mercurynews--2020-02-21--New Potter the Otter exhibit opens at Children’s Discovery Museum

Santa Clara County kids have learned a lot from Potter the Otter for nearly a decade , and now kids throughout the state will soon have a chance to take their cues from the health-conscious critter .
The new exhibition “ Potter the Otter : A Healthy Adventure ” was dedicated Friday at the Children ’ s Discovery Museum in San Jose .
Nearly two dozen kids from the Ben Painter and Cesar Chavez First 5 Family Resource Center stampeded past all the grown-ups to join Potter himself at the ribbon-cutting of the new play space .
Visitors can join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to catch a Rainbow Racer fish in his quest to make his school ’ s water polo team , learn about healthy vegetables in a kid-sized market , and use hand-cranks to race swans around a blue lake .
There ’ s even a “ garden ” for infants and crawlers with blocks and foam “ logs ” to play around .
Other interactive displays reward kids with smiley faces for choosing physical activity over using a tablet ( and that ’ s one display adults could afford to spend some time at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clara County made Potter the Otter the star of a children ’ s book about the importance of drinking water in 2012 , and a partnership with the Children ’ s Discovery Museum almost immediately brought him to life in interactive plays ( and , more importantly , led to more hydration stations at the downtown San Jose learning center ) .
Through the partnership , Potter has since appeared in a more books , videos and puppet shows , spreading his message of living a healthy lifestyle throughout elementary schools in Santa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
“ We ’ ve had a long relationship with Potter the Otter .
He ’ s practically grown up at Children ’ s Discovery Museum like many other kids , ” Children ’ s Discovery Museum Executive Director Marilee Jennings said .
“ As Potter continued to grow up and take on new adventures , the museum created ways for visitors to stay engaged with him and his important messages.
” The new exhibition will be open at the Children ’ s Discovery Museum through May 10 , when it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ libraries around California .

Santa Clara County kids have learned a lot from Potter the Otter for nearly a decade, and now kids throughout the state will soon have a chance to take their cues from the health-conscious critter.
The new exhibition “Potter the Otter: A Healthy Adventure” was dedicated Friday at the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose. Nearly two dozen kids from the Ben Painter and Cesar Chavez First 5 Family Resource Center stampeded past all the grown-ups to join Potter himself at the ribbon-cutting of the new play space.
Visitors can join Potter on a journey through his home to catch a Rainbow Racer fish in his quest to make his school’s water polo team, learn about healthy vegetables in a kid-sized market, and use hand-cranks to race swans around a blue lake. There’s even a “garden” for infants and crawlers with blocks and foam “logs” to play around. Other interactive displays reward kids with smiley faces for choosing physical activity over using a tablet (and that’s one display adults could afford to spend some time at, too.)
First 5 Santa Clara County made Potter the Otter the star of a children’s book about the importance of drinking water in 2012, and a partnership with the Children’s Discovery Museum almost immediately brought him to life in interactive plays (and, more importantly, led to more hydration stations at the downtown San Jose learning center). Through the partnership, Potter has since appeared in a more books, videos and puppet shows, spreading his message of living a healthy lifestyle throughout elementary schools in Santa Clara County (and even on Facebook).
“We’ve had a long relationship with Potter the Otter. He’s practically grown up at Children’s Discovery Museum like many other kids,” Children’s Discovery Museum Executive Director Marilee Jennings said. “As Potter continued to grow up and take on new adventures, the museum created ways for visitors to stay engaged with him and his important messages.”
The new exhibition will be open at the Children’s Discovery Museum through May 10, when it’ll begin a tour of museums and libraries around California.


mercurynews--2020-02-21--Four things we learned at A’s HQ: Khris Davis’ renewed confidence, Melvin on Ortiz’s ‘snitch’ commen

Four things we learned at A’s HQ: Khris Davis’ renewed confidence, Melvin on Ortiz’s ‘snitch’ comment

MESA , Ariz. — Khris Davis doesn ’ t want to think about 2019 .
He doesn ’ t want to talk about it , either .
The new season will bring a new KD ; out of his own head and back to slugging 40-plus home runs as one of the game ’ s most prolific designated hitters .
Need proof that Davis is feeling confident ?
Consider who he pegged as the team ’ s player most likely to have a breakout year .
“ Me , ” Davis said after a long pause .
“ I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and be back to what everybody wants… Sarcasm lingered in the latter half of his statement , but there ’ s an undeniable core of truth to Davis ’ prediction .
He ’ d lost his confidence in 2019 , and those around him can see it coming back .
The 2019 Davis wasn ’ t the real Davis .
He ’ s better than his .220 average , 27 home runs , .679 OPS with 27 home runs and 81 wRC+ .
The Khris Davis that hit for a .247 average four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 43 and 48 home runs in his first three seasons with the A ’ s last year was just mired in spiraling self-doubt , triggered by a freak hip injury from a collision with an outfield fence in Pittsburgh .
Davis was at the top of his game , and he had a long way to fall .
“ Being KD , and when things aren ’ t going , that does some things to your psyche , ” former assistant hitting coach and current first base coach Mike Aldrete said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s had some time to reflect and time to work to get himself ready to go this year.
” If anyone knows Davis ’ hitting psyche best , it ’ s Aldrete .
Aldrete came to the A ’ s in 2015 as manager Bob Melvin ’ s third base and outfield coach , moving into a role focused on hitting a year after Davis ’ impactful arrival in Oakland .
“ He ’ s always available , always available to work , ” Davis said .
“ Whatever I need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant Aldrete assisted in Davis ’ somewhat unorthodox in-game routine .
Minutes before every one of Davis ’ 1,000-plus at-bats with the A ’ s , Davis and Aldrete escape into the ballpark ’ s depths to the batting cages and run a five-minute drill .
“ He comes up ( to me in the dugout ) and says , ‘ Aldo , let ’ s go , ' ” Aldrete said .
The routine : Davis swings off a tee , hits a couple of Aldrete ’ s tosses and then huddles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two discuss an approach he might take against the pitcher he ’ ll face back up on the field .
Davis then runs it by hitting coach Darren Bush before sauntering to the on-deck circle .
“ Four , five times a day during the games , ” Aldrete said .
“ It was pretty much just me and KD before every at bat .
“ What he ended up doing is he felt like that routine was part of his success .
And I don ’ t disagree , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did this every time right before I hit and I hit 48 , I ’ m going to do that again.
” By mid-season last year , the routine bore no results .
Davis went on a dismal stretch ; that May 5 collision prompted a late-May IL stint .
After his return on June 1 , Davis had a 20-game stretch in July in which he batted .131 with zero home runs .
Davis started to wave Aldrete off and the pre-at-bat meetings came to a brief halt .
Davis ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropoff in production looked alarming from the outside .
Mentally , Davis was in too deep to meet his bar .
“ Especially when… who he is , is power , ” Aldrete , a former outfielder with seven big league teams , including the A ’ s and Giants , said .
“ Not to say I was anywhere near him , but if I had a little ache or a pain , my single just wouldn ’ t go as far , and that ’ s OK .
But when power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t provide that , sometimes you try to find it where you can ’ t and try to tinker .
That ’ s not what it is.
” But Davis prides himself on being a team leader .
One of the rare receivers of a contract extension with the A ’ s ( two years , $ 33.5 million signed last April ) , Davis was intent on finding a different way to contribute .
He started finding gaps , upping his average slightly and driving runs in .
Every step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back , too — they knew the real Davis was in there .
They never expressed concern .
Aldrete ’ s new first base coach role with the A ’ s this year has him away from the batting cages .
( Former third base coach Matt Williams moved on to a managing job for the Korean League , forcing a shift ) .
But he still catches glimpses of Davis in the cage .
Through those peeks , Aldrete ’ s seen the health and , more importantly , confidence that escaped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Best ballparks for beer : Where do the Giants and A ’ s rank ?
• Former A ’ s pitcher says dilapidated Coliseum wouldn ’ t allow team to cheat • A ’ s pitcher Mike Fiers , who blew the whistle on Astros , has received death threats • Five things we learned from A ’ s HQ : Mike Fiers speaks on Astros , Jonah Heim learns the ropes and situational hitting “ I ’ m not in the cage all the time , around the cage , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time in between and it ’ s noticeable , ” Aldrete said .
“ And I ’ ve been doing this long enough to know when someone is faking it or trying to convince themselves , and his looks genuine .
“ I think he ’ s ready to say , ‘ I ’ m breaking out this year.
’ ” Aldrete will man first base on the field when the A ’ s are up to bat this year , of course .
He ’ ll miss out on their one-on-one time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slugging , Aldrete imagines Davis will migrate toward new assistant hitting coach Eric Martins for his five-times-per-game routine .
The lineup for tomorrow ’ s Cactus League opener flashed on the big board on Friday morning .
Jorge Mateo is slated to bat first and play shortstop .
The A ’ s are going through some situational hitting drills his camp , a point of focus that might ’ ve been lessened in previous seasons .
But manager Bob Melvin seems intent on incorporating it more readily .
Sure , the power is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have speed and skill and an ability to manufacture a few runs , if need be .
This A ’ s team has a little more speed than previous ones .
And Mateo at the top of the order may give us a peek into that potential .
“ Speaking from catching experience , those guys scare you , ” They scare you when they hit a ground ball to short .
Stealing bases , bunting , that type of speed is , we really haven ’ t seen that since Coco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re more of a team that hits homers throughout the lineup , but like we were talking about the other day we ’ re going to get some games where with our pitching and playing close games , and we ’ re manufacturing runs we can benefit from that.
” Mateo is known for his flashy springs and potential .
He struggled with his plate discipline in the minors , he had 145 strikeouts and 29 walks last season with the Las Vegas Aviators .
But , like Franklin Barreto , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be the fastest guy on this team .
“ Looks like it to me , ” Melvin said .
“ I have not seen him play poorly.
” “ You wonder , if he ’ s going to be incentivized and motivated by being at the big league level .
This is going to be a big for him , big camp for him and we have to make a decision on him .
Pretty electric talent.
” Way east in Fort Meyers , Fla. , Big Papi decided to weigh in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Houston Astros sign-stealing scheme .
The former Red Sox star slugger called Fiers a snitch .
“ I ’ m mad at this guy , the pitcher who came out talking about it , ” Ortiz told reporters there on Thursday .
“ And let me tell you why .
Oh , after you make your money , after you get your ring , you decide to talk about it .
Why don ’ t you talk about it during the season when it was going on ?
Why didn ’ t you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to be no part of it ?
So you look like you ’ re a snitch .
Why you got ta talk about it after ?
That ’ s my problem .
Why nobody said anything while it was going on ?
” Melvin had a short response in defense of Fiers .
“ We ’ re talking about front office people hooking up video and this wasn ’ t just a clubhouse thing , ” Melvin said .
“ And , this needed to stop and this was the only way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my response.
” The Cactus League is off to a running stop for the A ’ s , who were scheduled to play the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. MT .
There is a 100 percent chance of rain tomorrow afternoon , forcing a move to 6:05 p.m. MT .
No ticket exchange is necessary .
A.J .
Puk will take the mound for the A ’ s in the first game he ’ s started since a July 16 start for the double-A Midland RockHounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He dealt two innings and gave up one hit in that outing seven months ago .

MESA, Ariz. — Khris Davis doesn’t want to think about 2019. He doesn’t want to talk about it, either. The new season will bring a new KD; out of his own head and back to slugging 40-plus home runs as one of the game’s most prolific designated hitters.
Need proof that Davis is feeling confident? Consider who he pegged as the team’s player most likely to have a breakout year.
“Me,” Davis said after a long pause. “I think I’m going to break out and be back to what everybody wants…
“Going to hit .247 again.”
Sarcasm lingered in the latter half of his statement, but there’s an undeniable core of truth to Davis’ prediction.
He’d lost his confidence in 2019, and those around him can see it coming back.
The 2019 Davis wasn’t the real Davis. He’s better than his .220 average, 27 home runs, .679 OPS with 27 home runs and 81 wRC+. The Khris Davis that hit for a .247 average four years in a row with 42, 43 and 48 home runs in his first three seasons with the A’s last year was just mired in spiraling self-doubt, triggered by a freak hip injury from a collision with an outfield fence in Pittsburgh.
Davis was at the top of his game, and he had a long way to fall.
“Being KD, and when things aren’t going, that does some things to your psyche,” former assistant hitting coach and current first base coach Mike Aldrete said. “And it’s understandable. But he’s had some time to reflect and time to work to get himself ready to go this year.”
If anyone knows Davis’ hitting psyche best, it’s Aldrete.
Aldrete came to the A’s in 2015 as manager Bob Melvin’s third base and outfield coach, moving into a role focused on hitting a year after Davis’ impactful arrival in Oakland.
In Aldrete, Davis found a confidant.
“He’s always available, always available to work,” Davis said. “Whatever I need to make me feel comfortable.”
That meant Aldrete assisted in Davis’ somewhat unorthodox in-game routine. Minutes before every one of Davis’ 1,000-plus at-bats with the A’s, Davis and Aldrete escape into the ballpark’s depths to the batting cages and run a five-minute drill.
“He comes up (to me in the dugout) and says, ‘Aldo, let’s go,'” Aldrete said.
The routine: Davis swings off a tee, hits a couple of Aldrete’s tosses and then huddles in for a quick pep talk before the two discuss an approach he might take against the pitcher he’ll face back up on the field. Davis then runs it by hitting coach Darren Bush before sauntering to the on-deck circle.
“Four, five times a day during the games,” Aldrete said. “It was pretty much just me and KD before every at bat.
“What he ended up doing is he felt like that routine was part of his success. And I don’t disagree, we’re all creatures of habit. If I did this every time right before I hit and I hit 48, I’m going to do that again.”
By mid-season last year, the routine bore no results. Davis went on a dismal stretch; that May 5 collision prompted a late-May IL stint. After his return on June 1, Davis had a 20-game stretch in July in which he batted .131 with zero home runs.
Davis started to wave Aldrete off and the pre-at-bat meetings came to a brief halt. Davis’ confidence was at a low.
The dropoff in production looked alarming from the outside. Mentally, Davis was in too deep to meet his bar.
“Especially when… who he is, is power,” Aldrete, a former outfielder with seven big league teams, including the A’s and Giants, said. “Not to say I was anywhere near him, but if I had a little ache or a pain, my single just wouldn’t go as far, and that’s OK. But when power is who you are, and you can’t provide that, sometimes you try to find it where you can’t and try to tinker. That’s not what it is.”
But Davis prides himself on being a team leader. One of the rare receivers of a contract extension with the A’s (two years, $33.5 million signed last April), Davis was intent on finding a different way to contribute. He started finding gaps, upping his average slightly and driving runs in. Every step of the way his teammates had his back, too — they knew the real Davis was in there. They never expressed concern.
Aldrete’s new first base coach role with the A’s this year has him away from the batting cages. (Former third base coach Matt Williams moved on to a managing job for the Korean League, forcing a shift). But he still catches glimpses of Davis in the cage.
Through those peeks, Aldrete’s seen the health and, more importantly, confidence that escaped Davis’ grasp last year.
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“I think he’s ready to say, ‘I’m breaking out this year.’”
Aldrete will man first base on the field when the A’s are up to bat this year, of course. He’ll miss out on their one-on-one time. Once back in his groove, slugging, Aldrete imagines Davis will migrate toward new assistant hitting coach Eric Martins for his five-times-per-game routine.
Jorge Mateo, situational hitting cog
The lineup for tomorrow’s Cactus League opener flashed on the big board on Friday morning.
Lineup for tomorrow’s Cactus League vs Cubs. Mateo leading off at SS. Barreto at 2B, Neuse at 3B. pic.twitter.com/PaQ7AR6Yvt — Shayna Rubin (@ShaynaRubin) February 21, 2020
Jorge Mateo is slated to bat first and play shortstop. The A’s are going through some situational hitting drills his camp, a point of focus that might’ve been lessened in previous seasons. But manager Bob Melvin seems intent on incorporating it more readily. Sure, the power is there, but it’s important to have speed and skill and an ability to manufacture a few runs, if need be.
This A’s team has a little more speed than previous ones. And Mateo at the top of the order may give us a peek into that potential.
“Speaking from catching experience, those guys scare you,” They scare you when they hit a ground ball to short. Stealing bases, bunting, that type of speed is, we really haven’t seen that since Coco (Crisp).”
“We’re more of a team that hits homers throughout the lineup, but like we were talking about the other day we’re going to get some games where with our pitching and playing close games, and we’re manufacturing runs we can benefit from that.”
Mateo is known for his flashy springs and potential. He struggled with his plate discipline in the minors, he had 145 strikeouts and 29 walks last season with the Las Vegas Aviators. But, like Franklin Barreto, his speed is undeniable. Melvin says he may be the fastest guy on this team.
“Looks like it to me,” Melvin said. “I have not seen him play poorly.”
“You wonder, if he’s going to be incentivized and motivated by being at the big league level. This is going to be a big for him, big camp for him and we have to make a decision on him. Pretty electric talent.”
Bob Melvin comments on David Ortiz
Way east in Fort Meyers, Fla., Big Papi decided to weigh in on Mike Fiers’ whistleblowing on the Houston Astros sign-stealing scheme. The former Red Sox star slugger called Fiers a snitch.
“I’m mad at this guy, the pitcher who came out talking about it,” Ortiz told reporters there on Thursday. “And let me tell you why. Oh, after you make your money, after you get your ring, you decide to talk about it. Why don’t you talk about it during the season when it was going on? Why didn’t you say, ‘I don’t want to be no part of it? So you look like you’re a snitch. Why you gotta talk about it after? That’s my problem. Why nobody said anything while it was going on?”
Melvin had a short response in defense of Fiers.
“We’re talking about front office people hooking up video and this wasn’t just a clubhouse thing,” Melvin said. “And, this needed to stop and this was the only way it could happen. That’s my response.”
Cactus League play … slightly delayed
The Cactus League is off to a running stop for the A’s, who were scheduled to play the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. MT.
There is a 100 percent chance of rain tomorrow afternoon, forcing a move to 6:05 p.m. MT. No ticket exchange is necessary.
A.J. Puk will take the mound for the A’s in the first game he’s started since a July 16 start for the double-A Midland RockHounds in 2019 on the Tommy John mend. He dealt two innings and gave up one hit in that outing seven months ago.


mercurynews--2020-02-21--PHOTOS: Giants practice Friday before Cactus League opener vs. Dodgers

CLICK HERE , if you are unable to view this photo gallery on your mobile device .
The wait is almost over for San Francisco Giants fans : After a long offseason and more than a week of spring training buildup , the team will finally see real action on Saturday when they play the Los Angeles Dodgers in their first Cactus League game .
Friday , however , the team continued its practice regiment .
Position players worked on their baserunning , fielding drills and several stepped into the batter ’ s box towards the latter part of practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mound at practice and throwing live pitches to batters Brandon Crawford and Mike Yastrzemski .
• Best ballparks for beer : Where do the Giants and A ’ s rank ?
• Five things we learned at Giants HQ : Bruce Bochy arrives in camp , the first lineup and more • San Francisco Giants give Billy Hamilton a chance to thrive , show he ’ s more than a runner • Five things we learned at Giants HQ : A football coach in camp , high spring ticket prices and more There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training .
Former manager Bruce Bochy stopped by to watch the team play .
He spoke to several members of the team and also spoke with president Farhan Zaidi .
The team hopes to make its spring training debut Saturday at 1:05 p.m versus the rival Dodgers at Scottsdale Stadium but with rain in the forecast , the teams might have to wait until nightfall or Sunday ’ s game against the Athletics to see its first action .

Randy Vazquez has been a visual journalist with The Mercury News and East Bay Times since 2017. Formerly he worked for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he also interned. Vazquez is a proud alumnus of the New York Times Student Journalism Institute and San Jose State University.


Word Game: Feb. 22, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — CATAFALQUE ( CATAFALQUE : KAT-uh-falk : A structure on which a coffin rests in state @ @ @ @ @ Can you find 43 or more words in CATAFALQUE ?
The list will be published @ @ @ @ @ Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while @ @ @ @ @ Words must be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four @ @ @ @ @ “ s , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are @ @ @ @ @ Additional words made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may @ @ @ @ @ example , if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes @ @ @ @ @ but “ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns @ @ @ @ @ vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — CATAFALQUE (CATAFALQUE: KAT-uh-falk: A structure on which a coffin rests in state at a funeral.)
Average mark 30 words
Time limit 45 minutes
Can you find 43 or more words in CATAFALQUE? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — LOAFERS lase laser leaf loaf lore lose loser
oral aloe also arose false fare faro fear feral flare flea floe flora foal fore
froe earl rale rase real role rose safe safer sale seal sear self serf sloe
soar sofa solar sole sora sore
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-02-22--Horoscopes Feb. 22, 2020: Drew Barrymore, put kindness and integrity before personal gain.

Happy Birthday : Consider the changes you want to make , and strategize your plans .
You ’ ll have the stamina and insight to reach your objective .
Refuse to let personal matters and emotional situations stand between you and your success .
Go with the flow , and walk away from discord as well as negative people this year .
Plan your actions , and make your move .
Your numbers are 4 , 17 , 20 , 23 , 31 , 33 , 45 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Do what you can to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who share your concerns .
Reach out and do your best to make a difference .
Leave time to spend with someone you love .
Express your feelings , intentions and potential prospects .
4 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Keep the momentum flowing , but don ’ t force something that isn ’ t ready or doable to happen .
Choose your friends , activities and challenges to match your capabilities .
Aim high , and strive to be and to do the best you can , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( May 21-June 20 ) : Offer your services to those able to pay top dollar for what you can provide .
Know your worth , and don ’ t give away anything you have to offer for nothing .
Take better care of yourself , your future and the relationships that are important to you .
5 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Get involved in events that will give you the chance to experience other life choices or ethnic or cultural differences .
The more you have to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the easier it will be to figure out what you want .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Negotiate a deal , talk partnerships , settle differences or make a lifestyle change that will improve your health and emotional well-being .
Include those you love , and you ’ ll gain the support and the help you need to get what you want .
Do whatever is necessary .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Enjoy your good fortune .
Look around , and you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assertive attitude will help you manufacture what you want to happen .
Refuse to let anger or jealousy cause havoc or events you ’ ll end up regretting .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Assess what ’ s going on around you before you decide to bring about change .
Look over your options , be moderate and don ’ t act impulsively .
An understanding and compassionate approach to how you deal with your lover , friends or relatives will improve your personal life .
5 stars SCORPIO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on , and enjoy what life has to offer .
Don ’ t let what others do cause confusion or tempt you to get involved in something that will not be beneficial .
Spend more time developing an enjoyable pursuit and less trying to please others .
2 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Get involved in something you find entertaining .
Being a part of the plan instead of an onlooker will deter someone from taking advantage of you .
Love is on the rise , and personal improvements look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good time .
4 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Good ideas will lead to surprises and greater freedom .
Incorporate your skills into every facet of your life , and you will excel across the board .
The impression you make on someone influential will lead to prospects .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Go where the action is , but don ’ t take on more than you can handle .
Put time aside to do something relaxing or to spend time with someone you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift your spirits as long as you don ’ t overspend .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Get involved in events that offer mental stimulation .
How you pitch in and help will determine the type of connections you make and the challenges you encounter along the way .
Put kindness and integrity before personal gain .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are proud , steadfast and supportive .
You are loyal and kind .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Drew Barrymore, 45; Thomas Jane, 51; Jeri Ryan, 52; Kyle MacLachlan, 61.
Happy Birthday: Consider the changes you want to make, and strategize your plans. You’ll have the stamina and insight to reach your objective. Refuse to let personal matters and emotional situations stand between you and your success. Go with the flow, and walk away from discord as well as negative people this year. Plan your actions, and make your move. Your numbers are 4, 17, 20, 23, 31, 33, 45.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Do what you can to help the underdog. Busy yourself with people who share your concerns. Reach out and do your best to make a difference. Leave time to spend with someone you love. Express your feelings, intentions and potential prospects. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep the momentum flowing, but don’t force something that isn’t ready or doable to happen. Choose your friends, activities and challenges to match your capabilities. Aim high, and strive to be and to do the best you can, and progress will follow. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Offer your services to those able to pay top dollar for what you can provide. Know your worth, and don’t give away anything you have to offer for nothing. Take better care of yourself, your future and the relationships that are important to you. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Get involved in events that will give you the chance to experience other life choices or ethnic or cultural differences. The more you have to do with new concepts, ideas and lifestyles, the easier it will be to figure out what you want. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Negotiate a deal, talk partnerships, settle differences or make a lifestyle change that will improve your health and emotional well-being. Include those you love, and you’ll gain the support and the help you need to get what you want. Do whatever is necessary. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Enjoy your good fortune. Look around, and you will realize how much you have. An assertive attitude will help you manufacture what you want to happen. Refuse to let anger or jealousy cause havoc or events you’ll end up regretting. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Assess what’s going on around you before you decide to bring about change. Look over your options, be moderate and don’t act impulsively. An understanding and compassionate approach to how you deal with your lover, friends or relatives will improve your personal life. 5 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Dream on, and enjoy what life has to offer. Don’t let what others do cause confusion or tempt you to get involved in something that will not be beneficial. Spend more time developing an enjoyable pursuit and less trying to please others. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Get involved in something you find entertaining. Being a part of the plan instead of an onlooker will deter someone from taking advantage of you. Love is on the rise, and personal improvements look inviting. Kick back and have a good time. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Good ideas will lead to surprises and greater freedom. Incorporate your skills into every facet of your life, and you will excel across the board. The impression you make on someone influential will lead to prospects. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Go where the action is, but don’t take on more than you can handle. Put time aside to do something relaxing or to spend time with someone you love. A subtle physical change will lift your spirits as long as you don’t overspend. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Get involved in events that offer mental stimulation. How you pitch in and help will determine the type of connections you make and the challenges you encounter along the way. Put kindness and integrity before personal gain. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are proud, steadfast and supportive. You are loyal and kind.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Bridge: Feb. 22, 2020

“ Simple Saturday ” columns are meant to help aspiring players improve technique and develop logical thinking .
As declarer at a suit contract , count your losers .
Sometimes the job of attending to a loser must be handled quickly .
Against four hearts , West leads the ten of clubs : jack , queen .
East shifts to the jack of diamonds .
South has four possible losers .
He can ’ t help losing a club , a spade and ( as it happens ) a trump .
His best chance to avoid a diamond loser is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s queen of spades .
South must try for that discard early .
If he finesses in trumps at Trick Three , losing , West will lead another diamond , setting up a diamond trick while he has the king of spades .
Instead , South immediately leads the ace and a low spade .
West takes the king and leads another diamond , but South wins and discards his last diamond on the queen of spades .
Then he can lead trumps .
If East had the king of spades , South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You hold : S J 10 6 3 2 H 5 D J 10 9 C A Q 5 3 .
Your partner opens one heart , you bid one spade and he rebids two hearts .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : To rebid the spades or try notrump may be tempting , but your only correct action is a pass .
Your partner has minimum values with six or more hearts , and you are going nowhere ( except down if you keep bidding ) .
When the deal is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strength to make up for your lack of a fit , stay low .

“Simple Saturday” columns are meant to help aspiring players improve technique and develop logical thinking.
As declarer at a suit contract, count your losers. Sometimes the job of attending to a loser must be handled quickly.
Against four hearts, West leads the ten of clubs: jack, queen. East shifts to the jack of diamonds. South has four possible losers. He can’t help losing a club, a spade and (as it happens) a trump. His best chance to avoid a diamond loser is to get a discard on dummy’s queen of spades.
EARLY
South must try for that discard early. If he finesses in trumps at Trick Three, losing, West will lead another diamond, setting up a diamond trick while he has the king of spades. Instead, South immediately leads the ace and a low spade.
West takes the king and leads another diamond, but South wins and discards his last diamond on the queen of spades. Then he can lead trumps. If East had the king of spades, South would hope the trump finesse won.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S J 10 6 3 2 H 5 D J 10 9 C A Q 5 3. Your partner opens one heart, you bid one spade and he rebids two hearts. What do you say?
ANSWER: To rebid the spades or try notrump may be tempting, but your only correct action is a pass. Your partner has minimum values with six or more hearts, and you are going nowhere (except down if you keep bidding). When the deal is a misfit and you lack the high-card strength to make up for your lack of a fit, stay low.
North dealer
Neither side vulnerable
NORTH
S Q 8 4
H J 9 3
D A K 5
C K J 7 6
WEST
S K 9 5
H K 6
D Q 8 7 4
C 10 9 8 2
EAST
S J 10 6 3 2
H 5
D J 10 9
C A Q 5 3
SOUTH
S A 7
H A Q 10 8 7 4 2
D 6 3 2
C 4
North East South West
1 C Pass 1 H Pass
1 NT Pass 4 H All Pass
Opening lead — C 10
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-02-22--Ask Amy: I’m going to be a grandmother, and I’m hurt nobody has congratulated me

DEAR AMY : My siblings found out through an email from their nephew ( my son ) that I am going to be a grandmother .
I was away at the time , having just found out myself .
They all emailed their nephew to offer congratulations .
It is now four days later and not one of them has contacted me to congratulate me about the fact that I am going to be a grandmother .
We otherwise have regular communication .
Am I being over-sensitive , or are they being insensitive ?
• Ask Amy : I wish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me • Ask Amy : The embarrassed transgender man tells how things turned out • Ask Amy : I ’ m afraid my teenage secret will break my dad ’ s heart • Ask Amy : She called me in a rage after she saw my boyfriend ’ s Instagram • Ask Amy : Tattling kid wanted to make sure I punished my grandson DEAR GRANDMOTHER : I think you are being over-sensitive .
Your siblings might have believed that your son was going to share his news with you in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time , they might not have wanted to hop onto this news , just in case you hadn ’ t been told yet .
Or , they may have simply been focused on responding to the person who shared this news with them — your son .
Now that you are going to enter the special-status category of “ grandparent , ” you should take stock of your own needs , sensitivities , and relationships .
Being a grandparent is a grand opportunity to become more expansive and generous , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are excited , say so !
Contact your siblings , saying , “ I think you ’ ve already heard the good news !
I ’ m really excited .
Our newest family member is due this summer.
” This will give them the opportunity to respond directly to you .
For your sake , I hope your siblings give you what you want .
DEAR AMY : The son of a friend is getting married in March .
He and his fiancee have lived together for several years .
Both are 30-ish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expensive wedding , followed by an expensive honeymoon to Thailand , and have established a registry asking for funding for their honeymoon or future home .
As we are not interested in contributing to these expenses , would it be appropriate to make a contribution to a charity in honor of their nuptials ?
Under the circumstances , we plan to save our money by declining the wedding invitation , afraid that a kitty jar might be passed to pay for the ceremony .
DEAR PERPLEXED : If this couple registered for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would you decline to give it to them , believing that because they are employed and living together they don ’ t actually deserve to receive something specifically because they ’ ve asked for it ?
My point is that the idea behind registries has always been to try to give the couple something that they actually want and will use .
Even though you balk at the idea of contributing money to a prosperous couple , in some cultures , after a wedding — regardless of the social status of the couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hand it directly to the bride , who places the envelope in a special purse .
Others use “ money trees ” on their gift table , and some guests pin cash onto a metal tree for the couple to use to defray expenses .
Less-obvious requests for cash are honeymoon registries ( or even so-called “ cash ” registries ) , which have become quite popular .
My favorite registries involve specific items you can purchase for the couple to enjoy while on their honeymoon trip , such as “ zip-lining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an afternoon of surfing.
” Using one of these registries , I contributed for a honeymooning couple to have coffee and croissants at a cafe during their trip to Paris .
They sent me a postcard from their trip , thanking me for the gift and completing the circle .
Nice !
Just because a registry is set up , a guest is not obligated to use it .
In fact , because you intend to skip this wedding , you are not obligated to give the couple anything at all .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back , because contributing to a worthy nonprofit is always a good idea , even if your motivation to do so is more passive-aggressive than generous .
DEAR AMY : In a recent column , you replied to a question from “ Desperate , ” a medical student who was torn between her desire to live a small-town life , and her longtime boyfriend ’ s need to live in a big city .
In your list of metropolitan areas that seem to offer the benefits of both big-city life and proximity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Portland , Oregon .
Sure — we appreciate the shout-out , but please don ’ t send any more people here , Amy .
We ’ re all full up .
DEAR HAPPY : And your response is … full-on Portlandish .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: My siblings found out through an email from their nephew (my son) that I am going to be a grandmother.
I was away at the time, having just found out myself.
They all emailed their nephew to offer congratulations.
It is now four days later and not one of them has contacted me to congratulate me about the fact that I am going to be a grandmother.
We otherwise have regular communication.
Am I being over-sensitive, or are they being insensitive?
Soon-to-be Grandmother
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy DEAR GRANDMOTHER: I think you are being over-sensitive. Your siblings might have believed that your son was going to share his news with you in a special way. Because you were away at the time, they might not have wanted to hop onto this news, just in case you hadn’t been told yet.
Or, they may have simply been focused on responding to the person who shared this news with them — your son.
Now that you are going to enter the special-status category of “grandparent,” you should take stock of your own needs, sensitivities, and relationships.
Being a grandparent is a grand opportunity to become more expansive and generous, and please, less sensitive.
If you are excited, say so! Contact your siblings, saying, “I think you’ve already heard the good news! I’m really excited. Our newest family member is due this summer.” This will give them the opportunity to respond directly to you. For your sake, I hope your siblings give you what you want.
DEAR AMY: The son of a friend is getting married in March. He and his fiancee have lived together for several years. Both are 30-ish and employed.
They are planning an expensive wedding, followed by an expensive honeymoon to Thailand, and have established a registry asking for funding for their honeymoon or future home.
As we are not interested in contributing to these expenses, would it be appropriate to make a contribution to a charity in honor of their nuptials?
Under the circumstances, we plan to save our money by declining the wedding invitation, afraid that a kitty jar might be passed to pay for the ceremony.
Perplexed
DEAR PERPLEXED: If this couple registered for a slow cooker from Crate and Barrel, would you decline to give it to them, believing that because they are employed and living together they don’t actually deserve to receive something specifically because they’ve asked for it?
My point is that the idea behind registries has always been to try to give the couple something that they actually want and will use.
Even though you balk at the idea of contributing money to a prosperous couple, in some cultures, after a wedding — regardless of the social status of the couple — people place money in an envelope and hand it directly to the bride, who places the envelope in a special purse. Others use “money trees” on their gift table, and some guests pin cash onto a metal tree for the couple to use to defray expenses.
Less-obvious requests for cash are honeymoon registries (or even so-called “cash” registries), which have become quite popular. My favorite registries involve specific items you can purchase for the couple to enjoy while on their honeymoon trip, such as “zip-lining through the rain forest” or “an afternoon of surfing.”
Using one of these registries, I contributed for a honeymooning couple to have coffee and croissants at a cafe during their trip to Paris. They sent me a postcard from their trip, thanking me for the gift and completing the circle. Nice!
Just because a registry is set up, a guest is not obligated to use it. In fact, because you intend to skip this wedding, you are not obligated to give the couple anything at all.
However, you can pat yourself on the back, because contributing to a worthy nonprofit is always a good idea, even if your motivation to do so is more passive-aggressive than generous.
DEAR AMY: In a recent column, you replied to a question from “Desperate,” a medical student who was torn between her desire to live a small-town life, and her longtime boyfriend’s need to live in a big city.
In your list of metropolitan areas that seem to offer the benefits of both big-city life and proximity to beautiful nature, you mentioned my town of Portland, Oregon.
Sure — we appreciate the shout-out, but please don’t send any more people here, Amy. We’re all full up.
Happy in Portland
DEAR HAPPY: And your response is … full-on Portlandish.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-02-22--Harriette Cole: I want to be PC about gender identity but I just don’t get it

DEAR HARRIETTE : I am finding myself at a loss for how to be politically correct when it comes to talking about gender identity .
My neighbor ’ s child — who was born female — says that she now identifies as “ they.
” I do my best to remember , but it doesn ’ t come natural to me yet .
Beyond that , I see that the language is changing a lot , and I am totally lost .
It used to be that people were gay or straight .
Now it ’ s LGBTQ .
Or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
I don ’ t want to sound dumb or outdated , but I honestly don ’ t understand the new realm of gender identity , let alone how to talk about it .
Can you help ?
DEAR GENDER CONFUSION : At least part of the culture in which we live today is making a concerted effort to be more welcoming of all people , and that includes people who do not conform to the standard definitions of gender identity .
For many , this occurs when family members or friends present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the traditional definitions of “ male ” or “ female.
” When loved ones actively claim other ways of defining themselves , those they love often make an effort to support them .
This is true even for conservative people who may grapple with their own value systems when it comes to gender identity .
• Harriette Cole : I find women to be backstabbing in business dealings • Harriette Cole : He forgives my affair .
Do I have to go back to him ?
• Harriette Cole : I had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends freaked out • Harriette Cole : She wants to write , but she ’ s no good • Harriette Cole : My husband is upset about one side effect of my medication How one defines oneself when the language has been limited to male and female can be a daunting task .
It is one that folks have struggled with for generations .
I am no expert , but I do know that there is a lot of literature out there that can be supportive .
To the point of non-binary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not comfortable with being singularly either male or female , the person is considered non-binary .
The next choices are broadening .
LGBTQ is an acronym that helps some .
It means lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender and queer , and it serves as a general category outside of the male/female , straight/homosexual buckets .
There is also a movement for people to claim their pronouns — he , she or they — in an effort to further define how one identifies .
You should read up on this topic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and openness , you are off to a good start .
If you get the label wrong but your intention is good , chances are , you will be able to expand your vocabulary simply by asking for clarification .
For more details , visit bit.ly/2v9ADFn or bit.ly/2S4cn0o .
Activist Jodie Patterson , a mother of five with a trans child , wrote a book , “ The Bold World : A Memoir of Family and Transformation ” that can be very helpful .
DEAR HARRIETTE : My girlfriend loves to wear makeup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lipstick .
It looks great on her , and I appreciate the fact that she likes to dress up .
What I don ’ t like is when her lipstick gets on my clothes .
It makes me crazy .
How can I get her to lay off the red lipstick ?
She has destroyed several of my favorite shirts just by reaching up to give me a kiss .
I don ’ t want to hurt her feelings , but something ’ s got to give .
DEAR NO MORE LIPSTICK STAINS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the makeup store and buy her some 24-hour matte red lipstick .
Believe it or not , she will still be able to wear red literally all day long , but it won ’ t wipe off .
You should tell her why you bought it so that she herself will make the switch to the 18- or 24-hour variety .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am finding myself at a loss for how to be politically correct when it comes to talking about gender identity. My neighbor’s child — who was born female — says that she now identifies as “they.” I do my best to remember, but it doesn’t come natural to me yet.
Beyond that, I see that the language is changing a lot, and I am totally lost. It used to be that people were gay or straight. Now it’s LGBTQ. Or non-binary-conforming — but what does that mean?
I don’t want to sound dumb or outdated, but I honestly don’t understand the new realm of gender identity, let alone how to talk about it. Can you help?
Gender Confusion
DEAR GENDER CONFUSION: At least part of the culture in which we live today is making a concerted effort to be more welcoming of all people, and that includes people who do not conform to the standard definitions of gender identity.
For many, this occurs when family members or friends present themselves in ways that do not follow the traditional definitions of “male” or “female.” When loved ones actively claim other ways of defining themselves, those they love often make an effort to support them. This is true even for conservative people who may grapple with their own value systems when it comes to gender identity.
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success How one defines oneself when the language has been limited to male and female can be a daunting task. It is one that folks have struggled with for generations. I am no expert, but I do know that there is a lot of literature out there that can be supportive. To the point of non-binary, my understanding is that if someone is not comfortable with being singularly either male or female, the person is considered non-binary. The next choices are broadening.
LGBTQ is an acronym that helps some. It means lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer, and it serves as a general category outside of the male/female, straight/homosexual buckets. There is also a movement for people to claim their pronouns — he, she or they — in an effort to further define how one identifies.
You should read up on this topic. But if you approach people with respect and openness, you are off to a good start. If you get the label wrong but your intention is good, chances are, you will be able to expand your vocabulary simply by asking for clarification.
For more details, visit bit.ly/2v9ADFn or bit.ly/2S4cn0o. Activist Jodie Patterson, a mother of five with a trans child, wrote a book, “The Bold World: A Memoir of Family and Transformation” that can be very helpful.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My girlfriend loves to wear makeup, and she usually wears bright red lipstick. It looks great on her, and I appreciate the fact that she likes to dress up. What I don’t like is when her lipstick gets on my clothes. It makes me crazy.
How can I get her to lay off the red lipstick? She has destroyed several of my favorite shirts just by reaching up to give me a kiss. I don’t want to hurt her feelings, but something’s got to give.
No More Lipstick Stains
DEAR NO MORE LIPSTICK STAINS: Surprise your girlfriend and go to the makeup store and buy her some 24-hour matte red lipstick. Believe it or not, she will still be able to wear red literally all day long, but it won’t wipe off. You should tell her why you bought it so that she herself will make the switch to the 18- or 24-hour variety.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-02-22--Miss Manners: What’s the right reaction to a horrible person’s death?

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I have a very close friend whose father abused him , both physically and emotionally , for his entire life .
Their relationship was strained at best , distant at worse , but the friend never cut off contact completely with his father .
I ’ ve been privy to a fairly detailed description of the abuse and , suffice to say , I am not remotely sorry my friend ’ s father has passed away , though I am sorry about the complicated feelings my friend must be having .
Mostly , I wish he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of being his father .
I want to express my condolences to my friend , but the standard tropes seem insufficient , given the situation .
How do you acknowledge loss when it ’ s the loss of a monster ?
I had planned on sending my friend a gift of some sort in lieu of sending flowers to the funeral , as I truly believe that his father ’ s departure from this world makes it a better place .
• Miss Manners : My boyfriend called the waitress ‘ missy ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Miss Manners : I got him a half-price ticket .
Can I ask him to pay more ?
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Just don ’ t show up GENTLE READER : Etiquette does not demand that you lie about the merits of the deceased , but nor does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presents .
That seems a bit indecorous .
Instead , Miss Manners suggests that you express the sentiments to your friend that are simple and true : That you are sorry for his loss and hope to be available to him for any support he requires .
You should , of course , omit the word “ monster ” or anything equally negative in your correspondence .
Death has a way of ingratiating even the most monstrous toward their families … once the offenders are safely passed on .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host if you may bring additional guests ?
Though this has happened in a variety of circumstances , the most common occurrence seems to be at children ’ s birthday parties : Parents I hardly know will ask me outright if they can bring their other children , when only the name of the child in my son ’ s class was on the invitation .
My husband and I are in disagreement on this topic .
He thinks it isn ’ t a big deal ; I feel that the invitee should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reason ( “ I ’ m afraid I can ’ t find a sitter for Josh ’ s little brother , ” ) and wait for the host to offer .
If no offer is forthcoming and it truly is a hardship , simply do not attend .
What are your thoughts on this phenomenon ?
GENTLE READER : That you are correct .
Once that one little brother barges his way in , who knows how many more will follow — and suddenly there is not enough supervision , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miss Manners recommends that you emphasize the former argument , however — even though the latter may well be your true grievance .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : A neighbor invited us over for a nightcap by text .
She quickly discovered the text was sent to the wrong person , and reneged .
We feel a little put out .
How do we react when seeing her in the neighborhood ?
GENTLE READER : By mistaking her for someone else .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a very close friend whose father abused him, both physically and emotionally, for his entire life. Their relationship was strained at best, distant at worse, but the friend never cut off contact completely with his father.
I’ve been privy to a fairly detailed description of the abuse and, suffice to say, I am not remotely sorry my friend’s father has passed away, though I am sorry about the complicated feelings my friend must be having. Mostly, I wish he had been born to a man worthy of being his father.
I want to express my condolences to my friend, but the standard tropes seem insufficient, given the situation. How do you acknowledge loss when it’s the loss of a monster? I had planned on sending my friend a gift of some sort in lieu of sending flowers to the funeral, as I truly believe that his father’s departure from this world makes it a better place.
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Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third GENTLE READER: Etiquette does not demand that you lie about the merits of the deceased, but nor does it suggest that you celebrate it with presents. That seems a bit indecorous.
Instead, Miss Manners suggests that you express the sentiments to your friend that are simple and true: That you are sorry for his loss and hope to be available to him for any support he requires. You should, of course, omit the word “monster” or anything equally negative in your correspondence. Death has a way of ingratiating even the most monstrous toward their families … once the offenders are safely passed on.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it ever acceptable to ask your host if you may bring additional guests? Though this has happened in a variety of circumstances, the most common occurrence seems to be at children’s birthday parties: Parents I hardly know will ask me outright if they can bring their other children, when only the name of the child in my son’s class was on the invitation.
My husband and I are in disagreement on this topic. He thinks it isn’t a big deal; I feel that the invitee should reply with regrets, be honest about the reason (“I’m afraid I can’t find a sitter for Josh’s little brother,”) and wait for the host to offer. If no offer is forthcoming and it truly is a hardship, simply do not attend. What are your thoughts on this phenomenon?
GENTLE READER: That you are correct. Once that one little brother barges his way in, who knows how many more will follow — and suddenly there is not enough supervision, and the clown is charging twice as much.
Miss Manners recommends that you emphasize the former argument, however — even though the latter may well be your true grievance.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: A neighbor invited us over for a nightcap by text. She quickly discovered the text was sent to the wrong person, and reneged. We feel a little put out. How do we react when seeing her in the neighborhood?
GENTLE READER: By mistaking her for someone else.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-02-22--Dear Abby: How do I ditch this needy friend without hurting her?

DEAR ABBY : Years ago , I was friendly with a man from work who was very close to his mom .
She came along with us once for lunch and ended up really liking me .
From that point on , whenever he and I would get together for lunch , she would tag along .
At one point , without my permission , he gave her my phone number , and she began calling me .
A little has turned into a lot .
She contacts me every day via text or phone , almost always to complain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always wants to get together for lunch and is constantly asking me for favors , including rides to work ( we do not have the same job or the same hours ) or taking care of her dogs and cats while she ’ s away on her various work trips .
• Dear Abby : Her groom may not know about her wedding scam • Dear Abby : This stranger got huffy when we joined him on a park bench .
Were we wrong ?
• Dear Abby : How will I hide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• Dear Abby : I don ’ t think I can date a man who dresses like this • Dear Abby : Someone died in my yard , and his family built a big , tacky shrine there I no longer speak to the man , but I speak to his mother every single day .
She considers me a dear friend and is a very sensitive person with obvious abandonment issues .
My problem is , I have zero desire to be this woman ’ s friend .
We are very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I get together with her , respond to her messages , answer her calls and do favors for her out of guilt , not wanting to be yet another person who kicks her to the curb .
How do I handle this ?
Should I continue to allow her to use me for favors and as a sounding board for all her various complaints , or is there a way to gracefully bow out without breaking this woman ’ s heart ?
DEAR WALKING : A way to bow out would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make yourself available to the extent that you have .
Screen your calls and resist the impulse to be so helpful .
It ’ s all right to have other plans you need to attend to instead of being at her beck and call every day .
This is how people distance themselves gently .
The alternative would be to stop responding at all , which would be cruel .
While you are no longer close to her son , contact him , tell him what has been going on and ask if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ABBY : In the past three weeks or so , a man has placed a flower blossom in a small cup on the edge of my patio .
This has happened 18 times .
The flowers are , seemingly , from surrounding yards .
I live in a golfing community , and many golfers pass by daily .
Once , he left a golf ball as well .
As I was looking out one day , I saw a man wearing a red shirt , tan cap and shorts .
His cap was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t see his face .
He looked to be middle-aged , and he walked away quickly .
He has never tried to make contact with me .
My partner is not happy about this , and I ’ m afraid if he catches the man in action , he may cause a scene .
I don ’ t know if I should be flattered or afraid .
Also , the man might be shocked to learn that I ’ m 85 .
( Well , yes , I am kind of flattered .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ DEAR ADMIRED : Here ’ s what I ’ d do .
I would accept the compliment , but I would also leave a note on the edge of the patio addressed to “ Secret Admirer.
” In it I would say that I ’ m 85 years old and , while flattered , I ’ m not available — so please stop leaving “ gifts ” on my patio .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: Years ago, I was friendly with a man from work who was very close to his mom. She came along with us once for lunch and ended up really liking me. From that point on, whenever he and I would get together for lunch, she would tag along.
At one point, without my permission, he gave her my phone number, and she began calling me. A little has turned into a lot. She contacts me every day via text or phone, almost always to complain about something in her life. She always wants to get together for lunch and is constantly asking me for favors, including rides to work (we do not have the same job or the same hours) or taking care of her dogs and cats while she’s away on her various work trips.
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Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us Advice | Dear Abby: I was annoyed to discover why our friends picked this restaurant I no longer speak to the man, but I speak to his mother every single day. She considers me a dear friend and is a very sensitive person with obvious abandonment issues. My problem is, I have zero desire to be this woman’s friend. We are very different in pretty much every way imaginable. I get together with her, respond to her messages, answer her calls and do favors for her out of guilt, not wanting to be yet another person who kicks her to the curb.
How do I handle this? Should I continue to allow her to use me for favors and as a sounding board for all her various complaints, or is there a way to gracefully bow out without breaking this woman’s heart?
WALKING A FINE LINE IN ILLINOIS
DEAR WALKING: A way to bow out would be to start weaning her. Do not make yourself available to the extent that you have. Screen your calls and resist the impulse to be so helpful. It’s all right to have other plans you need to attend to instead of being at her beck and call every day. This is how people distance themselves gently.
The alternative would be to stop responding at all, which would be cruel. While you are no longer close to her son, contact him, tell him what has been going on and ask if he can help with this.
DEAR ABBY: In the past three weeks or so, a man has placed a flower blossom in a small cup on the edge of my patio. This has happened 18 times. The flowers are, seemingly, from surrounding yards. I live in a golfing community, and many golfers pass by daily. Once, he left a golf ball as well.
As I was looking out one day, I saw a man wearing a red shirt, tan cap and shorts. His cap was pulled low, so I couldn’t see his face. He looked to be middle-aged, and he walked away quickly. He has never tried to make contact with me.
My partner is not happy about this, and I’m afraid if he catches the man in action, he may cause a scene. I don’t know if I should be flattered or afraid. Also, the man might be shocked to learn that I’m 85. (Well, yes, I am kind of flattered.) What to do, Abby?
SECRETLY ADMIRED IN FLORIDA
DEAR ADMIRED: Here’s what I’d do. I would accept the compliment, but I would also leave a note on the edge of the patio addressed to “Secret Admirer.” In it I would say that I’m 85 years old and, while flattered, I’m not available — so please stop leaving “gifts” on my patio.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-02-22--NCS basketball playoffs: Friday’s surprises, trends and more

As the buzzer sounded at the end of the third quarter Friday at Washington-Fremont , Nay ’ Veon Reed ’ s jump shot from the key bounced on the rim before going through the net .
It was symbolic of Newark Memorial ’ s success in the key during a 61-46 victory over third-seeded Washington in this NCS Division II boys quarterfinal .
Reed finished again and again near the hoop , finishing with a game-high 24 points in only three quarters ( he sat out the entire second quarter in foul trouble ) .
“ We couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Tripp said .
“ Nay ’ Veon ’ s good , he ’ s a beast.
” The 6-foot-4 Reed scored 14 of the Cougars ’ 22 points in the first quarter on six field goals and two free throws as Newark Memorial ( 20-8 ) held a nine-point lead entering the second quarter .
He added five field goals in the second half .
“ I always felt it was my game , since the tip-off , ” said Reed , a junior .
Newark Memorial led by at least seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chance Carlton , another junior , scored eight of his 16 points in the fourth quarter and A.B .
Gilchrist added 10 .
Newark Memorial lost to Washington 65-56 on Feb. 4 , but flipped the script 17 days later .
“ We defended better , and we scored inside , ” Newark Memorial coach Craig Ashmore said .
“ We dictated some of the tempo , dictated possessions.
” The Huskies , after finishing 12-15 last season , won a share of a league title for the first time in 25 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NCS Division II playoff game 71-55 over visiting Vintage on Tuesday , the Huskies ( 21-7 ) saw their season come to an end .
“ They fought all the way to the end , ” Tripp said of his squad .
“ Our season was spectacular.
” Washington wasn ’ t able to counter Newark Memorial ’ s dominance inside the paint , and the Huskies made only four 3-pointers in the game .
Two of those came from senior Stevie Murata , who scored 12 .
Jorren Edmonds , a junior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including 9 for 10 from the charity stripe .
None of the current members of the Newark Memorial boys squad were in high school the last time the Cougars advanced past the NCS quarterfinals .
That was in 2016 , when Newark Memorial lost to El Cerrito in the Division II final .
But Newark Memorial finds itself in the Division II semifinals this season after dispatching of league rival Washington .
The last two seasons , the Cougars also faced a league rival in the quarterfinals ( Moreau Catholic ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t thrilled about facing Newark Memorial in the quarterfinals .
“ I would have liked to see them in the upper bracket , ” he said .
“ These guys , I think they will go all the way .
They ’ re good .
It ’ s hard to defend the big guy ( Reed ) inside.
” It might not seem like much to traditional basketball powers such as Dublin or Bishop O ’ Dowd , but for the Granada boys it ’ s been almost a quarter-century since it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At any level .
So the second-seeded Matadors had a right to be pumped after beating visiting No .
7 Mt .
Eden 46-36 Friday night in the quarterfinals of the Division I playoffs .
Granada ( 23-5 ) will host again Tuesday night when No .
11 Deer Valley ( 19-9 ) pays a visit at 7 p.m .
Deer Valley beat Bay Valley Athletic League rival Heritage 60-42 — the No .
14 s Friday night to advance .
Strictly from a basketball standpoint , this was not one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
The Matadors led 19-16 at the half , and 31-29 entering the fourth quarter .
That third period was especially tense as the lead changed hands five times .
Granada finally took control with a 7-0 run that put them up 43-34 .
Jayden Johnston , who led Granada with 13 points , drained a pair of two-point baskets and Ryan Barney hit a 3 .
“ The idea of it being the playoffs and the fact we haven ’ t been able to get to this point fr so long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it a little bit tougher , ” Granada coach Quaran Johnson said .
“ But you have to give Mt .
Eden credit .
They were here for a reason .
They had to win a big game against James Logan in overtime .
So give them their props.
” Although MaxPreps records only go back to 2004 , people at Granada said the last time the Matadors got this far in the playoffs was 1996 .
Mt .
Eden ’ s defensive strategy caused many of Granada ’ s problems , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offense wasn ’ t clicking and they were sagging on me , ” said Lance Rodriguez , one of Granada ’ s better shooters .
Rodriguez hit a pair of big baskets in the third quarter , each giving Granada one-point leads .
“ They kind of turned up the heat on defense , getting more aggressive , ” Rodriguez said .
“ We just adjusted.
” Big night for the No .
1s , 2s The top two seeds in Divisions I , II and III — boys and girls — are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaking a sweat Friday .
Not a single game that included a Top 2 seed finished in single digits , with the closest being second-seeded Granada ’ s 46-36 victory over Mt .
Eden in Division I .
The No .
1 seed in boys D-I — De La Salle — pounded College Park 78-45 .
Ditto for the No .
1 seed in D-II , San Ramon Valley , which pancaked Tamalpais 69-27 .
Branson , the No .
1 seed in D-III , won by a more pedestrian 17 points .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ top seeds was second seed San Ramon Valley ’ s 78-31 victory over Clayton Valley Charter in D-II .
• CCS stunner : No .
7 St. Francis upsets No .
2 Riordan in Open Division • Praise Santa Maria : Big game from deep lifts No .
5 Monte Vista over No .
4 Moreau Catholic in NCS playoffs

Phil Jensen, Mike Lefkow, Correspondent, Darren Sabedra

CLICK HERE if you are unable to view the photos on a mobile device
Newark Memorial controls paint, topples Washington
As the buzzer sounded at the end of the third quarter Friday at Washington-Fremont, Nay’Veon Reed’s jump shot from the key bounced on the rim before going through the net. It was symbolic of Newark Memorial’s success in the key during a 61-46 victory over third-seeded Washington in this NCS Division II boys quarterfinal.
Reed finished again and again near the hoop, finishing with a game-high 24 points in only three quarters (he sat out the entire second quarter in foul trouble).
“We couldn’t contain the post,” Washington coach Michael Tripp said. “Nay’Veon’s good, he’s a beast.”
The 6-foot-4 Reed scored 14 of the Cougars’ 22 points in the first quarter on six field goals and two free throws as Newark Memorial (20-8) held a nine-point lead entering the second quarter. He added five field goals in the second half.
“I always felt it was my game, since the tip-off,” said Reed, a junior.
Santa Maria’s big game helps Monte Vista edge Moreau Catholic
Newark Memorial led by at least seven points through the final three quarters. Chance Carlton, another junior, scored eight of his 16 points in the fourth quarter and A.B. Gilchrist added 10. Newark Memorial lost to Washington 65-56 on Feb. 4, but flipped the script 17 days later.
“We defended better, and we scored inside,” Newark Memorial coach Craig Ashmore said. “We dictated some of the tempo, dictated possessions.”
Washington’s storybook season ends
The Huskies, after finishing 12-15 last season, won a share of a league title for the first time in 25 years last week.
After winning an opening-round NCS Division II playoff game 71-55 over visiting Vintage on Tuesday, the Huskies (21-7) saw their season come to an end.
“They fought all the way to the end,” Tripp said of his squad. “Our season was spectacular.”
Washington wasn’t able to counter Newark Memorial’s dominance inside the paint, and the Huskies made only four 3-pointers in the game. Two of those came from senior Stevie Murata, who scored 12. Jorren Edmonds, a junior, paced the Huskies with 15 points, including 9 for 10 from the charity stripe.
Newark Memorial takes step forward
None of the current members of the Newark Memorial boys squad were in high school the last time the Cougars advanced past the NCS quarterfinals. That was in 2016, when Newark Memorial lost to El Cerrito in the Division II final.
But Newark Memorial finds itself in the Division II semifinals this season after dispatching of league rival Washington.
The last two seasons, the Cougars also faced a league rival in the quarterfinals (Moreau Catholic), but lost both times.
Tripp wasn’t thrilled about facing Newark Memorial in the quarterfinals. “I would have liked to see them in the upper bracket,” he said. “These guys, I think they will go all the way. They’re good. It’s hard to defend the big guy (Reed) inside.”
Granada blazes new trails
It might not seem like much to traditional basketball powers such as Dublin or Bishop O’Dowd, but for the Granada boys it’s been almost a quarter-century since it has reached the North Coast Section semifinals. At any level. So the second-seeded Matadors had a right to be pumped after beating visiting No. 7 Mt. Eden 46-36 Friday night in the quarterfinals of the Division I playoffs.
Granada (23-5) will host again Tuesday night when No. 11 Deer Valley (19-9) pays a visit at 7 p.m. Deer Valley beat Bay Valley Athletic League rival Heritage 60-42 — the No. 14 s Friday night to advance.
Strictly from a basketball standpoint, this was not one of Granada’s better games of the season. The Matadors led 19-16 at the half, and 31-29 entering the fourth quarter. That third period was especially tense as the lead changed hands five times. Granada finally took control with a 7-0 run that put them up 43-34. Jayden Johnston, who led Granada with 13 points, drained a pair of two-point baskets and Ryan Barney hit a 3.
“The idea of it being the playoffs and the fact we haven’t been able to get to this point fr so long, it’s kind of making it a little bit tougher,” Granada coach Quaran Johnson said. “But you have to give Mt. Eden credit. They were here for a reason. They had to win a big game against James Logan in overtime. So give them their props.”
Granada making some history
Although MaxPreps records only go back to 2004, people at Granada said the last time the Matadors got this far in the playoffs was 1996. Mt. Eden’s defensive strategy caused many of Granada’s problems, especially in the first half.
“Our offense wasn’t clicking and they were sagging on me,” said Lance Rodriguez, one of Granada’s better shooters.
Rodriguez hit a pair of big baskets in the third quarter, each giving Granada one-point leads.
“They kind of turned up the heat on defense, getting more aggressive,” Rodriguez said. “We just adjusted.”
Big night for the No. 1s, 2s
The top two seeds in Divisions I, II and III — boys and girls — are through to the semifinals, some barely breaking a sweat Friday.
Not a single game that included a Top 2 seed finished in single digits, with the closest being second-seeded Granada’s 46-36 victory over Mt. Eden in Division I.
The No. 1 seed in boys D-I — De La Salle — pounded College Park 78-45.
Ditto for the No. 1 seed in D-II, San Ramon Valley, which pancaked Tamalpais 69-27.
Branson, the No. 1 seed in D-III, won by a more pedestrian 17 points over Kennedy-Richmond.
The biggest rout among the girls’ top seeds was No. 2 San Ramon Valley’s 78-31 victory over Clayton Valley Charter in D-II.


mercurynews--2020-02-22--CCS basketball playoffs: Friday’s surprises, trends and more

CLICK HERE if you are unable to view the photos on a mobile device For the second year in a row , Menlo-Atherton is the only public school in the Open Division — and once again the Bears are onto the semifinals .
The fourth seed advanced Friday night with a 45-43 victory over No .
5 Serra in overtime at Fremont High in Sunnyvale .
Not these Bears ( 22-3 ) , who are riding an 18-game win streak .
“ We want to make history and go play at Stanford this year , ” said M-A senior Justin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week ’ s title game .
Anderson , a three-star football recruit , tied the game with 48 seconds left in OT , then came up with a steal on the ensuing possession for the game-winning layup — his only four points of the night .
“ A great defensive stop by Justin , ” M-A coach Mike Molieri said .
“ That ’ s why he ’ s going to do really well at Washington State as a corner.
” CCS stunner : No .
7 St. Francis upsets No .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17-8 ) , which also lost to M-A in last year ’ s quarterfinals , led 39-36 in the final minute of regulation .
But the Bears pulled even on a corner trey by Nick Tripaldi to extend the game .
“ We made plays , they made plays , but at the end of the day we kept out composure and we came out with a big win , ” Anderson said .
Next up for M-A is a rematch against top-seeded Archbishop Mitty , which won at home 85-49 on Dec. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll find out how much we ’ ve improved , but we got whipped , ” Molieri said .
“ We ’ re looking forward to it and we just need to have a nothing-to-lose attitude.
” Serra led 37-30 with under four minutes left in the fourth quarter .
M-A , which didn ’ t connect from beyond the arc in the first half , sank its lone 3-pointer at the time courtesy of 6-foot-3 forward Skyler Thomas , who finished with a game-high 17 points .
In a span of 49 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drilled a pair of treys to close within 37-36 .
“ I believe we have the best shooters probably in California , ” Anderson said .
“ Even though they ’ re not falling , we ’ re going to keep telling them to shoot because we know they ’ re going to knock it down late .
We just kept trusting them.
” Tripaldi kept firing away from long distance — sometimes NBA range — and kept missing .
But with under 30 seconds left , the sharpshooter hit his only shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little bit nicer than all the other ones , ” Tripaldi said .
“ This is my coaching philosophy on that : I ’ m going to win or lose by that , ” Molieri said .
“ He ’ s a senior , he ’ s been here three years in the program , and I ’ m going to let the guy make a play.
” So far , it ’ s been a journey for M-A , which won ’ t stop believing .
“ We ’ re family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tripaldi said .
A year ago , the Padres lost 67-54 in the Open Division quarterfinals to M-A .
Serra bounced back as an automatic qualifier for the NorCal playoffs and reached the Division II final , eventually falling 59-38 to eventual state champion Campolindo .
“ We ’ ve got a lot to work on if we want to make a run like we did last year , ” Serra interim coach Brian Carson said .
An immediate concern is the lack of possessions on offense that resulted in shot attempts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not going to win any games with 23 turnovers , ” Carson said .
“ That ’ s very unlike us .
It ’ s careless.
” The Padres , who got a team-high 14 points from Ryan Wilson , didn ’ t expect to be relegated into the consolation bracket for a second time in a row .
“ They ’ re very frustrated , they ’ re very disappointed , and that shows how much they care , ” Carson said of his players .
Trending up : Bellarmine ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Anthony Piro has an important role .
The senior guard regularly draws the toughest assignment on defense , a taxing responsibility that can affect his shooting .
Friday night , there was no effect .
Piro buried three 3-pointers in the first quarter and two more in the third .
He finished with 17 points to help lead the third-seeded Bells to a 59-43 victory over No .
6 seed Sacred Heart Prep in the CCS Open Division quarterfinals at Santa Clara High .
“ He does that in practice all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denker said .
“ The thing about Piro that is tough is he always guards the best player on the other team .
So he is constantly cycling through .
He works so hard .
I am glad tonight he was able to do what he could on No .
2 ( Aidan Braccia ) from SHP and be able to get his offensive game going.
” “ Starting in warmups I was feeling good with my shot , ” he said .
“ I know I can shoot that well .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always worked on .
Playoffs come around , and it ’ s time to step up.
” Trending up : Denker provides late leadership for Bellarmine Sacred Heart Prep didn ’ t go away easily .
The Gators kept the score around a 10-point margin much of the game got within single digits late .
But Denker , a senior , rose to the occasion for Bellarmine .
He hit two 3-pointers and scored on a drive in the closing minutes to prevent SHP from making things interesting .
“ Big shots , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schneider said , adding that the senior also escaped full-court pressure to keep the offense flowing .
“ That ’ s what a third-year varsity point guard needs to do when the game ’ s on the line and things are a little sketchy .
He really did a great job of settling us down.
” Trending way up : Mitty girls dominate again Seeded No .
1 in the CCS ’ s Open Division for the fifth consecutive season , Mitty has had no issues in the first round , winning its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 44 points .
Friday , the margin was even wider .
Olivia Williams finished with 20 points and Katie Springs chipped in with 15 as the Monarchs rolled past No .
8 seed Lynbrook 92-35 .
Mitty led 28-16 after the first quarter and then really punched the accelerator , outscoring the Vikings 30-8 in the second quarter and 20-8 in the third .
Next up for the Monarchs is a semifinal Wednesday against St. Ignatius , which lost to Mitty by 40 last week and 22 last month .
No surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ III in the Open semifinals Second-seeded Pinewood ’ s road to another championship matchup against Mitty has familiar scenery .
Friday , the Los Altos Hills powerhouse plowed through one West Bay Athletic League rival , toppling No .
7 Sacred Heart Prep 57-35 .
In next week ’ s semifinals , the Panthers must go through another .
No .
3 seed Menlo School prevailed in the nightcap of CCS Open Division girls basketball quarterfinals at Gunn with a 59-56 victory over No .
6 Sacred Heart Cathedral as Coco Layton sank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In two previous meetings this season , the teams split WBAL showdowns — Menlo won 46-45 last month and Pinewood held court 43-36 a few weeks later .
Pinewood is the back-to-back CIF Open Division state runner-up , while Menlo claimed the Division II state title in 2019 .
• CCS stunner : No .
7 St. Francis upsets No .
2 Riordan in Open Division • Praise Santa Maria : Big game from deep lifts No .
5 Monte Vista over No .
4 Moreau Catholic in NCS playoffs

CLICK HERE if you are unable to view the photos on a mobile device
M-A continues to represent public schools
For the second year in a row, Menlo-Atherton is the only public school in the Open Division — and once again the Bears are onto the semifinals.
The fourth seed advanced Friday night with a 45-43 victory over No. 5 Serra in overtime at Fremont High in Sunnyvale.
Satisfied?
Not these Bears (22-3), who are riding an 18-game win streak.
“We want to make history and go play at Stanford this year,” said M-A senior Justin Anderson, referring to the site of next week’s title game.
Anderson, a three-star football recruit, tied the game with 48 seconds left in OT, then came up with a steal on the ensuing possession for the game-winning layup — his only four points of the night.
“A great defensive stop by Justin,” M-A coach Mike Molieri said. “That’s why he’s going to do really well at Washington State as a corner.”
CCS stunner: No. 7 St. Francis upsets No. 2 Riordan in Open Division
Serra (17-8), which also lost to M-A in last year’s quarterfinals, led 39-36 in the final minute of regulation. But the Bears pulled even on a corner trey by Nick Tripaldi to extend the game.
“We made plays, they made plays, but at the end of the day we kept out composure and we came out with a big win,” Anderson said.
Next up for M-A is a rematch against top-seeded Archbishop Mitty, which won at home 85-49 on Dec. 20.
“I guess we’ll find out how much we’ve improved, but we got whipped,” Molieri said. “We’re looking forward to it and we just need to have a nothing-to-lose attitude.”
M-A trust fund pays late dividends
Serra led 37-30 with under four minutes left in the fourth quarter.
M-A, which didn’t connect from beyond the arc in the first half, sank its lone 3-pointer at the time courtesy of 6-foot-3 forward Skyler Thomas, who finished with a game-high 17 points.
In a span of 49 seconds, M-A senior J.D. Carson drilled a pair of treys to close within 37-36.
“I believe we have the best shooters probably in California,” Anderson said. “Even though they’re not falling, we’re going to keep telling them to shoot because we know they’re going to knock it down late. We just kept trusting them.”
Tripaldi kept firing away from long distance — sometimes NBA range — and kept missing.
But with under 30 seconds left, the sharpshooter hit his only shot of the night.
“It felt a little bit nicer than all the other ones,” Tripaldi said.
“This is my coaching philosophy on that: I’m going to win or lose by that,” Molieri said. “He’s a senior, he’s been here three years in the program, and I’m going to let the guy make a play.”
So far, it’s been a journey for M-A, which won’t stop believing.
“We’re family, we trust each other,” Tripaldi said.
Case of déjà vu: Serra in similar situation
A year ago, the Padres lost 67-54 in the Open Division quarterfinals to M-A.
Serra bounced back as an automatic qualifier for the NorCal playoffs and reached the Division II final, falling 59-38 to eventual state champion Campolindo.
“We’ve got a lot to work on if we want to make a run like we did last year,” Serra interim coach Brian Carson said.
An immediate concern is the lack of possessions on offense that resulted in shot attempts, let alone points.
“You’re not going to win any games with 23 turnovers,” Carson said. “That’s very unlike us. It’s careless.”
The Padres, who got a team-high 14 points from Ryan Wilson, didn’t expect to be relegated into the consolation bracket for a second time in a row.
Reality struck inside the locker room.
“They’re very frustrated, they’re very disappointed, and that shows how much they care,” Carson said of his players.
Trending up: Bellarmine’s Piro comes out firing
Bellarmine’s Anthony Piro has an important role. The senior guard regularly draws the toughest assignment on defense, a taxing responsibility that can affect his shooting.
Friday night, there was no effect.
Piro buried three 3-pointers in the first quarter and two more in the third. He finished with 17 points to help lead the third-seeded Bells to a 59-43 victory over No. 6 seed Sacred Heart Prep in the CCS Open Division quarterfinals at Santa Clara High.
“He does that in practice all the time,” Bells point guard Quinn Denker said. “The thing about Piro that is tough is he always guards the best player on the other team. So he is constantly cycling through. He works so hard. I am glad tonight he was able to do what he could on No. 2 (Aidan Braccia) from SHP and be able to get his offensive game going.”
Piro felt ready before tip-off.
“Starting in warmups I was feeling good with my shot,” he said. “I know I can shoot that well. It’s just something I’ve always worked on. Playoffs come around, and it’s time to step up.”
Trending up: Denker provides late leadership for Bellarmine
Sacred Heart Prep didn’t go away easily. The Gators kept the score around a 10-point margin much of the game got within single digits late. But Denker, a senior, rose to the occasion for Bellarmine. He hit two 3-pointers and scored on a drive in the closing minutes to prevent SHP from making things interesting.
“Big shots, big passes,” Bellarmine coach Patrick Schneider said, adding that the senior also escaped full-court pressure to keep the offense flowing. “That’s what a third-year varsity point guard needs to do when the game’s on the line and things are a little sketchy. He really did a great job of settling us down.”
Rubber match: Bellarmine vs. St. Francis
With seventh-seeded St. Francis upsetting No. 2 Riordan, Bellarmine will have to beat its rival for the second time in eight days to reach the Open final for the fifth consecutive season.
St. Francis won the first meeting between the teams, 46-43 at Bellarmine in early January.
Bellarmine dominated the rematch, winning 56-33 on Tuesday.
The teams will meet again Wednesday in the semifinals, time and site not yet announced.
“I’m glad we didn’t play them tonight,” Schneider said. “It would have been a hard three-day turnaround. Having an eight-day turnaround gives both teams a chance to take a deep breath and get ready to go to battle against each other.”
Mitty boys avoid upset this time, rout Menlo School
Trending way up: Mitty girls dominate again
Seeded No. 1 in the CCS’s Open Division for the fifth consecutive season, Mitty has had no issues in the first round, winning its previous four playoff openers by an average of 44 points.
Friday, the margin was even wider.
Olivia Williams finished with 20 points and Katie Springs chipped in with 15 as the Monarchs rolled past No. 8 seed Lynbrook 92-35.
Mitty led 28-16 after the first quarter and then really punched the accelerator, outscoring the Vikings 30-8 in the second quarter and 20-8 in the third.
Next up for the Monarchs is a semifinal Wednesday against St. Ignatius, which lost to Mitty by 40 last week and 22 last month.
SI advanced with a 58-55 win over Valley Christian.
No surprise here: It’ll be Pinewood-Menlo III in the Open semifinals
Second-seeded Pinewood’s road to another championship matchup against Mitty has familiar scenery. Friday, the Los Altos Hills powerhouse plowed through one West Bay Athletic League rival, toppling No. 7 Sacred Heart Prep 57-35. In next week’s semifinals, the Panthers must go through another.
No. 3 seed Menlo School prevailed in the nightcap of CCS Open Division girls basketball quarterfinals at Gunn with a 59-56 victory over No. 6 Sacred Heart Cathedral as Coco Layton sank six 3-pointers to finish with 18 points.
In two previous meetings this season, the teams split WBAL showdowns — Menlo won 46-45 last month and Pinewood held court 43-36 a few weeks later.
Pinewood is the back-to-back CIF Open Division state runner-up, while Menlo claimed the Division II state title in 2019.