mercurynews--2020-09-09--PG&E trying a new tactic in power cuts to prevent wildfires

By JANIE HAR | The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — The nation ’ s largest utility said Tuesday it is executing smarter and shorter power shutoffs after receiving widespread criticism last year when it turned off electricity to 2 million people to prevent its equipment from sparking wildfires .
The targeted outages that began overnight to about 167,000 homes and businesses in central and Northern California are the first by Pacific Gas & Electric since critics blasted last year ’ s shut-offs as poorly executed and overly broad .
The outages come as thousands of firefighters battle wildfires burning for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s 40 million residents stay at home because of the coronavirus pandemic .
PG & E said winds overnight Monday gusted to 66 mph in some areas .
The business and household customers without power Tuesday were in areas including the Sacramento Valley , Sierra Nevada foothills and parts of Napa and Sonoma counties in wine country .
PG & E started shutting off power Monday night , saying that dry , hot , windy weather forecast until Wednesday posed a significant fire risk .
Some customers already were having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improved , said PG & E senior director Mark Quinlan told an evening briefing .
The utility was able to maintain power to about 70,000 customers in Humboldt County thanks to a high—power generator , and temporary generators throughout Northern California allowed the utility to maintain power to hospitals and other emergency facilities , he said .
Quinlan said PG & E is so far hitting its target of reducing the outages by a third compared with last year , thanks to better weather forecasting and the installation of about 200 “ sectionalizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power lines more surgically .
Still , power likely won ’ t be restored to most customers until Wednesday evening as the utility marshaled 60 helicopters and one plane to speed up required inspections before the utility can turn lines back on .
Its website detailing the locations of power shutoffs appeared to be working Tuesday , unlike last year when it crashed repeatedly .
The utility has learned to make the planned shutoffs , “ smarter , shorter and smaller , ” than last year ’ s blackouts , company spokesman Jeff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is targeting outages more narrowly and plans to have power restored within 12 daylight hours of severe weather ending .
To the south , Southern California Edison warned roughly 55,000 customer accounts may lose power while San Diego Gas & Electric said 16,700 customers are at risk of a preemptive outage .
Robert Villegas , spokesman for Southern California Edison , said they are tracking a wind event that may begin late Tuesday , affecting roughly 11,000 households and businesses in Los Angeles County and 15,000 in San Bernardino County .
A series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three utilities affected millions of people , some for days at a time .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom and Marybel Batjer , president of the state Public Utilities Commission , excoriated PG & E and the other for-profit companies for the chaos and poor communication .
Local emergency officials said they did not get timely information to relay to residents .
The commission is continuing a nine-month investigation into the bungled blackouts .
PG & E promised to improve its performance this year while largely defending its decisions last year .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the long-term as the state grapples with hot and windy weather that is ideal for sparking wildfires triggered by failing equipment .
PG & E ’ s aging equipment has previously sparked some of the state ’ s largest wildfires , including the deadly 2018 fire that destroyed much of the town of Paradise and killed 85 .
The utility pleaded guilty in June to 84 felony counts of involuntary manslaughter ; one death was ruled a suicide .
The utility paid $ 25.5 billion in settlements to cover the losses from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an esthetician who specializes in eyelash extensions , was prepared to work a 10-hour day at Studio 3 Salon in Sonora in Tuolumne County .
But the salon lost power , as did her home .
She has two children under 5 to care for in the heat and smoke .
“ We were definitely more prepared this time , less panicked I suppose , but it wasn ’ t this hot last time , ” she said .
The coronavirus pandemic , fires and power outages are wearying , she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a constant state of paranoia , we never know what ’ s going to happen next .
It ’ s a hard way to function , ” Broderick said .
• California fires : Five reasons why this year is so bad • Watch : California Gov .
Gavin Newsom on state ’ s response to wildfires and coronavirus pandemic , Sep. 8 This time , the potential for blackouts to wreak havoc is higher as millions of people work and attend classes from home during the pandemic .
There is concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also endanger the lives of people being supported by medical devices after contracting COVID-19 .
“ A shut off or a fire shouldn ’ t be customers ’ only choices , ” said Mindy Spatt , a spokeswoman with consumer group The Utility Reform Network , which has long advocated for utility reforms .
“ With more and more of life ’ s essentials including school , work and healthcare only available online , we urgently need a utility company that can provide safe power that we can depend on .
PG & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to do that , ” she said .

By JANIE HAR | The Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO — The nation’s largest utility said Tuesday it is executing smarter and shorter power shutoffs after receiving widespread criticism last year when it turned off electricity to 2 million people to prevent its equipment from sparking wildfires.
The targeted outages that began overnight to about 167,000 homes and businesses in central and Northern California are the first by Pacific Gas & Electric since critics blasted last year’s shut-offs as poorly executed and overly broad.
The outages come as thousands of firefighters battle wildfires burning for weeks at the same time many of the state’s 40 million residents stay at home because of the coronavirus pandemic. PG&E said winds overnight Monday gusted to 66 mph in some areas.
The business and household customers without power Tuesday were in areas including the Sacramento Valley, Sierra Nevada foothills and parts of Napa and Sonoma counties in wine country. PG&E started shutting off power Monday night, saying that dry, hot, windy weather forecast until Wednesday posed a significant fire risk.
Some customers already were having their power restored Tuesday as weather conditions improved, said PG&E senior director Mark Quinlan told an evening briefing. The utility was able to maintain power to about 70,000 customers in Humboldt County thanks to a high—power generator, and temporary generators throughout Northern California allowed the utility to maintain power to hospitals and other emergency facilities, he said.
Quinlan said PG&E is so far hitting its target of reducing the outages by a third compared with last year, thanks to better weather forecasting and the installation of about 200 “sectionalizing devices” that allow experts to divide power lines more surgically.
Still, power likely won’t be restored to most customers until Wednesday evening as the utility marshaled 60 helicopters and one plane to speed up required inspections before the utility can turn lines back on. Its website detailing the locations of power shutoffs appeared to be working Tuesday, unlike last year when it crashed repeatedly.
The utility has learned to make the planned shutoffs, “smarter, shorter and smaller,” than last year’s blackouts, company spokesman Jeff Smith said. He said the utility is targeting outages more narrowly and plans to have power restored within 12 daylight hours of severe weather ending.
To the south, Southern California Edison warned roughly 55,000 customer accounts may lose power while San Diego Gas & Electric said 16,700 customers are at risk of a preemptive outage.
Robert Villegas, spokesman for Southern California Edison, said they are tracking a wind event that may begin late Tuesday, affecting roughly 11,000 households and businesses in Los Angeles County and 15,000 in San Bernardino County.
A series of preemptive outages last fall by the three utilities affected millions of people, some for days at a time.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and Marybel Batjer, president of the state Public Utilities Commission, excoriated PG&E and the other for-profit companies for the chaos and poor communication. Local emergency officials said they did not get timely information to relay to residents. The commission is continuing a nine-month investigation into the bungled blackouts.
PG&E promised to improve its performance this year while largely defending its decisions last year. It has warned Californians to expect preemptive power shutoffs for the long-term as the state grapples with hot and windy weather that is ideal for sparking wildfires triggered by failing equipment.
PG&E’s aging equipment has previously sparked some of the state’s largest wildfires, including the deadly 2018 fire that destroyed much of the town of Paradise and killed 85. The utility pleaded guilty in June to 84 felony counts of involuntary manslaughter; one death was ruled a suicide. The utility paid $25.5 billion in settlements to cover the losses from power line-sparked catastrophes.
Kristen Broderick, an esthetician who specializes in eyelash extensions, was prepared to work a 10-hour day at Studio 3 Salon in Sonora in Tuolumne County. But the salon lost power, as did her home. She has two children under 5 to care for in the heat and smoke.
“We were definitely more prepared this time, less panicked I suppose, but it wasn’t this hot last time,” she said. The coronavirus pandemic, fires and power outages are wearying, she said.
“I feel like we’re in a constant state of paranoia, we never know what’s going to happen next. It’s a hard way to function,” Broderick said.
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Living with air pollution, especially from wildfires or agriculture, raises risk of dementia, US study finds Crashes and Disasters | Cadaver dogs are in Maui to help find the dead. Here’s how it works and why it’s difficult This time, the potential for blackouts to wreak havoc is higher as millions of people work and attend classes from home during the pandemic. There is concern that if mishandled, the outages could also endanger the lives of people being supported by medical devices after contracting COVID-19.
“A shut off or a fire shouldn’t be customers’ only choices,” said Mindy Spatt, a spokeswoman with consumer group The Utility Reform Network, which has long advocated for utility reforms.
“With more and more of life’s essentials including school, work and healthcare only available online, we urgently need a utility company that can provide safe power that we can depend on. PG&E doesn’t appear to be able to do that,” she said.


mercurynews--2020-09-09--Editorial: Antioch voters tired of traffic should approve Measure T

Click here for a complete list of our election recommendations .
Although elected officials in Antioch don ’ t seem to understand , residents recognize that the region ’ s roads are maxed out .
Sure , we ’ re in the middle of a pandemic that has undermined the labor market and eased traffic .
But when things return to normal , so too will the commute crush along Highway 4 .
If Antioch residents want to slow the spread of housing sprawl that creates the region ’ s gridlock , they should approve Measure T , a citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most importantly , the measure would lock in the city ’ s growth boundary , which otherwise could be changed at the political whims of the City Council after the end of this year .
Under Measure T , any future adjustments to the urban limit line would have to be approved by voters .
The initiative would also reduce the total number of homes permitted in an approximately four-square-mile area in the southeast corner of Antioch , known as the Sand Creek Focus Area , from 4,000 to 2,100 .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three approved projects for the area , including the recently approved 1,177-home Ranch Project .
And for the portion of the focus area west of Deer Valley Road , the initiative restricts development to one home per 80 acres and imposes creek and hillside protections .
• Editorial : Elect Joe Biden president to heal and unify our country • Our election endorsements for the Nov. 3 races and ballot measures The population of Antioch has increased from 43,000 residents four decades ago to about 112,000 today as elected leaders have approved housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact .
The reason for the commute crush is that the East Contra Costa cities of Antioch , Brentwood and Oakley have some of the worst jobs-housing balances in the Bay Area .
Before the pandemic , Antioch had more than twice as many employed residents as jobs .
Yet Antioch elected officials continue to approve more residential development with little regard for the traffic impact .
The Bay Area needs more housing , but it needs it near job centers and intense public transportation — both of which Antioch lacks .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they want to curb endless sprawl , they should vote yes on Measure T .

Click here for a complete list of our election recommendations.
Although elected officials in Antioch don’t seem to understand, residents recognize that the region’s roads are maxed out.
Sure, we’re in the middle of a pandemic that has undermined the labor market and eased traffic. But when things return to normal, so too will the commute crush along Highway 4.
If Antioch residents want to slow the spread of housing sprawl that creates the region’s gridlock, they should approve Measure T, a citizens’ initiative on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Most importantly, the measure would lock in the city’s growth boundary, which otherwise could be changed at the political whims of the City Council after the end of this year. Under Measure T, any future adjustments to the urban limit line would have to be approved by voters.
The initiative would also reduce the total number of homes permitted in an approximately four-square-mile area in the southeast corner of Antioch, known as the Sand Creek Focus Area, from 4,000 to 2,100. That lower limit has already been surpassed by three approved projects for the area, including the recently approved 1,177-home Ranch Project. And for the portion of the focus area west of Deer Valley Road, the initiative restricts development to one home per 80 acres and imposes creek and hillside protections.
The population of Antioch has increased from 43,000 residents four decades ago to about 112,000 today as elected leaders have approved housing developments with little regard for the traffic impact.
The reason for the commute crush is that the East Contra Costa cities of Antioch, Brentwood and Oakley have some of the worst jobs-housing balances in the Bay Area. Before the pandemic, Antioch had more than twice as many employed residents as jobs.
Yet Antioch elected officials continue to approve more residential development with little regard for the traffic impact. The Bay Area needs more housing, but it needs it near job centers and intense public transportation — both of which Antioch lacks.
If residents are tired of the traffic, if they want to curb endless sprawl, they should vote yes on Measure T.


mercurynews--2020-09-09--With 7 dead, large-scale California marijuana operation is tied to organized crime

By ELLIOT SPAGAT and MICHAEL R. BLOOD | The Associated Press AGUANGA — An illegal marijuana growing operation where seven people were fatally shot in a small , rural Southern California town had the markings of organized crime , authorities said Tuesday .
More than 20 people lived on the property , which had several makeshift dwellings , a nursery and vehicles used in production , Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said .
Marijuana was processed to honey oil , a highly potent concentrate made by extracting the high-inducing chemical THC from cannabis .
All seven victims and witnesses were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were found dead on the property , and a woman who was shot there died later at a hospital .
“ This was not a small operation , ” Bianco said .
“ This is a very organized-crime type of an operation.
” Illegal grows are common in and around Aguanga , a single stop-sign town of about 2,000 people north of San Diego with horse ranches along dirt roads .
Still , the scale of the Labor Day massacre stunned residents and showed how violence permeates California ’ s illegal marijuana market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales in January 2018 .
But the illicit market is thriving — in part because hefty legal marijuana taxes send consumers looking for better deals in the illegal economy .
Before dawn Monday , Riverside County sheriff ’ s deputies responded to a 911 call of an assault with a deadly weapon and shots fired at the Aguanga home .
Investigators seized more than 1,000 pounds ( 454 kilograms ) of marijuana and several hundred marijuana plants .
Despite there being no arrests or identified suspects , the sheriff ’ s statement called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that did not threaten people in Aguanga .
Partially eaten pizza sat in boxes in a circular dirt driveway of the dilapidated two-bedroom house where the shootings occurred .
Three cars were parked outside — one with its front doors open .
Cases of bottled water were stacked on the front porch , which was strewn with clothing and plastic bags .
A black tarp was stretched atop poles in the fenced backyard , indicating a small growing operation .
Unlike many neighboring homes , it had neither a gate nor a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Reached by phone , property owner Ronald McKay expressed surprise , saying he didn ’ t know a shooting had taken place at either of the rentals , a mobile home and the house .
He said he had tried to visit Monday to check on the well during the recent heat wave , but he was turned away by a deputy who wouldn ’ t tell him what was going on .
He said he left his phone number , but authorities never called .
McKay said he didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rentals are handled by someone who works with him .
But he said the home had been rented for three years and the mobile home for two without incident .
“ I ’ m kind of unaware of anything right now , ” McKay said .
“ For two and three years , they ’ ve been there — perfect .
Never had an issue.
” Aguanga , with its post office , general store and real estate brokerage , is in an area dotted with vineyards and horse ranches that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getaway for Southern California residents .
It ’ s near Temecula , a bedroom community for San Diego and Los Angeles .
Deputies in February seized more than 9,900 plants and collected 411 pounds ( 186 kilograms ) of processed marijuana and firearms from suspected illegal marijuana sites in the Aguanga area .
Four people were arrested .
Law enforcement surveillance in the area has spawned nicknames like “ Marijuana Mondays , ” “ Weed Wednesdays ” and “ THC Thursdays , ” said Mike Reed , a real estate broker and 28-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real-estate business with pot growers — some of whom live in his gated community .
Residents move to Aguanga for “ peace and solitude , ” Reed said .
“ People live here because it ’ s not in the city.
” Aguanga ’ s isolation , however , may have made it prone to illegal marijuana sales and cultivation .
The sheriff said almost every marijuana operation in the mountainous communities is illegal .
Adam Spiker , executive director of the Southern California Coalition , a cannabis industry group , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegal marketplace remains largely unchecked .
“ Shame on all of us : It seems we have one foot in and one foot out on regulating this industry , ” Spiker said .
Many California communities have not established legal marijuana markets or have banned commercial marijuana activity .
Law enforcement has been unable to keep up with the illicit growing operations .
“ This risk is inherent in the underground market , ” said Los Angeles marijuana dispensary owner Jerred Kiloh , who heads United Cannabis Business Association , an industry group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high returns , people want to take that from you.
” • California man arrested in alleged marijuana-by-mail ring that led to shooting death of beloved South Carolina postal worker • Man who robbed Bay Area cannabis delivery truck gets 42 months ; Judge criticizes prosecutors but acknowledges ‘ brazen ’ crime • Court says Bay Area auto thief should not be banned from using marijuana Kiloh said most illicit market crimes go unreported because farmers who have been robbed can not turn to authorities .
Laotian involvement in illegal marijuana harvesting has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s agricultural heartland .
People from the relatively small community account for much of the pot growing in backyards and on prime farmland .
Large cannabis growing operations typically have hundreds of thousands of dollars of product at each site , making them attractive targets for criminals .
“ That ’ s why the violence becomes worse and worse , ” Kiloh said .
Blood reported from Los Angeles .
Associated Press writer Stefanie Dazio in Los Angeles contributed .

By ELLIOT SPAGAT and MICHAEL R. BLOOD | The Associated Press
AGUANGA — An illegal marijuana growing operation where seven people were fatally shot in a small, rural Southern California town had the markings of organized crime, authorities said Tuesday.
More than 20 people lived on the property, which had several makeshift dwellings, a nursery and vehicles used in production, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said. Marijuana was processed to honey oil, a highly potent concentrate made by extracting the high-inducing chemical THC from cannabis.
All seven victims and witnesses were Laotian, Bianco said. Six people were found dead on the property, and a woman who was shot there died later at a hospital.
“This was not a small operation,” Bianco said. “This is a very organized-crime type of an operation.”
Illegal grows are common in and around Aguanga, a single stop-sign town of about 2,000 people north of San Diego with horse ranches along dirt roads. Still, the scale of the Labor Day massacre stunned residents and showed how violence permeates California’s illegal marijuana market.
The state broadly legalized recreational marijuana sales in January 2018. But the illicit market is thriving — in part because hefty legal marijuana taxes send consumers looking for better deals in the illegal economy.
Before dawn Monday, Riverside County sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call of an assault with a deadly weapon and shots fired at the Aguanga home.
Investigators seized more than 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms) of marijuana and several hundred marijuana plants.
Despite there being no arrests or identified suspects, the sheriff’s statement called the deaths “an isolated incident” that did not threaten people in Aguanga.
Partially eaten pizza sat in boxes in a circular dirt driveway of the dilapidated two-bedroom house where the shootings occurred. Three cars were parked outside — one with its front doors open.
Cases of bottled water were stacked on the front porch, which was strewn with clothing and plastic bags. A black tarp was stretched atop poles in the fenced backyard, indicating a small growing operation. Unlike many neighboring homes, it had neither a gate nor a “no trespassing” sign at the entrance.
Reached by phone, property owner Ronald McKay expressed surprise, saying he didn’t know a shooting had taken place at either of the rentals, a mobile home and the house.
He said he had tried to visit Monday to check on the well during the recent heat wave, but he was turned away by a deputy who wouldn’t tell him what was going on. He said he left his phone number, but authorities never called.
McKay said he didn’t know the tenants or their names — the rentals are handled by someone who works with him. But he said the home had been rented for three years and the mobile home for two without incident.
“I’m kind of unaware of anything right now,” McKay said. “For two and three years, they’ve been there — perfect. Never had an issue.”
Aguanga, with its post office, general store and real estate brokerage, is in an area dotted with vineyards and horse ranches that have given it some traction as a weekend getaway for Southern California residents. It’s near Temecula, a bedroom community for San Diego and Los Angeles.
Deputies in February seized more than 9,900 plants and collected 411 pounds (186 kilograms) of processed marijuana and firearms from suspected illegal marijuana sites in the Aguanga area. Four people were arrested.
Law enforcement surveillance in the area has spawned nicknames like “Marijuana Mondays,” “Weed Wednesdays” and “THC Thursdays,” said Mike Reed, a real estate broker and 28-year Aguanga resident.
Reed said he does real-estate business with pot growers — some of whom live in his gated community.
Residents move to Aguanga for “peace and solitude,” Reed said. “People live here because it’s not in the city.”
Aguanga’s isolation, however, may have made it prone to illegal marijuana sales and cultivation. The sheriff said almost every marijuana operation in the mountainous communities is illegal.
Adam Spiker, executive director of the Southern California Coalition, a cannabis industry group, said the shootings were a reminder that the sprawling illegal marketplace remains largely unchecked.
“Shame on all of us: It seems we have one foot in and one foot out on regulating this industry,” Spiker said.
Many California communities have not established legal marijuana markets or have banned commercial marijuana activity. Law enforcement has been unable to keep up with the illicit growing operations.
“This risk is inherent in the underground market,” said Los Angeles marijuana dispensary owner Jerred Kiloh, who heads United Cannabis Business Association, an industry group. “When you have money and high returns, people want to take that from you.”
Kiloh said most illicit market crimes go unreported because farmers who have been robbed cannot turn to authorities.
Laotian involvement in illegal marijuana harvesting has grown over the last decade in California’s agricultural heartland. People from the relatively small community account for much of the pot growing in backyards and on prime farmland.
Large cannabis growing operations typically have hundreds of thousands of dollars of product at each site, making them attractive targets for criminals.
“That’s why the violence becomes worse and worse,” Kiloh said.
___
Blood reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writer Stefanie Dazio in Los Angeles contributed.


mercurynews--2020-09-09--Raiders mailbag: Will Derek Carr thrive in empty stadiums?

Raiders fans are starting to get nervous .
The ones on Twitter anyway .
There was plenty of angst and consternation of over three recent developments : 1 ) A season-ending injury two wide receiver Tyrell Williams ; 2 ) the trade of third-round draft pick Lynn Bowden Jr. and 3 ) Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota going on injured reserve and missing at least the first three games .
It ’ s not so much that Bowden or Mariota were going to have major roles Sunday when the Raiders open the regular season against the Carolina Panthers as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of its judgement in terms of identifying and investing in talent .
When I put out a couple of mailbag calls , there were as many fans who simply wanted to vent or respond to those who were venting rather than ask a question .
So I ’ ll include some of those thoughts along with answering some questions .
Q : Do you think Derek Carr will have his best year since 2016 , because he will not have to play in front of crowds ?
May ease his anxiety .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll have his best year since 2016 , but it will have to do more with a better supporting cast on both sides of the ball and a change of environment from the Bay Area to Las Vegas than crowds .
Derek is truly a nice guy , but I don ’ t mistake that for being fragile in terms of fan reaction .
Q : Did Brandon Parker make a pact with the devil or does he have video of Gruden listening to Celine Dion ?
How is he still on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd .
I try and keep in mind that anyone who has played on an roster has reached the pinnacle of his profession and isn ’ t deserving of scorn and ridicule .
In terms of Parker ’ s play , yes , he has struggled .
And you ’ re not the only person who wondered if dealing David Sharpe and keeping Parker was the right thing to do .
Here ’ s how G.M .
Mike Mayock assessed it on Sunday : “ You ’ re talking about a third-round pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think there ’ s still a lot of growth there with Brandon Parker.
” Q : Why couldn ’ t Damarious Randall be on practice squad for more time to get reps ?
— @ tonyjobs You know when Johnathan Abram was talking about how “ the best ability is availability ?
” Jon Gruden is a big believer in that .
Randall was not a full-go participant through much of camp .
That ’ s the quickest way to find yourself off the roster unless you ’ re being paid so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Q : How has Henry Ruggs looked in training camp ?
Is he going to start week 1 — @ jeremdizz For the first time since 1996 , I didn ’ t see a training camp practice .
But my understand is Ruggs has looked very good .
The initial depth chart , such as it was , listed Ruggs as a starter .
And as the No .
12 overall pick , he ’ d better be .
Q : What position group do you think still needs work ?
I still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back and another DT .
— @ brwong24 I ’ d go running back over defensive tackle .
Neither Jalen Richard nor Davontae Booker qualify as a lead back in the Josh Jacobs mold , Same goes for Theo Riddick in the practice squad .
The Raiders would be searching for a back currently not on anyone ’ s 53-man roster .
At defensive tackle , they ’ ve got Maliek Collins , Johnathan Hankins , Maurice Hurst and Daniel Ross .
Plus they can move Clelin Ferrell or Kendal Vickers inside .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ does the O-line look : _ @ j1979reggie Intact .
The Raiders ’ starting five of left tackle Kolton Miller , left guard Richie Incognito , right guard Gabe Jackson and right tackle Trent Brown compares with any in the NFL .
It ’ s important that Brown hold up after missing much of camp .
Until I see differently , I ’ m chalking that up to playing it safe and making sure Brown was ready for Week 1 .
Q : How big of a loss is losing Tyrell Williams ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have helped , no doubt .
But the Raiders have never really seen a healthy Williams other than the first four or five games last season when he was scoring touchdowns .
It ’ s $ 11 million under the salary cap that is not going to see the field .
If Bryan Edwards is a step-in-and-produce third-round pick , it softens the blow quite a bit .
Q : Can # RaiderNation get a quick rundown on mystery man Kendal Vickers ?
Must have done some good things at training camp — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pounds and can play end and move inside to tackle .
Mayock said he ran a 4.7 40-yard dash coming out of college .
Not a lot was said or written about him , but his presence on the 53-man roster means he impressed Rod Marinelli and Paul Guenther .
We ’ ll know whether the Raiders consider him an immediate contributor or insurance if he ’ s active Sunday against the Panthers .
Q : Is the team going to be better this year by cutting Prince Amukamara and Damarious Randall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Damon Arnette and the other young DBs experience for a Super Bowl run next year or the year after ?
— @ PoloThecholo With defensive backs , it can go fast .
Amukamara said he was told by Mayock the Raiders were going with younger players .
Which is nicer than saying “ Based on what we ’ ve seen , we ’ re more comfortable putting Isaiah Johnson or Keisean Nixon on the field.
” As for Randall , as referenced earlier , he missed a lot of practice time and Erik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spot every year .
Q : Secondary needs experienced help and needs to be addressed or KC will rip it apart again .
Anything brewing there ?
— @ Jack9701358 I think what you see is what you get .
And if the Raiders can generate a consistent pass rush and Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski live up to their reputations in pass coverage , it won ’ t be as bad as you think .
Q : I trust Mayock but taking two players in the 3rd round ( Bowden and Muse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems risky .
Thoughts ?
— @ oneida415 You do realize all draft picks are authorized by Jon Gruden , right ?
He listens to Mayock , but ultimately it ’ s his call .
The third-round has been brutal , you are correct .
And those who saw practices said Muse was struggling and there ’ s no way to know how much that had to do with the toe injury and how much it had to do with a position change .
And you ’ re right , at this point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s out the door and Muse is on I.R .
Heard good things about Bryan Edwards , though .
Q : On a level of 1-10 how concerned are you with the team having only 14 padded practices this summer ?
— @ smush .
.
.
Zero .
Because every other team in the NFL is in the same situation .
Q : Didn ’ t the Raiders start DHB and Louis Murphy one year ?
— @ RaiderLogic A check of starting lineups in 2009 shows Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games of their rookie season in 2009 .
By season ’ s end , Murphy was the most targeted wideout with 96 , followed by Chaz Schilens ( 52 ) , Johnnie Lee Higgins ( 45 ) and Heyward-Bey ( 40 ) .
Ruggs and Edwards could start against Carolina , plus Hunter Renfrow if the Raiders open with three wide receivers .
We ’ ll see who gets the most work between Nelson Agholor , Zay Jones and Rico Gafford .
My guess is it will be Agholor .
Q : Am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moses from the 3rd round of the 2007 draft ?
— @ DJeff_79 More historical third-round misery .
Called “ unblockable ” by D-coordinator Rob Ryan early in camp , Moses was beaten out by Jay Richardson at defensive end and waived .
Q : Does Theo Riddick getting cut , mean Josh Jacobs will get more passing work ?
— @ MarinKnowsMarin Unrelated .
Jalen Richard can catch plenty of passes .
I don ’ t think Jacobs ’ use as a receiver will be as big as everyone expects .
Maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s too valuable as a runner between the tackles and will get plenty of work that way .
THE READERS TAKE OVER If anyone can recover would be the Raiders .
Couple years ago they traded Mack and it was crazy to do so .
Now its paying off — @ eecjr17 Simply traded Bowden for McMillen .
I ’ ll take it — @ STEVEN4551 Never really thought he ( Bowden ) would be more than an experiment .
They picked a player they now do not like , and cut their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting for a player to develop .
— @ ScottODell3 The sky is falling …..a third round pick didn ’ t pan out ….time to bring in chicken little to run the Raiders … .
— @ jrodrigues1961 Definitely excited for the clear improvement of the team but still some players out there that could boost them even more — @ rmckillick I trust Mayock and Gruden .
Carr seems rejuvenated .
There is more depth .
Receiving core looks dangerous and the defense is strong .
— @ WOLVERINE_CLONE A HUGE miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even a potential miss makes me wonder about our “ evaluation process ” .
I predict , this draft class will be the undoing of Mayock .
I went from mildly optimistic to another 5 or 6 win season .
And Carr will NEVER be the answer.– @ raiderhome00 Why do they always try to outsmart everyone and outsmart themselves ?
We all knew we needed a backup RB why didn ’ t we just draft one instead of Bowden .
Arrogance hit Mayock .
— @ michael06406981 Tyrell Williams out , Bowden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some punch .
Can ’ t be too optimistic with rookie WRs .
Defense will have to dominate — @ JT_Raider

Raiders fans are starting to get nervous. The ones on Twitter anyway.
There was plenty of angst and consternation over three recent developments: 1) A season-ending injury to wide receiver Tyrell Williams; 2) The trade of third-round draft pick Lynn Bowden Jr., and 3) Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota going on injured reserve and missing at least the first three games.
It’s not so much that Bowden or Mariota were going to have major roles Sunday when the Raiders open the regular season against the Carolina Panthers as much as it makes the franchise look bad in terms of its judgement in terms of identifying and investing in talent.
When I put out a couple of mailbag calls, there were as many fans who simply wanted to vent or respond to those who were venting rather than ask a question. So I’ll include some of those thoughts along with answering some questions.
Here goes:
Q: Do you think Derek Carr will have his best year since 2016, because he will not have to play in front of crowds? May ease his anxiety. — @Longuduckdong991
I do think he’ll have his best year since 2016, but it will have to do more with a better supporting cast on both sides of the ball and a change of environment from the Bay Area to Las Vegas than crowds. Derek is truly a nice guy, but I don’t mistake that for being fragile in terms of fan reaction.
Q: Did Brandon Parker make a pact with the devil or does he have video of Gruden listening to Celine Dion? How is he still on the team? — @robospawn
Tough crowd. I try and keep in mind that anyone who has played on a roster has reached the pinnacle of his profession and isn’t deserving of scorn and ridicule. In terms of Parker’s play, yes, he has struggled. And you’re not the only person who wondered if dealing David Sharpe and keeping Parker was the right thing to do. Here’s how G.M. Mike Mayock assessed it on Sunday: “You’re talking about a third-round pick out of a small school. We think there’s still a lot of growth there with Brandon Parker.”
Q: Why couldn’t Damarious Randall be on practice squad for more time to get reps? — @tonyjobs
You know when Johnathan Abram was talking about how “the best ability is availability?” Jon Gruden is a big believer in that. Randall was not a full-go participant through much of camp. That’s the quickest way to find yourself off the roster unless you’re being paid so much it simply isn’t possible.
Q: How has Henry Ruggs looked in training camp? Is he going to start week 1 — @jeremdizz
For the first time since 1996, I didn’t see a training camp practice. But my understand is Ruggs has looked very good. The initial depth chart, such as it was, listed Ruggs as a starter. And as the No. 12 overall pick, he’d better be.
Q: What position group do you think still needs work? I still think we need a bigger backup running back and another DT. — @brwong24
I’d go running back over defensive tackle. Neither Jalen Richard nor Davontae Booker qualify as a lead back in the Josh Jacobs mold, Same goes for Theo Riddick in the practice squad. The Raiders would be searching for a back currently not on anyone’s 53-man roster. At defensive tackle, they’ve got Maliek Collins, Johnathan Hankins, Maurice Hurst and Daniel Ross. Plus they can move Clelin Ferrell or Kendal Vickers inside. Lots of options and combinations.
How does the O-line look: _ @j1979reggie
Intact. The Raiders’ starting five of left tackle Kolton Miller, left guard Richie Incognito, right guard Gabe Jackson and right tackle Trent Brown compares with any in the NFL. It’s important that Brown hold up after missing much of camp. Until I see differently, I’m chalking that up to playing it safe and making sure Brown was ready for Week 1.
Q: How big of a loss is losing Tyrell Williams? — @Supsup_DamnRight
A healthy Williams would have helped, no doubt. But the Raiders have never really seen a healthy Williams other than the first four or five games last season when he was scoring touchdowns. It’s $11 million under the salary cap that is not going to see the field. If Bryan Edwards is a step-in-and-produce third-round pick, it softens the blow quite a bit.
Q: Can #RaiderNation get a quick rundown on mystery man Kendal Vickers? Must have done some good things at training camp — @TheDudeNva
Vickers is 6-foot-3, 290 pounds and can play end and move inside to tackle. Mayock said he ran a 4.7 40-yard dash coming out of college. Not a lot was said or written about him, but his presence on the 53-man roster means he impressed Rod Marinelli and Paul Guenther. We’ll know whether the Raiders consider him an immediate contributor or insurance if he’s active Sunday against the Panthers.
Q: Is the team going to be better this year by cutting Prince Amukamara and Damarious Randall, or is it more important to get Damon Arnette and the other young DBs experience for a Super Bowl run next year or the year after? — @PoloThecholo
With defensive backs, it can go fast. Amukamara said he was told by Mayock the Raiders were going with younger players. Which is nicer than saying “Based on what we’ve seen, we’re more comfortable putting Isaiah Johnson or Keisean Nixon on the field.” As for Randall, as referenced earlier, he missed a lot of practice time and Erik Harris fends off challenges for his roster spot every year.
Q: Secondary needs experienced help and needs to be addressed or KC will rip it apart again. Anything brewing there ? — @Jack9701358
I think what you see is what you get. And if the Raiders can generate a consistent pass rush and Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski live up to their reputations in pass coverage, it won’t be as bad as you think.
Q: I trust Mayock but taking two players in the 3rd round (Bowden and Muse) who needed to make position changes seems risky. Thoughts? — @oneida415
You do realize all draft picks are authorized by Jon Gruden, right? He listens to Mayock, but ultimately it’s his call. The third-round has been brutal, you are correct. And those who saw practices said Muse was struggling and there’s no way to know how much that had to do with the toe injury and how much it had to do with a position change. And you’re right, at this point it does seem pretty risky considering Bowden’s out the door and Muse is on I.R. Heard good things about Bryan Edwards, though.
Q: On a level of 1-10 how concerned are you with the team having only 14 padded practices this summer? — @smush . . .
Zero. Because every other team in the NFL is in the same situation.
Q: Didn’t the Raiders start DHB and Louis Murphy one year? — @RaiderLogic
A check of starting lineups in 2009 shows Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy started together for the first eight games of their rookie season in 2009. By season’s end, Murphy was the most targeted wideout with 96, followed by Chaz Schilens (52), Johnnie Lee Higgins (45) and Heyward-Bey (40). Ruggs and Edwards could start against Carolina, plus Hunter Renfrow if the Raiders open with three wide receivers. We’ll see who gets the most work between Nelson Agholor, Zay Jones and Rico Gafford. My guess is it will be Agholor.
Q: Am I the only one who remembers Quentin Moses from the 3rd round of the 2007 draft? — @DJeff_79
More historical third-round misery. Called “unblockable” by D-coordinator Rob Ryan early in camp, Moses was beaten out by Jay Richardson at defensive end and waived.
Q: Does Theo Riddick getting cut, mean Josh Jacobs will get more passing work? — @MarinKnowsMarin
Unrelated. Jalen Richard can catch plenty of passes. I don’t think Jacobs’ use as a receiver will be as big as everyone expects. Maybe 40 catches or so. He’s too valuable as a runner between the tackles and will get plenty of work that way.
THE READERS TAKE OVER
If anyone can recover it would be the Raiders. Couple years ago they traded Mack and it was crazy to do so. Now its paying off — @eecjr17
Simply traded Bowden for McMillan. I’ll take it — @STEVEN4551
Never really thought he (Bowden) would be more than an experiment. They picked a player they now do not like, and cut their losses. Better than hanging on forever waiting for a player to develop. — @ScottODell3
The sky is falling …..a third round pick didn’t pan out ….time to bring in chicken little to run the Raiders …. — @jrodrigues1961
Definitely excited for the clear improvement of the team but still some players out there that could boost them even more — @rmckillick
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49ers-Raiders practice: ‘Bang-bang’ defense takes out Davante Adams Raiders | Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers get sentimental at Vegas reunion — to an extent I trust Mayock and Gruden. Carr seems rejuvenated. There is more depth. Receiving core looks dangerous and the defense is strong. — @WOLVERINE_CLONE
A HUGE miss on Bowden and now Mariota – Muse even a potential miss makes me wonder about our “evaluation process”. I predict, this draft class will be the undoing of Mayock. I went from mildly optimistic to another 5 or 6 win season. And Carr will NEVER be the answer.– @raiderhome00
Why do they always try to outsmart everyone and outsmart themselves? We all knew we needed a backup RB why didn’t we just draft one instead of Bowden. Arrogance hit Mayock. — @michael06406981
Tyrell Williams out, Bowden out, suddenly the offense has lost some punch. Can’t be too optimistic with rookie WRs. Defense will have to dominate — @JT_Raider


mercurynews--2020-09-09--SF Giants Gameday podcast: Why Tuesday was Gabe Kapler’s best game as Giants manager

A manager can only do so much to put his players in the best possible position to win .
The ability to execute ultimately comes down to the people who take the field on a daily basis .
When things go south for a team , however , a manager often takes criticism for decisions that led to undesirable outcomes .
There was a point in the 2020 season when Giants manager Gabe Kapler saw his club fall to 8-16 and when his defense and bullpen consistently squandered opportunities for a group that appeared destined to have a firm grip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West cellar .
After the Giants overcame a four-run deficit to beat the Mariners 6-5 on Tuesday , that low point feels like a distant memory for Kapler and the team ’ s fans .
Kapler enjoyed what may have been his best game of the season from a decision-making standpoint against Seattle as both sluggers he used in the second slot in the order hit home runs and the defensive replacement the club added to the roster minutes before first pitch made a critical running catch in the gap .
The Giants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before first pitch to ensure Alex Dickerson was healthy enough to start in left field a night after he exited a game with a right knee contusion .
Dickerson homered , but came out of the game when the Mariners put a left-handed reliever on the mound in the bottom of the seventh .
Dickerson ’ s replacement , Darin Ruf , also homered .
His go-ahead blast gave the Giants control of a win that helped them move above .500 for the first time since they were 5-4 on August 1 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outfielder who replaced Ruf , Luis Basabe , made a terrific running catch in the left center field gap that showed why defensive replacements be so important .
Aside from all the production the Giants got in left field Tuesday , Kapler received praise from starter Logan Webb for helping him navigate through five tough innings and also made all the right moves in a bullpen that turned in four scoreless frames .
SF Giants Gameday : Listen to the Bay Area News Group ’ s daily San Francisco Giants podcast , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season .
We Need Your Support !
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I ’ ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you ’ ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com .
Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thank you !
— Kerry Crowley

A manager can only do so much to put his players in the best possible position to win.
The ability to execute ultimately comes down to the people who take the field on a daily basis. When things go south for a team, however, a manager often takes criticism for decisions that led to undesirable outcomes.
There was a point in the 2020 season when Giants manager Gabe Kapler saw his club fall to 8-16 and when his defense and bullpen consistently squandered opportunities for a group that appeared destined to have a firm grip on its position in the National League West cellar.
After the Giants overcame a four-run deficit to beat the Mariners 6-5 on Tuesday, that low point feels like a distant memory for Kapler and the team’s fans.
Kapler enjoyed what may have been his best game of the season from a decision-making standpoint against Seattle as both sluggers he used in the second slot in the order hit home runs and the defensive replacement the club added to the roster minutes before first pitch made a critical running catch in the gap.
The Giants’ manager waited until a few hours before first pitch to ensure Alex Dickerson was healthy enough to start in left field a night after he exited a game with a right knee contusion. Dickerson homered, but came out of the game when the Mariners put a left-handed reliever on the mound in the bottom of the seventh.
Dickerson’s replacement, Darin Ruf, also homered. His go-ahead blast gave the Giants control of a win that helped them move above .500 for the first time since they were 5-4 on August 1.
In the top of the eighth, the outfielder who replaced Ruf, Luis Basabe, made a terrific running catch in the left center field gap that showed why defensive replacements be so important.
Aside from all the production the Giants got in left field Tuesday, Kapler received praise from starter Logan Webb for helping him navigate through five tough innings and also made all the right moves in a bullpen that turned in four scoreless frames.
SF Giants Gameday: Listen to the Bay Area News Group’s daily San Francisco Giants podcast, hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley. We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season.
We Need Your Support!
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I’ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you’ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com. Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer. Thank you! — Kerry Crowley


mercurynews--2020-09-09--Trick-or-treating is banned in LA County this Halloween because of coronavirus risk

Trick-or-treating won ’ t be allowed in Los Angeles County this Halloween to protect against the spread of Covid-19 .
Door-to-door trick-or-treating is banned “ because it can be very difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and at front doors especially in neighborhoods that are popular with trick or treaters , ” the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a news release .
The guidance also does not allow “ trunk or treating ” events from cars and gatherings or parties with non-household members — even when held outdoors .
Carnivals , festivals , live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also prohibited .
To celebrate the holiday , the county ’ s public health department said residents could organize online parties and car parades , in which participants remain in their vehicles .
Los Angeles County — the nation ’ s most populous with more than 10 million residents — remains in the first tier of the state ’ s four-tiered reopening system .
As of Tuesday , the county had reported 249,241 positive cases and 6,036 deaths .
• Newsom : California ‘ getting closer ’ on how and when to reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Santa Clara and Santa Cruz move to less restrictive red tier .
Here ’ s what can reopen now • McConnell proposes relief bill ; Dems say it ’ s not enough Last week , Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a bit of “ good news , ” saying that the number of patients hospitalized with Covid-19 in the city had dropped to its lowest level since early April .
But he warned residents not to confuse the improved hospitalization with the infection rate and reiterated that countywide restrictions would remain @ @ @

Trick-or-treating won’t be allowed in Los Angeles County this Halloween to protect against the spread of Covid-19.
Door-to-door trick-or-treating is banned “because it can be very difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and at front doors especially in neighborhoods that are popular with trick or treaters,” the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a news release.
The guidance also does not allow “trunk or treating” events from cars and gatherings or parties with non-household members — even when held outdoors. Carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, and haunted house attractions are also prohibited.
To celebrate the holiday, the county’s public health department said residents could organize online parties and car parades, in which participants remain in their vehicles.
Los Angeles County — the nation’s most populous with more than 10 million residents — remains in the first tier of the state’s four-tiered reopening system. As of Tuesday, the county had reported 249,241 positive cases and 6,036 deaths.
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But he warned residents not to confuse the improved hospitalization with the infection rate and reiterated that countywide restrictions would remain in place.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-09-09--Dolan Fire: Three firefighters hurt during heat, wind-driven expansion

Three firefighters were injured Tuesday morning during a major expansion of the Dolan Fire in southern Monterey County that destroyed the Nacimiento Station in Los Padres National Forest .
One firefighter was listed in critical condition and two others were stable at Community Regional Hospital in Fresno where they were transported by helicopter after a crew of 15 deployed portable fire shelters at about 8:30 a.m. as they battled to defend the station amid a rapidly expanding fire driven by record-high heat and strong winds , according to Los Padres Forest district ranger Tony Martinez during a briefing Tuesday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly also treated for smoke inhalation .
According to Dolan Fire incident commander Rob Allen , weather conditions drove the fire across Nacimiento-Fergusson Road as it expanded to about 73,089 acres by Tuesday afternoon .
Allen said he expected it would surpass 74,000 acres by nightfall .
Evacuation orders were in effect Tuesday for Prewitt Ridge , South Coast Ridge , Gorda , and Lucia , and evacuation warnings were in place for OES Monterey Zone 24 , and the Partington , Salmon Creek and Dolan Ridge communities .
• California fires : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad • Watch : California Gov .
Gavin Newsom on state ’ s response to wildfires and coronavirus pandemic , Sep. 8 For those evacuating east from the fire , Monterey County opened an evacuation center at the King City Library , 404 Broadway St. Tuesday .
The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on a daily basis until it ’ s no longer needed .
For evacuees heading north , the Monterey Conference Center has an evacuation center available at the Local Assistance Center , 1 Portola Plaza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Saturday .
Those evacuating south can call ( 805 ) 788-2307 for San Luis Obispo County emergency shelter information .
The fire , which started Aug. 18 , was 40 % contained by Tuesday afternoon .

Three firefighters were injured Tuesday morning during a major expansion of the Dolan Fire in southern Monterey County that destroyed the Nacimiento Station in Los Padres National Forest.
One firefighter was listed in critical condition and two others were stable at Community Regional Hospital in Fresno where they were transported by helicopter after a crew of 15 deployed portable fire shelters at about 8:30 a.m. as they battled to defend the station amid a rapidly expanding fire driven by record-high heat and strong winds, according to Los Padres Forest district ranger Tony Martinez during a briefing Tuesday afternoon.
Other firefighters in the crew were reportedly also treated for smoke inhalation.
According to Dolan Fire incident commander Rob Allen, weather conditions drove the fire across Nacimiento-Fergusson Road as it expanded to about 73,089 acres by Tuesday afternoon. Allen said he expected it would surpass 74,000 acres by nightfall.
Evacuation orders were in effect Tuesday for Prewitt Ridge, South Coast Ridge, Gorda, and Lucia, and evacuation warnings were in place for OES Monterey Zone 24, and the Partington, Salmon Creek and Dolan Ridge communities.
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Living with air pollution, especially from wildfires or agriculture, raises risk of dementia, US study finds Crashes and Disasters | Cadaver dogs are in Maui to help find the dead. Here’s how it works and why it’s difficult For those evacuating east from the fire, Monterey County opened an evacuation center at the King City Library, 404 Broadway St. Tuesday. The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on a daily basis until it’s no longer needed.
For evacuees heading north, the Monterey Conference Center has an evacuation center available at the Local Assistance Center, 1 Portola Plaza in Monterey, which is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Saturday.
Those evacuating south can call (805) 788-2307 for San Luis Obispo County emergency shelter information.
The fire, which started Aug. 18, was 40% contained by Tuesday afternoon.


mercurynews--2020-09-09--Police: Suspected arson linked to three Marin fires

Novato police arrested a man on arson allegations after a series of fires Monday afternoon .
Firefighters responded at 4:57 @ @ @ @ @ a tree on fire near 1561 South Novato Blvd.
, the Novato Police Department said @ @ @ @ @ a second fire in the creek near the Diablo Avenue and Novato Boulevard intersection .
@ @ @ @ @ saw a suspect igniting a third fire on Front Street , police said .
• @ @ @ @ @ why this year is so bad • Watch : California Gov .
Gavin Newsom on @ @ @ @ @ wildfires and coronavirus pandemic , Sep. 8 John Davies , a 55-year-old transient , was @ @ @ @ @ on suspicion of setting three arson fires .
He remained in custody in lieu of @ @ @ @ @ quickly knocked down each fire .
There were no injuries reported and no homes or @ @ @ @ @ of the three fires that broke out , police said .

Novato police arrested a man on arson allegations after a series of fires Monday afternoon.
Firefighters responded at 4:57 p.m. to a report of a tree on fire near 1561 South Novato Blvd., the Novato Police Department said. Responding crews came across a second fire in the creek near the Diablo Avenue and Novato Boulevard intersection.
Police officers searching the area saw a suspect igniting a third fire on Front Street, police said.
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Firefighters quickly knocked down each fire. There were no injuries reported and no homes or businesses were burned in any of the three fires that broke out, police said.


mercurynews--2020-09-10--SF’s Lorraine Hansberry Theatre names first woman artistic director

Lorraine Hansberry Theatre , the Bay Area ’ s leading stage company devoted to African American works , announced Wednesday that revered Oakland actor and director Margo Hall has been named its new artistic director .
Hall , who has appeared on the stages of practically every leading Bay Area theater company , and in countless regional productions of works by Black playwrights including August Wilson , Zora Neale Hurston , Marcus Gardley , Tarell Alvin McCraney , Dominique Morisseau , Lynn Nottage and others , takes over the post from interim managers Aldo Billingslea and Darryl V. Jones .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ full-time artistic director since Steven Anthony Jones retired in 2017 .
She assumes the mantle under circumstances that few would have imagined a year ago , when most theaters are dark due to the coronavirus pandemic , when civil rights issues have gained renewed urgency with the deaths of George Floyd and others at the hands of police officers , and at a time when people of color are demanding to be better represented in theater , film and other areas of the arts .
“ I am thrilled to assume this position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , “ during this dynamic , pivotal moment in our cultural history , as the nation turns its focus to Black lives .
This is an extraordinary opportunity to reach new levels of participation and offer meaningful and compelling works that speak to the Black community ’ s issues , challenges , dreams , and accomplishments.
” To that end , the company also announced it was creating The Lorraine Hansberry Theatre Fund for New Black Voices with the long-term goal of producing works by rising Black playwrights , choreographers , directors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arts .
“ Black artists , and to a greater degree Black female and nonbinary theatre makers , are not receiving the representation they deserve on our stages , ” said Hall .
“ Transforming the systemic racism of the American theatre demands financial investment .
Noting that the company ’ s groundbreaking namesake was the first Black female playwright to have a work produced on Broadway ( “ A Raisin in the Sun , ” in 1959 ) Hall said “ I aim to make this mission central to the operations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further establishing the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre as the place where emerging Black playwrights find a haven to develop their voices.
” Check back soon for additions and updates to this story .

Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, the Bay Area’s leading stage company devoted to African American works, has named revered Oakland actor and director Margo Hall as its new artistic director.
Hall, who in a career spanning three decades has appeared on the stages of practically every leading Bay Area theater company — and in countless regional productions of works by Black playwrights including August Wilson, Zora Neale Hurston, Marcus Gardley, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Dominique Morisseau, Lynn Nottage and others — takes over the post from interim managers Aldo Billingslea and Darryl V. Jones.
She becomes the company’s first full-time artistic director since Steven Anthony Jones retired in 2017.
She assumes the mantle under circumstances that few would have imagined a year ago, at a time when most theaters are dark because of the coronavirus pandemic, when civil rights issues have gained renewed urgency with the deaths of George Floyd and other people of color at the hands of police officers, and at a time when minority voices are demanding to be better represented in theater, film and other areas of the arts.
“I am thrilled to assume this position now,” Hall said Wednesday in a statement, “during this dynamic, pivotal moment in our cultural history, as the nation turns its focus to Black lives. This is an extraordinary opportunity to reach new levels of participation and offer meaningful and compelling works that speak to the Black community’s issues, challenges, dreams and accomplishments.”
To that end, the San Francisco company also announced it was creating the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre Fund for New Black Voices, with the long-term goal of producing works by rising Black playwrights, choreographers, directors and others in the stage and performing arts.
“Black artists, and to a greater degree Black female and nonbinary theater makers, are not receiving the representation they deserve on our stages,” Hall said. “Transforming the systemic racism of the American theater demands financial investment.”
Noting that the company’s groundbreaking namesake was the first Black female playwright to have a work produced on Broadway (“A Raisin in the Sun,” in 1959), Hall said: “I aim to make this mission central to the operations of this theater as its artistic director, further establishing the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre as the place where emerging Black playwrights find a haven to develop their voices.”
In Hall, the 39-year-old Lorraine Hansberry Theatre has its first female artistic director. But company executive director Stephanie Shoffner pointed to Hall’s artistic and personal qualities as the key reason for her hire.
“She is an indelible force of nature in the Bay Area theater community and outspoken advocate for artists of color,” Shoffner said. “Margo is also a talented actress and director, whose incredible intellect and ability to inhabit complex characters influences her aptitude for bringing thrilling new works to life. Together, we look forward to ushering in a new chapter for the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, one focused on nurturing and promoting exciting new Black theater makers in the spirit of our namesake.”
Hall’s selection quickly drew praise in the theater world. Among those issuing support was award-winning playwright Dominique Morisseau, whose drama “Skeleton Crew” was presented by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley in a 2018 production in which Hall starred.
“Margo Hall is an extraordinary Bay Area artist and visionary,” Morisseau said. “Since first meeting her many moons ago through Bay Area Playwrights Festival, I felt a kindred spirit and a trust in her as a director that she would fully protect the integrity of my work. I’m thrilled to know that so many more artists will have the pleasure of working with her and being nurtured by her vision. It’s exactly the way things ought to be.”
“The Lorraine Hansberry couldn’t be getting a greater gift that they will in Margo Hall,” said Tony Award-winning actor Anika Noni Rose. “An amazing theater artist, she is well versed in both classical and contemporary works and has a deep well of knowledge of Black theater.”
Across the bay, Orinda-based California Shakespeare Theater director Eric Ting eagerly endorsed the move.
“I can think of no fiercer advocate, no greater champion for artists, than Margo Hall,” said Ting” That she has chosen to bring that mighty voice to the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre offers me, especially in this moment, such great hope.”
While stage companies everywhere are grappling with the fact theaters can’t accommodate audiences during the pandemic, Hall and Lorraine Hansberry have an additional challenge: finding a permanent home for the company.
Lorraine Hansberry’s de facto home is Buriel Clay Theater at the African American Art and Culture Complex on San Francisco’s Fulton Street. It has also performed at other venues in recent years. But as Hall says, the company dreams of landing a full-time “dedicated home for the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre to grow and establish roots.”
“The sad truth is most Black theaters in American are lacking a permanent space to nurture our artists and to provide them resources to develop their works. With the help of our community, I hope we can realize that dream for our company.”


mercurynews--2020-09-10--Death reported in California’s Bear Fire: Victim found near car in Berry Creek

BERRY CREEK — A person apparently fleeing the fast-moving Bear Fire was found dead in the Berry Creek area Wednesday , authorities said , marking the first confirmed fatality in the blaze that exploded in size overnight .
California Highway Patrol Officer Ben Draper said the person , who has not been publicly identified , was found late Wednesday morning near a car in the area of Bald Rock Road and Graystone Lane .
The Berry Creek area near Lake Oroville suffered extensive fire damage — homes throughout the sprawling community were destroyed in the blaze that leveled entire blocks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ structures that were spared .
Draper said CHP officers were initially called to the scene believing it may have been a collision , but determined the person likely drove toward a ditch and fled his or her car before being overcome by the flames .
“ Somebody was just attempting to flee , ” Draper said , “ and it just didn ’ t work out.
” Draper referred other questions about the death to the Butte County Sheriff ’ s Office , which could not be reached late Wednesday .
As of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which include the Bear Fire , covered 254,000 acres across parts of Butte , Plumas and Yuba counties and was 38 percent contained .

BERRY CREEK, Calif. – Three people have now been found dead in the fast-moving Bear Fire, authorities said.
One victim was discovered in the hard-hit Berry Creek area late Wednesday morning, said California Highway Patrol Officer Ben Draper.
Draper said officers were initially called to the scene near Bald Rock Road and Graystone Lane believing it may have been a collision, but determined the victim likely drove toward a ditch and fled his or her car before being overcome by the flames.
“Somebody was just attempting to flee,” Draper said, “and it just didn’t work out.”
Butte County Sheriff-Coroner Kory Honea confirmed two additional deaths at an evening news conference. He said the victims were found together but did not say where.
“We are still in the process of recovering those remains and investigating those scenes,” Honea said. “We have yet to be able to identify positively those individuals or notify their next of kin. And as a result of that, I am not going to provide any further details.”
The North Complex fires, which include the Bear Fire, grew by more than 97,000 acres in 24 hours as high winds pushed the flames into Butte County, said Steve Kaufmann, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. As of Wednesday evening, the fires covered 252,163 acres in parts of Butte, Plumas and Yuba counties.
Kaufmann said 2,000 of the 4,200 structures inside the fire perimeter in Butte County have been damaged or destroyed. The southern half of the complex is threatening nearly 23,400 structures; another 3,125 are threatened in the Quincy area in Plumas County.
Crews rescued more than 100 people Tuesday night, said Shane Lauderdale, an operations section chief with Cal Fire.
Evacuations have been ordered for communities including Berry Creek, Brush Creek, Clipper Mills, Forbestown and Feather Falls. Other areas including Bangor are under an evacuation warning. About 20,000 Butte County residents have been impacted by the warnings and orders.


mercurynews--2020-09-10--Suspect in Pittsburg shooting found dead

PITTSBURG — Police said they were investigating after a suspect who shot a man apparently turned his gun on himself , authorities said Wednesday .
Just before 2:30 p.m. , police said officers responded to the 4300 block of Oakdale Place for a report of a man with a handgun walking in public on the street .
Before officers arrived , police said they were told the man approached another man in a home ’ s front yard and shot him once in the upper chest .
As officers arrived , they saw the man still holding a handgun cross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s front yard just out of view before hearing a gunshot .
When officers approached the yard , they found the man face down , suffering from a gunshot wound to the head .
He was pronounced dead at the scene .
Other officers soon found the shooting victim , who was assessed by responding Contra Costa County Fire Protection District firefighters and taken by medical personnel to a hospital .
He was listed in serious but stable condition , police said .
Preliminary information from detectives and crime-scene staff who responded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not know each other .
Anyone with information may call Pittsburg police ’ s tip line at 925-252-4040 .

PITTSBURG — A police investigation is underway after a suspect who shot a man apparently turned his gun on himself, authorities said Wednesday.
Just before 2:30 p.m., police said officers responded to the 4300 block of Oakdale Place for a report of a man with a handgun walking in public on the street.
Before officers arrived, police said they were told the man approached another man in a home’s front yard and shot him once in the upper chest.
As officers arrived, they saw the man still holding a handgun cross the street and enter another home’s front yard just out of view before hearing a gunshot. When officers approached the yard, they found the man face down, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Other officers soon found the shooting victim, who was assessed by responding Contra Costa County Fire Protection District firefighters and taken by medical personnel to a hospital. He was listed in serious but stable condition, police said.
Preliminary information from detectives and crime-scene staff who responded to the area suggests the two men did not know each other.
Anyone with information may call Pittsburg police’s tip line at 925-252-4040.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-09-10--Man charged with murder in fatal Oakland shooting of sister’s boyfriend

OAKLAND — A man was charged with murder and animal cruelty in the fatal shooting of his sister ’ s boyfriend and the wounding of a dog in East Oakland last month .
Sammie Brown , 27 , of Stockton , was charged in the death of Karongie Louis Bell , 23 , of Sacramento .
Police found Bell with multiple gunshot wounds around 8:40 p.m. Aug. 27 on the 1100 block of 76th Ave .
He later died at a hospital .
Brown became aware of a dispute between his sister and her boyfriend , Bell , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fight , and Brown allegedly shot him multiple times with a 9mm pistol , according to a probable cause declaration .
Brown also is accused of shooting Bell ’ s aunt ’ s dog multiple times .
It ’ s not known if the dog survived , but Brown ’ s charges also include one felony count of cruelly wounding an animal .
Brown is also charged with carrying a loaded firearm on one ’ s person in a city and two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm .
He allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog , in a police interview .
He will next appear in court to enter a plea on Sept. 18 at the East County Hall of Justice .
He remains in jail on no bail .

OAKLAND — A man was charged with murder and animal cruelty in the fatal shooting of his sister’s boyfriend and the wounding of a dog in East Oakland last month.
Sammie Brown, 27, of Stockton, was charged in the death of Karongie Louis Bell, 23, of Sacramento. Police found Bell with multiple gunshot wounds around 8:40 p.m. Aug. 27 on the 1100 block of 76th Ave. He later died at a hospital.
Brown became aware of a dispute between his sister and her boyfriend, Bell, according to court documents. Bell challenged Brown to a fight, and Brown allegedly shot him multiple times with a 9mm pistol, according to a probable cause declaration.
Brown also is accused of shooting Bell’s aunt’s dog multiple times. It’s not known if the dog survived, but Brown’s charges also include one felony count of cruelly wounding an animal.
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He allegedly admitted to shooting Bell, and the dog, in a police interview.
He will next appear in court to enter a plea on Sept. 18 at the East County Hall of Justice. He remains in jail on no bail.


mercurynews--2020-09-10--Student sues CSU East Bay for election fraud with backing of NAACP,  Harmeet Dhillon

HAYWARD — A Cal State East Bay student who ran for student body president and got the most votes , is suing the university , claiming he was not awarded his rightful title .
Student Mahdi Fugfugosh , a senior , filed the lawsuit Wednesday with the Alameda County Superior Court , with the support of his attorney , former chair of the California Republican Party and free speech attorney Harmeet Dhillon , and the support of the NAACP .
Fugfugosh ran for student body president of the California State University , East Bay Associated Students Incorporated ( ASI ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was one of three candidates but even though he was the highest vote-getter in March with 43.28 % of the vote , the Election Committee called a run-off because he did not win a majority of the votes .
Dhillon , in a virtual press conference Wednesday , said the Election Code only outlined one circumstance for a run-off : if there was a tie .
Since there was no tie , under those rules , the presumption is the winner with the highest votes gets the position , she said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get 50 % plus 1 of the vote , there needed to be a run-off .
But , as Fugfugosh researched , he found that this so-called 50 % rule , was not actually in the Election Code .
The Elections Committee allegedly admitted to this in hearing , but as Dhillon said the election officials claimed “ Oh well , we ’ ve always done it this way.
” “ Mahdi was deprived of his rightful position of having won this election , ” Dhillon said .
Both Dhillon and Fugfugosh maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not win , was a “ fake second election ” to deprive the young man of his rightful spot .
It was also a breach of contract of the rules Fugfugosh and other candidates had to agree and sign to when qualifying to run for the position .
Todd Davis , of the Hayward and South Alameda chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People , said Fugfugosh reached out to them to help with the situation .
“ When he reached out about this issue it struck us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a civil rights organization , has always encouraged our youth to get involved , ” he said .
What better way to get involved than to run for student government , Todd asked .
He said it was disheartening for a university to deny a student his rightful winning of an election .
“ It tells young people , you can become leaders , and then to prevent them from accomplishing that goal and taking up that mantel — we knew we had to be involved , ” Davis said .
The NAACP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first resolve the issue with the university .
Davis said when it took an extended period of time for the university to respond , the NAACP realized the normal channels of communications weren ’ t working .
Dhillon became involved when Fugfugosh , with the NAACP ’ s help , reached out to law firms for help .
“ I ’ m not looking for a ‘ get rich case ’ ; I ’ m not trying to make a million off the university .
I want to take the presidency that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference at CSU East Bay , ” Fugfugosh said .
In a response to a request for comment on the election and the lawsuit , university spokeswoman Kimberly Hawkins said Wednesday : “ The university disputes any contention that the election was rigged or improper but is unable to provide further comment due to the threatened litigation .
”

HAYWARD — A Cal State East Bay student who ran for student body president and got the most votes, is suing the university, claiming he was not awarded his rightful title.
Student Mahdi Fugfugosh, a senior, filed the lawsuit Wednesday with the Alameda County Superior Court, with the support of his attorney, former chair of the California Republican Party and free speech attorney Harmeet Dhillon, and the support of the NAACP.
Fugfugosh ran for student body president of the California State University, East Bay Associated Students Incorporated (ASI), the student government system. He was one of three candidates but even though he was the highest vote-getter in March with 43.28% of the vote, the Election Committee called a run-off because he did not win a majority of the votes.
Dhillon, in a virtual press conference Wednesday, said the Election Code only outlined one circumstance for a run-off: if there was a tie. Since there was no tie, under those rules, the presumption is the winner with the highest votes gets the position, she said.
The committee claimed that because Fugfugosh did not get 50% plus 1 of the vote, there needed to be a run-off. But, as Fugfugosh researched, he found that this so-called 50% rule, was not actually in the Election Code. The Elections Committee allegedly admitted to this in hearing, but as Dhillon said the election officials claimed “Oh well, we’ve always done it this way.”
“Mahdi was deprived of his rightful position of having won this election,” Dhillon said.
Both Dhillon and Fugfugosh maintain that the run-off, which he did not win, was a “fake second election” to deprive the young man of his rightful spot. It was also a breach of contract of the rules Fugfugosh and other candidates had to agree and sign to when qualifying to run for the position.
Todd Davis, of the Hayward and South Alameda chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said Fugfugosh reached out to them to help with the situation.
“When he reached out about this issue it struck us, because our organization as a whole, a civil rights organization, has always encouraged our youth to get involved,” he said.
What better way to get involved than to run for student government, Todd asked. He said it was disheartening for a university to deny a student his rightful winning of an election.
“It tells young people, you can become leaders, and then to prevent them from accomplishing that goal and taking up that mantel — we knew we had to be involved,” Davis said.
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4 ways restarting student loan payments could impact economy Education | Are they students or employees? Stanford joins surge in graduate student unions across the country The NAACP engaged in letter writing, trying to first resolve the issue with the university. Davis said when it took an extended period of time for the university to respond, the NAACP realized the normal channels of communications weren’t working.
Dhillon became involved when Fugfugosh, with the NAACP’s help, reached out to law firms for help.
“I’m not looking for a ‘get rich case’; I’m not trying to make a million off the university. I want to take the presidency that I won. I want to make a difference at CSU East Bay,” Fugfugosh said.
In a response to a request for comment on the election and the lawsuit, university spokeswoman Kimberly Hawkins said Wednesday: “The university disputes any contention that the election was rigged or improper but is unable to provide further comment due to the threatened litigation.”


mercurynews--2020-09-09--San Jose: Club promoter arrested on suspicion of sexual assault

SAN JOSE – A nightclub promoter has been arrested on suspicion of at least two alleged sexual assaults in San @ @ @ @ @ The suspect , identified as 29-year-old San Jose resident Marcos Lopez-Cabera , was arrested on @ @ @ @ @ police Officer Steven Aponte said in a news release Wednesday .
Lopez-Cabera was booked into @ @ @ @ @ sexual assault charges .
He was being held without bail at the Elmwood Correctional Facility @ @ @ @ @ online jail records .
Aponte said Lopez-Cabera is a “ known nightclub promoter/manager in the @ @ @ @ @ not say if he was affiliated with any particular club .
The cases were reported @ @ @ @ @ last year , said Sgt .
Christian Camarillo in a phone interview .
No other @ @ @ @ @ .
Camarillo said police believe there may be other victims .
Anyone with information about @ @ @ @ @ the suspect can contact detectives at 408-277-4102 , or leave a tip with Silicon Valley @ @ @ @ @ at svcrimestoppers.org .

SAN JOSE – A nightclub promoter has been arrested on suspicion of at least two alleged sexual assaults in San Jose, police said.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old San Jose resident Marcos Lopez-Cabera, was arrested on July 11, San Jose police Officer Steven Aponte said in a news release Wednesday.
Lopez-Cabera was booked into Santa Clara County jail on sexual assault charges. He was being held without bail at the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas, according to online jail records.
Aponte said Lopez-Cabera is a “known nightclub promoter/manager in the Bay Area.” Police did not say if he was affiliated with any particular club.
The cases were reported in October and December of last year, said Sgt. Christian Camarillo in a phone interview. No other information was immediately available Wednesday.
Camarillo said police believe there may be other victims. Anyone with information about the cases or others involving the suspect can contact detectives at 408-277-4102, or leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867 or at svcrimestoppers.org.


mercurynews--2020-09-09--Stream this: Hershey Felder, Geoff Hoyle, Concord Jazz Fest

There ’ s lots of cool arts stuff to stream this weekend and next week .
Here are some of our favorite choices , each of which bears Bay Area ties Felder returns ( online ) : Even a global pandemic can ’ t keep Hershey Felder down .
The popular musician/writer/actor known for his sold-out productions focusing on the music and lives of famous composers , is back this weekend to live-stream his show “ George Gershwin Alone ” from Teatro della Pergola in Florence , Italy .
Details : Live-stream is 5 p.m. Sept. 13 , production available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 55 per household , free to TheatreWorks Silicon Valley season subscribers ; www.theatreworks.org .
Concord Jazz Festival : The iconic Concord Jazz label was born in the East Bay and the city of Concord has for years hosted this annual show featuring top performers in mainstream and contemporary jazz .
The festival is back this year as a virtual event running Sept. 16-20 , featuring films , performances by singer Rhonda Sauce and Cal Tjader tribute act Soul Sauce , as well as other concerts and a tribute to jazz titan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brubeck Brothers Quartet .
There will also be lots of Concord Jazz merchandise for sale , with proceeds benefiting local music programs .
Details : See schedule and more information at www.visitconcordca.com/jazz .
An Oakland tale : Filmmaker Spencer Wilkinson , who gave us the terrific documentary “ One Voice , ” about the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir , has a new documentary about a famous four-story mural in downtown Oakland that united artists and activists when it was threatened by gentrification .
Titled “ Alice Street , ” it can be screened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ See the screening schedule and more information at alicestreetfilm.com .
For the Hoyle of it : Geoff Hoyle , one of the Bay Area ’ s favorite stage actors and monologists , looks back on his life and career in a new show , “ What Will I Be When You Grow Up , ” that debuts this weekend , presented by The Marsh .
Details : Live-streams 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13 , available on demand all day Sept. 14 ; free but donations encouraged ; themarsh.org .
Vineyards Vibes : The Livermore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off a new virtual Sunday concert series running into October ( and maybe longer ) .
Performers include jazz/blues/Latin band Matt Finders and Friends ( Sunday ) , members of the Livermore Valley Opera ( Sept. 20 ) and rock singer/guitar David Victor , onetime member of the band Boston ( Sept. 27 ) .

There’s lots of cool arts stuff to stream this weekend and next week. Here are some of our favorite choices, each of which bears Bay Area ties
Felder returns (online): Even a global pandemic can’t keep Hershey Felder down. The popular musician/writer/actor known for his sold-out productions focusing on the music and lives of famous composers, is back this weekend to live-stream his show “George Gershwin Alone” from Teatro della Pergola in Florence, Italy.
Details: Live-stream is 5 p.m. Sept. 13, production available on demand for 72 hours afterword; $55 per household, free to TheatreWorks Silicon Valley season subscribers; www.theatreworks.org.
Concord Jazz Festival: The iconic Concord Jazz label was born in the East Bay and the city of Concord has for years hosted this annual show featuring top performers in mainstream and contemporary jazz. The festival is back this year as a virtual event running Sept. 16-20, featuring films, performances by singer Rhonda Sauce and Cal Tjader tribute act Soul Sauce, as well as other concerts and a tribute to jazz titan and Concord native Dave Brubeck, featuring the Brubeck Brothers Quartet. There will also be lots of Concord Jazz merchandise for sale, with proceeds benefiting local music programs.
Details: See schedule and more information at www.visitconcordca.com/jazz.
An Oakland tale: Filmmaker Spencer Wilkinson, who gave us the terrific documentary “One Voice,” about the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, has a new documentary about a famous four-story mural in downtown Oakland that united artists and activists when it was threatened by gentrification. Titled “Alice Street,” it can be screened this weekend and next.
Details: See the screening schedule and more information at alicestreetfilm.com.
For the Hoyle of it: Geoff Hoyle, one of the Bay Area’s favorite stage actors and monologists, looks back on his life and career in a new show, “What Will I Be When You Grow Up,” that debuts this weekend, presented by The Marsh.
Details: Live-streams 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13, available on demand all day Sept. 14; free but donations encouraged; themarsh.org.
Vineyards Vibes: The Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center this weekend kicks off a new virtual Sunday concert series running into October (and maybe longer). Performers include jazz/blues/Latin band Matt Finders and Friends (Sunday), members of the Livermore Valley Opera (Sept. 20) and rock singer/guitar David Victor, onetime member of the band Boston (Sept. 27).
Details: Performances at 6 p.m.; free but donations encouraged; livermorearts.org.