California is afire. I’m writing this in one of the few safe spots, but for how long? In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada the statuesque ponderosa pines are browning off, and a single spark will light up the outside in an instant.

Rowers hit Riverhead’s Peconic River for a regatta Sunday. The East Hampton boys soccer team loses in the first round to Elwood-John Glenn. And don’t forget OMAC’s Brewathlon Saturday.

A former town board member’s reminiscences on the joy of sports fandom.