mercurynews--2020-03-04--Coronavirus: IBM pulls plug on big Think 2020 event in San Francisco

IBM said Wednesday that the growing coronavirus crisis has led it to cancel its upcoming Think 2020 event in San Francisco , and place stringent new business-travel restrictions on the tech giant ’ s workforce .
IBM said that while it won ’ t hold the Think 2020 conference at the Moscone Center as planned , it will be “ recreated as a global , digital-first event ” that will still take place from May 5-7 .
The Think 2020 conference was in line to be one of the largest tech industry events around the Bay Area , as IBM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year ’ s event .
The spread of coronavirus , which has included the first death from the disease in California , in Placer County , has led to several big tech companies to cancel conferences that were to be held across the region in the coming months .
In addition to IBM , Google has canceled its I/O conference in Mountain View , Nvidia said it won ’ t hold its GTC conference in San Jose , Facebook has dropped plans to hold its F8 developers conference in San Jose , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and organizers also canceled the annual Game Developers Conference that was to be held from March 16-20 in San Francisco .
• Experts : Trump ’ s claim about Obama and testing is false • Coronavirus : First California death reported , 3 new cases in Santa Clara IBM is also severely clamping down on business travel both within and outside the United States .
Effectively immediately , IBM is suspending all domestic travel for internal company meetings and all external events that include more than 1,000 attendees .
International travel will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business-critical situations when virtual methods are insufficient.
” Additionally , IBM will require employees who engage in personal travel to restricted locations to inform their company managers about their trips and self-quarantine themselves for 14 days following the end of their trips .

IBM said Wednesday that the growing coronavirus crisis has led it to cancel its upcoming Think 2020 event in San Francisco, and place stringent new business-travel restrictions on the tech giant’s workforce.
IBM said that while it won’t hold the Think 2020 conference at the Moscone Center as planned, it will be “recreated as a global, digital-first event” that will still take place from May 5-7. The Think 2020 conference was in line to be one of the largest tech industry events around the Bay Area, as IBM said more than 30,000 people attended last year’s event.
The spread of coronavirus, which has included the first death from the disease in California, in Placer County, has led to several big tech companies to cancel conferences that were to be held across the region in the coming months. In addition to IBM, Google has canceled its I/O conference in Mountain View, Nvidia said it won’t hold its GTC conference in San Jose, Facebook has dropped plans to hold its F8 developers conference in San Jose, and a marketing summit in San Francisco, and organizers also canceled the annual Game Developers Conference that was to be held from March 16-20 in San Francisco.
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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 IBM is also severely clamping down on business travel both within and outside the United States. Effectively immediately, IBM is suspending all domestic travel for internal company meetings and all external events that include more than 1,000 attendees. International travel will be allowed only for what IBM called “business-critical situations when virtual methods are insufficient.”
Additionally, IBM will require employees who engage in personal travel to restricted locations to inform their company managers about their trips and self-quarantine themselves for 14 days following the end of their trips.


mercurynews--2020-03-04--Valley Fair mall readies grand opening amid $1.1 billion expansion

SAN JOSE — Westfield Valley Fair prepared for a grand opening Thursday to show off a $ 1.1 billion South Bay expansion that accommodates a host of new additions , including an Apple flagship store and a Bloomingdale ’ s department store .
The dramatic addition to Valley Fair in San Jose and Santa Clara enables the iconic destination mall to banish the notion that it could be imperiled by the “ retail apocalypse ” that has rattled or doomed brick-and-mortar merchants , including some of the world ’ s most storied brands .
“ The Valley Fair expansion speaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy and retail sector , ” said David Taxin , a partner with San Jose-based Meacham/Oppenheimer Corfac International , a commercial real estate firm that specializes in the retail market .
“ We all hear about this retail apocalypse .
Instead of that , Valley Fair is in expansion mode.
” Among the major new additions with the Valley Fair expansion : A two-level Apple Flagship Store , Bloomingdale ’ s , an Eataly dining and cuisine store , as well as a Showplace Icon movie theater that offers tempting meals along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representatives for Westfield Valley Fair and its principal owner and operator , Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield , offered the first-ever wide-ranging tour of the expansion area .
All told , the expansion will add more than 500,000 square feet to the existing mall .
Once the project is fully complete , Westfield Valley Fair will total a jaw-dropping 2.2 million square feet .
“ Valley Fair obviously is a crown jewel in the Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield portfolio , ” said James Chung , a Cushman & Wakefield executive managing director and retail lead in the western region for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On a sales-per-square-foot basis , Westfield Valley Fair is the highest-performing mall in its U.S. portfolio.
” A check of public documents , regulatory filings , web posts , and LinkedIn pages reveals the names of some of the merchants that have agreed to open stores in the revamped mall .
Apple is planning a major new flagship store that would effectively serve as one of the anchors for the expanded mall , according to a regulatory filing by the mall ’ s owner .
“ Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield signed a new two-level flagship Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the real estate company ’ s filing .
“ The indoor/outdoor location will feature a spectacular facade facing the new outdoor dining precinct.
” Another high-profile addition is Eataly , an Italian food marketplace .
“ Getting Eataly , the second location in the state of California , is such a coup for Valley Fair , ” said John Machado , an executive vice president and retail expert with Colliers International , a commercial real estate firm .
“ There isn ’ t even one in San Francisco .
Eataly is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Gucci , Anne Fontaine , Urban Outfitters , Sandro , Maje , King ’ s Fish House , Jimmy Choo , Anthropologie , Bollywood Salon , Orangtheory Fitness , Fabletics , Indochino , Untuckit , Ghost Democracy , Lett , We the People , John Varvatos , Bvlgari , Forward , Club Monaco , Vietnoms , The Void , Rodd & Gunn , Salt & Straw , and Shake Shack are among the retailers and restaurants slated to open new spots at Valley Fair .
“ The ultimate success story is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Valley Fair , ” Taxin said .
“ There are not a lot of mall additions and expansions going on in the United States .
Valley Fair knew what it had and they are doing great.
” Moreover , Valley Fair has shown it can be nimble in a tricky retail landscape , experts said .
“ Shopping centers and retailers have to be more creative , ” Chung said .
“ When that happens , it ’ s the shoppers who are the winners .
Retailers are becoming better versions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is disruptive .
But the result is positive .
”

SAN JOSE — Westfield Valley Fair prepared for a grand opening Thursday to show off a $1.1 billion South Bay expansion that accommodates a host of new additions, including an Apple flagship store and a Bloomingdale’s department store.
The dramatic addition to Valley Fair in San Jose and Santa Clara enables the iconic destination mall to banish the notion that it could be imperiled by the “retail apocalypse” that has rattled or doomed brick-and-mortar merchants, including some of the world’s most storied brands.
“The Valley Fair expansion speaks to the strength of the Silicon Valley economy and retail sector,” said David Taxin, a partner with San Jose-based Meacham/Oppenheimer Corfac International, a commercial real estate firm that specializes in the retail market. “We all hear about this retail apocalypse. Instead of that, Valley Fair is in expansion mode.”
Among the major new additions with the Valley Fair expansion: A two-level Apple Flagship Store, Bloomingdale’s, an Eataly dining and cuisine store, as well as a Showplace Icon movie theater that offers tempting meals along with the latest films.
On Wednesday, representatives for Westfield Valley Fair and its principal owner and operator, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, offered the first-ever wide-ranging tour of the expansion area.
All told, the expansion will add more than 500,000 square feet to the existing mall. Once the project is fully complete, Westfield Valley Fair will total a jaw-dropping 2.2 million square feet.
“Valley Fair obviously is a crown jewel in the Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield portfolio,” said James Chung, a Cushman & Wakefield executive managing director and retail lead in the western region for the commercial real estate firm. “On a sales-per-square-foot basis, Westfield Valley Fair is the highest-performing mall in its U.S. portfolio.”
A check of public documents, regulatory filings, web posts, and LinkedIn pages reveals the names of some of the merchants that have agreed to open stores in the revamped mall.
Apple is planning a major new flagship store that would effectively serve as one of the anchors for the expanded mall, according to a regulatory filing by the mall’s owner.
“Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield signed a new two-level flagship Apple store in Westfield Valley Fair,” according to the real estate company’s filing. “The indoor/outdoor location will feature a spectacular facade facing the new outdoor dining precinct.”
Another high-profile addition is Eataly, an Italian food marketplace.
“Getting Eataly, the second location in the state of California, is such a coup for Valley Fair,” said John Machado, an executive vice president and retail expert with Colliers International, a commercial real estate firm. “There isn’t even one in San Francisco. Eataly is a game-changer for Valley Fair.”
Aesop, Gucci, Anne Fontaine, Urban Outfitters, Sandro, Maje, King’s Fish House, Jimmy Choo, Anthropologie, Bollywood Salon, Orangtheory Fitness, Fabletics, Indochino, Untuckit, Ghost Democracy, Lett, We the People, John Varvatos, Bvlgari, Forward, Club Monaco, Vietnoms, The Void, Rodd & Gunn, Gorjana, Lucid Motors, Rag & Bone, Dyson, Mastro’s, IChina, Miss. Noodle, Rooster & Rice, Bamboo Sushi, Salt & Straw, and Shake Shack are among the retailers and restaurants slated to open new spots at Valley Fair.
“The ultimate success story is to get so many high-profile names to come to Valley Fair,” Taxin said. “There are not a lot of mall additions and expansions going on in the United States. Valley Fair knew what it had and they are doing great.”
Moreover, Valley Fair has shown it can be nimble in a tricky retail landscape, experts said.
“Shopping centers and retailers have to be more creative,” Chung said. “When that happens, it’s the shoppers who are the winners. Retailers are becoming better versions of themselves. It is a metamorphosis. It is disruptive. But the result is positive.”


mercurynews--2020-03-04--Chief Justice Roberts rebukes Sen. Schumer for comments

WASHINGTON – U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts on Wednesday issued an unusual rebuke of “ dangerous ” comments by top U.S. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer about two conservative Supreme Court justices appointed by President Donald Trump and how they might rule in a major abortion case .
Schumer had earlier in the day assailed Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch , saying they “ won ’ t know what hit ” them if they rule in favor of abortion restrictions .
“ Justices know that criticism comes with the territory , but threatening statements of this sort from the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they are dangerous , ” Roberts said in a statement .
“ All members of the court will continue to do their job , without fear or favor , from whatever quarter , ” Roberts added .
Roberts in November 2018 criticized Trump after the president called a judge who ruled against one of his immigration policies an “ Obama judge.
” Schumer ’ s remarks were made during an abortion rights rally held while the nine-member court heard arguments in an abortion case from Louisiana .
Roberts could be the pivotal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that this was the Supreme Court ’ s first major abortion case since Trump appointed Kavanaugh in 2018 and Gorsuch in 2017 .
The crowd jeered when Schumer mentioned the names of the two conservative justices .
Republican-led state legislatures are “ waging a war on women , ” Schumer said , by passing restrictive abortion laws .
“ I want to tell you Gorsuch , I want to tell you Kavanaugh – you have released the whirlwind , and you will pay the price .
You won ’ t know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these awful decisions , ” Schumer told the cheering crowd .
Schumer spokesman Justin Goodman noted in a statement that Roberts did not comment when Trump last month turned his ire on liberal Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor , calling for them to recuse themselves from any cases involving him or his administration .
“ For Justice Roberts to follow the right wing ’ s deliberate misinterpretation of what Sen. Schumer said , while remaining silent when President Trump attacked Justices Sotomayor and Ginsburg last week , shows Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strikes , ” Goodman said .
He added that Schumer was referring to the “ political price ” Republicans will pay for putting Kavanaugh and Gorsuch on the court and “ warning that the justices will unleash ( a ) major grassroots movement on the issue of reproductive rights against the decision.
” Democrats have criticized Trump ’ s frequent attacks on the U.S. judiciary and individual judges including the one who presided over the trial of his longtime adviser Roger Stone .

By Jan Wolfe and Lawrence Hurley | Reuters
WASHINGTON – U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts on Wednesday issued an unusual rebuke of “dangerous” comments by top U.S. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer about two conservative Supreme Court justices appointed by President Donald Trump and how they might rule in a major abortion case.
Schumer had earlier in the day assailed Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch, saying they “won’t know what hit” them if they rule in favor of abortion restrictions.
“Justices know that criticism comes with the territory, but threatening statements of this sort from the highest levels of government are not only inappropriate, they are dangerous,” Roberts said in a statement.
“All members of the court will continue to do their job, without fear or favor, from whatever quarter,” Roberts added.
Roberts in November 2018 criticized Trump after the president called a judge who ruled against one of his immigration policies an “Obama judge.”
Schumer’s remarks were made during an abortion rights rally held while the nine-member court heard arguments in an abortion case from Louisiana. Roberts could be the pivotal vote.
In his speech, Schumer noted that this was the Supreme Court’s first major abortion case since Trump appointed Kavanaugh in 2018 and Gorsuch in 2017. The crowd jeered when Schumer mentioned the names of the two conservative justices.
Republican-led state legislatures are “waging a war on women,” Schumer said, by passing restrictive abortion laws.
“I want to tell you Gorsuch, I want to tell you Kavanaugh – you have released the whirlwind, and you will pay the price. You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions,” Schumer told the cheering crowd.
Schumer spokesman Justin Goodman noted in a statement that Roberts did not comment when Trump last month turned his ire on liberal Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor, calling for them to recuse themselves from any cases involving him or his administration.
“For Justice Roberts to follow the right wing’s deliberate misinterpretation of what Sen. Schumer said, while remaining silent when President Trump attacked Justices Sotomayor and Ginsburg last week, shows Justice Roberts does not just call balls and strikes,” Goodman said.
He added that Schumer was referring to the “political price” Republicans will pay for putting Kavanaugh and Gorsuch on the court and “warning that the justices will unleash (a) major grassroots movement on the issue of reproductive rights against the decision.”
Democrats have criticized Trump’s frequent attacks on the U.S. judiciary and individual judges including the one who presided over the trial of his longtime adviser Roger Stone.


mercurynews--2020-03-05--Letter: People voted for candidates no longer running March 3

First , it ’ s Bloomberg ’ s or Steyer ’ s right to spend millions of dollars of their own money on a campaign , but that is an absurd amount to spend to get a job .
If that ’ s what it takes to get elected , then it ’ s who can afford to run not the best person .
So I would favor a set amount of taxpayer funding for each candidate .
Second , shorten the election process to three months and be done with it .
This year-long media hype is way too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , these elected officials aren ’ t that important anyway .
Our founding government had trouble finding people to serve .
Shorten length of service .
The job is to serve , not to be served .
• Letter : Instead of jobs , jobs , jobs , Bay Area needs better quality of life Fourth , do primaries on one day nationwide .
Heck , people voted in California for candidates that were no longer in the race on March 3 .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read @ @ @ @ @

People voted for candidates
no longer running March 3
I support campaign reform.
First, it’s Bloomberg’s or Steyer’s right to spend millions of dollars of their own money on a campaign, but that is an absurd amount to spend to get a job. If that’s what it takes to get elected, then it’s who can afford to run not the best person.
So I would favor a set amount of taxpayer funding for each candidate.
Second, shorten the election process to three months and be done with it. This year-long media hype is way too much for my senses anyway.
Third, these elected officials aren’t that important anyway. Our founding government had trouble finding people to serve. Shorten length of service. The job is to serve, not to be served.
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Mike Kujacich
Livermore
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-03-05--Magid: Tech tools help people work together as virus keeps them apart

There Is no good time for a pandemic , but because of today ’ s technologies , businesses and individuals have better coping mechanisms to minimize disruptions related to a communicable disease .
While the federal government is still saying that the risk of an individual getting the coronavirus is low , and that for most people who get it , the consequences are manageable , there is no doubt that being in close proximity to other people increases your risk .
I ’ m not living in a cocoon .
I ’ m writing this column from a restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yesterday , I went grocery shopping .
But , like millions of others , I ’ m cutting back on non-essential travel and avoiding crowds and large gatherings .
But , on Tuesday , I attended an important business meeting that was originally to take place in an office in San Francisco .
I was prepared to drive to the city for the meeting , but some of the participants live on the East Coast .
In an abundance of caution , the organizer decided it wasn ’ t such a great idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though domestic plane travel is still considered to be low-risk .
So , instead of traveling to San Francisco , everyone stayed home or at their local offices to join via the Zoom video conference app .
The experience wasn ’ t quite as pleasant as a face-to-face meeting and lunching together , but it was efficient .
Not only were participants spared the time and hassle of travel , but the meeting itself was more efficient .
We got through our business in under two hours instead of the five hours ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ typically spends on similar meetings .
We used Zoom , which like most video-conferencing systems , not only allowed us to see and speak with each other but to share documents and screens .
Much of our work involved having to review and comment on videos , which was easy because the organizer showed the video on her PC and shared her screen and audio with the rest of us The organizer emailed each participant a spreadsheet to rank and comment on each video .
I converted that Excel document into a Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ratings could be seen by people I shared it with .
Zoom offers a free service that lets up to 100 people gather for up to 40 minutes at a time , but for $ 14.99 a month , you can get a Pro account where meetings can be up to 24-hours long .
Users can join by video from their device or call in on any type of phone .
Zoom also offers conferencing equipment and services for business conference rooms .
Another free video-conferencing option is Google Hangouts .
Until recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 participants , but , because of the coronavirus , Google is making its premium version free until July 1 .
During this period , Google is allowing anyone to use the Pro features for free , but they ’ re especially promoting them for schools .
In a blog post , Google wrote that “ We ’ re committed to helping students and their teachers continue learning outside of school .
In Hong Kong and Vietnam , where schools have already been closed , we ’ ve seen hundreds of thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video-conferencing tool.
” Google normally charges $ 13 a month per user for these advanced features .
Microsoft is also offering free access to the premium version of its Teams business chat and collaboration application .
You don ’ t have to be a big business to take advantage of these types of collaboration tools .
My small non-profit , ConnectSafely.org , which has only two full-time and two part-time people , frequently uses Google Hangouts , Zoom conferencing and other group collaboration tools like Dropbox and Google Docs .
Unrelated to any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members have always worked from home , but thanks to these tools , we not only have “ face-to-face ” meetings , but can share documents and – via Google Docs – work collaboratively in real time .
With the exception of in-person meetings , it ’ s as if we ’ re in the same office suite on the same computer network .
Dropbox , like similar cloud storage systems , allows us all access to the same documents , including those that have been recently updated .
We write the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Google Docs , which enables each collaborator to make comments or make changes .
Its “ suggesting ” mode allows users to make temporary edits that can easily be undone if others don ’ t agree .
Sometimes we work in documents at the same time with colleagues immediately commenting on or correcting what others write .
Google Sheets allows you to do the same with a spreadsheet and there are other modules including a web-based drawing tool and presentation tool that are compatible with PowerPoint slides .
I ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years and have found it to not only be more pleasant but a lot more efficient .
Not only do I avoid a commute , but I get more done in a day than I did when I worked in an office .
There are downsides .
I don ’ t get to hang out with colleagues nor am I a party to office gossip , so I ’ m out of the loop at times .
But being away from the office also spares me from some of the drama that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Unlike people who work at Google and Facebook , I don ’ t get free lunches , but my kitchen is only steps away from my office .
I fervently hope that the coronavirus is short-lived and that very few people get seriously sick as a result of it .
But I am glad that there are tools available that make it possible for people to have meetings and work collaboratively while it remains a threat .
And , even after the virus is no longer a threat , I hope that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with those old-fashioned get-togethers that will always be an important part of human-to-human interaction .
Disclosure : Larry Magid is CEO of ConnectSafely , a non-profit internet safety organization that has received support from Google , Facebook , Microsoft and other technology companies .

There Is no good time for a pandemic, but because of today’s technologies, businesses and individuals have better coping mechanisms to minimize disruptions related to a communicable disease.
While the federal government is still saying that the risk of an individual getting the coronavirus is low, and that for most people who get it, the consequences are manageable, there is no doubt that being in close proximity to other people increases your risk.
I’m not living in a cocoon. I’m writing this column from a restaurant aside servers and other patrons, and yesterday, I went grocery shopping. But, like millions of others, I’m cutting back on non-essential travel and avoiding crowds and large gatherings.
But, on Tuesday, I attended an important business meeting that was originally to take place in an office in San Francisco. I was prepared to drive to the city for the meeting, but some of the participants live on the East Coast.
In an abundance of caution, the organizer decided it wasn’t such a great idea to put them on planes, even though domestic plane travel is still considered to be low-risk. So, instead of traveling to San Francisco, everyone stayed home or at their local offices to join via the Zoom video conference app.
The experience wasn’t quite as pleasant as a face-to-face meeting and lunching together, but it was efficient. Not only were participants spared the time and hassle of travel, but the meeting itself was more efficient. We got through our business in under two hours instead of the five hours (including a lunch break) this group typically spends on similar meetings. We used Zoom, which like most video-conferencing systems, not only allowed us to see and speak with each other but to share documents and screens. Much of our work involved having to review and comment on videos, which was easy because the organizer showed the video on her PC and shared her screen and audio with the rest of us The organizer emailed each participant a spreadsheet to rank and comment on each video. I converted that Excel document into a Google Sheet, so that my comments and ratings could be seen by people I shared it with.
Free video conferencing
Zoom offers a free service that lets up to 100 people gather for up to 40 minutes at a time, but for $14.99 a month, you can get a Pro account where meetings can be up to 24-hours long. Users can join by video from their device or call in on any type of phone. Zoom also offers conferencing equipment and services for business conference rooms.
Another free video-conferencing option is Google Hangouts. Until recently, the free version was limited to 25 participants, but, because of the coronavirus, Google is making its premium version free until July 1.
During this period, Google is allowing anyone to use the Pro features for free, but they’re especially promoting them for schools. In a blog post, Google wrote that “We’re committed to helping students and their teachers continue learning outside of school. In Hong Kong and Vietnam, where schools have already been closed, we’ve seen hundreds of thousands of students start using Hangouts Meet, our video-conferencing tool.” Google normally charges $13 a month per user for these advanced features. Microsoft is also offering free access to the premium version of its Teams business chat and collaboration application.
You don’t have to be a big business to take advantage of these types of collaboration tools. My small non-profit, ConnectSafely.org, which has only two full-time and two part-time people, frequently uses Google Hangouts, Zoom conferencing and other group collaboration tools like Dropbox and Google Docs. Unrelated to any risk of communicable disease, our staff members have always worked from home, but thanks to these tools, we not only have “face-to-face” meetings, but can share documents and – via Google Docs – work collaboratively in real time. With the exception of in-person meetings, it’s as if we’re in the same office suite on the same computer network. Dropbox, like similar cloud storage systems, allows us all access to the same documents, including those that have been recently updated.
We write the first drafts of our parent and educator guides in Google Docs, which enables each collaborator to make comments or make changes. Its “suggesting” mode allows users to make temporary edits that can easily be undone if others don’t agree. Sometimes we work in documents at the same time with colleagues immediately commenting on or correcting what others write. Google Sheets allows you to do the same with a spreadsheet and there are other modules including a web-based drawing tool and presentation tool that are compatible with PowerPoint slides.
I’ve been working from home for more than 30 years and have found it to not only be more pleasant but a lot more efficient. Not only do I avoid a commute, but I get more done in a day than I did when I worked in an office. There are downsides. I don’t get to hang out with colleagues nor am I a party to office gossip, so I’m out of the loop at times. But being away from the office also spares me from some of the drama that’s an inevitable part of any organization. Unlike people who work at Google and Facebook, I don’t get free lunches, but my kitchen is only steps away from my office.
I fervently hope that the coronavirus is short-lived and that very few people get seriously sick as a result of it. But I am glad that there are tools available that make it possible for people to have meetings and work collaboratively while it remains a threat. And, even after the virus is no longer a threat, I hope that people continue to use these tools along with those old-fashioned get-togethers that will always be an important part of human-to-human interaction.
Disclosure: Larry Magid is CEO of ConnectSafely, a non-profit internet safety organization that has received support from Google, Facebook, Microsoft and other technology companies.
.


mercurynews--2020-03-05--Letter: Instead of jobs, jobs, jobs, Bay Area needs better quality of life

Instead of jobs , jobs , jobs , let ’ s focus on quality of life Re : “ How fed up are you ?
” ( Page A1 , Feb. 23 ) and “ Tech boom drives fresh property surge ” ( Page C7 , Feb. 28 ) : After an unprecedented decade of population and job growth , Bay Area polling consistently shows an ever-increasing dissatisfaction with the quality of life , as noted in “ How fed up are you ?
” .
One result has been a supply-side fixation for more high-density housing and divisive legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 ) .
Why not instead focus on reducing demand , which is actually the underlying root cause ?
Specifically , cities should only be allowed to approve commercial expansion commensurate with their actual housing and infrastructure capacity .
As noted in “ Tech boom drives fresh property surge , ” there are currently 12 million square feet of commercial space under construction locally .
This comes on top of 40 million square feet added last decade .
This will nearly double the entire amount of commercial space that existed in 2010 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and corporations aren ’ t people Instead of the perceived panacea of jobs , jobs , jobs , we should focus on quality of life as the overarching metric going forward .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Instead of jobs, jobs, jobs,
let’s focus on quality of life
Re: “How fed up are you?” (Page A1, Feb. 23) and “Tech boom drives fresh property surge” (Page C7, Feb. 28):
After an unprecedented decade of population and job growth, Bay Area polling consistently shows an ever-increasing dissatisfaction with the quality of life, as noted in “How fed up are you?”.
One result has been a supply-side fixation for more high-density housing and divisive legislation (e.g., SB3 5 and SB 50).
Why not instead focus on reducing demand, which is actually the underlying root cause? Specifically, cities should only be allowed to approve commercial expansion commensurate with their actual housing and infrastructure capacity.
As noted in “Tech boom drives fresh property surge,” there are currently 12 million square feet of commercial space under construction locally. This comes on top of 40 million square feet added last decade. This will nearly double the entire amount of commercial space that existed in 2010.
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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 Instead of the perceived panacea of jobs, jobs, jobs, we should focus on quality of life as the overarching metric going forward.
Jeff Wilde
Los Altos
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mercurynews--2020-03-05--Bridge: March 5, 2020

Bridge: March 5, 2020

Some people beg to differ ; Cy the Cynic insists on it .
When I watched today ’ s deal at my club , Cy was North and put his partner in 3NT .
( South ’ s 2NT bid with no sure heart stopper wouldn ’ t have been everyone ’ s choice . )
West led a heart , and when dummy played low , East took the ace and returned a heart to the king .
Declarer then led a club to his king , and West took the ace and cashed three more hearts .
Down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shrugged .
“ I had only eight tricks.
” Was he right ?
After South wins the second trick , he loses nothing by cashing five diamonds , discarding a spade and a club .
West can safely pitch a spade and the jack of clubs , but since he happens to hold the Q-J of spades , the last diamond squeezes him , If he throws a second spade , declarer takes three spade tricks and nine in all .
If instead West throws a heart , South can safely force out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets only three hearts and a club .
You hold : S A 8 5 H J 10 7 D K J 5 C K Q 10 8 .
You open one club , your partner responds one spade , you bid 1NT and he jumps to three hearts .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Some players would insist on 3NT since they have the minor suits stopped .
The disciplined and correct bid is three spades to show three-card support for partner ’ s first suit .
That is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has weak spades and semibalanced pattern , he can try 3NT himself .

Some people beg to differ; Cy the Cynic insists on it.
When I watched today’s deal at my club, Cy was North and put his partner in 3NT. (South’s 2NT bid with no sure heart stopper wouldn’t have been everyone’s choice.) West led a heart, and when dummy played low, East took the ace and returned a heart to the king. Declarer then led a club to his king, and West took the ace and cashed three more hearts. Down one.
“Unmakable,” South shrugged. “I had only eight tricks.”
“I beg to differ,” Cy growled.
Was he right?
SECOND SPADE
After South wins the second trick, he loses nothing by cashing five diamonds, discarding a spade and a club. West can safely pitch a spade and the jack of clubs, but since he happens to hold the Q-J of spades, the last diamond squeezes him, If he throws a second spade, declarer takes three spade tricks and nine in all.
If instead West throws a heart, South can safely force out the ace of clubs. The defense gets only three hearts and a club.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A 8 5 H J 10 7 D K J 5 C K Q 10 8. You open one club, your partner responds one spade, you bid 1NT and he jumps to three hearts. What do you say?
ANSWER: Some players would insist on 3NT since they have the minor suits stopped. The disciplined and correct bid is three spades to show three-card support for partner’s first suit. That is what he wants to hear. If he has weak spades and semibalanced pattern, he can try 3NT himself.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S K 10 4
H K 4
D A Q 10 8 4
C 7 5 3
WEST
S Q J 9 6
H Q 9 8 6 5
D 7 2
C A J
EAST
S 7 3 2
H A 3 2
D 9 6 3
C 9 6 4 2
SOUTH
S A 8 5
H J 10 7
D K J 5
C K Q 10 8
North East South West
1 D Pass 2 NT Pass
3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — H 6
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-03-05--Horoscopes March 5, 2020: Eva Mendes, embrace change in order to set trends.

Happy Birthday : Creativity mixed with discipline , desire and determination will lead to a journey you won ’ t want to miss this year .
You will attract followers and people who want to collaborate with you .
Being open to what others have to offer will spark your imagination and encourage you to welcome changes and new beginnings .
Romance is in the stars .
Your numbers are 9 , 15 , 24 , 28 , 36 , 40 , 47 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Quiet time will help ease stress .
Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s drama .
Channel your energy into something constructive that will bring results that you can be proud of or that will free up your time to relax and rejuvenate .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Think big , and make changes that position you for advancement .
Traveling , taking meetings , making educational pursuits and pitching what you have to offer are all favored .
A personal change will boost your confidence .
Express your feelings .
4 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take on will be necessary .
Refuse to let anyone take over or threaten your position .
Use your intelligence to make changes that are put together with precision .
Counter any criticism you face with facts .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Embrace your emotions , and share your feelings and intentions .
Your passionate approach to what you want to see unfold will inspire others to get involved .
A change to the way you live or to a relationship that ’ s important to you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Get the OK before you move forward , and leave nothing to chance .
Precision , dedication and loyalty will play roles in how far you get .
Money matters will end up causing emotional turmoil if you aren ’ t fair or you overspend .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Doors will open , and favors will be granted .
Take an active role in your community or an organization that interests you .
Love is in the stars , and expressing your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way you live .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : A dispute with someone you care about will develop if you are too friendly with someone .
Loyalty will count , so don ’ t play with people ’ s emotions .
You might want to share a story , but don ’ t gossip , or you ’ ll look bad .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Take a chance to try something exciting .
A creative suggestion will give you the push you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide you with an opportunity to learn or do something you ’ ve never done .
Romance is on the rise .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Think and do for yourself .
If you let others meddle in your affairs , you ’ ll regret the outcome .
Keep your opinions and plans secret .
Intelligence and common sense will help you bypass intruders offering lousy advice .
Trust the facts , not hearsay .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Aim to stabilize your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas will be reliable , and if launched with precision and detail , you can make a sizable profit .
Love is in the stars , and celebrating with someone special is encouraged .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Focus on what ’ s doable , and forget about what you can not alter .
Channel your energy into improving your surroundings or making your space more convenient or affordable .
A realistic approach to money , lifestyle and work will ease stress and promote discipline .
3 stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No matter what you pursue today , put a smile on your face , have fun and enjoy the ride .
Curiosity will be the vehicle that helps you surpass your expectations .
Embrace change in order to set trends .
A romantic gesture will enhance your life .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are persistent , kind and charming .
You are helpful and resourceful .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kevin Connolly, 46; Matt Lucas, 46; Eva Mendes, 46; Dean Stockwell, 84.
Happy Birthday: Creativity mixed with discipline, desire and determination will lead to a journey you won’t want to miss this year. You will attract followers and people who want to collaborate with you. Being open to what others have to offer will spark your imagination and encourage you to welcome changes and new beginnings. Romance is in the stars. Your numbers are 9, 15, 24, 28, 36, 40, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Quiet time will help ease stress. Don’t get involved in another person’s drama. Channel your energy into something constructive that will bring results that you can be proud of or that will free up your time to relax and rejuvenate. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Think big, and make changes that position you for advancement. Traveling, taking meetings, making educational pursuits and pitching what you have to offer are all favored. A personal change will boost your confidence. Express your feelings. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A systematic approach to whatever you decide to take on will be necessary. Refuse to let anyone take over or threaten your position. Use your intelligence to make changes that are put together with precision. Counter any criticism you face with facts. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Embrace your emotions, and share your feelings and intentions. Your passionate approach to what you want to see unfold will inspire others to get involved. A change to the way you live or to a relationship that’s important to you will be beneficial. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Get the OK before you move forward, and leave nothing to chance. Precision, dedication and loyalty will play roles in how far you get. Money matters will end up causing emotional turmoil if you aren’t fair or you overspend. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Doors will open, and favors will be granted. Take an active role in your community or an organization that interests you. Love is in the stars, and expressing your feelings will result in favorable adjustments to the way you live. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A dispute with someone you care about will develop if you are too friendly with someone. Loyalty will count, so don’t play with people’s emotions. You might want to share a story, but don’t gossip, or you’ll look bad. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take a chance to try something exciting. A creative suggestion will give you the push you need. A change of plans will provide you with an opportunity to learn or do something you’ve never done. Romance is on the rise. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Think and do for yourself. If you let others meddle in your affairs, you’ll regret the outcome. Keep your opinions and plans secret. Intelligence and common sense will help you bypass intruders offering lousy advice. Trust the facts, not hearsay. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Aim to stabilize your position, finances and plans. Your ideas will be reliable, and if launched with precision and detail, you can make a sizable profit. Love is in the stars, and celebrating with someone special is encouraged. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Focus on what’s doable, and forget about what you cannot alter. Channel your energy into improving your surroundings or making your space more convenient or affordable. A realistic approach to money, lifestyle and work will ease stress and promote discipline. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): No matter what you pursue today, put a smile on your face, have fun and enjoy the ride. Curiosity will be the vehicle that helps you surpass your expectations. Embrace change in order to set trends. A romantic gesture will enhance your life. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are persistent, kind and charming. You are helpful and resourceful.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-03-05--Word Game: March 5, 2020

Word Game: March 5, 2020

Can you find 29 or more words in DECLASSE ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — DECLASSE (DECLASSE: day-klas-AY: Of inferior social status.)
Average mark 23 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 29 or more words in DECLASSE? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — CELERITY celery cire cite city creel eely eerily
eery elect elite erect leer leery lice lire liter lyre lyric recite reel relic relict
relit rely retie rice rile rite telic tier tile tire tree trey trice yeti
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-03-05--Ask Amy: Can I tell my renter when to take a bath?

DEAR AMY : I have kind of a weird little problem .
I own a house with a nice , completely furnished apartment attached to it .
Right now , I have a really nice tenant on a six-month lease .
She is a single person who is working on writing a book .
“ Emily ” and I get along very well .
When I decided to rent out the apartment , I had the wall that separates the two living spaces insulated in order to cut down on noise distractions .
Emily keeps extremely early hours .
Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is up at 5 or 5:30 , and I am jolted awake by the sound of the beeping microwave .
Then it is the sound of the water flowing into the bathtub .
This goes on every day , seven days a week .
Otherwise , she is extremely quiet , and ( I assume ) working .
• Ask Amy : We went all-out to accommodate these guests , but it wasn ’ t enough • Ask Amy : I know why they won ’ t go to her house , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ask Amy : Our kids have seen us drunk .
Should we tell them the whole story ?
• Ask Amy : This anonymous act of kindness threw us for a loop • Ask Amy : The bride hurt my feelings .
Can I skip her wedding ?
I ’ d like to speak to her about this , but I don ’ t know what to say .
Can you help ?
DEAR BOTHERED : You own the apartment .
You supplied the microwave .
Perhaps you can switch out the beeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beep , and find a way to double-insulate the wall between the bathroom and your home .
But no — you don ’ t get to tell your extremely quiet tenant not to get up so early and/or use the facilities in the home that she is paying for .
DEAR AMY : We are a group of friends in our early 40s , who have known each other for decades and consider each other closer than family .
When my partner and I travel to see one of these couples , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up at the airport .
They have actually said that they would prefer if we just took an Uber to their home , because it is not wise for them to waste two hours back and forth in traffic .
At the same time , they don ’ t expect us to pick them up from the airport , either .
I am a bit traditional .
If someone is spending the money to come fly to my city to see me , I should pick up and drop off , or pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a candid conversation with our various friends about this , where I stated this , and they stated that their perspective was practical concerning time and juggling multiple responsibilities .
They said that we can all afford to take a cab or car-share .
That is definitely true , but these folks seem to think that during college days when we were all scraping by , it was one thing to spend time on airport runs , but now that we can afford airport transportation , we have to choose where we spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different if someone was just using the host ’ s place as a crash pad to do other things , as opposed to making a special trip just to see these friends ?
What are your thoughts ?
Am I not keeping up with the changing times ?
Can you please help solve this ?
DEAR CURIOUS : Following is a list of people you are obligated to pick up from the airport : parents and grandparents ; elderly aunts and uncles ; elderly or infirm friends ; servicemembers , missionaries , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-distance loves you are eager to impress ; kids coming home from band camp .
Here is a list of people you are not obligated to pick up from the airport : friends from college whom you will be hosting in your home for an extended personal visit .
I agree with others in your group .
The hours spent on an airport run ( which often can turn into more than one run because of delays/cancellations ) would be better spent vacuuming the guest bedroom and preparing a nice meal and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , once they arrive .
In fact , unless the circumstance is extreme , I would always rather find my own transportation from the airport — because this gives me the flexibility to dawdle if I want to , without the pressure of someone waiting on me at the cellphone lot , or — worse — circling the airport like a wayward seagull .
Give this one up .
DEAR AMY : I disagree with your answer to “ Old Wounds.
” This girl was sexually abused in school and she is worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents finding out ?
You should have pointed out what bad parents they are .
DEAR DISAPPOINTED : Her specific question was about how to disclose this .
I don ’ t think encouraging her to blame her folks would be particularly helpful .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: I have kind of a weird little problem.
I own a house with a nice, completely furnished apartment attached to it. Right now, I have a really nice tenant on a six-month lease. She is a single person who is working on writing a book.
“Emily” and I get along very well. When I decided to rent out the apartment, I had the wall that separates the two living spaces insulated in order to cut down on noise distractions.
Emily keeps extremely early hours. Every day it is the same: She is up at 5 or 5:30, and I am jolted awake by the sound of the beeping microwave. Then it is the sound of the water flowing into the bathtub. This goes on every day, seven days a week. Otherwise, she is extremely quiet, and (I assume) working.
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Bothered
DEAR BOTHERED: You own the apartment. You supplied the microwave. Perhaps you can switch out the beeping microwave for one that doesn’t beep, and find a way to double-insulate the wall between the bathroom and your home.
But no — you don’t get to tell your extremely quiet tenant not to get up so early and/or use the facilities in the home that she is paying for.
DEAR AMY: We are a group of friends in our early 40s, who have known each other for decades and consider each other closer than family.
When my partner and I travel to see one of these couples, they don’t offer to pick us up at the airport. They have actually said that they would prefer if we just took an Uber to their home, because it is not wise for them to waste two hours back and forth in traffic. At the same time, they don’t expect us to pick them up from the airport, either.
I am a bit traditional. If someone is spending the money to come fly to my city to see me, I should pick up and drop off, or pay for their cab. We have had a candid conversation with our various friends about this, where I stated this, and they stated that their perspective was practical concerning time and juggling multiple responsibilities.
They said that we can all afford to take a cab or car-share. That is definitely true, but these folks seem to think that during college days when we were all scraping by, it was one thing to spend time on airport runs, but now that we can afford airport transportation, we have to choose where we spend our time wisely.
Would it be different if someone was just using the host’s place as a crash pad to do other things, as opposed to making a special trip just to see these friends?
What are your thoughts? Am I not keeping up with the changing times?
Can you please help solve this?
Curious in New York
DEAR CURIOUS: Following is a list of people you are obligated to pick up from the airport: parents and grandparents; elderly aunts and uncles; elderly or infirm friends; servicemembers, missionaries, or volunteers returning from long overseas assignments; long-distance loves you are eager to impress; kids coming home from band camp.
Here is a list of people you are not obligated to pick up from the airport: friends from college whom you will be hosting in your home for an extended personal visit.
I agree with others in your group. The hours spent on an airport run (which often can turn into more than one run because of delays/cancellations) would be better spent vacuuming the guest bedroom and preparing a nice meal and a fresh cocktail for weary travelers to enjoy, once they arrive.
In fact, unless the circumstance is extreme, I would always rather find my own transportation from the airport — because this gives me the flexibility to dawdle if I want to, without the pressure of someone waiting on me at the cellphone lot, or — worse — circling the airport like a wayward seagull.
Give this one up.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: I disagree with your answer to “Old Wounds.” This girl was sexually abused in school and she is worried about her narcissistic so-called “Christian” parents finding out?
You should have pointed out what bad parents they are.
Disappointed
DEAR DISAPPOINTED: Her specific question was about how to disclose this. I don’t think encouraging her to blame her folks would be particularly helpful.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-03-05--Letter: Losing Kirkpatrick another sign of Oakland dysfunction

Re : “ Opinion : Fired Oakland police chief calls for firing of the federal monitor ” ( Opinion section , March 2 ) : Anne Kirkpatrick was a superb police chief , and losing her leadership is yet another illustration of dysfunction in Oakland city government .
It is outrageous that the Schaaf administration repeatedly seeks new parcel taxes , while federal monitor Robert Warshaw collects megabucks from us taxpayers each year while he adds no value .
To be charitable , he has achieved his goals and is free to retire .
To be snarky , he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Letter : Instead of jobs , jobs , jobs , Bay Area needs better quality of life • Letter : Money is not speech and corporations aren ’ t people The sad events of the past two weeks illustrate the need for an initiative to dump , or curtail the powers of , the police review commission .
We voters did not realize that it was in the fine print that this unelected commission could fire our wonderful police chief without cause .
But our worst lesson is that Mayor Libby Schaaf has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by failing to back Chief Kirkpatrick .
The mayor should be ashamed of herself .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Losing Kirkpatrick another
sign of Oakland dysfunction
Re: “Opinion: Fired Oakland police chief calls for firing of the federal monitor” (Opinion section, March 2):
Anne Kirkpatrick was a superb police chief, and losing her leadership is yet another illustration of dysfunction in Oakland city government.
It is outrageous that the Schaaf administration repeatedly seeks new parcel taxes, while federal monitor Robert Warshaw collects megabucks from us taxpayers each year while he adds no value.
To be charitable, he has achieved his goals and is free to retire. To be snarky, he is way past his pull date.
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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 The sad events of the past two weeks illustrate the need for an initiative to dump, or curtail the powers of, the police review commission. We voters did not realize that it was in the fine print that this unelected commission could fire our wonderful police chief without cause. But our worst lesson is that Mayor Libby Schaaf has demonstrated a “profile in cowardice” by failing to back Chief Kirkpatrick. The mayor should be ashamed of herself.
Amelia Marshall
Oakland
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-03-05--Harriette Cole: Something inside me says I’m not meant to be a lawyer

DEAR HARRIETTE : I have been worried for a long time .
As a college student , you are required to know what you want to do .
I have an idea of what I want , but it ’ s not set in stone .
I love to draw and write .
I have created big projects for myself and shared them with others .
My dream is to one day show my work to the world , but that dream is a hit-or-miss proposition .
I need to think realistically , since some make it big , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently aiming to go to law school and become a lawyer , but I have been having second thoughts .
Lately , I have been looking into fine arts schools so that I can focus on what I like and improve my writing and art .
However , I don ’ t want my family to think that my dreams are useless and a waste of a college education .
I am worried that I am not following my dreams , but following other people ’ s expectations .
It feels like where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waste of time .
I am at a crossroads , and I don ’ t know what to do .
I am almost a junior , and I am all over the place .
What should I do ?
• Harriette Cole : Her infuriating prediction about me has come true • Harriette Cole : Should I just stop eating , like my great-aunt did ?
• Harriette Cole : How can I tell if he ’ s going to hurt himself ?
• Harriette Cole : I scared myself by exploding at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy I just met has turned into a stalker DEAR SCARED FOR THE FUTURE : You can not live anyone else ’ s life .
You have to live your own .
If you do not want to be an attorney , don ’ t go that route .
It ’ s way too time-consuming and expensive to pursue — unless you are committed to it .
If your love is the arts , start doing some serious research to determine what types of jobs exist in your areas of interest .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you how to do that .
You may be able to have a job in the arts as you also develop your creative talents for a fine arts career .
Figure out what is possible , and go for it .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I worked with one company for several years on a freelance basis .
I recently completed my last job with them , as I took another job .
I thought we parted on good terms , but I question it now because I have not received my last check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always paid on time .
In fact , it was one of my only clients to be consistent with pay .
Now that I am no longer working for the company , it has missed a pay period .
I am kind of freaked out .
How should I handle this ?
I don ’ t want to burn any bridges , and I definitely need the money I am owed .
What should I do ?
DEAR ONE MORE CHECK : Stay positive and assume that the company made a mistake in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payment and — pleasantly — ask about the status of your compensation .
Ask if you need to resubmit the paperwork and when you can expect to receive payment .
If you do not hear back , or if the response is unsatisfactory , reach out to your direct contact to ask for support in getting your invoice paid .
Continue to be pleasant , assuming the positive unless and until you receive communication that suggests that the company does not intend to pay your invoice .
In that case , you may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been worried for a long time. As a college student, you are required to know what you want to do. I have an idea of what I want, but it’s not set in stone.
I love to draw and write. I have created big projects for myself and shared them with others. My dream is to one day show my work to the world, but that dream is a hit-or-miss proposition.
I need to think realistically, since some make it big, while others don’t. I am currently aiming to go to law school and become a lawyer, but I have been having second thoughts.
Lately, I have been looking into fine arts schools so that I can focus on what I like and improve my writing and art. However, I don’t want my family to think that my dreams are useless and a waste of a college education.
I am worried that I am not following my dreams, but following other people’s expectations. It feels like where I am at is just a big waste of time. I am at a crossroads, and I don’t know what to do. I am almost a junior, and I am all over the place. What should I do?
Scared for the Future
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If you do not want to be an attorney, don’t go that route. It’s way too time-consuming and expensive to pursue — unless you are committed to it.
If your love is the arts, start doing some serious research to determine what types of jobs exist in your areas of interest. Then find an educational program that will teach you how to do that.
You may be able to have a job in the arts as you also develop your creative talents for a fine arts career. Figure out what is possible, and go for it.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I worked with one company for several years on a freelance basis. I recently completed my last job with them, as I took another job. I thought we parted on good terms, but I question it now because I have not received my last check.
In the past, the company always paid on time. In fact, it was one of my only clients to be consistent with pay. Now that I am no longer working for the company, it has missed a pay period.
I am kind of freaked out. How should I handle this? I don’t want to burn any bridges, and I definitely need the money I am owed. What should I do?
One More Check
DEAR ONE MORE CHECK: Stay positive and assume that the company made a mistake in payroll. Contact the person who handles payment and — pleasantly — ask about the status of your compensation. Ask if you need to resubmit the paperwork and when you can expect to receive payment.
If you do not hear back, or if the response is unsatisfactory, reach out to your direct contact to ask for support in getting your invoice paid. Continue to be pleasant, assuming the positive unless and until you receive communication that suggests that the company does not intend to pay your invoice.
In that case, you may need to ask an attorney to intervene.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-03-05--Miss Manners: It’s weird that my boss kept these notes

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I am a paralegal in a midsize law firm , where I will soon be marking my 10th anniversary .
For the past few years , I have been fortunate to be given very generous bonuses and raises by the firm , and I ’ ve written thank-you notes to the founding partners — two of whom are located in a different city , and the third of whom is the managing partner of the office where I work .
A few weeks ago , my managing partner stopped by my office with the thank-you notes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to me , saying he was cleaning out his office .
• Miss Manners : When a stranger falls down , I end up looking bad • Miss Manners : My boyfriend scoffed at the idea of thank-you notes • Miss Manners : Barista has some nerve to do his job without a smile • Miss Manners : These thin people goad me with odd comments about weight • Miss Manners : I have a slight accent and I can ’ t believe the rude comments On one hand , I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that he had kept these , but I also thought it was a little unusual to return them .
I ’ ve never heard of anyone returning a thank-you note , or , for that matter , of anyone other than a doting parent keeping a note for a number of years .
I know he appreciated the gesture , but I ’ m wondering if , going forward , I should continue to express my appreciation verbally , or by email , without adding to the correspondence on his desk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d feel comfortable asking him .
GENTLE READER : When Miss Manners considers demands for the return of correspondence , she is thinking of someone insisting on the return of love letters , not the hoarding of thank-you letters .
Otherwise , returning letters is an insulting gesture .
What your managing partner did was , indeed , odd , and in your particular case , she agrees that in future , consideration suggests that you clutter his electronic inbox instead of his desk .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : On what occasion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ napkin ?
If you don ’ t finish your meal and want to shield your guests from seeing it ?
When you finish ?
DEAR MISS MANNERS : As someone who endeavors to fulfill the obligations of a polite person , I find myself stymied by how to write an appropriate letter of condolence in extraordinarily difficult circumstances .
A young man who had been in my daughter ’ s class from kindergarten through high school recently died of a drug overdose .
We do not have a personal relationship with his parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under such horrific circumstances , I hope I would find it comforting to know that others remembered him and cared enough to write .
But how can one correctly word a letter expressing sympathy for such an unimaginable loss ?
I hesitate to mention my daughter ’ s connection to this young man for fear that it would be insensitive , yet it is likely that they would recognize her name , but perhaps not mine .
GENTLE READER : Mentioning your own daughter is only insensitive if the bereaved parents resent your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bereaved parents can be forgiven much , but as it is an ugly feeling , it is more generous to assume this is not the case .
Miss Manners trusts that a condolence letter from your family — which includes your daughter — will be both appreciated and taken in the proper spirit .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City @ @ @ @

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a paralegal in a midsize law firm, where I will soon be marking my 10th anniversary.
For the past few years, I have been fortunate to be given very generous bonuses and raises by the firm, and I’ve written thank-you notes to the founding partners — two of whom are located in a different city, and the third of whom is the managing partner of the office where I work.
A few weeks ago, my managing partner stopped by my office with the thank-you notes I had sent to him and returned them to me, saying he was cleaning out his office.
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Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third On one hand, I was flattered, if not a little surprised, that he had kept these, but I also thought it was a little unusual to return them. I’ve never heard of anyone returning a thank-you note, or, for that matter, of anyone other than a doting parent keeping a note for a number of years.
I know he appreciated the gesture, but I’m wondering if, going forward, I should continue to express my appreciation verbally, or by email, without adding to the correspondence on his desk. It’s obviously not something I’d feel comfortable asking him.
GENTLE READER: When Miss Manners considers demands for the return of correspondence, she is thinking of someone insisting on the return of love letters, not the hoarding of thank-you letters. Otherwise, returning letters is an insulting gesture.
What your managing partner did was, indeed, odd, and in your particular case, she agrees that in future, consideration suggests that you clutter his electronic inbox instead of his desk.
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DEAR MISS MANNERS: On what occasion would you cover your plate with your napkin? If you don’t finish your meal and want to shield your guests from seeing it? When you finish?
GENTLE READER: Never?
DEAR MISS MANNERS: As someone who endeavors to fulfill the obligations of a polite person, I find myself stymied by how to write an appropriate letter of condolence in extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
A young man who had been in my daughter’s class from kindergarten through high school recently died of a drug overdose. We do not have a personal relationship with his parents, yet if I lost my child under such horrific circumstances, I hope I would find it comforting to know that others remembered him and cared enough to write.
But how can one correctly word a letter expressing sympathy for such an unimaginable loss? I hesitate to mention my daughter’s connection to this young man for fear that it would be insensitive, yet it is likely that they would recognize her name, but perhaps not mine.
GENTLE READER: Mentioning your own daughter is only insensitive if the bereaved parents resent your not having suffered a similar loss. Bereaved parents can be forgiven much, but as it is an ugly feeling, it is more generous to assume this is not the case.
Miss Manners trusts that a condolence letter from your family — which includes your daughter — will be both appreciated and taken in the proper spirit.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-03-06--San Jose’s first pre-approved granny unit permitted and built in just 12 weeks

Six months after San Jose launched a new initiative to make the construction of granny units more appealing for residents , prefabricated homes are now being installed in backyards across the city .
Downtown San Jose residents Jeff and Flora Thompson last month became the city ’ s first proud new owners of a granny unit built under the city ’ s pre-approved accessory dwelling unit , or ADU , program launched last year .
The entire process , including getting their permits , took just under 12 weeks .
“ When you think about that timeline , in conjunction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built across the Bay Area , it ’ s unfathomable , ” John Geary , co-founder of the Bay Area startup and ADU developer Abodu , said at a press conference celebrating the city ’ s first pre-approved unit on Thursday .
Under the city ’ s program , ADU designers and builders like Abodu submit standardized design plans for pre-approval from the city .
Once approved , customers then can work with companies to streamline the process and cut through the red tape .
After nearly a year of going through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backyard home for them , the Thompson ’ s learned about the new pre-approved models from the city and then everything fell into place .
“ When Abodu came along and they were pre-approved for the quick process , it was kind of the perfect combination — a new streamlined process with the city and a new builder that had really great , wonderfully designed and perfectly long-term livable unit , ” Jeff Thompson said during a press conference on Thursday .
The Thompson ’ s are still making finishing touches on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flora ’ s mother is nearing retirement and the couple would love to have her closer to the family .
But in the meantime , they may rent it out as an opportunity to earn some extra income .
Abodu became the first builder to receive pre-approval for its one-bedroom , 495-square-foot backyard home model in September .
The city since pre-approved another floorplan for a 640-square foot model submitted by the builder prefabADU .
The city is currently working with five other companies to get their designs approved and ready for residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which includes a bedroom , bathroom , kitchen and living room , starts at about $ 200,000 , with upgrades available for appliances , roofing and exterior features .
The unit is built off-site , transported on a truck and then placed onto a foundation in the backyard by a crane .
The company has installed two units , including the Thompson ’ s , so far in San Jose and are planning to install at least three more in the coming weeks .
“ We know homeowners aren ’ t developers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if there ’ s not a lot of hassle and additional cost and they can easily understand how to get it done , so we have to make it easy for them if this is going to be a successful solution , ” Mayor Sam Liccardo said Thursday .
While Geary said his company is working with customers in other cities , San Jose is the only city in the Bay Area that he has seen take the extra steps to institute a formal pre-approval process like this .
“ San Jose has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach to housing policy , and this unit we ’ re standing in front of today , it quite a testament to that approach , ” Geary said .
The program is just one part of a larger effort by the city to make the permitting and building process for granny units a more attractive and viable option for residents .
In addition to the new pre-approved program , the city hired a full-time “ ADU ally ” to help homeowners navigate the process , launched an online portal where residents can find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build a granny unit on their property , and started “ ADU Tuesdays , ” allowing homeowners and developers to obtain a building permit within 90 minutes through an express lane at the city ’ s permit center .
In January , the city approved an amnesty program to allow owners of illegally converted garages , sheds or other types of in-law units to take the mandatory steps to bring them up to code without paying the typical fees and fines for violating the permit process .
So far , the initiatives seem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the city provided permits for the construction of 416 units — more than the past five years combined and up from about 40 in 2016 .
“ This is an important solution , but we know it ’ s not the only solution , ” Liccardo said .
“ Still , I think it ’ s important to appreciate the scale of what we ’ re accomplishing already .
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Six months after San Jose launched an initiative to make the construction of granny units more appealing for residents, prefabricated homes are now being installed in backyards across the city.
Downtown San Jose residents Jeff and Flora Thompson last month became the proud owners of the first granny unit built under the city’s pre-approved accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, program. The entire process, including getting their permits, took less than 12 weeks.
“When you think about that timeline, in conjunction with other options of permanent housing being built across the Bay Area, it’s unfathomable,” John Geary, co-founder of the Bay Area startup and ADU developer Abodu, said at a press conference Thursday celebrating the city’s first pre-approved unit.
Under the program, ADU designers and builders like Abodu submit standardized design plans for pre-approval from the city. Once approved, customers then can work with companies to streamline the process and cut through the red tape.
After nearly a year of going through the daunting process of deciding on the right backyard home for them, the Thompsons learned about the new pre-approved models from the city and then everything fell into place.
“When Abodu came along and they were pre-approved for the quick process, it was kind of the perfect combination — a new streamlined process with the city and a new builder that had really great, wonderfully designed and perfectly long-term livable unit,” Jeff Thompson said during a press conference on Thursday.
The Thompsons are still making finishing touches on the unit and deciding their next steps. Flora’s mother is nearing retirement and the couple would love to have her closer to the family. But in the meantime, they may rent it out as an opportunity to earn some extra income.
Abodu became the first builder to receive pre-approval for its one-bedroom, 495-square-foot backyard home model in September. The city since pre-approved another floorplan for a 640-square-foot model submitted by the builder prefabADU. The city is currently working with five other companies to get their designs approved and ready for residents to consider.
Abodu’s model, which includes a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room, starts at about $200,000, with upgrades available for appliances, roofing and exterior features. The unit is built off-site, transported on a truck and then placed onto a foundation in the backyard by a crane.
The company has installed two units in San Jose, including the Thompsons’, and are planning to install at least three more in the coming weeks.
“We know homeowners aren’t developers. They only want to do this if there’s not a lot of hassle and additional cost and they can easily understand how to get it done, so we have to make it easy for them if this is going to be a successful solution,” Mayor Sam Liccardo said Thursday.
While Geary said his company is working with customers in other cities, San Jose is the only city in the Bay Area that he has seen take the extra steps to institute a formal pre-approval process like this.
“San Jose has proven to be extremely forward-looking in its approach to housing policy, and this unit we’re standing in front of today, it quite a testament to that approach,” Geary said.
The program is just one part of a larger effort by the city to make the permitting and building process for granny units a more attractive and viable option for residents as a way to fight the region’s growing housing crisis.
In addition to the new pre-approved program, the city hired a full-time “ADU ally” to help homeowners navigate the process, launched an online portal where residents can find out whether they’re eligible to build a granny unit on their property, and started “ADU Tuesdays,” allowing homeowners and developers to obtain a building permit within 90 minutes through an express lane at the city’s permit center.
In January, the city approved an amnesty program to allow owners of illegally converted garages, sheds or other types of in-law units to take the mandatory steps to bring them up to code without paying the typical fees and fines for violating the permit process.
So far, the initiatives seem to be paying off. Last year, the city provided permits for the construction of 416 units — more than the past five years combined and up from about 40 in 2016.
“This is an important solution, but we know it’s not the only solution,” Liccardo said. “Still, I think it’s important to appreciate the scale of what we’re accomplishing already.”