The second part of the series Our America: Trouble on Tap premieres Saturday, September 30 on various ABC-owned stations. There are three parts and the second one is entitled “America’s Lead Problem.” The docuseries comes from ABC’s owned stations, ABC News and National Geographic.

The episode examines the lasting impact of the use of lead pipes and the water infrastructure in America. Lead-based pipes are still being used to transport water to millions of homes, the producers say, nearly 40 years after being banned as a plumbing material by the federal government.

The special is on KGO San Francisco, KABC Los Angeles, KFSN Fresno and WLS Chicago September 30, and on KTRK Houston on Sunday, October 1. It is on ABC Localish October 2 and WTVD Raleigh-Durham October 8, then WPVI Philadelphia October 22 and WABC New York November 5.

It airs on ABC Owned Television Stations’ streaming and digital platforms in addition to being on linear TV.

Our America: Trouble on Tap utilizes data from the ABC station group’s data-journalism unit to examine how the effects of environmental pollution, climate change and aging infrastructure are eroding the availability of free potable drinking water.

The first episode is entitled “Life with Forever Chemicals” and looks at per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination in North Carolina. The third episode, “Drilling into California’s Water Crisis,” will focus on the effects of drought in the state and premieres later this fall.

Our America: Trouble on Tap is produced in partnership with Tracy J. Wholf, coordinating producer of the climate unit at ABC News, and Justin Allen, executive producer with ABC Owned Television Stations and National Geographic.

Previous Our America specials include Indigenous and Urban and Equity Report. 

The post ABC-Owned Stations Debut Second A part of ‘Our America: Bother on Faucet’ appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

The second part of the series Our America: Trouble on Tap premieres Saturday, September 30 on various ABC-owned stations. There are three parts and the second one is entitled “America’s Lead Problem.” The docuseries comes from ABC’s owned stations, ABC News and National Geographic. 

The episode examines the lasting impact of the use of lead pipes and the water infrastructure in America. Lead-based pipes are still being used to transport water to millions of homes, the producers say, nearly 40 years after being banned as a plumbing material by the federal government. 

The special is on KGO San Francisco, KABC Los Angeles, KFSN Fresno and WLS Chicago September 30, and on KTRK Houston on Sunday, October 1. It is on ABC Localish October 2 and WTVD Raleigh-Durham October 8, then WPVI Philadelphia October 22 and WABC New York November 5. 

It airs on ABC Owned Television Stations’ streaming and digital platforms in addition to being on linear TV. 

Our America: Trouble on Tap utilizes data from the ABC station group’s data-journalism unit to examine how the effects of environmental pollution, climate change and aging infrastructure are eroding the availability of free potable drinking water.    

The first episode is entitled “Life with Forever Chemicals” and looks at per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination in North Carolina. The third episode, “Drilling into California’s Water Crisis,” will focus on the effects of drought in the state and premieres later this fall. 

Our America: Trouble on Tap is produced in partnership with Tracy J. Wholf, coordinating producer of the climate unit at ABC News, and Justin Allen, executive producer with ABC Owned Television Stations and National Geographic.

Previous Our America specials include Indigenous and Urban and Equity Report. 

The post ABC-Owned Stations Debut Second A part of ‘Our America: Hassle on Faucet’ appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

The month of June started with a 5-10 record and a win over NL West rivals, the San Francisco Giants, but it really wasn’t the best month for the Dodgers. Things got better this week when they defeated the Angels in a two-game series with two shutouts. Still, in June it’s only 7-10.

Despite their checkered month, there were some positives for the Boys in Blue, most notably the buzz surrounding rookie starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan, who made his debut against the Giants last Friday night.

Sheehan pitched six scoreless innings and missed a goal in a 7-5 loss in the first of three games against San Francisco.

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Emmet Sheehan had never thrown over Double-A before. He made MLB look easy. His final statement against the Giants:

6 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

The Dodgers needed depth and Sheehan went through 6 innings without a hit. What an incredible performance from the 23-year-old.

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) June 17, 2023

The Boston College pitcher received praise from around the league, including from his own teammate Walker Buehler.

Despite Sheehan’s great performance, Buehler noticed something in his pitches that night.

“It’s a really crazy shot. Works really well, comes out of his hand really well, but it’s a bit unconventional and I think that’ll be something interesting to look at in the future.”

Walker Buehler on Just Baseball Show

Buehler also mentioned that the idea of ​​opposing batsmen being unfamiliar with Sheehan may have played a big part in his impressive debut, but is keeping an eye on how long that will last.

“You don’t have much luck in the big leagues but not being familiar with a guy and kind of having that funk about you I think is definitely an advantage and will help him for a long time and kind of give him.” That leash for finding out the big leagues, which apparently he did for at least one night, right. So we’ll see how it goes, but obviously it’s the best start anyone could ask for.”

Walker Buehler on Just Baseball Show

As a Dodger fan, I’m very excited to see how Sheehan progresses, and I look forward to seeing if he can match that feat in his next start, later scheduled for either the Freeway series in Anaheim or at home in Houston is week.

Have you already subscribed to our YouTube channel? Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay up to date with the latest Dodgers news, rumours, interviews, livestreams and more!

The post Dodgers Information: Walker Buehler Talks Emmet Sheehan’s Debut, What to Watch Transferring Ahead appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

ST. LOUIS – Bevor die Giants letzten Winter 171 Millionen US-Dollar für sechs Free Agents verloren haben, bevor sie ein einziges Treffen mit Carlos Correa oder einem Radiologen auf Abruf hatten und bevor sie damit begannen, ihren Kader mit elektrischen Impulsen eines aufstrebenden Spielers neu zu beleben Entwicklungssystem mussten ihre Hauptentscheidungsträger eine scheinbar unbedeutende Entscheidung treffen.

Ob ein 20-jähriger Outfielder geschützt werden soll, der im A-Ball .211 getroffen hat.

Die Giants beschlossen im November, Luis Matos in den 40-Mann-Kader aufzunehmen, und jetzt sieht diese kleine Entscheidung monumental aus. Matos kämpfte sich in knapp zwei Monaten durch die beiden höchsten Minor-League-Levels, er positionierte sich als offensichtliche Alternative, als sich Outfielder Mitch Haniger am Dienstag den Unterarm brach, er gab am Mittwoch sein Debüt in der Major League als Start-Centerfielder und Nr. 2 Batter, und er pfiff einen Single auf dem zweiten Pitch, den er beim 8-5, 10-Inning-Sieg der Giants über die St. Louis Cardinals im Busch Stadium sah.

Matos, der im Dezember 21 Jahre alt wurde, war der jüngste Giants-Spieler seit Madison Bumgarner im Jahr 2009, der sein Debüt gab. Der rechtshändig schlagende Mittelfeldspieler ist nach Jordan Walker von den Cardinals der zweitjüngste Positionsspieler in den Major Leagues. Sein Debüt war vielleicht das am meisten erwartete Debüt eines Giants-Outfielders seit einer oder vielleicht auch zwei Generationen, je nachdem, wie alt man sich durch Chili Davis fühlt.

Matos kam nach 43 Treffern in 107 Fledermäusen für Triple-A Sacramento. In seinen letzten sechs Spielen für die River Cats erzielte er sechs Homeruns, darunter einen in seinem ersten Schlag am Dienstag, bevor er aus der Aufstellung genommen wurde. Sein Begrüßungstext von Manager Gabe Kapler am Dienstagabend war eine Mischung aus Spanisch, Englisch und Feuer-Emojis. („Wie enthusiastisches Feuer“, stellte Kapler klar.) Matos nahm am späten Abend einen Flug nach St. Louis, kam am Mittwochmorgen an seinem Schließfach im Clubhaus der Giants an und wurde vom spanischen Dolmetscher Erwin Higueros flankiert, während er sich mit Reportern traf. Er wurde gefragt: Bist du dafür bereit?

Er wartete nicht darauf, dass die Frage übersetzt wurde. Er brauchte es auch nicht, um zu antworten.

„Ja“, sagte er auf Englisch mit fast schüchternem Selbstvertrauen. “Ich bin bereit.”

Aber die Entscheidung, Matos im November zu schützen, war nicht ohne Zweifel oder Debatte. Jeder einzelne dieser Kaderplätze ist wertvoll. Sich mit einem Interessenten auf niedrigerem Niveau zusammenzutun, selbst wenn dieser über enorme Fähigkeiten und Potenzial verfügt, ist, als würde man eine Keksdose auf das oberste Regal stellen. Wenn dieser Spieler immer noch einen Traum davon entfernt ist, Ihnen in den großen Ligen zu helfen, dann nimmt er einen 40-Mann-Raum ein, ohne Nutzen zu bieten. Wenn uns die Giants mit 107 Siegen im Jahr 2021 etwas beigebracht haben, dann ist es der Wert des direkten Kadernutzens.

Dann gibt es noch die Spieltheorie, die besagt, dass eine Organisation jedes Jahr im Dezember das Risiko eingeht, berechtigte Spieler dem Regel-5-Entwurf auszusetzen. Würde ein anderes Team wirklich einen so jungen Spieler wie Matos abwerben, wenn seine Leistung im Jahr 2022 so wenig auf die Bereitschaft für die große Liga hindeutet? Würde sich dieses Team wirklich dazu verpflichten, ihn die ganze Saison über im aktiven Kader zu behalten?

Die Giants glaubten das nicht. Aber sie wollten auch keine wochenlangen Verdauungsbeschwerden erleben, die nichts mit dem übermäßigen Verzehr an Thanksgiving zu tun hatten. Manche Risiken sind es einfach nicht wert, eingegangen zu werden.

„Die allgemeine Abstammung und das Aufwärtspotenzial haben dazu beigetragen, aber zwei Dinge haben uns dazu verleitet, ihn zu beschützen und zu glauben, dass jemand über ihn würfeln könnte“, sagte Giants-Präsident Farhan Zaidi am Mittwoch per SMS.

„Erstens waren seine Defensivwerte im letzten Jahr wirklich gut. Und zweitens war die Kontaktrate trotz der Gesamtstatistik immer noch ausgezeichnet. Beides gab uns das Gefühl, dass er in die großen Ligen aufsteigen und schneller einen Beitrag leisten könnte, als es auf den ersten Blick in der letzten Offseason schien.“

Hier ist der andere Nachteil: Wenn Sie in der Lage sind, Ihr Farmsystem aufzufüllen, sind Sie weniger auf die Flexibilität von 40 Mann angewiesen, um Verzichtsansprüche geltend zu machen. Letztes Jahr forderten die Giants 15 Spieler von der Befreiung. Dieses Jahr haben sie ihren ersten Platz noch nicht erreicht. Klar, es gab einen kleinen Deal für einen Matt Beaty hier und einen Cal Stevenson dort. Darin Ruf kam zurück, um Hallo zu sagen, während bei den Giants mehrere Rechtshänder außer Gefecht waren. Aber zum größten Teil haben die Giants Kaderlücken – die kosmetischen Kratzer und die großen Schnittwunden – von Spielern innerhalb ihres Systems geflickt.

Matos war der achte Giant, der in dieser Saison sein Debüt in der Major League gab. Nur die Cincinnati Reds haben mehr Spieler debütiert. Matos schloss sich Casey Schmitt, Patrick Bailey, Blake Sabol, Ryan Walker, Keaton Winn, Tristan Beck und Brett Wisely an, die alle zu Siegen beigetragen haben und deren Leistung auf zukünftiges Potenzial schließen lässt. Auf dieser Liste gibt es keinen Quad-A- oder Organisationsplayer. Am Mittwoch hatten die acht Rookies zusammen 2,7 bWAR erreicht. Wisely war der einzige unter ihnen mit einem negativen Input (minus -0,1 bWAR), und selbst er wäre wahrscheinlich auf der positiven Seite gewesen, wenn er etwas mehr Glück beim Schlagen gehabt hätte.

Und da ist noch Kyle Harrison, der wohl beste Linkshänder-Pitching-Kandidat bei Triple A und von dem die meisten Vereinsfunktionäre immer noch erwarten, dass er in dieser Saison den größten Rookie-Einfluss auf den Major-League-Klub haben wird. Und da ist noch der Giants-Spieler, der auf den meisten Interessentenlisten immer noch an erster Stelle steht, Shortstop Marco Luciano, der nach einer hartnäckigen Rückenverletzung im Double-A Richmond endlich gesund ist.

Beeindruckender als die Höhe der Rookie-Beiträge ist nur die Entwicklung dieser Rookies in die großen Ligen. Die Aufstellung am Mittwoch umfasste drei Spieler – Matos, Bailey und Schmitt –, die die meiste oder die gesamte letzte Saison bei High-A Eugene spielten. Winn, der einen Tag, nachdem er bei seinem Major-League-Debüt eine Vier-Inning-Parade verbucht hatte, als Option ausgewählt wurde, startete letzte Saison ebenfalls in Eugene. Aber niemand verbrauchte mehr Raketentreibstoff als Matos, der letzte Saison mit einer Quadrizepsverletzung und seiner eigenen übermäßigen Aggressivität am Teller zu kämpfen hatte.

Als Matos begann, alles zusammenzustellen, gab es in den oberen Nebenfächern nicht viel, was seinen Aufstieg verhindern konnte. Und indem sie ihn im November beschützten, erlaubten die Giants sich vorzustellen, dass es möglich sei.

„Wir alle wissen, dass die Spielerentwicklung sehr schnell voranschreiten kann, insbesondere bei Spielern mit großer Herkunft“, sagte Kapler. „Als ich zum ersten Mal nach San Francisco kam, ganz am Anfang meiner Zeit hier, hörte ich von einem Jungen mit einem tollen Schwung, der den Baseball in alle Teile des Feldes lenken konnte, in der Verteidigung spielen konnte und ein guter Alleskönner war -rund um den Sportler.

„Wie Sie erwähnt haben, ging es bei ihm ziemlich schnell. Er hat kein tolles Jahr hinter sich. Wir waren uns also nicht sicher, was uns für das Jahr 2023 erwartet. Aber es ist wirklich gut für die Organisation, dass diese Leute so schnell vorangekommen sind. Es ist auch eine gute Erinnerung daran, dass die Spielerentwicklung noch im Gange ist. Und dies wird nicht ohne Unebenheiten und Wendungen verlaufen. Ich denke, wir sehen bei Casey, dass es Momente des Kampfes geben wird, selbst für Spieler, die sofort gute Leistungen erbringen. Ich bin mir sicher, dass Patrick Bailey nicht das ganze Jahr über perfekt sein wird.

„Aber es ist eine wirklich gute Erinnerung daran, dass wir an unseren Jungs festhalten und ihnen mehr Chancen geben werden, auch wenn sie Schwierigkeiten haben, denn es lohnt sich.“ Spieler, die sich auf Major-League-Niveau weiterentwickeln und besser werden, helfen den Teams, zu gewinnen. Ich glaube nicht, dass es für uns einen größeren Einfluss darauf gibt, zu gewinnen und möglicherweise in die Nachsaison zu kommen, als dass einige unserer jungen Spieler die Arbeit leisten, die sie gerade leisten.“

Die Giants haben Matos nicht befördert, um für einen vorübergehenden Funken zu sorgen. Sie haben plötzlich einen Mangel an rechtshändigen Außenfeldspielern, da Haniger, ihr teuerster Free-Agent-Zukauf im vergangenen Winter, vor einer saisonbedrohlichen Operation an seinem gebrochenen Unterarm steht. Austin Slater ist der einzige andere rechtshändig schlagende Outfielder im Kader, es sei denn, die Giants würden Thairo Estrada im linken Feld belassen. Matos ist also hier, um einen Bedarf zu decken, der, wie es aussieht, dauerhaft sein wird.

Matos klatschte vor Freude auf dem Weg zur ersten Base, nachdem er am Mittwoch im ersten Inning einen fehlerfreien Single ins linke Feld geschlagen hatte. Bei seinem nächsten Schlagangriff begab er sich auf die zweite Base. Bei einem Flyout am Ende des Schlages auf das linke Feld im sechsten Durchgang verfehlte er den Lauf nur knapp. Dann, wie Kapler es lachend beschrieb: „Er lernte den Giants-Baseball kennen. Wir haben hier in deinem ersten Spiel für dich getroffen.“

Die Giants lagen im siebten Spiel nach Mike Yastrzemskis RBI-Single mit 5:3 zurück. Kapler entschied sich für das Linkshänder-Matchup gegen Jordan Hicks und schickte den Pinch-Hitter Michael Conforto nach oben, der am Boden landete.

„Ich war nicht überrascht“, sagte Matos über Higueros. „Ich weiß, dass das Team das tut. Der Manager hat mit mir gesprochen und mir die Beweggründe und die Strategie dahinter erklärt, und ich verstehe: Holen Sie sich direkt jemand anderen mit mehr Erfahrung, der dem Team helfen kann, zurückzukommen und zu gewinnen.“

Bis zu ihrem letzten Schlag taten sie es. Yastrzemskis zweifacher Homerun glich den Spielstand aus und verwandelte die bekanntermaßen fröhlichen Fans der Cardinals in Buhvögel. Dann schlug Estrada Yastrzemski, der im 10. Durchgang der automatische Läufer war. Mit dem Sieg erreichten die Giants zum ersten Mal in dieser Saison vier Spiele über .500 und erzielten im Busch Stadium ihren ersten Drei-Spiele-Sieg. Um den letzten Drei-Spiele-Sieg der Giants in St. Louis zu finden, muss man zur vorherigen Version des Busch Stadium (das sich gegenüber dem aktuellen Stadion befand) und zur Saison 1998 zurückgehen.

Im Jahr 1998 waren es noch drei Jahre, bis Matos das Licht der Welt erblickte.

Mittlerweile ist er vollständig angekommen. Eine Gruppe von Onkeln, Tanten und Cousins ​​fuhr über Nacht zwölf Stunden lang von Denver, um dem Spiel beizuwohnen. Sie hielten handgefertigte Schilder auf einer neongrünen Plakatwand: FAMILIA MATOS PRESENTE und De Bobures para la MLB.

Die Familie Matos ist hier. Von Bobures bis zu den großen Ligen.

Seine wichtigsten Fans, die Menschen, die er zuerst anrief und die sich die Tränen aus den Augen wischten, als sie von seiner Beförderung erfuhren, waren zurück in Bobures, einer kleinen Stadt am Südufer des Maracaibo-Sees in Venezuela. Er bewahrt den Baseball von seinem ersten Schlag auf, um ihn seinem Vater Jose Luis und seiner Mutter Yoelis zu schenken. Sie waren nicht da, um das Debüt ihres Sohnes mitzuerleben. Möglicherweise können sie ihn für einige Zeit nicht persönlich spielen sehen.

In Caracas gibt es kein US-Konsulat, und angesichts der Massenmigration von Venezolanern aufgrund jahrelanger politischer und wirtschaftlicher Instabilität schränkt die US-Einwanderungspolitik die Anzahl der für die Einreise in das Land erforderlichen Touristenvisa stark ein. Matos sagte, seine Eltern hätten nächsten Monat einen Termin, um ihren Antrag beim US-Konsulat in Brasilien prüfen zu lassen. Sie müssen nach Brasilia reisen und persönlich am Vorstellungsgespräch teilnehmen. Matos hofft, dass sein 15-jähriger Bruder Luis David sie begleiten kann.

Wie Matos letzte Woche in einem Interview in Sacramento über seinen Vater sagte: „Er sagt, er wird im Stadion wohnen.“

Etwa eine Stunde vor dem ersten Pitch am Mittwoch, als die Giants ihre Früharbeit beendeten, bemerkte Qualitätskontrolltrainer Nick Ortiz, dass die Giants drei venezolanische Spieler – Matos, Wilmer Flores und Estrada – hintereinander schlagen würden in der Aufstellung. Ortiz erfuhr von den Problemen, die Matos‘ Eltern mit ihren Reisedokumenten hatten, und blickte über die Grasfläche hinaus. Er sagte, er hoffe, dass die Giants nun in der Lage sein könnten, einige Fäden in der Hand zu halten, da Matos ein großer Ligaspieler mit einem erhöhten Profil sei. Es ist nicht nur ein Spitzengehalt, das ein Leben verändern kann.

„Der Aufstieg in die großen Ligen ist für alle wichtig, aber es bedeutet nicht für alle das Gleiche“, sagte Ortiz. „Er ist nicht der Einzige, der es schafft.“

(Foto: Jeff Curry / USA Today)

The post The Giants protected Luis Matos, and it paid off in his MLB debut appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Casey Schmitt was called up Tuesday primarily for his defensive ability and definitely not his power. He had a homer at Triple-A Sacramento that season before landing in the San Francisco Giants’ lineup against the Nationals.

In his second big league at-bat, the 24-year-old hit a Patrick Corbin sinker to left center, just above the 399-foot sign as his burly family section jumped and danced and screamed. He also scored in the singles in the Giants’ 4-1 win over Washington and played well at the shortstop. “He was definitely a spark,” said starter Logan Webb. “Having him here is great – I told him before the game not to screw it up and he didn’t screw it up.”

“We’re very happy for him,” said Dan Schmitt, Casey’s father. “He’s been playing since he was 3 and we’ve always seen it was his dream.”

So many friends, family and neighbors were traveling from San Diego, Dan Schmitt said they rode in the back of the plane to SFO. Among those traveling with him: Schmitt’s 84-year-old grandmother Sabina Barrios, who had not left the house for three years since the pandemic began.

“She hadn’t seen me play in person for a while, but she told me a long time ago that she wouldn’t miss it, and she didn’t,” Schmitt said. “I’m really excited that she was here.”

“Casey called her and asked her to come in,” said Tina Schmitt, Casey’s mom. “And she’s here! When he told her he’d been promoted, she said, ‘Absolutely, I’ll be there.’ It’s just so special – we found out at 10:30pm last night and in less than 24 hours this large community of friends are here, they’ve flown in from all over. It is wonderful.”

Schmitt is the youngest player to homer on his big league debut with the Giants since 22-year-old Will Clark did it in 1986. Schmitt also scored a base hit in his third at-bat of the night against Corbin.

He also got the ball back from his first homer, which was personally delivered by 10-year-old Bernal Heights’ Eli Simon, who got a bat and a signed ball in return. “That was cool,” Schmitt said.

Schmitt also got the traditional dousing of various drinks and condiments, but kept his eyes closed and, unlike Blake Sabol, was smart enough to keep his mouth closed, but he still wiped away toothpaste before beginning his interviews.

Teammates usually describe Schmitt’s personality as funny and goofy, and some of that was shown on Tuesday. “My favorite moment was after he hit his homer and he went back on defense, they honored him on the big screen and he gave an awkward little gossip for himself,” said manager Gabe Kapler. “That was classic Casey.”

E_Abrams (8), Davis (2). DP_Washington 0, San Francisco 1. LOB_Washington 10, San Francisco 10. 2B_Meneses (7), Haniger (2). HR_Schmitt (1). SB_Estrada (10).

WP_Corbin.

Referee_Home, Chris Segal; First Brian O’Nora; Second, Pat Hoberg; Third, Emil Jimenez.

T_2:22. A_22.028 (41.915).

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“I didn’t know what to do,” Schmitt said, adding he knew the camera was on him. “I was like, ‘I don’t want to just stand here,’ so I clapped a few times.”

Schmitt’s glove is his calling card and he started a nice double play with an underhand flip to Thairo Estrada to help Webb get out of a two-on-no-out jam in the third. Webb then got a grounder to end the inning.

Webb worked with men on base most of the night but escaped a lot of damage – including in the second when with men on the corners and no outs he knocked out the next three batters. The Nationals went 1-to-11 with runners in goal position against him, and although Webb gave up nine hits, he allowed just one run and made it through seven innings, walking one and knocking out seven. He faced 30 batters and threw 26 first pitch strikes.

The Giants won just once in Webb’s first six starts but have won each of the last two, with Webb allowing three runs over 14⅔ innings and K-ing 12.

Mitch Haniger delivered the first big hit, with a two-run double against Corbin in the first, a ball leaving the bat at 107.6 mph, and he too had a two-hit game. JD Davis finished seventh in a run with a single.

San Francisco was closing in on becoming the first major league team in history with 11,500 wins. Tuesday night’s win brought the franchise total to 11,498. The Dodgers are second with 11,385 wins.

Contact Susan Slusser: sslusser@sfchronicle.com; Twitter: @susanslusser

The post Casey Schmitt homers for San Francisco Giants in big-league debut appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Drexel Hill resident David Amadio, who teaches at Lincoln University, wrote his first novel, Rug Man. The book delves into the world of local artisans who work incredibly hard, overcome all sorts of obstacles and take immense pride in their craft. (COURTESY OF DEBRA BURKE)

UPPER DARBY – David Amadio of Drexel Hill published his debut novel, Rug Man, earlier this month. The book was published by Paul Dry Books in Philadelphia and is set in Delaware County.

The plot of “Rug Man” revolves around the main character’s carpet shop in Upper Darby and his client’s McMansion in Villanova.

For fans of Richard Russo and Stewart O’Nan comes a frank and funny debut novel about the day-to-day work of a humble carpet fitter.

The editor describes the story as follows: Frank “Ace” Renzetti has been a carpet installer for over 40 years, working in the upscale neighborhoods of Philadelphia’s Main Line. At a time when he should be thinking about retirement, Frank takes on one of the biggest and weirdest jobs of his career.

The house belongs to a volatile and eccentric divorcee, and its rooms are teeming with weary contractors, many of whom have been on the job for months. A spoiled dog regularly sabotages everyone’s work, and the general contractor patrols the site as if it were the border.

In the midst of this week-long circus, Frank’s body begins to give out, and when he loses his two helpers in a drug bust, he’s left to do the job alone with one good leg.

Desperate, he hires a day laborer from his competitor and discovers that the young, undocumented El Salvadorian has a knack for carpets and could possibly be the future of the industry. As the physical challenges of the job increase, the fate of Frank’s business, along with the fate of his working genius, grows more uncertain.

According to a press release accompanying the book, “Rug Man” pays homage to a bygone era of craftsmen whose work was the source of their greatest sorrow but also their greatest pride.

Amadio teaches creative writing and composition at Lincoln University. His work has appeared in Cleaver, Packingtown Review, Adaptation, Talking River, Nerve Cowboy, and the San Francisco Examiner.

Amadio explains: “Rug Man was largely inspired by my experience at Ascot Carpets, the family-owned carpet company. Ascot Carpets was founded by my great uncles in 1952 and has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My father bought the company from my uncles in the early 1990s and I started working for him shortly thereafter, completing an apprenticeship on my school days and bridging the gap between science and the world of work. During this time, my father significantly expanded his mechanical repertoire and developed sophisticated sewing and binding techniques that earned him the interest of high-end designers. I’ve quietly watched him become the most trusted and sought-after carpet fitter in the region.”

During his time at work, the author used a notebook to record the names and attitudes of his ever-growing list of clients: Julius Erving, Will Smith, Jim Gardner, and many, many others.

“The main character of the novel, Frank Renzetti, is modeled after my father,” says Amadio. “And the book is a paean to him and his working-class brothers, including the plumbers, painters and carpenters who, in the words of Eugene O’Neil, ‘make it work’. ”

To order a copy of the book, visit www.pauldrybooks.com or amazon.com.

DCIU presents a free parenting workshop to help kids cope with anxiety

Parents can learn strategies to help their child manage anxiety in a special free workshop over Zoom presented by the Delaware County Intermediate Unit Division of Teaching and Learning, Tuesday, April 11, 6-8 p.m.

Presented by Natalie Bowen, IU’s Teaching and Learning Specialist, the workshop will focus on how parents can help their child develop emotional regulation skills in general, but particularly those useful in dealing with worried or anxious feelings.

Parents can learn how to support and empower their child to process feelings and recognize when it is time to seek support from the school or a therapist outside the school setting.

IU’s workshops are designed to help parents better navigate the often challenging roadmap of their children’s education with disabilities or learning difficulties who may need additional help.

The content of this workshop is aimed at parents but is open to everyone. If a professional chooses to attend this workshop, no Act 48 or continuing education credit will be offered.

Parents must register at https://tinyurl.com/2avy37ce.

Participation is free, but registration is required. The Zoom link will be emailed on the day of the training. Parents must register for this session by April 7th at 4pm to participate.

Our Lady of Peace is hosting Cash Bingo

Our Lady of Peace Congregation in Ridley Township will be hosting bingo on Saturday, April 1 at 7pm in the Notre Dame de Lourdes Nelson Hall.

Entry is at 6:00 p.m. Bingo costs $35 upfront and $40 at the door and offers cash prizes.

Raffles and a 50/50 draw will be available. Participants can bring their own snacks and drinks. The prize amounts are based on the number of players.

For tickets email RoseTimMoran@gmail.com or call Dan Tyson at 610-766-0527. For tickets through Venmo, @OurLadyOfPeaceParish

IceWorks Presents Celebrity Hockey Game

Five-time NHL All-Star Brian Propp invites the community to attend Saturday, Jan.

Admission for all tickets is at 12.00 p.m.

Joining Propp on the ice are former NHL players Riley Cote, Doug Crossman, Mark Howe, Nick Schultz and Chris Therien.

A portion of the proceeds benefit the HEADstrong Foundation, the local non-profit organization focused on providing financial, residential, and emotional support to families affected by cancer.

Tickets are $10 and children under 2 are free.

But there are $20 tickets that include a meet and greet.

For $40, the ticket includes event, meet-and-greet, and happy hour. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis online at http://provantagesolutions.com and, if still available, at the event.

White Horse Village campus renovation will recycle 45,000 pounds of vinyl siding

White Horse Village, an active senior living community in the township of Edgmont, is the site of a sustainability initiative to recycle 45,000 pounds of PVC vinyl siding.

As part of the campus-wide renovation, the pilot project is a collaboration between R. Titter Roofing and CertainTeed Building Products, a division of Saint-Gobain North America.

Renovations at White Horse Village include new siding, brickwork and windows for 186 apartments as part of a larger master plan.

The vinyl recycling program began last year with the exterior renovation of 70 Garden Cottages and will continue in 2023 as work on 116 villas begins this spring.

“We are very excited to be participating in this pilot project with CertainTeed and R. Titter Roofing. It’s a great fit for our green community,” said Len Weiser, CEO and President of White Horse Village. “We are committed to the wise use of resources and recognize that sustainable construction requires partnerships with like-minded organizations.”

When new siding is installed, R. Titter Roofing carefully collects the old demolitions and construction waste and places the vinyl in storage bins.

CertainTeed is piloting a closed loop recycling process.

Bins of vinyl from White Horse Village renovations are shipped to CertainTeed’s regional partner for shredding and baling.

It is then shipped to CertainTeed’s PVC recycling partner where it is reused as a raw material for new siding and other vinyl products. The initiative has a positive impact on the environment by redirecting vinyl waste and avoiding landfill fees.

The CertainTeed vinyl siding recycling program began in 2022 and is still in the pilot phase with projects in Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania.

CertainTeed is working with a variety of construction industry stakeholders, including contractors, distributors and fabricators, and is seeking to collaborate with interested partners in other regions of the country to expand the project’s footprint.

Visit http://www.whitehorsevillage.org for more information.

Readers can send community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.

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Spring Summer is the recording project of San Francisco-based musician Jennifer Furches, who spent a large part of her career in the aughts making a name for herself by touring and playing with musicians like Cass McCombs, Coconut Records, and Ben Lee. About a year ago, in 2021, she finally launched her own solo career and released a couple of delicate, folksy guitar songs on Dangerbird Records. Now, Furches announces the arrival of her forthcoming debut album, TEARS, out July 15 and produced closely by friend Jenny lee Lindberg of Warpaint.

Below, NYLON exclusively premieres the video of the album’s lead single, “Mountaineer,” a sturdier and more robust version of the indie rock first previewed by the musician and multi-instrumentalist. Over shuffling guitar and drums infused with a crisp and clean feeling, Furches works through overcoming life’s obstacles with a partner while maintaining self-preservation through writerly, graceful lyricism. “I’m tough as nails/ I am a mountaineer/ I will climb these jagged peaks and leave the valleys for you dear,” she sings. Any hint of tension in its lyrics is tempered by the song’s grand and sweeping sound, like you’re also perched on the mountain peak next to her.

Of the song, Furches writes in an email: “There’s a running theme on the album of losing yourself in another person, and this song is about the push-and-pull between the feeling of ‘I would do anything for you’ and ‘ I can’t do anything for you, I need to be strong and do things for me.’”

In its miniature-filled music video directed by Jon Sortland, she captures that feeling of towering above everything else quite literally, recreating a haunting but cozy world through dollhouse sets and beautifully illustrated natural landscapes. Furches herself is seen interacting with the world through clever editing that makes it look like she’s inhabiting the sets, but is simultaneously caught setting them up in the first place — adding another meaningful layer to the song’s contemplation.

Watch “Mountaineer” below, and read on to learn a bit more about Furches. And be sure to catch her record TEARS when it drops on July 15.

What are you up to right now — describe your surroundings.

I’m sitting in my practice space in our garage in San Francisco. There’s nothing soundproof about it and I live on an echo-y alley, but luckily the neighbors don’t seem to mind that the kids and I have started a 90’s cover band.

What’s the story behind your new song, “Mountaineer”?

I wrote the first incarnation of Mountaineer before I had kids. I was 4 years into a relationship, and kind of passing that puppy-love stage where you want to just do everything for someone and be with them all the time… and starting to feel like I had lost — or forgotten — about myself. Then after kids, many more years into the same relationship, the same feelings were hitting me. It’s so easy in life and love to give yourself away. I had to make a very conscious effort to find some balance.

I had never done anything with that song, but it was suddenly resonating heavily with me again. I played it for my cousin Jason and he had all these great suggestions to make it something new which appealed to me. I loved the feeling of it having lived so long as one song, and then getting to transform it into another version of itself. As I guess I wished to do. (Thanks to Jen we recorded the old version, too — we’ll put that out one day!)

How did you land on the idea of ​​using miniatures for your “Mountaineer” video; they’re really having a moment right now.

I feel like miniatures have been heavily utilized forever! But I guess you mean maybe they’re being used in a more obvious way, as we did, rather than the old-school Hollywood trickery?

You know — I just loved Jon Sortland’s work so much! He made all these great videos for his band The Shins (a few of which use miniatures) and he is just constantly making things that make me laugh and reel me in. I feel like he finds a wonderful way of mixing the magical world and real life. So the miniatures came from his experience with them… but in the end when COVID hit and we ultimately had to call on my husband Roman to shoot my part of the video, I thought it was kind of a fun twist of fate because Roman has shot a lot of second unit and special effects work through his career which often involves miniatures — so I felt like there was a nice connection there between the two of them.

After spending a large part of your career playing with other artists, how does it feel to be releasing music of your own?

Great! For so many years I was scared to record my own music. It was so much easier to be a sort of hired gun (and of course also get to play with musicians I admired). But now I just want to do hard things. I want to learn and challenge myself. It’s all one big puzzle… and I love puzzles!

In the spirit of the song, what’s the last mountain you climbed and do you have a favorite?

Last summer: Chimney Rock outside of Asheville, NC with my dad and my sister Amanda. I’m from North Carolina and spent my life in those mountains. They hold a special place in my heart.

The post Spring Summer time Declares Debut Album ‘T.E.A.R.S,’ Shares “Mountaineer” Video appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

DENVER — Giants infielder Tommy La Stella was reinstated Monday from the 10-day injured list and made his season debut in San Francisco’s 7-6 win over Colorado.

La Stella hit an infield groundout before being lifted for pinch-hitter Darin Ruf in the fifth inning.

In other moves, the Giants transferred right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (right ankle inflammation) to the 60-day injured list and optioned outfielder Luis González to Triple-A Sacramento. Right-hander Yunior Marte was optioned to Sacramento on Sunday, and the Giants selected the contract of right-hander Mauricio Llovera.

La Stella, in the second year of an $18.75 million, three-year contract, missed time in his first year with the club due to a broken right hand and a hamstring strain. He underwent surgery in October to repair an Achilles’ tendon issue, and the recovery time forced him to miss the first five weeks of the season.

Giants manager Gabe Kapler welcomed La Stella’s return, saying his veteran presence bolsters clubhouse stability and resolve. La Stella’s defensive versatility also gives Kapler additional flexibility in managing the lineup, and his bat adds to the team’s overall fire power.

“Tommy is one of the better plate appearances in baseball right now, simple as that,” Kapler said. “He has great discipline, fouls off pitches, is extremely competitive in the batter’s box. He’s kind of the epitome of what we want our hitters to be, make a lot of contact, drive the baseball, occasionally draw a walk here and there and keep the line moving.”

Kapler also said that DeSclafani had not encountered a setback in his rehab of an ankle injury that has sidelined him since April 22. He said DeSclafani and team doctors and trainers have settled on a rehab program to gradually build back his arm and leg strength so that he’s ready to fill a slot in the rotation when he returns.

“A long, slow ramp for a pitcher is the most protective thing we can do for them,” Kapler said, adding that “getting him back to the big leagues healthy and strong and capable of taking down a full workload is the most important piece of this puzzle.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The post San Francisco Giants’ Tommy La Stella reinstated from IL, makes season debut at Colorado Rockies appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Five-time Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore celebrated his 39th birthday by knocking out Yaya Olorunsola in his debut as a professional boxer.

He knocked down Olorunsola to the canvas unconscious in the fourth round with a powerful right hook in the co-main event of Gamebred Boxing in Jackson, Mississippi.

Frank Gore’s notable NFL numbers

The former rusher, who holds the NFL record for the most games played by a running back (241), participated in an exhibition fight as part of the undercard of the Jake Paul-Tyron Woodley showdown in December. He lost via split decision.

Gore is an NFL veteran who played for five teams in 16 seasons. He last played with the New York Jets 2020. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round in 2005, and stayed with the team until 2014. All his Pro Bowl selections were made during his time with the Niners.

Frank Gore: NFL fixture for 16 seasons

He played for the Indianapolis Colts from 2015 to 2017, for the Miami Dolphins in 2018, the Buffalo Bills in 2019, before moving to the Jets in 2020.

The 39-year-old is known for the longevity of his career, which is particularly noteworthy given the position that he plays. He has tallied a total of 16,000 rushing yards in his entire stint with professional football, a number that ranks third in the history of the NFL, trailing only Emmitt Smith who recorded 18,355 yards, and Walter Payton, who racked up 16,726.

Gore recently announced that he would hang up his cleats up soon, and that he intends to sign a one-day contract with San Francisco so that he could formally retire as a 49er.

The post San Francisco 49ers Professional Bowl operating again Frank Gore wins professional boxing debut by KO appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Five-time Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore celebrated his 39th birthday by knocking out Yaya Olorunsola in his debut as a professional boxer.

He knocked down Olorunsola to the canvas unconscious in the fourth round with a powerful right hook in the co-main event of Gamebred Boxing in Jackson, Mississippi.

Frank Gore’s notable NFL numbers

The former rusher, who holds the NFL record for the most games played by a running back (241), participated in an exhibition fight as part of the undercard of the Jake Paul-Tyron Woodley showdown in December. He lost via split decision.

Gore is an NFL veteran who played for five teams in 16 seasons. He last played with the New York Jets 2020. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round in 2005, and stayed with the team until 2014. All his Pro Bowl selections were made during his time with the Niners.

Frank Gore: NFL fixture for 16 seasons

He played for the Indianapolis Colts from 2015 to 2017, for the Miami Dolphins in 2018, the Buffalo Bills in 2019, before moving to the Jets in 2020.

The 39-year-old is known for the longevity of his career, which is particularly noteworthy given the position that he plays. He has tallied a total of 16,000 rushing yards in his entire stint with professional football, a number that ranks third in the history of the NFL, trailing only Emmitt Smith who recorded 18,355 yards, and Walter Payton, who racked up 16,726.

Gore recently announced that he would hang up his cleats up soon, and that he intends to sign a one-day contract with San Francisco so that he could formally retire as a 49er.

The post San Francisco 49ers Professional Bowl operating again Frank Gore wins professional boxing debut by KO appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.