It appears Goodwin will say goodbye to 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners' contract extension to backup center Daniel Kilgore signals that veteran center Jonathan Goodwin won't return. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Goodwin-On-His-Way-Out-at-Center-247821741.html

Would Raiders trade up to ensure QB pick?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: One possible scenario is the Rams, with the No. 2 pick, trading it to the Raiders (at No. 5) so Oakland can get the quarterback it wants in this draft. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/One-Scenario-Raiders-Trade-up-to-No-2-in-Draft-247814901.html

Michael Wilhoite expected to fill in for Bowman

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Michael Wilhoite will be the No. 1 candidate to replace NaVorro Bowman in 2014 as Bowman recovers from injuries. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Need-a-Backup-Plan-for-Bowman-247563151.html

Best QB for Raiders? Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With the No. 5 pick, Raiders may not have a chance to get the QB that may best fit their needs, Teddy Bridgewater. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Best-QB-for-Raiders-May-be-Gone-by-Fifth-Pick-247552081.html

Defenseman Erin Ambrose -- also among nation's top scorers -- is part of Clarkson's push to reach Frozen Four

Erin Ambrose says her first priority is defense. Yet Ambrose also is No. 2 in the nation in assists and leads the power play for a Clarkson team that has just clinched the ECAC championship and hopes to reach the Frozen Four. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.pattykaz.com/news_article/show/354100?referrer_id=718465

Long-armed CB is sure to grab 49ers' attention

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Justin Gilbert of Oklahoma State may go too high in the draft for the Niners to have a shot at him. But if he drops at all, he could spark serious interest from GM Trent Baalke. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Justin-Gilbert-Long-armed-Cornerback-May-Have-49ers-Interest-247273561.html

Raiders' owner Davis: This is most important offseason

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders owner Mark Davis says the success of moves this offseason will go a long way toward determining team's future. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Future-is-Now-for-Mark-Davis-247266611.html

Three busy professional women in San Diego formed a meal-sharing group, and have gotten so much more out of it than just delicious food

Kim Elliott, Marnie Nair and Michele Corbett all started cooking and sharing meals for one another a year ago in an effort to have good, healthy meals all week long. The result has been great food, great laughs and no more runs through the fast-food drive-up windows on the way home from work. My story for U-T San Diego's Food section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/Feb/25/cooking-meal-sharing-busy-women/?#article-copy

Niners may be able to keep Whitner after all

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It was thought that Donte Whitner might be too rich for 49ers to keep, but recent developments may aid team in re-signing the safety. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-May-be-Able-to-Keep-Donte-Whitner-247088381.html

Raiders need a QB, but can't be inflexible with No. 5 pick

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With the No. 5 pick in the draft, the Raiders want to land an impact quarterback. But if the QBs remaining don't light their fire, they shouldn't force the issue. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Focus-on-QB-Shouldnt-be-Inflexible-247083171.html

Paralympic snowboarder Nicole Roundy is eager to say goodbye to those fourth-place finishes

As she heads toward the Sochi Paralympics, snowboarder Nicole Roundy would love to put all those near misses and fourth-place finishes in the past, and a recent medal at a World Cup event in Spain has her pointed in that direction. My story on Roundy for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/February/25/Nicole-Roundy-hopes-to-say-farewell-to-fourth

Baldwin takes pay cut to stay on 49ers roster

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jonathan Baldwin renegotiated his deal with 49ers to stay on the roster, the only way he was going to give himself time to earn a roster spot in 2014. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Jonathan-Baldwin-New-Deal-May-Give-Him-Second-Chance-246897301.html

Would Jared Allen be an option for Raiders?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end Jared Allen may soon be a free agent, and some speculation has him headed for Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Could-Target-Veteran-Pass-Rushers-246890741.html

Did 49ers make a mistake to let Daniels go?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will the move to let QB B.J. Daniels slip away haunt the 49ers? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-May-Regret-Letting-Daniels-Slip-Away-246546721.html

"Johnny Football" has pros and cons for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders will pay particular attention to Johnny Manziel at the NFL Combine this week. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/For-Raiders-Manziel-Has-Boom-or-Bust-Qualities-246541551.html

Former Olympic speedskater Dan Jansen is lending a hand these days to fellow Olympians experiencing hard times

Dan Jansen withstood his share of hard times during his Olympic career. Now the former gold-medal speedskater is working to help other Olympians going through tough times. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/Road-to-Sochi-2014/Features/2014/February/20/Dan-Jansen-Helps-Fellow-Olympians-Overcome-Hard-Times

Niners will be looking for speed at the Combine

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: At the NFL Combine this week, the 49ers will be looking for speed. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Have-a-Need-for-Speed-246351071.html

McFadden and Raiders not yet (officially) divorced

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Darren McFadden is expected to test free agency, but the running back and Raiders reportedly will talk this weekend. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Report-McFadden-Raiders-are-Still-Talking-246344231.html

Niners want to keep Miller around a long time

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Fullback Bruce Miller and the 49ers would like to extend their relationship. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Interested-in-Extending-Bruce-Miller-Contract-246174041.html

Reports point to Raiders trading Terrelle Pryor

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: It seems more and more possible that the Raiders will trade quarterback Terrelle Pryor soon. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Reports-Say-Raiders-Willing-to-Trade-Pryor-246167771.html

Quinnipiac's Kelly Babstock is raising the bar to new heights for women's hockey program

Since coming to Quinnipiac as a freshman four years ago, Kelly Babstock has broken almost every offensive record at the school. My story on Babstock for USA Hockey's "Kaz Watch" series: http://www.pattykaz.com/news_article/show/351184?referrer_id=718465

Former Olympic skier Picabo Street, who had to go through several rehabs, now preaches the importance of 'prehab'

Picabo Street, who won gold and silver medals as an Olympic alpine skier, has stayed involved with the U.S. Olympic movement, and now devotes time and energy to helping young athletes prepare for and prevent the types of injuries she suffered in her career. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/Road-to-Sochi-2014/Features/2014/February/15/After-Plenty-Of-Rehab-Picabo-Street-All-About-Pre-Hab

Blind skier Lindsay Ball has put off surgery in order to fulfill dream by competing at the Sochi Paralympic Games

In December, Lindsay Ball tore her ACL while skiing on one of the easiest training runs at Winter Park, Colo. However, the young, visually-impaired skier has decided to simply rehab the knee so she can compete at the Sochi Paralympics, putting off surgery until after the Games. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/February/17/Lindsay-Ball-picks-Sochi-over-surgery

McCoy or someone else? Niners seek backup quarterback

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Colt McCoy, the 49ers' No. 2 QB in 2013, is now a free agent, meaning the team needs to make a move this offseason to find Colin Kaepernick's understudy. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Need-to-Find-a-Backup-for-Kaepernick-245988601.html

The cancer keeps returning, but "Landy" Franck keeps smiling; she has her down days, but bounces back and looks forward because she has too much to live for

Every time Haviland "Landy" Franck thinks she's in the clear, her cancer returns. For a decade, she's been fighting to keep living, keep smiling and loving every minute of her life. So far, she's the winner. My story on her for U-T San Diego's "Courage Through Cancer" series. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/feb/17/franck-cancer-chemo-remission/

For 49ers, what's the bigger need, WR or cornerback?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Draft analysts are split about 49ers No. 1 need. Some say cornerback, some say wide receiver. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Wide-Receiver-or-Cornerback-Niners-Top-Draft-Need-in-Dispute-245842611.html

Kory Sheets has something to prove to Raiders, the NFL

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Kory Sheets didn't get a chance to prove himself with the 49ers, Dolphins or Panthers, but now that the Raiders have signed him, he says he can do what he did in the CFL, where he was a standout. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Newest-Running-Back-Has-Something-to-Prove-245836341.html

Conquered by clutter? Professional organizers offer advice to better square away your home and office spaces

When professional organizers are called in to address a problem, clients' lives have been complicated by clutter. There's no storage system and clients often feel as if their daily lives have gotten out of control. San Diego's pro organizers offer their best tips to regaining control. My story for U-T San Diego: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/feb/14/organize-household-clutter/

Aztecs basketball has come a long way in the 15 years since Steve Fisher took control of the program

In Steve Fisher's first season as head basketball coach at San Diego State, the Aztecs went winless in conference and drew about 2,500 fans per game. Now every home game is soldout and SDSU will be going to its seventh NCAA Tournament in Fisher's 15 seasons as head coach. He's been the ultimate difference-maker. My story on Fisher for the March, 2014 issue of San Diego Magazine. http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/March-2014/Aztec-Legend/

Niners' recent success in first round is exemplary

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers need an impact player in Round 1 and, based on the past decade, will probably get one. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners--Recent-First-Round-Draft-Success-Unparalleled--245538851.html

In his fifth and final Olympics, how does Nordic combined standout Billy Demong top what he did in Vancouver?

Billy Demong won gold and silver medals at the Vancouver Games in 2010. Plus, those Olympics were memorable for him for other reasons, too. Now in his fifth Olympics at Sochi, the veteran cross-country skier and ski jumper still has goals. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/Road-to-Sochi-2014/Features/2014/February/12/Billy-Demong-Flying-Higher

49ers and Boldin seem to be on same page

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Anquan Boldin wants to return to the Niners, and the team seems to want him back. So it should be simple, right? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/For-49ers-Boldin-Deal-Seems-Inevitable-245384041.html

Rebuilding Raiders face NFL's toughest schedule in 2014

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 4-12 Raiders will have to play the NFL's toughest schedule next season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Face-NFLs-Toughest-Schedule-245379081.html

How long can Gore (soon to be 31) keep running?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area. By some standards, Frank Gore slowed down a bit in the second half of 2013; by others, he was just as strong. But how long can the 49ers' standout running back keep going? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Gore-Still-Staying-Ahead-of-Father-Time-245202771.html

Mercyhurst's Christine Bestland hoping to recapture some of the magic she and her team found last season

Senior Christine Bestland at Mercyhurst was one of the top scorers in the country last season as the Lakers advanced to the Frozen Four. Both Mercyhurst and Bestland haven't been quite as sharp as they were a year ago, but Bestland says there's still plenty of time left. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.pattykaz.com/news_article/show/348877?referrer_id=718465

Niners' signing of Glenn Dorsey was on the nose

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Glenn Dorsey proved to be a wise investment for the 49ers last offseason, especially when Ian Williams went down with an injury. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Dorsey-Has-Given-49ers-Strength-in-the-Middle-244892741.html

Army veteran and wounded warrior Marc Dervaes is now a top Paralympic snowboarder

For 18 years, Marc Dervaes was a U.S. Army infantryman. He did three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and lost his arm to an RPG attack on his final combat tour. But Dervaes hasn't let the injury slow him down. Now he's one of the country's best Paralympic snowboarders. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/February/10/Marc-Dervaes-Crash-course

Recent injury to CrossFit instructor and athlete has once again heated up the pro vs. con debate about CrossFit's safety

When Kevin Ogar's spine was severely damaged in a weightlifting event at a recent competition, critics of CrossFit pointed to it as an example that the fitness regimen is unsafe. The CrossFit community, meanwhile, insists it was simply a tragic freak happenstance. The only certainty is CrossFit always seems to be in the middle of a hot debate over its pros and cons. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/10408256/endurance-sports-does-recent-tragedy-mean-crossfit-unsafe

Will 49ers pay the price to keep Mike Iupati?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mike Iupati is an elite guard, yet there are rumblings that when his contract is up, the 49ers may spend their money elsewhere and let him walk. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-May-Have-Trouble-Keeping-Iupati-244730651.html

Could Raiders dip into past for future tight end?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Brandon Myers has been cut free by the Giants, which would leave him free to come back to Oakland. But would the Raiders be interested? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Could-go-Back-to-the-Future-at-Tight-End-244725591.html

Does LaMichael James have a future with 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After two years in the NFL, LaMichael James is still awaiting his opportunities as a running back with the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/James-Awaits-His-Chance-With-49ers-244268981.html

Brittany Howard of Robert Morris has emerged as the nation's most fab freshman

Brittany Howard was just hoping to contribute when she came to Robert Morris, but the kid from Canada instead is a big playmaker for her team and the highest-scoring freshman hockey player in the nation. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.pattykaz.com/news_article/show/346871?referrer_id=718465

It appears Baldwin may never catch on with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers had hopes that Jonathan Baldwin might grow by connecting with a winning team, but three catches for the entire 2013 season seems to say otherwise. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Baldwins-Time-With-49ers-Could-be-Brief-243986491.html

NFC West crucible produces dynamic teams

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It's apparent now that the NFC West is best. Up and down the division, teams pack a punch. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Its-Clear-that-West-is-Best-in-the-NFC-and-the-NFL-243711141.html

Raiders are No. 1 in NFL in salary-cap space

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders may be bad, but they're No. 1 in salary-cap flexibility. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Face-Long-Odds-But-Have-Ability-to-Spend-243702461.html

49ers' wish list includes deep-threat wide receiver

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: To keep pace with the Seahawks and beat the NFL's best teams, the 49ers need to add a fast, deep-threat wideout to complement Crabtree and Boldin. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Wish-List-Includes-Deep-Threat-Receiver-for-2014-243516131.html

Are Raiders truly interested in quarterback Matt Schaub?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Reports have been published that say the Raiders have interest in soon-to-be free agent QB Matt Schaub. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Reported-to-Have-Interest-in-Matt-Schaub-243509481.html

After a first bout with cancer, Tom Atwell thought he was bullet-proof; but the La Jolla High teacher, coach and ultra runner found out that wasn't true

Tom Atwell had a serious bout with cancer in the 1990s, almost losing a leg. But he survived and thrived and continued to surf, run and coach his water polo and swim teams with no concern about skin cancer ... until cancerous cells were found on several spots on his body. Now Atwell has again gone through treatments and continues to stay positive. My story on Atwell for the "Courage Through Cancer" series in the Union-Tribune. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/Feb/03/atwell-marathoner-skin-cancer/?#article-copy

Seahawks super, but 49ers know they're not unbeatable

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Next year's Super Bowl will be Super Bowl 49 ... so who better to win it than the 49ers? Though the Seahawks are now the reigning NFL champs, Niners beat them once in 2013 and came within a whisker of another win, so they know 2014 can be a different story. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Seahawks-are-Super-but-49ers-Know-Theyre-Beatable-243335251.html