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Both Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature have proposed gutting the state’s main source of homelessness funding in the 2025-26 budget, sending a wave of panic through the cities, counties and service providers that have been relying on that money for years. Now, those critics warn that thousands of Californians could end up back on the streets, undoing the tenuous progress the state has made in addressing the problem.

“It’s extremely frustrating,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, whose city had been receiving about $30 million a year from that pot of homelessness funding — enough to pay for about 1,000 interim housing placements. “Residents of California tell us consistently that ending unsheltered homelessness is one of their very top priorities…So the idea that the state can’t make a substantial, consistent investment in residents’ top priority makes me question whether or not they’re really listening to the people of California.”

The Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program has doled out funds for cities and counties to spend on everything from temporary shelter to services to permanent housing since its creation six years ago. It started with $650 million in the 2019-20 budget, and has since grown to $1 billion last year.

Since 2023, the program has provided housing for more than 57,000 Californians, according to the Bring California Home Coalition, made up of affordable housing providers, advocates for homeless individuals and government staff.

But with the state facing an expected deficit of $12 billion this year, those funds ended up on the chopping block. The 2025-26 budget proposed by the Legislature June 9 allocates $0. Lawmakers passed a placeholder Friday, but the budget still has to undergo additional negotiations between Newsom and lawmakers before it becomes final. Even so, the governor already has indicated he’s fine with stripping homelessness funding.

At the same time, California could soon also be reeling from federal cuts. President Donald Trump’s proposed budget would reduce funding to the Housing and Urban Development department by 44%, slashing the rental subsidies and federal homelessness funding that flows to California.

Newsom has, in a sense, been preparing cities and counties for a blow to state funds. He has for years resisted calls to make homelessness money permanent, instead preferring to dole it out year by year in a one-time grant — making it easier to cut in a tough budget year.

Despite ramping up spending on the issue to unprecedented levels after taking office (last year the Legislative Analyst’s Office found the administration had spent $24 billion on housing and homelessness), the governor changed his tune in recent months. His message now is more along the lines of: I’ve done my part, now cities need to step up and take care of the crisis on their streets.

Newsom recently suggested cities do that by passing ordinances banning encampments.

“I’m not interested anymore, period full stop, in funding failure,” Newsom said last month, a refrain he’s been repeating often.

But the cities and service providers that rely on those funds say it appears he’s no longer interested in funding success, either: While California’s homeless population remains the biggest in the nation — with more than 187,000 people sleeping on the street and in shelters — it increased just 3% last year, compared to a nationwide increase of about 18%.

Critics worry gutting funding will erode that modicum of progress.

“Simply put, this choice will lead to more people moving onto California’s streets and fewer avenues off the streets,” the Bring California Home Coalition said in a statement.

In San Jose, the state homelessness funding has been crucial in the city’s push to move people out of encampments and into temporary placements in tiny homes and converted motels. Like other cities, San Jose still is waiting to receive its homelessness allocation from the last budget. But once that money is spent, probably by next summer, San Jose will feel the hit, Mahan said. When that happens, the city probably won’t have to close existing programs, because it’s lucky enough to have other funding sources, he said. But it won’t be able to build new units, effectively stalling the city’s plan to get everyone off its streets.

Mahan and other California mayors have for months been urging state leaders to reconsider ever since Newsom’s initial January budget proposal zeroed out the homelessness funds.

Instead, the Legislature suggested adding $500 million back into the state homeless funding program — but not until in the 2026-27 fiscal year. That would be a 50% reduction from last year’s allocation. And there’s no guarantee that money will come through at all. In addition, lawmakers proposed reducing another, smaller homelessness program — which provides money to cities specifically for cleaning up encampments and moving occupants indoors — by $100 million.

It’s not all bad news, pointed out Ben Metcalf, managing director of UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation. The Legislature’s budget includes $500 million in low-income housing tax credits to fund the construction of new affordable housing, and $120 million for the Multifamily Housing Program, which provides loans for low-income housing.

But the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program may have been politically easier to gut, Metcalf said. That program doesn’t benefit from deep-pocketed lobbyists defending it in Sacramento.

And because of the complex, intractable nature of the homelessness crisis, the money hasn’t produced the kind of tangible, grand-slam results voters want to see on their streets. Instead, homelessness remains a persistent problem, and encampments still dot California’s cities.

But without that money, some shelters and housing programs are likely to close, Metcalf said. Others could simply become less effective. The state program provided funding for the types of counseling, case workers and other services that help people transition from shelters into permanent housing, he said. Without that extra help, people often languish in shelters.

“So what you end up with, probably, is more Band-Aids,” Metcalf said, “or patchworks of systems that are providing some modest amount of (improvement in) the quality of life but not really helping transition people permanently out of homelessness.”

Carl Aldon Smith
June 22, 1947 – June 2, 2025

Carl Aldon Smith, a devoted husband, loving father and grandpa, brother, veteran, and dedicated community servant, passed away on June 2, 2025, after a courageous year-long battle with brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing, just shy of his 78th birthday.

Born in Southern California on June 22, 1947, Carl’s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to service and his love for others. After returning from his service in the Vietnam War (1968-1970), Carl met Joan at church and were married on February 12, 1971. They moved to Humboldt County shortly after, where they built a life together and had their two children Matt & Mendy. Carl went on to serve the community by working for the Arcata Fire Department for 30 years a role that reflected his deep sense of duty and his hands-on nature.

In 1979, Carl started Northcoast Chimney Sweep, a business he ran on his days off from the fire department. Joan supported him as the company’s secretary, and over the years, other family members joined in and helped with the business. Carl ran the business for 32 years, providing expert services to the community with honesty and integrity. In 2011, Carl sold the business to his daughter Mendy and her husband Loren, who continue to run Northcoast Chimney Sweep today, honoring Carl’s legacy of hard work and dedication.

Carl and Joan shared 54 years of marriage, building a family and life together. They often enjoyed traveling in their travel trailer and visiting different National Parks as well as their family in Utah & Colorado. Carl loved to make jokes and pull pranks; he found happiness in bringing laughter to those around him. His favorite thing to tell everyone was that his wife was “older” than him, even if it was only by 7 months.

There wasn’t anything Carl couldn’t do. Whether it was building a house, lending a hand to friends, or taking on new challenges, Carl approached life with a can-do attitude and a determination to get things done. His resourcefulness, strength, and problem-solving ability were qualities admired by all who knew him.

There wasn’t anything Carl wouldn’t do for his family — he loved them deeply and wholeheartedly. No matter what he was doing, he would drop everything to help them or simply to spend time together. His devotion and kindness were a constant presence, shaping the lives of those he cherished most.

Many people thought Carl was a devoted Christian because of his consistent church attendance and the way he lived a Christian-like life. However, it wasn’t until a year before his passing that Carl made a personal commitment and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized. He said, “this is one of the best days of my life,” as he experienced the joy and peace that came with his newfound faith. His decision was a deeply significant moment in his life, bringing him a sense of fulfillment and a lasting connection with the Lord.

Carl is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Smith, his son Matt Smith (Nicole), and their children Peyton, Jayden, and Mikayla; his daughter Mendy Gerard (Loren), and their children Lexi, Lacey, and Caden. He also leaves behind his sister Mary Baxter; sister-in-law’s Linda Brown (Tom), and Billie Jessup; Niece Jenny Jessup; Nephews Mike Brown (Becky), Scott Brown (Laura) and Ed Krusey (Hana). He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Norvelia Smith.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Arcata Fire Department for their unwavering support, love and care during this hard time. The department was not only Carl’s workplace but a big part of their family’s life. The family would also like to thank the Eureka Nazarene Church family for their love, prayers, and support throughout this challenging time. Their kindness and compassion were a great comfort.

The family also wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Hospice for going above and beyond with Carl’s comfort in the last couple of months and for supporting them. Also, to their dear friends who supported them over the past year with cards, flowers, visits, food, etc.. Your love, thoughtfulness, and generosity have meant so much.

Carl’s legacy is one of strength, humility, faith, and selfless love, qualities that will live on in the lives of those he touched.

A celebration of Carl’s life will be held on June 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Eureka Nazarene Church, 2039 E St, Eureka, CA 95501, where family and friends will gather to honor a life well-lived and a man deeply loved.

Danny Bradbury
October 9, 1944 – June 10, 2025

Danny Bradbury, a man of strength, grit, and unmatched heart, passed away on June 10, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on October 9, 1944, in San Francisco, California, to his parents Arthur and Viola (Bentley) Bradbury, Danny lived a life defined by fierce loyalty, deep love for his family, and a relentless drive to live life on his own terms.

A gifted athlete in his youth, Danny pitched multiple no-hitters as a teenager and stood out as a natural competitor. That same spirit propelled him to become one of the top short track race car drivers in Northern California and Southern Oregon, where he earned a reputation for his skill, fearlessness, and command of the racetrack.

Danny spent his career working in construction, operating heavy equipment alongside his brothers and his son, Jimmy. Whether on a job site or at home, Danny was a strong leader—respected as a great boss who pushed those around him to be their best, not only in work but in life.

He was a devoted father who coached his sons in Little League and Babe Ruth baseball for over a decade. He never missed a game, regardless of how far it was, and he was always the loudest voice in the stands cheering them on. He was a fierce advocate for his family, and his loyalty and pride in their accomplishments were unwavering.

Danny’s joy only grew as his family did. He was exceedingly proud of his grandchildren, Jessica and Dalton, and followed their educational and professional successes with immense pride. The light of his later years was his great-granddaughter Sophie, whose name brought him unfiltered joy every time it was spoken.

For 61 years, Danny shared a remarkable marriage with his wife, Maureen, his best friend, and love of his life. Together, they spent their days going on drives, enjoying each other’s company, and especially loved grabbing lunch at Peppers. Their bond was unbreakable, and the life they built together was filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

Danny was generous and kind to anyone willing to help themselves. He loved hunting with his children and grandchildren, and he lived life fully, with a larger-than-life personality that left a mark wherever he went. He commanded respect, gave his whole heart to those he loved, and left behind a legacy of toughness, generosity, and unshakable family devotion. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Viola Bradbury; his brothers John T. (Jerry) Bradbury and Burl Bradbury; his twin sisters Janice Bradbury and Annice (Annie) Williamson; and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Maureen Bradbury; his sons Jimmy Bradbury (Shonnie) and Darin Bradbury (Marcy); his grandchildren Jessica Maciel (Jordan) and Dalton Bradbury; and his great-granddaughter Sophie Maciel. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends who loved him deeply and will carry his memory forward.

A graveside service will be held in Danny’s honor at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka on Monday, June 23, at 11 a.m. All who knew him and wish to pay their respects are welcome to attend.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On the morning of June 15, 2025, deputies from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Patrol Division executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 1900 block of Elmwood Place, McKinleyville. The operation was initiated in response to multiple community complaints regarding suspected illegal drug activity at the property.

During the search, deputies discovered drug paraphernalia and a small quantity of methamphetamine. The operation led to the arrest of three individuals, who were charged as follows:

Brian Mitchell, 45, of McKinleyville:

o Health & Safety Code 11366: Maintaining a place for unlawful drug activity o Penal Code 496(d)(a): Possession of a stolen vehicle

Michael Offutt, 32, of McKinleyville:

o Health & Safety Code 11365(a): Being present where controlled substances are used

Dana Hawkins, 41, of McKinleyville:

o Health & Safety Code 11365(a): Being present where controlled substances are used

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to Problem-Oriented Policing and addressing public safety concerns raised by our community. We encourage residents to report issues related to problem properties in their neighborhoods, as community cooperation is essential to fostering safe and healthy environments.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

Receive HCSO news straight to your phone or email. Subscribe to news alerts at: humboldtsheriff.org/subscribe.

After a light week, it’s back to a fast pace for the baseball tour – four games from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh to Philadelphia to Baltimore.

Game #15: Diamondbacks versus Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, June 6

If you didn’t know the Cincinnati Reds are steeped in MLB history, one visit to Great American Ball Park (GABP) leaves no doubt. The Reds are the original professional baseball franchise, and they have the statues and a Hall of Fame and Museum to prove it. Both the Crosley Field (1912-1970) and Riverfront Stadium (1970-2002) eras are well represented in the bronze statue displays located outside the stadium. Statues of Ted Kluszewski, Ernie Lombardi (maskless, despite being a catcher, to show off his prodigious nose), Joe Nuxhall and Frank Robinson are at the Crosley Terrace. Statues of Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Tony Perez and Pete Rose are near the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.

The statues are magnificent and an engineering marvel. Pete Rose is sliding headfirst into a base, and it is built in a way to stand sturdy, anticipating that children will be crawling on top of Rose’s body. Indeed, we saw children crawling on many of the statues. I hope the next head-first slide for Rose will be into the National Baseball Hall of Fame now that his ban has been lifted.

The statue for Tony Perez captures his swing on a two-run home run in Game 7 of the 1975 World Series against the Red Sox. The Reds trailed 3-0 at the time. If you stand at the statue and follow the trajectory of his swing, you will see a baseball mounted on the top of the building across the street that is said to be the height reached by that home run. The Reds eventually won the game 4-3 for the first of the Big Red Machine’s back-to-back World Series titles. The trip to this park is worth it just to see the statues.

Tributes to Riverfront Stadium include a historical marker identifying the location of home plate which is on display in the parking garage (Parking Level 2) of a current neighborhood restaurant across the street from GABP. And the location of Pete Rose’s record-breaking 4,192nd hit on Sept. 11, 1985 is commemorated with a plaque on the ground where it hit outside GABP. The dimensions of GABP are also a tribute to the former parks: 404-feet to center field is the same as Riverfront Stadium and 328-feet down the left field line is the same as Crosley Field.

The Reds’ ballpark was not given its name because it’s great nor because it’s American; though, by consensus, it’s probably both. It’s because it has a 30-year naming sponsorship with Great American Insurance Group. Does that mean the Greatest American Hero on ABC in the early 1980s was selling insurance when he wasn’t walking on air?

Game atmosphere: Positive

The Banks is a block-long row of bars and restaurants across the street from the ballpark, giving fans a place to go when they arrive before the ballpark gates open. This area has been given a DORA status (“Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area”) by the city, allowing people to carry their alcoholic drinks from one place to another within the city block.

Unlike recent visits to other ballparks, there was virtually no visiting-fan presence this time. Almost entirely Reds fans. Attendance was light for a Friday night, perhaps because of rain in the forecast. … The best individual players for both teams were not in their respective lineups. Elly De La Cruz of the Reds was returning from his sister’s memorial and a cancelled flight kept him out of town. Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks was given a day of rest.

Each team scored their runs on a pair of home runs (one 2-run shot and one solo) to knot the game at 3. It looked like the Diamondbacks might win 3-2 after five innings when the rain picked up and the game might be suspended, but the home plate umpire kept the game going for a sixth inning. A little out-of-the-box strategy might have won the game for the Diamondbacks in the sixth. It had been raining for several innings and the game was likely to be suspended, so the best call would have been to bring in their closer to shut down the Reds and make it an official six-inning, 3-2 victory if rain forced a halt to the action. Instead, they brought in 22-year-old Cristian Mena. He had been effective in his previous five innings this season, but against him the Reds tied it with a solo homer. After the sixth inning ended, the game was suspended, and the tarp was rolled out. A female member of the grounds crew became trapped under the tarp when it was rolled out, and it took her over a minute to make her way out from under it. The rain delay was sponsored by the Ark Encounter attraction in Williamstown, Ky.

It was the fifth time in the 23-year history of Great American Ball Park that a game has been suspended. In all cases, the game resumed the following day. After this game resumed the next day, the Reds won 4-3 in 10 innings on a double, the first run in the game that was not scored via home run. The matchup featured the MLB’s oldest franchise (Cincinnati, 156 years) and its youngest (Arizona, 27 years tied with Tampa Bay).

The Reds have the mascots (four of them!) but when it came time for the mascot race, it was an animated race on the big screen between three of them (Gapper gets no respect). … A replica of a full-size Riverboat deck is in center field. It includes a covered bar and dining area with views of both the ballpark and the Ohio River.

Ballpark cuisine: Neutral

Pregame food research indicated past concession offerings at Great American Ball Park were lacking but now there are a half dozen new items that are worth trying, most with local ties. Outside the park gates I found two ballpark workers holding an “Ask Me Anything” sign. “What food should we get inside?” I asked. “We were just talking about that,” said Stuart Lipp who was with the sign holders. “Okay,” I said, “talk to me about that.” He recommended Skyline Chili, Glier’s Goetta Sliders and Walking Tacos. We tried all three. We’ll start with his assessment, then we will offer our review of each.

Skyline Chili is a Cincinnati-area chain with four locations. It is mostly known for its Chili Cheese Coney hot dog. “The chili is like nothing you’ve ever tasted before,” Lipp said. “It’s not a bean chili. It has cinnamon and is more of a sauce than a chili. People love it or they hate it.” Options at the ballpark were the Cheese Coney or Nachos. We tried the Nachos and, thankfully, could choose cheddar cheese over nacho cheese to go with the chili. Nothing unusual about the nachos or cheese, but the chili was more of a mole (MOH-lay) sauce with hints of cinnamon and cocoa. I must be an outlier because I didn’t love it or hate it.

Next, we tried the Redlegs BBQ Walking Taco. Lipp recommended it but only based on what others had told him. A “walking taco” is a taco in a bag, in this case a bag of Montgomery Inn thick-cut Saratoga-style potato chips. Pulled pork, barbecue sauce and coleslaw are poured into the bag on top of the chips. This created some challenges trying to scoop up the various flavors with a chip that broke too easily. Maybe they need extra-thick-cut chips.

Finally, Goetta is made with ground pork and beef, steel-cut oats, onions and spices. Glier’s is the Goetta provider for the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky area. “Goetta is a breakfast meat,” Lipp said. “It’s unique with the steel-cut oats mixed in with it. It has an interesting texture. Crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside.” The ballpark choice is between the Glier’s Goetta Sliders or the Double Decker Glier’s Goetta Sluggers. They are identical except the Sluggers have an additional brat patty. In addition to the Goetta product, the sliders have Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing. We tried the Sluggers. It had a veggie burger texture with the consistency of a hash brown. But not as crispy or tasty as a hash brown.

Summary: I wouldn’t buy any of them again. The good news is that in The Banks area outside the stadium is a Jimmy John’s. Buy your favorite sandwich and a bag of chips and bring it to the game! The rating is neutral instead of negative here because one of us loved the Skyline Chili.

Club hospitality: Neutral

It must have been something I said. Tickets were provided but I’m guessing the point person for the Reds looked at their available tickets and gave us the ones farthest from the field. These 400 level tickets actually were beneficial when it rained, as the last three rows in the section were under an awning. They also were closer to the fireworks that blasted for 20 minutes after the game entered its rain delay.

Game details: Game suspended after six innings, 3-3. Reds win the next day 4-3 in 10 innings. Attendance 12,681 on Friday plus another 12,016 on Saturday. Time of game: 2:56.

Helpful tips: Soft-sided coolers are okay, and you can use them to bring in your own food (Jimmy John’s!) or unopened non-alcoholic drinks in sealed plastic bottles. Backpacks are forbidden but other bags under 16”x16”x8” are allowed, as are small purses. Parking is available in several nearby garages for as little as $16.

You don’t see that every day: Before the game eight young people took the Oath of Enlistment to join the marines as part of Military Appreciation Day. They were featured on the big screen.

Game #16: Phillies versus Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, June 8

The ’ 70s were a glorious time for Pirate fans. That’s when Pittsburgh was in the postseason six times, coming away with World Series titles in 1971 and 1979. Stars such as Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell and Manny Sanguillen were beloved in the Steel City. The ’70s were also a long time ago. But that hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of today’s fans of the Bucs. “You never get tired of coming to a Pirates game,” said Pirates fan Dominic Noel. “PNC is a fun atmosphere to be in. I wish we won more of the time, but you can’t beat the park.” The Pirates have been to the postseason since the ’70s, they just haven’t been successful. The last appearance was 2015 when they lost in the wild card game to Chicago. They won’t be making the postseason again this year. The Pirates have the third worst record in the National League, ahead of the Rockies and Marlins. But they also have the best pitcher in the league – Paul Skenes. “I can’t help but feel bad for Skenes,” Noel said. “More often than not he can’t get the win.” PNC Park opened in 2001 and is set along the shore of the Allegheny River. Most of the newer downtown stadiums offer an excellent view in center field of their respective cities. PNC has a wider view with spectacular skyline scenery from center field to right field, featuring more than 30 buildings and a bridge.

Game atmosphere: Positive

It’s a cross-state rivalry game with a lot of Philadelphia Phillies fans making the four-and-a-half hour drive across Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh. It’s roughly a 3:1 ratio of Pirates fans to Phillies fans. Ace Paul Skenes pitches for the Pirates, and he does not disappoint. He strikes out seven and allows one unearned run, lowering his ERA to 1.88. The only problem is the Pirates also only manage one run through seven innings. In the top of the eighth Skenes gets two outs on four pitches. Then the manager takes him out! He had made 98 pitches and was facing Brandon Marsh who was 1-for-4 lifetime against Skenes and had struck out in his previous at-bat. I say to the Pittsburgh fan next to me, “He should leave him in for this last out so he can get the win if the Pirates score in the bottom of the eighth.” Pittsburgh does score in the bottom of the eighth, and Skenes gets another brilliant no-decision in the 2-1 Pirates victory.

It had rained all morning, and the start of the game was delayed by 12 minutes so the grounds crew could get the field ready. But the storms returned in the ninth inning. As fans scrambled to put their rain gear back on, one Pirate fan had a statement for all the surrounding Phillies fans. “Just put it over your head because you’re embarrassed to be swept by the Pirates.” Indeed, Pittsburgh held on for the 2-1 win to sweep the 3-game series against the Phillies, its first sweep of Philadelphia since 2015 and its first sweep of anybody in 2025.

This is the second ballpark where there is an overabundance of kindness from stadium workers and fans. (Tampa was the other.) “Pittsburgh fans treat you like family,” Noel said, citing his personal experience which also captured the essence of our experience. … Pittsburgh had more mascots than any team so far. The main mascot is Pirate Parrot who throws t-shirts into the stands and roves the park for fan photo opportunities. But six more take the field after the fifth inning for Mrs. T’s Pittsburgh Pierogi race. Yes, six pierogi mascots. They’ve been doing this since 1999! … The in-game hosts are engaging with various contests featuring Pirates fans. There was one we haven’t seen before – “Spot the Cow” where a fan uses a telescopic device to search the grandstands to try to find the Chick-fil-A cow to win a bag of Chick-fil-A prizes.

Ballpark cuisine: Positive

Head directly to the area behind the right field stands (section 146) for the best food in the stadium. That’s where you’ll find Cannonball Burger and Manny’s BBQ. Cannonball features Haluski Cannonballs and a Kielbasa Cheesesteak. Both are nods to the Polish immigrants that still make up 8 percent of the Pittsburgh population. The Cannonballs are about the size of a racquetball ball and come three to an order. (For those who are unfamiliar with racquetball, that’s bigger than a golf ball but smaller than a billiard ball.) They are fried and contain kielbasa, egg noodles, bacon, sauteed cabbage, cheddar cheese and herb crema. “It’s cheesier than I expected,” said Pittsburgh fan Grace Polivka. “There is a good amount of kielbasa but not so much that it is overpowering. It’s fried but it’s not greasy.” It has a good balance of flavors. The serving of three was surprisingly filling. It may not rank in the Top 5 of our baseball tour so far, but definitely Top 10.

Manny’s BBQ has all the makings of a winner: your choice between house-smoked pork and house-smoked chicken, either a loaded mac and cheese bowl or a loaded pierogi, and ownership by Manny Sanguillen who, in his younger days when he was still able, would frequent the stand and sign autographs. Mac and cheese or the pierogi can be “loaded” with either the pork or chicken, cheese, onions and coleslaw. A big serving that will surely satisfy. Manny’s is a solid extra-base hit…. Other food options at PNC include sandwiches by the Primanti Bros., chipped ham empanadas, and fried almond tortes.

Club hospitality: Positive

The team provided some of the best seats we’ve had on the trip. It rained all morning, so ushers with towels were out in droves, drying seats as fans arrived.

Game details: Pirates win 2-1. Attendance 25,261. Time of game: 2:14.

Helpful tips: Nearby parking garages and business lots offer parking for as little as $15. The only bag restriction is that you can only bring in one that is not bigger than 16”x16”x8”. Gates open one hour before game time Monday through Thursday and 90 minutes prior on weekends. You can bring an umbrella to the game but can only use it during rain delays. Bottled water and food can be brought into PNC, although outside food cannot be brought into the Home Plate Club, Suite Level or Left Field Lounge areas.

You don’t see that every day: A double-play ends the game as rain pours down and a tornado touches down 20 miles southwest of the stadium. It was not comforting to see “Tornado warning. Be alert” on the electronic highway signs after the game. My path thankfully veered away from the tornado after about 10 miles. Cars were pulled over to park on the freeway rather than continue toward the dark sky as I took my exit.

Game #17: Cubs versus Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, June 10

“Boo.” I remember seeing the picture of Richie Allen in the newspaper near the end of the 1969 season. He used his foot to write “Boo” in the infield dirt near his position at first base. And the Philly fans accommodated. After seven seasons with the Phils – most of them with the fans booing him relentlessly despite a productive career - the team agreed to trade him. In 1973, going by his preferred name of Dick Allen, he won the American League MVP with the Chicago White Sox. Why the boobirds in Philadelphia? The tradition goes back a long way. I found this from Philadelphia Magazine, published in 2016: “Our national reputation for booing may have been cemented in 1930, when President Herbert Hoover was welcomed with it during Game Two of the World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the (Philadelphia) A’s at Shibe Park. The same scenario played out the following year, when both teams met for the championship again, inspiring a New York World Telegram sports editor to describe the sound as ‘a vigorous, full-rounded melody of disparagement.’ “ “We have a reputation,” said Phillies fan Josh Mosley. “Philly fans let you know when you aren’t reaching your potential. That goes for our team too.” And, apparently, also for presidents!

The Phillies like to say they are the oldest baseball franchise … that hasn’t changed their name or location. They were formed in 1883, 14 years after the Reds (formerly Red Stockings and Redlegs), 13 years after the Cubs (formerly White Stockings), 12 years after the Braves (who have been in Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta), two years after the Pirates (formerly the Allegheny Base Ball Club of Pittsburgh), and a year after the Cardinals (formerly the Browns). The Phillies have always been the Phillies (although some reports say they started as the Quakers) and have always been in Philadelphia. They have two World Series titles (1980 and 2008) and have been to six other World Series as the loser. They have made the playoffs in each of the last three years.

Game atmosphere: Positive

Stadiums have LED signage all over the stadium. Big screens, little screens, and a ribbon that spans the entire stadium. Most of the time the signage show game information and advertising. However, when an attempt is made to increase fan participation, messages will take over every square inch of the signage to “GET LOUD” OR “MAKE NOISE.” It is a pet peeve of mine that in these promotional moments at all the stadiums, fans cannot see any game information. No balls and strikes. No number of outs. No line score. This has been the case at every stadium – until now! At Citizens Bank Park, some of the LED panels permanently display the game information no matter what other information is being displayed. Thank you, Philadelphia Phillies! Also, I look for the pitch-count frequently during the game. The Phillies are one of the few teams that have it displayed continually in the same spot on the scoreboard throughout the game.

Phillies fans make good on their reputation as boobirds. They are probably primed for their usual disparaging behavior because the Phillies came into this game on a losing streak. They have lost nine of their last 11 games, including the three-game sweep to the Pirates. Fan drops a foul ball? Boo! Close play that doesn’t go their way? Boo! Pick-off attempt at second base? Boo! Home run by the visiting team? Booooo! To be fair, most fans will boo in many of these same instances. But Phillies fans boo with commitment. Loud and long.

It’s a close game with four lead changes until the Cubs put it away with three runs in the eighth inning. Make it 10 losses in 12 games. Boo!

Games at Citizens Bank Park are definitely enhanced by the presence of perhaps the most famous mascot in professional sports, the Phillie Phanatic. The Phanatic is actively involved in pregame and during the game. During pregame he mugs with those getting special presentations, and he serves as catcher for all the ceremonial first pitches (four this game). It is not too far to say he is the ambassador for the team. And, of course, he is known for various shenanigans during the game while dancing on top of the dugout or roving the stadium in a quad runner while shooting t-shirts into the stands from a cannon-like launcher.

In the right field concourse is the kids area called The Yard. It includes a wiffle ball field with a dugout and bullpen, a 30-foot climbing wall, a hot-dog launcher where kids try to hit a target, and a concessions area just for kids.

Ballpark cuisine: Positive

You cannot go to a Philadelphia game and not get a cheesesteak. The problem is that there are seven different vendors that sell cheesesteaks: Bull’s BBQ, Campo’s, Columbia Park Café, Hatfield Grill, Schär Gluten-Free Dedicated Stand, Tony Luke’s, and Uncle Charlie’s Steaks. This called for a little research, and since I arrived early at Citizens Bank Park, I made the half-mile walk for lunch to the place considered the hot, new cheesesteak place in town: Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteak. I talked to seven people there, asking for their advice on what cheesesteak to get at a Phillies game. One said, “You can’t go wrong with Campo’s. That’s what I always get.” Another said, “It’s location-based. Whichever one is the closest. They will all have long lines. Be sure to wear your Phillies gear!” When I asked for names for attribution, things went south. “No names. No recordings. This conversation is over. Good bye.” It reminded me of what someone told me in Pittsburgh: “Phillies fans are not nice.”

The Bull, in the flesh. Photo: Trepiak.

Fortunately, fans were more friendly inside the park where more research had to be done to narrow the search for the best version of this iconic sandwich. I met with three generations of Phillies fans in the center field area where there are concession stands and tables where you can eat and watch the field. They were eating Tony Luke’s cheesesteaks. Jim Redinger, the grandpa, said he usually gets his ballpark food at Bull’s BBQ. “I’ve been going to Bull’s since the stadium opened (in 2004),” he said. “Great pulled pork. Everything there is really at a different level. Today my grandson wanted to watch batting practice from center field, and that’s where Tony Luke’s is located.” Brad Redinger , the son, agreed that today it was about “location, location, location.” They tell me that Tony Luke’s and Campo’s has a traditional cheesesteak. Bull’s, however, offers a Burnt Ends Cheesesteak that Brad says “is delicious.” Bull’s is named for proprietor Greg “The Bull” Luzinski, a former Phillies player who was on the 1980 championship team. Luzinski comes to the games and has a booth near his BBQ concessions stand where fans can talk with him and ask for autographs. After my purchase of the Burnt Ends Cheesesteak, I asked Luzinski what I should put on it. “Don’t put nothin’ on it,” he advised. I didn’t, and it was indeed delicious.

To be sure, it’s not all about the cheesesteak at Citizen’s Bank Park. Bull’s also has BBQ ribs platters, jerk chicken platters and kielbasa “Bull Dog” sandwiches. There are also vendors who offer gluten-free, kosher and plant-based options. Shake Shack is a popular stop with classic burgers, crinkle-cut fries and hand-spun shakes.

Club hospitality: Positive

Great seats, three rows from the field just off first base. Parking was in a preferred lot next to the stadium for a spot that was second only to Anaheim.

Game details: Cubs win 8-4. Attendance 42,220. Time of game: 3:01.

Helpful tips: One bag per person with clear bags, 1-gallon plastic bags, and small purses (no larger than 5”x7”) allowed. Parking is $25. You can bring in food and drinks (sealed plastic, non-alcoholic drinks).

You don’t see that every day: We’re trying to see all 30 MLB parks in a year. We met a guy trying to work all 30 MLB parks (and all 30 NFL stadiums) as a food/beer vendor, but not all in one year. Reggie Duvalsaint, known as Reggie The Beer Guy, has Boston and Toronto left to go. He’s a little worried about being able to get a Canadian work permit in these tariff-affected times. (He might have to wait until the 2029 season to complete his quest.) From here, he’s flying to Indiana to work the NBA finals.

Game #18: Tigers versus Orioles at Oriole Park in Camden Yards in Baltimore, June 12

The Orioles rewrote and revolutionized the stadium design rules when it built Camden Yards which opened in 1992. “It’s been 33 years, and it’s still gorgeous,” said longtime Orioles fan Larry Williams. “How can you not like this stadium?” Larry was a season ticket holder on Day 1. “It was a great experience to see this stadium built from the ground up. Being close to the field made it special in the beginning, but all the new parks are like that now. Being downtown is nice; it brings people together. My son Evan was 9 years old when we went to the very first game here together. I still have the tickets.” Evan was with him at this game too.

The Orioles made many good, key decisions when building Camden Yards. The first brilliant idea was to build it downtown near the inner harbor. The result was that an industrial neighborhood that had seen better days was transformed into a commercial and residential hub once the park was completed. The second brilliant idea was to leave alone a large railroad building, a warehouse, that stood on the stadium property. This brick warehouse became a key element of the stadium’s identity – towering over the right field stands.

The Orioles have had great players over the years with players in the ‘70s such as Brooks Robinson, Jim Palmer, Frank Robinson and Boog Powell. They appeared in three straight World Series, winning the title in 1970. They won another title in 1983 with players such as Cal Ripken, Eddie Murray and Mike Boddicker. In 1971 they had four pitchers who each won 20 games. To put that in perspective, last year there were zero pitchers in all of baseball who won 20 games.

Game atmosphere: Positive

“Booo!” What, am I back in Philadephia? I ask Larry Williams why the fans are booing hometown player Colton Cowser. He corrects me. “No, they are saying ‘Moo.’ “ COW-ser. I get it! Back in the day the Orioles fans would shout out “Boog” for Boog Powell which could also be mistaken for “boo.” It reminded of whenever late night talk show host Dave Letterman was boo’d by his audience, he would say to the home viewer, “They’re not saying ‘boo,’ they’re saying ‘Daaaave.’ “

The Orioles are having a rough time of it this season and are currently in last place in the American League East. This is after making the playoffs the last two years. “They just can’t seem to turn the corner,” Williams said. “Last year they had seeing-eye hits in key situations and were able to rally for some wins.” Last season the Orioles outscored their opponents by 87 runs. This season they have been outscored by 85 runs.

The crowd is about 25 percent Tiger fans but the O’s fans, after watching the Tigers get out to a 4-0 lead behind ace Tariq Skubal, finally have something to cheer about in the eighth inning when Dylan Carlson hits a solo home run after Skubal has left the game. That’s all the Orioles get this game. The only other time in the game that the fans were able to cheer “O’s” loudly was during the national anthem when the singer got to the “Oh say can you see” part of the song.

The field level section we are in has only eight seats per row. Very nice change. The norm has been 16, which makes for a lot of standing up and down for all the people (sometimes just one guy) who keep leaving to buy concessions or visit the restroom. … And for those of you keeping track of these mascot races – yes, they had one. It was between three hot dogs. Relish defeated Ketchup and Mustard.

Ballpark cuisine: Positive

The depth and quality of food at Camden Yards rival that of the best parks we have seen so far. The obvious go-to is the crab cake. Baltimore Seafood House offers the ’92 Crab Cake as its featured signature entrée. Now, that’s a crab cake! The crab patty is thicker than any hamburger patty I’ve ever seen. It’s served on a brioche bun with creole mustard tartar sauce and topped with lettuce and tomato. Definitely real crab. And the sauce brings a little heat. The Seafood House also has the Drunken Crab Soup (the signature crab cake in a creamy crab soup) and the Chessie (a footlong Chesapeake sausage, crab dip, fried green tomatoes, and pickled corn on a pretzel bun).

We’re just getting started. Boog’s BBQ in the center field concourse has a choice of pit beef, turkey or ham served on a fresh baked bun. Pit BBQ is cooked quickly at high temperatures over charcoal. “The turkey and the BBQ sauce are excellent,” said Jim McNamara who was at the game to cheer on the visiting Tigers. “I enjoyed it.” Another meat-eaters option is Pat & Stuggs where they sell Ribeye Cheesesteak (shaved ribeye, caramelized onions, American cheese, and steak sauce aioli) and a Cheesesteak Hot Dog.

Another hot spot is Stuggy’s with a Crab Mac Dog (jumbo lump crab, mac and cheese and Old Bay seasoning on an all-beef hot dog). There is also an option of Crab Mac (mac and cheese covered with crab and Old Bay seasoning without the hot dog). The choice here is either go with an additional flavor profile with the hot dog or instead get twice as much crab and mac and cheese. Either one will hit the spot!

Vida Taco & Vida Nacho features Crab Nachos (lump crab meat, sweet corn radish, queso, pickled cabbage salsa and cilantro on corn tortilla chips) and a Crab Rice Bowl. And the Local Fry has a variety of loaded fries: chicken bacon ranch fries, jumbo lump crab meat and cheese fries, and taco beef and cheese and spicy sauce fries.

Club hospitality: Positive

The Orioles provided excellent seats, 17 rows from the field, just to the right of home plate. Parking in the employee lot was also provided, which required a shuttle to get close to the stadium.

Game details: Tigers win 4-1. Attendance 18,800. Time of game: 2:22.

Helpful tips: Bag policy – one bag per person (choice between clear plastic bag, 1-gallon plastic freezer bag or purse no larger than 5”x7”). Food and factory-sealed non-alcoholic drinks in plastic bottles can be brought in, as long as they fit in a single approved bag. Parking is available from $15 (10-minute walk) to $50 (3-minute walk).

You don’t see that every day: A fake bullpen game. Lefty Keegan Akin was the Orioles opener for the third time this season, averaging 1.1 innings per start. Dean Kremer was listed as a likely bulk reliever. Kremer, a right hander, had started all of his previous appearances. Well, the bulk reliever instead pitched starter-type innings, going seven innings. It seems the Orioles started a left hander to try to throw of the Tigers lineup, knowing they would be bringing in a right hander in the second inning for most of the rest of the game.

Tom Trepiak is the former sports information director at Humboldt State and a member of the Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics Hall of Fame.

We at the Lost Coast Outpost are too-often tasked with estimating crowd sizes. Multiple times on Saturday, we were approached by people wondering what we thought the day’s headcount was, as though we are more adept at discerning the human volume. The truth is: We don’t know how many Humboldt folk attended the “No Kings” protest in Eureka. Two thousand? Three? More? We would believe any of those claims, but no one really knows. Safe to say, this was the most people gathered at Madaket Plaza since the first Women’s March that took place at the start of President Trump’s first term. 

A lot. There were a lot of activated, spirited humans in Eureka on Saturday. 

So we took some pictures. From the Eureka Waterfront to the Humboldt County Courthouse, we hung out with our community as they exercised their freedoms of speech and assembly. Mostly — because we know people really like to see ‘em — we took pictures of signs. So, without further ado… 

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(Click photos to enlarge)

EARLIER:

• (PHOTOS/VIDEO) Massive ‘No Kings’ Protest Draws Thousands to Eureka Today; Fifth Street Temporarily Closed at the Courthouse But is Now Open Again

Outpost Trinidad bureau chief Ted Pease files the following dispatch:

The No King’s movement comes to Trinidad, in front of Barbara Snell’s house. Barbara, 94, has been flying the American flag upside down for the past year. Flying the flag upside down means emergency or help.

A small but feisty group waved to passing vehicles as they honked and hooted.

I’m sure this is not the smallest No Kings demonstration, but we’re proud of it. Snell, who organized it, got it registered on in Indivisible, which makes it official.

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UPDATE: Also McKinleyville! Reader Michael Pazeian writes:

No organized protest. This spot was close to my home. I arrived and within 10 minutes others joined me. Many positive honks and thumbs up from passing cars.