Daily Republic: Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Tri-City NAACP

Todd R. H ansen THANSEN@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — The Tri-City branch of the NAACP is calling on local law enforcement agencies “to examine the culture within their agencies and implement measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the communities they serve.”

The comment is part of a response after the death Jan. 10 of Tyre Nichols, 29. Nichols, according to video footage and statements from investigators, was severely beaten three days earlier by Memphis police officers.

“Tri-City NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is deeply saddened and outraged by the death of Tyre Nichols, a young father who lost his life at the hands of police officers. The fact that officers of the same race carried out the horrific incident as Tyre only highlights that police brutality knows no bounds,” the statement released by Tri-City NAACP President Nikila Gibson said.

Nichols, as well as the police officers officials said are involved, are Black.

“Police brutality is a systemic problem rooted in the culture of polic-

ing that the country must address through transparent and actionable plans, holding officers accountable and preventing such incidents from happening in the future,” Gibson said in her statement.

“We call on all local law enforcement agencies to examine the culture within their agencies and implement measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the communities they serve. Traffic stops should never result in a death sentence, and criminal acts by those sworn to protect the community should not be ignored.”

Gibson said in a phone interview Monday she has specific measures she wants to see implemented, but would not elaborate. She said she wants to give agencies time.

For example, she said she has been pleased with the progress the Fairfield

See NAACP, Page A8

Todd R. H ansen THANSEN@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — Travis Air Force Base could be hit with abatement action by the state Regional Water Quality Control Board for what an agency executive said is an “ongoing discharge” into Union Creek.

The base reported a “sheen” was first observed in October 2021; it typically appears after rain events; but added that “due to constant monitoring, testing and mitigation efforts, we are highly confident that there is no threat to public health.”

Other agencies have identified the likely source to be aviation fuel.

Thomas Mumley, the assistant executive officer for the control board, said that “it’s a given that it (the fuel)” has gone beyond the base boundaries, but the real issue is what the impacts are on the water and creek habitat.

Mumley said the federal Environmental Protection Agency has done some water testing, but he is

TRibune ConTenT agenCy

Three years after the first Covid cases were detected in the Bay Area, a vexing question persists that can no longer be explained by the terrifying arrival of a deadly novel coronavirus: Why are so many people still dying?

Since 2020, California has recorded 130,000 more deaths than in the three previous years, a nearly 20% increase in mortality, the largest sustained spike in more than a century, and the reversal of a decadeslong trend of decreasing death rates. In essence, experts say, that’s 130,000 more burials, cremations, viewings and funerals than there should have been.

Those lost lives, referred to as “excess deaths” in the public health world, are the number of deaths over what could be expected based on historical data and demographic trends. Covid-19 – which was first confirmed in California in late January 2020 – is the obvious culprit for the

bulk of them. But officially the virus is blamed for just under 100,000 of those deaths. So why did the other 30,000 Californians die?

No single cause explains the momentous change, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Since early 2020, aside from Covid, the Golden State has seen the biggest rise in causes of death in drug overdoses, Alzheimer’s disease and alcohol-related conditions followed by hypertensive heart disease, ischemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney diseases, road injury and homicide.

Nationally, Robert Anderson, chief of the Mortality Statistics Branch at the National Center for Health Statistics, is seeing much the same.

“It’s those non-Covid excess deaths that are really tricky,” he said.

Why are they going up now?

“The pandemic certainly is a factor,” Anderson said, “Whether

TRibune ConTenT agenCy

The seven states that depend on the Colorado River have failed to meet a Tuesday deadline for agreeing on a water-use reduction plan, raising the likelihood of more friction as the West grapples with how to manage the shrinking river.

In a bid to influence federal officials after contentious negotiations reached an impasse, six of the seven states submitted a last-minute proposal outlining possible cuts to help prevent reservoirs from falling to dangerously low levels, presenting a unified front while leaving out California, which uses the single largest share of the river.

Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming called their plan a “consensus-based modeling alternative” that could serve as a framework for negotiating a solution. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation had set an end-of-January dead-

not aware of the results. He was scheduled to attend an update on the situation Tuesday night. Mumley said he had to be careful about what he said because of the potential for enforcement action against Travis.

Aviation fuel has apparently been known for some time to be the likely cause of the sheen. The specific source of the fuel is unknown and under investigation, but there are suspicions it comes from a prior spill or incident, according to updates provided to the Solano County Environmental

line for the seven states to reach a consensus. But California officials opposed making evap oration and other water losses in the river’s Lower Basin part of the calcula tion, as the change would would translate to bigger supply cuts for the state.

In announcing the proposal Monday, Tom Buschatzke, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, called it a key step in the “ongoing dialogue” among the seven states “as we continue to seek a collaborative solution to stabilize the Colorado River system.”

John Entsminger, general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, said that “while our goal remains achieving a seven-state agreement, developing and submitting this consensus-based alternative is a positive step forward” as federal officials carry out an expedited review to revise the

Health Division.

“It seems the source is historic, something that has happened in the past,” Chris Ambrose, the supervising hazardous material specialist with Environmental Health, said in a phone interview.

Travis officials disagree, reiterating also that there is no active or recent fuel spill.

“Travis Air Force Base environmental experts do not believe the sheen is caused by any specific historic incident. However, ongoing investigations continue to develop a conclusive determination of the source. Local, state and federal environmental regulators are aware of the sheen, and are diligently working with Travis (Air Force Base) to fully investigate, determine the source, and resolve the sheen,” Capt. Jasmine Jacobs, of the base Public Affairs Office, stated in an email response Tuesday to a question from the Daily Republic.

past.’ — Chris Ambrose,

Move over groundhog, it’s Armadillo Day

the WaShington poSt

While much of the country celebrates Groundhog Day on Thursday, Texas, known for its independent spirit, will go in another direction. There, this annual event in which an animal predicts how much longer winter will last, is called Armadillo Day.

Groundhogs have been doing this job in west-central Pennsylvania for more than 135 years. These furry rodents inhabit much of the Eastern United States but are not found in Texas. So in 2010, Texans chose the ninebanded armadillo, their state’s new official small mammal, as their weathercaster every Feb. 2.

He is named Bee Cave Bob, after the city of his birth. On Groundhog, er, Armadillo Day, Bob is taken outside to fulfill his duty. If it is a clear day and he casts a shadow, the legend says there will be six more weeks of winter. A cloudy day means no shadow . . . and an early spring.

It is the same ritual that Pennsylvania’s famous groundhog, Punxsutawny Phil, follows. But in the battle of four-legged forecasters, Texas yields to no one. “We don’t need no mangy groundhog in Pennsylvania predicting weather for us,” Terry Boothe, a fifth-generation Texan and Bob’s biggest fan, told reporters last year.

The origin of Whatever-You-Want-To-Call-It

Day is rooted in Europe several centuries ago, with mainly badgers in the starring role. Germanspeaking immigrants brought the tradition to Pennsylvania. Finding no badgers, in the 1880s they made the groundhog their go-to animal for winter weather wisdom.

Neither Bee Cave Bob nor Punxsutawny Phil, however, has a great track record. Both are said to be wrong more often than right, but it is a tough call since there is no clear answer as to when winter ends and spring begins.

We’re not taking sides in the groundhog/armadillo debate. Let’s learn more about them so we can appreciate both.

Armadillos

“Armadillo” is Spanish for “little armored one.” Of the 20 species, only one – the nine-banded

Students from Solano earn honors at Southern New Hampshire

or higher to qualify.

winter will last.

armadillo – is native to the United States. Bands are movable sections of the mammal’s hard shell.

Nine-banded armadillos grow to about 30 inches long, with an average weight of 12 pounds. Other armadillo species range from 3 inches to 5 feet. Armadillos can live up to 30 years in the wild.

Armadillos mainly eat insects. They have strong claws and can dig burrows 20 feet long, in which they sleep up to 16 hours a day. When threatened, smaller armadillos roll up in a ball and play dead. Larger ones can jump four feet high when scared or surprised.

Armadillos can hold their breath for up to six minutes and walk underwater or float on the surface

Cool fact : Ninebanded armadillos have litters of four identical pups. Quadruplets!

Groundhogs

These furry rodents, also called woodchucks, are in the squirrel family. They are good swimmers and can climb trees. They feast on grass, other plants, fruit and bark all summer so they can hibernate (be inactive and save energy) all winter.

Groundhogs are similar to armadillos in size, weight and digging skills. Their burrows can be more than 60 feet long, with several rooms and even “bathrooms” (without a toilet and tub, we presume).

They use their sharp claws and teeth to attack crops such as carrots from below, pulling them into their burrows. To reduce wear and tear from all that eating, their front teeth grow 1/16th of an inch each week.

Groundhogs can live up to six years in the wild, although half that age is more common.

Cool fact: A groundhog’s heart rate decreases from 75 beats per minute to four during hibernation.

Students from Solano County made the fall president’s and dean’s lists at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester.

Wajahath Khan and Amanda Garrison of Fairfield; Alexander Pappas of Benicia; Marisa Berrios Strader and Jasmine Salmeron of Vallejo; Nattile King and Danielle Rocha of Dixon; and Jacquelyn Brackett, Curt Robinson, Loc Huynh and Jason McNie of Vacaville made the president’s list with a minimum gradepoint average of 3.7.

The dean’s list, with a 3.5 to 3.69 GPA, included Vanessa Perez of Travis Air Force Base; Amber Acosta of Vallejo; and Brandon Lundin of Vacaville.

Their accomplishments were announced in a press release from the university.

Several from Solano earn degrees at Global Campus

A number of Solano County high school alums were among the 7,600 graduates who recently earned their degrees from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Earning bachelor’s degrees were Angelo P. Espana of Vacaville, in management studies; Curtis Thomas Rogers Taylor of Vacaville, in human resource man-

agement; Timothy-John Villarin Escorpeso of Vacaville, in business administration; and Joy Johnson of Vacaville, in marketing.

Daron L. Horton of Suisun City earned an associate degree in general studies. Their accomplishments were announced in a press release from the university.

Vacaville alum earns doctorate from Washburn University

Alexander Overbey, a Vacaville alum, graduated with a doctorate of nursing practice from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, in the fall 2022 graduating class. Overbey’s accomplishment was announced in a press release from the university.

Solano alumni make Cedarville University dean’s list

Joel Ward of Fairfield and Rhyan Fought of Vacaville made the fall 2022 semester dean’s list at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio. Students must have a 3.75 grade-point average

Their accomplishments were announced in a press release from the university.

Puligilla graduates from Campbellsville University

Akshay Kumar Puligilla, a Vacaville alum, graduated Dec. 9 from Campbellsville University.

The university is located in Campbellsville, Kentucky.

Puligilla’s accomplishment was announced in a press release from the university.

Brown earns bachelor’s degree at University of Alabama

Zariyah Brown of Vallejo recently received a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

The university awarded more than 1,650 degrees during its fall commencement Dec. 10.

Brown’s accomplishment was announced in a press release from the university.

Hofstra University names Kiernan to dean’s list

Bridget Kiernan, a nursing major from Vacaville, earned a spot on the fall dean’s list at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Students must have a grade-point average of 3.5 or better to qualify.

Kiernan’s accomplishment was announced in a press release from the university.

Johnston joins New Hampshire university dean’s list

Amanda Johnston of Benicia made the fall 2022 dean’s honors list at the University of New Hampshire in Durham.

Students with a gradepoint average of 3.65 to 3.84 earn a spot on the high honors list, and students whose GPA is 3.5 to 3.64 are awarded honors.

Johnston’s accomplishment was announced in a press release from the university.

Do you have some good news to share? Send it to Susan Hiland at shiland@ dailyrepublic.net. Be sure to include Good News in the subject line.

Ralph Fisher/The Washington Post Ralph Fisher and Mike Burke pose with the armadillo Bee Cave Bob, who will predict how much longer

‘Suicidal’ man surrenders to Fairfield police after standoff

Daily Republic Staff

DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — A

40-year-old Sacramento

man who authorities suspect hoped to be shot and killed by the police was taken into custody Sunday evening and placed on a mental health hold after a short standoff with officers, the city Police Department said in a statement released Monday.

Police said the man entered a store at about 6:55 p.m. on the 100 block of Lopes Road, placed what turned out to be a replica gun on the counter and told the clerk to call the Police Department.

“We believe he was attempting to commit suicide by officer,” Jennifer Brantley, the public information officer for

the Fairfield Police Department, said in a phone interview.

The clerk was able to leave the store safely, while the man headed to the restroom area and out of sight, but occasionally appearing with the gun, the police said.

The police engaged its armored Bearcat rescue vehicle, and after several attempts to communicate with the man, he finally threw the replica firearm toward the front doors of the store and was soon taken into custody.

He told officers “he was feeling suicidal,” the statement said. The police operation included officers and members of the Crisis Negotiations Team. The man’s name was not released.

State PUC grant to fund 2nd phase of broadband plan

DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

VACAVILLE — The California Public Utilities Commission has awarded the city a $493,936 grant for broadband access to residents and businesses that do not have adequate service or access.

The Local Agency Technical Assistance grant supports efforts to expand broadband service to communities in California. The program has $50 million for high-speed broadband infrastructure projects.

“The LATA grant award will fund Phase II of the city’s broadband program,” Vacaville Mayor John Carli said in a statement released Tuesday by the city. “This necessary design-engineering work will prepare us to move forward in the infrastructure roll out planned for Phase III, moving us one step closer to paving the city’s digital highway and flexibly connecting the Vacaville community with

In brief

Capitol Corridor passengers in March can ‘tap’ to ride the rails

Daily Republic Staff

DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority in March will initiate a pilot program that will allow 200 riders to simply “tap” their contactless debit or credit card to pay for train fares.

their city and the world.”

The first phase was development of a Broadband Master Plan. In the second phase “the city will pursue construction of a local, publicly owned fiber backbone. The design will leverage the state’s ‘middle-mile network’ by connecting a minimum of two points to create resiliency in the system.”

The middle-mile network is a $3.25 billion state program signed into law in July 2021 with the goal of providing highspeed broadband service to all Californians by constructing necessary infrastructure.

The Vacaville project is anticipated to take six months to complete.

The city launched its broadband program in January 2022. The master plan provides details about available infrastructure, along with recommendations for routes and locations for a fiber buildout.

Rancho Solano Spring Fling back in March

FAIRFIELD — The Rancho Solano Spring Fling boutique returns in March.

This year’s boutique will feature handcrafted items from more than 75 local and Bay Area artists and artisans. Organizers say those who visit will find something for themselves or their home, as well as items for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, weddings, graduations and other spring/summer events.

Admission is free. Those who attend will have a chance to take home door prizes donated by the artists and artisans. People who attend are asked to bring a canned good for the local food bank.

The boutique will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 26 at The Clubhouse at Rancho Solano, 3250 Rancho Solano Parkway.

For more information, call 707-646-9006 or send an email to brenda@brendamossaevents.com.

RFC plans program on Civil War history

VACAVILLE — The Rowland Freedom Center will host a talk on the Civil War in the second speaker series event in “Faces of Freedom: Deed of Valor in Vacaville.”

Experience an encampment from the era (weather permitting) and witness the dedication of the Rowland Freedom Center’s Medal of Honor display to an ancestor of Civil War 1st Lt. Orson W. Bennett.

The event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Rowland Freedom Center at the Nut Tree Airport, 300 County Airport Road, Suite C4.

For more information, visit RowlandFreedom Center.org.

With Tap2Ride, Capitol Corridor will become the first Amtrak-operated intercity passenger rail line in the United States to accept the contactless bank cards. It will start

with 200 frequent train riders, with contactless payment readers on both levels of one designated car per train.

The pilot is expected to run for several months as Amtrak collects information and user feedback.

“We’re excited to bring our customers the ease and convenience of using their bank cards to tap to pay for train travel along our beautiful 18-stop route in Northern California,” Rob Padgette, managing director of the Capitol Corridor rail service, said

in a statement.

Capitol Corridor connects the Sacramento region to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Capitol Corridor stated it needed “an interoperable fare payment method” that it could not adapt its closed-loop transit cards –Clipper in the Bay Area and Connect Card in Sacramento – to accomplish.

“This modern approach to fare payment is in line with the free Wi-Fi, free full-length movies, spacious seating, bike storage and other

amenities we offer on our trains so that it’s both easy and fun to leave the car at home and choose to ride our service for work and leisure,” Padgette said in the statement.

The program is only good for Capitol Corridor train ridership and connections. Bus connections are not included. However, that is part of the evaluation effort.

Capitol Corridor is recruiting pilot participants. The sign-up form is at capitolcorridor. org/tap2ride.

Fairfield police seek Explorer applicants

FAIRFIELD — The Police Department is looking for individuals 14 to 21 years old who are interested in a career in law enforcement and being an Explorer.

And by a career in law enforcement, that

includes officers, dispatchers, community service officers and crime scene investigators.

“The Fairfield Police Department’s Explorer Program is a program designed to involve young men and women in community events and increase citizen-police cooperation and understanding,”

the department said in a statement. “The Police Explorer Program will provide both police-related education and experience to our young adults wishing to pursue a law enforcement career and the opportunity to enjoy recreational activities, community service and fundraising programs.”

To get an application or learn more about the program and its requirements, go www.fairfield. ca.gov/government/citydepartments/police/ police-explorers-program. Questions and completed applications may be sent by email to Officer Terence Brownridge at tbrownridge@fairfield.ca.gov.

Aaron Rosenblatt/Daily Republic

An eastbound Capitol Corridor train passes through Suisun City, Monday.

Daily Republic Staff

Daily Republic Staff DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

It’s something of a Golden State paradox: Dry winters can pave the way for dangerous fire seasons fueled by dead vegetation, but wet winters – like the one the state has seen so far – can also spell danger by spurring heaps of new growth that can later act as fuel for flames.

Experts say it’s too soon to know with certainty what the upcoming fire season has in store. The atmospheric rivers that pounded California in January have left the state snow-capped and wet, which could be a fire deterrent if soils stay damp.

But if no more rains arrive – or if other, less predictable factors such as lightning storms and heat waves develop later in the year – all that progress could go out the window.

“The dice are loaded for a weak fire season, but there are multiple things that could cause it go the other way,” said Park Williams, a bioclimatologist at UCLA.

There’s no question the recent rains offered some relief. The storms moved most of California out of the extreme drought categories in which it has been mired for more than three years, and portions of the Sierra Nevada are still buried under multiple feet of snow.

But lower-elevation areas could be at risk, Williams said. That includes the hills around Los Angeles and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and northern coastal ranges, which are bursting with new grasses that can easily dry out.

“This year, we’ve loaded up the ground with a whole bunch of new vegetation, and so in summertime –

as long as the summer is hot and dry – the probability of grass fires is probably higher this year than normal,” he said.

Capt. Robert Foxworthy, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said he was so far “optimistic” about the season in higher-elevation areas, where the month ended wetter than in recent years. In 2021, dry conditions paved the way for the Dixie and Caldor fires to become the first to ever burn from one side of the Sierra to the other.

“Obviously, the more moisture we get, the better we’re going to be,” Foxworthy said. “The more snowpack we have, the better chance we have of it being a quieter fire season overall.”

But much depends on whether the rest of the wet season brings more rain, he said. Seasonal forecasts are currently inconclusive, pointing to equal chances of dryness or wetness in much of California

through April. If no more rain falls, and if temperatures rise and strong winds arrive, “then I think we’ll be in a completely different place come summertime,” he said.

What’s more, moisture is only one ingredient in how fire season develops. Many blazes are triggered by heat, lightning, winds and other factors that are harder to predict in advance.

“I can’t tell you how many people are going to drive down the road dragging a chain behind their vehicle that may start a couple of fires. I can’t tell you if we’re going to get a big lightning outbreak . . . that’s going to drop 15,000 lightning strikes in two days, starting a bunch of fires,” Foxworthy said.

There are other factors

as well. Many of California’s largest fires in recent years have started during intense heat waves, which are becoming hotter, longer and more frequent due to global warming, increasing their likelihood of contributing to conflagrations, said Williams.

Climate change is also contributing to worsening aridification and evapotranspiration, or the processes by which the state’s atmosphere is becoming thirstier and sapping more moisture from plants and soil.

“The atmosphere is going to be faster to take the water back, because the air is warmer and more arid,” Williams said. “And so this spring, evaporation rates will be higher than they would have been

VACAVILLE — An eight-week Community Law Enforcement Academy opens March 6.

The Vacaville Police Department announced Tuesday it is taking applications for the academy. The deadline is Feb. 12. Space is limited to 30 individuals.

“The Community Law Enforcement Academy aims to provide insight into the inner workings of the Police Department. Attendees will learn about standard operating procedures and the background on why the department operates the way it does,” the city said in a statement.

“Each session will typically cover three topics which will be presented and/or demonstrated by patrol officers, detectives, K-9 officers, SWAT team members and other subject matter experts.”

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside or work in Vacaville. A background check will be conducted on those selected to attend the academy.

There is no cost. Classes are from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays in the Emergency Operations Center/Training Room at the Police Department, 660 Merchant St. Applications must be completed online. Go to https://cityof vacaville.formstack.com/ forms/2023_community_ law_enforcement_academy.

Ronald Glenn

Ronald “Ronnie” Glenn, born February 19, 1946 in Harrisburg, Illinois, passed away quietly at his home in Fairfield, California on Thursday, January 19, 2023 - only a month shy of his 77th Birthday after a brief but vicious fight with pancreatic cancer.

Ron is preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Gretchen Glenn, his parents Evelyn Basham-Glenn and Roy Glenn. He is survived by his daughters, Ronda Welch and Jennifer Rozenkowski, their husbands Scott Welch and Tony Rozenkowski, grandchildren: Briana Welch, Destiny Rozenkowski and Darien Rozenkowski, along with several step-grandchildren: James Welch, David Rozenkowski Jr, Daniel Rozenkowski and Domonique Rozenkowski, his sister, Brenda Roofener, brother-in-law Gregor y Peterson and many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ronnie spent the first 5 years of his life in Harrisburg, Illinois, but grew up in Contra Costa County, California in and around San Pablo, El Cerrito and Richmond. He attended Harry Ells High school in Richmond, CA and ultimately graduated from Richmond High School in 1963. Ron was a wonderful and deeply devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Always there to lend a hand to anyone in need - frequently by fixing something they broke! A jack of all trades including locksmithing, mechanics, design-build of everything from a home add-on, wood decks, all types of equipment, a custom baby cradle for his grandchildren, and the Santa’s sleigh for his family’s participation in the annual lighted Christmas boat parade out of Antioch...the list goes on and on. As his wife used to say, “Give him a book on brain surgery and he’d probably do that too!”

A fount of knowledge on just about anything, Ron could often be heard giving advice

to people on how to build or fix anything from plumbing to electrical, mechanical to carpentr y in almost any capacity - buildings, equipment, machiner y, automotive and nautical. Ron was a trained Locksmith from age eight and a car aficionado and mechanic from his early teen years. A qualified and experienced locksmith and repairman for his family’s business, the El Cerrito Fix-It Shop in his youth, Ron worked only three places of note in his adult life - Ford Motor Company, Pacific Catalyst Company and Delta Tech Service, Inc. of Martinez and then Benicia, California, where spent the last 40 years of his career from 1972 until he retired in 2011. Ron worked in many capacities for DT over the years and wore many hats, officially retiring as the Shop Manager over all company locations, but also serving as the Fleet Manager, Chief Mechanic and Equipment Designer/Fabricator for the business. From 1993-2012, Ron built and maintained the Gold Medallion Merle Norman Studio in Fairfield, CA for his loving wife, Gretchen as the co-owner of her business.

Ron was a member of multiple car clubs over the years, including The Richmond Injectors Car Club out of Richmond High School in the 1960’s, the Northern California Cruisers Car Club in the 1990’s where he featured his 1923 Model T, and more recently he has been a member of the Classic Thunderbird Club International after finally becoming an owner of his dream car, a baby blue 1957 T-Bird.

In 1971, while hunting deer with rifles with his best friend Don, they decided it just wasn’t fair to hunt animals that wa y, so they took up archery instead to even the odds a little. This led to a years’ long affiliation with The Bow R ack of San Pablo, where they w ould spend many hours learning and practicing the art of shooting with bow and arrow Ron became a devoted archer and member of The Bow R ack, where he w orked on the archery lanes and ultim ately designed and fabricated the bow stands whose design has been duplicated and is still in use at archer y shops around Northern California.

Ron’s love of archery ultimately led to his

Zelma Wood Witham

Zelma H Wood Witham, 91 went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 6, 2023. She died peaceful in her sleep after a long illness in Cortez Co. With her family by her side. She was born to Herbert Jordan Hicks and Joyce Winefred (Hicks) Wilbur of Lewiston, Maine on April 26, 1931. She was the second oldest of 8 children.

Zelma was predeceased by her first husband, Earl R. Wood of 42 years and her second husband Earl Witham of 6 years, her parents and 4 siblings.

Zelma had 2 children Violet Wood Wolfe(deceased) (Daniel) (deceased) and Dottie J Wood Williams(Roger) And 1 step daughter Earlene P Lawrence.(Ted). She had 9 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Zelma graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn Maine in 1948. She married Earl R. Wood in 1952. Had 2 children, Violet and Dottie. Zelma started her career in Banking and worked her way up to be an executive at the United California Bank. Then 1971 she joined her husband Earl R Wood in a family business Earls Donuts in Fairfield, California. They increased the business and moved to Suisun City, California with Earls Donuts and Diner, Woody’s Bait Shop and Earls Catering Trucks until 1993 upon Earls death. After closing the business Zelma worked for Mer vyns and JC Penny’s until her retirement

Zelma was a loving mother, great friend and a mentor to many. She was very involved in her church at First Baptist being a Sunday school teacher, a GA teacher, helped in the clothes closet and many services.

Services for Zelma will be held at the First Baptist Church, 1121 Clay Street Fairfield Ca. on February 13, 2023. Inurnment will be at the Fairfield/Suisun Cemetery at 10am on February 14th. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in the name of Zelma Wood Witham to the Hospice of Montezuma County, PO Box 740, Cortez, CO 81321.

wife and oldest daughter joining him in the sport and inspired him to join Briones Archers at Briones Park in Contra Costa County. Always one to go all-in on whatever his hobby of the time was, Ron became Range Captain at Briones and for several years did a great job of keeping the range in good shape and kept everything in working order. He even pulled other members into work parties to maintain the shooting range and keep it in shape. Through Briones Archers and The Bow Rack, Ron and his family and close friends participated in local archery tournaments which took them to many fun events and demonstrations over the years. The Sports and Boat Show at the Cow Palace was one of these, where Ron and his best friend Don helped to represent The Bow Rack and gave demonstrations of archery equipment and shooting. Their inspiring presentation even made it in the paper that year!

With a very strong sense of justice and always wanting to join in and help, Ron volunteered to become a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for Contra Costa County for a short time in the early 1980’s. He worked a number of events and participated in stake outs to catch criminals.

An avid fishing and b oating enthusiast, R on could be f ound fishing in the San Francisco Bay in fishing derbies or flying to e xotic locations for ocean fishing trips. Although R on o wned a number of smaller fishing b oat s over the years, he could never ge t his wife interested in the hobb y. Ever the loving husband, R on really w anted his wife, G retchen to join in his l ove of the w ate r. Due to a little sea sickness issue on her part, he be ga n upgrading his b oat s in an effort to gain his wife’s fa vo r, ultim ately settling on a much nicer and roomier 53’ Navigato r.

Through their time as “yacht” owners, they made many great friends in their time with both the Dos Rios Yacht Club, The Diablo Power Squadron and as members of Devil’s Isle located out in the Delta, just south of Tower Park. Once again, they were all-in on a hobby together. Some of their greatest times in their last years together were spent cruising the bay

and delta with these groups. Ron was a Senior member of the Diablo Power Squadron when he was elected as their Commander in 2010. He, like other members all helped teach and proctor boat safety classes and participated with vessel examinations around the bay area While a member of the cruising clubs, Ron was also elected as the maintenance supervisor for Devils’ Isle. He organized work parties, planned maintenance of the island equipment and upgrades to the club’s facilities.

Ron led such a rich and eventful life that we’d need an entire book to express all that he was. From work to fun with archer y, hunting, fishing, boating and classic cars - he always had an extracurricular activity going on that he put in 120% on. He worked his fingers to the bone for the people and causes he cared for. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family. He broke himself so many times, often against the doctor’s advice because ‘things had to get done’, that his wife sometimes referred to him as “The Million Dollar Man” for all the surgeries he’d had. However, he did it all out of love for his wife, daughters and grandchildren and care for family and friends.

Ron wasn’t a man of many words (unless he was angry or explaining something), but he loved to the depths of his soul and took care of ever yone in his circle howe ver he could. He will always be remembered for his larger-thanlife personality, his strength, stubbornness, dry humor and immeasurable knowledge base and skills. His departure has left a gaping hole for those of us who knew him well, and we can’t wait to see him again someday. And it begs the question, who will help us now that the fixer of all things is no longer a phone call away? We can only hope that his children and grandchildren have learned enough from him over the years to carr y on.

A Celebration of Life will be held for all of Ron’s family and friends at his home in Fairfield on Saturday, February 25th, 2023 from 11am4pm. Please reach out to his family or close friends if you require more information on the service. Food and drinks will be provided.

Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times/TNS file

Shoppers navigate heavy rain as they walk through a Costco parking lot in Rancho Cucamonga in early January.

Santos agrees to skip sitting on House committees

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

Rep. George Santos told fellow Republican lawmakers he will agree to not sit on any committees amid controversies over his serial lies about his background, education and finances.

Santos made the pledge, which is unlikely to quiet rising demands for his resignation, at a closed door meeting of the Republican caucus.

The embattled freshman Long Island lawmaker had been assigned to sit on the relatively low-profile science and small business committees.

“He has asked to reserve his seats on both committees until he is properly cleared for both personal and campaign finance investigations,” said Naysa Woomer, a spokeswoman for Santos.

Santos has been facing immense pressure to resign but insists he will not step down over his outrageous campaign of falsehoods.

A new poll says 78% of voters in his NY-03 district want him to resign compared to just 13% who say he should stay in office to serve out his two-year term. Even 71% of Republicans want him to see him gone for good.

The Brazilian immigrant portrayed himself as a trailblazing gay conservative entrepreneur as he pulled off a big upset to grab a Democratic-leaning district

Prosecutors charge Baldwin, armorer with involuntary manslaughter in ‘Rush’ shooting

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

on the North Shore and parts of Queens.

But he was quickly exposed as a fraud and admitted lying about working for big investment banks and attending Baruch College, where he bizarrely claimed he was a star on the volleyball team.

Santos even claimed to be half-Jewish when he isn’t and that his grandparents fled the Holocaust when they didn’t.

The most damaging potential fibs are those concerning Santos’s personal finances and his campaign funding, which could wind up violating laws. State and federal authorities are investigating, along with Brazilian prosecutors who are looking into an old bad check scam.

He even scored a big bucks donation from the cousin of a Russian oligarch pal of Vladimir Putin who was once named as a go-between in the Stormy Daniels hush money scheme involving former President Donald Trump.

The House Ethics Committee is also investigating Santos but any probe would likely result in a slap on the wrist.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has so far stood by Santos, mostly because he holds a razorthin majority and does not want to risk the likely loss of the seat to a Democrat if Santos resigns and forces a special election.

Actor Alec Baldwin has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, alongside the armorer of the western “Rust,” in which he accidentally shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez Reed were each charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the Oct. 21, 2021, shooting. If convinced of the most serious charge, they could each face a mandatory five-year prison sentence.

New Mexico’s 1st Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies and special prosecutor Andrea Reeb also released the details of the plea deal struck with first assistant director David Halls. He pleaded no contest to negligent use of a deadly weapon in exchange for a suspended sentence of

six months of unsupervised probation. The filings were announced earlier this month by New Mexico prosecutors.

The plans to file charges had already drawn a mixed reaction in Hollywood. Several actors, including the organization SAG-AFTRA that represents thousands of performers, railed against the decision, arguing that gun safety is not the actor’s responsibility. Others

noted that Baldwin was a producer on the movie and may have had greater insight into the state of the production.

Early on the day of the deadly shooting, the camera crew walked of the set following a dispute over pay and working conditions, including accidental gun discharges. The prosecution will need to convince a jury of a timeline of events. Questions remain over how a

live round ended up on set and the chain of possession of the gun as it was ultimately handed to Baldwin.

They will also need to show that Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed at least demonstrated more than mere negligence in their duties that resulted in the death of Hutchins.

Following the processing of charges, each defendant will be summoned to a so-called first appearance – akin to an arraignment. This may be done virtually, with dates set by the court, the district attorney’s office said previously.

After that, a preliminary hearing will be held where the judge takes on the role of a grand jury and decides whether the prosecutors can take their case to trial. While the court has yet to set those dates, preliminary hearings typically occur within 60 days of charges being filed.

Records: Monterey Park shooter voiced paranoid threats to police 3 decades before opening fire

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

LOS ANGELES —

Three decades before he shot 11 people to death in a Monterey Park ballroom, Huu Can Tran told police he believed relatives of a woman he’d been dating had threatened to kill him and were trying to lure him into a trap.

Tran’s suspicions –which were apparently groundless – were laid out in documents obtained by The Times from the San Gabriel Police Department. The records provide some insight into what appears to be his paranoid worldview. Just this month, authorities said, he

went twice to the police station in Hemet, where he’d moved into a trailer park, and claimed his family had defrauded and tried to poison him.

Twelve days later, Tran, 72, opened fire in Star Ballroom Dance Studio on Garvey Avenue, killing 11 people on the eve of the Lunar New Year. He killed himself the next day as police closed in on his van in a Torrance strip mall.

Investigators have not disclosed whether they have identified a motive, and Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said last week they knew of no connection between Tran and his victims, who

ranged in age from 57 to 76.

The sheriff said Tran had been arrested just once – in 1990, on suspicion of illegally possessing a firearm – but provided no other details.

The San Gabriel police records shed light on that arrest. The evening of Nov. 27, 1990, Officer James Kermode responded to a radio call of a possible robbery at Glendon Way and Del Mar Avenue. Tran, then 40, ran up to Kermode’s patrol car and said a liquor store had just been robbed, the officer wrote in a report.

Tran offered to show Kermode the store that had been victimized.

Before driving him there, the officer did a “quick pat-down” for weapons. In Tran’s left jacket pocket, Kermode found a loaded RG40 .38-caliber revolver, according to the report. Tran was handcuffed and driven to the San Gabriel police station.

After waiving his Miranda rights, Tran said he’d been walking his dog when he saw a man running out of George’s Liquor on New Avenue carrying a “metal box.” The owner ran outside, pointed to the man and said he had “robbed money,” Tran told police. He took off running after the man.

See Shooter, Page A6

Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office/TNS file

Alec Baldwin on the “Rust” set immediately following the shooting of Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza.

Blinken visit deepens Palestinian, Israeli skepticism about US role

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

DEIR DIBWAN, West Bank — Maisoon Ali, a Palestinian banker, has a message for visiting U.S Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.

She wants him to under stand and acknowledge that the vision of an inde pendent Palestinian nation living alongside Israel – the two-state solution favored by most U.S. administra tions for years – is dead and buried.

“It has been killed,” said Ali, 56. “I can’t even dream it. I don’t see it. . . . This is what I want the sec retary to hear.”

Blinken, wrapping up a three-day visit to the Middle East on Tuesday, met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and other officials in the West Bank city of Ramallah, a day after extended consultations with Israel’s prime minister, president and foreign minister.

Abbas, 87, had tough words for Israel, its continued occupation of Palestinian territories and the failure of the “international community” to stop actions by Israel to seize Palestinian-claimed land and thwart efforts by the Palestinian Authority to find justice in international forums – efforts that Washington firmly opposes.

At every turn in this visit, Blinken has reiterated his government’s long-standing support for the two-state solution, even as its prospects seem more distant than ever – to both Israelis and Palestinians.

The far right that now governs Israel has long opposed independence for the approximately 4.5 million Palestinians who live in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

For the Palestinians themselves, rejection of the two-state solution has been a slower evolution.

In an independent Palestine next to Israel, which has insisted on keeping control of some of the future state’s borders and airspace, “we would just have the name, Israel the power,” said 80-yearold Mohammed Mustafa, another resident of Deir Dibwan, who lived in the U.S. for many years and said he fought for the U.S. military in Vietnam.

Years of failed, occa-

Fire

From Page A4

given the same winter storms in a cooler world.”

Also in the mix is the anticipated arrival of El Niño later this year, said Paul Pastelok, senior meteorologist and lead long-range forecaster at Accuweather. El Niño – a warming of seasurface temperatures in the tropical Pacific – is often associated with wet conditions in the state, especially in Southern California.

Pastelok said an El Niño pattern could pull more moisture into Southern California in fall and winter, potentially holding back the fire season. But its biggest effect would probably be felt next year as it dampens soils and spurs new growth once again.

The main concern for this year is the timing of the dryness, he said. In fact, the wet start to January could simply push the beginning of fire season later.

“What we notice is at higher elevations, these kind of wet, snowy rushes tend to delay the fire season – it tends to get put off until later-than-normal time periods, probably toward the fall,” Pastelok said. “Whereas the lower

Shooter

From Page A5

As he passed his home on Manor Way, Tran said, he took his dog inside, grabbed his gun and continued tailing the suspect. When the man stopped at a bus stop, Tran said he walked past him and went to a phone booth, from which he called police.

Asked what he intended to do with the revolver, Tran said he “took the gun for protection,” according to the report. He was booked at the city jail on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon, but there is no record of him being charged with the offense. It is unclear from the police report whether Tran legally owned the gun.

The day after Christmas in 1992, Tran called San Gabriel police and claimed he was being threatened. Officer C.E. Gray went to his home on Manor Way to take a report.

sionally bad-faith negotiations, interspersed with periods of violence from both sides, have only achieved a modicum of sovereignty for Palestinians while Israel continued to permit tens of thousands of Jewish settlers to move into West Bank lands claimed by the Palestinians. The heavily guarded Israeli settlements have effectively made creating a contiguous state next to impossible.

“The two-state solution was killed by the Israelis,” Ali said. “I know (Blinken) knows it’s not working. . . .

I look for the American government to take a stand and say it has been killed by Israel.”

Ali was born in this affluent village near Ramallah, heavily populated with Palestinian Americans, and lived in the United States more than half her life. She holds a U.S. passport, but because of her Palestinian birth is barred from using Israel’s airport and suffers other indignities, she said.

Opinion polls have shown support for the two-state vision declining steadily among Palestinians, reflecting frustration and a sense that a viable state will never happen.

Instead, many Palestinians now support the so-called one-state solution, a single country with both Israelis and Palestinians but, importantly, one with equal rights for both communities. At the same time, a majority doubts Israel

elevations, it really doesn’t matter much. The soils will dry out quickly, the dry fuels will come on strong as long as there’s no interruptions.”

Last year’s season also proved how unpredictable fire in the West can be. The state started the year with record dryness, and all signs were pointing to another bad season. Droughtdriven fire seasons in 2020 and 2021 broke records, burning 4.4 million and 2.6 million acres, respectively.

That forecast largely failed to manifest in 2022, with the year delivering one of the weaker seasons in recent memory, 364,000 acres.

That was thanks largely to some well-timed rains that helped dampen burgeoning blazes, as well as a lack of “trigger mechanisms” such as lightning storms and strong wind events, Pastelok said.

Foxworthy, of Cal Fire, said such unpredictability speaks to the challenges of forecasting, especially so early in the year.

“We’re optimistic because all the fuels are going to have more moisture in them, but I can’t say one way or the other because we don’t know what’s going to happen from this point until summer,” he said.

would ever grant such liberties to Palestinians.

One set of calculations behind that scenario suggests the higher Palestinian birthrate would eventually mean Palestinians would outnumber Israeli Jews. Failure to give the majority full rights would, in theory, be untenable, but so would the ability to maintain Israel’s identity as a Jewish and democratic state.

The latest poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, conducted in December and released last week, showed support for a two-state solution that had been at roughly 43% for both Palestinians and Israelis in 2020 had fallen to 33% among Palestinians and 34% among Israelis.

It was the lowest level of support for the concept among Palestinians and Israelis since the poll was first conducted in June 2016, the head of the center, Khalil Shikaki, said in a statement announcing the survey.

“The hardening of attitudes is driven by deep concerns about the ultimate goals of the other side,” he said. “Indeed, perceptions of the other have worsened significantly since mid-2017 and are currently at a low point, with the two sides a mirror image of one another.”

After his meeting with Blinken, Abbas also blamed Israel for destroying the two-state solution and for stoking violence in the West Bank. But he said he was willing to work with the United States to open dialogue and “end the occupation.”

Standing with Abbas at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah to read statements before the press, Blinken said improvements in the living conditions, prosperity and peace for Palestinians were “best realized” by a two-state solution.

But he also acknowledged the deteriorating possibilities.

“What we are seeing is a shrinking horizon for hope, not an expanding one,” he said. “And that has to change.”

Blinken said he was assigning two senior staff members with extensive experience in the Middle East, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf and Special Representative for Palestinian Affairs Hamy Amr, to stay behind and continue work on defusing tensions and other problems. Though Blinken said the effort would build on ideas he and officials had come up with on the trip, the move might also reflect a lack of progress on such stubborn issues.

Tran told the officer he’d met a woman about four months earlier at a Tokai restaurant and had been “dating her occasionally since then,” Gray wrote. She had recently confided in Tran that she was married but seeking a divorce.

Tran said he received a phone call from the sister of the woman’s husband. The sister-in-law, he said, told him she’d recently come to California from Taiwan and belonged to an unspecified Taiwanese gang. The woman said that if he kept seeing her brother’s wife, she would have one of her “buddies” kill him, Tran claimed.

Tran, who reported working as a selfemployed carpet cleaner, told police he got another call from a man who asked him to come “immediately” to clean the carpets in his Torrance home. Knowing that both the husband and sister-inlaw of the woman he was dating lived in Torrance, Tran thought it could be a setup, and he told the caller he didn’t work in the evening, he told police.

“I just want you to come here tonight,” Tran recalled the man saying.

Three weeks after making the report, Tran

contacted the police again and said that morning he’d found 49 shotgun shells on his front lawn. He claimed a relative of the woman he was dating had left the ammunition to “scare” him, the report says.

Tran agreed to place a recording device on his home line, but after it failed to work because of an unspecified malfunction, he told police “he did not want prosecution,” an officer wrote, “but only to make the police department aware of the situation in case something happened to him.”

When the officer called the husband of the woman Tran had been dating, the man, whose name is redacted, said he had never called Tran, much less threatened him.

The man acknowledged having “marital problems” and was aware Tran and his wife had been “seeing each other when he leaves the country on business,” the report says. The man said it was not he who was calling Tran but the other way around: Tran, he said, had been calling his home phone “at all times of the night,” hoping his wife would pick up.

Noting there was no physical evidence to support Tran’s allegations, the officer closed the case.

Seven years later, Tran called San Gabriel police and said he was being threatened again, records show. He told the officer who responded to his house that, for the last nine months, he’d received “numerous” calls at home, the officer wrote in a report.

“[Tran] said the suspect does not say anything when he answers the phone and has no idea who the suspect is,” the officer wrote, signing off with “NFD” – no further details.

In the report, Tran’s occupation is listed as “dancing instructor / self-employed.”

Ronaldo Schemidt/Pool/AFP/Getty Images/TNS Secretary of State Antony Blinken, center, meets representatives of Palestinian civil society in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, Tuesday.

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DiCaprio will play cult leader Jones in film based on book

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

DALLAS — It’s something many authors dream about: writing a bestselling book and selling it to the movies. For Fort Worth-based Jeff Guinn, it just came true. His 2017 book, “The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple,” is heading to Hollywood, and Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio wants to play Jones. “I have been informed that an agreement has been made,” Guinn says.

DiCaprio and Guinn each served as executive producers of “Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle,” a documentary series that

aired in 2018. “I’m just so pleased that he liked the Jim Jones book enough that he wanted to do the documentary but that he also feels it should be a straight motion picture,” Guinn says. “I am very pleased that he thought enough of the book that he wanted it to be the source material.”

The movie has been optioned by MGM for DiCaprio, according to Guinn’s literary agent, Jim Donovan. No one knows yet when shooting will begin or the film will be released. Scott Rosenberg has been chosen to write the adapted screenplay and is working on it now, Donovan says.

Brian Crane

Zits

Pearls Before Swine Stephan Pastis

Dilbert Scott Adams

Baby Blues Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott

Baldo Hector Cantú

Crime logs

FairField

SUNDAY, JAN. 29

12:41 a.m. — Reckless driver, JACKSON STREET

1:16 a.m. — Sexual assault, 1800 block of SAN JUAN COURT

2:11 a.m. — Battery, 1200 block of B. GALE WILSON BOULEVARD

7:26 a.m. — Sexual assault, 1800 block of SAN JUAN COURT

9:36 a.m. — Grand theft, 2200

block of GATEWAY COURT

10 a.m. — Reckless driver, EASTBOUND INTERSTATE 80

10:17 a.m. — Hit-and-run property damage, 2200 block of DORSET COURT

10:41 a.m. — Fight with a weapon, 800 block of EAST

TRAVIS BOULEVARD

10:54 a.m. — Vehicle burglary, 1400 block of MARIPOSA WAY

11:14 a.m. — Vandalism, 1300

block of GATEWAY BOULEVARD

11:33 a.m. — Vandalism, 800

block of FIFTH STREET

1:15 p.m. — Vehicle theft, 5000 block of SOPRANO CIRCLE

2:33 p.m. — Vandalism, 2200

block of NORTH TEXAS STREET

4:47 p.m. — Fight with a weapon, 500 block of MOUN -

TAIN MEADOWS COURT

5:20 p.m. — Hit-and-run property

damage, 2000 block of

CADENASSO DRIVE

5:30 p.m. — Vandalism, 2200

block of NORTH TEXAS STREET

5:46 p.m. — Grand theft, 1900

block of NORTH TEXAS STREET

6:28 p.m. — Grand theft, 1300 block of TRAVIS BOULEVARD

8:21 p.m. — Battery, 1300 block of TRAVIS BOULEVARD

9:13 p.m. — Battery, 2400 block of ROYAL COURT

9:14 p.m. — Hit-and-run property damage, 2100 block of NORTH TEXAS STREET

9:30 p.m. — Vandalism, 500

block of EAST COLORADO STREET

10:29 p.m. — Trespassing, 300

block of CHADBOURNE ROAD

10:50 p.m. — Battery, 1400

block of UNION AVENUE

MONDAY, JAN. 30

6:06 a.m. — Vehicle theft, 200

block of EAST TABOR AVENUE

6:21 a.m. — Shots fired, 5300

block of VENUS DRIVE

Police Department was making under former Chief Deanna Cantrell, but with the change of command, has not heard yet whether new Chief Dan Marshall is continuing with Cantrell’s plan or has his own ideas on the matter.

Either way, Gibson said, Tri-City NAACP wants to be involved.

There have been a number of videos released showing the Nichols incident, which starts with him being pulled from the car, and while on the ground under the control of two officers, it appears he was “pepper-sprayed” in the face. Nichols is able to get up and begins to run away

7:19 a.m. — Hit-and-run property damage, 1200 block of ILLINOIS

SuiSun

current rules for dealing with the shortage.

Federal officials told the region’s water managers at a mid-December conference that they would weigh immediate options to protect water levels in depleted reservoirs this year, and that the region must be prepared for the river to permanently yield less water because of climate change. Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the country’s two largest reservoirs, are now about three-fourths empty. The river, which supplies cities, farming areas and tribal nations from Wyoming to the U.S.-Mexico border, has been pushed to a breaking point by chronic overuse, years of drought and global warming.

Nevada presented a proposal to the federal government last month that, among various measures, included starting to account for the water lost to evaporation from reservoirs and along the river in the three Lower Basin states of California, Arizona and Nevada. But the latest talks in Denver last week ended with the states still at an impasse, said Bart Fisher, president of California’s Palo Verde Irrigation District board.

“It’s become combative and adversarial, rather than collaborative toward a consensus,” Fisher said. “Nobody wants their own ox to be gored. And so it’s become, everyone’s backed into their respective corners, and focused on the largest target, which is California.”

only to be caught, knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked and struck by a baton.

When Nichols gets to his feet, and while being held by two officers, the videos show another officer repeatedly punching him in the head until he collapses. It took nearly 30 minutes for an ambulance to arrive to the scene.

The force used during the incident was described by a top Memphis police official as “heinous, reckless and inhumane.”

Five officers, who were fired from the department, have been arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder. Other officers are under investigation, Memphis police have said. Police assert that Nichols swerved his car toward theirs initially.

Fisher and other California officials said they were working on a proposal that they planned to submit to the federal government. Farm landowners in the Imperial Valley, who hold senior water rights and use the single-largest share of the river’s supply, have said they are willing to cut

back in exchange for compensation. But they argue the water-rights priority system should be upheld and respected, and that those with junior water rights, such as Arizona’s cities, should be in line for larger cuts first.

“Other states are trying to advantage themselves by urging the federal government to disregard existing law and perform some reallocation of the river that would benefit themselves, as an alternative to collaborating toward a common consensus,” Fisher said.

“In the situation that we face today, of course, the river is overallocated. We must adjust demand to fit supply.”

Federal officials in June called for the seven states to come up with plans to drastically reduce water diversions by 2 million to 4 million acrefeet per year, a reduction of roughly 15% to 25%. But negotiations among the states grew tense and acrimonious and didn’t produce a deal.

In October, the Biden administration announced plans to revise the current rules for dealing with shortages and pursue a new agreement to achieve larger reductions in water use. Interior Department officials have said they will consider alternatives for reductions in their review and may need to significantly reduce the amount of water released from Glen Canyon Dam, where levels have been sinking closer to a point at which the dam could no longer generate power.

So far, four California water districts – the Imperial Irrigation District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Palo Verde Irrigation District and Coachella Valley Water District – have proposed to reduce water use by up to 400,000 acre-feet per year. That would amount to about 9% of the state’s total water allotment from the river for the next four years, through 2026.

But politicians and officials in other states have called for California water

ronmental agencies are involved as well as the state Regional Water Quality Control Board in San Francisco.

The county issued a Proposition 65 notification under the state Health and Safety Code in May 2022. At the time, the county regarded the public and environmental risks as low.

However, Ambrose said the county is not actively involved in the investigation. He said state and federal envi-

agencies to make larger reductions.

Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., directed strong words at California while urging the Bureau of Reclamation to consider the six-state proposal.

“The depletion of the Colorado River is a slow-moving natural disaster – one that threatens the livelihoods of 40 million people across seven basin states,” Stanton said. “While many of the states have worked together to reach an agreement that works for everyone, California refuses to do its part.”

Stanton urged the federal government to act, saying, “We cannot wait any longer.”

Officials representing the six states said their proposal would help protect water deliveries and hydropower production, and would reduce the risks of reservoirs declining to “dead pool,” a point at which water would no longer flow downstream.

The proposal outlines reductions for Arizona, California and Nevada beyond those the three states have agreed to previously. It calls for accounting for more than 1.5 million acre-feet of water losses, primarily caused by evaporation.

The proposal also calls for implementing various efforts in the four Upper Basin states – Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico – including “additional voluntary conservation measures.”

This approach “appropriately distributes the burden” across the Colorado River Basin, said Becky Mitchell, director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

Brenda Burman, general manager of the Central Arizona Project, said the region needs to move on a “path forward to lay the groundwork for finding durable long-term solutions.”

“We have a lot more to do and this is a critical next step,” Burman said.

Adel Hagekhalil, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District, said California water

through its Public Affairs Office stated.

managers have worked with their counterparts over the past two months to “produce a consensusbased alternative.”

“While we were not able to reach agreement among all seven states on an alternative,” Hagekhalil said, “we were in agreement on the reductions that need to be modeled.”

He said the main stumbling block was “requiring the cuts to be allocated and assigned . . . prematurely, prior to the modeling results.”

“California recognized many years ago the impacts that climate change would have on this important water supply and has made significant investments to be more efficient,” he said.

The task of reaching an agreement is complicated by the need to manage the currently depleted reservoirs while also preparing to negotiate long-term rules for after 2026, when the guidelines expire, said Elizabeth Koebele, an associate professor of political science at the University of Nevada, Reno.

“I think states haven’t wanted to say, ‘We’ll give up X amount of water,’ and show their cards on that, because my hunch is that that sort of sets the precedent for what they might be able to give up post-2026,” Koebele said.

“That makes this so challenging, because we’re trying to kind of put out the fire as we’re also thinking about long-term sustainability.”

While the Bureau of Reclamation is unlikely to adopt the six-state proposal, which almost certainly would mean litigation from California, Koebele said that doesn’t mean the plan is worthless. She said it’s both strategic and substantive.

“It puts hard numbers on what the other basin states expect California to cut, which is frankly a lot of water right away,” Koebele said. “It puts the ball in California’s court to respond.”

“As a result of our routine testing, mitigation efforts and partnerships with local and state environmental agencies, we are highly confident that there is no current threat to public health. There is also no evidence to support that the sheen is impacting any environmental resources off base,” a statement released Friday by Travis

Travis has contracted with US Ecology, a Republic Services company, to help mitigate the issue and to remove weeds and debris at the outfall sites that may have been coated by the fuel.

Outfall No. 4, where drainoff from that area of the base goes into the creek, is where the sheen was first observed and where the mitigation efforts are taking place.

The mitigation efforts include daily checks of the

system,” he said.

site, regular testing and the installation of spill socks, spill pads, containment booms and a skimmer, which is turned on each day, Travis officials have reported.

“The exact source of the sheen is currently under investigation. Due to constant monitoring, testing and mitigation efforts, we are highly confident that there is no threat to public health,” Travis stated.

The creek flows toward Hill Slough, which dumps into Suisun Slough.

it’s the virus itself (exacerbating other health problems) or whether it’s other factors related to the pandemic, it’s hard to know for sure.”

While the reasons might be complex, you don’t need a fancy formula to see that more people than normal are dying.

In California, those excess deaths started early in 2020, and – except for a few weeks – have continued the last three years to exceed the upper limit of what was expected, based on historical trends.

California’s deadliest week in the past six years was the first week of 2021, when 11,908 people died in the Golden State. Covid was responsible for 4,858 of those deaths, according to the state health department. But that left an additional 7,050 people dying from other causes.

During that week, ending Jan. 8, 2021, the number of reported deaths was nearly double the number of expected

deaths, according to estimates published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even if you subtract the record-high official Covid deaths, more people died in California that week than even the deadliest week in the three years before 2020.

Overall, the data show that when Covid deaths have peaked in the past three years, so have other deaths. And while the number of deaths was lower in 2022 than in 2021, there are more non-Covid “excess” deaths now than early in the pandemic.

This pattern of continued excess deaths is happening around the country, not just in California.

Each faction in the grand Covid debates has its explanation: the Covidcautious say the true toll of the virus is undercounted; others think lockdowns have played the biggest role, disrupting the psycho-social fabric with a parallel epidemic of loneliness and isolation; still others blame delayed medical care. Many are concerned the health care

system has been stretched too thin by years of continued crises.

Dr. Monica Gandhi, a professor of medicine at UC San Francisco, thinks the negative impacts of early lockdowns and large-scale social distancing efforts like work-from-home are an overlooked contributor to recent increases in mortality – especially in places like the Bay Area, where lockdowns were long and strict, compared to other parts of the country.

But she also points to the pandemic causing massive disruptions in our health care system. “I had a lot of patients who were scared of coming in,” Gandhi said. Now she is seeing many patients who waited too long to seek care, and are having worse outcomes.

Dr. John Swartzberg, clinical professor emeritus of infectious diseases and vaccinology at UCBerkeley’s School of Public Health, agrees that some people may be dying now because they avoided medical care during the pandemic. “But there’s also the piece about Covid having had a profound effect on our health care

“The workforce . . . has declined considerably,” he said, raising a quiet concern from the field that outcomes at hospitals might not be as good now. Simply put, there are fewer health workers and more patients. “They don’t have the same resources they had before Covid.”

Swartzberg thinks there is also merit to the argument that some of the long-term effects of Covid are not being counted in the virus’s official toll.

Anderson acknowledges some Covid deaths might not get labeled as such. “The reason why it gets so complicated is that Covid can result in circulatory complications, it can complicate diabetes, it can also result in neurological complications,” he said.

For example, a study published last year in Nature Medicine used data from the Department of Veterans Affairs and found an increased risk of cardiovascular disease for those who had been diagnosed with Covid, compared to those who had not.

We are also seeing more “diseases of despair,”

Gandhi said, like suicide, homicide and overdoses since the pandemic began. Then there’s the overdose problem.

Statewide the California Department of Justice said 5,502 people died of opioid overdoses in California in 2020, a marked increase as fentanyl overdoses have exploded in recent years. More young people have been dying too, and fentanyl is a major contributor, now behind 1 out of every 5 youth deaths.

San Francisco notably saw more overdoses in the past three years than Covid deaths in the same period, but the city has had unusually low Covid deaths and unusually high overdose deaths in that time period, compared to the rest of the state.

Before 2020, periods of excess deaths were relatively infrequent and typically an indicator of bad flu seasons, Anderson said. What’s happening now is unprecedented in modern times.

“It’s complex,” Anderson said. “I think that that’s the important message. There is no easy explanation.”

Officials: 2 monkeys taken from Dallas Zoo found alive

ConTenT AgenCy

Tribune

DALLAS — The Dallas Zoo has confirmed that two emperor tamarin monkeys taken from their enclosure Monday were found alive in a home in Lancaster on Tuesday.

Zoo spokeswoman Kari Streiber said Dallas police called the zoo to come secure and transport them back to the grounds, where they were to be evaluated by veterinarians.

They will provide an update Wednesday on social media, Streiber said.

The announcement came hours after police asked for the public’s help identifying a man believed to have information about the monkeys. The department shared surveillance images of a man and said detectives were looking to speak with him, but added that “he is not a person of interest currently.”

Police said Tuesday evening that they received a tip the monkeys might be in an abandoned home in Lancaster, and they found the monkeys in a closet at that location. It was unclear whether anyone was in custody in connection with the case; police said they were continuing to investigate.

Dan Ashe, president of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, a group that accredits zoos, said the organization “continues to maintain utmost confidence” in the Dallas Zoo’s staff and that the zoo’s accreditation was not at risk.

“Dallas Zoo and its animals are victims of acts, presumably intended to take animals for personal reasons, or worse, to be trafficked,” Ashe

said in a written statement. “AZA and its entire member community stand squarely with Dallas Zoo and condemn these acts of violence against the zoo, its animals, and the entire Dallas community.”

The two monkeys were unaccounted for in their habitat Monday morning, and Streiber said it was immediately “clear the habitat had been intentionally compromised.”

According to police, the habitat had been cut.

“We looked as much as we could out in the cold and we were hoping that maybe we’d find them, but it became pretty appar-

ent to us just by looking at what they’d done that this was motivated to try to steal the animals,” Dallas Zoo president and CEO Gregg Hudson said.

Harrison Edell, the zoo’s executive vice president for animal care and conservation, said the incident was “offensive to the core.”

“It feels like a personal attack because it is your extended family and someone just took them away,” he said.

The zoo was closed Monday and Tuesday because of inclement weather and isn’t expected to reopen until Thursday.

Death toll from Pakistan’s mosque bombing rises to 100

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

ISLAMABAD — The death toll from a suicide bombing at a crowded mosque that targeted police in the Pakistani city of Peshawar has risen to 100, officials said on Tuesday.

Some 221 others were wounded in Monday’s attack on the mosque, which sits inside a highsecurity zone next to a police headquarters.

At least 10 bodies were recovered from the rubble of the mosque’s collapsed wall and roof overnight.

Local police official Ayaz Khan said the major-

ity of the victims belonged to the police force, including clerical staff.

As funeral prayers were being offered for the dead, an inquiry was investigating how the multi-layered security infrastructure at the site was breached.

“It was no less than an attack on Pakistan,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said of the bombing, which was one of the country’s deadliest in years.

The outlawed Tehreeke-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or Pakistani Taliban, distanced itself from the attack but one of its splinter factions claimed responsibility.

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Sean Payton is on verge of becoming Broncos’ coach B2

Vacaville’s Gonsolin re-signs with Dodgers

The Dodgers won’t have any arbitration hearings this offseason after all.

On Tuesday, the team announced it had agreed to terms with pitcher Tony Gonsolin on a two-year contract worth $6.65 million plus significant escalators, thus avoiding an arbitration hearing.

Of the Dodgers’ 10 arbitration-eligible players this winter, the Vacaville native was the only one who failed

to settle with the team on a salary for 2023 ahead of a mid-January deadline.

Instead, Gonsolin filed at $3.4 million while the Dodgers filed at $3 million.

Typically, the Dodgers are a “file and trial” team, meaning they don’t continue negotiations after the filing deadline while awaiting an arbitration hearing. They have, however, made exceptions for multi-year contracts. And this year, Gonsolin became the latest example.

Gonsolin had a breakout performance in 2022, earning his first All-Star selection while going 16-1 with a 2.14 ERA, by far the best season of his four-year career. He helped anchor the rotation while Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler battled injuries. He spent much of the summer near the top of the major league ERA leaderboard. And he looked primed to play a key role in the team’s post-

season plans. But the right-hander suffered a forearm strain in late August that limited him to just one more regular season start and hampering him during a brief outing in Game 3 of the National League Division Series. Still, as they went through the arbitration process — Gonsolin’s first after he qualified as a “Super Two” player, giving him four years of arbitration eligibility

instead of the customary three – the pitcher and the team weren’t far apart and ultimately settled in the middle for a 2023 salary of $3.25 million, according to people with knowledge of the situation unauthorized to speak publicly. In 2024, Gonsolin’s base salary will be $3.4 million but includes escalators based off the number of starts he makes in 2023 that could increase his total earnings to more than $6 million, according

Rough opening day doubleheader as Solano softball defeated twice

ROCKVILLE — Two losses on opening day can leave a bitter taste in the mouth, but Solano Community College head coach Taryn Sigl knows it’s just the beginning to a long softball season ahead for her Falcons.

Solano was held to just two hits in the opener and fell to visiting Cosumnes River 8-0 in five innings. The Falcons delivered much more offensive production in Game 2, but misplayed balls and big hits by the visitor

resulted in an 11-6 loss in seven innings.

“We came back fighting in that second game,” Sigl said. “I see the drive and I think we’re only going to progress from here. We have a lot of room to grow but we’ll get there.”

Mia Valenzuela and Maddy Bruce had singles in the first game. Cosumnes River, meanwhile, was scoring three runs in the first inning, four in the third and one more in the fourth. The game was called with an eight-run difference through five innings by

the collegiate softball mercy rule.

Bianca Belo-Diaz had a hit and a run scored in the second game for the Falcons. Valenzuela singled twice and scored a run. Naiya Watts had a hit and delivered an RBI. Alexis Wright also doubled and scored a run.

The Falcons were able to score a run in the first inning, one in the third, two in the fourth and two in the fifth. But they couldn’t keep Cosumnes River from notching double-digit runs.

“You could definitely

see the nerves,” Sigl said of her team. “We knew they were going to be a good team. We have tomorrow and Thursday to get ready for our next games.”

Solano is coming off a 16-22 overall record in 2022 and still managed to win the Bay Valley Conference championship with a 10-2 record. Many of the same leading sophomores return to this year’s lineup.

The Falcons will be home Friday for a doubleheader beginning at noon against Lassen.

Report: 49ers’ DC DeMeco Ryans agrees to become Texans’ head coach

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

The 49ers are in the market for a new defensive coordinator.

DeMeco Ryans, who took over the 49ers’ defense under Kyle Shanahan in 2021, reportedly agreed to become the head coach of the Houston Texans on Tuesday — which means there will be a new coach running the defense for the third time in four seasons.

The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Texans have not yet announced the deal, which reportedly lasts six years.

Ryans, 38, coordinated the NFL’s top-ranked defense in 2022, with the 49ers giving up just

300.6 yards per game and 16.3 points per game. Those figures came after a 2021 season when the 49ers finished third in total defense (310.0) yards per game and ninth in

scoring defense (21.5).

After joining Shanahan’s staff in 2017 as a quality control coach, Ryans was elevated to linebackers coach from 2018-20 under coordinator

Robert Saleh. When Saleh was hired to become head coach of the New York Jets, Shanahan promoted Ryans to run the defense. Ryans wore his emotions on his sleeve in pushing and prodding a talented defense.

“I’m emotionally involved because I’m excited when these guys make plays,” Ryans said last week. “I know how much effort, time and sacrifice these players put in. And when we go out there Sunday, the whole world gets to see that. Football is meant to be fun.”

A second-round draft pick out of Alabama in 2005, Ryans played for the Houston Texans from 2006 through 2011 and the

to a person with knowledge of the situation. The Dodgers struck a similar deal with Buehler in 2021 after he had also reached arbitration a year early as a Super Two player.

With Buehler likely to miss 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Dodgers are banking on Gonsolin.

After Tuesday, they now know how much they’ll owe him the next couple of seasons, as well.

Gymnasts come up big for colleges at recent meets

M att Miller MMILLER@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD —

Alumni from the Dream Xtreme Gymnastics Center in Vacaville had a strong week on the collegiate level, and some competed against each other in Northern California meets.

Junior Jaudai Lopes (Buckingham) won the vault title (9.850) and the allaround (39.125) for San Jose State. The Spartans hosted a tri-meet that featured Sacramento State and the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. Neveah DeSouza (Fairfield) and Maddie Williams (Vacaville) helped Cal defeat rival Stanford. DeSouza tied for second in the vault (9.825), finished second on the balance beam (9.90) and third on the uneven bars (9.900). Williams was second in the all-around (49.475), tied for first on the uneven

bars (9.950) and was third on the balance beam (9.875). Freshman Ariana DeSouza (Vacaville) had the second-best scores on the floor (9.650) and beam (9.675) and was thirdbest on the vault (9.475) for Alaska-Anchorage in a win at Sacramento State. Freshman Madelyn Gomez (Dixon) was first in the vault (9.675) for Alaska-Anchorage at a tri-meet at UC Davis that included Air Force. The Seawolves finished second to the Aggies. Senior Thea Michovsky (Napa) was second on the uneven bars (9.850) and freshman Amelia Moneymaker (Del Oro) was second in her home debut in the floor exercise (9.850) for UC Davis at the trimeet the Aggies won against Alaska-Anchorage and Air Force.

Pebble Beach Pro-Am counts on its celebrities

ron K roichicK SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

Rory McIlroy made birdie on the final hole Monday to edge Patrick Reed in Dubai, in a tournament rife with conflict and controversy. Max Homa surged past Jon Rahm and Collin Morikawa, among other top players, to take the PGA Tour event Sunday in San Diego.

Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson used to reliably make the mid-winter trip to the Monterey Peninsula, becoming the tourpro faces of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am over the past 15 years.

None of those players are coming to Pebble this week.

Let’s be honest: The professional field for this AT&T is woefully short on big names, in part because of the lingering feud between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The

only top 20 players at Pebble, according to the latest world ranking, are Patrick Cantlay (No. 5), Matthew Fitzpatrick (10) and Jordan Spieth (16). And of those three, only Spieth resonates with casual fans.

So the tournament’s totally transparent strategy: Celebrities, celebrities, more celebrities.

The 2023 edition will severely test Bing Crosby’s unique concept. He long ago launched the “Clambake” as an uncommon way for the sports and entertainment worlds to mingle, decades before Greg Normangrabbed piles of shady Saudi Arabian cash and upended the game.

Top golfers always showed up over the years – witness Mickelson’s five wins and Tiger Woods’ stirring charge to victory in 2000 – but

Jerry McDonalD

Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group/TNS

San Francisco defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans talks with Jimmie Ward (1) of the 49ers in the third quarter of their NFC divisional-round playoff game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Sunday.

ALUMNI UPDATE

Aaron Rosenblatt/Daily Republic

SCC’s Mia Valenzuela fields a line drive during the second game of the softball doubleheader against Cosumnes River at Solano College in Fairfield, Tuesday. The Falcons lost both games on opening day. See

Scoreboard

Wednesday’s TV sports

Basketball College Men

• Tennessee at Florida, ESPN2, 4 p.m.

• Oklahoma State at Oklahoma, ESPN2, 6 p.m.

NBA • Brooklyn at Boston, ESPN, 4:30 p.m.

• Atlanta at Phoenix, ESPN, 7 p.m.

• Golden State at Minnesota, NBCSBA (Fairfield and Suisun CIty), 5 p.m.

• Sacramento at San Antonio, NBCSCA (Vacaville and Rio Vista), 5 p.m.

Hockey NHL

• Carolina at Buffalo, TNT, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday’s TV sports

Basketball College Men

• Michigan at Northwestern, ESPN2, 4 p.m.

• Houston at Wichita State, ESPN2, 6 p.m.

• Oregon at Arizona, ESPN, 7:30 p.m. College Women

• Maryland at Iowa, ESPN, 5:30 p.m.

NBA Memphis at Cleveland, TNT, 4:30 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Milwaukee, TNT, 7 p.m. Golden State at Denver, NBCSBA (Fairfield and Suisun City), 6 p.m.

Football NFL Pro Bowl Skills Showdown, ESPN, 4 p.m.

Golf PGA

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, GOLF, Noon.

Sean Payton likely headed to Denver

paRkeR GabRiel

THE DENVER POST

DENVER — The Broncos are close to finalizing a deal with the New Orleans that will put former Saints head coach Sean Payton in line to be their next head coach, multiple sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Post on Tuesday afternoon.

The Broncos are sending New Orleans this year’s first-round pick and a 2024 secondround pick for Payton and New Orleans’ 2024 third-rounder, the sources confirmed.

Payton’s impending hire as the 19th full-time

head coach in Denver’s history represents a seismic move in the NFL’s coaching landscape.

In order to negotiate a contract with Payton, who is under contract with the Saints through 2024, Denver must first agree to trade terms with the Saints. ESPN reported the Broncos and New Orleans have discussed two trade packages with New Orleans, one built around their 2023 firstround pick and another around their 2024 firstround pick.

Payton interviewed with Broncos CEO Greg Penner, general

See Payton, Page B10

Vanden JV boys notch decisive basketball win

Daily Republic Staff

DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — The Vanden High School junior varsity boys basketball team earned a 72-35 win Monday night over visiting Will C. Wood.

DJ Brown scored 15 points and Elijah Smith

had 11. Vanden improved to 5-1 in the Monticello Empire League and 13-7 overall.

No information was made available for Will C. Wood.

Vanden was scheduled to play Tuesday night at Fairfield.

HOCKEY

Super Bowl LVII will feature Andy Reid reunion and battle of brothers

Sam faRmeR LOS ANGELES TIMES

The slogan is on T-shirts and hats, banners and balloons.

“It’s a Philly thing.”

That’s the cryptic playoff mantra for these Philadelphia Eagles, and it’s working pretty well so far – the team is heading to its second Super Bowl in six seasons, this time against the Kansas City Chiefs. “This is something you dream about your whole life,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said in the aftermath of a victory over San Francisco in the NFC championship game. “Like I said to the guys: We’ve all been dreaming about it, whether you were dreaming about it when you were 2, 10, 14, 18 or when you got in the NFL.”

The game Feb. 12 in Glendale, Ariz., reunites Chiefs coach Andy Reid and the Philadelphia franchise he coached for 14 seasons.

The last time these teams played each other was in October 2021, when Kansas City won 42-30 in Philadelphia with Patrick Mahomes throwing five touchdown passes.

It was a landmark win for Reid, his 100th with the Chiefs. He therefore

became the first coach in NFL history to win at least 100 games apiece with two franchises, having won a club-record 140 with the Eagles.

Philadelphia put up a fight in that game, with Jalen Hurts throwing for 387 yards and two touchdowns. But three other would-be touchdowns were wiped out by penalties, meaning the Eagles had to settle for field goals three times in the red zone.

Seeding was introduced in the NFL playoffs in 1975, and this is the 13th time since then that the league’s final game pits teams seeded No. 1 in their respective conferences.

This marks the first

time brothers will play against each other in the Super Bowl — Philadelphia center Jason Kelce and his younger brother, Travis, star tight end for the Chiefs. However, a pair of brothers have squared off in the Super Bowl: In Super Bowl XLVII, Baltimore coach John Harbaugh led the Ravens to a victory over his younger brother, Jim, who coached San Francisco.

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie hired Reid and Sirianni out of relative obscurity. Those coaches briefly crossed paths in Kansas City in 2013 when Reid became the head coach and Sirianni was part of the previous

regime, as wide receivers coach under then-head coach Romeo Crennel.

So Reid actually showed the future Eagles coach the door, although Sirianni later said the seasoned coach was kind about it.

“Coach Reid was charged with the task of telling me I wasn’t working there anymore,” Sirianni recalled later.

“So, you know, but he was awesome. It was actually an awesome conversation I had with him. And I really respected the fact that he took time to meet with me, tell me what he had heard about me.”

Reid’s staff in Kansas City is loaded with coaches he worked with in Philadelphia, among them special teams coordinator Dave Toub, running backs coach Greg Lewis, tight ends coach Tom Melvin, trainer Rick Burkholder, and former Eagles running back Eric Bieniemy, now in his fifth season as Kansas City’s offensive coordinator.

The last six times the Eagles and Chiefs have played, Reid has emerged victorious.

He has beaten the Eagles three times as coach of the Chiefs.

And the three consecutive wins before that?

It’s a Philly thing.

Ravens backup QB named Pro Bowl replacement

tRibune content aGency

BALTIMORE — Tyler Huntley, who played in six games for the Ravens this season filling in for injured quarterback Lamar Jackson, has been

named to the Pro Bowl roster as a replacement for injured Buffalo Bills starter Josh Allen. The AFC roster initially included three quarterbacks: Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs,

Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals and Allen. However, with Mahomes preparing for the Super Bowl and Allen sitting out, two alternates were added to the roster.

Burrow will be joined

by Huntley and Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Players are selected through a combination of votes from players, fans and coaches. This year it will be flag football.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/TNS

Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs holds up the Lamar Hunt Trophy after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Sunday.

US Senate race starts game of musical chairs

Remember the game of musical chairs?

A group of chairs is assembled and the players – one more than the number of chairs – march around them as music plays. When the music stops, the players scramble to sit in the chairs and the player who can’t find one is out of the game. One chair is removed and the game continues until there’s just one chair and one winner.

It’s an amusing game when played by children. It can be downright violent, essentially a brawl, when adults play, particularly after they’ve been drinking.

A multiple-level political version of the game is emerging in California as at least three members of the state’s congressional delegation launch 2024 campaigns for Dianne Feinstein’s seat in the U.S. Senate, on the probably accurate assumption she will retire after occupying it for three decades.

Dan Walters

Two Democrats from Southern California, Orange County’s Katie Porter and Adam Schiff of Los Angeles, have announced and Oakland’s Barbara Lee hasn’t made it official yet but has told supporters she’s planning to run.

Other ambitious politicians could join the field once the 89-year-old Feinstein announces, as expected, that she’ll retire. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Attorney General Rob Bonta and Health and Welfare Secretary Xavier Becerra are among the less likely possibilities, as is Gov. Gavin Newsom.

However, Kounalakis, Bonta and Becerra are also potential candidates for the governorship in 2024, when Newsom will be forced out by term limits – assuming he hasn’t already segued into some other office by then.

The dynamics of a three-way Democratic duel for the Senate are complex, involving ideology, gender, geography, congressional records, age and, of course, money. It takes millions of dollars, and perhaps tens of millions, for a credible senatorial campaign in California and at the moment it’s uncertain which of the three is the presumptive frontrunner.

At the very least, having three congressional members running for the Senate means the outcome will be a career-ender for at least two of them.

Meanwhile, the prospect of having three open congressional seats touches off scrambles of their own, particularly among state legislators. Democrats will retain Schiff’s and Lee’s districts, but Porter barely won re-election in her Orange County district last year, so Republicans have a rare opportunity to pad their thin congressional ranks.

Porter has endorsed Democratic state Sen. Dave Min to succeed her in Congress but two other Democrats have also announced: Dom Jones, a contestant on. “The Amazing Race” reality TV show, and former Rep. Harley Rouda. Scott Baugh, a former Republican legislator who very nearly defeated Porter last year, will take another shot at the seat in a district that is rated a toss-up due to its voter registration (D-35.6%, R-33.9%) and past voting record.

Schiff’s announcement also generated a wavelet of would-be successors, including Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, termedout state Sen. Anthony Portantino, former Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer, Los Angeles school board member Nick Melvoin and actor Ben Savage.

The third tier of political musical games involves those who would succeed the state legislators who will be running for Congress next year. When state Sen. Dave Min declared for Congress, it was a relief for another Democratic senator, Josh Newman, because redistricting after the 2020 census had put both of them into one new Senate district. They may not be facing each other next year but Newman won’t have an uncontested re-election run because former Republican Assemblyman Steve Choi, who lost his seat in 2022 due redistricting changes, says he will seek the Senate seat.

The music is playing, so let the games begin.

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

Has tipping gotten out of control?

How many times have you had an awesome meal at your favorite restaurant, enjoyed the company of your dining companions, the ambience and service of your server and left a big tip?

If you’re like me, you enjoy leaving a large tip for excellent service at a restaurant.

So where did the tip jar come from?

When I’m picking up my coffee from your store’s counter, what exactly am I tipping for? I get it when I see an exhausted server juggling multiple tables, answering questions, making special trips to get requested items all the while being personable and professional. I want to tip that person. I want to exceed their expectations as they’ve exceeded mine.

But making me a drink and setting it on the counter in front of me warrants extra pay? I’m not just picking on coffee shops. Many places that previously didn’t encourage tipping now have the ubiquitous tip jar. Many fast casual restaurants have introduced electronic tipping at the point of sale. Most of us have grown up walking into a fast food restaurant, purchasing a meal and leaving. Now, those restaurants are recommending tipping.

Why are we now being encouraged to tip in these situations when the service hasn’t changed at all?

The root of the new tipping culture is the global pandemic. We told service workers they were “essential workers” but often treated them like they were expendable. Service workers worked long hours in unsafe conditions with customers frustrated by not being able to dine in, having to wear masks and adapt to a new world no one was prepared for. Customers grew more demanding and more rude.

But through this, tipping went up. Many Americans saw the hardship being placed on these workers and increased their gratuities. According to Square, one of the largest digital point of sale companies, tipping at full service restaurants grew 25% in 2022 and 17% at counter service restaurants.

Employers have always used tipping to keep wages low. Many customers resent being asked to make up for an employer’s low wages by tipping. They’d rather tip on good service as a gratuity rather than merely being a cog in a business’s scheme to maximize profits and

keep wages low.

Writing about tipping is inherently incendiary. If you complain about the increase of tip jars and coercive digital tipping expanding into businesses that never encouraged tipping before, you’re seen as a cheapskate. I’m of the belief that most people enjoy tipping on great service. (I recently used Walmart’s curbside pickup and wanted to tip but the store has a policy against it.) But there’s no joy in being coerced or shamed into tipping for services that didn’t previously encourage tipping.

Many new tipping protocols act as mere service fees and have nothing to do with gratuities. They function as an added tax that many resent, especially coming at a time of higher inflation. An anecdotal story I recently read had a patron being asked for a tip at an automated kiosk. Are we going to start tipping machines?

I will continue to tip for great service but when asked for a tip at a business with no history of tipping, you’ll get a sincere “thank you” and repeat business. That’s it. Peace. Kelvin Wade, a writer and former Fairfield resident, lives in Sacramento. Reach him at kelvinjwade@ outlook.com.

DeSantis can secure his lead among contenders

If Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis decides to enter the 2024 Republican presidential race, he almost certainly will do so after his state’s legislative session ends in early May. Until then, he should use that session to burnish his already formidable national identity by focusing on three areas of interest to GOP primary voters: immigration, education and abortion.

Immigration remains a hot-button issue, especially for conservatives. DeSantis has already highlighted his opposition to illegal immigration with his politically brilliant stunt over the summer of flying migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, a vacation mecca for elite liberals. Nonetheless, he would benefit from having something tangible to bring to the national stage to show he is even stronger and more successful than former president Donald Trump on the issue. He could do that by requiring Florida businesses to use E-Verify to check the employment eligibility of job applicants. Eight states already mandate the use of E-Verify, and DeSantis expanded Florida’s use of the system in 2021 when he signed a law requiring public employers and private employers who contract with them to use the system. But that law exempts purely private-sector employers, which hire the bulk of Florida’s workers. That means migrants who arrive in the Sunshine State illegally can still find plenty of jobs.

DeSantis would make national news and differentiate himself from Trump if he moved to close that loophole. Florida would be the largest state to require E-Verify if he were to succeed. Trump, on the other hand, has never made the idea a significant

component of his immigration policy, relying instead on his signature idea of building a wall on the Mexican border. Mandatory E-Verify, then, positions DeSantis to Trump’s right while promoting an approach to controlling illegal migration – American jobs for legal workers – that would be more palatable to moderates.

On education, DeSantis has done a good job promoting conservative school board candidates and generally battling against “woke” ideology in school curriculums. But again, he needs a signature education policy that can unite moderates and conservatives. Universal school choice could be that idea.

Many conservatives have abandoned their old emphasis on vouchers and instead embraced “education savings accounts.” That is somewhat of a misnomer as the idea does not involve savings at all. Instead, it allows the parent of any school-age child to use the state’s allocation for K-12 education however they want. That could mean pulling their child out of a public school and using the money for home schooling or tuition for private school. It could also be used for enrichment classes or other education-related expenses.

Four GOP-controlled states have enacted such a program since the pandemic, but none are as large or diverse as Florida. DeSantis could make himself the favorite of parents everywhere who want more options than the take-it-or-leave-it model that public schools afford.

Finally, there is abortion. This is a difficult issue to address for many Republicans, but DeSantis could take a novel stance by embracing modest reform to public sex-education classes. Florida currently does not mandate sex-ed instruction, but

it does provide certain requirements and guidelines for local districts that choose to teach it. DeSantis could begin to change the debate over abortion by moving to require all sex-education instruction include a thorough discussion of fetal development and its effect on the health of the mother.

This idea places facts at the center of a child’s understanding of the consequences of sex. They’ll learn, for example, that the heart and brain start to develop in the fifth week of pregnancy and that all the body’s organs are fully formed by the end of the 12th week. They’ll learn about morning sickness and what the mother can expect in each stage. None of this would be ideological; it would simply present clear, biological facts for those giving birth.

Adopting this approach would place DeSantis in the realm of someone who is pro-life but also temperate. Pro-lifers face a fundamental obstacle in their quest to outlaw abortion: Majorities of Americans do not see the unborn child as a human being deserving of legal protection until well into a woman’s pregnancy. Placing an emphasis on factual education rather than immediate legal prohibitions is the only way for the antiabortion movement to progress. DeSantis’ embrace of that principle would let him transcend the current, limited debate and make him a genuine national pro-life leader without alienating moderates.

DeSantis will surely push for other, less-striking accomplishments during the next few months. Focusing on these three would give him something most aspiring candidates can only dream of: the appearance of a president in the making.

CALMATTERS COMMENTARY

THE OTHER SIDE

Kelvin Wade

Henry Olsen is a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center.

Henry Olsen

Columns&Games

Gifts to sister’s adult children go unappreciated – again

Dear Annie: Each year, I send my sister’s three adult children gifts. The youngest does not thank me unless prompted. My two questions are: Isn’t this rude? And should I cease sending her a gift?

Since we live in different states, I usually text all three sisters to let them know something is on the way.

For the last few years, I have not gotten a response from the youngest unless I basically poke and prod, asking if it was received. Year after year, I tell myself I won’t get her anything the following year because she simply comes off as unappreciative. I really don’t think I should be asking repeatedly if my gifts for her arrived.

In 2022, she got married. She had a small civil ceremony, so extended family wasn’t included; however, we were informed there would be a larger ceremony once she’s done with school – maybe in 2023 or 2024. That being said, I didn’t send a wedding gift but figured instead I would commemorate their joyous occasion by sending a personalized gift for their first Christmas as a married couple. I ordered something simple

ARIES (March 21-April 19).

Things like dripping water and piles of mail are not so dangerous to ignore for a time but disastrous to let go for too long. You’ll take care of small nuisances so you have plenty of attention to take on the big things.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20).

You’re more acutely aware that when you commit to one thing it takes away the option of doing other things. It’s easier to see this with commitments that don’t seem fun. Today brings an opportunity worth sacrificing for.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21).

Attractions are complex and often involve reasons and aspects unknown. People like what they like. It might evolve, but it probably won’t change just because other people want it to. You’ve a high tolerance for differences of taste.

CANCER (June 22-July 22).

Maybe you would rather be known for something other than what people tend to notice about you. Let this be a signal to do more of what you enjoy and let your unique talents be known.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It’s not a day to hope for the best, nor should you worry about what you should be doing. Instead, it’s a day to give what it takes to get a thing done or decide not to do it at all.

but had it personalized with their names and wedding date. The gift was shipped. I informed my niece it would be on the way but heard nothing back. The gift was delivered –no word. I texted and said the gift should be delivered and, without spoiling the contents of this gift, asked that they just let me know it go there, thinking they’d open it on Christmas. No word for a full 24 hours.

During this time, my sister let me know a gift was arriving for my 12-year-old daughter and to let her know when it arrives. This was my opportunity to state that I had texted her daughter but had not received a response about the gift I sent. Fifteen minutes later, my niece texts “thank you” and nothing else. To which my reply was, “I don’t want to spoil the contents but I hope it’s pretty.” Keep in mind, I didn’t see this gift in person and have no idea if it’s even spelled right. So it’d be great to hear how it is. And her reply was, “We opened it last night, and it’s beautiful.”

So I texted asking if you received this gift – you did, you even opened it – but you neglected to call and thank me?

Today’s birthday

It’s wonderfully validating to get the hard evidence that your instincts are right – a victorious sensation you’ll enjoy in a dozen profound moments. A fascination will grow into a quest. You’ll be accompanied by friends and colleagues who make work fun and competitive. People find it easy to commit to you.

Taurus and Sagittarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 13, 33, 3, 16 and 5.

Whichever way you go, feel fantastic about it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22).

If love was money, today would be a payload. It turns out that being rich in love means you are rich in the way that really matters, so you are immeasurably wealthy.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23).

Sometimes people don’t see excellent opportunity because it doesn’t match what they had in mind. Be on the lookout because luck will come in odd packaging. It may stand out in a strange way or blend into the scenery.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You wondered what your life would be like and now you’re in it. Rate this last experience and

Annie, I am deeply hurt. It wasn’t expensive, it wasn’t laid in gold or something out of the ordinary, but it was personalized, and it was sent to her. Should I officially stop sending her gifts now? — Tired of Asking Dear Tired of Asking: No, you should not stop sending her gifts. It is understandable that you are hurt, but you are setting a lot of expectations of exactly how you would like the gift to be received. Ask yourself why you gave her the gift. Was it to make her and her new husband very happy, or was it to get a huge thank you and be acknowledged for all your hard work?

Imagine how much simpler it would be if you just accepted your niece for who she is and accepted the text as enough of a thank you and an acknowledgement. Your niece is not your child. You can remind your daughter to send a handwritten thank-you note, which I personally think is always a good idea. But your niece’s way of saying thank you in a text is her way of doing it, and you would be a lot happier if you just accepted her way.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@ creators.com.

decide what’s next. It’s also a good day to plan for the maintenance and excellent keeping of what you have.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21). You’re understanding, empathetic and present with people. It will be easy to treat everyone the same because you’re just being who you are. Those you know well and those you hardly know will get the benefit of your kindness.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19). The communication between you and someone important to you is both stated and implied, obvious and subtle. You get the broad strokes, but the nuanced details might take a while to soak in. Take your time responding.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 18). You’ll be successful because you handle problems before they are urgent. You pride yourself on being organized, knowing your values and taking care of business. This means being proactive wherever possible.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20).

For many hours at a time, your mind will be a sharp, focused laser, illuminating precisely what you need to know. You’ll make good on a potential you saw in a situation when others couldn’t.

Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

Crossword by Phillip Alder

Bridge

space. Having to start with two clubs (as you do in Cappelletti, showing any long one-suiter) does not inconvenience the opponents. Also, since the advancer (North, here) does not know his partner’s suit, he might miss the opportunity to put up an effective barrage or to find a profitable sacrifice. In today’s deal, for example, if South overcalls a natural two spades, what does West do? He might make a negative double. Then, over four spades by North, East might contest to five hearts. However, if West passes, North’s jump to four spades will probably end the auction. Instead, if South has to start with two clubs, Cappelletti, West can bid two diamonds, a transfer to hearts. Now North wishes to compete, but is two spades sending that message? Regardless, East will rebid three hearts, and their fit will have been found.

How do four spades and five hearts fare?

COMPETING AGAINST ONE NO-TRUMP

This was the last question in my Christmas competition. Look only at the South hand. East opens one no-trump, 15-17 points. What would you do? You should want and be able to bid two spades. This is why you should not use Cappelletti in second seat. You must immediately take up bidding

Suppose the defenders start with two rounds of trumps against four spades. Declarer wins and must duck a club. West shifts to diamonds. South ruffs the second round, plays a club to the ace, ruffs a club, ruffs a heart and discards his last heart loser on the established club queen.

Five hearts goes down if South gets a diamond ruff.

COPYRIGHT: 2023, UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE

Sudoku by Wayne Gould

by creators.com

2/1/23

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

This was the last question in my Christmas competition. Look only at the South hand. East opens one no-trump, 15-17 points. What would you do? You should want and be able to bid

Difficulty level: GOLD

Yesterday’s solution:

Horoscopes by Holiday Mathis

Annie Lane Dear Annie

Sam

Hollywood is mourning the loss of comedian and “Laverne & Shirley” actor Cindy Williams, who has died at age 75.

The actor, known for portraying Shirley Feeney on the “Happy Days” spinoff died Wednesday after a brief illness, her children, Zak and Emily Hudson, announced in a statement shared with the Associated Press on Monday.

“The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed,” the statement said. “Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved.”

Hours after news of the actor’s death, Michael McKean, the last surviving star of “Laverne & Shirley,” paid tribute. In a statement shared with the Los Angeles Times on Monday evening, McKean said Williams “was so talented and so game.”

“When she and Penny [Marshall] were cooking there’s no one who could touch them,” he said. “She was a truly kind woman with a big heart and I’m very sad she’s gone.”

On social media, McKean – who starred as Lenny Kosnowski – shared a behind-the-scenes memory of his “Laverne & Shirley” co-star.

“Backstage, Season 1: I’m offstage waiting for a cue. The script’s been a tough one, so we’re giving it 110% and the audience is having a great time,” he tweeted.”Cindy scoots by me to make her

entrance and with a glorious grin, says: ‘Show’s cookin’!’. Amen. Thank you, Cindy.” Also paying tribute to Williams on Twitter were “Seinfeld” comedian Jason Alexander, Rosario Dawson and Jackie Hoffman.

“I did not know Cindy Williams but boy did I adore her work, especially the wacky joyful funny pleasure of watching her Laverne and Shirley days,” Alexander tweeted Monday. “I pray she had a good life and send my sympathy to those who knew and loved her. #RIPCindyWilliams”

Dawson retweeted a video of the “Laverne & Shirley” theme song, which featured Williams and her late co-star Penny Marshall, who died in 2018 at age 75.

“Singing this song with so much gratitude for both of you ladies. Absolute gems. United again,” Dawson wrote. “Rest in Paradise Cindy Williams.”

Emmy-nominated

“Feud” actor Hoffman said her work in “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies” on Paramount+ would “serve as a prayer of gratitude to the late Cindy Williams and Penny Marshall.”

“The Mandalorian” actor Ming-Na Wen, Pluto TV, the National Comedy Centerand Yvette Nicole Brown also paid tribute to Williams on social media Monday.

“Oh how I loved Cindy Williams. When I was blessed to meet her on the set of @TheOddCouple CBS she was as lovely as I always imagined she’d be,” Brown said.

Williams was also known for the television series “Happy Days” “Normal Life” and “Getting By.”

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

(Rose McIver) and her husband own a haunted country estate in “Ghosts.”

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images/TNS file (2019)

Actress Cindy Williams attends a premiere at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, April 6, 2019.

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

Cyrus, Swift and when pop music gets personal

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

Miley Cyrus is back on top of the pop charts, and she arrived there with a little help from Taylor Swift.

Not explicitly, mind you. Swift is not credited as a guest or a writer on Cyrus’ new song “Flowers,” which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart last week. But her influence, her ethos, is all over it.

That’s because on “Flowers,” Miley gets personal. She’s spilling details of her love life and her relationship and inviting fans to be a part of her narrative, which is a formula Swift has perfected better than any other modern pop artist.

And as social media and current trends have made everyone’s story an open book, artists are sharing more of themselves, and are reaping the rewards from fans who feel like they’re on the inside, cozying up to their besties each time they listen to a new song.

Let’s back up. “Flowers,” the first track from Miley’s forthcoming “Endless Summer Vacation,” is the 30-year-old’s first No. 1 single in a decade and only the second chart-topper of her career. She got there previously with “Wrecking Ball,” which spent three non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 in 2013, two weeks before and one week after Lorde’s nine-week “Royals” run.

The years in between saw her swing and miss with several attempts, and by the time 2020’s “Plastic Hearts” album failed to produce a Top 10 hit, it looked like Miley’s hitmaking days were behind her, and she had a long, respectable career as a covers artist and a New Year’s Eve host ahead of her.

But then she planted “Flowers” and came roaring back, and that’s where Swift comes into play.

“Flowers” is largely seen as Miley’s kiss-off to her ex-husband, Liam Hemsworth, from whom she split in 2019. The song never mentions him by name but the messaging is all there, from the breakup references to a quite literal mention of a house going up in flames. (The couple’s home burned down in the 2018 California wildfires.)

“Flowers,” which rides a sturdy disco groove and is fueled by themes of selfempowerment, was released on Hemsworth’s birthday, Jan. 13. Miley didn’t have to say that part, fans figured it out on their own. And all those behind-thescenes-but-not-really details helped make “Flowers” a certified smash, and the song set a record for the most first-week spins in Spotify history, with more than 100 million streams. It toppled that record its second week, earning an additional 115 million streams.

Miley’s not the only one currently experiencing success with a personal breakup narrative. Shakira’s “BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” released two

Daily Cryptoquotes

Here’s how to work it:

days before “Flowers,” is No. 9 on last week’s Hot 100, and is centered on the Colombian singer’s scorched-earth breakup with soccer star Gerard Piqué.

“You left me with your mom as a neighbor, the press at my door and a debt with the treasury,” Shakira sings (the song is in Spanish), and goes on to take aim at Piqué’s new girlfriend, saying, “you traded in a Rolex for a Casio.” Daaang.

The song is Shakira’s biggest hit in ages, and is her first song to crack Billboard’s Top 10 since “Beautiful Liar” in 2007. And Shakira, too, has Swift to thank.

Swift didn’t invent the breakup song, or the diss track, or leaving a trail of breadcrumbs to the coded meaning of a song. Carly Simon hit No. 1 with “You’re So Vain” in 1972, leaving listeners wondering to which vain man she was referring, and artists from Stevie Nicks to Marvin Gaye, from Adele to Beyoncé have been penning pop confessionals ever since. (Noted Swiftie Olivia Rodrigo rocketed to the top of the charts in 2021 with her debut single “Driver’s License,” which reveled in the super-personal details of her breakup with her “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” co-star Joshua Bassett; the song was the first time many listeners had heard of either Rodrigo or Bassett.)

She may not be the architect but Swift is the modern master

of the form, and fans parse her lyrics the way Charlie Cale discerns clues while solving a mystery. (“Poker Face,” now streaming on Peacock. Watch it!)

Swift’s “Midnights” album –released on the birthday of her sometime rival Kim Kardashian, which was surely just a coincidence, wink wink – was greeted by fans who take decoder rings to every line and inspect every frame of her videos for hints, secrets and insights into whom she’s talking about and what’s going on in her personal life. This is an artist who has had fans upset at Jake Gyllenhaal over a red scarf for more than a decade. And since she’s the biggest artist on the planet today, it stands to reason that other stars would crack their diaries and let fans in on their personal lives when tackling new material.

Social media has toppled the walls between artists and fans, and fans want to feel connected to their favorite artists’ story. And the juicier or more gossipy the details, the better: Miley’s “Malibu,” her 2017 love song about Hemsworth, didn’t perform nearly as well as “Flowers.” Drama outsells domestic bliss, that’s just the way it is.

It’s fitting that “Flowers” replaced Swift’s own selfreflective “Anti-Hero” at No. 1. And it’s a lesson for any artist looking to climb back to the top in today’s pop world: Personal sells. Details sell. And if you’re not sharing, someone else is.

Word Sleuth

Crossword by Phillip

Bridge

THERE MIGHT BE ANOTHER POSSIBILITY

An opponent opens one no-trump, and you, the next player, double. What does that mean? Most players treat it as a penalty double. However, does it tell partner that you have the contract defeated in your own hand and he is to pass

Alder

regardless? Or could it be made with a big balanced hand, when you want partner to run if he is weak and has a long suit? That is a matter for partnership agreement. Sometimes you won’t mind one way or the other. Look at today’s South hand. If your admittedly debatable double is passed out, you have a great lead in the spade king. If partner runs to two of a minor, you can continue with two spades. (Yes, in this deal, West will run to two clubs, but you had no way to know that. This also leaves North awkwardly placed. Is double just value-showing? Is pass forcing? You see all of the homework you need to do!) Nowadays, because a penalty double has such a low frequency, many experts treat it as part of their competitive methods. Here are four choices: a four-card major and a five-card or longer minor (Woolsey), a minor one-suiter or a major two-suiter (Meckwell), any one-suiter (DONT), two suits of the same color (CRASH). In today’s deal, if West sits for one no-trump doubled, he pays out 800. If he runs to two clubs, South will probably end in four spades. With only 16 points missing, declarer knows the heart finesse will work. He loses only one spade, one diamond and one club, scoring 620.

COPYRIGHT: 2023, UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE

Sudoku by Wayne Gould

Bridge

Enterprises Dist. by creators.com

BRONZE

2/2/23

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

POSSIBILITY

An opponent opens one no-trump, and you, the next player, double. What does that mean?

Most players treat it as a penalty

© 2023

Difficulty level:

Yesterday’s solution:

Amy Sussman/Getty Images/TNS file (2020)

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images/TNS file (2020)

ABOVE: Miley Cyrus attends the Tom Ford AW20 Show at Milk Studios in Hollywood, Feb. 7, 2020.

LEFT: Taylor Swift at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, January 2020.

filedapetitionwiththiscourtforadecree changingnamesasfollows:

Present Name: a. Priya (No last name)

Proposed Name: a. Priya Sharma THECOURTORDERSthatallpersonsinterestedinthismattershallappearbefore thiscourtatthehearingindicatedbelowto showcause,ifany,whythepetitionfor changeofnameshouldnotbegranted. Anypersonobjectingtothename changesdescribedabovemustfileawrittenobjectionthatincludesthereasonsfor theobjectionatleasttwocourtdaysbe-

TOALLINTERESTEDPERSONS:

Petitioner: Danielle Lorena Zumpano filedapetitionwiththiscourtforadecree changingnamesasfollows:

Present Name:

a. Danielle Lorena Zumpano Proposed Name: a. Danielle Lorena Zumpano-Brucia THECOURTORDERSthatallpersonsinterestedinthismattershallappearbefore thiscourtatthehearingindicatedbelow to showcause,ifany,whythepetitionfor changeofnameshouldnotbegranted. Anypersonobjectingtothename changesdescribedabovemustfileawrittenobjectionthatincludesthereasonsfor theobjectionatleasttwocourtdaysbeforethematterisscheduledtobeheard andmustappearatthehearingtoshow causewhythepetitionshouldnotbegranted.Ifnowrittenobjectionistimelyfiled, thecourtmaygrantthepetitionwithouta hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: March 29, 2023; Time: 8:30 am; Dept: 12; Rm: 1 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF Old Solano Courthouse 580 Texas Street Fairfield, CA 94533

AcopyofthisOrdertoShowCauseshall bepublishedatleastonceeachweekfor foursuccessiveweekspriortothedate setforhearingonthepetitioninthefollowingnewspaperofgeneralcirculation,printedinthiscounty:DailyRepublic Pleasefileproofofnewspaperpublication atleast5businessdaysbeforehearing (newspaperdoesnotfilew/court)zoom ok.zoominvitewillbeemailed1-2days beforehearing

Date:JAN252023 /s/ChristineCarringer JudgeoftheSuperiorCourt

FILED:JAN262023 DR#00061033 Published:February1,8,15,22,2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON (PERSONS) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS LOVING HEARTS CAREHOME III LOCATEDAT702MustangCt,Fairfield CA94533Solano.Mailingaddress3269 QuailHollowDr,FairfieldCA94534.IS (ARE)HEREBYREGISTEREDBYTHE FOLLOWINGOWNER(S)DeveraCare IncCAFairfield,94534.THISBUSINESS ISCONDUCTEDBY: aCorporation Theregistrantcommencedtotransact businessunderthefictitiousbusiness nameornames listedaboveonN/A. Ideclarethatallinformationinthisstatementistrueandcorrect(Aregistrantwho declaresastrueinformationwhichheor sheknowstobefalseisguiltyofacrime.) /s/RoseMarieBDevera INACCORDANCEWITHSUBDIVISION (a)OFSECTION17920AFICTITIOUS NAMESTATEMENTGENERALLYEXPIRESATTHEENDOFFIVEYEARS FROMTHEDATEONWHICHITWAS FILEDINTHEOFFICEOFTHECOUNTY CLERK,EXCEPTASPROVIDEDIN SUBDIVISION(b)OFSECTION17920, WHEREITEXPIRES40DAYSAFTER ANYCHANGEINTHEFACTSSET FORTHINTHESTATEMENTPURSUANTTOSECTION17913OTHERTHAN ACHANGEINTHERESIDENCEADDRESSOFAREGISTEREDOWNER. ANEWFICTITIOUSBUSINESSNAME STATEMENTMUSTBEFILEDBEFORE THEEXPIRATIONJanuary19,2028. THEFILINGOFTHISSTATEMENT DOESNOTOFITSELFAUTHORIZE THEUSEINTHISSTATEOFAFICTITIOUSBUSINESSNAMEINVIOLATION OFTHERIGHTSOFANOTHERUNDER FEDERAL,STATEORCOMMONLAW (SEESECTION14411ETSEQ.,BUSINESSANDPROFESSIONSCODE). FiledintheOfficeoftheCountyClerkof SolanoCounty,StateofCaliforniaon: January20,2023 NewASSIGNEDFILENO.2023000110 CHARLESLOMELI,SolanoCountyClerk DR#00060862 Published:Jan.25,Feb.1,8,15,2023

Alumni

From Page B1

Men's tennis

Junior Marcus McDaniel went 4-0 in four matches for Georgia Tech against Furman, Presbyterian, Wofford and Alabama State. McDaniel lost in singles and won his doubles match at Stanford as the Yellow Jackets lost 4-3 in their first-round match in the ITA Kickoff Tournament at Palo Alto.

Women's basketball

Senior guard Myli Martinez (Vanden) had double-digit scoring for Chico State in a pair of wins. Martinez had 13 points, one rebound, one assist and one steal in a 66-64 win over Cal State East Bay. She added 20 points, three rebounds, four assists and one steal in a 73-72 win over Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Freshman guard Kiki Roberts (Vanden) had a pair of big rebounding games for Eastern New Mexico. Roberts had nine points, 12 rebounds and two steals in a 79-74 loss to Angelo State. She had five points, another 12 rebounds and one assist in a 63-50 win over University of Texas, Permian Basin.

Senior guard Taimane

Lesa-Hardee (Salesian, Fairfield resident) scored 12 points for San Francisco State to go with five rebounds and three assists in a 76-70 win over Cal Poly Humboldt. LesaHardee had four points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals in a 71-53 loss to Sonoma State.

Sophomore forward

Joia Armstrong (Vanden) scored five points and had five rebounds, one assist and three steals for Stanislaus State in an 83-54 loss to Cal State Dominguez Hills. Armstrong also had six points, five rebounds, three assists, one blocked shot and three steals in a 68-56 win over Cal State East Bay.

Junior guard Ashmeen Sran (St. Patrick-St. Vincent, Solano) contributed four points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal for Stanislaus State in the loss to Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Pebble

From Page B1

the Crosby-turned- AT&T stood out because of its enduring, good-natured vibe. Laughter, smiles, fun. The golf matters, sure, but in a different way.

Now it will fall on Buster Posey, Gareth Bale and Jason Bateman, most notably, to keep the Pro-Am relevant on Northern California’s crowded sports landscape.

This is a familiar lament, because the AT&T has long struggled to attract marquee pros. They historically stayed away because of sketchy weather, long rounds and bumpy greens. Tournament officials shrunk the field, shortening the rounds. Mother Nature mostly cooperated. Some players came back.

Now the challenge is magnified by the PGA Tour’s fight with LIV Golf, which lured Mickelson, Johnson, Reed and other top players. Any sense of decorum disappeared into a rare, lively tussle.

The tour responded by throwing its own bundles of cash at certain “designated” events, intended to bring its top players together more often. Next week’s tournament in Scottsdale, Ariz., landed the coveted “designated” label and a $20 million purse, as did the following week’s event in Los Angeles.

This week’s purse at Pebble is $9 million, creating another sizable obstacle for tournament director

Junior forward Milia Gibson (Rodriguez) saw action for Mississippi Valley State in a 69-55 loss to Arkansas, Pine Bluff, and finished with seven points, one rebound, one assist and one steal.

Freshman guard Camryn Washington (Rodriguez) scored two points for Cal State East Bay in the 66-64 loss to Chico State.

Men's basketball

Senior guard Sterlan Thomas (Vacaville, Solano) scored 14 points and had two rebounds for Pacific Union College in an 85-59 loss to Cal Maritime. Ricky Hamilton-Holland (Will C. Wood) had three points and two rebounds in that game.

Senior guard Jordan Adams (Vacaville, Solano) scored four points and had three rebounds for William Jessup in an 87-68 win over Life Pacific. Adams also had two rebounds, one assist and one steal in a 74-66 win over Vanguard.

Senior guard Braxton Adderly (Rodriguez, Napa Valley) helped Cal Maritime to a pair of wins. Adderly had four points, four rebounds and two assists in a 61-58 win over UC Santa Cruz and four points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal in the 85-59 win over Pacific Union.

Senior forward Jay Nagle (Will C. Wood) took the floor in two games for Idaho State. Nagle had two points, three rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot in an 81-68 loss to Eastern Washington. He had five points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal in a 95-91 win over rival Idaho.

Junior forward Landon Seaman (Will C. Wood) scored five points to go with nine rebounds and three assists for Menlo in a 77-74 loss to Vanguard. He had eight points, seven rebounds, two blocked shots and a steal in a 98-60 win over Life Pacific.

Senior forward Dunnell Stafford (Solano) took the court for Fort Lewis (Colorado) and had nine points, three rebounds and two assists in a 93-87 win over Colorado School of the Mines. Stafford also had four points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal in a 77-76 win over Metro State.

Steve John to overcome. It’s akin to John trying to post up 7-footer Pau Gasol, one of this year’s first-time celebrities.

“It is weird to think golf could change that quickly,” John said. “But evolution is good, change is good in all sports. Maybe we’ll look back in three years and say, ‘This is good, I get it.’. . .

“Would I love to have Phil and Dustin here? Absolutely. They’re past champions. But I can’t, that’s beyond my control.”

John thus leans on his event’s distinctive format and extraordinary setting. That’s a selling point more than ever: Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Shore Course, all tucked alongside the gorgeous coastline. Those blimp shots are still invigorating, especially for house-bound folks in the frigid Midwest.

John also has made a conscious effort to keep the amateur/celebrity field fresh. Bill Murray and Ray Romano can only carry the banner for so long.

That’s why the presence of Posey, a three-time World Series champion with the San Francisco Giants, can only help. Posey will play in the Pro-Am for the first time since 2015.

Also consider Bale, a global soccer star (with nearly 50 million Instagram followers) making his tournament debut. Bateman, an actor known for his work on “Arrested Development” and more recently “Ozark,” also will play for the first time.

Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints looks on during second quarter action against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Jan. 9, 2022.

Payton

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manager George Paton and limited shareholder Condoleezza Rice in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Jan. 17 after having an initial conversation with Penner earlier in the month. They did not conduct a formal second interview, but sources say the sides kept in touch throughout the process as Payton visited Carolina and Arizona for interviews and Denver worked through other hiring options including San Francisco defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.

Penner said on Dec. 27, the day after Nathaniel Hackett was fired, that he and his staff planned to be aggressive in the search and that, “We think we can find a great head coach for this organization.”

Certainly, they found an accomplished coach.

Payton’s return to the sideline in 2023 will put him sixth among active coaches in wins at 153, behind only Bill Belichick (New England), Andy Reid (Kansas City), Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh), Pete Carroll (Seattle) and Mike McCarthy (Dallas). He led New Orleans to a Super Bowl championship in Feb. 2010 and had the Saints in the playoffs nine times in his 15 seasons with the organization. Payton and the Saints won the NFC South seven times

during his time there and he owns a career postseason mark of 9-8. Outside the Super Bowl season, his Saints teams lost in the NFC championship game twice, the divisional round four times and the wild card round twice.

They won the division four consecutive years from 2017-20 before going 9-8 and missing the playoffs in his final season before resigning. That deep playoff experience is part of Payton’s allure, as is his reputation as one of the game’s brightest offensive minds.

The Saints led the NFL in scoring twice under Payton, finished in the top three seven times and cracked the top 10 in 11 of his 15 seasons in charge. They never finished lower than 11th in scoring until 2021 (19th).

Payton arrived in New Orleans in 2006, the same year the franchise traded for quarterback Drew Brees. The quarterback had already made the Pro Bowl once during his time in San Diego but blossomed into a Hall of Famer over his 15-year run with Payton in New Orleans.

Now, Payton will try to help Denver quarterback Russell Wilson find a new gear in his 12th professional season. Wilson, traded to Denver in March after a decade in Seattle, is coming off the worst season of his career. He also has made no secret about the fact that he holds Payton in high regard. Wilson’s agent in 2021, a year before he ended up in

Denver, told ESPN the quarterback would waive his no-trade clause to four teams. New Orleans made that list.

Then, after the Broncos’ 2022 season finale, Wilson spoke glowingly of Payton.

“I’ve been around Sean at the Pro Bowl, been around him across the league, played against him quite a bit. He’s one of the world’s best. A guy who’s coached a Hall of Fame quarterback in Drew Brees, who is one of my closest friends,” Wilson said. “. . . He’s competitive as can be. He’s a winner – obviously, he’s won a Super Bowl – a winner at the highest level. Being around him at the Pro Bowl, the wizardry he’d have on the field was just magnificent.”

One of the questions from here is what style of offense Payton will want to run with Wilson. What he did in New Orleans with Brees is substantially different from the under center, play-action pass and wide zone run game the Broncos found some success with late in the 2022 season and that Wilson said started to feel like a burgeoning offensive identity.

In October, Payton provided insight into how he’d try to get Wilson on track after what at the time was a slow start to the 2022 season.

“I’d want cut-ups today of all Russell’s past plays of 30 or more yards from the field and I’d want to see if, are there some schemes that he felt very comfortable with,” Payton said.

Philadelphia Eagles for four more seasons.

Shanahan was a Texans offensive coach in 2006 and took notice of Ryans’ leadership skills.

“He’s the ideal leader, whatever he does,” Shanahan said. “He was that way when he came to Houston. He took over the defense right away. You could tell he was in charge when he was 21 years old. He’s just always been that guy.” I thought he was ready last year to be a head coach.”

A year ago, Ryans was a candidate in Minnesota but removed himself from contention to coach another year with the 49ers.

Fred Warner, the 49ers Pro Bowl linebacker said following the loss that he was mentally preparing himself for Ryans to move on.

“I hadn’t thought about it up to this point because, obviously, you think you’re going to win it all,” Warner said. “But seeing him was emotional. It was. It was the first time it him that this was the last one with him.”

Ryans’ ascension to linebackers coach coincided with the selection of Warner in the third round of the NFL Draft.

“We came into this thing together,” Warner said. “I owe everything to him. He’s the reason I’m the player I am today.”

Nick Bosa, the 49ers’ defensive end and the favorite to be this year’s NFL Defensive Player of the Year, said at the close of the regular season Ryans “as a defensive coordinator, he is easily the best one I’ve been around.”

Since winning the AFC South with a 10-6 record in 2019 under Bill O’Brien, the Texans have fallen hard times with an 11-38-1 record under four head coaches preceding Ryans.

O’Brien was fired during the 2020 season and replaced by interim coach Romeo Crennel during a 4-12 season. The Texans went 4-13 in 2021 under David Culley and 3-13-1 last season under Lovie Smith.

GM Nick Caserio arrived in 2021 after being with the Patriots.

Todd Kirkland/Getty Images/TNS file (2022)