This week is important for 49ers' QB evaluations

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Three top QB prospects, Jared Goff, Carson Wentz and Connor Cook are coming into 49ers' HQ in Santa Clara for private scouting sessions. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-are-Taking-Long-Close-Looks-at-Drafts-Top-Quarterbacks-375412071.html

Are 49ers considering trading Bethea?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his first season with the 49ers, safety Antoine Bethea was team MVP. But two years later, a source says team is talking about trading him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Report-49ers-May-be-Interested-in-Trading-Bethea-375277861.html

Free-agent success gives Raiders flexibility in draft

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Oakland's four prime free agents signed, GM Reggie McKenzie can draft for talent rather than need this spring. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/After-Free-Agent-Haul-McKenzie-Can-be-Flexible-in-Draft-375272971.html

For now, 49ers say Kaepernick circus isn't distracting

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In April, the 49ers say Colin Kaepernick's status isn't a bother. But if it lingers, that's another story. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/For-Now-at-Least-49ers-Teammates-Say-Kaepernick-Situation-is-not-a-Distraction-375049741.html

Starting next year, or the year after, Raiders' cap will get tight

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: For now, the Raiders have salary flexibility. That will change when Derek Carr gets his first big deal. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Wont-Always-Have-Flexible-Salary-Cap-Situation-375044391.html

Smolen, Eichfeld lead the way into Olympic whitewater trials

Michal Smolen and Casey Eichfeld are the heavy favorites in single kayak and single canoe heading into this weekend's first stage of the U.S. Olympic trials in whitewater slalom racing. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2016/April/07/Optimism-High-For-Olympic-Medals-As-CanoeKayak-Slalom-Trials-Begin

49ers' Hyde says he's back to 100 percent

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Carlos Hyde says his damaged left foot is back to normal and he's ready for a big season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Healthy-Hyde-Seeks-Big-Year-Under-Kelly-374906961.html

Raiders' Del Rio, Nelson connected again

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: When Jack Del rio coached the Jaguars, he and Reggie Nelson weren't always best buddies. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Nelson-Improved-Found-His-Way-Back-to-Del-Rio-374909491.html

49ers' draft strategy for QBs can go multiple directions

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Trade up to No. 1? Take a QB with the seventh overall pick? Or lurk until the third or fourth round to take a passer? Those are the main Zach Lokken, Smolen’s C2 partner, who was third in the C1 national team trials in 2015, ranks as the next strongest candidate in the class.

options for 49ers' quarterback search in the draft.

Even in offseason, Del Rio is in attack mode

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio believes the team built a foundation for winning in 2015, and that the team is intent on making gains this offseason, too. Zach Lokken, Smolen’s C2 partner, who was third in the C1 national team trials in 2015, ranks as the next strongest candidate in the class.

For decades, Alan Mikolich has produced all sorts of varieties of honey from the hives he places around San Diego County

Mikolich Family Honey is a small, family operation, but its honeys have won national awards for quality. The business began with Alan Mikolich's passion for beekeeping as a boy. My story for the Food section of the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/apr/05/homegrown-honey-come-in-many-varieties/

Reports: 49ers are thinking about trading up to No. 1

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Is San Francisco considering a trade with the Titans to move up to No. 1 to grab a quarterback? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Some-Believe-49ers-May-Trade-for-No-1-Overall-Pick-374618541.html

Raiders on target to add veteran safety Reggie Nelson

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Reggie Nelson, a Pro Bowler in 2015, will sign with Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Reggie-Nelson-Will-Solidify-Raiders-Secondary-374614721.html

Former sailor is fighting his way back into shape through boxing

Cesar Vargas says he became obese after getting out of the Navy. He missed the disciplined life he led in the service. So he took up boxing workouts to restore fitness and structure into his life. My story on Vargas for the Active San Diego series in the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/apr/04/former-sailor-gets-back-on-track-at-boxing-gym/

Kaepernick in limbo as offseason program begins

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: As trade talks stall with Broncos, 49ers' offseason program begins, and Colin Kaepernick is expected to report. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernick-in-Limbo-as-49ers-Offseason-Program-Begins-374494511.html

Running proved the catalyst for Mikey Brannigan to find his true course

Mikey Brannigan, born with autism, had difficulty focusing as a little boy. His mother says he was out of control at times. But once he discovered running, everything changed. Brannigan is now a Paralympic world and national champion in the 1,500 meters after a high school career in which he was one of the best 1,500- and 3,200-meter athletes in the nation. My story on Brannigan for TeamUSA.org, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic website. http://www.teamusa.org/News/2016/April/01/How-Running-Changed-Mikey-Brannigans-Life-With-Autism

Would Baalke gamble on Notre Dame linebacker Smith?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers GM Trent Baalke likes to go after injured players to get value in the draft. Can he afford to gamble on Jaylon Smith?

Raiders may be interested in trading Mychal Rivera

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The emergence of tight end Clive Walford may make Mychal Rivera expendable. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Reports-Raiders-May-be-Willing-to-Trade-Mychal-Rivera-374270461.html

Reworking Kap deal may be key to any trade

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Colin Kaepernick's 2016 deal, now guaranteed, may be too rich for suitors. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Any-Kaepernick-Trade-May-Hinge-on-Reworking-His-Contract-374132801.html

Del Rio, Norton aim to free Irvin to rush the passer

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Bruce Irvin's pass-rush skills will be put to use by Raiders coaching staff that was able to get the most out of Khalil Mack in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Del-Rio-Norton-Hope-to-Use-Irvin-More-as-a-Pass-Rusher-374137421.html