Friday Round-Up; Veronica De La Cruz Soon AWOL and Making KPIX Nervous; Somerville Anxious at KTVU; Builds Buddyship with Mark Ibanez; Matt Lauer Makes Comeback Try and Buy$ Lavish Tiburon Spread; No Game 'The Game

SHE STILL HASN'T RETURNED TO KPIX ...and frankly, no one at PIX expects her anytime soon because, well with Veronica De La Cruz, drama is the password. De La Cruz, as I reported here, had the Coronavirus and took a medical leave from the station. That was weeks ago. She told some friends she hoped to be back in a few weeks, which was almost a month back. KPIX doesn't know anymore and because it involved health, really has no choice. I'd expect De La Cruz back on Monday but I won't be totally shocked if she's AWOL and then, CBS-SF has a problem.

GAAAAAAAAAME Offf: Where's Veronica De La Cruz?

*I KNOW FOR A FACT: Frank Somerville is dealing with a series of personal issues as he anchors at the KTVU desk and does so, and I'll give him credit, admirably so. Somerville is at the beginning of a messy divorce --one in which has made his home life, hell. He's now had to move out of his palatial Oakland Hills home. Somerville's soon-to-be ex-wife is the sister of Villanova basketball coach, Jay Wright.

*Meanwhile, Somerville has begun ramping up his buddy ball approach to fellow KTVU veteran, sports anchor, Mark Ibanez. Somerville is probably set for another contract extension in March, '21 but he'll probably have to kiss a lot of Ibanez tuchas; Ibanez's influence at FOX makes that mandatory if you get my drift. Ibanez wants one last payday, or something close to the $330K a-year salary he's getting now. I doubt he gets that but I'm guessing he too will make the cut. Martin (Bill) and Haener (Julie) no way.

*Matt Lauer is looking to make his next move, a career comeback. You know that now. What you don't know: Lauer recently bought a HUGE hilltop pad in Tiburon --over $10M bucks and LOVES THE BAY AREA. He's also got a sexy SF girl on his arm (she works at one big financial institution in the Marina) so I wouldn't be shocked if Lauer lands a gig ( he will) he'd spend half his time in the Bay Area.

Matt Lauer buys new digs in Marin and attempts new TV comeback

*I DONT care what Darya Folsom's status is, whether she's off the morning KRON caca show or not doesn't affect my sleep nor should it affect yours; that said, everyone seems to want to guess. Go ahead and feel free to do so.

*MORE ANNOYING than ever: Gasia Mikaeliam still making everyone vomit at 2 and beyond even if she has her 45,976th different hair style. I can't watch this woman, I CAN'T. I've tried to be as dispassionate and objective as possible. She's horrid. An utter embarrassment and I'm being kind.

The GAAS! with Frank Somerville

*I DON'T LISTEN to 95.7 FM, 'The Game'--I've tried. I'm told by folks they're talking non-sports now, the various hosts, to try any ratings inducer but that won't work. You CANNOT manufacture chemistry and create buzz if you do not have BUZZ to begin with. The Game couldn't lead an Eskimo to an Alaskan ice melt. They are HOPELESS. Quote me.

*IF baseball doesn't come back this summer I'll be interested in knowing what happens to Giants-less KNBR which might be SCREWED for life if that happens because KNBR without Giants' baseball is akin to a hooker without johns --quote me.