It’s time again for Unit 507 to show our appreciation for our over 700 members. On Sunday, July 8, at 5 p.m. there will be a dinner barbecue outdoors at the Campbell Community Center with a free unit game following (indoors). Members, please sign up for this free dinner at the San Jose Bridge Center or online by emailing sjbcreservations@yahoo.com.

On July 11, Lynn Yokel is beginning a new series of classes reviewing bidding. Contact her for more information at lynnyokel@comcast.net.

Looking back, at the Monterey sectional, first in their stratifications were Lynn Yokel & Gigi Spinazze, Frank Lowenthal, Michael O’Connor & David Sisson, and Don Nemiro. First in their Swiss strats were Tania Reyes, Marshall Yancey & Marilyn Imaoka-Yancey, and Michael O’Connor & David Sisson.

A number of unit members are listed for high games during STAC week at http://www.thewesternconference.com/stac/Spring07/results.htm. The following had games over 65%: Lynn Yokel, Tania Reyes, Raja Smadi, Henri Farhi & Gary Porter, Leon Lee & Jerry Lundquist, Harriel Shea & Don Nemiro, Bruce Luttrell & Kamen Nedeltchev, and Diane Shannon.

Apologies for our website, sjbridge.org, going off the air for a couple of days during STAC week due to a power supply failing on the host computer (located in southern California). The unit board is looking into ways to avoid this (yes, beyond replacing the power supply). Some of us are also working on bringing the site’s back pages up to date. Be patient or send constructive suggestions.

I was pleased to see many familiar faces competing at the Sacramento Regional, including Bill Gates. It has been one of my favorite tournaments, since before I became a Life Master there. The temperature is warm. The beds at the host hotel are comfortable. Nearby restaurants are plentiful.

In the premier two-day Swiss event, Dianne Shannon’s team finished in third, the team of Robert & Marcia Dean tied for sixth, and Mike Cailean’s team was in eighth. In the two-session Swiss team events, John Hoffman’s team was first in A, and first in X were T-C Yang, Nongyu Li, and Jiang Chen. Judy Fisher & Bonnie Beardsley were first in the senior Swiss.

On winning knockout teams were Melanie Kakalec, Ray Yuenger, Alan Malloy, Peggy Sprague, Katarzyna Wesolowska, Joel Koransky, Mindy Foos, Michael Fleisher, and Erin Gove. In the pair games, first in their strats were Bob & Carole Woldstad, Mischel & John Postas, Maju and Raghu Agarwal.

This tournament was a story of serendipity for me. Three times I found teammates just minutes before game time, and each time it worked out. That’s one of the joys of bridge.

Congratulations to our newest Masters: Rich Giusti, Perry Segal (Junior); Delores Dunlap (Club); Robert Coughlin, Dolores & Steven Gunia (Junior); Amar Chunder, Alan Malloy (Regional); Lynn Shannon (NABC); Lyle Supp, Judy Travis (Life); Molly Kaufman, Bruce Scott (Bronze).

I’m sorry to report tournament director Jay Magid is dealing with a serious health problem. He has helped me tremendously in providing current tournament information to me. I wish him the best possible outcome.

Direct constructive suggestions to rayyuenger@comcast.net or (408)379-7717.