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February 5 -- February 11, 2024
Issue No. 523
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Josh Nickel, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Arnie Passman, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff,
Shelia Young
Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim, Ammar Bhaiji
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Chiefs Will Scalp 49ers Again
The main two reasons the Chiefs will prevail is they have the far better QB -- Mahomes. He is accurate, elusive, focused and battle-tested. Purdy will fold like a homeless person’s tent.
The second reason is that the Kansas City Chiefs' defense is playing the best defense in the league right now, and they have Chris Jones. They are opportunistic and will throttle the 49er offense.
For these two reasons, I believe Kansas City will be champions of the world again!
Robert Chain
Tarzana, CA
Warriors Haiku Readers' Poll
Last issue we ran a Readers' Poll which accompanied the Warriors Haiku and asked the question, Can Socrates help the Warriors?
The results are in: 61.4 percent believe that his Wisdom can help the AI science now in place. Thanks to the many readers who participated!
The Editors
Indispensable
Your guide is an all-around great, necessary, and enjoyable reading experience.
I thank the Byron Allen Group for supporting my film. The Apple TV pre-order is live at https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/because-they-believed/umc.cmc.4bap6marj3zu8a8tcjhc5rvps
Arif Khatib
Founder and President: Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame
Author: In the Shadow of Obscurity...Toiling In A Reluctant Society
Remember Their Sacrifice....Stories of Unheralded Athletes of Color
Film Producer: Because They Believed
Cultural Ambassador Indian American Hindu Community
www.multiethnicsportshof.com
www.becausetheybelieved.com
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears (WBkB) 58, UCLA Bruins 78
Cal Bears (WBkB) 69, USC Trojans 79
Saint Mary's Gaels (MBkB) 82, Santa Clara Broncos 77
Santa Barbara Invite 2024 (Ultimate)
USF Dons (MBkB) 79, UOP Tigers 73
Features & Commentary
A Swift Approach to Super Bowl, by Dave Newhouse
Babyface Assassins Rule the Second Half..., by Howard Pearlstein
Barry, Ray Double-Team Flood Dinner, by Dave Newhouse
Donate Today! Add Your Name To The List Below!
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Jesus Luzardo Could Be Traded Again, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
Joe Montana, from the Autogaph Collection of Rich Yee
Sports Today Goes TikTok, by Ammar Bhaiji
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Organizations
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Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden Gate Fields
Golden State Warriors
Oakland A's
Oakland B's
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
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San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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THIS guy. No matter what number he wears, or what year it is, he's a beast. Christian McCaffrey (27) in 2014 (ten years ago) during the Foster Farms Bowl versus Maryland, and (5) in 2016 during the Rose Bowl versus Iowa. But you know him as number 23 from his 90-yard / two-touchdown performance against the Lions. Wow. Stanford beat Cal (Goff) again. Caption and photo by Kenny Karst. | |
Kansas City's Travis Kelce says he loves it when Taylor Swift supports him at his games — even if haters are going to hate | | |
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A Swift
Approach to
Super Bowl
by Dave Newhouse
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You know it right now, the most anticipated question of Super Bowl week, when the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs players face the mass herd of media with microphones, tape recorders and notebooks in hand, will be: “So, Travis, what’s it like dating the most famous pop singer in the world? Can you actually sing yourself?”
That’s a question waiting to be asked repeatedly over several days of media grilling, unless Travis Kelce makes it known right away that he isn’t taking any questions about Taylor Swift regarding celebrity dating. Sorry, Swifties.
A more pertinent question: How will the 49ers contain tight end Kelce, who had his way with the Baltimore Ravens secondary in the AFC title game, and now will be dealing with a 49ers’ secondary that is the weak link of the team.
Another factor confronting the 49ers: Kansas City coach Andy Reid, who oversaw the Chiefs’ 17-10 shocking defeat of the Ravens, who appeared the Super Bowl favorite beforehand. Nobody shocks the opposition better than Reid.
Thus it will be a great Super Bowl coaching showdown, Reid against Kyle Shanahan, two of football's most clever offensive minds matching wits at the game’s highest level.
The 49ers offense features a handful of All-Pros, but such stature isn’t a deterrent to Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnola. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson may be the NFL’s regular-season Most Valuable Player, but he came off far less valuable against the Spagnola’s constricting defensive scheme.
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Mahomes is considered to be one of the greatest
quarterbacks in NFL history
Therefore, Shanahan’s game-planning must be game-turning if the 49ers expect to derail Kansas City's Super Bowl express, which held the explosive, yet self-imploding Ravens to a touchdown and field goal. Let’s not forget, 49er Faithful, the Chiefs are the NFL’s second-ranked defense. Shanahan isn’t forgetting, that’s for sure.
And how do the 49ers neutralize Patrick Mahomes, the league’s most improvising quarterback, who’s unparalleled when it comes to making something happen at the last possible moment, ad-libbing in a variety of ways under extreme pressure.
Mahomes is attempting to win his third Super Bowl in four years, and if the 49ers can’t find a way to minimize his versatile skills, then they’re a losing bet in Las Vegas on Sunday, February 11. Right, Swifties?
You only get so many chances at the NFL’s Holy Grail, and the 49ers lost to the Chiefs, 31-20, five seasons ago. The 49ers are dramatically improved on offense this time around, but don’t forget Baltimore bludgeoned them this fall in Santa Clara.
From this perspective, Kansas City looks like the favorite on Sunday, something like 27-20. But, of course, there are the unpredicted variables: A safety, a dropped interception or touchdown pass, a goal-line fumble (sorry Baltimore), a touchdown-robbing offensive holding call, and a fourth down gamble that failed when a field goal was the better alternative.
Anything can turn the tide and change the outcome of a Super Bowl. But I do know this: if the 49ers win, Brock Purdy will feel the shadow of Joe Montana trailing him from now into the future.
* * *
Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame | |
Flood changed the entire monetary dynamic of the game through his ostracism, which cost him an even longer career | | |
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Barry, Ray
Double-Team
Flood Dinner
by Dave Newhouse
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Rick Barry and Clifford Ray were quite a team when they led the Warriors to their first Bay Area-related NBA championship in 1975. Well, they’re teaming up again at a special event in Oakland on Saturday, Feb. 24.
Barry will present Ray for induction into the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame at the Curt Flood Platinum Awards dinner at the Marriott City Center. This annual MESHOF event, the brainchild of promoter Arif Khatib, represents a star-studded evening.
Barry won’t leave the premises empty-handed. He’ll also receive the Curt Flood Platinum Award along with two other recipients, Dave Stewart and Ryan McBean.
But this dinner has a full plate of honorees as Alexis Gray-Lawson, Mohinder Singh Gill, Bip Roberts, and the late Travis Williams will join Ray as MESHOF inductees. Local television sports celebrity Monte Poole also will be honored, receiving the MESHOF “Journalist of the Year” award.
This event, the first of its kind, is to call attention to Curt Flood’s glaring omission from the Baseball Hall of Fame. A Cooperstown candidate as a player, Flood changed the entire monetary dynamic of the game through his ostracism, which cost him an even longer career, but led to free agency in the sport, making multi-millionaires all across major-league dugouts.
Flood didn’t die a wealthy man, far from it, but Khatib is hopeful that this dinner will create the spark that will carry Flood to his deserved spot in the Hall of Fame.
Khatib has been honoring sports figures for 29 years with his MESHOF dinners, inducting 62 recipients around the world. This global man does get around, but he’s clearly excited in bringing long-overdue national recognition to Flood as well as shinning the spotlight on the other honorees.
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The underdog Golden State Warriors won the 1975 NBA World Championship Series in four games, sweeping the heavily favored Bullets to take the title. Warriors small forward Rick Barry
was named as the series MVP
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Barry is the greatest of Warriors pre-Stephen Curry. Stewart is the greatest A’s starting pitcher post-Catfish Hunter. McBean, a former NFL player, made an even more important contribution to the game, legalizing pain-killing cannibus for players throughout the league.
Khatib is respectful of the entire list of people he’s singling out.
Besides Ray, who brought toughness to that '75 title team, Gray-Lawson attended Oakland Tech and Cal before playing in the WNBA. Gill was an internationally ranked triple jumper from India. Oakland-reared Roberts was a major-league infielder who’s currently a Bay Area TV baseball commentator. Williams was a record-breaking track sprinter in Richmond and later a dynamic return man for the Green Bay Packers.
The Curt Flood Platinum Award recognizes “Excellence in Sports and Society.” And in honoring the aforementioned, Khatib noted that, “They are Curt Flood in some ways,” athletically and character-wise.
Khatib also will present Dwaine “Pete” Longmire with a new “humanitarian forgiveness award.” Longmire’s son was stabbed to death, but the father later forgave the killer.
Tickets for the Feb. 24 event can be purchased by phone (510-508-3309) or over the internet (multiethnicsportshof.com).
The night before the dinner, Rick Barry and Bip Roberts will appear at Rickey’s Sports Grill & Theater in San Leandro in conjunction with the Warriors-Charlotte game. Barry and Roberts will sign autographs from 6:30 to 7 p.m. tip-off, then Barry will provide commentary throughout the game.
* * *
Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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Sports Today is a dynamic sports journal distributed each Monday to the sports industry and media professionals, colleges and universities and avid San Francisco and Northern California sports fans.
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USF Dons 79
UOP Tigers 73
War Memorial Gym, Sobrato Center, San Francisco
Saturday, February 3, 2024
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USF Dons forward Jonathan Mogbo grabs one of his 14 rebounds as the Dons defeated the Pacific Tigers, 79-73, at War Memorial Gym at the Sobrato Center on Saturday, February 3rd. Caption and
photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Cal Bears 69
USC Trojans 79
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley
February 4, 2024
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Cal Bears forward Marta Suarez had 18 points and nine rebounds as the Bears dropped a 79-69 decision to the 15th-ranked USC Trojans on Sunday, February 4th at Haas Pavilion. Caption and photo
by Darren Yamashita.
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Tristan Beck, before the Colorado Rockies game on July 8, 2023.
Photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Which Pitching Prospects Could Debut for San Francisco in '24?
Maria Guardado / @mi_guardado
This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado’s Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe
to get it regularly in your inbox.
The Giants have added a couple of new faces to their pitching staff this offseason, acquiring left-hander Robbie Ray from the Mariners and signing flamethrower Jordan Hicks to a four-year, $44 million deal. But they’ll also be counting on their farm system to deliver key reinforcements in 2024.
With Ray (Tommy John surgery) and Alex Cobb (left hip surgery) expected to open the season on the injured list, there will be plenty of opportunities for young pitchers to step in and plug holes early in the year. Kyle Harrison, Keaton Winn and Tristan Beck, all of whom debuted last year, will likely get the first crack at those rotation opportunities, but there are several other promising arms who are close to breaking through as well.
“We’ve talked about how good we feel about our pitching pipeline,” president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said recently. “Guys like Harrison, Keaton Winn, Tristan Beck and Ryan Walker were sort of on the cusp a year ago, and now they’re all really big parts of our pitching staff. The next wave of guys we have coming, we think can do at least that much, if not more, during the 2024 season.”
continued...
Maria Guardado covers the Giants for MLB.com.
She previously covered the Angels from 2017-18.
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sfgiants.com
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Zack Gelof with a nifty stop versus the Los Angeles Angels on
September 3, 2023. Photo by Darren Yamashita.
3 A's Prospects Knocking on
MLB's Door
Martín Gallegos / @MartinJGallegos
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter.
To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it
regularly in your inbox.
The start of Spring Training in a couple of weeks will present opportunities for some A’s prospects who are on the cusp of the Majors.
Once Oakland’s pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 14 at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz., certain areas of the roster will feature established incumbents such as Zack Gelof, Brent Rooker and Ryan Noda on the position-player side, as well as Paul Blackburn and JP Sears on the pitching side. But for positions with less certainty, the players on the fringe of a roster spot could come into play.
Let’s take a look at a few young players who, even if they do not make the Opening Day roster, could make the jump to the big leagues at some point in 2024:
continued...
Martín Gallegos covers the A's for MLB.com.
For a full report, click HERE.
www.oaklandas.com
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WARRIORS ANNOUNCE 2024 BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS
Activations Scheduled Throughout February To Highlight, Honor And Celebrate Black History
With Excellence
SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors today announced celebrations for Black History Month, which includes a variety of activations aimed to celebrate legacy, inspire change, strengthen the future, and empower voices through community impact.
Throughout the month of February, Golden State will celebrate Black History Month during Warriors home games through a variety of in-arena performances and activations. During select home games, an upstanding community member will be honored for their work and contributions to the local Black community as an Impact Warrior, presented by Pritchard Sports and Entertainment Group (PSEG). Additionally, the Warriors will host community groups that celebrate legacy, inspire change, strengthen the future, and empower voices. The groups will participate in a game-day experience including pregame shoot around access and a feature on Chase Center’s center-hung.
Additional upcoming Black History Month activations include:
February 8: Swishes for Dishes Volunteer Event, presented by Kaiser Permanente – Warriors volunteers will help assemble nutritional snack bags at Thrive City to distribute to a local community organization through Second Harvest of Silicon Valley.
continued...
Click HERE.
www.warriors.com
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(L to R) Dave Newhouse, Ignacio
De La Fuente, Andy Dolich
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Goodbye, Oakland has been a remarkable success story | |
The author, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, poses with former Oakland A’s pitcher Jesus Luzardo at the A’s 2019 Fanfest. | | |
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Jesús Luzardo -- Only Major Leaguer born in Perú – Could Be Traded Again
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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The South American country of Perú’s population is over 34 million people. Fútbol (Soccer in the U.S.) is their number one sport. However, pitcher Jesús Luzardo, currently with the Miami Marlins starting rotation and previously with the Oakland A’s, (his first team in the major leagues), was born in Lima, Perú. His parents are Venezuelans, a country where baseball is undoubtedly the #1 sport.
Luzardo debuted with the Oakland A’s in 2019, as the A’s No. 6 prospect. Just a year before, on February 13, 2018, in his Alma Mater in Parkland, Florida, a former student killed 17 people when he opened fire inside the high school.
Luzardo intended to work out at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on that same afternoon of the shooting. He was warned not to come by his former coach, and that might have saved his life. During the shooting, Luzardo stayed in contact with people inside the school via text messages.
In 2019, before the team reported to Spring Training, Luzardo was at the A’s Fanfest in Jack London Square; he sat with yours truly and Mauricio Segura at the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame and signed autographs for dozens of A’s fans who stood in line. He was gracious and pleased and, as he told me, “Lucky to be in the major leagues.”
But a couple of years later he wasn’t happy to be traded to the Miami Marlins. He felt good pitching here in Oakland and enjoyed the Bay Area. But the life of a major leaguer always included the possibility of being traded. He started with the A’s, went to the Marlins and he might change uniforms soon again.
Luzardo could be traded again before this 2024 season gets underway. In his first years with the A’s, he did not pitch much and struggled, but it was a learning process like it is many times with young pitchers.
Last season, the lefty with the Miami Marlins ended with a record of 10-10 and a 3.58 ERA in 32 games he started. He owns an outstanding fastball, especially among left-handed starters who, in 2023, threw at least 200 fastballs; he ranked second out of 57. The southpaw was one of 12 pitchers to reach 205 strikeouts in 2023, when he fanned 208.
Jesús Luzardo is maturing as a pitcher, and the Orioles, Pirates, or any other teams currently pursuing him could land a pitcher ready to be a winner at the young age of 26.
* * *
Amaury Pi -Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
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Saint Mary's Gaels 82
Santa Clara Broncos 77
UCU Pavilion, Moraga
January 31, 2024
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Saint Mary's guard Augustas Marciulionis scored 20 points and dished out six assists as the Gaels defeated the Santa Clara Broncos, 82-77, at UCU Pavilion on Wednesday, January 31st. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
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Babyface Assassins Rule the Second Half… of (Almost) Everything
by Howard Pearlstein
We have two major sports teams which know how to win games. Both of them – Warriors and Forty-Niners – are led by extraordinary athletes, both dubbed Babyface assassins – young-looking players who can kill the other team’s hopes of winning.
In the past weeks, the Dubs did for the second half of their season what the 9ers did for the second half of their playoff games, i.e., come back from butterfingertown with everyone in sync, working together – not, as some say, like a well-oiled machine but like a dance troupe where the steps can change from day-to-day.
It’s not a machine and the player aren’t parts -- they’re people and sometimes they sneeze and bleed and limp and get distracted. It’s a dance because, as they say – it’s about finding their rhythm, putting other stuff aside and focusing on the moment – do the dance -- make the play.
So the Niners, playing Detroit, followed a first half of abysmal cluster-fail with a total “got it together” second half of miracles and magic. Including the historical Aiyuk Ladybug Reception, a stone-cold wonder of maintaining focus, falling through the air ass-over-teakettle, but still knowing where the ball was and catching it. A highlight clip keeper.
But what said even more about being ready was a broken play which was saved by a revival of “Third and Jauan.” Babyface assassin Purdy was in a collapsing pocket, looking, looking and Jauan Jennings saw his situation, found a place to be – in traffic -- for the pass. Might not have been that place for another quarterback, but Jauan knew Purdy well enough to know it could work. Ready for the Super Bowl -- just
one more train to rob.
Meanwhile, Steve Kerr’s mix and match is working for the Dubs, even against the Lakers, holding them to 2 OT’s. Doesn’t matter the Dubs lost by one point to a pair of free throws. They’re close to where they want to be. Steph had 46 points and a go-ahead 3-pointer with less than five seconds left. But sometimes individual greatness isn’t enough. With LeBron, it’s always personal.
Even better against the Sixers. Steph Curry, a full grown man with a beard and “old” by NBA standards, still had his Babyface Assassin chops in order – 37 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block, and 8 threes.
AND everyone was everywhere and all in the same place: defense held Embiid to 14 points! Even with Klay and Chris Paul, and GPII and Moody out.
Draymond made it clear why so many teams want him out of the game; he continued his role of years as third point on the Splash Brothers triangle, seeing passing lanes, setting shots. And now adding in Kuminga and Wiggins.
My favorite play of many that showed it’s working: Kuminga’s layup rattled off the iron and in that instant, Jackson-Davis came flying in from somewhere and slammed it down for the score.
Can’t brag about the Grizzlies win –10 players out with injuries.
So the Dynasty goes on, a new generation joining in -- Steph, Klay, Looney, Kuminga, Wiggins, Podziemski, Jackson-Davis, Saric, Santos, Corey Joseph and Quinones. Been hoping to see Quinones get his minutes – a G League favorite.
And I could be wrong but it seemed after one nifty play, Kuminga’s smile showed a bit of babyface.
Against the Hawks, back-to-back road game, took it to OT but no W –Wiggins injured, Kuminga fouled out, some bad whistles, but Steph scored 60. Still an X-rated loss -- X for Xhaustion.
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Joe Montana -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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Many years ago Mervyn’s department store held a book signing for Joe Montana at the Serramonte Shopping Center. For the price of the book I had a chance to meet Joe Montana in person and get his autograph on the book. Mervyn’s gave out photos of Joe but due to time constraints he was not able to sign it.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
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Everybody knows the San Francisco 49ers are playing in the Super Bowl with Mr. Irrelevant as their Quarterback. (Brock Purdy was the very last player drafted in the NFL 2022 Draft at #262 of 262, earning him this title.)
With the title and his draft position came the
lowest salary for a starting QB in the NFL.
Who do you think is the highest-paid
quarterback in the NFL?
(answer below)
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Cal Bears 58
UCLA Bruins 78
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley
Friday, February 2, 2024
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Cal Bears forward Michelle Onyiah scored a career-high 21 points with six rebounds during their loss to the seventh-ranked UCLA Bruins, 78-58, at Haas Pavilion on Friday, February 2nd. Caption and
photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Cal players wore special uniforms and shoes as part of the Play 4 Kay game, honoring the late NC State basketball coach Kay Yow and to raise awareness for breast cancer. Caption and photo
by Darren Yamashita.
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Young fans wave pink pom poms before the Play 4 Kay game for breast cancer awareness between the California Golden Bears and the UCLA Bruins at Haas Pavilion. Caption and photo
by Darren Yamashita.
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Special Offer from a Sports Today Reader | |
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Tim from the Midwest is making his 2024 San Francisco Giants season tickets available, as follows: Section 106, row 1, seats 5/6. Prices will vary and the entire season is available. Prices are for both seats and there is no parking.
26 games are 136.50, 28 games are 196.50, 17 games are 296.50,
6 games are 342.50. One is a DH, 3 games are 454.50. (View from 106, Row 1, Seat 7, one seat closer to home plate than seats 5 and 6.)
https://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/143157/Oracle+Park/section-106/row-1/seat-7/
These are Tim's costs, no markups, no fees, tickets are all via smart phones. For more information: Tim Maroney, 610-519-0125
Tpmmd@hotmail.com
If you are interested, please contact Mr. Maroney directly via his email or phone. Sports Today does not receive remuneration --
we are simply happy to make these seats available to our readers
and as a favor to a loyal subscriber, Tim Maroney.
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness
Vol. 65: Tennessee And Virginia Take Aim At The NCAA
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The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
by Darren Heitner
Founder of HEITNERLEGAL
Recently, it was revealed that the NCAA is investigating the University of Florida (see Vol. 64) related to alleged NIL-related violations. That followed the NCAA and Florida State University coming to a resolution on agreed-upon NIL breaches (see Vol. 62). And then it emerged that the University of Tennessee is being similarly investigated (Patrick Forde broke the news). Per The New York Times, the NCAA is looking into, at least in part, quarterback Nico Iamaleava being flown to Knoxville, Tennessee in a private plane before enrollment at the University of Tennessee.
While Florida has remained rather silent, Tennesee came out guns blazing, with strong commentary from its Chancellor and litigation initiated on antitrust grounds. Here's the Complaint.
That litigation was commenced by the attorneys general in Tennessee and the Commonwealth of Virginia against the NCAA. The case is pending in the Eastern District of Tennessee. It seeks to have the court deem that the NCAA's restrictions on NIL collectives communicating offers to high school athletes and those in the transfer portal should be stricken as unreasonable restraints on trade.
There has also been a motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) filed that attempts to immediately prohibit the NCAA from enforcing its rules related to what it deems to be improper inducements to cause athletes to commit to schools. The intention is to have a ruling in place on the motion before National Signing Day (February 6, 2024).
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Santa Barbara Invite 2024 | |
The Santa Barbara Invite 2024 was held at UCSB on January 26th through the 28th, kicking off the 2024 College Regular Season in beautiful Santa Barbara. Twenty teams filled out the Men’s tournament and 16 teams competed in the Women’s tournament. Both Cal and Stanford participated and while seeded fourth, Cal Men’s Ursa Major finished in third place. Above, ending the first day of action, the University of California Men’s Ursa Major squared off against host UCSB Black Tide during the round-robin pool play. Stanford’s women’s Superfly team would finish in fourth place. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
Above, ending the first day of action, the University of California Men’s Ursa Major squared off against host UCSB Black Tide during the round-robin pool play. Stanford’s women’s Superfly team would finish in fourth place. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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In the Quarterfinals of Day 2, Stanford Superfly faced off against the Oregon Fugue. Oregon would win, 12-11. Stanford would play Carleton for third place but finished in fourth place.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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In the Quarterfinals of Day 2, Stanford Superfly faced off against the Oregon Fugue. Oregon would win, 12-11. Stanford would play Carleton for third place but finished in fourth place.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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In the Quarterfinals of Day 2, Stanford Superfly faced off against the Oregon Fugue. Oregon would win, 12-11. Stanford would play Carleton for third place but finished in fourth place.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Sports Today Goes TikTok! | |
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Sports Today has ventured into the TikTok realm with Cal Football Fan, a TikTok account dedicated to covering Cal Football. This and next season you can expect all sorts of Cal Football content, including commentary, game recaps, and TikToks covering Cal Football alumni who are in the NFL currently or were at some point in time.
Keep checking our TikTok account, Cal Football Fan, and please feel free to follow our account and share with Cal alums, football fans, or anyone you think would enjoy it. Additionally, feel free to comment on content that you’d like to see, as feedback is always encouraged! We can be reached at theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com.
https://www.tiktok.com/@cal.football.fan?_t=8gdIUGofPpO&_r=1
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California Memorial Stadium Berkeley | |
Creator Ammar Bhaiji is a Cal alumni who graduated in the Spring of 2023. Ammar majored in public health and hopes to attend medical school in the future, but is taking some time to explore other passions, including social media and football. Outside of sports and social media reporting, Ammar enjoys the outdoors, swimming, and hanging
out with friends.
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Earthquakes Draw Chivas, LA Galaxy for
Leagues Cup 2024
Quakes to face LIGA MX giant and MLS archrival
in Group West 2
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes were placed into Group West 2 of Leagues Cup 2024 and will face Club Deportivo Guadalajara, also known as Chivas (LIGA MX), and the LA Galaxy (MLS) in the Group Stage. More details, including schedule, match venues, and ticketing information, will be announced later. To be the first to know Leagues Cup 2024 updates, click here.
Major League Soccer (MLS) and LIGA MX announced the format and groups for Leagues Cup 2024, the second edition of the international soccer competition featuring all 47 clubs from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The month-long tournament, which will crown a winner among MLS and LIGA MX clubs, will unfold from July 26 to August 25, 2024, setting the stage for historic and emerging North American club rivalries.
Leagues Cup 2024, to be played in the United States and Canada, will decide three qualifiers for the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup in which the winner will represent the region at the FIFA Club World Cup. This innovative club tournament has redefined soccer tournament competition, showcasing the best talent in North America and the intensity of the competition.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.sjearthquakes.com
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Oakland Roots SC and the USL Championship have released the full kickoff times and schedule for the 2024 USL Championship season.
Oakland Roots SC will have 7:00 PM PT kickoffs for 15 of 17 home games, with the August 31st 5-year Roots Birthday Party game and the only Sunday, September 29th game kicking off at 3:00 PM PT.
Last week, Oakland Roots SC released the Theme Nights schedule for 2024 home games at Cal State University, East Bay. There is something for everyone; purchase your Membership to enjoy all the magic in 2024.
VIEW FULL SCHEDULE
BUY TICKETS
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Click HERE.
www.oaklandrootssc.com
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Longtime participant Ed Archer stands proudly next to his 1915 Ford Racer Model T that he still competes in
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Launches "Then & Now" Series and Social Media Content Featuring 50 Years of Historic Racing
MONTEREY, Calif., Jan 25, 2024—WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca proudly announces the launch of an exciting new feature series titled "Then & Now," dedicated to exploring the rich stories, news, facts, and photos that encapsulate the 50-year history of historic races. This series is set to be a captivating journey through time, celebrating the evolution of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion from its inception in 1974 as the Monterey Historic Automobile Races.
The "Then & Now" series will aim to encapsulate all that makes historic racing events what they are today including run groups, iconic cars and drivers, and fan activities that have defined this remarkable event over the years. From the early days of the Monterey Historics to the present-day Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, the series aims to provide a comprehensive look at the transformation and growth of historic racing.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Bears Win Two Events, Earn Multiple Program Top 10s
Stanford Prevails By One Point In Cal’s
Closest Meet Yet
STANFORD – In a thrilling Saturday afternoon matchup at Burnham Pavilion, the California and Stanford men's gymnastics teams took their third meeting of the season down to the wire and finished with their closest point differential of the season. The Golden Bears were leading the Cardinal 329.200-329.050 heading into the last rotation, but Stanford ultimately prevailed after a strong horizontal bar showing to finish one point ahead of Cal, 392.850-391.850.
After picking up a pair of second-place finishes on floor (Tyler Shimizu – 13.550) and pommel horse (Noah Newfeld – 13.700), respectively, the Bears were strongest in the second half of the meet, posting wins on vault (69.250-63.550) and parallel bars (67.150-66.500) to pull ahead after five events. The latter score also earned the No. 10 spot on Cal's modern program list.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Karen Ambrose Hickey/Stanford Athletics
www.calbears.com
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Brink Delivers on Both Ends
Senior has 19 points, 19 rebounds and seven blocks in win over No. 7 UCLA
STANFORD, Calif. (AP) – Tara VanDerveer pulled each of her star post players aside and asked them to stay within themselves and play to their strengths.
Cameron Brink and Kiki Iriafen made all the right decisions two days after a rare loss.
Brink had 19 points, 19 rebounds and seven blocked shots, and No. 4 Stanford beat No. 7 UCLA 80-60 on Sunday.
Iriafen scored 18 points as the Cardinal (20-3, 9-2 Pac-12) bounced back nicely after losing 67-58 to JuJu Watkins and No. 15 Southern California on Friday night.
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Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Erin Chang / isiphotos.com
www.gostanford.com
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Spartans Take Down Fresno State at Home
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Reka Kovacs broke a pool record and placed first in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 4:56.61 to lead the Spartans in their 151-149 win over Fresno State.
- Ela Freiman broke a pool record in the 400-yard IM with a personal best time of 4:18.60.
- Ellie Shorten took first in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 56.62 and the 200-yard backstroke with a 2:03.33.
- Reagan Mathieson recorded a season-best and placed first in both the 100-yard freestyle with a 50.76 and the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:50.38 to lead the Spartans in their
- Kovacs finished the 200-yard butterfly with a time of 2:01.89 to take first in the event.
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For a full report, click HERE.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
MBB | Gaels Defeat Gonzaga in The Kennel for the First Time Since 2018
SPOKANE, Wash. — The Gaels (18-6, 9-0 WCC) remained unbeaten in WCC play with yet another signature win, defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs (16-6, 7-2 WCC) 64-62 on the road for the first time since 2018. This matchup was expected to be a tight one, and it certainly lived up to the billing, with 13 lead changes. In the end, the Gaels only led for 8+ minutes, but when the final horn sounded, the Gaels earned the hard fought victory.
The Gaels trailed by just one at the halftime break at 34-33, but the way the game started, the Saint Mary's certainly had to be pleased with that deficit. The Gaels started off 0-9 from the field and fell behind 15-4 early, but rallied back to take a 17-16 lead at the 9:23 mark. The two teams would continue to battle back and forth, with Gonzaga taking the narrow lead into the halftime break. After their slow start, the Gaels closed out the half by shooting 13-23 from the field. Aidan Mahaney and Mitchell Saxen each tallied nine points to lead Saint Mary's, while Joshua Jefferson added seven points, four rebounds, and four assists, playing the entire first half.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo / SMC Athletics / Pipe Westrom
#GaelsRise www.smcgaels.com
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Gayles and Dos Santos Reach Double Figures as Dons Fall at San Diego
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Jasmine Gayles and Debora dos Santos posted their second-consecutive 20-point performances as the University of San Francisco women's basketball team (9-13, 5-4) dropped a lopsided battle to San Diego (5-17, 1-8), falling 77-67 Saturday afternoon at Jenny Craig Pavilion.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
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San Francisco got off to a fast start, scoring the game's first six points to grab a 6-0 advantage at the 8:25 mark of the opening quarter. Gayles scored on the Dons' first two possessions, and Luana Leite added a bucket of her own to spark the run.
- San Diego responded shortly after with a 6-0 run, tying the game at the halfway mark of the first quarter.
- Following two baskets from both teams to knot the game at 10 at the 2:36 mark, the Toreros regained the lead and used a 7-2, ending the quarter with a 17-12 advantage
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.usfdons.com
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Heal's Triple-Double Leads Women's Basketball to Win at Pepperdine
MALIBU, Calif. – In a game of career bests, Tess Heal posted a triple-double, the 27th in the nation this season, to lead Santa Clara women's basketball to a 79-58 win at Pepperdine Saturday afternoon. Olivia Pollerd and Keeley Frawley both set career-highs in points as well to lead an impressive Broncos attack.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
After a slow start to the second quarter, Santa Clara (17-7, 5-4 WCC) scored a couple of buckets to get out on top by 10 before a 6-0 Pepperdine (5-17, 1-8 WCC) run cut that to four. The Broncos responded with a 9-0 run of their own to take a 32-19 lead and would be on top 34-21 at the half.
Santa Clara blew things open to start the second half with an 11-0 run highlighted by three 3-pointers that made the score 45-21. Pepperdine came back with seven in a row of its own but Santa Clara entered the fourth up 23, which proved to be a more even quarter.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Don Jedlovec / Santa Clara Athletics
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
Alaksza's Big Day Propels #16 Tigers in Split on Final Day of Stanford Invitational
By Michael Gutnick
PALO ALTO, Calif. – On a rainy, windy day in the Bay Area, sophomore Dora Alaksza put together one of her best performances as the #16 Pacific women's water polo team battled to a split on the final day of the Stanford Invitational at the Avery Aquatic Center.
The Tigers (2-2) poured on the offense in a 14-7 victory over #23 Biola (3-3) before falling in the afternoon finale against host #6 Stanford (6-2) by a final score of 14-3.
"Outside of the rain and wind, we did a great job of staying focused," Pacific head coach Candice Vorbeck said on her team's effort. "We had some really great passes and vision. It's great to see us playing together."
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
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UC Davis Uses Strong Defensive Performance in 59-52 Win at Cal Poly
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — The UC Davis men's basketball team used another strong defensive performance to secure a 59-52 win against the Cal Poly Mustangs on the road Saturday. Holding the Mustangs to just 34 percent from the field, the Aggies and their Big West leading three-point defense proved to be key, as UC Davis limited the Mustangs to just two makes from behind the arc in the second half to completely shift the momentum.
Offensively, the Aggies (14-8, 9-2) had three players score in double figures, led by Elijah Pepper, who had 16 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Ty Johnson added 13 points and two steals during his 23 minutes of action, while Connor Sevilla proved to be the ultimate microwave scorer the Aggies needed tonight, contributing with 10 points off the bench on a perfect 4-4 effort from the field.
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For a full report, click HERE.
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneer Softball Splits Second Day of Concordia Kickoff Classic
AZUSA, Calif. – Cal State East Bay softball played the second day of the Concordia Kickoff Classic as they took on Azusa Pacific and Colorado Christian on the APU campus. The Pioneers shut out Azusa Pacific 6-0 and lost 3-0, in eight innings, to Colorado Christian. Through three games, the Pioneers are 2-1.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo / Kelley L. Cox / KLC fotos
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Year Round Junior Sailing and
Summer Camps
We teach kids as young as eight years old, in boats sized just for them. For the older and more accomplished, we offer trapeze sailing with spinnakers, keelboat sailing and anything that pops up when opportunity strikes. You do not have to be a St. Francis Yacht Club member for your child to participate in these programs, and we find time for giggles so a kid can be a kid.
New sailors start with the Learn to Sail program and grow into Learn to Race. Sailors ages 8-11 sail our very manageable RS Teras. At about age 12, they grow into the RS Feva and C420, a two-person dinghy that our more ambitious teenagers race in national championships. Our J/22 programs are popular for teens who want to sail with friends, friends and more friends and get a grip on handling keelboats. All of these are excellent training vessels, provided and maintained by the Club.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.stfyc.com
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
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Who is the highest-paid quarterback
in the NFL?
No. 1 -- Cincinnati Bengals' QB Joe Burrow at an annual salary of $55 million
No. 2 -- Kansas City Chiefs' QB comes in at a mere
$52.5 million
Mr. Irrvelevant -- Depends where you look.
Brock Purdy, $985,000
It should be a good game.
Last year Super Bowl winners made $157,000 with
the losers receiving $82,000. Even losing, Purdy will be making over a million for the season.
Just because of the disparity between the salaries of the Super Bowl quarterbacks, I'm waiving my AFC loyalty to cheer on the 49ers.
The NFL has managed to turn its free-agent shopping into an offseason spectacle, and it's easy to see why.
This link will take you to the top NFL salaried players.
Next year the Patriots!
For comments, write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Are you Web-Savvy and interested in career opportunities in the world of sports? Sports Today/Ultimate Sports Guide may be the place for you!
Shoot us an email and resume and we'll be happy to discuss the possibilities! We've had good times and have helped many a team player move
up the ladder of success!
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Absorbing, frank and informative, Elman's smart prose makes for entertaining reading and brings to life our sports world with a deft touch.
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“A must read…an in-depth look into stories that come from all avenues of professional sports."
-- Andy Dolich, prominent sports executive with fifty years experience with the NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL
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"Good things come to those who wait"
The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. Open Monday through Thursday at 4pm. Friday through Sunday at 12pm. Happy Hour 4pm to 6pm. Look forward to seeing all your smiling
faces once again.
https://www.thechieftain.com/
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
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Cal Bears (WBkB) 69, USC Trojans 79, February 4, 2024.
Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
USF Dons (MBkB) 79, UOP Tigers 73, February 3, 2024.
Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 58, UCLA Bruins 78, February 2, 2024.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Saint Mary’s Gaels (MBkB) 82, Santa Clara Broncos 77, January 31, 2024. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WPOLO) 8, UCLA Bruins 9, January 28, 2024.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 66, Oregon Ducks 57, January 21, 2024.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 81, Washington State 75 OT, January 20, 2024.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 64, Oregon State Beavers 69, January 19, 2024 Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 75, Washington Huskies 77, January 18, 2024. Photos by Ron Sellers.
USF Dons (WBkB) 60, Portland Pilots 67, January 6, 2024.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 70, Washington Huskies 57, January 5, 2024.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, February 5, through
Sunday, February 11, 2024
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Monday, February 5
Golden State Warriors @ Brooklyn Nets, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 6
Wednesday,February 7
Golden State Warriors @ Philadelphia 76ers, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 8
Golden State Warriors @ Indiana Pacers, 4 p.m.
Friday, February 9
Saturday, February 10
Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns, 5:30 p.m.
Sunday February 11
San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs, @ Las Vegas, NV, 3:30 p.m.
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
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LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | |
The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | |
More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | |
The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | |
To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | | |
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5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
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Many people -- maybe even you -- have been getting out on their bikes more during Shelter-in-Place. "Check for Bikes" clings and bumper stickers are great ways to keep bicyclists safer out there on the road by promoting awareness by drivers to share the road. Keep safe out there and keep your neighbors safe by using or passing along vinyl clings for inside a car window or windshield and 4" circular bumper stickers. We have Youth and
Spanish versions, too!
Go to www.checkforbikes.org or email contact@checkforbikes.org
with questions or to order.
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq. is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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