mercurynews--2020-06-02--‘The problem is yours’: San Jose rally calls on white community to address racism

Local black leaders and community advocates called on Silicon Valley ’ s white community to address systemic racism in a two-hour rally Tuesday afternoon at San Jose City Hall .
About 500 people — many holding signs reading “ Black Lives Matter ” — heard a series of speakers condemn the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and demand that white people take an active role in stopping police brutality and promoting equality .
“ There should be some meetings in the white community about racism .
The problem is yours and you have not changed it in 400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pastor at a San Jose Christian center .
Led by the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP , the gathering — which drew a diverse and slightly older crowd than the previous days ’ protests — was one of many in the Bay Area over this past week sparked by Floyd ’ s killing .
Terra Walls , 22 , a recent San Jose State University graduate , said Tuesday at the rally that the nationwide uprisings are “ a result of the anger , fear , sadness , and distrust that have manifested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These are not isolated events , ” Walls said of police killing black people nationwide .
“ They are directly related to systemic racism that plagues our cultures at an even more alarming rate than coronavirus.
” Demonstrators across the Bay Area have also protested the recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor .
Arbery , a 25-year-old black man , was shot and killed while jogging in February in Glynn County , Georgia , while Taylor , a black 26-year-old EMT , was killed in March in Louisville after police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” warrant and opened fire .
Several major protests have taken place in San Jose in the last week , including many in which local police departments have used force such as tear gas and rubber bullets to break up demonstrations after declaring unlawful assemblies .
Jevon Cuthbert , 25 , a DJ from Union City and a youth counsel member at NAACP , said the protests that have taken place are designed to promote peace and unity .
“ It ’ s hard for us to be out in the streets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we cant be at home and feel safe , so many people have that luxury , to be able to just sit on your couch and not have to worry about anything , ” Cuthbert said .
“ We are not trying to be violent , we aren ’ t trying to fight each other , we are trying to stand together.
” Walls , who attended San Jose ’ s Friday protest , said that she ran with her eyes burning , terrified , away from police .
“ I never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting tear gassed just a few blocks away from the college that I graduated from just a few weeks ago , ” she said .
Jahmal Williams , 36 , a member of the Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet of Silicon Valley , said protestors continue to gather to push for “ the access to opportunities and the abilities to have the same rights , the same response , the same treatment , the same services , that all citizens receive.
” “ The uprising that you see access the nation — it stems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it stems from decades of inequality throughout the lives of black Americans everywhere , and San Jose and Santa Clara county are no different , ” Williams said .
• Some Bay Area cities saw relief from looting , violence Monday night • Finding hope in the aftermath of anger in San Jose On Monday , the city of San Jose instituted a curfew from 8:30 p.m.-5 a.m. through June 7 or “ until further notice.
” Exceptions are made for police and other emergency personnel ; people working in delivery , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government jobs ; people seeking or providing medical or family care ; and people who are homeless .

Ethan Baron, Kerry Crowley, Fiona Kelliher

Local black leaders and community advocates called on Silicon Valley’s white community to address systemic racism in a two-hour rally Tuesday afternoon at San Jose City Hall.
About 500 people — many holding signs reading “Black Lives Matter” — heard a series of speakers condemn the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and demand that white people take an active role in stopping police brutality and promoting equality.
“There should be some meetings in the white community about racism. The problem is yours and you have not changed it in 400 years,” said Reginald Swilley, an associate pastor at Maranatha Christian Center.
Led by the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP, the gathering — which drew a diverse and slightly older crowd than the previous days’ protests — was one of many in the Bay Area over this past week sparked by Floyd’s killing.
During his speech, Swilley directly addressed white people, calling on whites to give black Americans the same rights and freedoms they’ve been afforded.
“This is a call to do something,” Swilley said. “How can the same problem be all across the county? It’s so systemic, white people. It’s time for tears on your part. It’s time to go back home and talk to your mom and daddy and children. Almaden, Willow Glen, all the real ritzy places around town, this is your fault.”
James Staten, the health chief for the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP, read from a letter the NAACP is sending to California state officials that will call for all four officers involved in Floyd’s killing to be charged with first-degree murder. So far, only the officer seen on video kneeling on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes has been charged, with third-degree murder.
The letter also asks Gov. Gavin Newsom to create a commission to explore issues “plaguing the African-American community in California.”
“Institutional racism and attacks on African-Americans are not slowing down,” Staten said.
Terra Walls, 22, a recent San Jose State University graduate, said Tuesday at the rally that the nationwide uprisings are “a result of the anger, fear, sadness, and distrust that have manifested for years throughout our communities.”
“These are not isolated events,” Walls said of police killing black people nationwide. “They are directly related to systemic racism that plagues our cultures at an even more alarming rate than coronavirus.”
Demonstrators across the Bay Area have also protested the recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. Arbery, a 25-year-old black man, was shot and killed while jogging in February in Glynn County, Georgia, while Taylor, a black 26-year-old EMT, was killed in March in Louisville after police officers entered her home with a “no-knock” warrant and opened fire.
Several major protests have taken place in San Jose in the last week, including many in which local police departments have used force such as tear gas and rubber bullets to break up demonstrations after declaring unlawful assemblies.
Walter Wilson, a longtime South Bay civil rights leader, criticized the San Jose Police Department’s use of force in a speech Tuesday, leading a chant of “Yuen must go,” days after six-year SJPD veteran Jared Yuen was seen on video making comments such as “Let’s get this motherf—er” and “Shut up, bitch” while manning downtown skirmish lines that went viral on social media.
“The San Jose Police Department’s treatment of protestors was disgraceful and undermines any potential for trust,” Wilson said. “Police officers who enrage and engage in violence at protected activity by law-abiding protestors must be fired.”
Others joined Wilson in calling for an end to police violence, including Laurie Valdez, 55, of San Jose, whose partner and the father of her son, Antonio Lopez, was shot fatally in the back by San Jose State University police in 2014.
“Our lives aren’t just hashtags,” Valdez said. “It is very hurtful that the selective rage isn’t like that all the time. Because every day someone dies at the hands of police. Our families get triggered any time another life is lost. We get triggered to the day we lost our loved one. We want accountability, we want transparency.”
Wilson’s speech also addressed the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exposed racial inequities within the healthcare system. Wilson noted that African-Americans who contract the novel coronavirus are dying at a disproportionate rate around the country. In California, data compiled by the state’s Department of Public Health shows blacks make up six percent of the state’s population, but represent 10 percent of the people who have died from COVID-19.
“And still these politicians want to hurry up and get back to work,” Wilson said. “The message is clear. They value money over our lives. Their knees are on our necks. Enough is enough.”
Raj Jayadev, a coordinator with Silicon Valley De-Bug, a advocacy group for equality in San Jose, called on the city to dedicate more of its budget for community services that directly aid black families.
“We need to take the money back from the police that are killing and harming our people,” Jayadev said. “Are you with us to defund the police? We need resources for youth, for infrastructure, for mental health treatments, for housing.”
Wilson, who called out the city for failing to honor an agreement to build an African-American community center, agreed.
“You’re going to see a lot of these politicians this week kneeling with you, hugging you, talking to you and go right back here and vote 6-5 against our best interests,” Wilson said.
Jevon Cuthbert, 25, a DJ from Union City and a youth counsel member at NAACP, said the protests that have taken place are designed to promote peace and unity.
“It’s hard for us to be out in the streets, hard for us to be at home, we cant be at home and feel safe, so many people have that luxury, to be able to just sit on your couch and not have to worry about anything,” Cuthbert said. “We are not trying to be violent, we aren’t trying to fight each other, we are trying to stand together.”
Walls, who attended San Jose’s Friday protest, said that she ran with her eyes burning, terrified, away from police.
“I never thought that being 22 would come with getting tear gassed just a few blocks away from the college that I graduated from just a few weeks ago,” she said.
Jahmal Williams, 36, a member of the Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet of Silicon Valley, said protestors continue to gather to push for “the access to opportunities and the abilities to have the same rights, the same response, the same treatment, the same services, that all citizens receive.”
“The uprising that you see access the nation — it stems from pain, it stems from anger, it stems from decades of inequality throughout the lives of black Americans everywhere, and San Jose and Santa Clara county are no different,” Williams said.
Related Articles California News | Judge rules retrial of ex-Philadelphia officer in 2020 protest actions should be held outside city
Judge rules retrial of ex-Philadelphia officer in 2020 protest actions should be held outside city California News | Small group of protesters disrupts Drag Story Hour at Los Gatos Library
Small group of protesters disrupts Drag Story Hour at Los Gatos Library California News | Israel’s Netanyahu released from hospital ahead of key vote on legal overhaul
Israel’s Netanyahu released from hospital ahead of key vote on legal overhaul California News | Protesters try to storm Baghdad’s Green Zone over the burning of Quran and Iraqi flag in Denmark On Monday, the city of San Jose instituted a curfew from 8:30 p.m.-5 a.m., but city officials said on Tuesday that it would end after one more night.
Exceptions are made for police and other emergency personnel; people working in delivery, utility services, news reporting and certain government jobs; people seeking or providing medical or family care; and people who are homeless.


mercurynews--2020-06-02--Letter: Even trainees where I work can halt risky action–cops can’t?

Where I work , at a large water district , we operate big , dangerous equipment — the kind of equipment that can , and sometimes does , kill people .
From day one , the lowest-seniority new trainee has the authority — and the obligation — to shut down an operation that he or she deems an imminent danger .
I myself have done this .
Safety is our dignified professional duty .
How different it could be in police departments if this approach were adopted .
Police departments : Embrace the authority and commitment for every officer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help stop violent anti-black racists within your ranks .
Three officers in Minneapolis stood idly by , watching Mr. George Floyd being murdered by their callous brother in blue .
Doesn ’ t the oath to “ protect ” include black males ?
The evidence here indicates that indeed it does not .
• Letter : Why is there so much plastic being produced ?
• Letter : Pompeo the best secretary of state we have ever had • Letter : Rhetoric turning Saratogans away from the most vulnerable • Letter : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is adding standards Police can and must do better .
The Minneapolis four should all be charged with murder .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Where I work, at a large water district, we operate big, dangerous equipment — the kind of equipment that can, and sometimes does, kill people.
From day one, the lowest-seniority new trainee has the authority — and the obligation — to shut down an operation that he or she deems an imminent danger. I myself have done this. Safety is our dignified professional duty.
How different it could be in police departments if this approach were adopted.
Police departments: Embrace the authority and commitment for every officer to truly “protect and serve,” to help stop violent anti-black racists within your ranks.
Three officers in Minneapolis stood idly by, watching Mr. George Floyd being murdered by their callous brother in blue. Doesn’t the oath to “protect” include black males? The evidence here indicates that indeed it does not.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives Letters to the Editor | Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances
Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps Police can and must do better. The Minneapolis four should all be charged with murder.
Julie Tsivia Cohen
Concord
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-06-03--NCAA argues in sex abuse case it has no legal duty to protect athletes against sexual abuse and hara

NCAA argues in sex abuse case it has no legal duty to protect athletes against sexual abuse and harassment

Olympic high jumper Erin Aldrich was not surprised when she read the NCAA ’ s latest response to the lawsuit she and two other track and field athletes filed against the organization .
Frustrated , yes , but not surprised .
The NCAA , facing a potential landmark class action lawsuit , said it has no legal obligation to protect student athletes against sexual abuse and harassment , according to a filing in U.S. District Court Northern District of California .
“ You don ’ t expect a coward to come out and take responsibility , ” Aldrich said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the way they ’ ve responded for years.
” The NCAA in the filing also said it will ask Judge Edward J. Davila in July to dismiss the suit in which Aldrich and former Texas track athletes Jessica Johnson and Londa Bevins allege the NCAA has helped create a national sexual abuse epidemic by choosing not to implement rules or impose sanctions that would require member schools to take steps to prevent and report abuse by coaches and deter perpetrators .
“ We aren ’ t hoping for change here .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Aldrich said .
Aldrich , Johnson and Bevins allege in the suit filed in March that they were sexually abused and harassed by their coach John Rembao , long considered one of the world ’ s top high jump coaches .
Rembao , a former SMU head coach and Texas , Arizona , Stanford , and a Cal Poly/SLO assistant , was placed on temporary suspension for allegations of misconduct by the U.S. Center for SafeSport in December .
That abuse was enabled , the women allege , by the NCAA ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misconduct and thus creating deterrents to sexual abuse and harassment .
“ I absolutely feel like they ’ re selling us out , ” Aldrich said .
“ They ’ re selling out all athletes by taking this huge step back and not protecting against sexual assault that happened during a time when a student athlete is at an age when it ’ s an incredibly important developmental time in their life .
“ That ’ s when you need to them to be most present when they ’ re not.
” While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem on the campuses of its member institutions , NCAA attorneys argue that the organization does not “ owe ” student athletes a legal duty to protect them .
“ Colleges and universities across the country recognize that sexual abuse on their campuses is a serious problem , and the NCAA has supported its member institutions with resources those members can use on their respective campuses to combat sexual abuse , ” attorneys wrote in a May 22 filing .
“ This case is not about whether the NCAA opposes sexual abuse and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eradicating it—it does.
” But NCAA attorneys argue “ this case is about what the NCAA ’ s legal duty is to take action with respect to sexual abuse on campuses nationwide and , more specifically , what the NCAA ’ s legal responsibility is for the alleged sexual abuse ( all outside California ) by one track coach twenty years ago .
The NCAA respectfully submits the Complaint is flawed as a matter of law and that all claims against the NCAA and its Board be dismissed and/or stricken.
” Specifically the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negligence-based claims should be dismissed because the NCAA does not owe a related legally cognizable duty to Plaintiffs .
The contract-based claims fail because there is no enforceable contract between Plaintiffs and the NCAA , nor were Plaintiffs third-party beneficiaries of any contract between the NCAA and its members .
Finally , the indirect claims that allege the NCAA is vicariously liable for Rembao ’ s conduct are deficient because Rembao was not the NCAA ’ s agent and even if he was , the alleged abuse was outside the scope of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to requests for comment .
“ We believe the law supports our claim that the NCAA has abrogated its responsibility , ” said Elizabeth Fegan , an attorney for the three women .
“ Since we filed the case , we ’ ve heard from student-athletes with similar experiences , so this is certainly a broader , more widespread issue than the NCAA would like the public to believe.
” The NCAA stance echoes similar claims made by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee during the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nassar , the former U.S. Olympic and USA Gymnastics women ’ s national team physician , is serving a 60-year federal prison sentence on child pornography charges .
He was also sentenced in Ingham County , Michigan , in January 2018 to 40-to-175 years for child sexual assault and 40-125 years in Eaton County , Michigan , on similar charges in February 2018 .
“ The NCAA is trying to take the same approach the Olympic committee took with Larry Nassar and other sexual predators and it ’ s not working out well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Georgetown Law Center graduate and founder and CEO of ChampionWomen , a non-profit advocacy group for women and girls in sports .
“ The NCAA has the authority and the power to remove an athlete or coach from within its system and have done so ( in cases not related to sex abuse ) .
So they can clearly do it.
” Aldrich said the NCAA is selectively choosing what misconduct it is addressing or ignoring .
For example , the NCAA routinely sanctions schools , coaches and athletes for recruiting or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire someone for that but they have a hard time coming out in public saying the coach we hired is having sex with their athlete , ” Aldrich said .
“ The mission statement of the NCAA is ‘ our purpose is to govern competition in a fair , safe , equitable and sportsman like manner and integrate and include intercollegiate athletes into higher education so the educational experience of the student athlete is paramount.
’ But the truth is that sexual assault ruins competition and the athlete ’ s educational experience .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ assault more intentionally then you ’ ve failed your mission statement.
” Aldrich , who also competed in the high jump at four World Championships , alleges in the suit that Rembao sexually abused her while she attended Arizona and sexually harassed her while he coached her at Texas .
Johnson and Bevins allege Rembao sexually abused and harassed them at Texas .
Both women said they gave up their scholarships at Texas because of the alleged sexual misconduct and transferred to Arkansas .
Johnson alleges Rembao licked her neck , touched in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sexual comments about her .
Rembao , Hogshead-Makar said , “ used the fact that he was their coach as a way to exert power over them.
” Rembao has said the charges against him are false .
Johnson , according to the suit , “ became increasingly depressed , had a hard time getting out of bed , developed an eating disorder ( alternating between starving herself and bingeing ) , and developed panic attacks .
She went to the University of Texas student health center , which prescribed her an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not effectively compete due to her mental and physical state.
” Bevins and Aldrich said they also suffer from depression related to Rembao ’ s alleged sexual abuse and harassment .
Johnson submitted a formal complaint to the University of Texas , according to the suit .
“ During the course of Texas ’ investigation , Rembao admitted to the majority of the conduct about which Ms. Johnson complained .
Nonetheless , Texas attacked Ms. Johnson , found that Rembao ’ s conduct did not constitute sexual misconduct , and led Ms. Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not have a claim against Texas or Rembao , ” the suit alleges .
In filing the suit in March , attorneys for the three women said , “ Student-athletes arrive at college with the expectation that they will become the best athlete they possibly can be under the supervision of educated , skilled , and fully vetted athletics department personnel looking out for their best interests .
The student-athletes trust and believe in these individuals because they are taught to do so from a young age , and accord their coaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unquestionable loyalty .
10 .
This trust – coupled with the NCAA ’ s failure to implement and enforce rules prohibiting sexual relations and abuse by athletic department personnel of student-athletes and failure to impose significant sanctions that would incentivize schools to report abuse and deter perpetrators – has created a national epidemic perpetuating a cycle of sexual abuse , similar to that seen in the Catholic Church .
“ Rather than create a system that requires member institutions to report coaches who are perpetrators to the NCAA , the NCAA has created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move unchecked among schools , prioritizing the protection of athletic revenue , alumni donations , and tuition that schools receive at the expense of student-athletes.
” The failure of the NCAA to enforce the suspensions or bans of coaches , athletes or officials sanctioned for sexual misconduct by SafeSport and/or national governing bodies , critics charge , raises questions about the organization ’ s commitment to athlete and student safety and allows alleged sexual predators access to college campuses .
The NCAA came under fire in January following a Southern California News Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coaches continued to coach at NCAA institutions while suspended by the U.S. Center for SafeSport or USA Volleyball , the sport ’ s national governing body , while under investigation for sexual misconduct .
• Raiders fans won ’ t get one last send-off at Napa training camp this summer • Did former 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick see this day from four years away ?
• Hotline newsletter : Black players and white coaches , a Covid-19 testing plan for the Pac-12 , USC ’ s recruiting rise and more The NCAA ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bans of coaches , athletes or officials sanctioned for sexual misconduct by SafeSport and/or national governing bodies , critics charge , raises questions about the organization ’ s commitment to athlete and student safety and allows alleged sexual predators access to college campuses .
“ The NCAA has no respect for the well being of the athletes they should be protecting , ” said Katherine Starr , a former All-American swimmer at Texas and founder of Safe4Athletes , a non-profit foundation that advocates for athletes and helps sports organizations adopt policies and programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ No coach should be above the moral and ethical responsibility of an institution , ” Starr , a two-time Olympian , continued .
“ When the NCAA is continuing to allow these coaches to coach at these schools , ignoring these suspensions , what message does that send ?
”

Olympic high jumper Erin Aldrich was not surprised when she read the NCAA’s latest response to the lawsuit she and two other track and field athletes filed against the organization.
Frustrated, yes, but not surprised.
The NCAA, facing a potential landmark class action lawsuit, said it has no legal obligation to protect student athletes against sexual abuse and harassment, according to a filing in U.S. District Court Northern District of California.
“You don’t expect a coward to come out and take responsibility,” Aldrich said. “They’ve basically responded sadly in the way they’ve responded for years.”
The NCAA in the filing also said it will ask Judge Edward J. Davila in July to dismiss the suit in which Aldrich and former Texas track athletes Jessica Johnson and Londa Bevins allege the NCAA has helped create a national sexual abuse epidemic by choosing not to implement rules or impose sanctions that would require member schools to take steps to prevent and report abuse by coaches and deter perpetrators.
“We aren’t hoping for change here. We are demanding change from the NCAA,” Aldrich said.
Aldrich, Johnson and Bevins allege in the suit filed in March that they were sexually abused and harassed by their coach John Rembao, long considered one of the world’s top high jump coaches.
Rembao, a former SMU head coach and Texas, Arizona, Stanford, and a Cal Poly/SLO assistant, was placed on temporary suspension for allegations of misconduct by the U.S. Center for SafeSport in December.
That abuse was enabled, the women allege, by the NCAA’s failure to establish rules addressing sexual misconduct and thus creating deterrents to sexual abuse and harassment.
“I absolutely feel like they’re selling us out,” Aldrich said. “They’re selling out all athletes by taking this huge step back and not protecting against sexual assault that happened during a time when a student athlete is at an age when it’s an incredibly important developmental time in their life.
“That’s when you need to them to be most present when they’re not.”
While acknowledging that sexual abuse is a major problem on the campuses of its member institutions, NCAA attorneys argue that the organization does not “owe” student athletes a legal duty to protect them.
“Colleges and universities across the country recognize that sexual abuse on their campuses is a serious problem, and the NCAA has supported its member institutions with resources those members can use on their respective campuses to combat sexual abuse,” attorneys wrote in a May 22 filing. “This case is not about whether the NCAA opposes sexual abuse and works to support its member institutions in eradicating it—it does.”
But NCAA attorneys argue “this case is about what the NCAA’s legal duty is to take action with respect to sexual abuse on campuses nationwide and, more specifically, what the NCAA’s legal responsibility is for the alleged sexual abuse (all outside California) by one track coach twenty years ago. The NCAA respectfully submits the Complaint is flawed as a matter of law and that all claims against the NCAA and its Board be dismissed and/or stricken.”
Specifically the NCAA argues are that “The direct negligence-based claims should be dismissed because the NCAA does not owe a related legally cognizable duty to Plaintiffs. The contract-based claims fail because there is no enforceable contract between Plaintiffs and the NCAA, nor were Plaintiffs third-party beneficiaries of any contract between the NCAA and its members. Finally, the indirect claims that allege the NCAA is vicariously liable for Rembao’s conduct are deficient because Rembao was not the NCAA’s agent and even if he was, the alleged abuse was outside the scope of his employment.”
The NCAA did not respond to requests for comment.
“We believe the law supports our claim that the NCAA has abrogated its responsibility,” said Elizabeth Fegan, an attorney for the three women. “Since we filed the case, we’ve heard from student-athletes with similar experiences, so this is certainly a broader, more widespread issue than the NCAA would like the public to believe.”
The NCAA stance echoes similar claims made by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee during the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal, according to Olympic swimming champion Nancy Hogshead-Makar.
Nassar, the former U.S. Olympic and USA Gymnastics women’s national team physician, is serving a 60-year federal prison sentence on child pornography charges. He was also sentenced in Ingham County, Michigan, in January 2018 to 40-to-175 years for child sexual assault and 40-125 years in Eaton County, Michigan, on similar charges in February 2018.
“The NCAA is trying to take the same approach the Olympic committee took with Larry Nassar and other sexual predators and it’s not working out well for them,” said Hogshead-Makar, a Georgetown Law Center graduate and founder and CEO of ChampionWomen, a non-profit advocacy group for women and girls in sports.
“The NCAA has the authority and the power to remove an athlete or coach from within its system and have done so (in cases not related to sex abuse). So they can clearly do it.”
Aldrich said the NCAA is selectively choosing what misconduct it is addressing or ignoring. For example, the NCAA routinely sanctions schools, coaches and athletes for recruiting or improper benefit violations.
“They can fire someone for that but they have a hard time coming out in public saying the coach we hired is having sex with their athlete,” Aldrich said. “The mission statement of the NCAA is ‘our purpose is to govern competition in a fair, safe, equitable and sportsman like manner and integrate and include intercollegiate athletes into higher education so the educational experience of the student athlete is paramount.’ But the truth is that sexual assault ruins competition and the athlete’s educational experience. If you don’t address sexual assault more intentionally then you’ve failed your mission statement.”
Aldrich, who also competed in the high jump at four World Championships, alleges in the suit that Rembao sexually abused her while she attended Arizona and sexually harassed her while he coached her at Texas.
Johnson and Bevins allege Rembao sexually abused and harassed them at Texas. Both women said they gave up their scholarships at Texas because of the alleged sexual misconduct and transferred to Arkansas.
Johnson alleges Rembao licked her neck, touched in her inappropriate ways and made a series of sexual comments about her.
Rembao, Hogshead-Makar said, “used the fact that he was their coach as a way to exert power over them.”
Rembao has said the charges against him are false.
Johnson, according to the suit, “became increasingly depressed, had a hard time getting out of bed, developed an eating disorder (alternating between starving herself and bingeing), and developed panic attacks. She went to the University of Texas student health center, which prescribed her an anti-depressant and sleeping pills. She could not effectively compete due to her mental and physical state.”
Bevins and Aldrich said they also suffer from depression related to Rembao’s alleged sexual abuse and harassment.
Johnson submitted a formal complaint to the University of Texas, according to the suit. “During the course of Texas’ investigation, Rembao admitted to the majority of the conduct about which Ms. Johnson complained. Nonetheless, Texas attacked Ms. Johnson, found that Rembao’s conduct did not constitute sexual misconduct, and led Ms. Johnson to believe she could not sue and/or did not have a claim against Texas or Rembao,” the suit alleges.
In filing the suit in March, attorneys for the three women said, “Student-athletes arrive at college with the expectation that they will become the best athlete they possibly can be under the supervision of educated, skilled, and fully vetted athletics department personnel looking out for their best interests. The student-athletes trust and believe in these individuals because they are taught to do so from a young age, and accord their coaches and trainers deference, respect, and unquestionable loyalty. 10. This trust – coupled with the NCAA’s failure to implement and enforce rules prohibiting sexual relations and abuse by athletic department personnel of student-athletes and failure to impose significant sanctions that would incentivize schools to report abuse and deter perpetrators – has created a national epidemic perpetuating a cycle of sexual abuse, similar to that seen in the Catholic Church.
“ Rather than create a system that requires member institutions to report coaches who are perpetrators to the NCAA, the NCAA has created a system that permits the perpetrators to move unchecked among schools, prioritizing the protection of athletic revenue, alumni donations, and tuition that schools receive at the expense of student-athletes.”
The failure of the NCAA to enforce the suspensions or bans of coaches, athletes or officials sanctioned for sexual misconduct by SafeSport and/or national governing bodies, critics charge, raises questions about the organization’s commitment to athlete and student safety and allows alleged sexual predators access to college campuses.
The NCAA came under fire in January following a Southern California News Group report detailing how two prominent college volleyball coaches continued to coach at NCAA institutions while suspended by the U.S. Center for SafeSport or USA Volleyball, the sport’s national governing body, while under investigation for sexual misconduct.
Related Articles Sports | Nearing rehab assignment, Mitch Haniger says time away from SF Giants has been ‘difficult’, ‘frustrating’
Nearing rehab assignment, Mitch Haniger says time away from SF Giants has been ‘difficult’, ‘frustrating’ Sports | Kurtenbach: The 49ers aren’t worried about Nick Bosa’s holdout. They should be
Kurtenbach: The 49ers aren’t worried about Nick Bosa’s holdout. They should be Sports | San Jose State football: Jenkins twins two of a kind in Spartans defense
San Jose State football: Jenkins twins two of a kind in Spartans defense Sports | High school football 2023 preview: EBAL Mountain Division
High school football 2023 preview: EBAL Mountain Division Sports | High school football 2023 preview: EBAL Valley Division The NCAA ‘s failure to enforce the suspensions or bans of coaches, athletes or officials sanctioned for sexual misconduct by SafeSport and/or national governing bodies, critics charge, raises questions about the organization’s commitment to athlete and student safety and allows alleged sexual predators access to college campuses.
“The NCAA has no respect for the well being of the athletes they should be protecting,” said Katherine Starr, a former All-American swimmer at Texas and founder of Safe4Athletes, a non-profit foundation that advocates for athletes and helps sports organizations adopt policies and programs to prevent the abuse of athletes.
“No coach should be above the moral and ethical responsibility of an institution,” Starr, a two-time Olympian, continued. “When the NCAA is continuing to allow these coaches to coach at these schools, ignoring these suspensions, what message does that send?”


mercurynews--2020-06-03--Another day of protests in Southern California marked by calm

Another day of protest in Southern California opened Tuesday morning with a moment of solidarity as officers outside of the Los Angeles Police Department ’ s headquarters knelt with protesters .
The ministers , pastors and priests in attendance at the rally said it was important to remain peaceful and that the actions of rioters were not helping their cause .
“ We can not allow this moment to go by without all of you understanding that we are here in the spirit of George Floyd , ” said the Rev .
K.W .
Tullos , president of the Baptist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do this the right way.
” The LAPD released a statement praising the day ’ s events : “ This afternoon we saw the best of Los Angeles .
Thousands of peaceful demonstrators marched in solidarity .
We will continue to facilitate everyone ’ s 1st Amendment right to assemble peacefully … we will continue to listen , learn , and grow.
” Protests in Hollywood , Venice , Brea and elsewhere unfolded peacefully throughout the day , perhaps signaling an easing of the tensions that flared into bursts of violence and property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a great crowd .
This is what Venice is all about , ” LAPD Capt .
Brian Morrison said during a peaceful march in the Westside beach community .
“ This whole thing is pulling at the heartstrings .
This is the way these things should be done .
So , I ’ m very proud of this community today.
” Cities and counties throughout the Southland instituted curfews yet again Tuesday with some , such as Beverly Hills , shutting down as early as 1 p.m .
Most pushed their curfews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County took a different approach and removed its curfew altogether .
V. Manuel Perez , chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors , explained the Sheriff ’ s Department did not believe a curfew was necessary moving forward .
The county is trying to find a balance and is cognizant of the fact that curfews can agitate , Perez said .
“ It ’ s important for people to recognize that their ability to protest is their right , ” Perez said .
Tuesday marks a full week of nationwide unrest over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Minneapolis on Memorial Day .
Floyd , who was accused of passing a counterfeit $ 20 bill at a corner convenience store , was killed when now-fired Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while other officers stood by .
Minnesota launched a civil rights investigation Tuesday into the Minneapolis Police Department that is designed to root out systemic racism , according to NBC News .
Despite the calmer mood at the protests , Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore continued to take flak for comments he made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death of Floyd .
“ His death is on their hands , as much as it is those officers , ” Moore said during a press conference .
Moore retracted the comment later that night and apologized for misspeaking .
“ While I did immediately correct myself , I recognize that my initial words were terribly offensive , ” Moore wrote on Twitter .
“ Looting is wrong , but it is not the equivalent of murder and I did not mean to equate the two .
I deeply regret and humbly apologize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioner ’ s meeting — which was hit with technical issues because of the sheer number of participants — weren ’ t interested in the apology .
They spent more than seven hours criticizing the LAPD and calling for Moore ’ s firing .
At one point , more than 26,000 people were watching KTLA ’ s live stream of the commission ’ s meeting , its first since the unrest began .
“ You don ’ t care about us , you don ’ t care about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You need to resign.
” Los Angeles continued to attract massive crowds , including at Mayor Eric Garcetti ’ s official residence in Windsor Square .
Thousands turned up for a Hollywood protest organized by the rapper YG , who released a new song disparaging police officers earlier in the morning .
On Twitter , YG later warned protesters to “ go home ” to avoid a potential clash with the National Guard .
That didn ’ t happen , and instead , the troops and protesters in Hollywood hugged , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t want to be here ; they shouldn ’ t have to be here , ” one emotional demonstrator told NBC LA during an interview .
The march spread out through Hollywood , ballooning to 10,000 people , according to LAPD estimates .
It broke up at points , with at least three groups fanning out on local streets , passing by Hollywood landmarks , guarded by troops , police and deputies .
NBC LA ’ s helicopter captured dozens of Humvees and armored vehicles rolling into the area about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , protesters knelt in an intersection and briefly blocked traffic on Sunset Boulevard .
Then later , a police line cut off a chanting crowd stopped on Hollywood Boulevard .
Organizers negotiated with police and officers eventually moved out of the way to let the protesters reconnect with another larger group .
Protesters — who hit the streets much earlier than Monday — were setting themselves apart from the looting and the vandalism that has hit the region for several days in places like the Fairfax District , Van Nuys , Santa Monica @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re marching for peace , ” said Darius Devime , 25 .
“ This is injustice .
So many of us have died .
We ’ re marching for the end of that .
We want to be treated as equals .
To feel safe , the people protecting us have to treat us like humans “ The looting has nothing to do with us , ” the Hollywood resident said .
“ Those are opportunists.
” Outside of City Hall in downtown Los Angeles , thousands gathered again in Grand Park to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some protesters briefly made their way on to the 110 Freeway , but then exited onto surface streets to head back to the Civic Center .
In Van Nuys , dozens of people gathered to clean up the aftermath of vandalism and looting surrounding Monday ’ s protest .
Despite police efforts to protect businesses in the low-income area nearby the protest , looters and vandals successfully targeted at least a dozen businesses , from Boost Mobile to immigrant-owned stalls in the Van Nuys Bazaar swap meet .
More than 300 arrests were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valley , according to LAPD Valley Bureau Cmdr .
Alan Hamilton .
Additionally , nearly 600 additional arrests were reportedly made by the Hollywood Division , according to media reports .
Most of the arrests in both areas related to the violation of curfews .
In San Pedro , a small gathering of about 40 people held signs outside the LAPD ’ s Harbor Division .
There , too , residents spoke against the looting caused by opportunists in other parts of the region .
Crowds ballooned to about a thousand in Manhattan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up businesses and an equally fortified City Hall .
Police closed off Manhattan Beach Boulevard below Ocean Drive , hemming in the growing crowd in a relatively small area .
That made physical distancing virtually impossible , although the vast majority of those in the crowd wore masks and officers offered them to those who didn ’ t .
The event took place the day after one was canceled at nearby Bruce ’ s Beach , the former site of the only beach blacks were allowed to use in the 1920s before a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ torn down .
Peaceful protests took place without incident in Pasadena and Whittier as well .
In San Bernardino County , the Board of Supervisors will vote whether to declare racism a public health crisis at its meeting next week .
District Attorney Jason Anderson and Public Defender Chris Gardner joined faith leaders and residents to voice their support for a public health declaration .
Pastors from churches throughout the county , including Kelvin Simmons , co-pastor at Immanuel Praise Fellowship in Rancho Cucamonga , called on supervisors to make the declaration .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminding us of something that has taken place before , before and before , ” Simmons said .
“ I represent people who are looking for an answer to the trauma — a stop to the trauma , that they can step outside and experience life , that they can jog down the street , they can go to the market , they can walk in the park without experiencing trauma.
” In Yucaipa , tensions flared between two groups : one protesting the death of Floyd and another made up of mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect the city .
The two groups came together in a Stater Bros. ’ parking lot and spoke loudly and passionately at each other , face to face , watched by security guards and deputies .
The tensions were a continuation from Monday night when , according to videos posted on social media , protesters and another group clashed in the city .
The message Tuesday , though , appeared to be about peace .
In Orange County , more than 300 demonstrators gathered in Brea with signs saying “ Your silence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough.
” Ace Brown , 30 , of Brea , made an impromptu plea to the crowd to keep the protest peaceful .
He expressed pride in the turnout , saying the group represented all walks of life .
Brown , a black man , said he recognizes the “ pain ” people are enduring .
“ We all react differently to suppression , ” he said .
“ But at the end of the day , we have to respect our city and protect our homes.
” Staff writers Jeff Horseman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rosenfeld , Ariella Plachta , Jeong Park , Tony Saavedra , Brian Rokos , Jennifer Iyer , and Nick Green contributed to this report .

Another day of protest in Southern California opened Tuesday morning with a moment of solidarity as officers outside of the Los Angeles Police Department’s headquarters knelt with protesters.
The ministers, pastors and priests in attendance at the rally said it was important to remain peaceful and that the actions of rioters were not helping their cause.
“We cannot allow this moment to go by without all of you understanding that we are here in the spirit of George Floyd,” said the Rev. K.W. Tullos, president of the Baptist Ministers Conference. “We wanted to do this the right way.”
The LAPD released a statement praising the day’s events: “This afternoon we saw the best of Los Angeles. Thousands of peaceful demonstrators marched in solidarity. We will continue to facilitate everyone’s 1st Amendment right to assemble peacefully … we will continue to listen, learn, and grow.”
Protests in Hollywood, Venice, Brea and elsewhere unfolded peacefully throughout the day, perhaps signaling an easing of the tensions that flared into bursts of violence and property damage over the weekend.
“This is a great crowd. This is what Venice is all about,” LAPD Capt. Brian Morrison said during a peaceful march in the Westside beach community. “This whole thing is pulling at the heartstrings. This is the way these things should be done. So, I’m very proud of this community today.”
Curfews return
Cities and counties throughout the Southland instituted curfews yet again Tuesday with some, such as Beverly Hills, shutting down as early as 1 p.m. Most pushed their curfews back to 6 p.m., while Riverside County took a different approach and removed its curfew altogether.
V. Manuel Perez, chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, explained the Sheriff’s Department did not believe a curfew was necessary moving forward. The county is trying to find a balance and is cognizant of the fact that curfews can agitate, Perez said.
“It’s important for people to recognize that their ability to protest is their right,” Perez said.
Tuesday marks a full week of nationwide unrest over the police killing of 46-year-old George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day. Floyd, who was accused of passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a corner convenience store, was killed when now-fired Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while other officers stood by.
Minnesota launched a civil rights investigation Tuesday into the Minneapolis Police Department that is designed to root out systemic racism, according to NBC News.
LAPD chief under fire
Despite the calmer mood at the protests, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore continued to take flak for comments he made Monday blaming looters in part for the death of Floyd.
“His death is on their hands, as much as it is those officers,” Moore said during a press conference.
Moore retracted the comment later that night and apologized for misspeaking.
“While I did immediately correct myself, I recognize that my initial words were terribly offensive,” Moore wrote on Twitter. “Looting is wrong, but it is not the equivalent of murder and I did not mean to equate the two. I deeply regret and humbly apologize for my characterization.”
Speakers during the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioner’s meeting — which was hit with technical issues because of the sheer number of participants — weren’t interested in the apology. They spent more than seven hours criticizing the LAPD and calling for Moore’s firing. At one point, more than 26,000 people were watching KTLA’s live stream of the commission’s meeting, its first since the unrest began.
“You don’t care about us, you don’t care about black lives,” one caller said. “You need to resign.”
Los Angeles continued to attract massive crowds, including at Mayor Eric Garcetti’s official residence in Windsor Square.
Rapper organizes Hollywood protest
Thousands turned up for a Hollywood protest organized by the rapper YG, who released a new song disparaging police officers earlier in the morning. On Twitter, YG later warned protesters to “go home” to avoid a potential clash with the National Guard. That didn’t happen, and instead, the troops and protesters in Hollywood hugged, shook hands and brushed elbows.
“I don’t want to be here; they shouldn’t have to be here,” one emotional demonstrator told NBC LA during an interview.
The march spread out through Hollywood, ballooning to 10,000 people, according to LAPD estimates. It broke up at points, with at least three groups fanning out on local streets, passing by Hollywood landmarks, guarded by troops, police and deputies. NBC LA’s helicopter captured dozens of Humvees and armored vehicles rolling into the area about 4 p.m.
Earlier in the day, protesters knelt in an intersection and briefly blocked traffic on Sunset Boulevard. Then later, a police line cut off a chanting crowd stopped on Hollywood Boulevard. Organizers negotiated with police and officers eventually moved out of the way to let the protesters reconnect with another larger group.
‘Marching for peace’
Protesters — who hit the streets much earlier than Monday — were setting themselves apart from the looting and the vandalism that has hit the region for several days in places like the Fairfax District, Van Nuys, Santa Monica and Long Beach.
“We’re marching for peace,” said Darius Devime, 25. “This is injustice. So many of us have died. We’re marching for the end of that. We want to be treated as equals. To feel safe, the people protecting us have to treat us like humans
“The looting has nothing to do with us,” the Hollywood resident said. “Those are opportunists.”
Outside of City Hall in downtown Los Angeles, thousands gathered again in Grand Park to peacefully protest. Before 2 p.m., some protesters briefly made their way on to the 110 Freeway, but then exited onto surface streets to head back to the Civic Center.
In Van Nuys, dozens of people gathered to clean up the aftermath of vandalism and looting surrounding Monday’s protest. Despite police efforts to protect businesses in the low-income area nearby the protest, looters and vandals successfully targeted at least a dozen businesses, from Boost Mobile to immigrant-owned stalls in the Van Nuys Bazaar swap meet. More than 300 arrests were made Monday night in the San Fernando Valley, according to LAPD Valley Bureau Cmdr. Alan Hamilton.
Additionally, nearly 600 additional arrests were reportedly made by the Hollywood Division, according to media reports. Most of the arrests in both areas related to the violation of curfews.
Smaller community protests
In San Pedro, a small gathering of about 40 people held signs outside the LAPD’s Harbor Division. There, too, residents spoke against the looting caused by opportunists in other parts of the region.
Crowds ballooned to about a thousand in Manhattan Beach as protesters set up near boarded up businesses and an equally fortified City Hall. Police closed off Manhattan Beach Boulevard below Ocean Drive, hemming in the growing crowd in a relatively small area. That made physical distancing virtually impossible, although the vast majority of those in the crowd wore masks and officers offered them to those who didn’t.
The event took place the day after one was canceled at nearby Bruce’s Beach, the former site of the only beach blacks were allowed to use in the 1920s before a resort that catered to them there was torn down.
Peaceful protests took place without incident in Pasadena and Whittier as well.
Is racism a public health crisis?
In San Bernardino County, the Board of Supervisors will vote whether to declare racism a public health crisis at its meeting next week.
District Attorney Jason Anderson and Public Defender Chris Gardner joined faith leaders and residents to voice their support for a public health declaration. Pastors from churches throughout the county, including Kelvin Simmons, co-pastor at Immanuel Praise Fellowship in Rancho Cucamonga, called on supervisors to make the declaration.
“What we’re experiencing is reminding us of something that has taken place before, before and before,” Simmons said. “I represent people who are looking for an answer to the trauma — a stop to the trauma, that they can step outside and experience life, that they can jog down the street, they can go to the market, they can walk in the park without experiencing trauma.”
In Yucaipa, tensions flared between two groups: one protesting the death of Floyd and another made up of mostly white men who said they were there to protect the city. The two groups came together in a Stater Bros.’ parking lot and spoke loudly and passionately at each other, face to face, watched by security guards and deputies. The tensions were a continuation from Monday night when, according to videos posted on social media, protesters and another group clashed in the city.
The message Tuesday, though, appeared to be about peace.
Orange County protest peaceful
In Orange County, more than 300 demonstrators gathered in Brea with signs saying “Your silence is deafening” and “Enough is enough.”
Ace Brown, 30, of Brea, made an impromptu plea to the crowd to keep the protest peaceful. He expressed pride in the turnout, saying the group represented all walks of life.
Brown, a black man, said he recognizes the “pain” people are enduring.
“We all react differently to suppression,” he said. “But at the end of the day, we have to respect our city and protect our homes.”
Similar events occurred in Rancho Santa Margarita, Los Alamitos and Yorba Linda.
Staff writers Jeff Horseman, Pierce Singgih, Ryan Carter, David Rosenfeld, Ariella Plachta, Jeong Park, Tony Saavedra, Brian Rokos, Jennifer Iyer, and Nick Green contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: California doctor suspended for video shaming health-care workers sues hospital

A physician has filed a lawsuit challenging her suspension from St. Joseph Hospital for posting a Facebook video shaming health-care workers who failed to practice social distancing outside an Orange restaurant .
The 38-page complaint , filed in Orange County Superior Court , says Dr. Ana Sanchez shot a March 27 video at Blue Bowl Superfoods to demonstrate a disregard for COVID-19 safety among some St. Joseph employees .
“ Dr .
Sanchez recorded her encounter with the congregants because of her concerns that those individuals , especially those who were health care workers , were endangering existing patients and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit says .
Sanchez , an obstetrician-gynecologist , claims officials at the Orange hospital are retaliating against her for a pattern of whistleblowing .
She is seeking unspecified damages and restoration of her clinical privileges at St. Joseph .
Henry Fenton , a Los Angeles attorney representing Sanchez , said his client could not discuss the lawsuit or video .
St. Joseph ’ s Medical Executive Committee , an independent body of physicians who providepatient care oversight for the hospital , said in a statement Monday there has been no retaliation against Sanchez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible discipline she has received .
“ Any disciplinary actions taken by the medical staff are in response to the medical staff and hospital ’ s legal and moral obligations to keep patients and caregivers safe , ” the statement says .
“ St .
Joseph Hospital and its medical staff remain committed to providing the highest quality of care to its patients and insuring a fair procedure and justice for its physicians.
” Sanchez ’ s video was shot nearly a week after Dr. Nichole Quick , Orange County ’ s health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 requiring social distancing of at least 6 feet for those delivering and picking up food .
In the three-minute video , Sanchez appears to catch off guard those lined up outside Blue Bowl for.lunch .
She peppers the crowd , most of whom are not wearing protective masks , with questions about their employment .
After some in the queue acknowledge they work at St.Joseph and Children ’ s Hospital of Orange County , Sanchez identities herself as a doctor , and can be heard in the video scolding them for standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You guys ought to be ashamed of yourself , ” Sanchez tells the crowd .
“ Don ’ t you care about the work that you do ?
Why are you giving other people coronavirus or getting coronavirus ?
Don ’ t you take it seriously ?
Peoples ’ lives are on the line.
” The video was taken during a free lunch event for hospital workers financed through a GoFundMe campaign , Blue Bowl co-owner Teague Savitch said in an email .
“ When the pandemic began to really impact our health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small businesses , we were faced with steep losses in revenue and we were looking for ways to both keep our doors open for business and support health-care workers on the front lines , ” Savitch said .
The 2-month-old video was shot when “ the world looked different than today , ” he added .
“ The video happened during a time before face-covering mandates became commonplace , Savitch said .
“ Our staff was frequently asking that people in line maintain social distancing , We were trying to do a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide steady work for our staff.
” Officials with Children ’ s Hospital of Orange County did not return phone calls and emails seeking comment about the video .
Dr. Brian Boyd , St. Joseph ’ s chief of staff , notified Sanchez in a March 31 letter that her clinical privileges had been suspended because the Medical Executive Committee determined she posed an imminent risk of harming patients Boyd said Sanchez tried to instill fear and a lack of public confidence that hospital personnel at St. Joseph and nearby Children ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus back to patients .
The video created unnecessary stress on hospital staff and may have prompted some patients to hesitate or delay in seeking treatment for COVID-19 , Boyd said in the letter .
The suspension will be reported to the state medical board and remain in effect until Sanchez undergoes a psychiatric evaluation to determine if she is fit to return to her duties at the hospital , he added .
On March 30 , two days after the video was posted on YouTube , Sanchez sent an email to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s chief medical officer , detailing other social distancing problems at the hospital .
“ I was shocked to see that nurses were sitting at the nursing station one to two feet away from each other , not wearing any masks , ” she wrote in the email .
“ No one was using the space in the hallways , and the portable computers , to socially distance themselves from each other .
It looked to me like the clerks at Ace Hardware store had received better training on infection control than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also wrote that while in a delivery room , none of the nurses and neither the patient nor her husband were wearing protective masks .
“ The prudent thing to do is to assume that everyone has COVID-19 but is asymptomatic , ” she said in the email .
“ That means all staff in the delivery room should be wearing N95 ( masks ) .
” Sanchez further complained St. Joseph physicians were having a “ hell of a time ” obtaining the masks.. “ Some of us are still taking care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network even though we belong to high risk age groups , because we want to be here for our patients and keep taking care of them , ” she wrote to hospital officials .
“ It ’ s time to show some leadership , stop treating us like step-children , and demonstrate some concern for our safety.
” In their statement , St. Joseph officials say the hospital now has sufficient personal protective equipment to protect its staff from COVID-19 .
“ We have been successful with these efforts and have expanded usage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shields to all caregivers who are in contact with COVID-19 patients , ” the statement says .
Sanchez and St. Joseph officials have a lingering history of disputes regarding patient care .
In 2018 , Sanchez came under fire after she advocated for the safety of a pregnant patient whom she contends had improperly been sent from St. Joseph ’ s emergency department to the labor and delivery unit , according to the lawsuit .
“ Dr .
Sanchez attempted to have the patient transferred back to the Emergency Department based on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead castigated and rebuffed by the emergency room physician , ” the complaint says .
Then , in June 2019 , Sanchez wrote a letter to St. Joseph ’ s Board of Trustees expressing concern about the hospital ’ s new policies restricting the use of Pitocin , a medication prescribed to speed up or induce labor .
Additionally , the California Department of Public Health , following an inspection in December 2019 , substantiated a complaint from Sanchez that a nurse at St. Joseph failed to ensure a mother and her unborn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was receiving Cytotec , a drug used to induce labor , according to records obtained by the Southern California News Group .
Inspectors also determined the nurse failed to ensure the fetal monitor alarm was audible , per the hospital ’ s protocols .
St. Joseph fired the nurse , who was employed by an independent staffing agency , and submitted a corrective action plan to the state , records show .
The lawsuit says St. Joseph officials have repeatedly criticized Sanchez for her disruptive behavior , made her sign a behavioral contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for peer review by medical staff .
However , it appears in light of the recent video , those disciplinary measures have had little impact , according to Boyd .
• New San Jose order requires face coverings .
Here are the rules .
• More changes to Santa Clara County ’ s stay-at-home still weeks away , health officials say “ Your unprofessional disruptive behavior continues , ” he wrote in an email to Sanchez .
” You agreed , among other things , to come to the medical staff leadership with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolved when dealing directly with staff and to refrain from engaging in any behavior that is outside of of protocol or that could be viewed as unprofessional .
This current event violates your agreement and can reasonably be expected to affect patient care.
” As of Tuesday more that 1,300 signatures had been collected demanding that Gov .
Gavin Newsom and St. Joseph reinstate Sanchez .
Fenton dismissed claims that his client is disruptive , instead describing her as brave .
“ This case reinforces the fact that all of us are responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing and wearing masks , to end this epidemic and protect our neighbors and fellow citizens from the Covid 19 virus , ” he said .
“ Dr .
Sanchez serves as an example for all of us , as someone , in fact , a highly skilled and highly educated physician , who was willing to risk retaliation against her , for advocating and standing up for patients and her fellow health care workers .
”

A physician has filed a lawsuit challenging her suspension from St. Joseph Hospital for posting a Facebook video shaming health-care workers who failed to practice social distancing outside an Orange restaurant.
The 38-page complaint, filed in Orange County Superior Court, says Dr. Ana Sanchez shot a March 27 video at Blue Bowl Superfoods to demonstrate a disregard for COVID-19 safety among some St. Joseph employees.
“Dr. Sanchez recorded her encounter with the congregants because of her concerns that those individuals, especially those who were health care workers, were endangering existing patients and other health care workers,” the lawsuit says.
Sanchez, an obstetrician-gynecologist, claims officials at the Orange hospital are retaliating against her for a pattern of whistleblowing. She is seeking unspecified damages and restoration of her clinical privileges at St. Joseph.
Henry Fenton, a Los Angeles attorney representing Sanchez, said his client could not discuss the lawsuit or video.
St. Joseph’s Medical Executive Committee, an independent body of physicians who providepatient care oversight for the hospital, said in a statement Monday there has been no retaliation against Sanchez, but did not elaborate on any possible discipline she has received.
“Any disciplinary actions taken by the medical staff are in response to the medical staff and hospital’s legal and moral obligations to keep patients and caregivers safe,” the statement says. “St. Joseph Hospital and its medical staff remain committed to providing the highest quality of care to its patients and insuring a fair procedure and justice for its physicians.”
Co-workers caught off guard
Sanchez’s video was shot nearly a week after Dr. Nichole Quick, Orange County’s health care officer, issued an order March 18 requiring social distancing of at least 6 feet for those delivering and picking up food.
In the three-minute video, Sanchez appears to catch off guard those lined up outside Blue Bowl for.lunch. She peppers the crowd, most of whom are not wearing protective masks, with questions about their employment.
After some in the queue acknowledge they work at St.Joseph and Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Sanchez identities herself as a doctor, and can be heard in the video scolding them for standing less than 6 feet apart.
“You guys ought to be ashamed of yourself,” Sanchez tells the crowd. “Don’t you care about the work that you do? Why are you giving other people coronavirus or getting coronavirus? Don’t you take it seriously? Peoples’ lives are on the line.”
The video was taken during a free lunch event for hospital workers financed through a GoFundMe campaign, Blue Bowl co-owner Teague Savitch said in an email.
“When the pandemic began to really impact our health system and the economy, like many small businesses, we were faced with steep losses in revenue and we were looking for ways to both keep our doors open for business and support health-care workers on the front lines,” Savitch said.
The 2-month-old video was shot when “the world looked different than today,” he added.
“The video happened during a time before face-covering mandates became commonplace, Savitch said. “Our staff was frequently asking that people in line maintain social distancing, We were trying to do a good deed for the local hospital community and provide steady work for our staff.”
Officials with Children’s Hospital of Orange County did not return phone calls and emails seeking comment about the video.
Video angers hospital officials
Dr. Brian Boyd, St. Joseph’s chief of staff, notified Sanchez in a March 31 letter that her clinical privileges had been suspended because the Medical Executive Committee determined she posed an imminent risk of harming patients
Boyd said Sanchez tried to instill fear and a lack of public confidence that hospital personnel at St. Joseph and nearby Children’s Hospital of Orange County were knowingly bringing the coronavirus back to patients.
The video created unnecessary stress on hospital staff and may have prompted some patients to hesitate or delay in seeking treatment for COVID-19, Boyd said in the letter.
The suspension will be reported to the state medical board and remain in effect until Sanchez undergoes a psychiatric evaluation to determine if she is fit to return to her duties at the hospital, he added.
Doctor cites other problems
On March 30, two days after the video was posted on YouTube, Sanchez sent an email to Dr. Scott Rusk, St. Joseph’s chief medical officer, detailing other social distancing problems at the hospital.
“I was shocked to see that nurses were sitting at the nursing station one to two feet away from each other, not wearing any masks,” she wrote in the email. “No one was using the space in the hallways, and the portable computers, to socially distance themselves from each other. It looked to me like the clerks at Ace Hardware store had received better training on infection control than the nurses on the second floor.”
Sanchez also wrote that while in a delivery room, none of the nurses and neither the patient nor her husband were wearing protective masks.
“The prudent thing to do is to assume that everyone has COVID-19 but is asymptomatic,” she said in the email. “That means all staff in the delivery room should be wearing N95 (masks).”
Sanchez further complained St. Joseph physicians were having a “hell of a time” obtaining the masks..
“Some of us are still taking care of patients in the St. Joseph Hospital network even though we belong to high risk age groups, because we want to be here for our patients and keep taking care of them,” she wrote to hospital officials. “It’s time to show some leadership, stop treating us like step-children, and demonstrate some concern for our safety.”
In their statement, St. Joseph officials say the hospital now has sufficient personal protective equipment to protect its staff from COVID-19.
“We have been successful with these efforts and have expanded usage of N95 masks, goggles and/or face shields to all caregivers who are in contact with COVID-19 patients,” the statement says.
History of bad blood
Sanchez and St. Joseph officials have a lingering history of disputes regarding patient care.
In 2018, Sanchez came under fire after she advocated for the safety of a pregnant patient whom she contends had improperly been sent from St. Joseph’s emergency department to the labor and delivery unit, according to the lawsuit.
“Dr. Sanchez attempted to have the patient transferred back to the Emergency Department based on the patient’s condition, but was instead castigated and rebuffed by the emergency room physician,” the complaint says.
Then, in June 2019, Sanchez wrote a letter to St. Joseph’s Board of Trustees expressing concern about the hospital’s new policies restricting the use of Pitocin, a medication prescribed to speed up or induce labor.
Additionally, the California Department of Public Health, following an inspection in December 2019, substantiated a complaint from Sanchez that a nurse at St. Joseph failed to ensure a mother and her unborn baby received appropriate monitoring while the patient was receiving Cytotec, a drug used to induce labor, according to records obtained by the Southern California News Group.
Inspectors also determined the nurse failed to ensure the fetal monitor alarm was audible, per the hospital’s protocols.
St. Joseph fired the nurse, who was employed by an independent staffing agency, and submitted a corrective action plan to the state, records show.
Criticized for disruptive behavior
The lawsuit says St. Joseph officials have repeatedly criticized Sanchez for her disruptive behavior, made her sign a behavioral contract, and have flagged her patient files for peer review by medical staff.
However, it appears in light of the recent video, those disciplinary measures have had little impact, according to Boyd.
Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Health | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds Health | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Health | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge “Your unprofessional disruptive behavior continues,” he wrote in an email to Sanchez. ” You agreed, among other things, to come to the medical staff leadership with any concerns you believed could not be resolved when dealing directly with staff and to refrain from engaging in any behavior that is outside of of protocol or that could be viewed as unprofessional. This current event violates your agreement and can reasonably be expected to affect patient care.”
As of Tuesday more that 1,300 signatures had been collected demanding that Gov. Gavin Newsom and St. Joseph reinstate Sanchez.
Fenton dismissed claims that his client is disruptive, instead describing her as brave.
“This case reinforces the fact that all of us are responsible to carry out simple steps like social distancing and wearing masks, to end this epidemic and protect our neighbors and fellow citizens from the Covid 19 virus,” he said. “Dr. Sanchez serves as an example for all of us, as someone, in fact, a highly skilled and highly educated physician, who was willing to risk retaliation against her, for advocating and standing up for patients and her fellow health care workers.”


mercurynews--2020-06-03--When people don’t feel heard, protests can turn into riots and more, experts say

Watching images of buildings on fire , shattered storefronts and armfuls of impulsively snatched merchandise stirs a sense of déjà vu for Bob Taylor .
The retired Los Angeles Police Department commander saw the 1992 riots so up-close a rock smashed his patrol car windshield .
“ It ’ s sadly reminiscent , ” Taylor said .
“ I just saw on TV a woman at her nail salon , with debris all over the floor .
Why break into a nail salon ?
What are you going to take ?
That woman put her whole life into her business.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ exploded after the acquittal of four police officers who – years before omnipresent cellphone cameras – were videotaped beating Rodney King , an African American pulled over in a traffic stop .
Today ’ s protests and riots follow the death of George Floyd , an unarmed African American man heard pleading for air as a Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee on his neck .
Law enforcement and political leaders around the country swiftly condemned the actions of the officers involved .
Black Lives Matter and other civil rights groups organized protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that generally began passionate yet peaceful .
However , several demonstrations have deteriorated into chaos , arson and looting .
Protests can reach that breaking point when groups of people feel “ their voices just aren ’ t being heard , ” said José I. Rodríguez , a communications scientist at Cal State Long Beach .
“ If people feel justice is for others but not for them , they become disenfranchised , ” Rodriguez said .
“ They go to the streets to reclaim their significance and express frustration.
” Several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It can be an act of sheer desperation , or unbridled anger , or moral indignation , ” Rodriguez said .
“ Then there ’ s herd mentality and the human tendency to conform .
People see other people doing it and think , I ’ m going to do it , too.
” In 1992 , Taylor said he witnessed “ mob mentality develop.
” “ People who don ’ t originally go to the demonstration with the idea of throwing rocks get caught up in what they see , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drown out the reason for protests in the first place , said Gregory Akili , an organizer with the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter – which advocates against police brutality .
Still , he said , the center of the conversation must remain George Floyd .
“ I do not take responsibility for behavior I don ’ t agree with , nor do I know their motivations , ” Akili said .
“ That ’ s on them .
I take responsibility for challenging the conditions that brought us to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vandalism can also occur after a hometown sports team victory – such as when the Los Angeles Lakers have won NBA championships .
“ People act crazy , ” he said .
“ But that didn ’ t take away from the fact that the team won.
” Fearful that their protests could slide into violence , some organizers have even pulled the plug .
A group of UCLA students planned a demonstration in Westwood Village on Monday , June 1 , but then posted on social media : “ We are deeply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be hijacked by individuals seeking to commit crimes and damage business and property.
” Social media allows people on both ends of the spectrum to coordinate quickly , Rodriguez said .
In Huntington Beach , for instance , Facebook pages called on counter-protesters to show up for a demonstration planned Sunday , May 31 .
“ Instigators encourage people to engage with the other side , which serves to heighten emotions , ” Rodriguez said .
Based on surveys taken by Loyola Marymount University statisticians , the current unrest does not come as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles area .
LMU ’ s StudyLA has conducted polls every five years since 1992 to monitor concerns about race relations .
In 2017 , the poll found that residents were less hopeful than they had been in 20 years – with 58 % predicting that civil disturbance could happen within five years .
“ It ’ s not surprising that we would find ourselves in this situation again , ” said Brianne Gilbert , who coauthored the most recent study .
“ The ridiculous treatment of African Americans continues .
Tension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it subsides , but it is not rectified.
” Tustin Police Chief Stu Greenberg said riots are the result of “ different people with different motivations.
” “ In general , demonstrators truly are out there to be heard to to exercise their constitutional rights , ” Greenberg said .
“ But then you have the other people – the opportunists who come and take advantage of the chaos .
Often , they don ’ t even care about the cause.
” Tustin has not experienced rioting .
But in all cities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the perfect storm for unrest , ” Greenberg said .
“ We have been dealing with a pandemic , and everyone is at the end of their rope , ” Greenberg said .
“ And we are in an election year , with political campaigns and rallies and everything that naturally goes with it.
” This may be the beginning of a long summer and fall , Greenberg added .
“ We ’ re not going to get much of a break .
This is going to go right up to the election @ @

Watching images of buildings on fire, shattered storefronts and armfuls of impulsively snatched merchandise stirs a sense of déjà vu for Bob Taylor.
The retired Los Angeles Police Department commander saw the 1992 riots so up-close a rock smashed his patrol car windshield.
“It’s sadly reminiscent,” Taylor said. “I just saw on TV a woman at her nail salon, with debris all over the floor. Why break into a nail salon? What are you going to take? That woman put her whole life into her business.”
Twenty-eight years ago, civil unrest exploded after the acquittal of four police officers who – years before omnipresent cellphone cameras – were videotaped beating Rodney King, an African American pulled over in a traffic stop.
Today’s protests and riots follow the death of George Floyd, an unarmed African American man heard pleading for air as a Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee on his neck.
Law enforcement and political leaders around the country swiftly condemned the actions of the officers involved.
Black Lives Matter and other civil rights groups organized protests nationwide, including all over Southern California, that generally began passionate yet peaceful. However, several demonstrations have deteriorated into chaos, arson and looting.
Protests can reach that breaking point when groups of people feel “their voices just aren’t being heard,” said José I. Rodríguez, a communications scientist at Cal State Long Beach.
“If people feel justice is for others but not for them, they become disenfranchised,” Rodriguez said. “They go to the streets to reclaim their significance and express frustration.”
Several factors can lead to a free-for-all. “It can be an act of sheer desperation, or unbridled anger, or moral indignation,” Rodriguez said. “Then there’s herd mentality and the human tendency to conform. People see other people doing it and think, I’m going to do it, too.”
In 1992, Taylor said he witnessed “mob mentality develop.”
“People who don’t originally go to the demonstration with the idea of throwing rocks get caught up in what they see,” he said.
Rioting and looting can drown out the reason for protests in the first place, said Gregory Akili, an organizer with the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter – which advocates against police brutality.
Still, he said, the center of the conversation must remain George Floyd.
“I do not take responsibility for behavior I don’t agree with, nor do I know their motivations,” Akili said. “That’s on them. I take responsibility for challenging the conditions that brought us to this point.”
Akili noted that riots and vandalism can also occur after a hometown sports team victory – such as when the Los Angeles Lakers have won NBA championships. “People act crazy,” he said. “But that didn’t take away from the fact that the team won.”
Fearful that their protests could slide into violence, some organizers have even pulled the plug. A group of UCLA students planned a demonstration in Westwood Village on Monday, June 1, but then posted on social media: “We are deeply concerned that a peaceful protest today could be hijacked by individuals seeking to commit crimes and damage business and property.”
Social media allows people on both ends of the spectrum to coordinate quickly, Rodriguez said. In Huntington Beach, for instance, Facebook pages called on counter-protesters to show up for a demonstration planned Sunday, May 31.
“Instigators encourage people to engage with the other side, which serves to heighten emotions,” Rodriguez said.
Based on surveys taken by Loyola Marymount University statisticians, the current unrest does not come as a shock to most people in the Los Angeles area.
LMU’s StudyLA has conducted polls every five years since 1992 to monitor concerns about race relations. In 2017, the poll found that residents were less hopeful than they had been in 20 years – with 58% predicting that civil disturbance could happen within five years.
“It’s not surprising that we would find ourselves in this situation again,” said Brianne Gilbert, who coauthored the most recent study. “The ridiculous treatment of African Americans continues. Tension builds until it bubbles over. Then it subsides, but it is not rectified.”
Tustin Police Chief Stu Greenberg said riots are the result of “different people with different motivations.”
“In general, demonstrators truly are out there to be heard to to exercise their constitutional rights,” Greenberg said. “But then you have the other people – the opportunists who come and take advantage of the chaos. Often, they don’t even care about the cause.”
Tustin has not experienced rioting. But in all cities, a convergence of circumstances has created “the perfect storm for unrest,” Greenberg said.
“We have been dealing with a pandemic, and everyone is at the end of their rope,” Greenberg said. “And we are in an election year, with political campaigns and rallies and everything that naturally goes with it.”
This may be the beginning of a long summer and fall, Greenberg added. “We’re not going to get much of a break. This is going to go right up to the election.”


mercurynews--2020-06-03--Disneyland wants to deliver Monte Cristo sandwiches and Dole Whips to your home

Disneyland foodies who have been craving Monte Cristo sandwiches , Mickey Mouse-shaped Beignets , Churro Toffee and Dole Whips during the coronavirus closure of the Anaheim theme park may someday be able to get their culinary favorites delivered directly to their home .
Disneyland annual passholders who were asked a series of survey questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic were thrown a curveball query about home delivery of Disneyland food and beverages , according to MiceChat .
“ Disney is always considering new ideas and we ’ d like to get your opinions about a few of those now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most intriguing possibility : How likely would you be to order Disneyland prepared food and beverages delivered to your home ?
MiceChat called the proposed Disneyland version of a Doordash or UberEats for Disney corn dogs , churros and funnel cakes a “ bizarre concept.
” SEE ALSO : Disneyland surveys passholders about masks , temperature checks and health questionnaires But is it ?
Restaurants have seen a surge in home delivery , curbside pickup and drive-through traffic since the COVID-19 pandemic closed dining rooms and forced Americans to try new food-to-go options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same thing ?
The demand is definitely there .
Social media has been flooded with # stayathome recipes for Disneyland menu favorites ever since the COVID-19 pandemic closed the Anaheim theme parks in mid-March .
Disneyland fans longing for a taste of the Happiest Place on Earth have been hungry for any reminder of the parks .
There have been copycat recipes for Blue Milk from Star Wars : Galaxy ’ s Edge and the Polynesian Pearl cocktail from Trader Sam ’ s Enchanted Tiki Bar .
The Disney Food Blog has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eggs Benedict , the PCH Grill ’ s Chocolate , Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast and the Cafe Orleans Monte Cristo sandwich .
Even Disney has gotten in on the theme park food fever by posting official recipes for Churro Bites , Kitchen Sink Sundaes and Mickey Mouse Beignets .
And Disney food fans are eating it up .
A video with a Disney chef from the Lamplight Lounge at California Adventure showing forlorn fans how to make PB and J Rolls at home has garnered 339,000 likes on Facebook .
Could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home delivery service be far behind ?
Disney will have to see what the survey says .
• Disneyland and other California theme parks can reopen in Stage 3 , state says • Photos : Here ’ s what Shanghai Disneyland looks like after the coronavirus • Shanghai Disneyland reopens , serving as blueprint for Disney ’ s California and Florida parks Disney ’ s two Anaheim theme parks , three hotels and outdoor shopping mall remain closed until further notice amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Disneyland and other California theme parks can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gavin Newsom ’ s four-stage road map for reopening the state ’ s economy .
A firm date has not been established for when California theme parks can reopen .

Disneyland foodies who have been craving Monte Cristo sandwiches, Mickey Mouse-shaped Beignets, Churro Toffee and Dole Whips during the coronavirus closure of the Anaheim theme park may someday be able to get their culinary favorites delivered directly to their home.
Disneyland annual passholders who were asked a series of survey questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic were thrown a curveball query about home delivery of Disneyland food and beverages, according to MiceChat.
“Disney is always considering new ideas and we’d like to get your opinions about a few of those now,” the Disneyland survey said.
The most intriguing possibility: How likely would you be to order Disneyland prepared food and beverages delivered to your home?
MiceChat called the proposed Disneyland version of a Doordash or UberEats for Disney corn dogs, churros and funnel cakes a “bizarre concept.”
SEE ALSO: Disneyland surveys passholders about masks, temperature checks and health questionnaires
But is it?
Restaurants have seen a surge in home delivery, curbside pickup and drive-through traffic since the COVID-19 pandemic closed dining rooms and forced Americans to try new food-to-go options.
Why couldn’t Disneyland do the same thing? The demand is definitely there.
Social media has been flooded with #stayathome recipes for Disneyland menu favorites ever since the COVID-19 pandemic closed the Anaheim theme parks in mid-March. Disneyland fans longing for a taste of the Happiest Place on Earth have been hungry for any reminder of the parks.
There have been copycat recipes for Blue Milk from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the Polynesian Pearl cocktail from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar.
The Disney Food Blog has posted knockoff recipes for the Steakhouse 55 Eggs Benedict, the PCH Grill’s Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast and the Cafe Orleans Monte Cristo sandwich.
Even Disney has gotten in on the theme park food fever by posting official recipes for Churro Bites, Kitchen Sink Sundaes and Mickey Mouse Beignets.
And Disney food fans are eating it up. A video with a Disney chef from the Lamplight Lounge at California Adventure showing forlorn fans how to make PB and J Rolls at home has garnered 339,000 likes on Facebook.
Could a Disneydash or MickeyEats food and beverage home delivery service be far behind? Disney will have to see what the survey says.
Related Articles Restaurants, Food and Drink | Universal calls on its Minions to win the family market from Disney
Universal calls on its Minions to win the family market from Disney Restaurants, Food and Drink | Disneyland braces for a ‘crowd crush’ as ticket prices drop and annual passholders return
Disneyland braces for a ‘crowd crush’ as ticket prices drop and annual passholders return Restaurants, Food and Drink | Disneyland attendance rises and visitor spending increases thanks to higher ticket prices
Disneyland attendance rises and visitor spending increases thanks to higher ticket prices Restaurants, Food and Drink | Disneyland security dog attacks 81-year-old grandfather, lawsuit alleges
Disneyland security dog attacks 81-year-old grandfather, lawsuit alleges Restaurants, Food and Drink | Disneyland to turn Steakhouse 55 restaurant into a bar and lounge Disney’s two Anaheim theme parks, three hotels and outdoor shopping mall remain closed until further notice amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disneyland and other California theme parks can reopen during Stage 3 of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s four-stage road map for reopening the state’s economy. A firm date has not been established for when California theme parks can reopen.