mercurynews--2020-10-18--Editorial: Political manipulation at the Contra Costa college district

On Aug. 5 , as candidates were filing to run for election , the president of the board and the spokesman for the Contra Costa Community College District contacted us .
They wanted to tip us off to investigations of two district trustees who were running for reelection this fall .
It ’ s unusual for an elected board member to join forces with an administrator of a college system to publicly call out and embarrass another board member .
But they said they were trying to be transparent .
We have since concluded that this was a raw political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Rebecca Barrett to try to influence the upcoming college board election .
At the time , we told Barrett , whom we were leery of because of her voter deception during her campaign two years ago , and spokesman Timothy Leong that we would look at the investigation findings but would want to also see the reports .
We submitted a Public Records Act request .
Two and half months later , we ’ ve been provided short summary letters signed by Barrett and a separate executive summary from staff , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full investigation reports .
And , according to Interim Chancellor Gene Huff , it ’ s Barrett who controls the timing of their possible release .
Barrett did not respond to our requests for comment .
The allegations involve separate investigations pertaining to trustees Vicki Gordon and Greg Enholm .
The two investigations were conducted by separate law firms , and the issues are completely different .
The only common factor is that Barrett timed the concurrent release of information about the investigations to coincide with the election .
With Election Day drawing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our best with what we ’ ve been provided , and our own independent reporting , as we make our election endorsement .
It ’ s also important that voters understand the abusive political manipulation that has transpired and the serious problems with the investigation of Gordon .
We wholeheartedly endorse Gordon for reelection in Ward 2 .
No current trustee brings a better understanding of the district and its finances , no one works harder , and no one is more dedicated to helping students .
Gordon has also pushed for district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ending the district ’ s pension spiking and properly funding the once-anemic retiree health care program for workers .
And she hasn ’ t always earned friends doing it .
She ’ s not perfect .
She acknowledges she has made mistakes , specifically some inappropriate phone calls to other trustees and staff that she regrets and has apologized for .
But , as we ’ ll elaborate below , most of the investigation , as presented in Barrett ’ s summary , was deeply flawed , with incorrect legal analysis in one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make no sense to anyone who knows Gordon .
As for her challengers , neither student John Michaelson nor , much more surprisingly , former Diablo Valley College President Judy Walters come close to Gordon ’ s knowledge of district finances .
Gordon is clearly the best candidate .
As for Ward 5 , we very tepidly endorse Enholm ’ s opponent , retired financial consultant Fernando Sandoval .
We ’ ve had long-standing concerns about Enholm ’ s abrasive style and meddling beyond his appropriate role as a trustee .
So it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that he also inappropriately lobbied former Chancellor Fred Wood to hire as Contra Costa College president a professor who lacked the needed experience .
Unlike in the case of Gordon , the district provided documents regarding Enholm that support the allegations in his case .
Sandoval , whom we endorsed four years ago , remains uninspiring .
We wish there were a better alternative .
The other part of this story is the political manipulation by Barrett , a Democratic Party activist who is not on the ballot this year but , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the timing of release of information .
Barrett has a history of deception .
When she ran for office in 2018 , she claimed in her ballot designation to be an educator .
But she ’ s not an educator in the sense most people would interpret that .
She doesn ’ t work in our schools .
She ’ s not an accredited teacher or college professor .
She tried to justify the educator claim by saying that , as part of her political consulting work , she provides training on political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that election but withdrew the backing after the ballot designation deception came to light .
The relationship between the two has been difficult since .
Then , in September 2019 , an anonymous person filed a complaint with the district against Gordon .
The anonymous allegations against Enholm came in November 2019 .
When Barrett became board president , a rotating position , at the start of 2020 , she assumed responsibility for the investigations .
The few documents released by the district make it hard to reconstruct the Enholm investigation timeline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probe calendar .
They show that the investigation was completed on either March 24 or March 26 .
But the release of the finding summaries , which Huff says Barrett controlled , was delayed three months until just before the election season — when it might do the most political damage .
Finally , on June 30 , Barrett notified Gordon in an email that “ The findings are back from the ethics complaints that were filed which involve you.
” They agreed to meet on July 2 .
While Barrett had an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from bringing her lawyer , her husband Scott Gordon .
Vicki Gordon says she didn ’ t know the breadth of the investigation , nor did she have any idea of the findings in advance .
So she was surprised when presented with Barrett ’ s six-page letter of determination that Gordon had tried to remove an item from the agenda for her own personal gain , that she had violated the Brown Act and that , while intoxicated , she had threatened other board members .
Barrett gave Gordon a one-page resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At that point , Gordon says , she was so stunned that she didn ’ t want to put up a fight .
About three weeks later , the resolution agreement was presented to the full board .
Earlier that day , July 22 , Barrett and Leong contacted a Times reporter to alert her to what was coming at the meeting .
The reporter asked for all the documentation .
When no story appeared over the next two weeks in part because Barrett and the district hadn ’ t produced the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editorial page to try to reignite interest but were met with the same request to first produce the supporting documentation .
In a July 2 email to Gordon before their meeting that day , Barrett said , “ I am genuinely hopeful this can be a fruitful conversation about how we can best move forward on behalf of the district.
” But Barrett apparently wasn ’ t interested in patching up the relationship .
The following month , in a large Zoom meeting , Barrett vehemently argued to the Democratic Party of Contra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s leading opponent in part because Gordon , a Democrat , had endorsed three local Republicans in the past — candidates who have often garnered bipartisan support .
Barrett also falsely told the Democratic gathering that the investigation findings about Gordon had been released in a timely manner .
And then Barrett doubled down with misinformation .
Responding to Gordon ’ s comments to the board , Barrett told the committee , that there was no dispute that Gordon used her position for personal financial gain .
That finding is very much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a change to a 2019 memorandum of understanding for managers in the district .
The agreement was to give them an extra 1 % salary increase in exchange for their paying an additional 6 % of their health insurance premiums .
For those with higher-end salaries , it was a good deal .
But those on the lower end , depending on their coverage , might end up losing from the bargain .
And trustees , who receive health care from the district at the same price as managers but receive only a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be negatively affected .
The contention was that Gordon tried to block the deal because she personally stood to lose .
Actually , according to Gordon , and separately verified , she had received calls from members of the bargaining group who were confused about the deal .
She says she may have used her situation to make a point to staff members that lower-income people would be adversely affected .
But what she wanted was to make sure that the affected managers understood the deal .
The management group agreed to postpone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the board , including Gordon , subsequently approved the agreement .
What makes the allegation so questionable is that it requires one to believe that Gordon is working as a trustee for the paltry compensation .
Gordon is married to a very successful lawyer .
It ’ s hard to fathom that she , who has aggressively worked to control district benefit costs , would cross an ethical line to avoid paying $ 220 more each month for health insurance .
The credibility of Barrett ’ s letter is further undercut by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act , the state open meeting law for local government , by asking two directors elected in 2018 , Barrett and Andy Li , to support her for board chairwoman the following year .
Gordon says that wasn ’ t the point of the conversations , but even if it was , there was no violation of the law .
The law prohibits communication by a quorum of five-member board members outside of properly noticed meetings .
But it only applies to trustees after they have been elected .
Barrett ’ s summary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Gordon occurred before Barrett was elected .
Thus , there was no quorum communication and , hence , no violation of the law .
The final allegation , the only one Gordon acknowledges , is that she made some calls to other employees and board members while intoxicated .
She says that she did make some calls that she regrets and has apologized for .
It was during a time of some family difficulties , she said .
While she did step over the line , we appreciate her contrition .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to undermine the fine work she has done .
Meanwhile , as we approach Election Day , the district has stonewalled for nearly three months on release of the full investigation report .
Huff , who oversees responding to records requests , finally said Thursday that the report is subject to attorney-client privilege .
And , he said , it ’ s up to the board whether to waive that privilege .
Barrett , who has been copied on all our requests for records , controls the meeting agenda because she is board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter to the board .
The next scheduled meeting isn ’ t until eight days after the election .

Click here for a complete list of our election recommendations.
On Aug. 5, as candidates were filing to run for election, the president of the board and the spokesman for the Contra Costa Community College District contacted us.
They wanted to tip us off to investigations of two district trustees who were running for reelection this fall. It’s unusual for an elected board member to join forces with an administrator of a college system to publicly call out and embarrass another board member. But they said they were trying to be transparent.
We have since concluded that this was a raw political and partisan play, timed by board President Rebecca Barrett to try to influence the upcoming college board election.
At the time, we told Barrett, whom we were leery of because of her voter deception during her campaign two years ago, and spokesman Timothy Leong that we would look at the investigation findings but would want to also see the reports. We submitted a Public Records Act request.
Two and half months later, we’ve been provided short summary letters signed by Barrett and a separate executive summary from staff, but we’re still waiting on the full investigation reports. And, according to Interim Chancellor Gene Huff, it’s Barrett who controls the timing of their possible release. Barrett did not respond to our requests for comment.
The allegations involve separate investigations pertaining to trustees Vicki Gordon and Greg Enholm. The two investigations were conducted by separate law firms, and the issues are completely different. The only common factor is that Barrett timed the concurrent release of information about the investigations to coincide with the election.
With Election Day drawing near, we are left to do our best with what we’ve been provided, and our own independent reporting, as we make our election endorsement. It’s also important that voters understand the abusive political manipulation that has transpired and the serious problems with the investigation of Gordon.
Reelect Vicki Gordon
We wholeheartedly endorse Gordon for reelection in Ward 2. No current trustee brings a better understanding of the district and its finances, no one works harder, and no one is more dedicated to helping students.
Gordon has also pushed for district transparency, has been a leader on ending the district’s pension spiking and properly funding the once-anemic retiree health care program for workers. And she hasn’t always earned friends doing it.
She’s not perfect. She acknowledges she has made mistakes, specifically some inappropriate phone calls to other trustees and staff that she regrets and has apologized for. But, as we’ll elaborate below, most of the investigation, as presented in Barrett’s summary, was deeply flawed, with incorrect legal analysis in one case and conclusions about her actions that make no sense to anyone who knows Gordon.
As for her challengers, neither student John Michaelson nor, much more surprisingly, former Diablo Valley College President Judy Walters come close to Gordon’s knowledge of district finances. Gordon is clearly the best candidate.
As for Ward 5, we very tepidly endorse Enholm’s opponent, retired financial consultant Fernando Sandoval. We’ve had long-standing concerns about Enholm’s abrasive style and meddling beyond his appropriate role as a trustee.
So it wasn’t surprising that the investigation found that he also inappropriately lobbied former Chancellor Fred Wood to hire as Contra Costa College president a professor who lacked the needed experience. Unlike in the case of Gordon, the district provided documents regarding Enholm that support the allegations in his case.
Sandoval, whom we endorsed four years ago, remains uninspiring. We wish there were a better alternative.
Barrett’s manipulation
The other part of this story is the political manipulation by Barrett, a Democratic Party activist who is not on the ballot this year but, as the current board president, controlled the timing of release of information.
Barrett has a history of deception. When she ran for office in 2018, she claimed in her ballot designation to be an educator. But she’s not an educator in the sense most people would interpret that. She doesn’t work in our schools. She’s not an accredited teacher or college professor. She tried to justify the educator claim by saying that, as part of her political consulting work, she provides training on political activism.
Gordon had originally endorsed Barrett in that election but withdrew the backing after the ballot designation deception came to light. The relationship between the two has been difficult since.
Then, in September 2019, an anonymous person filed a complaint with the district against Gordon. The anonymous allegations against Enholm came in November 2019.
When Barrett became board president, a rotating position, at the start of 2020, she assumed responsibility for the investigations. The few documents released by the district make it hard to reconstruct the Enholm investigation timeline but provide key information about the Gordon probe calendar.
They show that the investigation was completed on either March 24 or March 26. But the release of the finding summaries, which Huff says Barrett controlled, was delayed three months until just before the election season — when it might do the most political damage.
Finally, on June 30, Barrett notified Gordon in an email that “The findings are back from the ethics complaints that were filed which involve you.” They agreed to meet on July 2.
The meeting
While Barrett had an attorney with her, she forbade Gordon from bringing her lawyer, her husband Scott Gordon. Vicki Gordon says she didn’t know the breadth of the investigation, nor did she have any idea of the findings in advance.
So she was surprised when presented with Barrett’s six-page letter of determination that Gordon had tried to remove an item from the agenda for her own personal gain, that she had violated the Brown Act and that, while intoxicated, she had threatened other board members.
Barrett gave Gordon a one-page resolution agreement to sign, which she did. At that point, Gordon says, she was so stunned that she didn’t want to put up a fight. About three weeks later, the resolution agreement was presented to the full board.
Earlier that day, July 22, Barrett and Leong contacted a Times reporter to alert her to what was coming at the meeting. The reporter asked for all the documentation. When no story appeared over the next two weeks in part because Barrett and the district hadn’t produced the full report, the pair contacted the editorial page to try to reignite interest but were met with the same request to first produce the supporting documentation.
In a July 2 email to Gordon before their meeting that day, Barrett said, “I am genuinely hopeful this can be a fruitful conversation about how we can best move forward on behalf of the district.” But Barrett apparently wasn’t interested in patching up the relationship.
The following month, in a large Zoom meeting, Barrett vehemently argued to the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County that it should endorse Gordon’s leading opponent in part because Gordon, a Democrat, had endorsed three local Republicans in the past — candidates who have often garnered bipartisan support.
Barrett also falsely told the Democratic gathering that the investigation findings about Gordon had been released in a timely manner. And then Barrett doubled down with misinformation. Responding to Gordon’s comments to the board, Barrett told the committee, that there was no dispute that Gordon used her position for personal financial gain.
Probing the findings
That finding is very much in dispute. The issue revolved around a change to a 2019 memorandum of understanding for managers in the district. The agreement was to give them an extra 1% salary increase in exchange for their paying an additional 6% of their health insurance premiums.
For those with higher-end salaries, it was a good deal. But those on the lower end, depending on their coverage, might end up losing from the bargain. And trustees, who receive health care from the district at the same price as managers but receive only a $750 monthly stipend, would also be negatively affected. The contention was that Gordon tried to block the deal because she personally stood to lose.
Actually, according to Gordon, and separately verified, she had received calls from members of the bargaining group who were confused about the deal. She says she may have used her situation to make a point to staff members that lower-income people would be adversely affected. But what she wanted was to make sure that the affected managers understood the deal. The management group agreed to postpone the vote; they resurveyed their members and the board, including Gordon, subsequently approved the agreement.
What makes the allegation so questionable is that it requires one to believe that Gordon is working as a trustee for the paltry compensation. Gordon is married to a very successful lawyer. It’s hard to fathom that she, who has aggressively worked to control district benefit costs, would cross an ethical line to avoid paying $220 more each month for health insurance.
The credibility of Barrett’s letter is further undercut by the finding that Gordon violated the Brown Act, the state open meeting law for local government, by asking two directors elected in 2018, Barrett and Andy Li, to support her for board chairwoman the following year.
Gordon says that wasn’t the point of the conversations, but even if it was, there was no violation of the law. The law prohibits communication by a quorum of five-member board members outside of properly noticed meetings.
But it only applies to trustees after they have been elected. Barrett’s summary of the findings says that her conversation with Gordon occurred before Barrett was elected. Thus, there was no quorum communication and, hence, no violation of the law.
The final allegation, the only one Gordon acknowledges, is that she made some calls to other employees and board members while intoxicated. She says that she did make some calls that she regrets and has apologized for. It was during a time of some family difficulties, she said.
While she did step over the line, we appreciate her contrition. For us, the findings are not enough to undermine the fine work she has done.
Epilogue
Meanwhile, as we approach Election Day, the district has stonewalled for nearly three months on release of the full investigation report. Huff, who oversees responding to records requests, finally said Thursday that the report is subject to attorney-client privilege.
And, he said, it’s up to the board whether to waive that privilege. Barrett, who has been copied on all our requests for records, controls the meeting agenda because she is board president. She has not brought the matter to the board. The next scheduled meeting isn’t until eight days after the election.


mercurynews--2020-10-18--Me & My Car: Pontiac Ventura pricey but fun for owner to get fixed up

Editor ’ s note : David Krumboltz ’ s regular column is on hiatus until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
In its place , we ’ re running some of Dave ’ s favorite past columns .
This one originally ran in August 2018 .
Click here if you are having trouble viewing the slideshow on a mobile device .
• Me & My Car : ’ 61 Austin-Healey better than new after restoration • Me & My Car : 1990 rarity child of Chrysler , Maserati ’ s brief alliance • Me & My Car : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Me & My Car : Owner rightly proud of ‘ brand-new ’ ’ 69 Charger Pontiac was the second step in General Motors ’ parade of cars , being one step up from Chevrolet .
But before there was a Pontiac , there was the Oakland Motor Co. , founded in 1907 by Edward Murphy , a manufacturer of horse-drawn carriages .
The next year , William Durant founded General Motors , which had Buick as its only car line .
GM then acquired Oldsmobile and Cadillac and , after Murphy ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold of Oakland Motor .
Oakland became a GM Division and introduced a less expensive line in 1926 called Pontiac .
Pontiac was basically a fancy Chevrolet with a six-cylinder engine instead of the four-cylinder Chevrolet used .
It didn ’ t take long before Pontiac became more popular than Oakland Motor , so after 1931 , only Pontiac was produced .
The Pontiac brand honors the America Indian chief who led the fight against British occupation of the Great Lakes region and the city where the cars were built , Pontiac , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knock-down kits in Osaka , Japan from 1927 to 1941 ( guess what stopped that operation ) .
The last civilian car built in America during World War II was a Pontiac on Feb. 2 , 1942 .
The years between 1955 and 1965 were important ones for Pontiac .
Some big automotive names were involved with Pontiac , such as Semon “ Bunkie ” Knudsen , Pete Estes and John DeLorean .
These were the years of the “ wide-track ” Pontiac and the creation of the GTO .
In this period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its models that became its trademark .
Rear fins came and went , and Pontiac became the performance division of General Motors .
Walnut Creek resident Rich Berendsen , known to his friends as “ Bear , ” owns a 1960 Pontiac Ventura two-door hardtop .
He bought the car in 1995 , and I think it ’ s accurate to call Berendsen an accidental car collector .
“ It was in terrible shape when I got it , ” he said .
Twenty or more years ago , Berendsen had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with whom he would travel to various softball tournaments in the West .
This friend ’ s mother was the original owner , having purchased the car from Richmond Motors , a Pontiac-Cadillac dealer .
“ It seemed that on every trip we took together he would ask , ‘ Do you know anyone who would like to buy my mom ’ s car ?
’ It wasn ’ t anything that was on my mind at the time , so I would say , ‘ no.
’ ” Years go by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a tournament , and again he asks ‘ Do you know anyone who would like to buy my mom ’ s car ?
’ ‘ What is it ?
’ I asked .
‘ A Pontiac , ’ he said .
‘ What year ?
’ ‘ 1960.
’ ‘ Two doors or four doors ?
’ ‘ Two doors.
’ I said , ‘ Let ’ s go look at it.
’ ” “ It had been parked in a carport with the rear end facing west , so all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lenses , were all crystalized .
It needed new tires , it needed front end work , it needed a new transmission , a paint job , a new windshield , it needed new upholstery , it didn ’ t have any upholstery , it didn ’ t start and needed a new battery , and that ’ s where I started.
” The initial purchase price was $ 1,500 .
This is Berendsen ’ s first and only collector car .
I suspect it is his last collector car as well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ boat , ” said his voice of experience .
Often collectors don ’ t know how much they ’ ve invested in their collectible .
Sometimes they don ’ t want to know .
But Berendsen , who did very little of the restoration work himself , said , “ I know exactly — $ 36,700 .
It seemed like everything I did to it — like transmission , upholstery , front end work — was $ 3,500 .
No matter what I had done to it , it was $ 3,500.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a year .
In the 13th month , that transmission went out , and the owner of the shop where he bought it essentially said , “ tough.
” That meant another shop , another transmission and another $ 3,500 .
The six-passenger Pontiac hardtop is painted the factory color combination of a white roof over a baby blue body .
The comfortable leather interior is gray and black with white trim .
It hasn ’ t been his best financial investment .
Berendsen ballparks the current market value at just $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has been fun .
My wife says that when we ’ re in it and we drive down the street , everyone notices.
” He drives it about 6,000 miles a year but just for pleasure .
It ’ s not a show car , just a driver .
It has a 389-cubic-inch V8 engine with Hydramatic drive .
It has dual exhausts with a great sound .
The car is tight , quite responsive , and it looks good .
The Pontiac has factory air conditioning , but it doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repairable for about $ 3,500 .
Have an interesting vehicle ?
Contact David Krumboltz at MOBopoly @ yahoo.com .
To view more photos of this and other issues ’ vehicles or to read more of Dave ’ s columns , visit mercurynews.com/author/david-krumboltz .

Editor’s note: David Krumboltz’s regular column is on hiatus until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In its place, we’re running some of Dave’s favorite past columns. This one originally ran in August 2018.
The 1960 Pontiac Ventura. (Photo by David Krumboltz)
Interior of the 1960 Pontiac Ventura. (Photo by David Krumboltz)
Walnut Creek resident Rich Berendsen shows his 1960 Pontiac Ventura. (Photo by David Krumboltz)
Interior of the 1960 Pontiac Ventura. (Photo by David Krumboltz)
The 1960 Pontiac Ventura. (Photo by David Krumboltz)
The 1960 Pontiac Ventura features a 389 cubic inch V8 engine with Hydromantic drive. (Photo by David Krumboltz)
The 1960 Pontiac Ventura. (Photo by David Krumboltz)
Click here if you are having trouble viewing the slideshow on a mobile device.
Related Articles Lifestyle | Me & My Car: ’61 Austin-Healey better than new after restoration
Me & My Car: ’61 Austin-Healey better than new after restoration Lifestyle | Me & My Car: 1990 rarity child of Chrysler, Maserati’s brief alliance
Me & My Car: 1990 rarity child of Chrysler, Maserati’s brief alliance Lifestyle | Me & My Car: 1918 Pierce-Arrow an impressive, elegant machine
Me & My Car: 1918 Pierce-Arrow an impressive, elegant machine Lifestyle | Me & My Car: Owner rightly proud of ‘brand-new’ ’69 Charger Pontiac was the second step in General Motors’ parade of cars, being one step up from Chevrolet. But before there was a Pontiac, there was the Oakland Motor Co., founded in 1907 by Edward Murphy, a manufacturer of horse-drawn carriages. The next year, William Durant founded General Motors, which had Buick as its only car line. GM then acquired Oldsmobile and Cadillac and, after Murphy’s death in 1909, got a hold of Oakland Motor. Oakland became a GM Division and introduced a less expensive line in 1926 called Pontiac. Pontiac was basically a fancy Chevrolet with a six-cylinder engine instead of the four-cylinder Chevrolet used. It didn’t take long before Pontiac became more popular than Oakland Motor, so after 1931, only Pontiac was produced.
The Pontiac brand honors the America Indian chief who led the fight against British occupation of the Great Lakes region and the city where the cars were built, Pontiac, Michigan. Pontiac also manufactured cars from knock-down kits in Osaka, Japan from 1927 to 1941 (guess what stopped that operation). The last civilian car built in America during World War II was a Pontiac on Feb. 2, 1942.
The years between 1955 and 1965 were important ones for Pontiac. Some big automotive names were involved with Pontiac, such as Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen, Pete Estes and John DeLorean. These were the years of the “wide-track” Pontiac and the creation of the GTO. In this period Pontiac developed the split-grille design for many of its models that became its trademark. Rear fins came and went, and Pontiac became the performance division of General Motors.
Walnut Creek resident Rich Berendsen, known to his friends as “Bear,” owns a 1960 Pontiac Ventura two-door hardtop. He bought the car in 1995, and I think it’s accurate to call Berendsen an accidental car collector.
“It was in terrible shape when I got it,” he said.
Twenty or more years ago, Berendsen had a fellow senior softball player, Rich Francisco, with whom he would travel to various softball tournaments in the West. This friend’s mother was the original owner, having purchased the car from Richmond Motors, a Pontiac-Cadillac dealer.
“It seemed that on every trip we took together he would ask, ‘Do you know anyone who would like to buy my mom’s car?’ It wasn’t anything that was on my mind at the time, so I would say, ‘no.’ ” Years go by, and we’re coming back from a tournament, and again he asks ‘Do you know anyone who would like to buy my mom’s car?’ ‘What is it?’ I asked. ‘A Pontiac,’ he said. ‘What year?’ ‘1960.’ ‘Two doors or four doors?’ ‘Two doors.’ I said, ‘Let’s go look at it.’ ”
“It had been parked in a carport with the rear end facing west, so all the taillight lenses, all the backup light lenses, were all crystalized. It needed new tires, it needed front end work, it needed a new transmission, a paint job, a new windshield, it needed new upholstery, it didn’t have any upholstery, it didn’t start and needed a new battery, and that’s where I started.”
The initial purchase price was $1,500. This is Berendsen’s first and only collector car. I suspect it is his last collector car as well.
“It’s like owning a boat,” said his voice of experience.
Often collectors don’t know how much they’ve invested in their collectible. Sometimes they don’t want to know. But Berendsen, who did very little of the restoration work himself, said, “I know exactly — $36,700. It seemed like everything I did to it — like transmission, upholstery, front end work — was $3,500. No matter what I had done to it, it was $3,500.”
He bought a transmission that was guaranteed for a year. In the 13th month, that transmission went out, and the owner of the shop where he bought it essentially said, “tough.” That meant another shop, another transmission and another $3,500.
The six-passenger Pontiac hardtop is painted the factory color combination of a white roof over a baby blue body. The comfortable leather interior is gray and black with white trim. It hasn’t been his best financial investment. Berendsen ballparks the current market value at just $12,000 to $15,000.
“But it has been fun. My wife says that when we’re in it and we drive down the street, everyone notices.”
He drives it about 6,000 miles a year but just for pleasure. It’s not a show car, just a driver. It has a 389-cubic-inch V8 engine with Hydramatic drive. It has dual exhausts with a great sound. The car is tight, quite responsive, and it looks good. The Pontiac has factory air conditioning, but it doesn’t work. However, it is repairable for about $3,500.
Have an interesting vehicle? Contact David Krumboltz at MOBopoly@yahoo.com. To view more photos of this and other issues’ vehicles or to read more of Dave’s columns, visit mercurynews.com/author/david-krumboltz.


Word Game: Oct. 18, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — DRAINAGE ( DRAINAGE : DRANE-ij : A system of drawing off or draining a liquid @ @ @ @ @ 65 or more words in DRAINAGE ?
To purchase the Word Game book , visit @ @ @ @ @ for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
Words must be of four @ @ @ @ @ .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “ s , ” such @ @ @ @ @ “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional words made by adding @ @ @ @ @ an “ s ” may not be used .
For example , if “ bake @ @ @ @ @ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , but “ bake ” and @ @ @ @ @ .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or vulgar or sexually explicit words @ @ @ @

TODAY’S WORD — DRAINAGE (DRAINAGE: DRANE-ij: A system of drawing off or draining a liquid.)
Average mark 44 words
Time limit 60 minutes
Can you find 65 or more words in DRAINAGE?
TODAY’S WORD — DRAINAGE danger dare daring darn dean dear deign dine diner ding
dire dirge drag drain dreg radian rage raid rain rang range rani read regain reign rein rend
ride ridge rind ring adage again agar aged agenda ager aide aired anger area arena aria
arid idea nadir naiad near gain gainer gander garden gardenia gear gird gnar grade grain
grand grid grin grind earing earn engird
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--2020-10-18--Horoscopes Oct. 18, 2020: Zac Efron, dig deep, and question everything and everyone

Happy Birthday : Dig deep , and question everything and everyone .
Gather facts and consider your objectives , and you ’ ll find the best way to move forward with your plans .
Set goals , distance yourself from adversity and put your time and effort into personal gains and meaningful relationships .
Preparation will make a difference to the outcome , so pay attention to detail .
Put the past behind you .
Your numbers are 6 , 13 , 18 , 25 , 31 , 38 , 47 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear of adversity and situations that will lead to trouble .
Put the past in its place , and focus on future possibilities .
Share with someone you love to ensure you are on the same page .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Embrace change .
Look for opportunities , and make peace and plans with someone you love .
Use your connections to further your interests and persuasive tactics to get your way .
Call the shots , and commit wholeheartedly to reach your goal .
Romance is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21-June 20 ) : Refuse to let anyone talk you into something sketchy .
Protect your reputation and your status by not sharing personal information .
Honesty and integrity will be necessary to avoid an unsavory situation .
Watch your back .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Pairing up with someone who has less to offer will test your patience .
Set ground rules before you get involved in a joint venture .
Don ’ t give away your ideas prematurely .
When in doubt , do your own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : A change at home may not be to your liking .
Don ’ t fight the inevitable .
Look for an alternative that will encourage new beginnings .
A physical challenge will help you blow off steam .
Learn from the experience , and move forward peacefully .
2 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Say what ’ s on your mind , and find out where you stand .
Taking control of a situation will help you resolve unfinished business .
Once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can enjoy quality time and make unique plans with someone you love .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Plan a quiet day , free from adversity and those who like to be disruptive .
Don ’ t let uncertainty at home or with someone close to you create an unsavory atmosphere .
Rise above , be positive and do what brings you peace of mind .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : An unusual opportunity will come your way .
Ask questions , and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take advantage of an offer .
Teaching something you feel passionate about or spending more time doing something you love is encouraged .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Keep your emotions hidden from someone who is prying into your affairs .
The less information you share with others , the easier it will be to get things done .
A physical challenge will be stimulating and help you stay fit and looking your best .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Make home improvements that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A problem with a friend or relative will escalate if you can not agree .
Keep your opinions to yourself , and be a good listener to gain respect .
Romance is favored .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Refuse to let what others do or say bother you .
A pending financial , legal or health matter will leave you feeling anxious .
Stay calm , and look for practical solutions .
A skill or service you can offer will bring in extra cash .
2 stars PISCES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what you can to help others .
Volunteer your services , but be reluctant to make a cash donation or pay for someone else ’ s mistake .
A gift , proposal or investment will have a positive influence on the way you live .
Romance is encouraged .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are insightful , relentless and knowledgeable .
You are unique and distinguished .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Zac Efron, 33; Esperanza Spalding, 36; Freida Pinto, 36; Wynton Marsalis, 59.
Happy Birthday: Dig deep, and question everything and everyone. Gather facts and consider your objectives, and you’ll find the best way to move forward with your plans. Set goals, distance yourself from adversity and put your time and effort into personal gains and meaningful relationships. Preparation will make a difference to the outcome, so pay attention to detail. Put the past behind you. Your numbers are 6, 13, 18, 25, 31, 38, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Make the most of your day. Steer clear of adversity and situations that will lead to trouble. Put the past in its place, and focus on future possibilities. Share with someone you love to ensure you are on the same page. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Embrace change. Look for opportunities, and make peace and plans with someone you love. Use your connections to further your interests and persuasive tactics to get your way. Call the shots, and commit wholeheartedly to reach your goal. Romance is favored. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Refuse to let anyone talk you into something sketchy. Protect your reputation and your status by not sharing personal information. Honesty and integrity will be necessary to avoid an unsavory situation. Watch your back. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Pairing up with someone who has less to offer will test your patience. Set ground rules before you get involved in a joint venture. Don’t give away your ideas prematurely. When in doubt, do your own thing and forgo questionable partnerships. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A change at home may not be to your liking. Don’t fight the inevitable. Look for an alternative that will encourage new beginnings. A physical challenge will help you blow off steam. Learn from the experience, and move forward peacefully. 2 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Say what’s on your mind, and find out where you stand. Taking control of a situation will help you resolve unfinished business. Once you’ve established your position, you can enjoy quality time and make unique plans with someone you love. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Plan a quiet day, free from adversity and those who like to be disruptive. Don’t let uncertainty at home or with someone close to you create an unsavory atmosphere. Rise above, be positive and do what brings you peace of mind. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): An unusual opportunity will come your way. Ask questions, and you’ll figure out a way to take advantage of an offer. Teaching something you feel passionate about or spending more time doing something you love is encouraged. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Keep your emotions hidden from someone who is prying into your affairs. The less information you share with others, the easier it will be to get things done. A physical challenge will be stimulating and help you stay fit and looking your best. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Make home improvements that will help you save time and money. A problem with a friend or relative will escalate if you cannot agree. Keep your opinions to yourself, and be a good listener to gain respect. Romance is favored. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Refuse to let what others do or say bother you. A pending financial, legal or health matter will leave you feeling anxious. Stay calm, and look for practical solutions. A skill or service you can offer will bring in extra cash. 2 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Do what you can to help others. Volunteer your services, but be reluctant to make a cash donation or pay for someone else’s mistake. A gift, proposal or investment will have a positive influence on the way you live. Romance is encouraged. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are insightful, relentless and knowledgeable. You are unique and distinguished.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Bridge: Oct. 18, 2020

“ My doctor says that the key to healthy living is to start each day with a good breakfast , ” Unlucky Louie remarked to me in the club lounge .
“ So you ’ ve gotten with the program ?
” I asked .
“ I ’ m trying , ” Louie said sadly , “ but my old toaster has two settings : ‘ too soon ’ and ‘ too late . '
” Louie also has timing problems as declarer .
He habitually plays too fast .
Against Louie ’ s 3NT in today ’ s deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Louie hastily took five rounds , pitching two diamonds .
East discarded three diamonds and the deuce of spades , and West threw a spade .
Louie next tried the K-Q of hearts and a heart to dummy ’ s ace , hoping for a 3-3 break , but West threw another spade .
Louie gritted his teeth and , at the ninth trick , led a spade from dummy toward his king .
East played the ace … and when he cashed his jack of hearts next , Louie waffled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was squeezed like a pitcher of orange juice .
If Louie threw his king of spades , the defense would take another spade and the K-A of diamonds .
So Louie threw another diamond instead , but then West pitched the queen of spades .
The defense took the K-A of diamonds and West ’ s last diamond , and Louie ’ s contract was burned toast .
Louie can bring home the bacon with better timing .
He must test the hearts at Trick Two .
When West discards on the third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his king to get his ninth trick .

“My doctor says that the key to healthy living is to start each day with a good breakfast,” Unlucky Louie remarked to me in the club lounge.
“So you’ve gotten with the program?” I asked.
“I’m trying,” Louie said sadly, “but my old toaster has two settings: ‘too soon’ and ‘too late.'”
Louie also has timing problems as declarer. He habitually plays too fast. Against Louie’s 3NT in today’s deal, West led the ten of clubs, and Louie hastily took five rounds, pitching two diamonds. East discarded three diamonds and the deuce of spades, and West threw a spade. Louie next tried the K-Q of hearts and a heart to dummy’s ace, hoping for a 3-3 break, but West threw another spade.
Louie gritted his teeth and, at the ninth trick, led a spade from dummy toward his king. East played the ace … and when he cashed his jack of hearts next, Louie waffled over what to discard. His hand was squeezed like a pitcher of orange juice.
If Louie threw his king of spades, the defense would take another spade and the K-A of diamonds. So Louie threw another diamond instead, but then West pitched the queen of spades. The defense took the K-A of diamonds and West’s last diamond, and Louie’s contract was burned toast.
Louie can bring home the bacon with better timing. He must test the hearts at Trick Two. When West discards on the third heart, Louie leads a spade toward his king to get his ninth trick.
“I never sausage a deal,” I told Louie apologetically.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S 10 7 4 3
H A 6 5 2
D None
C A J 6 5 2
WEST
S Q 9 8 5
H 10 3
D A 8 3
C 10 9 8 3
EAST
S A J 2
H J 9 8 7
D K 9 7 6 2
C 7
SOUTH
S K 6
H K Q 4
D Q J 10 5 4
C K Q 4
South West North East
1 NT Pass 2 C Pass
2 D Pass 2 NT Pass
3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — C 10
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-10-18--Ask Amy: I’m afraid my new wife is going to say something rude to my old friends

Dear Amy : About eight years ago , I gave my 4-year-old godson a train set for Christmas .
He enjoyed it and we played with it together for several years .
He eventually outgrew it .
Now , he is 12 .
He recently discovered the train set in the closet .
He wanted to sell it to get money to buy some AirPods , which cost about what he could get for the train set .
So , with his parents ’ help , he put it online , sold it , and got the AirPods .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that once you give a gift , it is theirs to do with as they please , and it does not bother me .
The problem is , my wife of four years does not agree .
She thinks it was extremely rude of my godson and his parents to sell a personal gift that I got him for Christmas without at least consulting me about it .
I told my wife that even though it might have been nice for them to tell me that they were going to do this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am worried that my wife is going to say something about this to my godson ’ s parents ( she has indicated that she will ) .
We socialize with them often ; they are one of very few in our pandemic circle .
I don ’ t want her to create hard feelings .
Not only that , if it does come to that , should I side with my friends because I agree with them , causing my wife to be mad at me , or side with my wife , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a more harmonious home ?
Dear in a Quandary : I have an idea : How about your wife keep her thoughts to herself , thereby ensuring both a solid friendship , as well as a harmonious home ?
This is the very essence of “ none of her business.
” Your relationship with your godson predates your relationship with your wife .
It is separate from your wife .
You have every right to conduct your relationship with the boy the way you choose to .
Furthermore , I happen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was not a family heirloom .
It has been recycled , and now another child will enjoy it .
If your wife has the gall to bring this up to the boy ’ s parents in your presence , you should say to her , “ Well , I completely disagree with you , as I made clear when we discussed this before .
When I give a gift , I believe the person who receives it should do whatever they want with it.
” If your wife wants a harmonious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge and confront friends about their parenting , or harshly judge your godparenting .
And because this is a godchild question , I ’ ll throw out a favorite admonition from the Bible : “ Be a cheerful giver !
” You have done so , and good for you .
Dear Amy : I have only one living sibling .
She spent most of our adult years manipulating our mother to get more than her share of money , jewelry , family antiques , at times resorting to lies and even theft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visited , and left me with the lion ’ s share of eldercare .
Now she is lonely , her marriage is on the rocks , and her kids are estranged or troubled .
I invited her to visit , twice , but found her unchanged .
She is still selfish and sneaky .
Now she wants to move here and join my close circle of friends and family .
“ Family first ” has been my creed , but I ’ m not feeling it for her .
How can I say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not prevent your sister from moving to town , but you can definitely try to prepare her for reality by saying , “ I hope you understand that moving will probably not be the solution to your problems .
I ’ m not prepared to meet your needs.
” If this sister is a master manipulator and boundary-crosser , you will have to work hard to establish and frequently reinforce boundaries .
Put the word “ no ” into your vocabulary and be prepared to use it .
Dear Amy : Was it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and misguided racists as referring to themselves as “ White Christians ” ?
If they were Christians and had read the Bible , they would know that Christ looks at the heart , not skin color .
Dear Disappointed : I thought it was important to let these people reveal themselves .
And , I could be wrong , but I don ’ t think there are any White people in the Bible .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: About eight years ago, I gave my 4-year-old godson a train set for Christmas. He enjoyed it and we played with it together for several years. He eventually outgrew it.
Now, he is 12. He recently discovered the train set in the closet. He wanted to sell it to get money to buy some AirPods, which cost about what he could get for the train set. So, with his parents’ help, he put it online, sold it, and got the AirPods.
I think this is great! I believe that once you give a gift, it is theirs to do with as they please, and it does not bother me.
The problem is, my wife of four years does not agree. She thinks it was extremely rude of my godson and his parents to sell a personal gift that I got him for Christmas without at least consulting me about it.
I told my wife that even though it might have been nice for them to tell me that they were going to do this, I honestly do not care.
I am worried that my wife is going to say something about this to my godson’s parents (she has indicated that she will). We socialize with them often; they are one of very few in our pandemic circle. I don’t want her to create hard feelings.
Not only that, if it does come to that, should I side with my friends because I agree with them, causing my wife to be mad at me, or side with my wife, even though I disagree, just to make a more harmonious home?
In a Quandary
Dear in a Quandary: I have an idea: How about your wife keep her thoughts to herself, thereby ensuring both a solid friendship, as well as a harmonious home?
This is the very essence of “none of her business.” Your relationship with your godson predates your relationship with your wife. It is separate from your wife. You have every right to conduct your relationship with the boy the way you choose to. Furthermore, I happen to agree with your stance regarding the gift. It was not a family heirloom. It has been recycled, and now another child will enjoy it.
If your wife has the gall to bring this up to the boy’s parents in your presence, you should say to her, “Well, I completely disagree with you, as I made clear when we discussed this before. When I give a gift, I believe the person who receives it should do whatever they want with it.”
If your wife wants a harmonious home, perhaps she shouldn’t judge and confront friends about their parenting, or harshly judge your godparenting.
And because this is a godchild question, I’ll throw out a favorite admonition from the Bible: “Be a cheerful giver!” You have done so, and good for you.
Dear Amy: I have only one living sibling. She spent most of our adult years manipulating our mother to get more than her share of money, jewelry, family antiques, at times resorting to lies and even theft. She seldom called me, never visited, and left me with the lion’s share of eldercare.
Now she is lonely, her marriage is on the rocks, and her kids are estranged or troubled.
I invited her to visit, twice, but found her unchanged. She is still selfish and sneaky.
Now she wants to move here and join my close circle of friends and family. “Family first” has been my creed, but I’m not feeling it for her.
How can I say no?
Worried
Dear Worried: You cannot prevent your sister from moving to town, but you can definitely try to prepare her for reality by saying, “I hope you understand that moving will probably not be the solution to your problems. I’m not prepared to meet your needs.”
If this sister is a master manipulator and boundary-crosser, you will have to work hard to establish and frequently reinforce boundaries. Put the word “no” into your vocabulary and be prepared to use it.
Dear Amy: Was it really necessary for you to quote bigoted and misguided racists as referring to themselves as “White Christians”? If they were Christians and had read the Bible, they would know that Christ looks at the heart, not skin color.
Disappointed
Dear Disappointed: I thought it was important to let these people reveal themselves.
And, I could be wrong, but I don’t think there are any White people in the Bible.
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--2020-10-18--Dear Abby: Yes, he’s my husband, but I’m not going to give him your message

DEAR ABBY : My husband and I have been together since we were 21 , and he has always had a distant relationship with his parents .
I encouraged him during the first few years of our marriage to call them and visit .
I stopped doing that after his mom and I had some choice words .
If he wants a relationship with them , that is up to him .
The problem is , when she tries to call and text with typically no response from him , she reaches out to me .
We have two daughters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharing with her how they are doing .
What I object to is her occasionally asking me to pass on messages to my husband .
I ’ m a working mom of two , and I don ’ t have time to be anyone else ’ s secretary .
• Dear Abby : I slam the window , but my neighbor doesn ’ t get the picture • Dear Abby : Was she trying to ask for help ?
I ’ m haunted by this episode .
• Dear Abby : When he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I didn ’ t think it would get to this • Dear Abby : I ’ ve always loved her .
Should I offer to adopt her ?
The icing on the cake came when she informed me that the family dog they ’ d had for 15 years passed away and asked me to tell him .
I told her what time he could be reached , but instead of taking my suggestion , she asked me again .
I ended up telling him .
It wasn ’ t my responsibility to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irritated with myself that I can ’ t be frank about how she and his dad need to contact their son .
Any suggestions would be helpful .
DEAR FINDING : It may take courage , but the next time your mother-in-law tries to make you her messenger , tell her that what she ’ s asking makes you uncomfortable and that she needs to convey the information herself — by either texting her son or emailing .
If , after that , she says she can ’ t get through to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to be in the middle .
Period .
And let your husband know what you ’ ve done .
Will this endear you to her ?
Definitely not .
But the individuals who need to heal the relationship between your husband ’ s parents and their son are the three of them , not you .
DEAR ABBY : My parents met when they were 14 .
They married at 18 , raised four boys and had an incredible marriage .
When Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer ’ s , they carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing her care .
Sadly , Dad was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer , so they moved in with me , and I quit working to care for them .
Dad died three months later .
Obviously , Mom was devastated in addition to being confused about why Dad was no longer there .
Mom and I often took walks through my neighborhood , and at one house in particular she would comment on the pretty flowers in the yard and how she and Dad enjoyed planting flowers every year .
No matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing that neighbor ’ s yard would cheer her up and bring back fond memories for her .
Mom died a few years later .
I wrote a note to the person who lived at the property — whom I never had met — telling her how much joy her flowers had brought to Mom and thanking her for making my mother ’ s final days brighter .
Abby , I am writing now to share that even in the darkest times , a little beauty can make a world of difference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ written is true .
Music can have the same effect on patients with Alzheimer ’ s disease .
My mother had Alzheimer ’ s for many years , and my brother and I provided her with music from her era — Pearl Bailey , the Andrews Sisters , etc .
— to help her pass the time .
Toward the end , singing a song from her youth to her brought her back to me for a precious moment , and it , too , made a world of difference .
Thank you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on my own trip down memory lane .
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 .

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been together since we were 21, and he has always had a distant relationship with his parents.
I encouraged him during the first few years of our marriage to call them and visit. I stopped doing that after his mom and I had some choice words. If he wants a relationship with them, that is up to him.
The problem is, when she tries to call and text with typically no response from him, she reaches out to me. We have two daughters, so I don’t mind sharing with her how they are doing. What I object to is her occasionally asking me to pass on messages to my husband. I’m a working mom of two, and I don’t have time to be anyone else’s secretary.
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The icing on the cake came when she informed me that the family dog they’d had for 15 years passed away and asked me to tell him. I told her what time he could be reached, but instead of taking my suggestion, she asked me again. I ended up telling him.
It wasn’t my responsibility to do that, and I’m irritated with myself that I can’t be frank about how she and his dad need to contact their son. Any suggestions would be helpful.
FINDING A BACKBONE IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR FINDING: It may take courage, but the next time your mother-in-law tries to make you her messenger, tell her that what she’s asking makes you uncomfortable and that she needs to convey the information herself — by either texting her son or emailing. If, after that, she says she can’t get through to him, point out that you no longer want to be in the middle. Period. And let your husband know what you’ve done.
Will this endear you to her? Definitely not. But the individuals who need to heal the relationship between your husband’s parents and their son are the three of them, not you.
DEAR ABBY: My parents met when they were 14. They married at 18, raised four boys and had an incredible marriage. When Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they carried on as best they could with Dad providing her care.
Sadly, Dad was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, so they moved in with me, and I quit working to care for them. Dad died three months later. Obviously, Mom was devastated in addition to being confused about why Dad was no longer there.
Mom and I often took walks through my neighborhood, and at one house in particular she would comment on the pretty flowers in the yard and how she and Dad enjoyed planting flowers every year. No matter how agitated or upset she was, seeing that neighbor’s yard would cheer her up and bring back fond memories for her. Mom died a few years later.
I wrote a note to the person who lived at the property — whom I never had met — telling her how much joy her flowers had brought to Mom and thanking her for making my mother’s final days brighter.
Abby, I am writing now to share that even in the darkest times, a little beauty can make a world of difference.
GRATEFUL SON IN ARIZONA
DEAR GRATEFUL SON: What you have written is true. Music can have the same effect on patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
My mother had Alzheimer’s for many years, and my brother and I provided her with music from her era — Pearl Bailey, the Andrews Sisters, etc. — to help her pass the time. Toward the end, singing a song from her youth to her brought her back to me for a precious moment, and it, too, made a world of difference.
Thank you for your letter and for taking me on my own trip down memory lane.
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--2020-10-18--Arozarena, Rays top Astros 4-2 in Game 7, reach World Series

SAN DIEGO ( AP ) — By now , every baseball fan has heard of remarkable rookie Randy Arozarena .
They ’ re fast becoming familiar with his World Series-bound Tampa Bay teammates , too .
“ You sit here and look at this group of guys , and I always say we don ’ t have a lot of household names , but at the same time , people are making a name for themselves right now , ” outfielder Kevin Kiermaier said .
They kept doing that in Game 7 of the AL Championship Series on Saturday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morton was brilliant against his former team and the Rays silenced the Houston Astros 4-2 to reach the World Series for just the second time .
The Rays will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or Atlanta Braves in the World Series in Arlington , Texas , starting Tuesday night .
Game 7 of the NLCS is Sunday night .
Right fielder Manuel Margot squeezed Aledmys Diaz ’ s flyball in his glove for the final out and fireworks burst overhead as the Rays began to celebrate the AL pennant in an NL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
“ If you don ’ t know the name by now , they better learn them , because we ’ ve we got some boys who can play , ” said Kiermaier , the Rays ’ longest-tenured player .
That would start with Arozarena , who set a rookie record with his seventh home run — a two-run shot in the first — and was chosen ALCS MVP .
“ Randy Arozarena , I don ’ t have any words to describe what he ’ s done , what he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” manager Kevin Cash said .
“ For him to have a bat in his hand with an opportunity for a big home run , really , I think it settled a lot of people in the dugout .
It certainly did me.
” Arozarena , a relative unknown before the postseason , has brought power and some serious dance moves to the Rays .
“ I wouldn ’ t say I was chasing MVP , but I was just trying to do everything for the team , anything to allow us to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said through a translator .
Arozarena did Cristiano Ronaldo ’ s famous goal celebration after his homer and again after receiving the MVP .
Eight nights earlier , he threw down a breakdancing move to win a dance-off with Brett Phillips while the Rays celebrated their AL Division Series win against the New York Yankees .
Tampa Bay ’ s only other World Series appearance was in 2008 , when it lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in five games .
The innovative Rays led the AL with a 40-20 record in the pandemic-shortened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense , they also introduced the concept of the starter and sometimes deploy a four-man outfield .
Tampa Bay snapped a three-game losing streak and prevented the Astros from matching the 2004 Boston Red Sox , the only major league team to rally from a 3-0 deficit to win a seven-game series .
“ The last three days were pretty agonizing , ” Cash said .
The Rays also kept the Astros from becoming the first team to win a pennant with a losing regular-season record ( 29-31 ) .
The loss ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign-stealing scandal was revealed .
The Astros were viewed by many fans as villains for their role in the cheating scandal en route to the 2017 title against the Dodgers , a scam that eventually cost manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow their jobs .
Under new manager Dusty Baker , the Astros were trying to reach the World Series for the third time in four seasons .
They lost Game 7 to Washington last year .
“ It ’ s frustrating , but these guys fought .
They fought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ A lot of people didn ’ t have us even making the playoffs .
… This team is a bunch of fighters with a tremendous amount of perseverance and fortitude .
One thing is for sure .
We ’ ll be back in this position next year.
” Mike Zunino homered and drove in two runs for the Rays , who avoided the ignominy of joining the 2004 New York Yankees , who took a 3-0 lead in the ALCS and lost four straight to the Red Sox .
Boston went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 86 seasons .
Arozarena set a rookie record with his seventh homer of the postseason .
His 21 hits are one shy Derek Jeter ’ s 1996 rookie postseason record .
Nicknamed “ The Cuban Rocket , ” Arozarena connected off Lance McCullers Jr. to right-center field at Petco Park with one out in the first .
Margot , who played with the San Diego Padres from late in the 2016 season until being traded to Tampa Bay in the offseason , was aboard after getting hit with a pitch .
Arozarena @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2016 and made his big league debut last year .
Traded to Tampa Bay in the offseason , he tested positive for COVID-19 before summer camp and didn ’ t make his 2020 debut until Aug. 30 .
Until he started showing his October power , Arozarena was best known for a gaffe he committed while with the St. Louis Cardinals last postseason .
After the Cardinals beat Atlanta in the NL Division Series , he posted manager Mike Schildt ’ s profane clubhouse rant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would get a negative reaction .
Morton held the Astros to two hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out six and walking one .
Morton retired 14 straight batters until walking Martin Maldonado with one out in the sixth .
George Springer forced Maldonado and took third on José Altuve ’ s two-out infield single , and Cash pulled Morton after just 66 pitches .
Nick Anderson came on and retired Michael Brantley .
“ Cash made the right move again — shocker , ” kidded ace Tyler Glasnow , now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opener .
Morton is the first major leaguer to earn the victory in four winner-take-all games , including Game 7 of the 2017 World Series and Game 7 of the 2017 ALCS against the Yankees when he was with Houston .
He signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent before the 2019 season and won the wild card game at Oakland last year .
The Rays were then eliminated by the Astros in the ALDS .
The Astros broke through against the Rays ’ bullpen in the eighth .
Carlos Correa hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reliever struck out Alex Bregman on a 100 mph fastball .
Fairbanks worked around a one-out single in the ninth to close it for a save .
McCullers Jr. lasted only 3 2/3 innings .
He allowed three runs and four hits , struck out seven and walked one .
Morton and McCullers became the first pair to pitch in the same winner-take-all postseason game as teammates and later start against each other in a winner-take-all game .
In the decisive Game 7 of the 2017 World Series , McCullers started and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitched the final four innings for the victory .
Zunino hit a solo shot into the second deck in left off McCullers with one out in the second and added a sacrifice fly in the sixth .
On Friday night , he snapped his bat over his knee in frustration after striking out on three pitches .
Arozarena is only one homer away from matching the major league record of eight homers in any single postseason .
Barry Bonds set the mark for San Francisco in 2002 , and it was tied by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Texas ’ Nelson Cruz in 2011 .
Arozarena is only the ninth player ever to homer seven times in a single postseason , all of them occurring since 1995 in the wild card era .
Rays : Three-time Gold Glove Award-winning CF Kiermaier was back in the lineup .
He missed three starts after being hit with a pitch on the left hand in Game 3 .

By BERNIE WILSON
SAN DIEGO (AP) — By now, every baseball fan has heard of remarkable rookie Randy Arozarena. They’re fast becoming familiar with his World Series-bound Tampa Bay teammates, too.
“You sit here and look at this group of guys, and I always say we don’t have a lot of household names, but at the same time, people are making a name for themselves right now,” outfielder Kevin Kiermaier said.
They kept doing that in Game 7 of the AL Championship Series on Saturday night.
Arozarena homered again, 36-year-old Charlie Morton was brilliant against his former team and the Rays silenced the Houston Astros 4-2 to reach the World Series for just the second time.
The Rays will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or Atlanta Braves in the World Series in Arlington, Texas, starting Tuesday night. Game 7 of the NLCS is Sunday night.
Right fielder Manuel Margot squeezed Aledmys Diaz’s flyball in his glove for the final out and fireworks burst overhead as the Rays began to celebrate the AL pennant in an NL ballpark, a byproduct of the pandemic-shortened season.
“If you don’t know the name by now, they better learn them, because we’ve we got some boys who can play,” said Kiermaier, the Rays’ longest-tenured player.
That would start with Arozarena, who set a rookie record with his seventh home run — a two-run shot in the first — and was chosen ALCS MVP.
“Randy Arozarena, I don’t have any words to describe what he’s done, what he’s meant to us this postseason,” manager Kevin Cash said. “For him to have a bat in his hand with an opportunity for a big home run, really, I think it settled a lot of people in the dugout. It certainly did me.”
Arozarena, a relative unknown before the postseason, has brought power and some serious dance moves to the Rays.
“I wouldn’t say I was chasing MVP, but I was just trying to do everything for the team, anything to allow us to win,” the 25-year-old left fielder said through a translator.
Arozarena did Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous goal celebration after his homer and again after receiving the MVP. Eight nights earlier, he threw down a breakdancing move to win a dance-off with Brett Phillips while the Rays celebrated their AL Division Series win against the New York Yankees.
Tampa Bay’s only other World Series appearance was in 2008, when it lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in five games.
The innovative Rays led the AL with a 40-20 record in the pandemic-shortened season. Known for their pitching and defense, they also introduced the concept of the starter and sometimes deploy a four-man outfield.
Tampa Bay snapped a three-game losing streak and prevented the Astros from matching the 2004 Boston Red Sox, the only major league team to rally from a 3-0 deficit to win a seven-game series.
“The last three days were pretty agonizing,” Cash said.
The Rays also kept the Astros from becoming the first team to win a pennant with a losing regular-season record (29-31).
The loss ended Houston’s first season since its sign-stealing scandal was revealed. The Astros were viewed by many fans as villains for their role in the cheating scandal en route to the 2017 title against the Dodgers, a scam that eventually cost manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow their jobs.
Under new manager Dusty Baker, the Astros were trying to reach the World Series for the third time in four seasons. They lost Game 7 to Washington last year.
“It’s frustrating, but these guys fought. They fought to the very end,” Baker said. “A lot of people didn’t have us even making the playoffs. … This team is a bunch of fighters with a tremendous amount of perseverance and fortitude. One thing is for sure. We’ll be back in this position next year.”
Mike Zunino homered and drove in two runs for the Rays, who avoided the ignominy of joining the 2004 New York Yankees, who took a 3-0 lead in the ALCS and lost four straight to the Red Sox. Boston went on to win its first World Series in 86 seasons.
Arozarena set a rookie record with his seventh homer of the postseason. His 21 hits are one shy Derek Jeter’s 1996 rookie postseason record.
Nicknamed “The Cuban Rocket,” Arozarena connected off Lance McCullers Jr. to right-center field at Petco Park with one out in the first.
Margot, who played with the San Diego Padres from late in the 2016 season until being traded to Tampa Bay in the offseason, was aboard after getting hit with a pitch.
Arozarena defected from Cuba to Mexico in 2015, signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2016 and made his big league debut last year. Traded to Tampa Bay in the offseason, he tested positive for COVID-19 before summer camp and didn’t make his 2020 debut until Aug. 30.
Until he started showing his October power, Arozarena was best known for a gaffe he committed while with the St. Louis Cardinals last postseason. After the Cardinals beat Atlanta in the NL Division Series, he posted manager Mike Schildt’s profane clubhouse rant to social media, not realizing it would get a negative reaction.
Morton held the Astros to two hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out six and walking one.
Morton retired 14 straight batters until walking Martin Maldonado with one out in the sixth. George Springer forced Maldonado and took third on José Altuve’s two-out infield single, and Cash pulled Morton after just 66 pitches. Nick Anderson came on and retired Michael Brantley.
“Cash made the right move again — shocker,” kidded ace Tyler Glasnow, now lined up to start the World Series opener.
Morton is the first major leaguer to earn the victory in four winner-take-all games, including Game 7 of the 2017 World Series and Game 7 of the 2017 ALCS against the Yankees when he was with Houston. He signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent before the 2019 season and won the wild card game at Oakland last year. The Rays were then eliminated by the Astros in the ALDS.
The Astros broke through against the Rays’ bullpen in the eighth. Carlos Correa hit a two-run single off Pete Fairbanks before the reliever struck out Alex Bregman on a 100 mph fastball.
Fairbanks worked around a one-out single in the ninth to close it for a save.
McCullers Jr. lasted only 3 2/3 innings. He allowed three runs and four hits, struck out seven and walked one.
Morton and McCullers became the first pair to pitch in the same winner-take-all postseason game as teammates and later start against each other in a winner-take-all game. In the decisive Game 7 of the 2017 World Series, McCullers started and went 2 1/3 scoreless innings while Morton pitched the final four innings for the victory.
Zunino hit a solo shot into the second deck in left off McCullers with one out in the second and added a sacrifice fly in the sixth. On Friday night, he snapped his bat over his knee in frustration after striking out on three pitches.
HOMER RECORD
Arozarena is only one homer away from matching the major league record of eight homers in any single postseason. Barry Bonds set the mark for San Francisco in 2002, and it was tied by Houston’s Carlos Beltran in 2004 and Texas’ Nelson Cruz in 2011. Arozarena is only the ninth player ever to homer seven times in a single postseason, all of them occurring since 1995 in the wild card era.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Rays: Three-time Gold Glove Award-winning CF Kiermaier was back in the lineup. He missed three starts after being hit with a pitch on the left hand in Game 3.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


mercurynews--2020-10-18--Saturday Night Five: Cristobal is a screaming deal, comparing coaching salaries, the USC letter’s ef

Saturday Night Five: Cristobal is a screaming deal, comparing coaching salaries, the USC letter’s effect, TV money and more

Reaction to Pac-12 developments on and off the field … And because the news is relentless : We published an article this morning on the Pac-12 bringing back furloughed workers , the scheduling options for Week Seven , basketball plans and Larry Scott ’ s latest letter to the office staff .
Actually , Cristobal needed it last winter , but the pandemic hit .
He ’ s the defending conference champion but will earn about half as much in 2020 as the coach he beat for the Pac-12 title , Utah ’ s Kyle Whittingham .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of USA Today ’ s coaching salary database , one of the most important works of journalism in college athletics each year .
Schools are taking a variety of approaches to mitigating the budget damage to from Covid .
Some have asked coaches and athletic directors to take pay cuts , and some have not .
For that reason , the figures used below will reflect what USA Today calls ‘ scheduled school pay , ’ or the contractual obligation to the head coach had there been no pandemic .
Cristobal was scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s a long way from the top-paid coach in the conference , Whittingham , who would have received $ 5 million without Covid reductions .
The following coaches also will earn more than Cristobal : That would be all of them , except Oregon State ’ s Jonathan Smith .
Even the head coach who hasn ’ t been a head coach , Lake .
Even the head coach who hasn ’ t been a head coach in 13 years , Dorrell .
In fact , Cristobal ’ s 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just ahead of Maryland ’ s Mike Locksley and Kansas State ’ s Chris Klieman .
Our strong suspicion is that Cristobal will receive a new contract as soon as the budget crisis ends — one that makes him the highest-paid coach in the conference .
We can only assume the extension will be structured in a manner that compensates Cristobal for the raise he didn ’ t get this season .
Regardless , at $ 2.7 million for the current season , he ’ s one of the best bargains in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them … and none of them .
They ’ re all overpaid because an institution of higher learning should not be spending millions of dollars a year on its football coach .
Then again , the marketplace dictates compensation figures .
The coaches are worth whatever the schools are willing to pay .
Get what you can get and good on you for getting it .
If we happened to scan the USA Today database and circle the “ scheduled school pay ” for Pac-12 coaches in 2020 , then compare the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasons , this is what we ’ d find … Whittingham is the top-paid coach in the conference in scheduled pay , but he ’ s only No .
20 in the country .
All in all , the Pac-12 has four coaches earning at least $ 4 million this season : Whittingham , Shaw , Helton and Kelly .
The SEC has 10 over the $ 4 million mark .
Remember Mel Tucker , who spent one year at Colorado — one bowl-less year — and then fled for big bucks at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5.06 million in East Lansing , more than any coach in the Pac-12 .
And how ’ s this : Pac-12 head coaches are under contract to earn a collective $ 43 million this season ( excluding pay cuts ) .
That ’ s $ 2 million less than the combined total of the top-six coaches in the SEC : Alabama ’ s Nick Saban , LSU ’ s Ed Orgeron , Auburn ’ s Gus Malzahn , Texas A & M ’ s Jimbo Fisher , Georgia ’ s Kirby Smart and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can have loads of fun with the data — just click on a coach or team in the database to get historical data — but the most telling figures will be published by USAT later this fall : That ’ s where the disparity in resources is most pronounced .
4 .
What if … USC hadn ’ t published the letter .
Earlier this week , the Hotline published the results of our investigation into one of the most important stretches in conference history … Two weeks that began with the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and ended with California and Oregon officials agreeing to lift cohort restrictions and allow teams to practice ( Sept. 16 ) … Two weeks that provided the foundation for the Pac-12 ’ s return in the fall of 2020 … Two weeks that prevented the conference from getting left behind .
Our investigation , based largely on internal emails obtained through a public records request , showed that the USC players ’ public appeal to Gavin Newsom , published Sept. 15 , was vital to the process .
And if you piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not difficult to conclude the conference might not have played football this fall without that letter .
On the afternoon of Sept. 14 — that ’ s 11 days after the announcement of the antigen testing deal — the Pac-12 ’ s chief of staff , Erik Hardenbergh , sent an email to officials from the four California campuses .
The note followed Hardenbergh ’ s meeting with a key advisor to Gov .
Gavin Newsom and explained that “ We are starting in the right place ” but that “ Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some time.
” The next day , a Tuesday , USC players published their letter .
After the letter made headlines , the Pac-12 arranged a meeting between commissioner Larry Scott and Newsom for the following morning .
By the end of the day Wednesday — 24 hours after the USC letter — Newsom had given clearance for restrictions to be amended .
Two days later , on Friday , Sept. 18 , the Pac-12 CEOs began the week-long process of approving a return-to-play .
If there is no USC letter … if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensive … if he doesn ’ t back away publicly … then the conference is left to depend entirely on : 2 ) Using the Big Ten ’ s return to put pressure on state officials Based on Hardenbergh ’ s email — “ Even with fast tracking , this could take some time ” — it seems fair to assume the process would have extended well into the following week .
And pushed the start of the CEO-level discussions into the final week of September .
Using the timeframe that just unfolded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CEO vote to the start of full-contact practices — then training camp wouldn ’ t have started until the middle of October , at the earliest , without the USC letter .
Under a best-case scenario ( i.e.
, California officials moving faster than a tortoise ) the regular season would begin on Nov. 14 , with only enough time for five division games , plus a championship .
At that point , would the conference have even bothered ?
Probably , because of the repercussions that would come with not bothering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that scenario would have made the schedule feel dramatically smaller than it does even now .
We haven ’ t seen an answer , anywhere , to a critical question : How much of its Tier 1 media revenue will the Pac-12 recoup with the shortened season ?
Allow us to take a swing … According to the term sheet , ESPN and Fox would have owed the conference $ 276 million this year in return for 45 football games , including the championship , and about 70 basketball games .
Rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media rights deal : Football is worth 90 cents of every dollar ; the rest is men ’ s basketball .
Using that as our guide , the football inventory would account for $ 248 million of the $ 276 million this year .
Divide that by 45 games — we ’ ll treat each the same , even though the conference championship has greater value — and we ’ re left with the following : There are at least 37 scheduled for this season .
( Six games per week for six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Multiple 37 games times $ 5.5 million per game , and that ’ s $ 203 million out of the estimated $ 248 million .
Hardly ideal , but it could have been much , much worse .
Support the Hotline : Several Hotline articles will remain free each month ( as will the newsletter ) , but for access to all content , you ’ ll need to subscribe .
I ’ ve secured a rate of $ 1 per week for a full year or just 99 cents for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anytime .
Click here .
And thanks for your loyalty .
*** Send suggestions , comments and tips ( confidentiality guaranteed ) to pac12hotline @ bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716 *** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference , and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference .

Reaction to Pac-12 developments on and off the field …
And because the news is relentless: We published an article this morning on the Pac-12 bringing back furloughed workers, the scheduling options for Week Seven, basketball plans and Larry Scott’s latest letter to the office staff.
1. Mario Cristobal needs a raise. Yesterday.
Actually, Cristobal needed it last winter, but the pandemic hit.
He’s the defending conference champion but will earn about half as much in 2020 as the coach he beat for the Pac-12 title, Utah’s Kyle Whittingham.
That’s one of many takeaways from our perusal of USA Today’s coaching salary database, one of the most important works of journalism in college athletics each year.
(The package of content published this week includes a look at pandemic-related salary reductions for head coaches — and how they aren’t necessarily what they seem.)
Schools are taking a variety of approaches to mitigating the budget damage to from Covid. Some have asked coaches and athletic directors to take pay cuts, and some have not.
For that reason, the figures used below will reflect what USA Today calls ‘scheduled school pay,’ or the contractual obligation to the head coach had there been no pandemic.
Cristobal was scheduled to earn $2.7 million this year. That’s a long way from the top-paid coach in the conference, Whittingham, who would have received $5 million without Covid reductions.
The following coaches also will earn more than Cristobal:
Stanford’s David Shaw, USC’s Clay Helton, UCLA’s Chip Kelly, ASU’s Herm Edwards, Arizona’s Kevin Sumlin, Cal’s Justin Wilcox, Colorado’s Karl Dorrell, Washington’s Jimmy Lake and Washington State’s Nick Rolovich.
That would be all of them, except Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith.
Even the head coach who hasn’t been a head coach, Lake.
Even the head coach who hasn’t been a head coach in 13 years, Dorrell.
In fact, Cristobal’s 2020 scheduled pay is 57th in the country, just ahead of Maryland’s Mike Locksley and Kansas State’s Chris Klieman.
Our strong suspicion is that Cristobal will receive a new contract as soon as the budget crisis ends — one that makes him the highest-paid coach in the conference.
(He reportedly was on track for a new contract before the pandemic arrived.)
We can only assume the extension will be structured in a manner that compensates Cristobal for the raise he didn’t get this season.
Regardless, at $2.7 million for the current season, he’s one of the best bargains in the country.
2. Which Pac-12 coaches are overpaid?
That easy: All of them … and none of them.
They’re all overpaid because an institution of higher learning should not be spending millions of dollars a year on its football coach.
Then again, the marketplace dictates compensation figures. The coaches are worth whatever the schools are willing to pay.
Get what you can get and good on you for getting it.
However …
If we happened to scan the USA Today database and circle the “scheduled school pay” for Pac-12 coaches in 2020, then compare the dollars to on-field performance the past two seasons, this is what we’d find …
(Figures from Shaw and Helton are based on total pay, not school pay.)
Oregon’s Mario Cristobal
2020 salary: $2.7 million
Two-year win total: 21
Dollars per win: $129,000
Cal’s Justin Wilcox
2020 salary: $3.35
Two-year win total: 15
Dollars per win: $223,000
ASU’s Herm Edwards
2020 salary: $3.5 million
Two-year win total: 15
Dollars per win: $233,000
Utah’s Kyle Whittingham
2020 salary: $5 million
Two-year win total: 20
Dollars per win: $250,000
Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith
2020 salary: $2.4 million
Two-year win total: 7
Dollars per win: $343,000
Arizona’s Kevin Sumlin
2020 salary: $3.1 million
Two-year win total: 9
Dollars per win: $344,000
USC’s Clay Helton
2020 salary: $4.6 million
Two-year win total: 13
Dollars per win: $354,000
Stanford’s David Shaw
2020 salary: $4.8 million
Two-year win total: 13
Dollars per win: $369,000
UCLA’s Chip Kelly
2020 salary: $4.3 million
Two-year win total: 7
Dollars per win: $614,000
3. How they compare …
Whittingham is the top-paid coach in the conference in scheduled pay, but he’s only No. 20 in the country.
All in all, the Pac-12 has four coaches earning at least $4 million this season: Whittingham, Shaw, Helton and Kelly.
The SEC has 10 over the $4 million mark.
The Big Ten has 11.
Remember Mel Tucker, who spent one year at Colorado — one bowl-less year — and then fled for big bucks at Michigan State?
Tucker will earn $5.06 million in East Lansing, more than any coach in the Pac-12.
And how’s this: Pac-12 head coaches are under contract to earn a collective $43 million this season (excluding pay cuts).
That’s $2 million less than the combined total of the top-six coaches in the SEC: Alabama’s Nick Saban, LSU’s Ed Orgeron, Auburn’s Gus Malzahn, Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher, Georgia’s Kirby Smart and Florida’s Dan Mullen.
You can have loads of fun with the data — just click on a coach or team in the database to get historical data — but the most telling figures will be published by USAT later this fall:
The salary pool for assistant coaches.
That’s where the disparity in resources is most pronounced.
4. What if … USC hadn’t published the letter.
Earlier this week, the Hotline published the results of our investigation into one of the most important stretches in conference history …
Two weeks that began with the deal to acquire antigen tests (Sept. 3) and ended with California and Oregon officials agreeing to lift cohort restrictions and allow teams to practice (Sept. 16) …
Two weeks that provided the foundation for the Pac-12’s return in the fall of 2020 …
Two weeks that prevented the conference from getting left behind.
Our investigation, based largely on internal emails obtained through a public records request, showed that the USC players’ public appeal to Gavin Newsom, published Sept. 15, was vital to the process.
And if you piece together the subsequent events, it’s not difficult to conclude the conference might not have played football this fall without that letter.
Shall we?
On the afternoon of Sept. 14 — that’s 11 days after the announcement of the antigen testing deal — the Pac-12’s chief of staff, Erik Hardenbergh, sent an email to officials from the four California campuses.
The note followed Hardenbergh’s meeting with a key advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and explained that “We are starting in the right place” but that “Even with fast tracking, this could take some time.”
The next day, a Tuesday, USC players published their letter.
After the letter made headlines, the Pac-12 arranged a meeting between commissioner Larry Scott and Newsom for the following morning.
By the end of the day Wednesday — 24 hours after the USC letter — Newsom had given clearance for restrictions to be amended.
Two days later, on Friday, Sept. 18, the Pac-12 CEOs began the week-long process of approving a return-to-play.
If there is no USC letter … if Newsom isn’t put on the defensive … if he doesn’t back away publicly … then the conference is left to depend entirely on:
1) Incremental, behind-the-scenes bureaucracy to change the cohort restrictions
2) Using the Big Ten’s return to put pressure on state officials
Based on Hardenbergh’s email — “Even with fast tracking, this could take some time” — it seems fair to assume the process would have extended well into the following week.
And pushed the start of the CEO-level discussions into the final week of September.
Using the timeframe that just unfolded — two weeks from the time of the CEO vote to the start of full-contact practices — then training camp wouldn’t have started until the middle of October, at the earliest, without the USC letter.
Under a best-case scenario (i.e., California officials moving faster than a tortoise) the regular season would begin on Nov. 14, with only enough time for five division games, plus a championship.
At that point, would the conference have even bothered?
Probably, because of the repercussions that would come with not bothering.
But the lack of crossover games in that scenario would have made the schedule feel dramatically smaller than it does even now.
5. Back-of-the-envelope TV money math.
We haven’t seen an answer, anywhere, to a critical question:
How much of its Tier 1 media revenue will the Pac-12 recoup with the shortened season?
Allow us to take a swing …
According to the term sheet, ESPN and Fox would have owed the conference $276 million this year in return for 45 football games, including the championship, and about 70 basketball games.
Rule of thumb when assessing the value of media rights deal: Football is worth 90 cents of every dollar; the rest is men’s basketball.
Using that as our guide, the football inventory would account for $248 million of the $276 million this year.
Divide that by 45 games — we’ll treat each the same, even though the conference championship has greater value — and we’re left with the following:
Each Pac-12 football game is worth $5.5 million.
There are at least 37 scheduled for this season. (Six games per week for six weeks, plus the championship.)
Multiple 37 games times $5.5 million per game, and that’s $203 million out of the estimated $248 million.
Hardly ideal, but it could have been much, much worse.
Support the Hotline: Several Hotline articles will remain free each month (as will the newsletter), but for access to all content, you’ll need to subscribe. I’ve secured a rate of $1 per week for a full year or just 99 cents for the first month, with the option to cancel anytime. Click here. And thanks for your loyalty.
*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716
*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.