mercurynews--2020-03-30--Whicker: Before the interruption, Kings were earning a pardon

The Kings haven ’ t lost since Feb. 23 .
So much for NHL parity .
They carried a seven-game winning streak into the quarantine .
They beat the likes of Pittsburgh , Colorado , Vegas ( 4-1 on the road ) and Toronto .
They gave up nine goals in those seven wins , and if you ’ re loading all the credit on the Kings ’ goalies , note that they alternated Jonathan Quick and Cal Petersen throughout .
That was two weeks of winning , with 12 games remaining , to put an exclamation point on what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a season .
Now those 12 games still remain .
Coach Todd McLellan and his family are playing cards and board games , and they ’ re cooking together , and they ’ re walking around the South Bay .
He also talks with the coaches and the personnel department and the players as well , but there ’ s nothing more ethereal than a dormant plan .
Like all of us , he struggles with hands that are full of time .
“ I turn on the computer but I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” McLellan said Monday .
“ Am I in season-ending mode , creating some sort of review video ?
Or am I planning a mini-training camp ?
“ I ’ ll write something on paper and then the next day I ’ ll flip the page and write the exact opposite .
We had a lot of failure during the season and I thought we handled it well .
Now we need to see how we can handle success.
” Anze Kopitar is getting through it with body weights and core training , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the beach .
“ I ’ m trying to get through and stay active , ” he said .
“ You just stay loose and keep moving .
We ’ re in touch with each other .
The group texts are going all day , every day.
” Now McLellan is fearful that this unbeaten streak will stretch beyond usefulness .
If there are playoffs , and if the 82-game season is finished , the earliest conclusion would be somewhere in late July .
Then , to accommodate the playoff contestants , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual into the fall .
“ We could go from mid-March to mid-October or later without hockey activities , ” McLellan said .
“ That would not benefit us at all.
” That ’ s a long time to wonder if the two-week streak revealed translatable truths about the Kings , or if this was just a garbage-time accident .
“ From the feedback I got around the league , people were noticing the identity they were developing , ” said Jim Fox , the Kings ’ TV analyst .
“ They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other teams .
They had found something they could fall back on.
” A sense of settlement arrived with the trade deadline .
Alex Iafallo was not just the junior member of the top line anymore .
Adrian Kempe was visible on the ice , if not the scoresheet .
Matt Roy continued to rise on defense , playing at least 20 minutes in six of the past nine games .
But the play of the Stanley Cuppers , the ones who might not be Kings when the key finally gets turned , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Drew Doughty , in particular , were not looking for the exits .
“ It was communicated to them that they were expected to be mentors through this process , ” Fox said , “ the way they had mentors when they were coming up .
They were told they were an important part of this .
And they have responded.
” Brown and Kopitar each had six points in those final six games .
Kopitar had 62 points overall , two more than last season .
He was plus-six on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been much more productive since he recovered from pneumonia , ” McLellan said .
“ Kopi was playing some of his best hockey .
Drew , on the back end , was wondering earlier in the season about positioning and where he ’ d be .
He ’ s such a dominant guy now , he controls the whole tempo with his puck-moving skills .
When your leaders play like that , everyone else has no choice but to follow .
It ’ s what we needed .
“ From the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with .
We had to make sure they were prepared to go with the peaks and the valleys , too .
Each of them indicated he was prepared for that .
They ’ ve been patient and cooperative.
” Kopitar laughed when someone asked him about quarantines , and which Kings would be most , and least , ideal to share isolation .
“ Doughty , both ways , ” he said .
“ That ’ s self-explanatory for me .
There is something new every second .
You ’ re either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wondering how that came out of his mouth.
” Someday he ’ ll hear those gems in person .
Until then , the Kings keep living without losing .
With each unblemished day , maybe they ’ ll forget how .

The Kings haven’t lost since Feb. 23. So much for NHL parity.
They carried a seven-game winning streak into the quarantine. They beat the likes of Pittsburgh, Colorado, Vegas (4-1 on the road) and Toronto. They gave up nine goals in those seven wins, and if you’re loading all the credit on the Kings’ goalies, note that they alternated Jonathan Quick and Cal Petersen throughout.
That was two weeks of winning, with 12 games remaining, to put an exclamation point on what appeared to be a dreary six-month sentence of a season.
Now those 12 games still remain. Coach Todd McLellan and his family are playing cards and board games, and they’re cooking together, and they’re walking around the South Bay. He also talks with the coaches and the personnel department and the players as well, but there’s nothing more ethereal than a dormant plan. Like all of us, he struggles with hands that are full of time.
“I turn on the computer but I’m not sure where to go,” McLellan said Monday. “Am I in season-ending mode, creating some sort of review video? Or am I planning a mini-training camp?
“I’ll write something on paper and then the next day I’ll flip the page and write the exact opposite. We had a lot of failure during the season and I thought we handled it well. Now we need to see how we can handle success.”
Anze Kopitar is getting through it with body weights and core training, the stationary bike, maybe some runs on the beach.
“I’m trying to get through and stay active,” he said. “You just stay loose and keep moving. We’re in touch with each other. The group texts are going all day, every day.”
Now McLellan is fearful that this unbeaten streak will stretch beyond usefulness. If there are playoffs, and if the 82-game season is finished, the earliest conclusion would be somewhere in late July. Then, to accommodate the playoff contestants, training camp would be delayed deeper than usual into the fall.
“We could go from mid-March to mid-October or later without hockey activities,” McLellan said. “That would not benefit us at all.”
That’s a long time to wonder if the two-week streak revealed translatable truths about the Kings, or if this was just a garbage-time accident.
“From the feedback I got around the league, people were noticing the identity they were developing,” said Jim Fox, the Kings’ TV analyst.
“They were playing that 1-3-1 and it was frustrating other teams. They had found something they could fall back on.”
A sense of settlement arrived with the trade deadline. Alex Iafallo was not just the junior member of the top line anymore. Adrian Kempe was visible on the ice, if not the scoresheet. Matt Roy continued to rise on defense, playing at least 20 minutes in six of the past nine games.
But the play of the Stanley Cuppers, the ones who might not be Kings when the key finally gets turned, is also significant. Kopitar, Brown and Drew Doughty, in particular, were not looking for the exits.
“It was communicated to them that they were expected to be mentors through this process,” Fox said, “the way they had mentors when they were coming up. They were told they were an important part of this. And they have responded.”
Brown and Kopitar each had six points in those final six games. Kopitar had 62 points overall, two more than last season. He was plus-six on a team that was 29-35-6.
“Dustin has been much more productive since he recovered from pneumonia,” McLellan said. “Kopi was playing some of his best hockey. Drew, on the back end, was wondering earlier in the season about positioning and where he’d be. He’s such a dominant guy now, he controls the whole tempo with his puck-moving skills. When your leaders play like that, everyone else has no choice but to follow. It’s what we needed.
“From the beginning they were the first guys we made contact with. We had to make sure they were prepared to go with the peaks and the valleys, too. Each of them indicated he was prepared for that. They’ve been patient and cooperative.”
Kopitar laughed when someone asked him about quarantines, and which Kings would be most, and least, ideal to share isolation.
“Doughty, both ways,” he said. “That’s self-explanatory for me. There is something new every second. You’re either crying, laughing or shaking your head, wondering how that came out of his mouth.”
Someday he’ll hear those gems in person. Until then, the Kings keep living without losing. With each unblemished day, maybe they’ll forget how.


mercurynews--2020-03-30--Alleged Aryan Brotherhood associate denied release from jail

SACRAMENTO — A Southern California man accused of helping Aryan Brotherhood members smuggle drugs and other contraband into state prison was denied an early pretrial release from jail Monday , according to court records .
Samuel Keeton , 40 , argued that should be released because he suffers from severe asthma and is more likely to contract a serious case of COVID-19 in the jail .
His attorney requested Keeton be released to home detention .
The petition was denied , “ based upon Keeton ’ s significant prior criminal history , the nature of the charges , and related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Attorney ’ s office said .
The judge ’ s order allows Keeton to petition for release again at a later date .
Keeton ’ s attorney , David Fischer , wrote in a legal motion that prosecutors were incorrect in painting Keeton as a career criminal , while acknowledging Keeton was convicted of “ theft-related crimes ” in the early 2000s , when he had a drug problem .
If he ’ d been released , Keeton planned to stay in his Orange County home with his fiancée and children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also raised concerns about the level of care being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Sacramento County jail .
The jail hasn ’ t had a positive COVID-19 test , but Fischer said staff were being careless and that the jail is “ unsanitary , ” places inmates at greater risk of contracting the virus if it does enter the jail .
“ As recently as March 28 , 2020 , Mr. Keeton ’ s pills are being dispensed by medical staff who are not wearing gloves , ” Fishcer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plastic cup , and then that person sticks their fingers inside the plastic cup to hand it to Mr. Keeton , who puts the cup up to his mouth and takes the medication.
” Keeton was among more than two dozen Aryan Brotherhood members and associates charged with a variety of crimes last spring .
He is accused of working with an alleged leader in the Aryan Brotherhood , Ronald Dean Yandell , to smuggle heroin , meth , cellphones , and other forbidden items to Yandell ’ s cellmate in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was taken into prison by a licensed attorney and his paralegal , prosecutors said .
Keeton is accused of helping coordinate heroin deals with a woman who was part of an Aryan Brotherhood offshoot gang called the Family Affiliated Irish Mafia , or FAIM .
Several of Keeton ’ s co-defendants are charged with much more serious offenses , namely ordering or carrying out murders throughout the California prison system .
Much of the evidence is based upon wiretapped calls involving Yandell — who allegedly had a contraband prison cellphone — and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison gang .
In one of his motions , Fischer denied that Keeton was a danger to the public .
“ By 2019 , Mr. Keeton was on track for never having contact with the criminal justice system again until he was arrested on this case .
He was drug and alcohol free .
He was working .
And he did not resist arrest or attempt to flee when arrested in this csae ( sic ) , ” Fischer wrote .
Prosecutors opposed Keeton ’ s release , arguing that he would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was caught red-handed participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy .
In the early morning hours of March 12 , a Sacramento Sheriff team raided jails where Keeton and several of his co-defendants are housed .
They discovered evidence Keeton had attempted to access the light fixture of his cell , which is a common place for inmates to stash contraband , prosecutors said .

SACRAMENTO — A Southern California man accused of helping Aryan Brotherhood members smuggle drugs and other contraband into state prison was denied an early pretrial release from jail Monday, according to court records.
Samuel Keeton, 40, argued that he should be released because he suffers from severe asthma and is more likely to contract a serious case of COVID-19 in the jail. His attorney requested Keeton be released to home detention.
The petition was denied, “based upon Keeton’s significant prior criminal history, the nature of the charges, and related factors,” a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s office said. The judge’s order allows Keeton to petition for release again at a later date.
Keeton’s attorney, David Fischer, wrote in a legal motion that prosecutors were incorrect in painting Keeton as a career criminal, while acknowledging Keeton was convicted of “theft-related crimes” in the early 2000s, when he had a drug problem. If he’d been released, Keeton planned to stay in his Orange County home with his fiancée and children, Fischer wrote.
Fischer’s motion also raised concerns about the level of care being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Sacramento County jail. The jail hasn’t had a positive COVID-19 test, but Fischer said staff were being careless and that the jail is “unsanitary,” placing inmates at greater risk of contracting the virus if it does enter the jail.
“As recently as March 28, 2020, Mr. Keeton’s pills are being dispensed by medical staff who are not wearing gloves,” Fischer wrote. “Pills are dropped into a plastic cup, and then that person sticks their fingers inside the plastic cup to hand it to Mr. Keeton, who puts the cup up to his mouth and takes the medication.”
Keeton was among more than two dozen Aryan Brotherhood members and associates charged with a variety of crimes last spring. He is accused of working with an alleged leader in the Aryan Brotherhood, Ronald Dean Yandell, to smuggle heroin, meth, cellphones, and other forbidden items to Yandell’s cellmate in California State Prison, Sacramento.
The contraband was taken into prison by a licensed attorney and his paralegal, prosecutors said. Keeton is accused of helping coordinate heroin deals with a woman who was part of an Aryan Brotherhood offshoot gang called the Family Affiliated Irish Mafia, or FAIM.
Several of Keeton’s co-defendants are charged with much more serious offenses, namely ordering or carrying out murders throughout the California prison system. Much of the evidence is based upon wiretapped calls involving Yandell — who allegedly had a contraband prison cellphone — and other members or associates of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang.
In one of his motions, Fischer denied that Keeton was a danger to the public.
“By 2019, Mr. Keeton was on track for never having contact with the criminal justice system again until he was arrested on this case. He was drug and alcohol free. He was working. And he did not resist arrest or attempt to flee when arrested in this case,” Fischer wrote.
Prosecutors opposed Keeton’s release, arguing that he would be a flight risk, and that he was caught red-handed participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy. In the early morning hours of March 12, a Sacramento Sheriff team raided jails where Keeton and several of his co-defendants are housed. They discovered evidence Keeton had attempted to access the light fixture of his cell, which is a common place for inmates to stash contraband, prosecutors said.


mercurynews--2020-03-30--Stanford students want the university to lower tuition this quarter

STANFORD — With the prospect of taking online classes for the remainder of the school year , thousands of Stanford University students are asking school officials to lower tuition for the spring quarter , even asking for as much as an 80 percent discount in some instances .
Provost Persis Drell , however , said in March 16 a letter to student and staff that “ there will not be tuition discounts for spring quarter , ” addressing the barrage of questions about a tuition decrease as the school remains closed amid the ongoing spread of the coronavirus in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for many students , there is a disappointment that the experience of online instruction will not be the same as the Stanford experience they have come to expect , ” Drell said in the letter that followed an earlier announcement that the school would be transitioning to “ virtual learning , rather than in-person classes.
” .
“ If a student feels that a spring quarter with online instruction will not meet their expectations , they have the option to take a leave of absence for spring quarter and re-enroll at a later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s comments , the school said it would delay the start of spring quarter by a week until April 6 , cancel both graduations and the traditional final exam period .
Now more than 1600 students have signed a petition asking the university to “ consider the possibility of deducting the tuition for Spring Quarter 2020.
” A similar petition asking UC Berkeley officials for a partial tuition reimbursement has garnered over 1700 signatures .
In a letter to Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne , the person who started the petition said students who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education will affect our education experience , as interacting with faculty and peers actually makes a more essential part of our time spent at Stanford.
” An online campus “ makes us unable to enjoy an education experience qualified for the $ 10,000 we spent for this spring quarter , ” the letter says .
With an empty campus , the letter continues , operating costs will be lower , including for instructors , as some classes have been pre-recorded and “ given to students with little alteration.
” “ Plus , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , so a reduction of tuition would benefit and even save many families , ” the letter states .
At the Stanford School of Business a different group of more than 700 students also signed a letter asking the school to take 80 percent off spring tuition “ to reflect the current price differential between in-person and online programs.
” “ We understand that the Provost has stated that the University will not be issuing a discount , but we find this response unacceptable given the dramatic change in the experience , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ petition says .
“ We also consider her proposal around a leave of absence unacceptable , given that this would defer full-time employment by an additional six months , creating a significant financial burden on students.
” That letter also says several people facing financial uncertainty in both the regular and one-year business master ’ s programs have “ made extraordinary financial sacrifices to participate in Stanford ’ s in-person program , and many of us have families who are dependent on us.
” “ As an institution that prides itself on leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to exercise both by issuing a significant tuition discount for next quarter , ” the petition says .
“ We recognize that the costs for the university might not change drastically by going online in short order , but we believe there must be increased room in the operating budget , and what is the purpose of our multi-billion dollar endowment if not to give us room in times of such crisis ?
” A third letter signed by nearly 1,000 graduate students — the majority of whom are law and medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donate to Stanford if their demands were not met , prompting a large number of people on the petition to say that they “ agree with the sentiment of the letter but not the specific demands contained therein.
” One law student said taking a leave of absence is not an option for him and that he feels “ cornered into paying full sticker.
” “ It is incredibly unfair to make graduate students pay for full tuition and housing when the school is unable to provide the majority of the services and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of our education , ” School of Law student George Zhang said .
“ If the experience is not immersive , then it is not full and does not deserve the price tag.
” In a statement to the Mercury News Monday , Stanford spokesman E.J .
Miranda said switching to online instruction “ does not eliminate the ongoing costs of providing an education ” as tuition does not cover “ the full cost of a Stanford education.
” Though the school won ’ t be lowering tuition , Miranda said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus-related closure of the school an aid package that includes $ 2,000 for living expenses and other support off campus to help them pay rent , as well as emergency funding and scholarships .
Undergraduate students can also take a leave of absence for the spring quarter “ for any reason , ” and students can receive a full tuition refund if they file for leave by April 13 , Miranda said .
If they file for leave after that date , Miranda said they may be able to receive a prorated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , academic and financial upheaval the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis has caused our students and their families , ” Miranda said .
“ The university stands ready to help students facing financial hardships and we urge them to consult the Financial Aid Office or the appropriate office within their school .
”

STANFORD — With the prospect of taking online classes for the remainder of the school year, thousands of Stanford University students are asking school officials to lower tuition for the spring quarter, even asking for as much as an 80 percent discount in some instances.
Provost Persis Drell, however, said in March 16 a letter to student and staff that “there will not be tuition discounts for spring quarter,” addressing the barrage of questions about a tuition decrease as the school remains closed amid the ongoing spread of the coronavirus in the Bay Area.
“We realize that for many students, there is a disappointment that the experience of online instruction will not be the same as the Stanford experience they have come to expect,” Drell said in the letter that followed an earlier announcement that the school would be transitioning to “virtual learning, rather than in-person classes.”.
“If a student feels that a spring quarter with online instruction will not meet their expectations, they have the option to take a leave of absence for spring quarter and re-enroll at a later date.”
Three days after Drell’s comments, the school said it would delay the start of spring quarter by a week until April 6, cancel both graduations and the traditional final exam period.
Now more than 1600 students have signed a petition asking the university to “consider the possibility of deducting the tuition for Spring Quarter 2020.”
A similar petition asking UC Berkeley officials for a partial tuition reimbursement has garnered over 1700 signatures, and one at Santa Clara University — where two students have tested positive for coronavirus — has garnered over 4,000 signatures asking the school to reduce spring quarter tuition by 50 percent to $736 a unit, the same cost to attend summer classes there.
In a letter to Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne, the person who started the petition said students who have signed “believe that the online education will affect our education experience, as interacting with faculty and peers actually makes a more essential part of our time spent at Stanford.”
An online campus “makes us unable to enjoy an education experience qualified for the $10,000 we spent for this spring quarter,” the letter says. With an empty campus, the letter continues, operating costs will be lower, including for instructors, as some classes have been pre-recorded and “given to students with little alteration.”
“Plus, the coronavirus is bringing my family a financial crisis, so a reduction of tuition would benefit and even save many families,” the letter states.
At the Stanford School of Business a different group of more than 700 students also signed a letter asking the school to take 80 percent off spring tuition “to reflect the current price differential between in-person and online programs.”
“We understand that the Provost has stated that the University will not be issuing a discount, but we find this response unacceptable given the dramatic change in the experience, particularly for the GSB,” the petition says. “We also consider her proposal around a leave of absence unacceptable, given that this would defer full-time employment by an additional six months, creating a significant financial burden on students.”
That letter also says several people facing financial uncertainty in both the regular and one-year business master’s programs have “made extraordinary financial sacrifices to participate in Stanford’s in-person program, and many of us have families who are dependent on us.”
“As an institution that prides itself on leadership and empathy, we are calling on you to exercise both by issuing a significant tuition discount for next quarter,” the petition says. “We recognize that the costs for the university might not change drastically by going online in short order, but we believe there must be increased room in the operating budget, and what is the purpose of our multi-billion dollar endowment if not to give us room in times of such crisis?”
A third letter signed by nearly 1,000 graduate students — the majority of whom are law and medical students — asserts that signatories would never donate to Stanford if their demands were not met, prompting a large number of people on the petition to say that they “agree with the sentiment of the letter but not the specific demands contained therein.”
One law student said taking a leave of absence is not an option for him and that he feels “cornered into paying full sticker.”
“It is incredibly unfair to make graduate students pay for full tuition and housing when the school is unable to provide the majority of the services and resources that were promised as available as part of our education,” School of Law student George Zhang said. “If the experience is not immersive, then it is not full and does not deserve the price tag.”
In a statement to the Mercury News Monday, Stanford spokesman E.J. Miranda said switching to online instruction “does not eliminate the ongoing costs of providing an education” as tuition does not cover “the full cost of a Stanford education.”
Though the school won’t be lowering tuition, Miranda said the university has been giving students affected by the coronavirus-related closure of the school an aid package that includes $2,000 for living expenses and other support off campus to help them pay rent, as well as emergency funding and scholarships.
Undergraduate students can also take a leave of absence for the spring quarter “for any reason,” and students can receive a full tuition refund if they file for leave by April 13, Miranda said. If they file for leave after that date, Miranda said they may be able to receive a prorated refund.
“We understand the personal, academic and financial upheaval the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis has caused our students and their families,” Miranda said. “The university stands ready to help students facing financial hardships and we urge them to consult the Financial Aid Office or the appropriate office within their school.”


mercurynews--2020-03-31--Letter: Newsom’s needed in Sacramento, not strutting for cameras

Newsom not allowing a good crisis go to waste Re : “ Newsom orders statewide ban on evictions ” ( Eastbaytimes.com , March 27 ) and “ Newsom rising to coronavirus challenge ” ( Page B1 , March 28 ) : During the present coronavirus pandemic , it is pleasing to see Gov .
Gavin Newsom successfully accomplishing many of the responsibilities of a California governor , including requesting and getting the U.S. Navy hospital ship Mercy to help Los Angeles .
However , it is disappointing to see photos of Newsom , having traveled from Sacramento to Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photo-op , posing in front of the U.S. Navy hospital ship .
Newsom ’ s presence is needed in Sacramento , not strutting at taxpayers ’ expense in front of cameras in Los Angeles .
The money from California taxpayers needs to be applied to urgently remedying the many problems caused by the coronavirus and to alleviating suffering instead of paying for grandstanding by a politician with an ambition for higher office .
• Letter : In a crisis , surely Gavin Newsom can be cut a little slack • Letter : COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Congress But as Rahm Emanuel said , “ Never allow a good crisis go to waste.
” Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Newsom not allowing a
good crisis go to waste
Re: “Newsom orders statewide ban on evictions” (Eastbaytimes.com, March 27) and “Newsom rising to coronavirus challenge” (Page B1, March 28):
During the present coronavirus pandemic, it is pleasing to see Gov. Gavin Newsom successfully accomplishing many of the responsibilities of a California governor, including requesting and getting the U.S. Navy hospital ship Mercy to help Los Angeles.
However, it is disappointing to see photos of Newsom, having traveled from Sacramento to Los Angeles at taxpayers’ expense just for a photo-op, posing in front of the U.S. Navy hospital ship.
Newsom’s presence is needed in Sacramento, not strutting at taxpayers’ expense in front of cameras in Los Angeles. The money from California taxpayers needs to be applied to urgently remedying the many problems caused by the coronavirus and to alleviating suffering instead of paying for grandstanding by a politician with an ambition for higher office.
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Richard Jesse
Dublin
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mercurynews--2020-03-31--Steve Kerr: Warriors’ 2015 series vs. Pelicans ‘was a big step for us’

Over the next few weeks , NBC Sports Bay Area and 95.7 The Game ( KGMZ-FM ) will be re-airing several classic Warriors games on nights they were scheduled to play before the NBA suspending it ’ s season indefinitely amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke with Bay Area News Group about his memories from those games .
Bent at the waist in front of the Warriors ’ bench , Stephen Curry pumped both his fists and unleashed a roar .
Moments earlier , he had made a falling-down 3-pointer in the corner to erase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Game 3 of Golden State ’ s 2015 first-round series against the Pelicans to overtime .
The Warriors would win , 123-119 , and take a 3-0 series lead .
Curry ’ s clutch shot with 2.8 seconds left came after he made a 3-pointer with 11.8 seconds remaining that drew the game to one possession .
Such performances led Curry , who finished with 40 points and nine assists , to his first MVP award and the Warriors to their first championship .
At 8 p.m. on Tuesday , NBC Sports Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently reflected on Curry ’ s heroics and how that series set the stage for Golden State ’ s dynastic run .
Q : That was your first playoff series as head coach .
Having now been through so many postseason runs , how does that experience compare to the more recent ones ?
• Steve Kerr says Warriors were at their best in 2017 : ‘ No question ’ • If NBA resumes , almost ‘ 100 percent ’ it ’ ll be without fans : report • The Deets : NBA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some reinforcements • On this date , March 26 : Warriors ’ Rick Barry explodes for career-high 64 points “ I think for us as a team , it was a really important series just because we had never been through a playoff round together before and the Pelicans were really good as an eighth seed .
To go against Anthony Davis , Jrue Holiday , Ryan Anderson ; they had weapons .
And I thought that was an important series for our growth just to , you know , kind of get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That game was just incredible .
I mean , I think that was one of Steph ’ s signature games .
People may not remember the clutch three he hit before the last three , just to get us within a bucket .
I think he hit one off of a side-out-of-bounds play with maybe 10 seconds left .
I think that cut it to one , and then after they made a couple free throws he hit another three .
So , following that 20-point comeback and fourth , as I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in it , I think we went really small the whole four quarter with Andre ( Iguodala ) , Draymond ( Green ) , all the small-ball guys came up huge and then Steph did his thing .
That was a really , really fun game.
” Q : How did you feel like your team grew after that series ?
“ Well , it was one step .
The thing we were trying to get across to the team as a coaching staff was most most team in NBA history who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go through some growing pains and we were trying to convince them that they had already been through some growing pains a couple years prior to that — losing to the Clippers and losing to the Spurs — and they already had some experience .
So there was no reason why we had to look at that season as a stepping stone to a future title .
We were trying to convince them that ‘ Hey , this is now .
We can do this right now.
’ But when you haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s easy to nod your head and say , ‘ Yeah , let ’ s go do it , ’ but it ’ s another thing to go do it .
“ So I think we had to take everything step by step and that first round was a big step for us and then the next round against Memphis was probably the bigger one , being down on the road and all that.
” Q : For you , personally as a coach , did you approach that first playoff series with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your emotional state going into that being different at all ?
“ All I remember was our turnaround was really quick .
It was actually too quick .
We went from our last game of the season to we had the first game of the playoffs , it was a Saturday game at noon , and so we had very little prep time .
And I remember Andre Iguodala talking about it after the fact that everything seemed very rushed .
Our preparation seemed rushed , and it was .
“ Because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time together with that particular group , everybody was nervous , and so getting the first one under our belt on that Saturday noon game with that early start was really important .
It settled us down .
Then I think after Game 2 , we had several days to practice before we played Game 3 in New Orleans and we were able to kind of just settle down and go from there .
”

Over the next few weeks, NBC Sports Bay Area and 95.7 The Game (KGMZ-FM) will be re-airing several classic Warriors games on nights they were scheduled to play before the NBA suspending it’s season indefinitely amid the coronavirus pandemic. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke with Bay Area News Group about his memories from those games.
Bent at the waist in front of the Warriors’ bench, Stephen Curry pumped both his fists and unleashed a roar.
Moments earlier, he had made a falling-down 3-pointer in the corner to erase a 20-point fourth quarter deficit and send Game 3 of Golden State’s 2015 first-round series against the Pelicans to overtime. The Warriors would win, 123-119, and take a 3-0 series lead.
Curry’s clutch shot with 2.8 seconds left came after he made a 3-pointer with 11.8 seconds remaining that drew the game to one possession. Such performances led Curry, who finished with 40 points and nine assists, to his first MVP award and the Warriors to their first championship.
At 8 p.m. on Tuesday, NBC Sports Bay Area will re-air that game. Kerr recently reflected on Curry’s heroics and how that series set the stage for Golden State’s dynastic run.
Q: That was your first playoff series as head coach. Having now been through so many postseason runs, how does that experience compare to the more recent ones? Related Articles Golden State Warriors | Here’s the Warriors’ schedule for NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament
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“I think for us as a team, it was a really important series just because we had never been through a playoff round together before and the Pelicans were really good as an eighth seed. To go against Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, Ryan Anderson — they had weapons. And I thought that was an important series for our growth just to kind of get us prepared for what was next.
“That game was just incredible. I mean, I think that was one of Steph’s signature games. People may not remember the clutch three he hit before the last three, just to get us within a bucket. I think he hit one off of a side-out-of-bounds play with maybe 10 seconds left. I think that cut it to one, and then after they made a couple free throws he hit another three. So, following that 20-point comeback and fourth, as I recall, Shawn Livingston played a big role in it, I think we went really small the whole fourth quarter with Andre (Iguodala), Draymond (Green), all the small-ball guys came up huge and then Steph did his thing. That was a really, really fun game.”
Q: How did your team grow after that series?
“Well, it was one step. The thing we were trying to get across to the team, as a coaching staff, was that most teams in NBA history who win the championship, they have to go through some growing pains and we were trying to convince them that they had already been through some growing pains a couple years prior to that — losing to the Clippers and losing to the Spurs — and they already had some experience. So there was no reason why we had to look at that season as a stepping stone to a future title. We were trying to convince them that ‘Hey, this is now. We can do this right now.’ But when you haven’t done it yet, it’s easy to nod your head and say, ‘Yeah, let’s go do it,’ but it’s another thing to go do it.
“So I think we had to take everything step by step and that first round was a big step for us. Then the next round against Memphis was probably the bigger one, being down on the road and all that.”
Q: For you, personally as a coach, did you approach that first playoff series with butterflies or anything? Do you remember your emotional state going into that being different at all?
“All I remember was our turnaround was really quick. It was actually too quick. We went from our last game of the season to we had the first game of the playoffs, it was a Saturday game at noon, and so we had very little prep time. And I remember Andre Iguodala talking about it after the fact that everything seemed very rushed. Our preparation seemed rushed, and it was.
“Because we were a young team and really our first time together with that particular group, everybody was nervous, and so getting the first one under our belt on that Saturday noon game with that early start was really important. It settled us down. Then I think after Game 2, we had several days to practice before we played Game 3 in New Orleans and we were able to kind of just settle down and go from there.”


mercurynews--2020-03-31--Raiders’ Jon Gruden loves quarterbacks until he has to draft them

Jon Gruden can ’ t control himself .
He sees a quarterback , and you know what happens next .
The Raiders coach has been peripherally connected with Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert and Utah State ’ s Jordan Love within the last few days .
Next up is Gruden making eyes at LSU ’ s Joe Burrow and Alabama ’ s Tua Tagovaiola , and how he ’ ll part with most of his draft class to get it done .
Herbert reportedly will have a video interview with the Raiders , one of 60 each team is allowed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Love going to the Raiders at No .
12 , with Mel Kiper Jr. telling the “ Big Lead ” he thinks the Utah State passer may be headed to the Raiders .
Rewind to a year ago , when Gruden had “ fallen in love ” with Kyler Murray of Oklahoma and later was linked with Ohio State ’ s Dwayne Haskins .
It didn ’ t make sense then .
It makes even less sense now .
Gruden ’ s nine years away from coaching included heaping helpings of his enthusiasm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Quarterback Camp ” show on ESPN .
His tenure as an NFL coach has indicated a reluctance to use quarterbacks that young in actual games In a dozen years as a head coach , these are the quarterbacks Gruden selected in the draft : Just because Gruden likes to work with young quarterbacks on television doesn ’ t mean he trusts them with one of the most involved and complex playbooks in an actual game .
In 208 games , quarterbacks drafted by Gruden started only 26 times .
Eleven of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only rookie quarterback to ever start a game with Gruden as a coach .
The rest were from Chris Simms , who didn ’ t play as a rookie .
Tuiasosopo , whom Gruden lobbied Al Davis to take with the Raiders , sat behind Rich Gannon in 2000 and 2001 .
Johnson , who arrived in Gruden ’ s last draft with Tampa Bay , didn ’ t start for him either .
If there ever was a time for Gruden to take a quarterback , it was 2005 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had the fifth pick in the draft .
Simms was entering his third year , presumably ready to play at some point .
Brian Griese was also on the roster .
That didn ’ t stop Gruden and Co. from flying to Utah to meet with Alex Smith , and then to California to visit with Aaron Rodgers .
Gruden liked Rodgers .
I sat in on the entire process , from the meeting with Rodgers to the workout at Memorial Stadium in which Jerry Rice appeared as a surprise guest receiver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing his career .
“ We wouldn ’ t be here if we weren ’ t serious , ” Gruden told Rodgers .
When the draft came , Smith was taken by the 49ers at No .
1 .
Rodgers was there at No .
5 .
The Bucs took running back Cadillac Williams of Auburn .
Gruden is often labeled as emotional and impulsive , but he ’ s a pragmatist at heart .
Williams was going to help right away .
Williams did for the Bucs what Josh Jacobs did for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,178 yards as the Bucs went 11-5 and made the playoffs .
After a torn patellar tendon in the 14th game , Williams was never the same .
Gruden didn ’ t find his Gannon in Tampa Bay , coming closest with 37-year-old Jeff Garcia in 2007 .
The due diligence of talking to Herbert and probably other quarterbacks will be the same as Gruden showed when meeting with Rodgers .
But when weighed against the needs of a 7-9 team that already has Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota in place , Gruden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for instant help in the first round at Nos .
12 and 19 .
Either that make a trade which brings additonal picks that can help right away .
Keep in mind that when Gruden drafted quarterbacks with the Raiders and Buccaneers , there was an off-season .
When he returned , Gruden could barely conceal his sarcasm when discussing how the lack of on-field time impacts young players .
Now the Raiders and every other team in the NFL are faced with a great unknown due to the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t be until training camp in late July , and that ’ s a best-case scenario .
Not a lot of time for a rookie quarterback to get caught up with the Raiders , given Gruden ’ s insistance on having his signal caller work out of a huddle and with a higher percentage than most in terms of plays under center .
• Commissioner Goodell tells teams NFL ’ s draft will go on as planned • The NFL was right to go ahead with free agency • On this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argues Raiders would make $ 47 million more if they played in L.A .
There simply won ’ t be time for stripping down the likes of Herbert and Love of their college systems and rebuilding them into instant NFL quarterbacks in a tight window .
Meeting with top talents is wise even if you don ’ t select them .
They may become available by trade or free agency in future years and you ’ ve got a baseline to work with .
It ’ s possible if not probable the Raiders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ ve got three third-round picks , enough to possibly get Jalen Hurts either at their draft position or through a trade .
But to use one of their first-round picks on Gruden ’ s latest alleged crush ?
Makes for a good story .
Chances are that come April 23 , it will stop right there .

Jon Gruden can’t control himself. He sees a quarterback, and you know what happens next.
The Raiders coach has been peripherally connected with Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert and Utah State’s Jordan Love based on reports of having conducted virtual interviews with both.
Next up is Gruden making eyes at LSU’s Joe Burrow and Alabama’s Tua Tagovaiola, and how he’ll part with most of his draft class to get it done.
Herbert reportedly had a video interview with the Raiders, one of 30 each team is allowed. A Los Angeles Times mock draft had Love going to the Raiders at No. 12 and ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. told the “Big Lead” he thinks the Utah State passer may be headed to the Raiders.
Rewind to a year ago, when Gruden had “fallen in love” with Kyler Murray of Oklahoma and later was linked with Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins.
It didn’t make sense then. It makes even less sense now.
Gruden’s nine years away from coaching included heaping helpings of his enthusiasm for working with young quarterbacks on his “Quarterback Camp” show on ESPN. His tenure as an NFL coach has indicated a reluctance to use quarterbacks that young in actual games
In a dozen years as a head coach, these are the quarterbacks Gruden selected in the draft:
2001_Marques Tuiasosopo, Washington, second round, 59th overall.
2003_Chris Simms, Texas, third round, 99th overall
2006_Bruce Gradkowski, Akron, sixth round, 194th overall
2008_Josh Johnson, San Diego, ffith round,160th overall.
That’s it.
Just because Gruden likes to work with young quarterbacks on television doesn’t mean he trusts them with one of the most involved and complex playbooks in an actual game. In 208 games, quarterbacks drafted by Gruden started only 26 times. Eleven of those were by Bruce Gradkowski in 2006, the only rookie quarterback to ever start a game with Gruden as a coach. The rest were from Chris Simms, who didn’t play as a rookie.
Tuiasosopo, whom Gruden lobbied Al Davis to take with the Raiders, sat behind Rich Gannon in 2000 and 2001. Johnson, who arrived in Gruden’s last draft with Tampa Bay, didn’t start for him either.
If there ever was a time for Gruden to take a quarterback, it was 2005. The Bucs were coming off a 5-11 season and had the fifth pick in the draft. Simms was entering his third year, presumably ready to play at some point. Brian Griese was also on the roster.
That didn’t stop Gruden and Co. from flying to Utah to meet with Alex Smith, and then to California to visit with Aaron Rodgers. Gruden liked Rodgers. I sat in on the entire process, from the meeting with Rodgers to the workout at Memorial Stadium in which Jerry Rice appeared as a surprise guest receiver as he contemplated finding another team and continuing his career.
“We wouldn’t be here if we weren’t serious,” Gruden told Rodgers.
When the draft came, Smith was taken by the 49ers at No. 1. Rodgers was there at No. 5. The Bucs took running back Cadillac Williams of Auburn. Gruden is typecast as emotional and impulsive, but he’s a pragmatist at heart. Williams was going to help right away.
Williams did for the Bucs what Josh Jacobs did for the Raiders in 2019, rushing for 1,178 yards as the Bucs went 11-5 and made the playoffs. After a torn patellar tendon in the 14th game, Williams was never the same. Gruden didn’t find his Gannon in Tampa Bay, coming closest with 37-year-old Jeff Garcia in 2007.
The due diligence of talking to Herbert and other quarterbacks will be the same as Gruden showed when meeting with Rodgers.
But when weighed against the needs of a 7-9 team that already has Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota in place, Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock will be looking for instant help in the first round at Nos. 12 and 19. Either that make a trade which brings additonal picks that can help right away.
Keep in mind that when Gruden drafted quarterbacks with the Raiders and Buccaneers, there was an off-season. When he returned, Gruden could barely conceal his sarcasm when discussing how the lack of on-field time impacts young players.
Now the Raiders and every other team in the NFL are faced with a great unknown due to the coronavirus pandemic. The first on-field time for rookies probably won’t be until training camp in late July, and that’s a best-case scenario. Not a lot of time for a rookie quarterback to get caught up with the Raiders, given Gruden’s insistance on having his signal caller work out of a huddle and with a higher percentage than most in terms of plays under center.
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Meeting with top talents is wise even if you don’t select them. They may become available by trade or free agency in future years and you’ve got a baseline to work with. It’s possible if not probable the Raiders will take a quarterback in the draft. They’ve got three third-round picks, enough to possibly get Jalen Hurts either at their draft position or through a trade.
But to use one of their first-round picks on Gruden’s latest alleged crush?
Makes for a good story. Chances are that come April 23, it will stop right there.


mercurynews--2020-03-31--Letter: Renters need a national support plan now

US needs a national plan to support renters now A crisis reveals much about humanity .
Our values come to the surface as a result of the decisions made by leaders and individuals .
On the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis , heroes emerge : first responders , medical personnel , grocery store employees and food delivery workers .
Each of these warriors find their way home at the end of a day — some own their homes , many rent them .
One in three Americans is a renter and many are moderately to severely cost-burdened by their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give renters the same support that we give homeowners in this national emergency , we need a national strategy to provide renters with : 1 .
An immediate , national ban on evictions 2 .
A long-term repayment schedule for any missed rent due to joblessness , with repayment guaranteed by the federal government • Letter : In a crisis , surely Gavin Newsom can be cut a little slack • Letter : COVID-19 relief deal delayed by extortion of some in Congress • Letter : Gavin Newsom was correct to avoid being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporting failure to pay rent due to joblessness to credit bureaus Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

US needs a national plan
to support renters now
A crisis reveals much about humanity. Our values come to the surface as a result of the decisions made by leaders and individuals.
On the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, heroes emerge: first responders, medical personnel, grocery store employees and food delivery workers.
Each of these warriors find their way home at the end of a day — some own their homes, many rent them. One in three Americans is a renter and many are moderately to severely cost-burdened by their monthly rent.
To make sure we give renters the same support that we give homeowners in this national emergency, we need a national strategy to provide renters with:
1. An immediate, national ban on evictions
2. A long-term repayment schedule for any missed rent due to joblessness, with repayment guaranteed by the federal government
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Jonas Bordo
Los Altos
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-03-31--Word Game: March 31, 2020

Word Game: March 31, 2020

Can you find 23 or more words in HUSTLED ?
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 — HUSTLED (HUSTLED: HUS-uld: Moved energetically or rapidly.)
Average mark 18 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 23 or more words in HUSTLED? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — APOPLEXY aloe apex apple apply axel axle pale peal
pepo play plea plop ploy pole poleax polyp pope opal leap lope epoxy yelp
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--2020-03-31--Bridge: March 31, 2020

Bridge: March 31, 2020

“ The marriage vows should be retitled ‘ terms of service , ' ” a club player told me sourly .
“ When my husband and I play , I ’ m always trying to figure out what he wants me to do .
Usually , I ’ m wrong.
” She was today ’ s East in a duplicate game , and West led the five of spades against 3NT .
“ Dummy played the nine , ” East said , “ and I took the queen and returned a spade to the ace .
When declarer led the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the ace .
Declarer won a heart shift and lost a club to my king .
I cashed my king of spades … and he claimed , making three.
” “ I shrugged , but my hubby resembled Mount Etna ready to erupt .
I don ’ t think it ’ s possible to please him.
” South ’ s 3NT suggests J-10-x-x in spades , and if he has the ace of clubs , 3NT is probably cold .
To keep a link , East must let dummy ’ s nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts the clubs , West wins and leads his last spade , and when East gets in with the king of clubs , she takes three more spades .
Down one .
You hold : S J 10 4 3 H A K 10 D A Q 10 C 8 5 3 .
Your partner opens one club , you bid one spade and he raises to two spades .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : To give your partner a choice , bid 3NT .
If he raised you with four-card @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he can always insist on four spades .
Otherwise , he will have the option of passing .
Indeed , a response of 2NT ( if forcing ) would have been a possible action at your first turn .

“The marriage vows should be retitled ‘terms of service,'” a club player told me sourly. “When my husband and I play, I’m always trying to figure out what he wants me to do. Usually, I’m wrong.”
She was today’s East in a duplicate game, and West led the five of spades against 3NT.
“Dummy played the nine,” East said, “and I took the queen and returned a spade to the ace. When declarer led the queen of clubs next, my husband took the ace. Declarer won a heart shift and lost a club to my king. I cashed my king of spades … and he claimed, making three.”
ERUPTION
“I shrugged, but my hubby resembled Mount Etna ready to erupt. I don’t think it’s possible to please him.”
South’s 3NT suggests J-10-x-x in spades, and if he has the ace of clubs, 3NT is probably cold. To keep a link, East must let dummy’s nine win the first spade. When South starts the clubs, West wins and leads his last spade, and when East gets in with the king of clubs, she takes three more spades. Down one.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S J 10 4 3 H A K 10 D A Q 10 C 8 5 3. Your partner opens one club, you bid one spade and he raises to two spades. What do you say?
ANSWER: To give your partner a choice, bid 3NT. If he raised you with four-card spade support and a mildly distributional hand, he can always insist on four spades. Otherwise, he will have the option of passing. Indeed, a response of 2NT (if forcing) would have been a possible action at your first turn.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S A 9
H Q 8 5
D K J 4
C Q J 10 9 4
WEST
S 5 2
H 7 6 3 2
D 8 6 5 3 2
C A 6
EAST
S K Q 8 7 6
H J 9 4
D 9 7
C K 7 2
SOUTH
S J 10 4 3
H A K 10
D A Q 10
C 8 5 3
North East South West
1 C 1 S 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — S 5
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-03-31--Horoscopes March 31, 2020: Ewan McGregor, listen carefully.

Happy Birthday : Listen carefully ; you ’ ll find it easier to make the best decision .
Learn from what you have experienced , and you ’ ll know exactly how to navigate your way through the changes you encounter .
Stay focused on what you want to achieve , and you ’ ll get the results you want .
A change will help you find new ways to use your skills and knowledge .
Your numbers are 8 , 11 , 20 , 24 , 27 , 38 , 44 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to plan .
Take a detour if it will get you where you want to go .
Take pride in what you do , and don ’ t worry about what others think .
Choose the path that leads to your happiness .
4 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Uncertainty will cloud your vision and deter you from taking advantage of an opportunity if you hesitate .
Listen to your heart , get the facts and do what you do best .
Common sense won ’ t lead you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
4 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : Talk is cheap if you don ’ t follow through with your plans .
Honesty and integrity will help you gain the respect of your peers .
Be responsible , and maintain your status quo .
Put greater emphasis on living a healthier lifestyle .
Commitment is favored .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : A change of attitude will prompt others to do things your way .
Positive influences will encourage you to look on the bright side of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll shine if you offer solutions .
Romance will enhance your life .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Charm will get you further than force .
If you don ’ t like the options offered , do your own thing instead of getting into a debate over something you can not change .
Take care of your interests , health and financial well-being .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : You ’ ll learn a lot if you attend events , conferences or meetings that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will grow if you offer your experience and solutions to people going through changes .
A unique partnership looks promising .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Stand tall , and don ’ t skip a beat when dealing with matters that could easily spin out of control .
Keep your emotions in check , and don ’ t make a move without having an alternative plan in place .
Discipline and targeted response will be required .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Take an interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
The people you meet and the contributions you make will bring good results .
Bonding with someone quite different from you will help you recognize your true potential .
Romance is favored .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Put your energy to good use .
A chance to make a positive change at home or to a partnership will pay off .
The money you need will manifest if you are smart with your investments and you restrict your spending habits .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waste time on something that isn ’ t going to help you get ahead .
Do things you know will pay off and encourage success .
A change to the way you live will help you save money and promote better relationships with loved ones .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Keep your life and your plans simple .
Look for ways to lower your overhead .
Don ’ t alter your life because someone else does .
Baby steps will ensure you make progress .
A friend or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Use your imagination , and plan to have some fun .
Getting together with someone you haven ’ t seen in a long time will encourage you to get back to your roots .
Love and romance along with personal improvement are favored .
2 stars Birthday Baby : You are positive , kind and generous .
You are aggressive and open .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jessica Szohr, 35; Ewan McGregor, 49; Christopher Walken, 77; Shirley Jones, 86.
Happy Birthday: Listen carefully; you’ll find it easier to make the best decision. Learn from what you have experienced, and you’ll know exactly how to navigate your way through the changes you encounter. Stay focused on what you want to achieve, and you’ll get the results you want. A change will help you find new ways to use your skills and knowledge. Your numbers are 8, 11, 20, 24, 27, 38, 44.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Don’t expect things to go according to plan. Take a detour if it will get you where you want to go. Take pride in what you do, and don’t worry about what others think. Choose the path that leads to your happiness. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Uncertainty will cloud your vision and deter you from taking advantage of an opportunity if you hesitate. Listen to your heart, get the facts and do what you do best. Common sense won’t lead you astray. Be responsible and show discipline. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Talk is cheap if you don’t follow through with your plans. Honesty and integrity will help you gain the respect of your peers. Be responsible, and maintain your status quo. Put greater emphasis on living a healthier lifestyle. Commitment is favored. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): A change of attitude will prompt others to do things your way. Positive influences will encourage you to look on the bright side of any situation you face. You’ll shine if you offer solutions. Romance will enhance your life. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Charm will get you further than force. If you don’t like the options offered, do your own thing instead of getting into a debate over something you cannot change. Take care of your interests, health and financial well-being. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ll learn a lot if you attend events, conferences or meetings that can help you get ahead. Your appeal will grow if you offer your experience and solutions to people going through changes. A unique partnership looks promising. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Stand tall, and don’t skip a beat when dealing with matters that could easily spin out of control. Keep your emotions in check, and don’t make a move without having an alternative plan in place. Discipline and targeted response will be required. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take an interest in what’s going on around you. The people you meet and the contributions you make will bring good results. Bonding with someone quite different from you will help you recognize your true potential. Romance is favored. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Put your energy to good use. A chance to make a positive change at home or to a partnership will pay off. The money you need will manifest if you are smart with your investments and you restrict your spending habits. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t waste time on something that isn’t going to help you get ahead. Do things you know will pay off and encourage success. A change to the way you live will help you save money and promote better relationships with loved ones. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep your life and your plans simple. Look for ways to lower your overhead. Don’t alter your life because someone else does. Baby steps will ensure you make progress. A friend or relative will offer unexpected insight. 5 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Use your imagination, and plan to have some fun. Getting together with someone you haven’t seen in a long time will encourage you to get back to your roots. Love and romance along with personal improvement are favored. 2 stars
Birthday Baby: You are positive, kind and generous. You are aggressive and open.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-03-31--Ask Amy: After my brother’s response to sick baby, I’m thinking he’s a jerk

DEAR READERS : Because of syndication scheduling , I write and submit my columns two weeks in advance of publication .
Due to this time lag , the Q and A ’ s will not reflect the latest information about the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic we are currently facing .
DEAR AMY : For years before my dad died , he repeatedly told his four adult kids that he would leave his ( small , rundown ) family home to Brother # 1 .
Sister and I agreed with him , as this brother had need of it ( low-income , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us didn ’ t .
Brother # 2 was livid and hasn ’ t spoken to us for three years .
( By the way , he is wealthy — owns a boat , enjoys multiple vacations each year , has a $ 20,000 racing bike — and had no need for the home . )
Fast-forward to now .
Brother # 1 ( now in the house ) has a seriously ill newborn baby .
I flew home from Europe , sister traveled across the country to be there .
We did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
to allow my brother and his wife to spend time in the hospital .
( The baby is still in the hospital , but is getting better . )
Brother # 2 — who lives 15 minutes away — did nothing .
He sent a short text message when my brother and sister told him about this health crisis , but no phone call , no offer to help — nothing !
• Ask Amy : How the coronavirus pandemic looked two weeks ago • Ask Amy : Being a good Christian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ask Amy : I don ’ t want to marry him but I want the ring • Ask Amy : Their wedding guest list is bonkers , and I think I know the reason • Ask Amy : I ’ m a conservative in Berkeley , and people are so rude I respect Brother # 2 ’ s wishes , and I try not to judge him .
Maybe there were issues between my dad and him that I know nothing about .
Yet I am astonished that even a gravely ill newborn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response .
Now I am starting to judge him .
I think that he ’ s just a jerk and not worth a moment ’ s further thought .
I don ’ t like having something akin to hate on my heart .
Am I missing a way forward here ?
DEAR BROTHER : One way forward would be for you to reach out in a more proactive way , where you would be hopeful of receiving some clarity , while remaining realistic about a murky outcome .
You could send an open-ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m in town with Graham and his family .
Their little newborn is still in the hospital .
Can we talk while I ’ m here ?
” Your brother will either not respond at all , or he will wait until just before you leave the country and then give you a brief , noncommittal response .
Then you can ask , “ Are you OK ?
Is there something going on that you could tell me about ?
” He may respond to these nonjudgmental queries in a way that gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people withdraw and don ’ t explain why , it is tempting — and easiest — to jump to the harshest conclusion .
You can certainly write off your brother as a selfish jerk , but you might as well wait until you have at least tried to connect .
DEAR AMY : A former co-worker has moved into my area and wants to have a friendly relationship with my husband and me .
We had lunch one time and my husband and I were uncomfortable with the conversation .
Politically , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are not .
We have had no contact for many months until yesterday when I received an email saying they would like to get together “ sooner rather than later.
” How can I tactfully decline and not hurt their feelings ?
DEAR WONDERING : Many months after seeing you one time , this person has reached out and expressed the desire to get together at some point .
They are not issuing a specific invitation or even asking a question , but basically putting out a vague feeler .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship , you can start the distancing process by not replying to this email quickly .
Wait a few days and then respond with a noncommittal , “ I ’ m so happy spring has finally sprung !
I hope you ’ re doing well and adjusting to life here.
” If they issue a specific invitation , you could respond by saying , “ I ’ m sorry , but I don ’ t think that would work out .
I wish you all the best , but we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build an active friendship upon.
” DEAR AMY : I was so cheered reading your previous “ Best Of ” column devoted to the stuffed animals from childhood that many of us have carried with us through life .
Coincidentally , this column was published on the day that news of the coronavirus pandemic broke .
It comforted me during a tough time .
DEAR COMFORTED : I wish I still had my childhood Teddy .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR READERS: Because of syndication scheduling, I write and submit my columns two weeks in advance of publication. Due to this time lag, the Q and A’s will not reflect the latest information about the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic we are currently facing.
DEAR AMY: For years before my dad died, he repeatedly told his four adult kids that he would leave his (small, rundown) family home to Brother #1.
Sister and I agreed with him, as this brother had need of it (low-income, with children) and the rest of us didn’t.
Brother #2 was livid and hasn’t spoken to us for three years. (By the way, he is wealthy — owns a boat, enjoys multiple vacations each year, has a $20,000 racing bike — and had no need for the home.)
Fast-forward to now. Brother #1 (now in the house) has a seriously ill newborn baby. I flew home from Europe, sister traveled across the country to be there.
We did school runs, grocery shopping, etc. to allow my brother and his wife to spend time in the hospital. (The baby is still in the hospital, but is getting better.) Brother #2 — who lives 15 minutes away — did nothing. He sent a short text message when my brother and sister told him about this health crisis, but no phone call, no offer to help — nothing!
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy I respect Brother #2’s wishes, and I try not to judge him. Maybe there were issues between my dad and him that I know nothing about. Yet I am astonished that even a gravely ill newborn baby didn’t elicit a different response.
Now I am starting to judge him. I think that he’s just a jerk and not worth a moment’s further thought.
I don’t like having something akin to hate on my heart. Am I missing a way forward here?
Confused Brother
DEAR BROTHER: One way forward would be for you to reach out in a more proactive way, where you would be hopeful of receiving some clarity, while remaining realistic about a murky outcome.
You could send an open-ended communication: “Hey, I’m in town with Graham and his family. Their little newborn is still in the hospital. Can we talk while I’m here?”
Your brother will either not respond at all, or he will wait until just before you leave the country and then give you a brief, noncommittal response. Then you can ask, “Are you OK? Is there something going on that you could tell me about?”
He may respond to these nonjudgmental queries in a way that gives you more to go on. When people withdraw and don’t explain why, it is tempting — and easiest — to jump to the harshest conclusion. You can certainly write off your brother as a selfish jerk, but you might as well wait until you have at least tried to connect.
DEAR AMY: A former co-worker has moved into my area and wants to have a friendly relationship with my husband and me.
We had lunch one time and my husband and I were uncomfortable with the conversation. Politically, this person is very conservative and vocal. We are not.
We have had no contact for many months until yesterday when I received an email saying they would like to get together “sooner rather than later.”
How can I tactfully decline and not hurt their feelings?
Wondering
DEAR WONDERING: Many months after seeing you one time, this person has reached out and expressed the desire to get together at some point. They are not issuing a specific invitation or even asking a question, but basically putting out a vague feeler.
If you don’t want to forge a relationship, you can start the distancing process by not replying to this email quickly. Wait a few days and then respond with a noncommittal, “I’m so happy spring has finally sprung! I hope you’re doing well and adjusting to life here.”
If they issue a specific invitation, you could respond by saying, “I’m sorry, but I don’t think that would work out. I wish you all the best, but we don’t seem to have much in common to build an active friendship upon.”
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: I was so cheered reading your previous “Best Of” column devoted to the stuffed animals from childhood that many of us have carried with us through life. Coincidentally, this column was published on the day that news of the coronavirus pandemic broke. It comforted me during a tough time.
Comforted
DEAR COMFORTED: I wish I still had my childhood Teddy.
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--2020-03-31--Letter: Council’s choice a tragic disservice to Concord

I read with much dismay Concord City Council ’ s refusal to support the developer they selected for the first phase of the Naval Weapons Station Reuse project .
While I am supportive of organized labor and their desire to earn a fair wage , I found this latest action on their part to be pure greed .
I also consider our council ’ s action to be absurd as they chose to sit on the sidelines rather than intervene and show true leadership .
• Letter : In a crisis , surely Gavin Newsom can be cut a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delayed by extortion of some in Congress • Letter : Gavin Newsom was correct to avoid being overly optimistic When two parties can not reach agreement , the obvious and common sense solution is to intervene or mediate a fair compromise .
The solution chosen by our council represents a tragic disservice to our community by further delaying the economic stimulus and vibrancy from this project that is expected and deserved .
How long will it take for sound judgment and common sense to prevail ?
Our community deserves better .
Submit your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read more Letters to the Editor

Council’s choice a tragic
disservice to Concord
Re: “Weapons Station: Labor stir triggers changes in Concord” (Page B3, March 26):
I read with much dismay Concord City Council’s refusal to support the developer they selected for the first phase of the Naval Weapons Station Reuse project.
While I am supportive of organized labor and their desire to earn a fair wage, I found this latest action on their part to be pure greed.
I also consider our council’s action to be absurd as they chose to sit on the sidelines rather than intervene and show true leadership.
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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 When two parties cannot reach agreement, the obvious and common sense solution is to intervene or mediate a fair compromise. The solution chosen by our council represents a tragic disservice to our community by further delaying the economic stimulus and vibrancy from this project that is expected and deserved. How long will it take for sound judgment and common sense to prevail? Our community deserves better.
Richard Kennedy
Concord
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-03-31--Harriette Cole: I’m afraid I’ll say something offensive at her baby shower

DEAR HARRIETTE : I have a friend who is having a baby .
I am old-school , so I don ’ t love the fact that she is having a baby without being married , but she is an adult , and she has made her choice .
I am coming to understand , in my old age , that not everyone shares my values .
I am certain that she will be a good mother .
She is a lovely young woman .
She has invited me to her baby shower .
I have been close to her since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking of attending .
My only worry is that I still have some funny feelings about her not being married .
I don ’ t want to say anything wrong .
Can you suggest ways that I can be sure to be a good guest ?
DEAR NO JUDGMENT : Your worries may be for naught as it relates to going to the shower .
Right now , only very small gatherings are being encouraged , so this event may be canceled .
Check in with her to see .
Whether you see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the phone , focus on the positive .
Congratulate her on the pregnancy .
Ask her how she feels .
Listen to her about how she ’ s managing .
Pregnancy can be daunting for women the first time around .
There is so much to consider .
Since you have known her for all of her life , reserve your comments to words of encouragement .
Keep your opinions to yourself .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I just went to the doctor and had to speak to an administrator .
When our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give me a fist bump .
I was so surprised , I wasn ’ t sure what to do .
At least she wasn ’ t offering me her hand to shake — but seriously ?
She works at a health institution , and we have been told that we need to practice “ social distancing , ” including not touching one another .
A fist bump is still two hands touching .
I quickly offered her my sweater-covered wrist to bump her hand , but I thought it was ridiculous .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ business situations now when people try to shake hands or otherwise touch you without thinking ?
DEAR SOCIAL DISTANCING , PLEASE : People are so accustomed to touching one another that it is taking time for us to come to terms with our new reality .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , it is a life-or-death decision to stop touching .
The CDC says that the virus can live on your skin for a long period of time , so it is simply not worth it to touch anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That medical administrator made a mistake .
She should have just said goodbye .
In the future when you are in the company of other people , smile at them , say what you are feeling and what you are about to do , offer an elbow if anything at all — but do not touch .
I like the Asian practice of bringing your hands together and bowing in front of the person before you as a greeting .
Honestly , you just need to avoid touching .
If someone aggressively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to stop the encounter .
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 a friend who is having a baby. I am old-school, so I don’t love the fact that she is having a baby without being married, but she is an adult, and she has made her choice. I am coming to understand, in my old age, that not everyone shares my values.
I am certain that she will be a good mother. She is a lovely young woman. She has invited me to her baby shower. I have been close to her since she was a child. I am thinking of attending.
My only worry is that I still have some funny feelings about her not being married. I don’t want to say anything wrong. Can you suggest ways that I can be sure to be a good guest?
No Judgment
DEAR NO JUDGMENT: Your worries may be for naught as it relates to going to the shower. Right now, only very small gatherings are being encouraged, so this event may be canceled. Check in with her to see.
Whether you see her in person or talk to her on the phone, focus on the positive. Congratulate her on the pregnancy. Ask her how she feels. Listen to her about how she’s managing. Pregnancy can be daunting for women the first time around.
There is so much to consider. Since you have known her for all of her life, reserve your comments to words of encouragement. Keep your opinions to yourself.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I just went to the doctor and had to speak to an administrator. When our meeting was over, she reached out to give me a fist bump.
I was so surprised, I wasn’t sure what to do. At least she wasn’t offering me her hand to shake — but seriously? She works at a health institution, and we have been told that we need to practice “social distancing,” including not touching one another. A fist bump is still two hands touching.
I quickly offered her my sweater-covered wrist to bump her hand, but I thought it was ridiculous. What should we do in social or business situations now when people try to shake hands or otherwise touch you without thinking?
Social Distancing, Please
DEAR SOCIAL DISTANCING, PLEASE: People are so accustomed to touching one another that it is taking time for us to come to terms with our new reality.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is a life-or-death decision to stop touching. The CDC says that the virus can live on your skin for a long period of time, so it is simply not worth it to touch anyone’s skin for the foreseeable future. That medical administrator made a mistake. She should have just said goodbye.
In the future when you are in the company of other people, smile at them, say what you are feeling and what you are about to do, offer an elbow if anything at all — but do not touch. I like the Asian practice of bringing your hands together and bowing in front of the person before you as a greeting. Honestly, you just need to avoid touching. If someone aggressively reaches out, step back and speak up to stop the encounter.
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--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: White House projects 100K to 240K US deaths

By Aamer Madhani , Kevin Freking and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar | Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Americans to brace for a “ rough two-week period ” ahead as the White House released new projections that there could be 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the U.S. from the coronavirus pandemic even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained .
Public health officials stressed that the number could be less if people change their behavior .
“ We really believe we can do a lot better than that , ” said Dr. Deborah Birx , the coordinator of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That would require all Americans to take seriously their role in preventing the spread of disease , she said .
Trump called American efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus “ a matter of life and death ” and urged the public to heed his administration ’ s guidelines .
He predicted the country would soon see a “ light at the end of the tunnel ” in the pandemic that has killed more than 3,500 Americans and infected 170,000 more .
“ I want every American to be prepared for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump said .
“ We ’ re going to go through a very tough two weeks.
” Dr. Anthony Fauci , the government ’ s top infectious disease expert , said the numbers are “ sobering ” and called on Americans to “ step on the accelerator ” with their collective mitigation efforts .
“ We are continue to see things go up , ” Fauci said .
“ We can not be discouraged by that because the mitigation is actually working and will work.
” Birx said pandemic forecasts initially predicted 1.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S .
But that was a worst-case scenario , without efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus through social distancing .
Birx said states that have not yet seen a spike in cases as New York has could take action to flatten the curve of rising hospitalizations and deaths .
As for the projection of 100,000-240,000 deaths , Fauci of the National Institutes of Health said : “ We don ’ t accept that number , that that ’ s what it ’ s going to be .
… We want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments came after Trump announced Sunday that he was extending to April 30 the social distancing guidelines that urged Americans to cease social gatherings , work from home , suspend onsite learning at schools and more in a nationwide effort to stem the spread of the virus .
It was an abrupt reversal for Trump , who spent much of last week targeting April 12 as the day he wanted to see Americans “ pack the pews ” for Easter Sunday services .
Trump called the data “ very sobering ” saying it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a minimum that would be difficult to avoid .
He also sought to rewrite his past minimization of the outbreak , saying he rejected those who compared the new coronavirus to the flu — when in fact he repeatedly did so publicly .
“ This could be helluva bad two weeks , ' ” Trump said .
Many states and local governments already have stiffer controls in place on mobility and gatherings .
• Bay Area restaurateurs use GoFundMe to help out-of-work employees • ‘ Hamilton ’ to close in San Francisco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Think the lockdown is bad ?
Try without internet • Between 2,000 and 14,000 people could die this year from COVID-19 in Contra Costa , health officials say • Coronavirus : Santa Clara County closes in on 900 COVID-19 cases , reports 2 new deaths Birx said the experiences of Washington state and California give her hope that other states can keep the coronavirus under control through social distancing .
That ’ s because they moved quickly to contain the early clusters of coronavirus by closing schools , urging people to work from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other measures now familiar to most Americans , she noted .
“ I am reassured by looking at the Seattle line , ” she added .
“ California and Washington state reacted very early to this.
” Trump spoke after another troubling day for the stock market , which has been in a free fall as the cononavirus ground the economy to a near-halt and left millions unemployed .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 400 points , or roughly 1.9 % , to seal the worst first-quarter finish of its @ @ @

By Aamer Madhani, Kevin Freking and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Americans to brace for a “rough two-week period” ahead as the White House released new projections that there could be 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the U.S. from the coronavirus pandemic even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained.
Public health officials stressed that the number could be less if people change their behavior.
“We really believe we can do a lot better than that,” said Dr. Deborah Birx, the coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force. That would require all Americans to take seriously their role in preventing the spread of disease, she said.
Trump called American efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus “a matter of life and death” and urged the public to heed his administration’s guidelines. He predicted the country would soon see a “light at the end of the tunnel” in the pandemic that has killed more than 3,500 Americans and infected 170,000 more.
“I want every American to be prepared for the hard days that lie ahead,” Trump said. “We’re going to go through a very tough two weeks.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, said the numbers are “sobering” and called on Americans to “step on the accelerator” with their collective mitigation efforts.
“We are continue to see things go up,” Fauci said. “We cannot be discouraged by that because the mitigation is actually working and will work.”
Birx said pandemic forecasts initially predicted 1.5 million to 2.2 million deaths in the U.S. But that was a worst-case scenario, without efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus through social distancing.
Birx said states that have not yet seen a spike in cases as New York has could take action to flatten the curve of rising hospitalizations and deaths.
As for the projection of 100,000-240,000 deaths, Fauci of the National Institutes of Health said: “We don’t accept that number, that that’s what it’s going to be. … We want to do much better than that.”
The comments came after Trump announced Sunday that he was extending to April 30 the social distancing guidelines that urged Americans to cease social gatherings, work from home, suspend onsite learning at schools and more in a nationwide effort to stem the spread of the virus.
It was an abrupt reversal for Trump, who spent much of last week targeting April 12 as the day he wanted to see Americans “pack the pews” for Easter Sunday services.
Trump called the data “very sobering” saying it was his understanding that the 100,000 deaths was a minimum that would be difficult to avoid. He also sought to rewrite his past minimization of the outbreak, saying he rejected those who compared the new coronavirus to the flu — when in fact he repeatedly did so publicly.
“This could be helluva bad two weeks,'” Trump said.
Many states and local governments already have stiffer controls in place on mobility and gatherings.
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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 Birx said the experiences of Washington state and California give her hope that other states can keep the coronavirus under control through social distancing. That’s because they moved quickly to contain the early clusters of coronavirus by closing schools, urging people to work from home, banning large gatherings and taking other measures now familiar to most Americans, she noted.
“I am reassured by looking at the Seattle line,” she added. “California and Washington state reacted very early to this.”
Trump spoke after another troubling day for the stock market, which has been in a free fall as the cononavirus ground the economy to a near-halt and left millions unemployed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 400 points, or roughly 1.9%, to seal the worst first-quarter finish of its 135-year history.