Monday, Feb. 1 through Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021
Issue No. 366
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Super Bowl LV
Sunday, February 7, 2021
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the
Kansas City Chiefs. Chiefs are 3.5 point favorite
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
3:30 p.m., CBS
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NFL Trend Setter
Sarah Thomas, currently a football official for the NFL, was the first woman to officiate a major college football game. Thomas was also the first woman to officiate a bowl game and the first to officiate in a Big Ten stadium. For the 2020 NFL season, Thomas was on the officiating crew headed by referee Shawn Hochuli and will become the first woman to referee a Super Bowl on Feb. 7. (Image from Oakland Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens game on Sept. 20, 2015.)
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Sign of the Sportspocalypse? Today's Chron (1/31) with 11 pages of Obits, Sporting Green only 7. Andy Dolich (@Koufish)
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Warriors & Kings Schedules |
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Marcus Semien, second baseman,
Toronto Blue Jays
by Kenny Karst
It's no surprise. In typical A's fashion, payroll once again reigns supreme. With overall MLB revenues down in 2020 and surely for much of the 2021 season, the Oakland Athletics could muster only a meager one-year, $12M offer to their free agent, veteran shortstop, Marcus Semien. "Meager?" you say? Well, yes . . . $10M of that offer was to be deferred in $1M installments over ten, long years. Semien, not feeling the love he desired, opted instead to sign with the Toronto Blue Jays, and a one-year $18M deal was consummated by both parties last Saturday. With Bo Bichette anchoring the shortstop role for Toronto, the Blue Jays will likely move Semien to second base. In the A's defense, Semien's offensive numbers in a COVID-shortened 2020 season were significantly shy of his stellar 2019 performance; but his team leadership with Oakland in the clubhouse and on the field for the last six years will be difficult to replace. A Berkeley native who played college ball for the Cal Bears, Semien came to the A's following the 2014 season in a six-player deal with the Chicago White Sox. His career-best numbers all came in 2019 with the A's, when he belted 33 home runs, 43 doubles and 92 RBI's in a major league-leading 747 plate appearances. The Blue Jays are hoping that magic returns in 2021.
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The passing of Dick Callahan
We are heartbroken to learn that Dick Callahan passed away this morning. He lent his warm and welcoming voice to the Oakland faithful as our public address announcer for 15 seasons and more than 1,000 games at the Oakland Coliseum. We have lost a beloved member of our family who was a great friend to all who knew him. His passion and love for the A's was like no other and his impact will never be forgotten. We extend our condolences to Dick's family and friends during this time.
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Run anywhere and show your HEART
We’re partnering with the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation this February to launch the HEARTS IN SF 3.5-mile virtual run/walk. This virtual fitness challenge represents the unique heart sculptures painted by Bay Area artists found all around the city. Registration is $35 and includes the following finisher collectibles:
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Saint Mary's Gaels 52
Gonzaga Bulldogs 79
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Saint Mary's guard Madeline Holland scored a team-high 15 points in the Gaels' 79-52 defeat to the 18th-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs at UCU Pavilion in Moraga on Saturday, January 30. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Senior Brianna Simonich pulled down a team-high nine rebounds while also contributing seven points. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us of visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
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Cal Bears vs. Utah Utes
(10-25, 16-25, 26-28)
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Cal's Sydney Lilomaiava was one of three Bears with eight kills in their three-set loss to the Utah Utes, 10-25, 16-25, 26-28, at Haas Pavilion on Sunday, January 31. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Tom Brady with the Vince Lombardi Trophy for Super Bowl 51 |
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Age is only a Number
By Andy Dolich
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Perhaps you didn’t know that Tom Brady, the QB of the Tampa Bay Bucs,
is 43 and will be the oldest NFLer to play in a Super Bowl. In that case there are a few other age-specific numbers worthy of scribbling down to win bar bets and show off your working brain cells, no matter your age.
Oldest coach to win a Super Bowl, of course, you knew that one. Brady’s Head Hoodie from his Pats years, Bill Belichick was 66 when winning SB 53.
Youngest coach to have held up the Vince Lombardi trophy -- Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers was 36 in SB 48.
Youngest quarterback to get a win -- you guessed it. Big Ben Roethlisberger was only 23 when he won XL.
Young ones to play in the Big Game -- Five NFLers were 21 years young -- Jamal Lewis, Tony Hill, Derrick Harmon, Brain Bulaga, and Bob Stein.
Looking at some other leagues, there are a few birthdays that take the cake for those who played in championship games:
World Series -- Jack Quinn, whom I’m sure you remember from 1930. He was 46. Not in the World Series but Satchel Paige pitched for the Kansas City A’s in 1965 when he was 59
NBA Finals -- Robert Parish was 43 when the Bulls won the NBA championship in 1997
NHL -- Gordie Howe of the Hartford Whalers was a spry 51
World Cup -- Pele playing for Brazil was 17 winning the World Cup in 1958
Masters -- Jack Nicklaus, 46; Tiger Woods, 21
Another Legend we have lost -- The sports world has seen so many larger-than-life figures pass on over the past few months. Dick Callahan was the booming microphone voice of East Bay sports for decades, handling the PA power for the Warriors, A’s, Cal and Saint Mary's and many other events. His ultra professional ability to bring fans the information, without being intrusive, is a rare quality in the sports world. Dick was a good man with a wonderful inner and outer smile who made friends everywhere with a voice that will be sadly missed.
He will be missed.
* * *
Andy Dolich has over five decades of leadership in the sports industry, including executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, pro soccer and lacrosse. Presently Dolich is COO of the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) and teaches sports business at Stanford's School of Continuing Studies. Dolich is also co-author of the book:
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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Next Monday you will be reading the results of Super Bowl LV!
I was going to ask a question related to (by then) the holder of seven Super Bowl rings, Tom Brady, but found something more interesting... Who is the only player with three interceptions in a Super Bowl game? Two clues to help you: (1) The player set it with a Bay Area team; (2) In Super Bowl XV.
A 40-year unmatched record is noteworthy.
(See answer below...)
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Super Bowl Sunday
might as well be a national holiday
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Above, inside dining back in the day at Habana Cuba Restaurant in downtown San Jose, as all dining now is outdoor. Habana says they plan to prepare food during Super Bowl LV for pick up (998cuba.com photo) |
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Are Super Bowl Parties Super
Spreaders?
By Amaury Pi-González
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One of the biggest days to party is coming this week, when Super Bowl LV take place in Tampa between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Millions of Americans will party at home, with family and friends as well as many others who usually go out to sports bars, restaurants and places where sometimes the game is secondary to the festivities.
Millions of people gather and party together during the holidays, like Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year, Fourth of July and other festive days. In sports, the Super Bowl is one of those days. Millions (not all necessarily all football fans) celebrate Super Bowl at home or on the road.
During normal times regular bars, sports bars and restaurants usually have a “very good day” when it comes to Super Bowl Sunday. Although is not a federal holiday, it might as well be because of the popularity of this one day, which always takes place on a Sunday, the one day of the week where most people do not work.
Restaurants expect good business this next Super Bowl Sunday. Here in the Bay Area restaurants were recently allowed to open outdoor dining areas. The hospitality business has been hit as hard as any other business. It has been suggested that the day after the Super Bowl should be a federal holiday, since the attendance at work is as bad as any day of the year.
In pre-covid years hundreds of thousands of people traveled to Las Vegas for Super Bowl weekend, always a huge event in Sin City. Obviously this year is different. Still airlines are offering very tempting low prices as well as the casinos with special and seductive packages for accommodations.
The 2019 Super Bowl brought roughly 310,000 visitors to Las Vegas and had an estimated economic impact of $425 million, according to research company Applied Analysis.
According to protocols in Nevada, casino operators are prohibited from hosting big crowds this year. Hotels estimate a lot of 50-person events in ballrooms, much smaller events than in the past. If they fail to comply they can be fined or have their licenses suspended or revoked. But Las Vegas is open for business and it will be interesting to see the numbers this coming Super Bowl weekend.
Restaurants in the Bay Area are now open for outside dinning as take-out continues. Jennifer Echeverri, owner of Habana Cuba Restaurant on SoFA Market, 387 South First Street in San José, told me, “Things are starting to pick up,” and added, “We are going to have a Super Bowl special.” Like most restaurants they have been just doing take-out and will continue and for many restaurants take-out has been their only lifeline and has kept them in business.
Whatever you do this Super Sunday, February 7, remember to keep doing what you have been doing, taking all regular common sense precautions like wearing masks (double-up if you want), separation, washing hands, etc.
Getting vaccinated has not been easy in California and there still a lot of confusion -- people over 65 waiting to get their shots, others are awaiting the call from their medical providers and things are moving slowly. I was lucky to get my first Moderna shot and scheduled for my second one in mid-February.
Enjoy the Super Bowl, preferable with your immediate family. Have a good time and remember, Super Bowl parties do not have to be Super Spreaders.
Stay well and stay tuned.
* * *
Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Spanish radio lead play-by-play voice for the Oakland A’s heard on KIQI 1010 San Francisco and does News and Commentary on http://www.sportsradioservice.com
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In the Shadow of Obscurity |
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Author Arif Khatib (above left)
As a person who has traveled the world and chronicled his journey, and recently completed his memoirs for his family, Arif Khatib set out to create a book that would combine three of his passions: sports, history and social justice, while shining a much-needed light on the contributions of forgotten and unheard-of athletes of color. The Shadow of Obscurity: Toiling in a Reluctant Society realizes his vision.
Author Pete Elman (above right)
Pete Elman is a musician, journalist, author and teacher. Originally from Washington, D.C., he grew up loving rock and roll, sports and history. His father, a Justice Department lawyer who argued cases in the Supreme Court—most notably Brown vs. Board of Education—imbued in young Peter a strong sense of social justice.
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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The BEST Bay Area sports photos from
Michael Zagaris, Ed Jay, Rich Yee, Darren Yamashita,
Ron Sellers, Alex Ho, Rob Edwards, Kenneth Wong,
Timothy Reynolds and Larry Rosa
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"It's an ocean planet. As the oceans go, so goes the planet."
-- Bill Carvalho, Wild Planet founder and president
Wild Planet Foods has been honored with TWO awards by Whole Foods Market -- Global Supplier of the Year AND Environmental Stewardship! The annual awards recognize suppliers who embody Whole Foods Market's mission and values through a proven commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, organic integrity, innovation, and partnership.
More Awards and Counting!
Prevention -- 100 Cleanest Packaged Food Awards
Men's Health -- 125 Best Foods for Men
Prevention -- Eat Clean Best Packaged Foods
Every Day with Rachael Ray -- Brand New Buy
Better Homes and Gardens -- Catch of the Day
Clean Eating -- Clean Choice Awards
Natural Health -- 3rd Annual Good Food Awards
Runner's World -- Good Catch
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Major League Soccer 2021 Season to begin April 3
NEW YORK - Major League Soccer announced the 2021 MLS season will begin on Saturday, April 3 and feature 34 matches for each of the league's 27 clubs. MLS' 26th regular season will conclude on MLS Decision Day, November 7, and the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs will begin November 19. MLS Cup will be played on Saturday, December 11.
Clubs will be permitted to open preseason training on February 22, six weeks prior to MLS is Back opening weekend. In accordance with MLS health and safety protocols, players will be required to quarantine and conduct individual trainings upon reporting back to their clubs.
The 2021 season will feature the debut of the league's 27th club, Austin FC, and their new world-class stadium. MLS also will see the opening of two new soccer stadiums in Ohio this season for FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew SC. In addition to regular season matches, the 26th season will include the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, Campeones Cup, and Leagues Cup during the late summer window. MLS clubs also will participate in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship and Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League in 2021.
The league also anticipates dozens of players competing for their respective national teams in competitions such as FIFA World Cup qualifying, Concacaf Nations League Finals, the Concacaf Gold Cup, Copa América, the European Championship and the Summer Olympics.
With Austin FC joining MLS, the 2021 season will feature 27 clubs, 14 in the Eastern Conference and 13 in the Western Conference.
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Nick Bublitz named Sonoma Raceway Drag Strip Manager
SONOMA, Calif. – Cotati’s Nick Bublitz has been named Sonoma Raceway’s Drag Strip Manager and will oversee the management of the raceway’s quarter-mile drag strip and drag racing programs.
In his new role with Sonoma Raceway, Bublitz will oversee day-to-day operations of the drag strip, including the weekly Wednesday Night Drags program, which is set to kick off on March 17. Bublitz takes the drag racing reins from Kyle Seipel, who has been the drag racing manager at Sonoma Raceway since 2017 after stepping in for his mother, Georgia, upon her retirement after 30 years at the raceway.
“I’m the first non-Seipel track manager in over 30 years, and I am honored to be chosen to stay the course. This is one of the best tracks on the West Coast with some of the best people, racers and staff, so I look forward to getting started,” said Bublitz, who officially starts on Feb. 1.
Bublitz, 29, began drag racing at Sonoma Raceway 10 years ago when he attended Sonoma State University and was immediately hooked. Over the past decade, he earned six Wally trophies from Summit ET Series bracket drag racing events and was the 2015 Division 7 ET Challenge Sportsman Champion. Bublitz is also currently the Track Announcer and Race Director at Redding Drag Strip.
Away from the track, Bublitz is the facilities manager at a North Bay Triple-A gaming company. Born and raised in Concord, Bublitz moved to the North Bay when he attended SSU, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in History.
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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A genuine example of heritage and authenticity are exemplified by this 1955 Jaguar D-Type of Chris MacAllister exiting turn 3 ahead of Bruce McCaw’s 1955 Aston Martin DB3S. These two were among the highlights of the 1955-1961 Sports Racing over 2000cc group at the 2018 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Photo credit: © Rolex/Stephan Cooper
Repeating History by Preserving, Restoring and Sharing Historic and Authentic Race Cars on Track
By Barry Toepke
Director of Heritage Events & Public Relations
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
For years, old race cars were just that. Forgotten machines relegated to museums, private collections, left covered in dusty garages and even tucked away in barns. There wasn’t a calling to keep them running nor was there a suitable venue to safely exercise them.
That began to change in August 1974, when Steven Earle invited friends to “race” their cars. A small gathering of 60 cars rolled into the paddock of Monterey County’s 1.9-mile Laguna Seca road course where they were sorted into corresponding groups of type and speed. It was a light-hearted group of people who enjoyed racing their cars for sport rather than trophies in a Saturday event named the Monterey Historic Automobile Races that preceded Sunday’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Thus, was the beginning of Monterey Car Week.
Over the years as more vintage race events emerged, race preparation and restoration shops flourished. Race cars were being bought and sold, and auction houses’ race car lots exploded. Naturally, so too did the value of many race cars. The subsequent increase spawned a new business opportunity of building continuation and replicas.
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Reprinted courtesy WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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Rod Martin is the answer.
Former Oakland Raiders linebacker Rod Martin recorded three interceptions in one Super Bowl. Martin pulled off the feat in Super Bowl XV, as his three interceptions off of Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski helped Oakland to a 27-10 upset victory. This is one of five records listed as unlikely to be broken at this link, http://bit.ly/3pB3E3U!
I just knew you would want to know that former Raider quarterback Rich Gannon threw the most Super Bowl interceptions, five, in Super Bowl XXXVII vs Tampa Bay! Fun sidebar to the Oakland/TB game? Jon Gruden was coaching TB. The Black Hole syndrome strikes again.
Suggestions? Caught me off base for misinformation?
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For the best real estate listings homes and property on
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The 2019 Fall/Winter edition of the Ultimate Sports Guide, a San Francisco Bay Area sports reference publication published twice a year for avid Bay Area and Northern California sports fans, is in the house. The Ultimate Sports Guide is distributed free of charge or may be ordered via subscription. Each seasonal edition provides professional and collegiate team coverage through commentary, photo essays and player profiles. To order, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net or send $5 to: Ultimate Sports Guide,
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, Feb. 1 through
Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021
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Monday, February 1
Sacramento Kings @ New Orleans Pelicans, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, February 2
Golden State Warriors vs. Boston Celtics, 7 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (MBB) vs. USC Trojans, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, February 3
Sacramento Kings vs. Boston Celtics, 7 p.m.
Thursday, February 4
Golden State Warriors @ Dallas Mavericks, 4:30 p.m.
Cal Bears (MBB) vs. Stanford Cardinal, 6 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (MBB) @ Santa Clara Broncos, postponed
USF Dons (MBB) @ Pacific Tigers, postponed
USF Dons (WBB) vs. Saint Mary's Gaels, 6 p.m.
Friday, February 5
Cal Bears (WBB) vs. Utah, 6 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (WBB) vs. Colorado, 6 p.m.
Saturday, February 6
Golden State Warriors @ Dallas Mavericks, 5:30 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Denver Nuggets, 2 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (MBB) @ Loyola Marymount, postponed
USF Dons (MBB) @ Pepperdine, 1 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (WBB) @ Santa Clara Broncos, TBD
USF Dons (WBB) vs. Pacific Tigers, 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 7
Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Clippers, 12 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (MBB) vs. Cal Bears, 7 p.m.
Cal Bears (WBB) @ Colorado, 2 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (WBB) vs. Utah, 2 p.m.
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Enjoy the
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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Need a website designed or tuned up?
We can help!
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
or call (510) 845-2035
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Join Us As A Sponsor!
Economical and rewarding.
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
or call (510) 845-2035
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The vast majority of student-athletes dreaming of athletic stardom won't make it to the pros. Yet, the discipline and skills they've developed while balancing a sport and academics make them ideally suited for satisfying careers elsewhere. In 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro, the authors draw on personal experience, interviews, expert opinion, and industry data to provide a game plan for student-athletes through key transitions at each stage of their careers, from high school through college and beyond. Modeled on Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this book provides a much-needed strategy for achieving career success. Readable and concise, it will be a valuable tool for students, parents, and sports administrators. To order, click here.
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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!
with questions or to order.
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Ultimate Sports Guide
P.O. Box 4515
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-845-2035
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst, now retired. Mr. Karst continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives.
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