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January 22 -- January 28, 2024
Issue No. 521
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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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Dre Greenlaw: Picky Picky Picky
The Scene: Levi's Stadium
The Story: The San Francisco 49ers Defeat the
Green Bay Packers 24-21
The rain was intense, but so were the 49ers...
As they did last week, Green Bay won the toss and instead of the usual deferral, elected to receive and try to shock their opponent with an opening score. It almost worked, as a combination of runs by Aaron Jones and short passes led to only a field goal when Charvarius Ward knocked down a would-be TD pass in the end zone. 3-0 GB. The rain was a factor as Brock Purdy was sacked and the Niners punted. Arik Armstead and Greenlaw next stuffed the Packers' 4th and 1 attempt from the 12-yard line and the Niners were ready to start on their own 84-yard drive. Passes to Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk were pivotal, as were runs by Christian McCaffery, and Brock found George Kittle for a Touchdown: 7-3 SF. A Packers FG made it 7-6 SF, with some intense combat by Niners "Alligator" Lenoir, #2 as tempers flared. In the 2nd quarter a Moody FG attempt was blocked. A long pass from QB Jordan Love to Bo Melton made it 13-7, GB. At 9:12 of the 3rd quarter the 49ers struck, as Brock hit Kittle and CMC stormed in for a touchdown. Welcome Back S.F., 14-13. However, as is so often the case, "Nixon's the One," and he ran back the kickoff 73 yards which was capped by a TD pass to Tucker Kraft: GB made a 2-point conversion and it was now 21-14, GB. After the Niners had punted, Dre Greenlaw intercepted a tipped Love pass. With so many momentum changes, I reached from the dramamine.
At 21-14 Aiyuk adroitly scooped up a low throw for a first down, which led to a 49ers FG, 21-17, GB. The Niners' D-Fence held, but they only mustered a punt and fan anxiety level continued to rise. Aaron Jones ran to the 40, but a missed field goal left it at 21-17. With 4:45 left in the fourth, Aiyuk went for a big third down. Jennings, Mr. Clutch, leaped to make a spectacular grab and Purdy hit #84, Chris Conley, for a first down and then Kittle. CMC ran for another first down, Brock stunned doubters as he ran to the five for a first down, and CMC ran it in for the score. 69 yards on 12 plays made it 24-21, S.F. With one last chance, Love completed one pass, but under both Nick Bosa pressure and the now-friendly precipitation, threw a pass which Dre Greenlaw intercepted. The skies opened up with sunshine (or so it seemed), and the Niners were movin' on up!
Final Score: San Francisco 49ers 24, Green Bay 21
YouTube Game Highlights: (15:02) -- Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdfRD0ZsMbQ
Robert A. Moselle, Marketing Director, Sports Today!
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
Note to Readers:
You don't have to be into sports in order to be a fan of Sports Today. Witness this conversation between an S/T reporter and a Pacific Grove resident and S/T subscriber:
Q: "What's your take on the Super Bowl?"
A (Kip): "Isn't that the one where everyone screams about Dallas? But regarding your sports journal, I'm totally mesmerized by the photography in every issue. Those folks are unbelievable."
Well, that is part of the enjoyment, yes.
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears (MBB) 81, Washington Cougars 75 (OT)
Cal Bears (MBB) 75, Washington Huskies 77
Cal Bears (WBB) 66, Oregon Ducks 57
Cal Bears (WBB) 64, Oregon State Beavers 69
Features & Commentary
A Whiny Double Drabble, by T. Buff
A's, B's and Bees, by Andy Dolich
Cooperstown is no Town without Curt Flood, by Dave Newhouse
Courtney Force, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Draymond, Draymond, Semper Draymond, by Howard Pearlstein
Hello Sac-ra-men-to!, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
Sports Today Goes TikTok, by Ammar Bhaiji
Spread New Year's Cheer -- Your Support is Welcomed!
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 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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Curt Flood became one of the pivotal figures in baseball's labor history when he refused to accept a trade following the 1969 season, ultimately appealing his case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Although his legal challenge was unsuccessful, it brought about additional solidarity among players as they fought against baseball's reserve clause and sought free agency. -- Wikipedia | | |
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Cooperstown is no Town
Without
Curt Flood
by Dave Newhouse
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The greatest injustice in sports is found in Major League Baseball: The omission of Curt Flood from its Hall of Fame.
This is the saddest of commentaries, and equally the cruelest, for Flood changed the entire dynamic of baseball from a financial standpoint, even though his isolated stance sadly cost him his career.
A career, by the way, that was headed for the Hall of Fame before Flood stood up for free agency, a concept that was anathema in baseball and sports in general until he became its pioneer figure.
But there is additional entry to Cooperstown as “a special contributor to the game,” which led to the inductions of baseball union leader Marvin Miller and commissioner Bud Selig, important figures but less important than Flood.
For Oakland native Flood is “The Father of Free Agency,” the one man directly responsible for making millionaires not only in baseball, but football, basketball and hockey. Thus no one is more worthy of Hall of Fame recognition than Flood, yet he is continuously overlooked or, likely, condemned for his courageous conviction.
Well, there is a man in Oakland willing to fight for Flood’s inclusion in Cooperstown, the only one, it seems, urging to correct this injustice. His name is Arif Khatib, an activist who’s made a life out of turning wrongs into rights.
And so on Saturday, Feb. 24 at the City Center Marriott in Oakland, there will be a dinner to push forth the idea of inducting Flood in the Baseball Hall of Fame. A guest list is forthcoming, but Khatib recently spoke about the long denied need to immortalize Flood, who died at 58 in 1997. The two men were friends long before Khatib decided to champion Flood’s cause.
“We’d meet once a week for cocktails,” Khatib said last week, “and I promised Curt that I would keep his legacy alive. But I asked him what was he thinking about giving up a hundred grand a year to play baseball. And he said, ‘I’m not doing it for me. I’m doing it for the athletes of the future. I don’t want them to be slaves. We are not slaves.’
“I didn’t know what I could do about his not being in the Hall of Fame as a ballplayer, because he had it all. It’s a travesty. But I owe it to his memory to explain why today's athletes are millionaires. They should get on their knees and thank him.”
Thank Flood not only for their wealth, but for the freedom he gave them to pick whatever team they want to play for without ownership interference.
Nobody has been more impactful in this regard than Flood, who refused a trade from St. Louis to Philadelphia and was ostracized from the game despite a Cooperstown-worthy .293 lifetime batting average and seven Gold Gloves as an outfielder.
He was a great all-around player, but his greatest contribution to baseball was forever altering its financial structure. Utility infielders making $10 million a year owe him a debt. "A special contributor to the game?” Who’s more special, financially?
To learn more about the Feb. 24 dinner honoring Flood, phone
510-508-3309 or email www.multiethnicsportshof.com.
* * *
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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A's, B's
and Bees
by Andy Dolich
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I'm confused.
A's President Dave Kaval originally stated that the top three ballpark options for playing games after the Oakland Coliseum lease ends in 2024 and the Vegas ballpark stadium opens in a closed dome in 2028 were:
* The Oakland Coliseum
* Las Vegas Ballpark, open air home of the A's Triple A affiliate Las Vegas Aviators
* Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants
Over the past few days the A's Ballpark Bedouin plan has added:
* The Sacramento Bee reported the A's are looking at playing at Sutter Health Park owned by Hoops Kings Vivek Ranadive. The River Cats are the Giants Triple A affiliate after the A's blew out their solid relationship with the team in 2015 after 15 years of Northern California market building.
* The A's are also looking at batting it around at the Salt Lake City Bees's new ballpark to open in 2025.
* Salt Lake City, in the Beehive State, wants to be on the MLB expansion city shortlist.
The A's blocked the Oakland B's (Ballers) from playing a game at the Coliseum during the upcoming season. We are still waiting to hear the specific reason for this decision.
How much of this ongoing ballpark buzz is total Bees S?
* * *
Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive in professional sports, working with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and hockey and soccer teams. Dolich is also the co-author of Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today! click HERE.
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Don't Miss Your Chance -- Help Spread The
New Year's Cheer!!!
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Donate Today And Add Your Name
To The List Below
Your Support Is Appreciated!
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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or send to: Christopher Weills, Publisher,
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thanks the following generous donors!
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A.Nonymous
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Cal Bears 81
Washington State Cougars 75
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, January 20, 2024
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What a game! The Golden Bears came back from a devastating last-minute shot that tied the game at the end of regulation, to take the lead in overtime, and pull away from the Cougars, for an exciting
Pac-12 conference win. Above, Cal's Keonte Kennedy (#3) puts up a shot early in the first half. The University of California Golden Bears played host to the Washington State University Cougars in Pac-12 play at Haas Pavilion, on Saturday evening, January 20 in Berkeley.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Cal Bears 66
Oregon Ducks 57
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley
Sunday, January 21, 2024
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Cal Bears forward Marta Suarez scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Bears defeated the Oregon Ducks, 66-57, at Haas Pavilion on Sunday, January 21st. Caption and photo
by Darren Yamashita.
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Hicks is one of the hardest throwers in the major leagues, having been measured as throwing as hard as 105 miles per hour (169 km/h). | |
Hicks Raring to Start with Giants:
'What I've Always Wanted to Do'
Sonja Chen
@sonjamchen
SAN FRANCISCO -- A long-held dream is finally about to come true for Jordan Hicks.
A career reliever in the big leagues, Hicks is set to convert to a starting role with the Giants.
"I think I never got the full starting opportunity, especially in the big leagues," Hicks said on Thursday at Oracle Park. "This is what I've always wanted to do, and this is what I'm most excited to do in the big leagues."
The Giants announced Hicks' four-year, $44 million deal on Thursday. In addition to a $2 million signing bonus, Hicks is set to earn $6 million in 2024 and $12 million annually from '25-27. He can make up to $2 million per season in performance bonuses based on innings pitched.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sfgiants.com
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Attend the Giants & KNBR FanFest Tour with stops in Sacramento, San Jose and Napa
The Giants & KNBR FanFest Tour 2024 is a new, reimagined experience for Giants fans that transforms the traditional one-day San Francisco-based event into an expanded series across Northern California. Current and former Giants players, coaches, broadcasters and Lou Seal will caravan to meet fans in their local communities - including Sacramento, San Jose and Napa - to sign autographs, participate in Q&A sessions, distribute merchandise and more. Admission is free.
continued...
Click HERE.
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The A’s remain confident that Soderstrom will soon emerge into a special talent. Photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
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Welcome to another edition of the A’s Beat newsletter
Soderstrom on Debut Season, Adjustments for '24
Martín Gallegos @MartinJGallegos
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter.
To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to receive
it regularly in your inbox.
For the first time at really any level of baseball, Tyler Soderstrom encountered prolonged hitting struggles in his first taste of big league action with the A’s last season.
Receiving the call to the Majors in July as a 21-year-old and rated Oakland’s No. 1 prospect at the time, Soderstrom was unable to carry over his massive Minor League success. Appearing in 45 games, the catcher/first baseman hit just .160 with a .472 OPS, three home runs and 43 strikeouts in 138 plate appearances.
While the numbers were underwhelming in that small sample size, the A’s remain confident that Soderstrom will soon emerge into the special talent he has long been projected to be and hope to see him hit the ground running in 2024. Before that, he participated in the annual MLB/MLBPA Rookie Program earlier this month, discussing his takeaways from his up-and-down debut season and other topics:
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.athletics.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 Oakland A’s owner John Fisher and team president David Kaval both toured Sutter Health Ballpark in Sacramento on Thu Jan 18, 2024 and are considering having the A’s play their home games there starting in the 2025 season. | | |
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Hello
Sa-cra-men-to!
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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What appears to be settled: Officially, the A’s will play the whole home schedule at the Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum this 2024, with the opener on Thursday, March 28, at 7:07 against the Cleveland Guardians.
Not settled: 2025 through 2027 is not settled at all, and Sacramento is looking better and better as that temporary home for the Atléticos. But Sacramento is not in the Bay Area, so the team will not be eligible to receive some $60-plus million from NBC Sports.
Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto is the #20 television market in the US; the Sacramento Sutter Health Park total capacity is 14,404, which is all the regular seats plus the grassy area behind the outfield.
According to John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle, even if the A’s pay far less than the $67 million, a deal would still benefit NBC Sports California because it is less than what they would pay in the Bay Area. Also (according to Shea), the A’s could retain the A’s programming lineup.
On Thursday it was reported that A’s owner John Fisher and team president David Kaval both were taking a tour of Sutter Health Park and checking the facilities. If Fisher and Kaval like everything they see at Sutter Health, it’s likely the A’s could start playing home games there beginning in 2025.
Oakland A’s president Dave Kaval initially said the Oakland Coliseum, Oracle Park (home of the Giants), or Summerlin, Nevada, the Las Vegas Aviators, the A’s triple-A affiliate were options. If the A’s play at Oracle, the Giants will charge them as tenants for some 40 games, a sizable fee; San Francisco is expensive, although there is a 40,000 capacity, which is totally a major league standard. And A's Aviators Park in Las Vegas is probably out of the equation as of….now. The A’s are scheduled to play a two-game spring training series at Aviators Park March 8th and 9th against the Milwaukee Brewers.
* * *
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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Cal Bears 75
Washington Huskies 77
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Thursday, January 18, 2024
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On a last-second three-point shot, the Washington Huskies pulled out a two-point win in a fierce battle on the hardwood in a rocking Haas Pavilion. Above, Cal's Rodney Brown Jr (#1) drives the lane and dishes a pass late in the first half. The University of California Golden Bears played host to the University of Washington Huskies in Pac-12 play at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Thursday evening, January 18.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Cal Bears 64
Oregon State Beavers 69
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Friday, January 19, 2024
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Cal Bears guard Ioanna Krimili scored 20 points, including her 300th career three-pointer during the Bears' 69-64 loss to the Oregon State Beavers on Friday, January 19th at Haas Pavilion.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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A Whiny Double Drabble
-- The Lame Prognosticator, T. Buff
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Four wins out of six is great when it is a seven game series. It’s a winner. Four out of six when six winners are needed is a good showing. Four out of six with four being losers is terrible. I told you not to pay any attention to any of my prognostications. I’m not happy. I’ll be over it by morning. My losses pale compared to those playing the game.
Thoughts about kickers, especially Buffalo’s Tyler Bass, are more on my mind. Tyler Bass, as noted in this link, with his “wide right kick,” has become a part of Buffalo Bill’s lore he would rather not be a part of. (Buffalo lost to Kansas City on Sunday, 27-24. A 44-yard field goal attempt, with 1:47 remaining, would have tied the score.) As mentioned in this piece, his name will forever be tied to another “wide right” kicker, Scott Norwood, who missed a kick that would have given the Bills a Super Bowl win in 1991. Tyler being blamed for the loss of the game will happen, but anyone watching the game knows that is hardly the case. I don’t think the missed kick was a choke. I believe the excuse Tyler made in a post-game remark, "poor placement of the ball." After all, his FG percentage was only 82% and he was ranked 28th in the NFL in the regular season.
For comments, write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Draymond Draymond, Semper Draymond
What they said, what I heard, what I saw
by Howard Pearlstein
What they said: He’s a bad one. He even punched a teammate a year or so ago. He plays like it’s neighborhood street ball. Any foul you call on him, he deserves it.
Something I heard as a kid, in the 50’s, when Russian tanks were telling Hungarians that independence was not a good idea, The soldiers had a feel-better-about what-they’re doing slogan: “If you shoot one of them in the head, he’ll know why.” *
On the court it’s the same self-serving BS, although not as extreme. Draymond shows his displeasure with calls he thinks are bad. And says it. (Oops.) Fans of teams that don’t play the Dubs in regular season don’t understand why people consider Draymond the most intelligent player in the game, the heartbeat of the team. He still is. He’s the one who sees the whole court whether for distributing shots or knowing what’s needed on defense. All they saw was highlights, Steph or Klay’s magical 3-pointers and maybe Draymond flapping his jaw at a ref.
When Rudy Gobert faked him out, all they could say was it was bad. HE was bad, a violent sociopath. That – aiyee! -- he was choking Gobert, had his hands around Gobert’s throat. Can NOT. Allow that. But there was more to the story.
What I heard: Before the game, Rudy Gobert was bragging to his Timberwolves: “Draymond is easy. I can take him out of his game, make him lose his temper. So just start something and I’ll take it from there.” And he did.
What I saw: Klay was boxing out McDaniels who grabbed Klay’s shirt, tearing it. Klay grabbed his in return. And then Ruby Gobert joined in, grabbed Klay from behind, throwing him down on the court and coming down on top of him, putting his hands around Klay’s throat. (Here's a YouTube video of the incident): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQb8dK4MC-E
What Draymond saw was Jaden McDaniels, (6’9” 185 pounds), start a fight with Klay Thompson, (6’6” 215). Then Rudy Gobert, (7’1” 258), grabbed Klay from behind, put him on the floor and landed on top of him, putting his hands around Klay’s throat.
At which point, Draymond, (6’6” 230) moved in to pull Gobert off his teammate using the only handle possible – Gobert’s neck. How do you grab some guy who outweighs you by 30 pounds and is 6 inches taller (more leverage), a big guy who was choking your teammate? (None of the critics mention THAT.) The only thing he could get his hands around was Gobert’s neck. And he grabbed and pulled until Gobert let go. And the damning part, so they said, was Draymond’s hands were there for nine whole seconds!
Which meant…
It meant whatever they wanted it to mean, but Draymond knew why -- it was a way to get him suspended, a way to leave the Warriors without the player who was so often the fulcrum of a Dubs win. Every time I see Gobert on the news, I think of him as a great big pile of what it is when they say it’s not chicken salad, but something else.
As for the big one, the windmill spin that caught Nurkic and Nurkic’s award-winning flop for the “he’s gone too far” suspension, it was Don Quixote exclaiming “Oh what a blow that phantom gave me.”
Sure, Draymond had problems to work on, and he did, but he wasn’t the only one – some refs and some other players needed to look at their own acts a whole lot more.
* (Thanks to mathematician/filmmaker George Csicsery for validating that quote.)
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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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. 63: Chase Griffin Is Voice Of Reason At 11th NIL Hearing
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The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
by Darren Heitner
Founder of HEITNERLEGAL
Yes, Congress held another NIL hearing.
This time, the House Energy and Commerce Committee was in charge, titling the hearing, "NIL Playbook: Proposal to Protect Student Athletes' Dealmaking Rights."
It was clearly intended to pimp out Rep. Gus Bilirakis' legislation (see Vol. 62), which he emphasized is only a discussion draft, yet interestingly included quarterback Chase Griffin of UCLA among the invited participants, and Chase is not at all in favor of Congress even considering that legislation.
In his prepared written testimony, which he also provided orally at the hearing, Griffin said, "It is disheartening to see a federal bill that ignores our hard work and the value we create by putting obstacles in our pathway to the American Dream. In this bill, there are over 200 negative references to college athlete NIL with words like 'regulate,' 'prohibit,' 'sanction,' 'restrict,' and 'inducement,' but it never mentions freedom, growth, innovation, or Title IX."
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Courtney Force -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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I had the opportunity to see Courtney Force race every year at Sonoma Raceway until she retired in 2019. She’s the youngest daughter of NHRA legend John Force. She signed this photo for me in 2018 after her race. She along with all NHRA drivers are very fan friendly and more than happy to sign autographs and take
photos with their fans.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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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 to Announce Top 50 Players in Club History for 50th Anniversary Weekend in June
Fans can nominate players for Top 50 list at sjearthquakes.com
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they will present the 50 greatest players in team history as the club celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. The final list of legends will be unveiled in the days leading up to 50th Anniversary Weekend (June 27-29), which will culminate in the 101st California Clásico against the LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, June 29.
Fans can submit nominations for the Top 50 list by clicking here. The window to nominate players will close on Sunday, Feb. 18, when the Earthquakes kick off the year with a 50th Anniversary Block Party at San Pedro Square Market. To RSVP for the party, click here.
Until then, fans can nominate their favorite players from San Jose’s hallowed history over the past five decades, beginning with the club’s nascent days in the North American Soccer League at Spartan Stadium all the way up to the current Major League Soccer era at PayPal Park. With two MLS Cups, two Supporters’ Shields, and an NASL indoor championship among the titles in the trophy case, the Quakes’ annals are filled with top players. The club’s MLS history also features numerous Best XI selections, MLS All-Stars, Defenders of the Year, and a Most Valuable Player.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sjearthquakes.com
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Oakland Roots SC Announces the Signing of Georgian Center Back Gagi Margvelashvili
Oakland, CA - Oakland Roots SC announces the signing of Georgian International Center Back Gagi Margvelashvili ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The 27-year-old is a multi-time champion of the Georgian top division with Saburtalo Tbilisi and Dinamo Batumi. Additionally, in the 2021-2022 season, Margvelashvili won the Macedonian first division with Shkupi.
“Gagi is someone we have scouted from afar, and we can’t wait to have him in our building,” said Head Coach Noah Delgado. “He is a proven winner who has played in some of the top competitions in Europe. Bringing in guys who are proven winners is something we are very intent on doing."
Margvelashvili spent the majority of his career with Saburtalo Tbilisi before spending time with Dinamo Batumi, Shkupi, and most recently Dinamo Tbilisi. He also has international experience, representing his nation over 30 times at the U17, U19, and U21 levels.
Welcome to Oakland, Gagi.
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Click HERE..
www.oaklandrootssc.com
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Mario Andretti and his family took a lap around Laguna Seca in his final Indycar race in October 1994
Renowned Racing Legends Grant Exclusive Nod to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion for New Run Groups
MONTEREY, Calif., Jan 19, 2024—As the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion celebrates the Golden Anniversary of historic racing at Monterey’s WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the illustrious gathering also honors the history and significant achievements throughout time. It seems fitting then that the groups of cars that race reflect that history with motorsport legends and drivers who were integral to the history of the sport.
The 13 groups now bear the famous names associated with the years, makes and models being raced as they once did in their professional days. Now, thanks to the generosity of the incredible legends and their families, the fans can expect to see the following run groups at this year’s event, named in their honor:
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Bears Roll Past Broncos In Road Win
Cal Moves To 4-0 In 2024 XVs Campaign
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – California rugby moves to 4-0 following its 91-0 shutout at Santa Clara on Wednesday night under the lights at Bellomy Field. The Golden Bears scored 15 tries by 10 different players and kept a clean sheet over the Broncos in Cal's fourth-straight road game to open the 2024 season.
The contest was off to a slow start with 16 minutes passing before either team lit up the scoreboard. The Broncos played physically from the start, but Cal struck first with Michael Freeman touching down in the tryzone to give the Bears an advantage they would never relinquish.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Justine Willard / KFC Fotos
www.calbears.com
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Only Her: Tara VanDerveer Becomes All-Time NCAA Basketball Wins Leader
No. 8 Stanford beats Oregon State, 65-56, for VanDerveer's record 1,203rd
career win
Tara VanDerveer's face shined in every corner of Maples Pavilion with that very message. Yes, the Stanford Hall of Famer now stands atop major college basketball as the winningest coach of all time.
"Today was just so wonderful," VanDerveer said. Even though she had to text her 96-year-old mother Rita they'd need to cancel a scheduled bridge game because of all the postgame festivities to celebrate her.
"... It is a big number and I'm very appreciative of the great players I've coached and the great places I've been and the attention it's brought to women's basketball."
Just as those who love her so hoped it would turn out, VanDerveer passed former Duke and Army coach Mike Krzyzewski with her 1,203rd career victory at home in Maples when No. 8 Stanford beat Oregon State 65-56.
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Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
www.gostanford.com
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SJSU Chooses Ken Niumatalolo to
Lead Football Program
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The all-time winningest coach in the Naval Academy, Ken Niumatalolo, will be San José State’s 30th head football coach in program history, announced Director of Athletics Jeff Konya on Sunday. Niumatalolo won a program-best 109 games, led Navy to 10 bowl games over 15 seasons and is a three-time American Athletic Conference (AAC) Coach of the Year (2015, '16, '19). He earned the 2019 Stallings Award, presented to the college football head coach who is both a humanitarian and an exceptional head coach.
“We are thrilled that Coach Niumatalolo has accepted the opportunity to lead our football program,” said Konya. “He is a proven winner and brought the Naval Academy to unprecedented heights by winning eight or more games in nine seasons during his tenure. It’s impressive when you see that he had success against national brands like Notre Dame, Virginia, Kansas State and Pittsburgh, and even finished ranked inside the top 25 twice. We believe he is the right fit to build off the foundation laid here at San José State and will have the Spartans competing for Mountain West championships on a consistent basis.”
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For a full report, click HERE.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
MBB | Gaels Last Unbeaten Team in WCC Play After Statement Win at San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO — In an early candidate for matchup of the year, the Gaels (14-6, 5-0 WCC) continued their red hot play, defeating the San Francisco Dons (14-7, 5-1 WCC) 77-60 to affirm themselves atop the WCC standings as the lone unbeaten team in conference play. The Gaels never trailed the Dons, who suffered their first loss on their home court tonight. This win marks the Gaels 11th in their last 12.
It might have been pouring outside, but the Gaels made it rain inside War Memorial Gymnasium, knocking down their first six perimeter jumpers, including three from Joshua Jefferson, to build an early 19-7 lead, prompting an early San Francisco timeout. The Dons regrouped, from that point, cutting the deficit to as little as six points, but the Gaels potent combination of lockdown defense and three point sharpshooting kept them ahead for the entirety of the half, taking a 39-28 lead into the halftime break. Aidan Mahaney led all scorers with 14 points, shooting 4-7 from deep in the first half, while Joshua Jefferson added 13 points on 5-7 shooting from the field and a perfect 3-3 from three. Augustas Marciulionis only scored two first half points, but ripped down seven boards and dished out four assists, both team highs.
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For a full report, click HERE.
#GaelsRise --- Photo: Emily Smith / SMC Athletics
www.smcgaels.com
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Dons Fall Short at Santa Clara
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The University of San Francisco women's basketball team (7-11, 3-2) dropped a West Coast Conference decision on the road, falling to Santa Clara (15-5, 3-2) Saturday afternoon at Leavey Center.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
Luana Leite, Debora dos Santos, and Aya Keita propelled San Francisco through the first four minutes of action as San Francisco held serve with Santa Clara, 6-6, at the 6:20 mark of the opening quarter.
The Broncos quickly jumped ahead in part to an 8-2 scoring run, pushing their advantage to 14-8 near the end of the first quarter. The Dons answered with the last two baskets, a three-pointer from Freja Werth, and a second-chance layup from Lorena Barbosa to cut the deficit to one, 14-13, at the end of the period.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Christina Leung
www.usfdons.com
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Men's Tennis' Lemaitre Completes Thrilling 4-3 Comeback Victory Over Cal
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Playing in his first collegiate match, freshman Luca Lemaitre delivered the 3-all match clincher to complete Santa Clara men's tennis' 4-3 comeback victory over Cal on Sunday. The Broncos trailed 3-1 before reeling off three-straight singles victories, topped by Lemaitre's thrilling three-set win over Jonathan Irwanto.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The doubles point came down to the wire in favor of Santa Clara (1-0). After dropping the first doubles match, the Broncos came back winning the next two matches, both in tiebreakers. Sebastian Buxman, a mid-year enrollee playing in his first Santa Clara match, teamed up with Arjun Honnappa to down Alex Chang and Timofey Stepanov 7-6 (8-6) to clinch the doubles point.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
Toula Falvey
From Health Scare to International Success: Water Polo alumna Surges Forward
The pain was so intense and the future so uncertain that Toula Falvey ’22 thought she might have to give up the sport she loves.
Instead, buoyed by support from her University of the Pacific water polo teammates and coaches and resilient in the face of a career-threatening illness, Falvey is now a standout for the Great Britain National Team.
Falvey was hit by the serious health scare after her junior season with the Tigers in 2021. The four-year letterwinner traveled to England to train with the national team when she experienced abdominal pain and vomiting and was later admitted to the hospital.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
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Women's Gymnastics Win Their 2nd
Away Meet this Weekend
ANCHORAGE, Alaska. -- UC Davis Women's Gymnastics has now secured its third win of the season. The Ags had their second meet against Alaska Anchorage this weekend and continued to improve their score from the first time around. The final team results proved UC Davis with a score of 195.300 and Alaska closed out the meet with a 191.050
The Aggies started their meet out on bars today building off their momentum from Friday's meet. Freshman Ayumi Oshiro had the high score on bars today with a 9.825. We also saw a personal best from first year Jadyn Wakita with a score of 9.800. Amelia Moneymaker and Ava Scafani followed closely behind with scores of 9.775 and 9.750 respectively.
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For a full report, click HERE.
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneer Men's Basketball Snaps Skid With 68-65 Victory at CSUSM
SAN MARCOS, Calif. – On Saturday afternoon, Cal State East Bay men's basketball snapped a four-game losing streak with a 68-65 CCAA win over Cal State San Marcos.
The first half was a battle between both teams, with neither the Pioneers or Cougars leading by more than four points. The game was even at 27-27 in the closing seconds until Kevin Ebiriekwe made a steal with four seconds left, then drove more than half the length of the court alone to the basket to give the Pioneers a 29-27 lead at the half.
Cal State East Bay led by as many as 11 points in the second half, including its earliest lead of that much at the 10:55 mark when Ebiriekwe made a 3-pointer for a 49-38 lead.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo / Rob Edwards / KLC fotos
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THE HISTORY OF ST. FRANCIS YACHT CLUB
Becoming St. Francis
There is a tide that flows through the Golden Gate. There is a tide in the affairs of men.
In 1927, San Francisco Bay sailors crossed both in a single tack. The Panama Pacific International Exposition of 1915 had reimagined the waterfront to the east of the Army’s Presidio, and one of the developments was a harbor. After the fair, the harbor remained. With that, it became possible to imagine placing a yacht club on the San Francisco city front, and there were visionaries with that in mind. They believed the city was “the” place for a great yacht club on San Francisco Bay.
First came the not-at-all-minor matter of negotiating a rift within the venerable The San Francisco Yacht Club, which dated from 1869. That institution had been founded in the sunny shelter of Mission Bay but was driven out by industrialization. Now it needed to relocate a second time. In this case, the issue was a clubhouse in downtown Sausalito, across the bay from the city, where the press of railroad traffic and ferry traffic had become intolerable. Or perhaps we should say, the issue was that a prime piece of dry—and wet—real estate was available in a cove in the lee of Belvedere that would be ideal for a clubhouse and a marina. That seemed a perfect solution to many of the members, especially those who lived nearby. But the marina, when dredged, was never going to be deep enough for the largest yachts of the club, which would have to moor off the windward face of Belvedere.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.stfyc.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 (WBB) 66, Oregon Ducks 57, January 21, 2024.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBB) 81, Washington State 75 OT, January 20, 2024.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (WBB) 64, Oregon State Beavers 69, January 19, 2024 Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBB) 75, Washington Huskies 77, January 18, 2024. Photos by Ron Sellers.
USF Dons (WBB) 60, Portland Pilots 67, January 6, 2024.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WBB) 70, Washington Huskies 57, January 5, 2024.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 69, Arizona State Sun Devils 71, December 31, 2023. Photos and captions by Ron Sellers.
Stanford Cardinal (WBkB) 98, Morgan State 38, December 31, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Stanford Cardinal (MBkB) 100, Arizona Wildcats 81, December 31, 2023. Photo by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 81, No. 4 Arizona Wildcats 100, December 29, 2023. Photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 51, Stanford Cardinal 78, December 29, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
San Jose Sharks 0, Edmonton Oilers 5, December 28, 2023. Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, January 22, through
Sunday, January 28, 2024
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Monday, January 22
San Jose Sharks @ Los Angeles Kings, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 23
San Jose Sharks vs. New York Rangers, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 24
Golden State Warriors vs. Atlanta Hawks, 7 p.m.
Thursday, January 25
Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings, 7 p.m.
Friday, January 26
Saturday, January 27
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 5:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Buffalo Sabres, 1 p.m.
Sunday January 28
San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions, 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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