.

Hannigan first nominated Mashburn as the next chairman, but when that did not get any traction, she asked to have Brown serve as chair and Vasquez as vice chair. Originally a combined vote, Hannigan asked that they be separated. She voted against both

In the Sacramento area, forecasters observed rotation on radar indicating favorable conditions for tornado formation and issued a tornado warning, though no twisters actually materialized, said Cory Mueller, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento.

As far south as Modesto, residents reported being jolted awake shortly before 4 a.m. to an emergency alert warning them to get to a basement or low level of the house because of a tornado threat.

The strong winds wreaked havoc in the area, knocking over a semi truck and leaving it dangling on an overpass and toppling trees across El Dorado, Amador and Sacramento counties.

San Francisco has logged its third-wettest 15-day period on record, which goes back to the Gold Rush in 1849, according to meteorologist Jan Null, an adjunct professor of meteorology at San Jose State.

Storms have dumped 12.37 inches of rain on San Francisco since Dec. 26. The only two wettest 15-day periods ahead of that were in December 1866, when 13.54 inches fell, and during the Great Flood of 1862, which saw more than 19 inches of rain.

motions. Williams was selected chair pro tem on a unanimous vote.

“My no vote is not about the lack of leadership,” Hannigan explained, reiterating that she just thinks that a new year with a new-look board brings an opportunity for change.

“This is a time for change,” Hannigan said.

There has been a great deal of speculation about how the newly configured board would proceed, with many believing there would be a shift to the left with the more liberal political block of Hannigan, Brown and Williams.

However, as the board worked through the commission and commit-

“The amount of rain that’s just been continuous has been something we haven’t experienced in quite some time,” Samson said. “We’re not getting much reprieve. The ground isn’t getting much time to dry out and then we’re getting accompanying winds so we’re seeing quite a few trees come down. We’re seeing buildings that have been weakened and damaged by the wind.”

On Tuesday, a tree toppled over on a Muni bus in the city, officials said. No one was injured.

Lightning struck Sutro Tower, a 977-foot-high structure that delivers signals for television and radio stations and is recognizable part of the city’s skyline. San Francisco’s Department of Emergency Management said there was no reported impact to the communications equipment.

Nearly all of California has seen rainfall totals ranging from 400% to 600% of above average over the past several weeks. Successive storms have wreaked havoc across the state with water from rising rivers and creeks inundating neighborhoods and businesses and homes along the coast being battered by swells.

More rain is on the horizon with another atmospheric river forecast to move into Northern California on Wednesday and precipitation continuing through the weekend.

tee assignments, it was Mashburn and Vasquez who landed on many of the most critical decisionmaking bodies, such as the Local Agency Formation Commission, water and land-use panels and several key regional boards as well.

Vasquez, as chairman, has a great deal of influence over the meeting agendas.

However, the board, in an almost harmonious voice, agreed that because the returning members have worked so well together in recent years – and with a pledge of collaboration from Williams – expects 2023 to be a productive year.

Aaron Rosenblatt/Daily Republic

Water flows along Suisun Creek underneath Rockville Road in Fairfield, Tuesday. Solano County supervisors ratified the Proclamation of Local Emergency signed Monday by County Administrator Bill Emlen.

Rep. Katie Porter announces bid for Feinstein’s Senate seat

Rep. Katie Porter, a Democratic star known for her incisive questioning of corporate leaders and use of a whiteboard to distill complex concepts in congressional hearings, announced Tuesday that she is running for the U.S. Senate.

The Irvine, California, attorney is running for the seat widely expected to be vacated by Sen. Dianne Feinstein. The trailblazing San Francisco politician, 89, was first elected to the Senate in 1992, but has faced questions in recent years about her mental fitness for office and has stepped back from some official duties. Her current term ends in early 2025.

“The threat from so-called leaders like Mitch McConnell has too often made the United States Senate the place where rights get revoked, special interests get rewarded, and our democracy gets rigged,” Porter said in a video announcing her run. “Especially in times like these, California needs a warrior in Washington, and that’s exactly why I’m announcing my candidacy for the United States Senate in 2024.”

While Feinstein has not announced her plans, if she retires as expected it would create a rare vacancy for a California Senate seat. In a state overflowing with ambitious Democratic politicians, being elected to the coveted post could provide a perch of influence in Washington for decades or, as was the case for Vice President Kamala Harris, a springboard to even high office.

Democratic strategists said it was wise to jump into the race early.

“There’s always an advantage in being early, as long as you’re not seen as inappropriately speculating on someone’s retirement,” said Rose Kapolczynski, who managed former Sen. Barbara Boxer’s campaigns.

She noted that Boxer announced she was running for Sen. Alan Cranston’s seat before he announced he was retiring.

“That gave her a head start on organizing and talking to people and being a part of every story about who might run for Senate,” Kapolczynski said.

Porter, a rising star in the Democratic Party, in November fended off a challenge from Republican Scott Baugh, a former state lawmaker, to secure her third term in Congress. The 49-year-old single mom was

swept into Congress in 2018 as part of that year’s blue wave and quickly built a profile that extended beyond Orange County.

Her appearances at congressional hearings, wielding a white board and lobbing tough questions at corporate executives and Trump administration officials, repeatedly went viral. Her national notoriety became a fundraising juggernaut; she was one of the top House fundraisers this past election cycle.

Porter’s willingness to publicly confront party leaders, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was an example of the determination that made Porter the surprise national standout of California’s 2018 House freshman class – and even early on stoked speculation of a future run for the U.S. Senate.

Feinstein has said she does not plan to step down before her term ends, but has not announced whether she will run for reelection in 2024. She told the Los Angeles Times she would likely announce her intentions this spring.

However, her retirement has been expected to prompt a wild and contentious race among California Democrats. The state’s deep bench of elected officials hoping to win higher office have largely been stymied by veteran politicians.

“It’s going to be extremely exciting because we have so much talent in our state,” Boxer said late last year. She and Feinstein made history when they were elected to the Senate in 1992. “I think there will be a big

a big battle in the primary. It’ll be fabulous.”

More than four decades ago, Feinstein became mayor of San Francisco after former county Supervisor Dan White killed Supervisor Harvey Milk, one of the nation’s first openly gay elected officials, and Mayor George Moscone.

“I became mayor as the product of assassination,” Feinstein said in an interview with The Times.

In recent years, her moderate policies wore on liberal Californians, including her vote for the Iraq war, support for the Patriot Act with expanded federal surveillance capabilities after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, opposition to single-payer healthcare and her initial call for “patience” with Trump’s presidency.

Long viewed as one of the sharpest minds on Capitol Hill, Feinstein has recently faced allegations that her memory is slipping. She declined to become the Senate president pro tempore, a post historically awarded to the senior-most member of the majority party that puts the person third in the line of presidential succession.

In addition to Porter, other potential Senate candidates include Reps. Adam Schiff of Burbank, Barbara Lee of Oakland, Ro Khanna of Fremont and Eric Swalwell of Dublin, as well as Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf.

Schiff said he decided not to seek a leadership role in the House because of a potential Senate run.

Newsom proposes cuts to climate change programs amid cloudy economic outlook

Los A ngeLes Times

SACRAMENTO —

Facing a projected $22.5 billion budget deficit in the upcoming fiscal year, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday announced plans to reduce investments in the state’s move to zero-emission vehicles, make cuts to other climate change programs and delay funding for 20,000 new child-care slots as California transitions from a time of economic surplus to shortage.

The governor’s administration blamed high inflation, the Federal Reserve raising interest rates and volatility in the stock market as the major forces causing state revenues to drop well below projections from last summer when he anticipated an $100 billion surplus in the current budget year.

His $297 billion budget plan for 2023-24 relies on delaying multiyear investments and shifting funding to bonds to offset the shortfall.

Newsom said he was careful to preserve the state’s rainy day fund and its other budgetary reserves given warnings about a nationwide recession and possibility that California’s financial problems could become more dire in the months and years ahead.

“That makes us very mindful of the uncertainty of this next calendar year, and as a consequence of that we’re not touching the reserves because we have a wait and see approach to this budget,” Newsom said,

adding that he felt confident that California will be better positioned “than most other states to weather what’s to come, to weather a recession.”

The governor’s January budget proposal serves as a starting point for months of negotiations at the state Capitol as advocates push for money for their causes and leaders of the Assembly and Senate pursue their spending priorities.

More consequential budget decisions will come in May, when Newsom will issue a revised budget. That spending plan will reflect updated economic forecasts and launch more intense negotiations ahead of the June 15 deadline for the Legislature to pass a final state budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

The annual ritual will play out amid political headwinds that could make negotiations more difficult: the switch in Washington from a Democratic- to a Republican-controlled House that will likely seek to slash federal spending, and turnover in Sacramento that makes the current Legislature inexperienced and unpredictable, with about one-third of lawmakers newly elected.

Newsom’s proposal marks the first time the Democratic governor has been forced to consider major reductions in his January budget proposal since taking office in 2019. His first budget topped $214 billion and broke records as the largest in

caseloads; and deleted one office assistant III, one employment resource specialist II, one Special Programs supervisor and one staff development trainer. Supervisor Mitch Mashburn opposed some of the cuts, but voted for the item after learning the positions of concern were vacant.

n Approved a $14.65 million revenue contract amendment with the California Department of Health Care Services, for a total contract amount of $34.97 million, to provide Substance Use Disorder Services through June 30.

n Approved a

$16.96 million contract amendment with Solano Family and Children’s Council Inc., for a total contract of $29.04 million, to provide California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs) recipients with Stage One child care services through June 30, 2024; and approved a $4.48 million appropriations transfer to recognize unanticipated federal and state revenue.

n Authorized applying to the Department of Health Care Services for Clinic Workforce Stabilization Retention Payments; and authorized acceptance and distribution of retention payments received to eligible clinic employees. The payments are up to $1,000 each to eligible employees of qual-

ifying clinics.

n Approved the Mental Health Services Act Annual Update for fiscal year 2022-23, including a review of services provided in 2021-22 and updates to the Mental Health Services Act Three-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2020-23.

n Approved a $615,100 revenue contract with the California Department of Aging to provide access to technology to older adults through Dec. 31, 2024; approved a $615,100 appropriation transfer to recognize unanticipated revenue (4/5 vote required); and approved a $561,257 contract with Meals on Wheels Solano to deploy electronic devices and provide technical support to older adults

through Dec. 31.

n Approved six Napa/ Solano Area Agency on Aging contracts through Dec. 31: Meals on Wheels Solano for $460,118 and Innovative Health Solutions for $186,680 for nutrition preparation and delivery infrastructure; Meals on Wheels Solano for $282,561, Innovative Health Solutions for $160,000 and Community Action Napa Valley for $126,000 for home delivered meal services; and Legal Services of Northern California for $184,890 for legal services.

n Approved a contract with Independent Living Resources Center for $118,440 to provide program infrastructure for the Aging and Disability Resource Connection Program through June 30.

Andrew Harnik/Pool/Getty Images/TNS file

Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) speaks during a House Committee on Oversight and Reform hearing on gun violence on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, June 8, 2022.

state history. Though his administration feared the Covid-19 pandemic could force California off a fiscal cliff the following year, positive economic trends and revenue growth largely continued throughout his first term.

The flush state revenues allowed Newsom to pass a progressive wish list of policies to boost the safety net, such as plans to expand Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) eligibility to all low-income immigrants, provide free preschool for all 4-year-olds and offer an additional two weeks of paid family leave. The governor and Democratic Legislature sprinkled gas refunds and stimulus payments on Californians and still had enough funding to stash away money for an economic downturn.

Now facing the possibility of a revenue crisis, the governor who repeatedly describes the state budget as a statement of values is being forced to make difficult decisions about what he truly stands for.

He promised no “defeatist attitude” in light of a potential recession, saying addressing homelessness remains the state’s top priority.

“People are dying on the streets all across this state,” he said “The encampments, we’ve got to clean them up, we’ve got to take ownership, we’ve got to take responsibility.”

The governor said he was hopeful that federal funding would supplant the cuts proposed to climate programs and he promised that those reductions would be restored in the future if the state’s revenues turn around.

Despite vetoing legislation last year that would have made kindergarten mandatory, citing the cost, Newsom’s budget proposal continues planned investments toward implementing universal transitional kindergarten by 2025-26. Another $690 million will increase access to the program, a key tenant to his early childhood goals.

Education lobbyist Kevin Gordon, who represents California superintendents, called Newsom’s K-12 budget “surprisingly more impressive than expected” in the face of revenue declines.

But the child care industry received a significant blow, with 20,000 new

slots for children that would have been funded in 2023-24 instead to be funded in 2024-25.

“Slowing the expansion of slots only serves to hurt California’s neediest families,” said Max Arias, chairperson of the union Child Care Providers United. “The state’s focus shouldn’t be on slowing expansion but on removing existing impediments because we know that California’s poorest families still can’t access the quality, affordable child care they need.”

He blamed the Newsom administration for shortfalls, saying that the delay in funding slots announced Tuesday is due in part to the state’s failure to increase provider pay and attract more workers.

“It’s something that’s unnerving,” said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood, about the deficit after Newsom’s inauguration last week.

Rendon noted, however, that the state projected a massive deficit in 2020 due to the pandemic that ended with a surplus.

“So these things are fluid, to say the least,” he said. “We are as prepared as we’ve ever been.”

Blood donation could mean trip to Super Bowl

FAIRFIELD — Anyone who donates blood to the American Red Cross in January will be eligible for a trip for two to Super Bowl LVII in Arizona.

“The start of the new year marks National Blood Donor Month – a time to celebrate those who generously roll up a sleeve to keep blood products stocked for hospitals providing critical care. As the busy holiday season winds down and the threat of severe winter weather and seasonal illness cases continue to rise, January can be a tough time for donors to make and keep appointments,” the American Red Cross said in a statement.

To make an appointment, go to RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor app or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Super Bowl package, in partnership with the NFL, includes access to day-of, instadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare to Phoenix, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 10-13), plus a $500 gift card for expenses.

Welcome to Alejandro’s Taqueria!

Located in Downtown Fairfield, Alejandro’s Taqueria offers a large variety of authentic Mexican dishes. Breakfast includes: Huevos Rancheros, Huevos con Chorizo ahd Huevos con Jamon. Their daily lunch special includes a choice of one of the following: Taco, Tostada, Chile Relleno, Enchilada or Tamale with rice and beans. Dinner Plates include traditional dishes such as: Carne Asada, Chile Verde, Pastor or Carnitas. Also available is Mariscos/Seafood ranging from Fajitas de Camaron, Coctel de Camaron, Caldo de Camaron and Mojarra and much much more!

In addition Burritos, Tostadas, Super Nachos, Chimichanga, Tortas, Quesadilas and Flautas are also included in their menu.

Saturday and Sundays; Birria (BBQ Goat) and Menudo is served.

Vacaville’s Mykal Walker had his best season as Atlanta LB

m att mIlleR MMILLER@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — Vacaville High School graduate Mykal Walker wrapped up his third season in the NFL Sunday with one assisted tackle at linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons in a 30-17 win over playoffbound Tampa Bay.

It was Walker’s third and most productive season after earning a starting role. He finished with 97 tackles (46 solo, 51 assists) with his first career sack, six pass deflections, two interceptions and a forced fumble. For his career, Walker now has had a hand in 166 tackles in 49 games with 11 pass deflections and three interceptions, one that he

ALUMNI UPDATE

took for a touchdown.

Changes could be ahead, however. Defensive coordinator

Dean Pees announced his retirement after 18 seasons in the NFL.

The Falcons finished 7-10 overall, one game behind the Buccaneers (8-9).

Here’s a look at other athletes, and this time media members, from the local area.

Sports journalism

Katie Wood (Will C. Wood) was named the Sports Writer of the Year in Missouri by the National Sports

Media Association. Wood was on her first year on the beat with the St. Louis Cardinals. She writes for The Athletic, the national online sportswriting website.

And while Tim Roye did not graduate from a local school, he is a longtime Fairfield resident. Roye, the play-by-play voice of the NBA champion Golden State Warriors, was named California’s Sportscaster of the Year.

Gymnastics

Fairfield senior Nevaeh DeSouza (Deam Xtreme) and Vacaville sophomore Maddie Williams (Dream

49ers’ trophy hunter Nick Bosa: ‘There’s a different feel to playoffs’

Cam Inman BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

SANTA CLARA —

Nick Bosa sat in a suite last Super Bowl, a guest of the doctor who repaired his left knee in 2020. Bosa enjoyed the company, but not the view of the 49ers’ rival, the Los Angeles Rams, winning Super Bowl LVI on their home field.

“I didn’t like it at all,” Bosa recalled in August at training camp. “If I did it all over again, I would have stayed at home or gone somewhere else to watch it.”

Bosa did his part to put the 49ers in Super Bowl contention this season. He led the NFL in sacks with

a career-high 18 1/2 for the NFC West champions, who host the Seattle Seahawks in Saturday’s wild-card round to open

the playoffs.

Has Bosa visualized attending a second straight Super Bowl and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy

on Feb. 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz?

“Not yet. No. Not yet,” Bosa said Tuesday at his locker, before getting practice off to rest for his third playoff trip in four seasons.

Bosa is not looking to make this a one-man show. As a team captain, he wants to make sure younger players are ready for this “new energy” that awaits in the playoffs.

“I’ve learned a ton, just the four years being in this league and the intensity you have to bring,” Bosa said. “Whenever you have good leaders, they bring you along. I had that in ’19, so I’m hoping to do that for

Carlos Correa stays with Twins, pending physical B2

Vacaville boys soccer nets 4-1 win at Fairfield

DaIly RepublIC Staff DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — The Vacaville High School boys soccer team scored two goals in the final two minutes to break up a tight game and earn a 4-1 win Tuesday night at Fairfield.

Christian Brenes scored two goals for the Bulldogs. Freddy Brenes had a goal and two assists. Nathan Beltran added a goal and two assists.

Fairfield scored its lone goal in the first half on a shot from 30 yards out by Gedeon Ilunga. Vacaville led 2-1 at halftime and maintained that lead until scoring the late two goals.

“It was a really good game,” Fairfield head coach Aaron Dickey said. “The score really didn’t tell the tale of the game. I’m interested to see how we do. I think we have a good team this year.”

Elijah Cline and Edwin Castenada keyed

the defensive effort for Vacaville, the defending Monticello Empire League champions. Max Galeano played in his first game for the Bulldogs after transferring from Will C. Wood.

“Fairfield really came out playing well, wanting to beat the champions,” Vacaville head coach Tony Bussard said. “Everybody wants to beat the champs this year.”

Vacaville improved to 6-2 overall and will play Thursday at Vanden. Fairfield fell to 3-5-3 overall and will play Thursday at Rodriguez.

Visiting Concord edges out Armijo

FAIRFIELD — The Armijo High School boys soccer team was edged out 2-1 Saturday in a match against Concord at Brownlee Field.

Armijo score its lone

Warriors not worried about Poole’s miscues

m aDelIne K enney BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

SAN FRANCISCO —

There are some lessons you can only learn through trial and error, and Jordan Poole remains in that stage of his career even after signing a massive extension last offseason.

Poole is 23 and in his fourth NBA season after making big contributions to winning the title this summer. But he’s far from a finished product, and his turnover numbers are a reminder of that.

Poole stepped up after the Warriors’ starting lineup took two hits in the last month – the first being the loss of Andrew Wiggins for 15 games with injury and illness, and the second being the absence of Stephen Curry, who injured his left shoulder last month.

Scoring hasn’t been an issue for Poole. He

entered Tuesday averaging 27.9 points in the 11 games since Curry went down with a partially dislocated shoulder Dec. 14. During that span, he’s eclipsed the 40-point mark twice. But Poole has struggled with the increased attention he’s getting from opposing defenses. The added pressure has led him to be frantic with the ball at times, rushing to make plays – a problem that’s only been exacerbated without Curry on the floor. As a result, Poole has had an uptick in turnovers over the last month.

Poole has committed four or more turnovers in 12 of his last 15 games as a starter, tallying a league-high-tying 69 turnovers over that span. The more glaring issue recently has been ball-handling late in games with the score

Georgia was so good it made winning the title look easy

mIChael CunnIngham THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION

INGLEWOOD — Most Georgia fans at SoFi Stadium had trekked into the soggy Southern California night, satisfied after watching their Bulldogs bludgeon TCU, when coach Kirby Smart delivered a message for them.

“They can’t take it for granted,” Smart said. “You can’t take opportunities like this for granted. They showed up in full force. They better never get tired of it because we need them here. We need them to back us.

“And you can’t become com-

placent as a fan, and we can’t become complacent as coaches.”

Smart’s audience should have no problem getting that message.

For decades, Georgia was one of college football’s great underachievers. Smart has helped to build the program into a dominant force, but it’s not easy. The Bulldogs just made it look that way while beating TCU into submission with a national title on the line.

Georgia is the undefeated, unquestioned king of college football for the 2022 season after

beating TCU, 65-7, on Monday night. The Bulldogs are the first back-to-back champions since Alabama in 2011-12. Smart beat his old boss, Alabama coach Nick Saban, for last season’s national title. Now he’s one-upped Saban with a 15-0 season, matching Clemson (2018) and LSU (2019).

Oddsmakers had No. 1 Georgia favored by 13.5 points at kickoff. That’s the largest point spread in a national championship game since college football started staging them in 1998. It turns out the betting markets badly underestimated the Bulldogs, who made thirdranked TCU look like Kent State.

That’s not fair to the Flashes, who played Georgia tough for a half in September. The Horned Frogs had one competitive moment, getting their deficit down to 10-7 in the first quarter, before Georgia rolled to an easy victory. The victory was astonishing in its completeness.

Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett was brilliant in his final college game. He passed for 304 yards with four touchdowns and ran for two more scores. Bennett took one snap in the fourth quarter before taking the rest of the night off.

“What he did tonight was truly amazing,” Smart said. “Probably

had his best game of his career.” Ohio State embarrassed Georgia’s great defense in the Peach Bowl. That group earned redemption by shutting down TCU’s high-scoring offense.

“We had about a perfect night,” Smith said.

To have a chance, the Horned Frogs needed to play great and catch Georgia on an off-night. Neither of those things happened. TCU’s improbable, special run to the championship game ended with a humbling defeat to the nation’s best team.

Before the game, ESPN

Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group/TNS file San Francisco 49ers’ Nick Bosa (97) celebrates his sack against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Sept. 18, 2022.

John J. Kim/Chicago Tribunel/TNS file (2022)

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields winds up for a throw as Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker (3) of Vacaville attempts to block in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Nov. 20, 2022.

CALENDAR

Wednesday’s TV sports

Basketball College Men

• Alabama vs. Arkansas, ESPN2, 4 p.m.

• TCU vs. Texas, ESPN2, 6 p.m.

NBA

• Milwaukee at Atlanta, ESPN, 4:30 p.m.

• Phoenix at Denver, ESPN, 7 p.m.

• Houston at Sacramento, NBCSCA (Vacaville and Rio Vista), 7 p.m.

Hockey

• Nashville vs. Toronto, TNT, 4:30 p.m.

• San Jose vs. L.A. Kings, TNT, 7 p.m.

Thursday’s TV sports

Basketball College Men

• Michigan vs. Iowa, ESPN2, 4 p.m.

• Southern Mississippi vs. Marshall, ESPN2, 6 p.m.

• Gonzaga vs. BYU, ESPN, 6:30 p.m.

• Arizona vs. Oregon State, ESPN2, 8 p.m.

College Women

• San Diego vs. Pepperdine, NBCSCA, 7 p.m.

NBA

• Boston vs. Brooklyn, TNT, 4:30 p.m.

• Dallas vs. L.A. Lakers, TNT, 7 p.m.

Golf PGA

• Sony Open, GOLF, 4 p.m.

Hockey

NHL Toronto vs. Detroit, ESPN, 4 p.m.

Sonoma Raceway to open for run or walk for 2 causes

Daily r ePublic Staff DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

SONOMA — The Raceway 5k, the annual opportunity to sprint or stroll the same racetrack as NASCAR drivers, returns to the 12-turn Sonoma Raceway road course on Jan. 28.

Sonoma Raceway has hosted John’s March Against Stomach Cancer in partnership with No Stomach For Cancer for more than a decade. The 12th annual event will also add the track’s first 5k race, additional activities and will also benefit Speedway Children’s Charities Sonoma, the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway.

Participants can take on the self-timed 5k or complete one 2.52-mile “John’s March” lap, with both options raising money for charity. And if you still have a need for speed, take a ride as a passenger on a “hot lap” around the track with a professional driver at the wheel.

After the course, Sonoma Cryo, a medical rehabilitation and wellness center, will offer dynamic compression treatments for participants to speed up recovery time.

Children are encouraged to participate in the Kids Fun Run on the track

and enjoy a LEGO “Build and Race” and more. This is an all-inclusive event – children, pets and everyone are welcome. Adults will receive a commemorative T-shirt, and children will get a Raceway 5k beanie.

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to invite the community to step foot onto the raceway with this unique experience and support not just one but two incredibly important causes, all while having fun,” Courtney Kiser, director of Speedway Children’s Charities Sonoma, said in a press release.

The event will open with a dedication in honor of longtime raceway spokesman John Cardinale, who died from stomach cancer in 2013.

“Our organization has been a grateful partner with Sonoma Raceway for over a decade,” Jon Florin, executive director of No Stomach For Cancer, said in the same press release. “We look forward to this renewed partnership with Speedway Children’s Charities to help raise funds and awareness to support issues like childhood cancer and other important initiatives.”

To register or help raise awareness by forming a team, visit SpeedwayCharities.org.

Sharks say Arizona’s little Mullet Arena has charm but drawbacks

curtiS PaShelka

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

The San Jose Sharks on Tuesday got their first look at Mullett Arena, the 5,000-seat facility in Tempe, Arizona that is serving as the Coyotes’ temporary home while the team tries to build a permanent arena elsewhere in the city.

The Sharks got in an early skate before the game Tuesday night.

The arena’s intimate atmosphere was sure to evoke memories of the major junior or college hockey rinks several Sharks players skated in earlier in their careers. But to some

players, the Coyotes’ offseason move to the campus of Arizona State University also has its drawbacks, all related to the size of the facility.

With tickets typically in abundant supply, Sharks fans usually flocked to what was formerly called Gila River Arena, the 18,000-seat building in Glendale that was about 20 miles away from downtown Phoenix.

The cheapest single ticket for the SharksCoyotes game as of late Tuesday morning on Ticketmaster was $106 before fees, with some resale tickets near the glass going for around $400.

BASKETBALL

NBA

Winnipeg

Dallas 2, N.Y.

1, SO Calgary at St. Louis, 5 p.m. Florida at Colorado, (N) Wednesday’s Games SAN JOSE at L.A. Kings, 7 p.m. Washington at Philadelphia, 4 p.m. Nashville at Toronto, 4:30 p.m. Edmonton at Anaheim, 7 p.m. Thursday’s Games Carolina at Columbus, 4 p.m. Dallas at N.Y. Rangers, 4 p.m. Nashville at Montreal, 4 p.m. Seattle at Boston, 4 p.m. Toronto at Detroit, 4 p.m. Vancouver at Tampa Bay, 4 p.m. Winnipeg at Buffalo, 4 p.m. Minnesota at N.Y. Islanders, 4:30 p.m. Calgary at St. Louis, 5 p.m. Colorado at Chicago, 5:30 p.m. Ottawa at Arizona, 6 p.m. Florida at Vegas, 7 p.m.

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Boston 29 12 707 Brooklyn 27 13 675 1½ Philadelphia 25 15 625 3½ New York 22 19 537 7 Toronto 18 23 439 11 Central Division W L Pct GB Milwaukee 26 14 650 Cleveland 26 15 634 ½ Indiana 23 18 561 3½ Chicago 19 22 463 7½ Detroit 11 33 250 17 Southeast Division W L Pct GB Miami 22 20 524 Atlanta 19 21 475 1½ Washington 17 24 415 4 Orlando 15 26 366 6 Charlotte 11 31 262 11 WESTERN CONFERENCE Northwest Division W L Pct GB Denver 27 13 675 Minnesota 20 21 488 7½ Portland

NFL

Wild Card Round

Games Seattle at SAN FRANCISCO, 1:30 p.m. L.A. Chargers at Jacksonville 5:15 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Miami at Buffalo, 10 a.m. N.Y. Giants at Minnesota, 1:30 p.m. Baltimore at Cincinnati, 5:15 p.m. Monday’s Game Dallas at Tampa Bay, 5:15 p.m.

Carlos Correa, Twins agree to $200M deal, pending physical

Phil Miller STAR TRIBUNE

MINNEAPOLIS — In the end, Carlos Correa opted into a Twins contract.

Correa, whose freeagency odyssey began nine weeks ago when he opted out of the final two seasons of his agreement with the Twins, on Tuesday agreed to return to Minnesota for the next six seasons, according to two sources with knowledge of the negotiations.

The Platinum Glove shortstop is guaranteed $200 million, the sources said, far below the $350 million the Giants agreed to pay him in early December and the $315 million the Mets were ready to pony up three weeks ago.

The $33.3 million average annual salary, though a 5.1% pay cut from the $35.1 million he earned with the Twins in 2022, will place him comfortably among the 10 highest-paid players in MLB.

Should Correa remain healthy throughout the next six seasons, at which time he will be 34 years old, the contract can be automatically extended, first at $25 million for 2029 if he reaches 502 plate appearances the previous year, according to a USA Today report. Another three years of extensions are possible, too, for an additional $45 million, if health is not a problem.

But physical health is the catch, of course, and the Twins have the right to put Correa through a com-

plete physical before the contract becomes official. That's important because his agreements with the Giants and Mets were eventually scuttled by the results of physicals, which reportedly uncovered problematic damage to his right leg and ankle.

Correa, 28, injured the ankle in 2014, while he was in the Astros' minor league system, and surgery was required to help it heal.

He has shown few signs of lingering damage during his major league career, but the Giants and Mets were obviously concerned by the possibility that he could not fulfill the 13 and 12 years, respectively, that he would have been paid under their contracts.

The Twins, with a shorter guaranteed com-

mitment and the results of his physical when he signed with the team last March in hand, appear willing to bear the risk that Correa's leg will not become a problem. The contract, after all, is the largest in Twins' history, worth $16 more than the $184 million deal that Joe Mauer agreed to in 2010, and his average salary will eclipse Mauer's $23 million by more than $10 million per year.

The Mets reduced their offer by half, to only six guaranteed seasons worth $157.5 million, with the rest dependent upon health, USA Today reported. The Twins thus outbid the Mets over the first six years, making their contract more appealing.

goal with four minutes to play in the first half. Junior Santiago Alvarez sent a pass to senior Abraham Perez Ascencio that was put into the net.

Concord scored 20 minutes into the first half to tie the match 1-1 at halftime. The decisive score came in the second half for Concord when Armijo was two players down with injuries.

“Hopefully, the boys have learned enough from these past several preseason games to be able to bring in a strong show for league,” Armijo head coach Megan Flores said in an email.

Armijo fell to 3-7-0 overall.

Armijo’s junior varsity team notched a 3-0 victory.

Freshman Artemio Perez scored a goal in the

first half off an assist from freshman Isaac Aguirre. Freshman Jonathan Urena took a shot from distance in the second half that the Concord goalkeeper was not able to control. Freshman Samuel Fierro gave an assist to Perez for his second goal of the night.

The junior varsity Royals improved to 8-2-0 overall.

Basketball Doubleheader Wednesday for Vanden, Wood

FAIRFIELD — The Monticello Empire League boys basketball opener Tuesday between Vanden and Will C. Wood high schools was delayed a night due to PG&E work in the area.

The game was scheduled to be played at James L. Boyd Gymnasium at

Vanden but power was cut off to work on some nearby poles.

The teams will be play Wednesday as part of a doubleheader at Will C. Wood. The Vanden and Will C. Wood girls open league with a 5:30 p.m. start, followed by the 7 p.m. boys game.

Vacaville Christian boys basketball wins

VACAVILLE — Three players scored in doublefigures and the Vacaville Christian High School boys basketball team jumped on host San Juan early in a 60-34 win Friday that opened play in the Sierra Delta League.

Garrett Kuch had 13 points and six rebounds for the Falcons. Landen Graves added 11 points and five assists. Tanner Trip scored 10 points and also had six rebounds.

Vacaville Christian led 16-3 after the

first quarter and made it 33-7 at halftime.

The Falcons improved to 11-3 overall.

Wrestling Salt leads Wood with strong finishes

VACAVILLE — Will C. Wood High School’s Vaea Salt earned second place Saturday at the Joe Rios wrestling tournament in Chico.

Salt has amassed three second-place finishes and one sixth-place finish this season.

The Lady Wildcats competed at the Napa Valley Girls Classic. Djesire Emerson and Sophia Villoria each finished in the top 16. The JV Wildcats competed at Vista del Lago where Kali Daniel was first, Kevon Restaro was second and Triston Cox took third.

David Berding/Getty Images/TNS file(2020)

Carlos Correa of the Minnesota Twins celebrates reaching second base on two errors by the Chicago White Sox in the eighth inning of the game at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in April.

Geno Smith and his power of patience rewards Seahawks

m atthew RobeRSon NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

NEW YORK — Geno Smith was the Jets’ starting quarterback for all 16 games of his rookie season. He threw 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. He was sacked 43 times and completed a pedestrian 55% of his passes. With a QBR of 41, a quarterback rating of 66.5 and an even 8-8 record, the team’s secondround draft pick in 2013 had done very little in his first year to prove to the Jets that he could yank them out of the quarterback-induced misery that had defined so much of the club’s history.

His second year was worse. Smith was fined $12,000 after cursing out a fan during a game, got benched during a shutout loss in Week 5 and missed a team meeting while he was at the movies, explaining his absence by saying that he didn’t really understand how time zones worked. The Jets went 3-10 in games started by Smith during the 2014 season, and when he showed up the next year, his broken dreams were matched by the broken jaw he received from teammate IK Enemkpali’s locker room punch.

Those early years were a comedy of errors, fitting for the Jets, but unrecognizable from the person that Smith has become today. The last time he was a full-time starter – in those first few weeks of the 2014 campaign – Smith was still shy of his 24th birthday, a kid trying to make sense of the National League Football league while consistently getting melted by the Jets’ engine of dysfunction.

The Seattle Seahawks, meanwhile, were defending Super Bowl champions when Smith lost his starting job less than two seasons into his career. Built on terrifying defense and smash-mouth football, the Seahawks had a young signal caller of their own, drafted one year before Smith. Eventually, that

young signal caller became arguably the most important figure in Seahawks’ history, joining forces with head coach Pete Carroll to turn Seattle into one of the league’s true model franchises before getting traded to Denver after a decade in blue and green.

Now forever linked, Smith and Russell Wilson had completely disparate seasons in 2022. Smith put together one of the most efficient quarterbacking efforts in NFL history while Wilson and his $242.5 million contract has people wondering if he is committing light financial fraud against the Broncos. At least he stayed in tremendous cardiovascular shape while throwing by far the fewest touchdowns of his career and getting sacked nearly four times a game.

As Wilson stumbled through the Mile High City – the Broncos went 5-12 and owe the Seahawks their top-five draft pick – and mostly embarrassed himself and the onceproud Bronco organization, Smith made his first Pro Bowl as a 32-yearold and guided the Seahawks to the playoffs in the first year of a rebuild.

He broke many of Wilson’s precious Seahawk passing records, too, including yards, completions and amount of times he actually seemed to be a cool person, rather than a robotic company man who, whether picking up a first down or commenting on national tragedies, would respond with a dead-eyed “Go Hawks.”

Along the way, Smith beat each of his three ex-employers, triumphing over the Jets, Giants and Chargers on the way to a 9-8 record. The win over the Jets two weeks ago officially killed Gang Green’s playoff chances, too, a former laughingstock of their franchise swinging the deadly scythe.

What makes this even more hilarious (sorry, Jets fans) is that the Jets would have absolutely

made the playoffs this season if they had Smith under center. While copy and pasting Smith into the Jets’ strange and eventful state of affairs wouldn’t have put them with the AFC’s elite, the team’s aheadof-schedule defense, solid coaching and criminally underused offensive skill players could more than hold their own in a wild-card matchup against the Jaguars or Bills (a team they already beat in November with Zach Wilson running the show) if Smith was still around.

The year of Geno Smith has been a lesson in patience. His opening week remarks following an upset of Wilson and the Broncos – “They wrote me off, I ain’t write back though” – have been meme’d into oblivion, but beneath the cutting line and its humorous delivery is a thick layer of truth. The NFL is a cutthroat business. The hunger to win is so toxically prevalent, and so much of winning is dependent on quarterbacks, that oftentimes young quarterbacks are not given the time or space to fail. This is especially true of Black quarterbacks like Smith. In 2015, the season he was written off and did not start a single game for the Jets, Smith was 25 years old. When the team gave the keys to veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, he did reward them with an out-of-nowhere 10-win season, but the Jets let him walk before the 2017 season and instantly became terrible again.

The list of quarterbacks who have started for the Jets since 2017 is long and, not for nothing, all white. Josh McCown, Bryce Petty, Sam Darnold, Luke Falk, Trevor Siemian, Joe Flacco, Wilson, Mike White and Chris Streveler. The team’s record over those six seasons: 29-69. Knowing what we know now about Smith’s abilities, it sure seems like he could have done that, or at least been given a chance to try.

What word best describes Bucs? Try resilient

Rick StRoud TAMPA BAY TIMES

TAMPA, Fla. — The Bucs have won games late, like the 1-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to rookie Cade Otton with nine seconds remaining to beat the Rams.

They have won games very late, like the 40-yard field goal by Ryan Succop in overtime at Arizona.

They have won games coming from behind, like they did in erasing an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Carolina and capture the NFC South.

The Bucs didn’t win as many games as they lost and still secured the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoffs.

Coach Todd Bowles would like to think that is foreshadowing more than foreboding, but he knows his team’s biggest strength won’t be found in numbers entering the wild-card game against the Cowboys.

“Our guys are resilient,” Bowles said Monday. “They didn’t blink, you know? We didn’t blink. The guys didn’t blink. They hung together, they stayed together. They knew what they had to do. We kind of dug ourselves out. . . .

“We stay in every game. Even though it might not be clean all the way, we find a way to be in it at the end and we just have to make plays at the end of the ballgame. We’re confident and we understand that so we don’t seem like we’re out of any ballgame.”

Brady engineered four comebacks in the fourth quarter or overtime this season, beating the Rams, Saints, Cardinals and Panthers long after it appeared his team had a chance.

The Bucs averaged only 76.9 yards rushing per game, heaping most of the offense on the right arm of their 45-year-old quarterback.

Brady responded by leading the NFL in passing attempts (733) and completions (490), resetting his league record from a year ago. Bowles said his offense is no longer seeking offensive balance, just points on the scoreboard.

“You get to the playoffs, you try to win any way possible,” he said. “If we can recover 10 fumbles and score that way, so be it. If we have to throw it, so be it. If we have to run it, so be it. You don’t worry about balance so much in the playoffs. People try to

take certain things away, so you take what they give you and try to make it work that way.”

The Bucs (8-9) are very familiar with the Cowboys (12-5), having beaten them 31-29 in the season opener in 2021 at Raymond James Stadium and 19-3 at AT&T Stadium in 2022.

“We’ve changed,” Bowles said. “We’re a different team. I can’t speak for them yet. I haven’t dove into the film to watch them. But they’re talented. You watch some highlights here and there. They’ve got talent all over the field.

“From our standpoint, we’re mentally tougher. We’re into the grind of the season, so to speak, and everybody kind of knows their roles that’s kind of panned out since Week 1. We’ll watch some tape and we’ll get to work on them.”

The Bucs and Cowboys will play next Monday night and the extra day of rest could come in handy. Center Robert Hainsey left Sunday’s loss at Atlanta in the first quarter with a hamstring injury and Bowles offered no update on his condition.

Bowles also said nothing has changed about the status of center Ryan Jensen, who sustained a significant knee injury the second day of training camp in July and is in the middle of his 21-day workout window; it closes Jan. 18.

“We’d love to see him out there but we’ll see,” Bowles said.

The Cowboys have struggled of late. Quarterback Dak Prescott has thrown at least one interception in seven straight games and 11 overall during that stretch.

Dallas’ defense, meanwhile, has allowed an average of 28.25 points per game over the past four contests, including yielding 503 total yards in a loss to the Jaguars.

“They have a swarming defense. We know that,” Bowles said. “They have ball hawks in the secondary. They can get to the passer as well. Micah (Parsons) is not the only one. Offensively, they’re healthier on the offensive line. They can run the ball very well. Obviously, they’ve got talent on the outside, in the backfield and a great quarterback.

Everything concerns you when you play the Cowboys. You’ve got to play a complete game.”

Vikings feel they have as good a chance as anybody

Jim Souhan STAR TRIBUNE

The Vikings enter the playoffs with one of the NFL’s worst defenses, a makeshift offensive line, a history of postseason flops, a rookie head coach and a resume pocked with lopsided losses.

They might be the worst 13-victory team in NFL history. They were outscored by three points over the course of the season, and only a wild array of fortunate bounces and clutch plays allowed them to become the first team ever to go 11-0 in one-score games.

If this sounds like a recipe for postseason disaster, you’re not paying enough attention to the competition.

This might be the weakest playoff field in NFC history. The Vikings fit right in.

Philadelphia earned the No. 1 seed by finishing 14-3. The Eagles looked like the best team in the league for much of the season, and quarterback Jalen Hurts seemed to be the top candidate for league MVP.

On Dec. 18 against Chicago, Hurts injured his right shoulder. That day, the Eagles barely beat the not-even-trying Bears. Then the Eagles lost to Dallas and New Orleans. In their season finale,

on Sunday, they beat the Giants 22-16, as New York rested quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Saquon Barkley and some of their best linemen.

The NFC’s top seed hasn’t looked good since Dec. 11, in a 48-22 victory over the Giants.

Seventh-seeded Seattle, with journeyman quarterback Geno Smith, finished 9-8 and earned a playoff spot only because Green Bay couldn’t beat Detroit at home on Sunday. The Seahawks’

point differential was plus-6, even though they got to play four games against two of the league’s worst teams, Arizona and the Rams.

The sixth-seeded Giants finished 9-7-1 and were outscored by six points. They went 0-6 against NFC playoff teams.

Fifth-seeded Dallas is talented, yet the Cowboys prepared for the playoffs by losing 26-6 to Washington, looking even more inept than the score would

suggest. In their last four games, the Cowboys are 2-2, with their victories coming against backup quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Joshua Dobbs.

Tampa Bay is the fourth seed not on the merit of record but because they won a division that included zero teams with winning records. The Buccaneers are 8-9, Tom Brady took time off during training camp and during a game weekend for personal reasons, and they are 6-9 since starting the season with two victories. On Sunday, they lost 30-17 to Atlanta.

Second-seeded San Francisco looks different than anyone else in the NFC bracket. The 49ers have won 10 in a row. They are the only team in NFL history to have All-Pros at running back, tight end and receiver. They have the league’s top-ranked defenses and one of its most admired coaches in Kyle Shanahan.

They also have, at quarterback, the last pick in the 2022 draft, Brock Purdy. He has played exceptionally well. Is he ready to lead a team through the playoffs?

If you listen to NFL player interviews, you’ve heard the phrase “Iron sharpens iron.’’ The NFC is more a case of tissue irri-

tating tissue.

The AFC features perhaps the three strongest teams and best quarterbacks: Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes, Cincinnati and Joe Burrow and Buffalo and Josh Allen.

NFC starting playoff quarterbacks other than Brady have produced two playoff victories.

Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, while playing with Buffalo, had his past two seasons ended in the divisional round and conference title game by Mahomes. There is no one like Mahomes in the NFC.

Any pessimism about the Vikings’ chances to reach the Super Bowl should be tempered by the quality of the NFC field. Only the 49ers could be described as currently imposing, and they are quarterbacked by someone who earned the nickname of Mr. Irrelevant for being the last player drafted.

“I think if you look at it historically, in the playoffs, it’s truly an any-given-Sunday type of thing,’’ Phillips said. “The ball is shaped weird for a reason and it can bounce different ways.’’

The NFC playoff field is similarly misshapen. Maybe this is a good year for the Vikings to be pretty good.

Harry How/Getty Images/TNS file (2022)

Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles out of the pocket during a 27-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Dec. 4, 2022.

Carlos Gonzalez/Minneapolis Star Tribune/TNS

Adam Thielen (19) of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after a touchdown in the first quarter at Soldier Field in Chicago, Sunday.

Is Marriage Worth the Fight?

Annie Lane is off this week. The following column was originally published in 2020.

Dear Annie: My husband and I have been married for almost 29 years. We have three grown children, two granddaughters and a third grandchild on the way. My dilemma is that although we have been married so long, we have had more downs than ups, especially this past year.

We just have nothing in common. He likes to sit at home, and I like to go out and be around people. I have tried to stay home and change, and I have suggested different things for us to do, such as go out to dinner, go to the movies or go out with friends. But he will do dinner only, and then we are home right afterward.

During the first 18 years of our marriage, he worked either the second or third shift. He did what he wanted, such as playing golf, going out with his friends and going away for weekends, and I stayed home and raised the kids. I went to their events at school and participated in after-school activities as a leader or coach.

As time has gone by, my husband and I have grown apart. I just don’t know how to

rekindle our romance or even if I want to get it back. Until last fall, he went out with his friends. Now he is claiming that he gets anxiety around groups of people, yet he can go to concerts and bike rallies. I love him, but I’m not sure if I’m in love anymore. I love the family time with the kids and grandkids. Is that enough to suck it up and just live the rest of my life at home? Or do I move on?

There isn’t anyone else, nor do I want anyone else. The last time we separated, I was looking forward to living with my dogs, decorating the house the way I wanted and not having to answer to anyone.

We have been together since I was 18, and I’m 51. Is there a point when a person just sees the light and says, “I’m done”? -- Unsure in Love Dear Unsure in Love: Both of you have to choose whether you will work on your marriage and make each other, and your relationship, a priority. Your destiny is determined by those choices. If your husband says that he gets social anxiety, don’t just dismiss that as not real because he can go to a concert or a bike rally. Those two events are much less inti-

Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21-April 19).

You’ll be looking for ways to increase your talents, powers and capabilities. Currently, that doesn’t require learning or adding, rather it requires pulling back to assess and organize.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’re almost afraid to want something because you don’t know what to do to make it yours. Don’t let that stop you. You don’t have to know how; you just have to believe that it’s possible. You have what it takes to figure it out.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Fix your attention on what and who you want to be, collecting nuances of emotion and noting gestures and behavior so you can learn and model the character as an excellent actor would.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It’s like you’re on a road trip together. It’s not healthy for one person to drive the entire time. Take turns. The passenger shares responsibility to keep things interesting, safe and lively enough for everyone to stay awake.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ll enjoy the community of like minds and you even welcome the challenge of differing opinions, which comes with the territory. The extra energy of others will perk up your mind and work.

by Holiday Mathis

mate than a social dinner with friends. Maybe he needs help with that.

You ask, “Is there a point when a person just sees the light and says, ‘I’m done’?” I’m not sure it works like that. It’s more that the series of dark moments might be lived over and over until you finally say, “I’m going to turn on the light.” When you truly turn on the light, you don’t find all the faults in the other person; rather, you realize that you want more out of your marriage and yourself. The real light gets turned on when you do the work. You look at your faults and his faults together, and come up with compromises.

Interestingly, you signed your letter, “Unsure in Love,” not “Unsure About Love.” I think you really want to be in love again. My advice is that you give this marriage a chance. After 29 years of being together, with children and grandchildren, you have something to fight for. Find a professional marriage counselor, and make an appointment for both of you. Continue to express your concerns to your husband in a loving manner.

All the best to both of you. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@ creators.com.

nation of what fits the category. Banish unhelpful thoughts with new and bright subjects of focus.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The luckiest move will also be the one that seems like a no-brainer. So if you’re tortured over the decision, leave it alone. Do nothing. And if someone is pressuring you, it’s a sign you could do better elsewhere.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22).

Some people find optimism necessary; others find it depressing. You’ll encourage and lift people, keeping in mind the effectiveness of customization. A hack does the same thing for everyone. A pro uses the right tool for the job.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23).

It seems like we live forward and understand life by looking backward, but that’s not quite true. You’re doing, processing and comprehending quite a lot in this moment. Trust yourself and stay in the “now” as much as possible.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your mind is merciful. It blocks out of necessity and correlates what’s useful. Still, your mind is not infallible in its determi-

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Sweet things get gobbled up and bitter things get rejected after one bite. It’s the wondrous blending of these two tastes that make for today’s successful and irresistible creations.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You live in reality as much as the next person, but your augmented powers of imagination allow for escape routes, diversions and spectacular secret worlds to which your passport for entry never expires.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’re in a position to set expectations for others, and you’ll do so mindfully. You’d rather earn attention than grab it. You’d rather be liked for who you are than be loved on first sight. You’d rather underpromise and overdeliver.

Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

DO NOT HURT PARTNER WITH CARELESS PLAY

Moliere, in “Tartuffe,” pointed out that “one is easily fooled by that which one loves.” As we all love bridge, sometimes we are fooled by that as well. Certainly, South complained vociferously after going down on today’s deal, but he had been fooled by the cards. Would you have seen the right play?

South’s opening bid of two no-trump

Sudoku

DO NOT HURT PARTNER WITH CARELESS PLAY

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repeats. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box. Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com

Moliere, in “Tartuffe,” pointed out that “one is easily fooled by that which one loves.” As we all love bridge, sometimes we are fooled by that as well. Certainly, South complained vociferously after going down on today’s deal, but he had

by Phillip Alder

showed 20-22 points. After West led the heart jack, what should declarer have done?

Things looked easy to South. He won the first trick and immediately attacked diamonds. However, East, noting his partner’s high-low with a doubleton, held up the ace until the third round. Then East returned his remaining heart. Now declarer had the problem of getting into the dummy. He led the spade queen, hoping someone would win with the ace. No joy -- East ducked. Next South led a low spade, but he couldn’t guess correctly. East cashed three spade tricks and exited with a club. South finished with only eight tricks.

“How unlucky can I be?” asked South. “The diamond ace is third, and both spade honors are sitting over the dummy.”

North was unsympathetic. “You overlooked the most important card in your hand,” he remarked.

“Which was that?”

“The spade nine. After winning East’s heart return at trick five, lead the spade nine and run it. How does East defend? If he wins with the jack, you have a guaranteed dummy entry, either by leading low to the 10 or by overtaking your queen with the king, whereas if East ducks the trick, you just lead the spade queen. You must win nine tricks from two spades, three hearts, two diamonds and two clubs.”

by Wayne Gould

Bridge

Word Sleuth

Annie Lane Dear Annie

New Yorker (George Segal) tries to pay his last respects to a friend but can’t find the funeral in “Bye Bye Braverman.”

Michael O’Sullivan THE WASHINGTON POST

Japanese writer-director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s follow-up to “Shoplifters,” his Oscar-nominated 2018 film about a family of liars, cheats and thieves, is, like that unexpectedly heartwarming drama, a story whose darker themes of social dysfunction and fissure are sublimated into a fable of surprising sweetness. The new film, “Broker,” centers on another breed of lovable reprobates, human traffickers, weaving a yarn whose darker elements would, in any other film, be disturbing, to put it mildly.

Set in Korea, the film stars Song Kang-ho of “Parasite” as the title character, Sang-hyeon, the middle-aged proprietor of a Busan laundry who, in debt to loan sharks, steals an infant who has been left in one of the city’s receptacles for unwanted children, with the intention of selling the child for a hefty sum. Assisted by his young friend Dongsoo (Gang Dong-won), who volunteers at a local church equipped with such a device - a compartment that resembles a sidewalk clothing donation bin - Sanghyeon embarks on a trip seeking adoptive parents for Woo-sung, the adorable baby boy, played by Park Ji-yong, whose mother has just abandoned him.

Perhaps abandoned is not quite the right word. After the 20-something So-young (K-pop singer Lee Ji-eun) has second thoughts, she tracks down Sanghyeon and Dong-soo, ultimately agreeing to accompany the men on their journey – presented as part mission of mercy, part mercenary undertaking - so she can ensure that Woo-sung will receive the best possible home, not to mention the best price.

It a formula that’s initially a little hard to swallow. (Kore-eda’s screenplay also stirs in a murder investigation, along with themes of prostitution and adultery.) It all works - more or less. This ability to lighten the mood of family drama without sugarcoating is arguably Kore-eda’s most mys-

terious gift, on display in several of his previous films, including “Like Father, Like Son,” about the families of two children accidentally switched at birth, and “After the Storm,” about a divorced father craving connection with his son.

Much of “Broker” takes place on the road in a battered van. Its four passengers –Sang-hyeon, Dong-soo, So-young and Woosung – eventually become five when the group takes on a stowaway (Im Seung-soo) during a pit stop at the orphanage where Dongsoo grew up. Hae-jin, a young boy without parents who looks up to Dong-soo as a father figure, enlarges this kooky “found” family, in which each member gradually settles into more traditional roles: So-young and Dong-soo edging toward romance, with Sang-hyeon, a divorced dad, sliding into character as avuncular paterfamilias.

When the baby, Woosung, comes down with a fever and is taken to the hospital, an employee asks Hae-jin if he’s the infant’s big brother, and the kid says, without hesitation, he is.

It sounds cloying, and at times “Broker’s” momentum comes perilously close to derailment – always righted by Kore-eda cutting away to scenes featuring the two female cops who are in hot pursuit of the human traffickers (Doona Bae and Lee Joo-young), and whose bored banter is a welcome tonic to this increasingly congenial carload of criminals.

Ultimately, it’s the police who seem more committed to selling the kid, resorting to sting tactics when their efforts to catch Sang-Hyeon in the act fail. For these roving baby brokers, their hearts just aren’t in the game. But the movie may just win yours over.

‘Broker’ is the sweetest movie ever about human trafficking

Zits Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

Pearls Before Swine Stephan Pastis

Dilbert Scott Adams

Baby Blues Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott

Baldo Hector Cantú and Carlos Castellanos

When the days get cold and gray, these are the shows that comfort us

SEATTLE — When you think of comfort TV, what comes to mind? A show that reminds you of home? How about something supernatural- or science fictionbased? Or a well-led rom-com? Maybe something classic?

The answer is different for everyone, but amid the gray, cold winter days, these are the shows we find comfort in, listed in alphabetical order.

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”

Where to watch: Hulu / FX

Comfort viewing doesn’t necessarily mean warmand-fuzzy TV. Especially for pandemic-era binge-watching, I often returned to a self-serving, manipulative, crass gang of alcoholics: the characters of FX’s long-running hit “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” On your lowest day, turn on “Always Sunny” to be reassured that there are people far meaner, more cynical, lazy, sacrilegious, selfish, amoral, delusional, borderline criminal and downright unethical than you … at least on TV. It is perversely soothing to watch the proprietors of Paddy’s Pub in South Philly devolve, scheme and dream — serving minors, marketing homemade mittens for kittens, exploiting the welfare system and the IRS, deceiving the health inspector, kidnapping a newspaper critic — and cheat and fail, being rightfully audited, swindled, hit, robbed and wronged (and somehow avoiding arrest; it’s fiction, after all). That critic put it best when recapping his kidnapping: “That is why I decided not to press charges, leaving them to live in the hell on earth they’ve created for themselves for the rest of their pathetic and miserable lives.”

The biggest endorsement I can offer is that my mom, who works at a church and once detested the show, can’t help but cackle when the gang’s harebrained plans unravel.

— Trevor Lenzmeier, deputy features editor

“Kim’s Convenience”

Where to watch: Netflix

This sitcom about a convenience store owned by a Korean Canadian family in Toronto reminds me of my roots. Like Janet (Andrea Bang) and Jung (Simu Liu) Kim, I am a child of Asian immigrants and hardworking small business owners. Like Janet and Jung, I grew up working in my family’s store, a Chinese American restaurant. Their Appa (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) and Umma (Jean Yoon) remind me of my own imperfect parents — who may never completely understand me,

but fill my fridge with food and love me the best they can. This is the show I return to when I miss my family and home.

— Qina Liu, senior news producer

“The Mindy Project”

Where to watch: Hulu / Netflix Sometimes, you just need a rom-com, preferably one with a cartoon-voiced heroine who is extremely good at her job and hilariously terrible at everything else. Dr. Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling, showing off brilliant comic timing) is a single Manhattan obstetrician/gynecologist obsessed with romantic comedies and annoyed by fellow doctor Danny Castellano (Chris Messina), a control freak who enjoys pointing out Mindy’s character flaws. Need I tell you that these two, in the manner of Sam and Diane of “Cheers” (another great comfort watch, by the way), embark on a relationship, and things don’t always go well? “The Mindy Project” loses a bit of steam toward the end of its six seasons, as many shows do. But at its best (try the episode “Lahiri Family Values” in Season 3, with guest star John Cho absolutely killing it as a drug dealer known as Big Murder), it’s better than cake — and cake, as Mindy Lahiri will tell you, is always, always good. (Her favorite kind of cake? “Gigantic.”)

— Moira Macdonald, arts critic

“Doctor Who”

Where to watch: HBO Max Legendary British science fiction show “Doctor Who” is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Its history features an eye-popping 40 seasons that, due to the nature of the show, allows them to recast the titular Doctor anytime they please through a process called “regeneration.” Its lore is complicated at best and convoluted at worst. At its simplest, the show follows The Doctor and their traveling companion(s) as they jaunt around the universe facing down monsters

and aliens. Over the years, there have been more than a dozen actors who have played the role, with writers and creative teams behind the show changing almost as regularly. And that’s why I turn to it if I need a comfort show. If you run as long as this show has, you have to experiment. And even though I really only watch episodes aired this century (sorry, purists), I still find that there is a “Doctor Who” episode to fit any mood I’m in. Horror, comedy, thriller, fantasy, romance or even some incisive analysis of humanity — whatever itch I’m hoping to scratch through a comfort show, “Doctor Who” has an episode to match.

— Jerald Pierce, arts and culture reporter

“Nirvana in Fire”

Where to watch: YouTube, Viki

Sometimes comfort lies in the deliciousness of a well-told revenge drama. At some point in China’s distant, fictional past, a war breaks out and a general and his son, Lin Shu, go to battle. But during the course of the war, the general is framed for taking part in a rebellion that resulted in the death of 70,000 soldiers. Twelve years later, Lin Shu — now unrecognizable to those who knew him before — returns home, seeking revenge and justice. It’s all very “Count of Monte Cristo,” with heaping doses of political intrigue and the frisson of watching whip-smart people try to outmaneuver each other. There’s something supremely satisfying in seeing the intricate strategies unfold and the political chess game play out. Beyond that, the show, which is in Mandarin (English-subtitled version available), allowed me to brush up on my neglected Chinese language skills and bond with my mom, as we watched together. You’d think a story this plot-heavy wouldn’t stand up to repeat viewing but it does, marvelously, allowing us to reenter this engrossing world to catch details missed the first time around.

— Janet Tu, assistant features editor

Word Sleuth

Bridge

by Phillip Alder

of instruction and entertainment.

His “Bridge for Ambitious Players” is a collection of short essays. The first 51 deals cover declarer play, defense and bidding. The last 14 deals are famous in one way or another.

Reese uses each deal to highlight a particular technical aspect of the game. On today’s, he adopted a policy I have always followed, which he attributes to the late S.J. Simon, an English expert who died in 1949 at the young age of 44. When you are the dummy, put down the suit led last. (Did you know that by law you are supposed to table the dummy in the sequence spades, hearts, diamonds, clubs?)

Reese says that he and his partner “reached six spades with a speed that in these days would attract the attention of the traffic police.”

TERSE TERENCE TEACHES TECHNIQUE

Englishman Terence Reese was controversial, which somewhat clouded the fact that for over 40 years he was one of the world’s best bridge players and writers. In his articles, Reese used a succinct style with a dry sense of humor. However, for a strong player his books were -- and still are -- an excellent source

Sudoku

Bridge

Reese tabled the hearts last, but South immediately called for the queen. East won with the king and returned the heart jack. Now it was impossible to establish and cash the fifth club for a diamond discard.

The right play is the heart four at trick one. Then the entries exist to make use of the fifth club. The killing lead is the heart 10.

In conclusion, Reese chides himself for failing to correct to six no-trump, which he feels he would have made “one way or another.” What do you think?

COPYRIGHT: 2023, UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE

by Wayne Gould

TERSE TERENCE TEACHES TECHNIQUE

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repeats. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box. Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com

Englishman Terence Reese was controversial, which somewhat clouded the fact that for over 40 years he was one of the world’s best bridge players and writers. In his articles, Reese used a

Michael Buckner/Getty Images/TNS

Left to right, actors Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVito and Charlie Day act during a dance scene on the set of “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia,” in Los Angeles, May 23, 2007.

Xtreme) played key roles in a big season-opening performance by the Cal gymnastics team at the Super 16 in Las Vegas. Cal set a record-high in points for an opening weekend and won three of four events.

A 9.990 from DeSouza, the third-highest score in the vault, helped the Bears earn a team total 49.150 and put them in front after the first rotation. Williams finished tied for second in the balance beam with a 9.900, which tied her career-high mark.

Iowa was second, Arizona State took third and BYU was fourth.

Boys basketball

Senior guard Jordan Adams (Vacaville, Solano) played in two games last week for William Jessup. Adams had three points, two rebounds and an assist in a 93-85 loss to Westmont. He also had five points in a 77-69 loss to The Masters.

Senior guard Braxton Adderly (Rodriguez, Napa Valley) scored 10 points and had four rebounds, two assists and two steals in a 90-79 win over Park University (Gilbert, Arizona). Adderly also had four points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal in a 75-67 loss to The Benedictine (Mesa).

Sophomore guard Jeremiah Jones (Salesian, Vacaville resident) went for 13 points with two rebounds and an assist for Stanislaus State in a 68-58 win over Cal State East Bay. Jones had two points in a 68-56 loss to Eastern Washington.

Senior forward Jay Nagle (Will C. Wood) scored in double-figures with 12 points to go with six rebounds, one assist and one steal for Idaho State in a 67-57 win over Weber State.

Junior forward Landon Seaman (Will C. Wood) scored a teamhigh 20 points with eight rebounds, one block and two assists as Menlo beat The Masters 85-77. He had four points and three assists in a 74-73 win over Westmont.

Senior guard Dunnell Stafford (Solano) had 11 points and three rebounds for Fort Lewis in a 75-62 win over St. Regis (Colorado). Stafford added nine points, three rebounds, three blocks and one steal in a 77-69 win over the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

Junior guard Ricky Hamilton-Holland (Will C. Wood) had 11 points and one rebound for

Pacific Union College in a 79-70 loss to Park University, Gilbert. He had seven points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one blocked shot in a 79-61 loss to Embry-Riddle.

Girls basketball

Junior guard Ashmeen Sran (St. Patrick-St. Vincent, Solano) and sophomore forward Joia Armstrong (Vanden) saw action for Stanislaus State in a pair of losses. Sran had 11 points, one rebound and one assist in a 73-63 loss to Cal State East Bay, while Armstrong added seven points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals.

Armstrong had seven points, five rebounds, one assist and three blocked shots in a 68-56 loss to Cal State Dominguez Hills. Sran added two points.

Junior forward Milia Gibson (Rodriguez) played in two of three games for Mississippi Valley State. Gibson had three points, three rebounds and a blocked shot in a 92-67 loss to Prairie View A&M. She had seven points, five rebounds, one assist and three blocked shots in a 77-61 loss to Texas Southern.

Senior forward Taimane Lesa-Hardee (Salesian, Fairfield resident) had six points, two assists and one blocked shot for San Francisco State in a 49-40 loss to Sonoma State. She added one point, two rebounds, one assist, one blocked and two steals in a 59-56 win over Cal Poly Humboldt.

Senior guard Myli Martinez (Vanden) had 10 points and two assists for Chico State in a 72-50 loss to Cal State Dominguez Hills. She had nine points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals in a 62-55 win over Cal State East Bay. Freshman guard Jiana Creswell (Vanden) saw action in the Dominguez Hills game.

Freshman guard Kiki Roberts (Vanden) pulled down three rebounds for Eastern New Mexico in a 55-42 win over Cameron and had five points, five rebounds and one steal in an 83-77 loss to Midwestern State.

Freshman guard Camryn Washington (Rodriguez) saw action for Cal State East Bay in a 73-63 win over Stanislaus State. Washington had one rebound, two assists and a blocked shot in a 62-55 loss to Chico State.

Wrestling

Junior Lawrenz Saenz (Vacaville) won a 4-1 decision for Cal Poly against Cole Martin of Michigan, ranked No. 20 in the nation at that weight class at the time. The Wolverines won the team match 30-11.

handed Cardinals lightly, “to stay locked in and put them to rest,” defensive tackle Arik Armstead said.

asked TCU coach Sonny Dykes how his team could pull an upset.

“We believe we can, most importantly,” Dykes said.

It didn’t take long to see that Dykes was wrong. His players didn’t really believe they could win. And who can blame them? Everyone could see that Georgia was too big, too fast and too good for TCU.

The Bulldogs scored every time they had the ball in the first half. By the time TCU finally stopped them, they led 38-7. The Bulldogs scored another touchdown when they got the ball back again, forced a three-and-out by TCU, and then scored another TD. More than 20 minutes remained in the game, but it was over.

The Bulldogs didn’t just show they have a big edge over TCU in player talent. Georgia’s coaches also outflanked their TCU counterparts. The Bulldogs were more focused and physical. Georgia escaped with a victory in the Peach Bowl after falling behind early. This time, the Bulldogs took the fight to TCU from the start and never relented.

Afterwards, the smell of cigar smoke filled the corridors around Georgia’s locker room.

“This is what we do it for all year, for that moment in the locker room,” Georgia’s Kenny McIntosh said while puffing on a cigar.

Warriors

From Page B1

This was the crowning achievement of a new era of Georgia football. Last season’s national championship wasn’t a one-off. After falling short of expectations for so long, the Bulldogs are built to keep winning big for longer than they’ve ever done it.

Georgia had all-time great Herschel Walker for three years, won one national championship and then didn’t play for another over nearly 40 years. The Bulldogs went 20 years between SEC titles. Conference rivals Florida, Auburn, LSU, Alabama and Tennessee had great teams win championships. Georgia Tech did it, too.

Georgia football was stuck on mediocre for a long time. Then former athletic director Greg McGarity hired Smart, who’d played for the Bulldogs. He took the job with the understanding that Georgia would pour money into the program, like Saban had done

at Alabama. Smart got everything he wanted and, now, so has Georgia.

There was a time when it wasn’t clear that would happen. Smart’s Bulldogs played for a national championship in Year 2, losing to Alabama, and then didn’t make it back to the CFP over the next three years. Smart erred in picking quarterback Jake Fromm over Justin Fields. As Alabama, LSU and Clemson won national titles with wide-open offensive attacks, Smart insisted that he wasn’t stuck in his “man ball” ways of grinding out yards on the ground.

Smart first proved that by hiring Todd Monken, an ex-NFL coordinator, to modernize Georgia’s offense. Monken helped make Bennett, the former walk-on, a bona fide star. The Bulldogs don’t have the big-play threats at wide receiver like other title contenders.

So, Monken fashioned an attack that emphasizes throwing passes to

ball, and he really cares, and he’s more upset than everybody else. So I’m not worried about that.”

the perimeter and highlights talented tight end Brock Bowers.

The Horned Frogs had no chance to stop that formula. They had a plan to be aggressive on defense. Bennett and Monken took advantage of that eagerness. They had TCU’s defenders going one way while the play went the other.

Bennett’s 21-yard touchdown run was a beautiful display of deception, timing and precision. His fake handoff to Daijun Edwards was so convincing that TCU’s entire defensive front shifted left. Bennett kept the ball and ran the other direction and scored without being touched. Another crafty run fake by Bennett fooled a defensive back who was supposed to be tracking Ladd McConkey. He was wide open to catch Bennett’s 37-yard TD pass for a 14-7 lead.

After the Bulldogs turned a turnover into three points, it looked as if TCU might finally stop them on their next drive.

Bennett kept them going. He sidestepped a blitzing defender and ran 11 yards to convert a third-and-10.

Said Smart: “He knew what was coming and he set the guy up.”

Bennett ended that drive with a 6-yard TD run, untouched again, for a 24-7 lead. Now the Bulldogs were rolling. TCU couldn’t stop them. No one could beat them all season. Smart shouldn’t worry that anyone associated with Georgia football will ever take it for granted.

experiencing.

in balance. Poole entered Tuesday tied with Draymond Green for the team’s most turnovers (8) recorded in clutch time, which is when the scoring margin is within five points with five minutes or less remaining in a game.

Andre Iguodala believes Poole should treat this stretch as a learning experience.

“It’s just a process that a balldominant guy has to go through in the NBA,” Iguodala said. “You’d rather go through it in January and understanding how important those possessions are so it helps you in June. So it’s not something that I’m overly stressed about and he’s a guy who’s really into the game of basket-

Iguodala is among the choir of teammates who sang support for Poole as he grapples with his mistakes. Green came to his defense earlier this month, saying he doesn’t believe Poole’s turnovers are at all problematic.

Klay Thompson pulled Poole aside last week after the Warriors’ last-second loss to the Detroit Pistons – a game that featured a Poole turnover in the game’s final six seconds — and reminded the young guard that he’s a clutch player who was vital to the Warriors’ recent five-game win streak. Thompson also emphasized to Poole that he trusts him to have the ball in his hands during those lategame scenarios.

Meanwhile, Curry empathized with the growing pains Poole is

“I used to get benched down the stretch in big games my second year in the league and it was because I had a lot of careless turnovers throughout the course of the game, where I wasn’t necessarily the most trustworthy guy at the time to close out the game even though I was slowly getting better,” Curry recently said. “Just that time period of my career I remember really well because it wasn’t necessarily given to me, I had to go earn it and figure out how to prove yourself trustworthy with the ball in terms of volume reps and whatnot.”

Curry’s mindset during those achy growing periods was to stay hungry and play unafraid of failure. He sees a similar drive and fearlessness he had as a young guard in Poole, who has responded to the miscues exactly the way his teammates want him to.

some guys this year.”

Playing at home will help. The 49ers played just two playoff games in Levi’s Stadium’s previous eight seasons: their 2019 team’s routs over the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers, en route to a Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

“When you get out on that field and Levi’s is packed, there’s a different feel to playoff football, and it brings it out of you,” added Bosa, who won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2019 and is the favorite to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year award when it’s announced three nights before the Super Bowl.

Coach Kyle Shanahan tasked Bosa to address the team before every game dating back to last season, and that blend of dry wit with simplistic orders is a hit. Before the 49ers closed their regular season Sunday with a 38-13 rout of the Arizona Cardinals, Bosa reminded teammates not to take the short-

“He’s very business like in everything he does,” Shanahan said of Bosa. “He thinks about whether he wants to go out to dinner and how much inflammation that will cause and how that will affect his explosion on clip No. 62.

“That guy obsesses over every little detail and that’s why he’s as prepared as anyone I’ve been around. And, as I’ve said, he’s been preparing for what his job in life is to do since he was 3 years old.”

Back in training camp, Bosa correctly forecast that this season’s biggest uncertainty revolved around their “new” quarterback, that being Trey Lance. That vaulted Jimmy Garoppolo back into his old job, until a fractured foot Dec. 4 against Miami brought forth another new quarterback, Brock Purdy, who’s won his five starts to push their win streak to 10.

One caveat Bosa said mention in that training-camp interview was, regardless of the quarterback play, “I know that our team is good enough to win the Super Bowl.”

Jason Getz/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS Georgia coach Kirby Smart lifts the national championship trophy after his team’s win against TCU in the 2023 College Football Playoff final at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Monday.