mercurynews--2020-07-18--Federal officers in Portland face rising opposition on streets and in court

PORTLAND , Ore. — An aggressive federal campaign to suppress unrest in Portland appears to have instead rejuvenated the city ’ s movement , as protesters gathered by the hundreds late Friday and into Saturday morning — the largest crowd in weeks .
Federal officers at times flooded street corridors with tear gas and shot projectiles from paintball guns , while demonstrators responded by shouting that the officers in fatigues were “ terrorists ” and chanting , “ Whose streets ?
Our streets.
” Protesters in Portland have gathered for more than 50 consecutive nights .
While the protesters have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police tactics , Mayor Ted Wheeler , who also serves as police commissioner , and other leaders have united in calls for federal agencies to stay away .
City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty went to join protesters gathered outside the county Justice Center downtown , saying the city will “ not allow armed military forces to attack our people.
” “ Today we show the country and the world that the city of Portland , even as much as we fight among ourselves , will come together to stand up for our Constitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have described the stepped-up involvement of federal officers as part of an effort to oppose lawlessness in the city , state and local leaders Friday contended that the federal officers themselves may be violating the law .
Prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the injury of one protester , who appeared to have been shot in the head with a less-lethal weapon outside the federal courthouse in downtown Portland .
Oregon ’ s attorney general , Ellen Rosenblum , has filed a lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in how they went about detaining people by pulling them into unmarked vans .
The pushback against the militarized federal deployment involving officers in fatigues and tactical gear has also extended to the streets , where the presence of those federal agents has rejuvenated a movement that had shown signs of slowing down after weeks of protest against police violence and militarization .
Hundreds continued to demonstrate after midnight Saturday , playing music , holding shields , tearing down temporary fences and throwing fireworks at the county ’ s Justice Center .
Along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the support of a snack van that offers free Gatorade and instant noodles , and a makeshift kitchen called Riot Ribs that cooks bratwursts and even a Beyond Meat sausage .
Someone Saturday had set up a stand selling T-shirts promoting racial equity and hand washing .
The protests have long featured a mix of tactics , with some there to sustain a Black Lives Matter movement that emerged in the aftermath of George Floyd ’ s death in May .
Others have engaged in more unruly responses , such as graffiti or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been arrested over the weeks , including some by federal officers , such as a man accused of hitting an officer with a hammer last week .
Protests around the federal courthouse — tagged with messages such as “ Stop Using Violence On Us ” and “ History Has Its Eye On You ” — have drawn the ire of federal leaders .
Chad F. Wolf , the acting secretary of Homeland Security , got a tour there this past week and shared images of himself in front of graffitied walls .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came after President Donald Trump , who at one point called on states to “ dominate ” protesters , directed federal agencies to increase their presence to protect federal properties , including statues and monuments that have at times been the target of protesters .
Trump said last week that he had sent personnel to Portland because “ the locals couldn ’ t handle it.
” Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown said in an interview she believed the protests were starting to ease before the federal officers waded into the scene .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal agents off the streets but that he rejected the suggestion .
Wheeler , the mayor , said he got the same response .
But he said he believes the unified local response could change the federal tactics and keep federal officers off the streets .
“ I can ’ t recall a single instance where we have had federal , state and local officials all in alignment , saying the presence of federal troops in our city is harmful to our residents , ” Wheeler said .
State and local leaders have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rosenblum said her office was working with the Multnomah County district attorney , Rod Underhill , on a criminal investigation focused on the injury of a protester July 12 .
In that case , video appeared to show a man being struck in the head by an impact munition near the federal courthouse , and his family said he subsequently needed surgery .
The attorney general ’ s office also filed a lawsuit late Friday accusing federal officers of using unlawful tactics .
Protesters , along with videos posted on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seizing people and pulling them into unmarked vans .
• Letters : Ignoring guidelines | Child care vs. education | The population problem | Dismay in SJPD | Realizing our principles | Cisco suit The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Oregon has also filed in court to curtail the actions of federal officers , and the group said “ many ” more lawsuits will be forthcoming .

The New York Times News Service Syndicate

PORTLAND, Ore. — An aggressive federal campaign to suppress unrest in Portland appears to have instead rejuvenated the city’s movement, as protesters gathered by the hundreds late Friday and into Saturday morning — the largest crowd in weeks.
Federal officers at times flooded street corridors with tear gas and shot projectiles from paintball guns, while demonstrators responded by shouting that the officers in fatigues were “terrorists” and chanting, “Whose streets? Our streets.” Protesters in Portland have gathered for more than 50 consecutive nights.
While the protesters have repeatedly decried the city’s own police tactics, Mayor Ted Wheeler, who also serves as police commissioner, and other leaders have united in calls for federal agencies to stay away. City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty went to join protesters gathered outside the county Justice Center downtown, saying the city will “not allow armed military forces to attack our people.”
“Today we show the country and the world that the city of Portland, even as much as we fight among ourselves, will come together to stand up for our Constitutional rights,” Hardesty said Friday.
While officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have described the stepped-up involvement of federal officers as part of an effort to oppose lawlessness in the city, state and local leaders Friday contended that the federal officers themselves may be violating the law.
Prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the injury of one protester, who appeared to have been shot in the head with a less-lethal weapon outside the federal courthouse in downtown Portland. Oregon’s attorney general, Ellen Rosenblum, has filed a lawsuit, accusing federal officers of unlawful tactics in how they went about detaining people by pulling them into unmarked vans.
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/07/18/mccabe-sot-portland-protest-arrest-video-ndwknd-vpx.cnn”]
The pushback against the militarized federal deployment involving officers in fatigues and tactical gear has also extended to the streets, where the presence of those federal agents has rejuvenated a movement that had shown signs of slowing down after weeks of protest against police violence and militarization.
Hundreds continued to demonstrate after midnight Saturday, playing music, holding shields, tearing down temporary fences and throwing fireworks at the county’s Justice Center.
Along with street medics, protesters also have the support of a snack van that offers free Gatorade and instant noodles, and a makeshift kitchen called Riot Ribs that cooks bratwursts and even a Beyond Meat sausage. Someone Saturday had set up a stand selling T-shirts promoting racial equity and hand washing.
The protests have long featured a mix of tactics, with some there to sustain a Black Lives Matter movement that emerged in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death in May. Others have engaged in more unruly responses, such as graffiti or throwing objects at officers. Dozens have been arrested over the weeks, including some by federal officers, such as a man accused of hitting an officer with a hammer last week.
Protests around the federal courthouse — tagged with messages such as “Stop Using Violence On Us” and “History Has Its Eye On You” — have drawn the ire of federal leaders. Chad F. Wolf, the acting secretary of Homeland Security, got a tour there this past week and shared images of himself in front of graffitied walls.
The arrival of a more aggressive federal presence came after President Donald Trump, who at one point called on states to “dominate” protesters, directed federal agencies to increase their presence to protect federal properties, including statues and monuments that have at times been the target of protesters. Trump said last week that he had sent personnel to Portland because “the locals couldn’t handle it.”
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said in an interview she believed the protests were starting to ease before the federal officers waded into the scene. She said that she asked Wolf to keep federal agents off the streets but that he rejected the suggestion.
Wheeler, the mayor, said he got the same response. But he said he believes the unified local response could change the federal tactics and keep federal officers off the streets.
“I can’t recall a single instance where we have had federal, state and local officials all in alignment, saying the presence of federal troops in our city is harmful to our residents,” Wheeler said.
State and local leaders have opened new efforts to combat federal agents.
Rosenblum said her office was working with the Multnomah County district attorney, Rod Underhill, on a criminal investigation focused on the injury of a protester July 12. In that case, video appeared to show a man being struck in the head by an impact munition near the federal courthouse, and his family said he subsequently needed surgery.
The attorney general’s office also filed a lawsuit late Friday accusing federal officers of using unlawful tactics. Protesters, along with videos posted on social media, have described scenes of federal officers seizing people and pulling them into unmarked vans.


mercurynews--2020-07-18--The Newsroom @Home: A conversation with Robin Sloan, author of “The Strange Case of the New Golden G

The Newsroom @Home: A conversation with Robin Sloan, author of “The Strange Case of the New Golden Gate”

On June 7 , 2020 , we introduced a special new feature , the first installment in a 15-part , serialized mystery by Oakland ’ s Robin Sloan , the New York Times best-selling author of “ Mr .
Penumbra ’ s 24-Hour Bookstore ” and “ Sourdough.
” Sloan has written a wonderful story , rich in Bay Area history and lore , and we were delighted to also share with you a live conversation with him during our June 18 , 20202 Newsroom @ Home webinar event .
Jackie Burrell , Eat Drink Play/Features Editor , had an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus other projects he is working on .
He shared where some of the names of his characters and cities come from , along with why he enjoys writing about local places .
Sloan is no longer writing in coffee shops or bookstores and we learned about his new writing process and how he comes up with some of his ideas .
What is The Newsroom @ Home ?
For the past year , we have been holding In Real Life events where readers get the chance to meet some of our journalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible with limits on large gatherings and social distancing , we created The Newsroom @ Home to bring you discussions and insights virtually as we all figure out how to navigate the coronavirus pandemic .
Over the past few months , we have brought our readers discussions about restaurants in the Bay Area dealing with COVID-19 , diving into the behind-the-scenes stories of how our photojournalists shot some of their favorite photos , a candid conversation with author Robin Sloan and more .
To see upcoming events or catch up on any you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or MarinIJ.com/Events .

On June 7, 2020, we introduced a special new feature, the first installment in a 15-part, serialized mystery by Oakland’s Robin Sloan, the New York Times best-selling author of “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore” and “Sourdough.” Sloan has written a wonderful story, rich in Bay Area history and lore, and we were delighted to also share with you a live conversation with him during our June 18, 20202 Newsroom @ Home webinar event.
Jackie Burrell, Eat Drink Play/Features Editor, had an in-depth conversation with Sloan about this mystery plus other projects he is working on. He shared where some of the names of his characters and cities come from, along with why he enjoys writing about local places. Sloan is no longer writing in coffee shops or bookstores and we learned about his new writing process and how he comes up with some of his ideas.
What is The Newsroom @Home?
For the past year, we have been holding In Real Life events where readers get the chance to meet some of our journalists in person. Since this is not possible with limits on large gatherings and social distancing, we created The Newsroom @ Home to bring you discussions and insights virtually as we all figure out how to navigate the coronavirus pandemic.
Over the past few months, we have brought our readers discussions about restaurants in the Bay Area dealing with COVID-19, diving into the behind-the-scenes stories of how our photojournalists shot some of their favorite photos, a candid conversation with author Robin Sloan and more. To see upcoming events or catch up on any you missed, go to MercuryNews.com/Events, EastBayTimes.com/Events or MarinIJ.com/Events.


mercurynews--2020-07-18--Morgan Hill: Man shot in leg outside apartment complex

MORGAN HILL — A 32-year-old man was shot in the leg in front an apartment complex Friday night , police @ @ @ @ @ p.m. , Morgan Hill police were called to Ciolino Avenue , near Monterey Road , @ @ @ @ @ shooting , said Sgt .
Bill Norman .
A car had been traveling eastbound on @ @ @ @ @ outside an apartment building , where the victim was standing outside .
At that point @ @ @ @ @ fired multiple shots at the man , hitting him at least once in the leg @ @ @ @ @ a local hospital for treatment .
Police believe the car was a burgundy-colored 1990s Toyota @ @ @ @ @ the shooting is unknown , Norman said ; it ’ s not clear to police @ @ @ @ @ knew each other .
Anyone with information about the incident may contact Morgan Hill police @ @ @ @ @ or Detective Sean Farrell at 669 253-4989 .

MORGAN HILL — A 32-year-old man was shot in the leg in front an apartment complex Friday night, police said.
At about 8:10 p.m., Morgan Hill police were called to Ciolino Avenue, near Monterey Road, for a report of a shooting, said Sgt. Bill Norman. A car had been traveling eastbound on Ciolino when it slowed down outside an apartment building, where the victim was standing outside.
At that point, someone in the car fired multiple shots at the man, hitting him at least once in the leg. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Police believe the car was a burgundy-colored 1990s Toyota Corolla. The motive for the shooting is unknown, Norman said; it’s not clear to police whether the victim and suspect knew each other.
Anyone with information about the incident may contact Morgan Hill police Corporal Mindy Zen at 669-253-4917 or Detective Sean Farrell at 669 253-4989.


mercurynews--2020-07-18--Talks into the night as EU leaders haggle over budget, virus

By Mike Corder and Raf Casert | Associated Press BRUSSELS — On a terrace overlooking sun-kissed Brussels , European Union leaders felt Saturday they were finally closing in on a deal for an unprecedented 1.85 trillion euro ( $ 2.1 trillion ) EU budget and coronavirus recovery fund , despite tensions running high after months of battling the pandemic .
Heading into a balmy summer evening , a deal was still far off , but several key nations said negotiations were at least heading in the right direction .
Two full days and one night of discussions by the bloc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irritation over how the huge sums should be spent and what strings should be attached to a glimmer of hope that somehow a deal could materialize — if not this weekend , then at least at another summit within a few weeks .
“ Things are moving in the right direction , ” said Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz .
“ It is of course , as you would expect , a tough struggle , a tough negotiation , but we ’ re moving in the right direction , and that is the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end Saturday but more nighttime negotiations lay ahead for leaders as they dealt with their toughest crisis in years , one that burdened the bloc with its worst recession ever .
EU summit host Charles Michel held talks with Geman Chancellor Angela Merkel , French President Emmanuel Macron and the main leaders involved in the dispute in an open-air space atop the Europa summit center before planning a dinner with all leaders later .
The EU executive has proposed a 750-billion euro fund , partly based on common borrowing , to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neediest countries .
That comes on top of the seven-year 1-trillion-euro EU budget that leaders were fighting over even before COVID-19 slammed their continent .
Despite the urgency and seriousness of the crisis , there were deep rifts between some richer nations in the north , led by the Netherlands , which want strict controls on spending , and struggling southern nations like Spain and Italy , which have been especially hit hard by the pandemic and are looking for as much help as they can get .
Michel ’ s latest proposals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescue package and raise the proportion of loans that will need to be paid back , in an apparent enticement for a group of “ frugal ” nations led by the Netherlands , said an EU diplomat , who requested anonymity because the talks were still ongoing .
But the issue of how to track the rescue money remains the key sticking point , the diplomat said .
Michel has proposed a measure that would stop short of allowing any country a veto on how governments spend the money .
Another diplomat described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first step in what could be a long journey to an agreement .
The diplomat also spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the closed-door negotiations .
Kurz said major issues still under discussion include the rule of law in EU nations and certainty on how the funds will be used .
Kurz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte are among the leaders of four “ frugal ” nations , also including Sweden and Denmark , that want conditions such as economic reforms attached to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economically devastating hit of the coronavirus pandemic and checks on how the money is being spent .
Rutte met Saturday for crisis talks with Merkel , Macron , Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte as well as the leader of the EU ’ s executive body , Ursula von der Leyen , and Michel .
• Breathtaking virus numbers show normal life still far away • Bolivians line up to buy fake – and toxic – coronavirus cure The pandemic has sent the EU into a tailspin , with 27-nation bloc ’ s economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the latest predictions .
Around 135,000 of its citizens have died from COVID-19 .
Associated Press writer Angela Charlton in Paris and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed .

By Mike Corder and Raf Casert | Associated Press
BRUSSELS — On a terrace overlooking sun-kissed Brussels, European Union leaders felt Saturday they were finally closing in on a deal for an unprecedented 1.85 trillion euro ($2.1 trillion) EU budget and coronavirus recovery fund, despite tensions running high after months of battling the pandemic.
Heading into a balmy summer evening, a deal was still far off, but several key nations said negotiations were at least heading in the right direction.
Two full days and one night of discussions by the bloc’s 27 leaders oscillated between raw irritation over how the huge sums should be spent and what strings should be attached to a glimmer of hope that somehow a deal could materialize — if not this weekend, then at least at another summit within a few weeks.
“Things are moving in the right direction,” said Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. “It is of course, as you would expect, a tough struggle, a tough negotiation, but we’re moving in the right direction, and that is the most important thing.”
The summit was supposed to end Saturday but more nighttime negotiations lay ahead for leaders as they dealt with their toughest crisis in years, one that burdened the bloc with its worst recession ever.
EU summit host Charles Michel held talks with Geman Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and the main leaders involved in the dispute in an open-air space atop the Europa summit center before planning a dinner with all leaders later.
The EU executive has proposed a 750-billion euro fund, partly based on common borrowing, to be sent as loans and grants to the neediest countries. That comes on top of the seven-year 1-trillion-euro EU budget that leaders were fighting over even before COVID-19 slammed their continent.
Despite the urgency and seriousness of the crisis, there were deep rifts between some richer nations in the north, led by the Netherlands, which want strict controls on spending, and struggling southern nations like Spain and Italy, which have been especially hit hard by the pandemic and are looking for as much help as they can get.
Michel’s latest proposals reduce the proportion of grants in the rescue package and raise the proportion of loans that will need to be paid back, in an apparent enticement for a group of “frugal” nations led by the Netherlands, said an EU diplomat, who requested anonymity because the talks were still ongoing.
But the issue of how to track the rescue money remains the key sticking point, the diplomat said. Michel has proposed a measure that would stop short of allowing any country a veto on how governments spend the money.
Another diplomat described Michel’s new proposals as just the first step in what could be a long journey to an agreement. The diplomat also spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the closed-door negotiations.
Kurz said major issues still under discussion include the rule of law in EU nations and certainty on how the funds will be used.
Kurz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte are among the leaders of four “frugal” nations, also including Sweden and Denmark, that want conditions such as economic reforms attached to EU handouts to help countries recover from the economically devastating hit of the coronavirus pandemic and checks on how the money is being spent.
Rutte met Saturday for crisis talks with Merkel, Macron, Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte as well as the leader of the EU’s executive body, Ursula von der Leyen, and Michel.
The pandemic has sent the EU into a tailspin, with 27-nation bloc’s economy contracting by 8.3% this year, according to the latest predictions. Around 135,000 of its citizens have died from COVID-19.
Associated Press writer Angela Charlton in Paris and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.


mercurynews--2020-07-19--Pitts: Mary Trump’s book provides a service to Americans

If the Trump family had never existed , someone would have invented them .
Indeed , they ’ d have been right at home in some over-the-top TV soap produced by Aaron Spelling .
As depicted in “ Too Much and Never Enough , ” Mary L. Trump ’ s lacerating new portrait of her uncle Donald and the loveless clan that produced him , they are nearly operatic in their villainy .
Many stories from the book might suffice to paint the picture .
There is , for instance , the Thanksgiving meal where grandma was choking and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There ’ s the part where they canceled health insurance on a great-grandson who suffered from seizures and required 24-hour nursing care .
There ’ s the time grandma justified Mary ’ s exclusion from her grandfather ’ s will by telling her that her late father was worth “ a whole lot of nothing.
” And then there ’ s the day her father died .
Frederick “ Freddy ” Trump Jr. was the oldest son , the heir apparent to the Trump real estate empire until his failure to prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his love for deep-sea fishing , his work as an airline pilot _ a “ bus driver in the sky , ” sneered his old man _ and his descent into alcohol and despair caused the father to move on to his second son , Donald .
Freddy ’ s downward spiral ended on Sept. 26 , 1981 , when an ambulance took him to the hospital .
“ The doctors think Freddy probably won ’ t make it , ” Donald is said to have told Freddy ’ s ex-wife .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait by the phone .
Mary says Donald and his sister Elizabeth weren ’ t there .
They had gone to the movies .
Who does that ?
Who goes to the movies when their brother is on his deathbed ?
Mary ’ s book arrives as controversy swirls over reports that Russia paid a bounty for American deaths while the White House did nothing , Ivanka Trump is under fire for posing with a can of beans and ICE is training civilians to arrest undocumented immigrants .
In other words , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump presidency .
Meantime , the death toll from the coronavirus pandemic Trump once assured us would magically disappear is approaching 140,000 .
In response , the White House launches an attack on Dr. Anthony S. Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious-disease expert and its most credible pandemic spokesperson , while Trump retweets a theory that “ everyone is lying ” about the virus to hurt him politically .
It ’ s from Chuck Woolery , whose claim to fame is that he used to host “ Love Connection.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ?
The answer , of course , is no mystery to anyone who ’ s been paying attention .
Still , Mary Trump performs a service by bringing to that answer both the authority of a psychologist — she holds a Ph.D. — and the insight of an insider .
Donald Trump is what you get when childhood is a zero-sum competition for the approval of “ a high-functioning sociopath ” whose values are expressible in dollars and cents .
He is what happens when a boy is allowed to bluff , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no one ever tells him No .
He is what ’ s left when you subtract compassion , accountability , humility and the ability to laugh at yourself .
“ Donald is not simply weak , ” writes his niece , “ his ego is a fragile thing that must be bolstered every moment because he knows deep down that he is nothing of what he claims to be .
He knows he has never been loved.
” It may yet ruin us all .

If the Trump family had never existed, someone would have invented them.
Indeed, they’d have been right at home in some over-the-top TV soap produced by Aaron Spelling. As depicted in “Too Much and Never Enough,” Mary L. Trump’s lacerating new portrait of her uncle Donald and the loveless clan that produced him, they are nearly operatic in their villainy.
Many stories from the book might suffice to paint the picture. There is, for instance, the Thanksgiving meal where grandma was choking and the Trumps glanced up, then kept eating. There’s the part where they canceled health insurance on a great-grandson who suffered from seizures and required 24-hour nursing care. There’s the time grandma justified Mary’s exclusion from her grandfather’s will by telling her that her late father was worth “a whole lot of nothing.”
And then there’s the day her father died. Frederick “Freddy” Trump Jr. was the oldest son, the heir apparent to the Trump real estate empire until his failure to prove himself a “killer” in business, his love for deep-sea fishing, his work as an airline pilot _ a “bus driver in the sky,” sneered his old man _ and his descent into alcohol and despair caused the father to move on to his second son, Donald.
Freddy’s downward spiral ended on Sept. 26, 1981, when an ambulance took him to the hospital. “The doctors think Freddy probably won’t make it,” Donald is said to have told Freddy’s ex-wife. She rushed to the family home to wait by the phone. Mary says Donald and his sister Elizabeth weren’t there. They had gone to the movies.
Who does that? Who goes to the movies when their brother is on his deathbed?
Mary’s book arrives as controversy swirls over reports that Russia paid a bounty for American deaths while the White House did nothing, Ivanka Trump is under fire for posing with a can of beans and ICE is training civilians to arrest undocumented immigrants. In other words, a typical week in the chaos that is the Trump presidency.
Meantime, the death toll from the coronavirus pandemic Trump once assured us would magically disappear is approaching 140,000. In response, the White House launches an attack on Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-disease expert and its most credible pandemic spokesperson, while Trump retweets a theory that “everyone is lying” about the virus to hurt him politically. It’s from Chuck Woolery, whose claim to fame is that he used to host “Love Connection.”
And again, seriously: Who does that?
The answer, of course, is no mystery to anyone who’s been paying attention. Still, Mary Trump performs a service by bringing to that answer both the authority of a psychologist — she holds a Ph.D. — and the insight of an insider.
Donald Trump is what you get when childhood is a zero-sum competition for the approval of “a high-functioning sociopath” whose values are expressible in dollars and cents. He is what happens when a boy is allowed to bluff, brag and bully his way through life, no one ever tells him No. He is what’s left when you subtract compassion, accountability, humility and the ability to laugh at yourself.
“Donald is not simply weak,” writes his niece, “his ego is a fragile thing that must be bolstered every moment because he knows deep down that he is nothing of what he claims to be. He knows he has never been loved.”
That ruined young Donald Trump.
It may yet ruin us all.
Leonard Pitts Jr. is a Miami Herald columnist. © Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-07-19--Walters: How Democrats are raising living costs for the poor

There ’ s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic and the severe recession it spawned are widening California ’ s economic divide .
California already had the nation ’ s highest rate of functional poverty before this year began , as calculated by the Census Bureau using cost-of-living as well as income data , with nearly 20 % of the state ’ s 40 million people impoverished .
The Public Policy Institute of California calculates that another fifth of Californians are in “ near-poverty.
” That was true even when California ’ s economy was booming , before COVID-19 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , non-white Californians are more likely to be infected with the coronavirus , more likely to become unemployed , and more likely to become homeless as their incomes shrink .
Therefore , it ’ s inescapably logical that pandemic is making the poor even poorer .
However , the most important factor in California ’ s high , and apparently increasing , level of poverty is not income , but our very high cost-of-living , second only to Hawaii among the states .
Everything — except , perhaps , seasonal produce — costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else .
Housing is the most significant cost-of-living component .
Whether buying or renting , putting a roof over one ’ s head consumes a disproportionately high portion of personal income .
And while housing costs have declined a bit during the current recession , in relative terms they remain very high .
Democratic politicians who dominate the Capitol talk about jump-starting housing development , but have mostly dropped the ball .
Two big Democratic Party allies , labor unions and environmentalists , are major impediments to housing reform .
Housing , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that keeps so many Californians in poverty .
Energy for transportation and to heat , cool and light our homes is another big one — obvious during summer heat waves when air conditioning is not a luxury and even more so as Californians comply with anti-pandemic , stay-at-home orders .
How high are Californians ’ energy costs ?
The Center for Jobs and the Economy , an affiliate of the California Business Roundtable , continuously tracks them .
Its most recent report says that California motorists are paying the nation ’ s second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gallon or 47.3 % higher than the average of the 49 other states .
The report also pegs residential electric power rates at 55.8 % higher than the average of other states , which translates into $ 6-plus billion per year in extra expense .
Commercial power rates are 69.7 % higher than those of other states , and industrial rates are 115 % higher — costs that obviously translate into higher prices for consumers .
Monthly power bills will continue to rise sharply .
For instance , as Pacific Gas and Electric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debts and new obligations to make its power grid safer , and both will inevitably affect consumers ’ utility bills .
There ’ s another looming factor — efforts in some cities to ban natural gas hookups in favor of all-electric appliances , in the name of reducing greenhouse gas emissions .
The problem with that seemingly well-meaning campaign is that relatively , electricity is already much more expensive than gas , so if it succeeds , higher household energy costs will further widen the economic gap .
A new report from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Research on Equal Opportunity , contends that “ banning the use of natural gas imposes a regressive energy tax on low- and middle-income consumers ” in California .
It notes that almost all of the cities banning gas have high personal incomes and are clustered in the San Francisco Bay Area .
California ’ s dominant liberals talk a lot about ending poverty , but are often oblivious that their policy decrees raise living costs of the poor .

There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic and the severe recession it spawned are widening California’s economic divide.
California already had the nation’s highest rate of functional poverty before this year began, as calculated by the Census Bureau using cost-of-living as well as income data, with nearly 20% of the state’s 40 million people impoverished. The Public Policy Institute of California calculates that another fifth of Californians are in “near-poverty.”
That was true even when California’s economy was booming, before COVID-19 and recession reared their ugly heads.
Low-income, non-white Californians are more likely to be infected with the coronavirus, more likely to become unemployed, and more likely to become homeless as their incomes shrink. Therefore, it’s inescapably logical that pandemic is making the poor even poorer.
However, the most important factor in California’s high, and apparently increasing, level of poverty is not income, but our very high cost-of-living, second only to Hawaii among the states. Everything — except, perhaps, seasonal produce — costs more than it does just about everywhere else.
Housing is the most significant cost-of-living component. Whether buying or renting, putting a roof over one’s head consumes a disproportionately high portion of personal income. And while housing costs have declined a bit during the current recession, in relative terms they remain very high.
Democratic politicians who dominate the Capitol talk about jump-starting housing development, but have mostly dropped the ball. Two big Democratic Party allies, labor unions and environmentalists, are major impediments to housing reform.
Housing, however, is not the only cost factor that keeps so many Californians in poverty. Energy for transportation and to heat, cool and light our homes is another big one — obvious during summer heat waves when air conditioning is not a luxury and even more so as Californians comply with anti-pandemic, stay-at-home orders.
How high are Californians’ energy costs? The Center for Jobs and the Economy, an affiliate of the California Business Roundtable, continuously tracks them.
Its most recent report says that California motorists are paying the nation’s second highest gasoline prices, 98 cents a gallon or 47.3% higher than the average of the 49 other states.
The report also pegs residential electric power rates at 55.8% higher than the average of other states, which translates into $6-plus billion per year in extra expense. Commercial power rates are 69.7% higher than those of other states, and industrial rates are 115% higher — costs that obviously translate into higher prices for consumers.
Monthly power bills will continue to rise sharply. For instance, as Pacific Gas and Electric emerges from bankruptcy it faces massive new debts and new obligations to make its power grid safer, and both will inevitably affect consumers’ utility bills.
There’s another looming factor — efforts in some cities to ban natural gas hookups in favor of all-electric appliances, in the name of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The problem with that seemingly well-meaning campaign is that relatively, electricity is already much more expensive than gas, so if it succeeds, higher household energy costs will further widen the economic gap.
A new report from a Washington-based think tank, The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, contends that “banning the use of natural gas imposes a regressive energy tax on low- and middle-income consumers” in California. It notes that almost all of the cities banning gas have high personal incomes and are clustered in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California’s dominant liberals talk a lot about ending poverty, but are often oblivious that their policy decrees raise living costs of the poor.
Dan Walters is a CalMatters columnist.


mercurynews--2020-07-19--Horoscopes July 19, 2020: Benedict Cumberbatch, pour your energy, heart and soul into doing what mak

Horoscopes July 19, 2020: Benedict Cumberbatch, pour your energy, heart and soul into doing what makes you happy

Happy Birthday : You ’ ll feel passionate about life , your beliefs and your pursuits .
Pour your energy , heart and soul into doing what makes you happy and brings you the most satisfaction .
Whether it ’ s mastering an art , pursuing something educational , helping others or taking on anything that moves you , make it your goal .
Don ’ t stop until you are happy with the results you achieve .
Your numbers are 3 , 10 , 14 , 22 , 31 , 39 , 47 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused on what you are trying to achieve , and don ’ t stop until you are satisfied with the results .
Work in unison with someone you love , and it will make life easier .
Romance is favored .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Reach out to an old friend and find out how he or she is doing .
You ’ ll discover valuable information about something that interests you .
Take advantage of a chance to make a change to your home or lifestyle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) : Consider what you want , and reach out to past associates who can help you reach your objective .
Get involved and do your part , and you will achieve the satisfaction you crave .
Personal improvements and love are favored .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Apply your emotions to something you want badly , and your passionate and expressive way of going about getting what you want will be difficult for others to deny .
Trust and believe in yourself , and so will everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23-Aug. 22 ) : Passion and charm will be necessary if you are trying to build support for something you want to pursue .
Expect to face opposition if your enthusiasm fades or you don ’ t have your facts straight .
Be precise , expressive and captivating .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Lead the way into the future .
Speak up for those who can ’ t , and express alternatives that will make a difference .
Appreciate friends and relatives , and you will be treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and help in return .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Someone will try to take advantage of you if you are gullible .
Protect against bullies and indulgent or manipulative individuals .
Do whatever eases stress , makes you feel good about who you are and encourages you to follow your heart and dreams .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Desiring change and making it happen are not the same .
Stop dreaming , and put your plans in motion .
You are the master @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your journey , and you will discover something new and exciting .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Make your personal life better .
Initiate a healthy lifestyle , choose your friends carefully and offer more to an intimate partnership .
How you conduct your life and treat others will be the foundation that supports your efforts .
Romance is featured .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Take care of matters that can slow you down .
Once you clear the way , you will find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want .
Work in conjunction with someone you love and respect , and you ’ ll excel quickly .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Press pause if someone wants you to make a change you aren ’ t ready to undertake .
Don ’ t feel responsible for someone ’ s happiness .
Do whatever will bring out the best in you and make you feel good .
Romance is on the rise .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Look to people you respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Youngsters and seniors will offer insight based on their honest insight that will be high in value .
Don ’ t let an opportunity pass you by for the wrong reason .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are emotional , intuitive and friendly .
You are supportive and hardworking .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Trai Byers, 37; Jared Padalecki, 38; Benedict Cumberbatch, 44; Nancy Carell, 54.
Happy Birthday: You’ll feel passionate about life, your beliefs and your pursuits. Pour your energy, heart and soul into doing what makes you happy and brings you the most satisfaction. Whether it’s mastering an art, pursuing something educational, helping others or taking on anything that moves you, make it your goal. Don’t stop until you are happy with the results you achieve. Your numbers are 3, 10, 14, 22, 31, 39, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Refuse to overreact. Stay focused on what you are trying to achieve, and don’t stop until you are satisfied with the results. Work in unison with someone you love, and it will make life easier. Romance is favored. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Reach out to an old friend and find out how he or she is doing. You’ll discover valuable information about something that interests you. Take advantage of a chance to make a change to your home or lifestyle. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Consider what you want, and reach out to past associates who can help you reach your objective. Get involved and do your part, and you will achieve the satisfaction you crave. Personal improvements and love are favored. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Apply your emotions to something you want badly, and your passionate and expressive way of going about getting what you want will be difficult for others to deny. Trust and believe in yourself, and so will everyone else. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Passion and charm will be necessary if you are trying to build support for something you want to pursue. Expect to face opposition if your enthusiasm fades or you don’t have your facts straight. Be precise, expressive and captivating. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Lead the way into the future. Speak up for those who can’t, and express alternatives that will make a difference. Appreciate friends and relatives, and you will be treated with respect and given more significant support and help in return. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Someone will try to take advantage of you if you are gullible. Protect against bullies and indulgent or manipulative individuals. Do whatever eases stress, makes you feel good about who you are and encourages you to follow your heart and dreams. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Desiring change and making it happen are not the same. Stop dreaming, and put your plans in motion. You are the master of your destiny. Choose to begin your journey, and you will discover something new and exciting. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Make your personal life better. Initiate a healthy lifestyle, choose your friends carefully and offer more to an intimate partnership. How you conduct your life and treat others will be the foundation that supports your efforts. Romance is featured. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take care of matters that can slow you down. Once you clear the way, you will find it easy to bring about the changes you want. Work in conjunction with someone you love and respect, and you’ll excel quickly. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Press pause if someone wants you to make a change you aren’t ready to undertake. Don’t feel responsible for someone’s happiness. Do whatever will bring out the best in you and make you feel good. Romance is on the rise. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Look to people you respect, love and admire for sound advice. Youngsters and seniors will offer insight based on their honest insight that will be high in value. Don’t let an opportunity pass you by for the wrong reason. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are emotional, intuitive and friendly. You are supportive and hardworking.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Bridge: July 19, 2020

When Oedipus arrived in Thebes , a monster , the Sphinx , with the head of a woman and body of a lion , was terrorizing the city , accosting travelers and plying them with a riddle .
If they failed to answer , they were devoured .
Oedipus went in search of the beast and soon heard the infamous riddle .
“ How do you make 3NT in this deal , ” the Sphinx asked , “ when West leads the king and deuce of clubs , and East takes the ace and returns the jack to South ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Instead of bidding 3NT , ” Oedipus asked , stalling for time , “ why didn ’ t we penalize East ’ s risky two-club overcall and collect a safe 500 points ?
” “ Beats me , ” the Sphinx replied , “ but if the riddle were how to beat two clubs doubled , I ’ d never get a decent meal.
” Oedipus saw that if he led a heart next , East , who was marked with the ace for his bid , would win and run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a squeeze .
At length , Oedipus saw the answer .
He had to assume that East had a guard in diamonds as well as the ace of hearts , hence East ’ s hand would be short in spades .
So at Trick Four , Oedipus led a spade to dummy ’ s ten and then took the king , ace and queen .
“ East can throw a heart , ” Oedipus announced , “ but on the fourth spade he must give up a club .
Then I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , losing only three clubs and one heart.
” Enraged that a mere mortal had solved the riddle , the Sphinx leaped to her death .
“ It was a complex deal , ” Oedipus mused .
“ Maybe one day it ’ ll be known as the Oedipus Complex .
”

When Oedipus arrived in Thebes, a monster, the Sphinx, with the head of a woman and body of a lion, was terrorizing the city, accosting travelers and plying them with a riddle. If they failed to answer, they were devoured. Oedipus went in search of the beast and soon heard the infamous riddle.
“How do you make 3NT in this deal,” the Sphinx asked, “when West leads the king and deuce of clubs, and East takes the ace and returns the jack to South’s queen? West discards a diamond.”
“Instead of bidding 3NT,” Oedipus asked, stalling for time, “why didn’t we penalize East’s risky two-club overcall and collect a safe 500 points?”
“Beats me,” the Sphinx replied, “but if the riddle were how to beat two clubs doubled, I’d never get a decent meal.”
Oedipus saw that if he led a heart next, East, who was marked with the ace for his bid, would win and run the clubs. The only hope seemed to be a squeeze.
At length, Oedipus saw the answer. He had to assume that East had a guard in diamonds as well as the ace of hearts, hence East’s hand would be short in spades. So at Trick Four, Oedipus led a spade to dummy’s ten and then took the king, ace and queen.
“East can throw a heart,” Oedipus announced, “but on the fourth spade he must give up a club. Then I can force out the ace of hearts, losing only three clubs and one heart.”
Enraged that a mere mortal had solved the riddle, the Sphinx leaped to her death.
“It was a complex deal,” Oedipus mused. “Maybe one day it’ll be known as the Oedipus Complex.”
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S K 10 4
H Q 6 3
D A K Q 3 2
C 7 4
WEST
S J 9 8 5
H J 8 4 2
D 9 8 5
C K 2
EAST
S 7 2
H A 9
D J 10 7 4
C A J 10 8 3
SOUTH
S A Q 6 3
H K 10 7 5
D 6
C Q 9 6 5
North East South West
1 D 2 C(!) Dbl Pass
2 D Pass 2 NT Pass
3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — C K
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-07-19--Word Game: July 19, 2020

Word Game: July 19, 2020

Can you find 54 or more words in PLENARY ?
To purchase the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
@ @ @ @ @ $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
Words must be of four or more @ @ @ @ @ that acquire four letters by the addition of “ s , ” such as “ @ @ @ @ @ , ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional words made by adding a “ @ @ @ @ @ s ” may not be used .
For example , if “ bake ” is @ @ @ @ @ or “ bakes ” are not allowed , but “ bake ” and “ baking @ @ @ @ @ .
Proper nouns , slang words , or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not @ @

TODAY’S WORD — PLENARY (PLENARY: PLEN-uh-ree: Complete in all respects; fully attended.)
Average mark 38 words
Time limit 60 minutes
Can you find 54 or more words in PLENARY?
TODAY’S WORD — PLENARY pale paler pane panel pare parley payer peal pear
pearl pearly penal plan plane planer play player plea plyer pray prey pyre lane layer
lean leap learn lyre earl early earn elan nape napery nary neap near nearly aery
aper rale real reap relay rely renal repay replay reply yare yarn year yearn 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--2020-07-19--Ask Amy: My friends turned a simple bike ride into something risky

Dear Amy : My co-worker friends like to drink .
A lot .
In pre-pandemic times , we would go out after work to a local bar .
They would get drinks , and since I ’ m not a big drinker I would get some food or a soda .
They don ’ t mind .
Now we are all furloughed .
When the restrictions lifted , we tentatively got together .
It turns out we all like riding bikes .
There are some cool bike paths around town .
The first time , one of them packed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped at some scenic spots so they could enjoy a beer and then move on .
Now that things have reopened , our latest bike trip started at a bar .
And then we biked to another bar .
And from there we biked to a brewery , followed by a scenic beer stop on the way home .
• Ask Amy : It ’ s not an insult — I really can ’ t touch your dog • Ask Amy : He ruins the evening with his political bullying • Ask Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost her a lot of money • Ask Amy : She insists her furtive phone behavior is innocent • Ask Amy : I found out I have a grandchild , and I ’ m plotting to see her What is the least awkward way for me to still participate ( without drinking ) when all I want is to ride my bike with my friends ?
Dear Sober : Checking through various state laws , I am surprised to see that , in most places , riding a bike while intoxicated does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All the same , drinking while riding a bike is extremely foolish — and outright dangerous .
With reaction times slowed ( or otherwise altered ) , any one of you could experience or create a dangerous situation on a bike path that involves you or others .
You are not the only pandemic-prompted people hitting the bike trails .
Many family groups and walkers/runners are also using them .
And people who are drinking are less likely to adhere to appropriate mask-wearing/social distancing guidelines during stops , and are more likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure you want to ride with these people ?
If you are determined to accompany your friends on their bike/bar crawl , you should order seltzer or soda , and make sure you are always wearing your helmet .
Dear Amy : I have been a widow for almost 13 years .
My husband was only 32 when he died .
We were together for 16 years , and had two children ( who are now 24 and 16 ) .
Unfortunately , my husband cheated on me more than once .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never had closure .
I moved to a new home three years ago , and I started dating my neighbor .
He is nine years older than I .
He was married for over 30 years , and his wife ended the marriage .
Things between us went way too fast .
I literally slept at his house just about every night for almost a year .
He started drinking , and his drinking has become a problem .
He expressed his love for another woman , and his sexual interest in two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strain on our relationship .
I ’ m very much in love with him and want to move forward , but he said he ’ s not ready for that , and doesn ’ t know if he ever will be .
He knows I have insecurities because of my husband .
He tells me I push too much .
I think he is pushing me away .
Dear Lost : If you enjoyed this relationship , as it is , I ’ d say that you were not necessarily wasting your time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your choice to spend every night for a year away from your teenager ( was anyone else home ? )
is time neither you nor your children will ever get back .
I understand the devastation of infidelity , but you will not get “ closure ” until you actively pursue it .
I ’ m talking about accepting the reality of what happened during your marriage , and choosing to move forward .
Would you encourage your children to pursue a committed connection to someone who drank too much and didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not , but by engaging in this relationship under the noses of your kids , you are basically demonstrating that this is the way to be .
Your neighbor is pushing you away .
Let it happen .
Take a fresh look at your life .
Work on your own growth .
Pack your possessions — and your emotions — into a U-Haul and move to a different street , if you have to .
Dear Amy : “ Caught Couple ” described being “ front line ” physicians and “ potential vectors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet they were considering going to a big wedding !
Thank you for this line : “ Wake up and smell the COVID !
” I have to admit , it made me laugh .
Dear Chuckling : That line was in questionable taste , and I have no regrets .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: My co-worker friends like to drink. A lot.
In pre-pandemic times, we would go out after work to a local bar. They would get drinks, and since I’m not a big drinker I would get some food or a soda. They don’t mind.
Now we are all furloughed. When the restrictions lifted, we tentatively got together.
It turns out we all like riding bikes. There are some cool bike paths around town. The first time, one of them packed a six-pack to take with us and we stopped at some scenic spots so they could enjoy a beer and then move on.
Now that things have reopened, our latest bike trip started at a bar. And then we biked to another bar. And from there we biked to a brewery, followed by a scenic beer stop on the way home.
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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 What is the least awkward way for me to still participate (without drinking) when all I want is to ride my bike with my friends?
Sober Socialite
Dear Sober: Checking through various state laws, I am surprised to see that, in most places, riding a bike while intoxicated does not seem to be against the law.
All the same, drinking while riding a bike is extremely foolish — and outright dangerous. With reaction times slowed (or otherwise altered), any one of you could experience or create a dangerous situation on a bike path that involves you or others.
You are not the only pandemic-prompted people hitting the bike trails. Many family groups and walkers/runners are also using them. And people who are drinking are less likely to adhere to appropriate mask-wearing/social distancing guidelines during stops, and are more likely to become belligerent when corrected.
Are you sure you want to ride with these people?
If you are determined to accompany your friends on their bike/bar crawl, you should order seltzer or soda, and make sure you are always wearing your helmet.
Dear Amy: I have been a widow for almost 13 years. My husband was only 32 when he died. We were together for 16 years, and had two children (who are now 24 and 16).
Unfortunately, my husband cheated on me more than once. I was devastated over the infidelity. I never had closure.
I moved to a new home three years ago, and I started dating my neighbor. He is nine years older than I. He was married for over 30 years, and his wife ended the marriage.
Things between us went way too fast. I literally slept at his house just about every night for almost a year.
He started drinking, and his drinking has become a problem.
He expressed his love for another woman, and his sexual interest in two other women. That put a big strain on our relationship.
I’m very much in love with him and want to move forward, but he said he’s not ready for that, and doesn’t know if he ever will be.
He knows I have insecurities because of my husband. He tells me I push too much. I think he is pushing me away.
Am I wasting my time?
Lost in Love
Dear Lost: If you enjoyed this relationship, as it is, I’d say that you were not necessarily wasting your time. Although, speaking of time, your choice to spend every night for a year away from your teenager (was anyone else home?) is time neither you nor your children will ever get back.
I understand the devastation of infidelity, but you will not get “closure” until you actively pursue it. I’m talking about accepting the reality of what happened during your marriage, and choosing to move forward.
Would you encourage your children to pursue a committed connection to someone who drank too much and didn’t meet their needs? I hope not, but by engaging in this relationship under the noses of your kids, you are basically demonstrating that this is the way to be.
Your neighbor is pushing you away. Let it happen. Take a fresh look at your life. Work on your own growth. Pack your possessions — and your emotions — into a U-Haul and move to a different street, if you have to.
Dear Amy: “Caught Couple” described being “front line” physicians and “potential vectors” for the COVID virus. And yet they were considering going to a big wedding!
Thank you for this line: “Wake up and smell the COVID!”
I have to admit, it made me laugh.
Chuckling
Dear Chuckling: That line was in questionable taste, and I have no regrets.
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--2020-07-19--Dear Abby: We had this baby name picked out, and now there’s a problem

DEAR ABBY : My wife and I are expecting our second child .
We are facing a moral decision based on choosing his name .
My wife ’ s cousin sadly had a late-term miscarriage two years ago .
The name they were going to give their baby is coincidentally the same first and middle name that we have chosen for our child .
We have wanted this combination of first and middle names for years , well before her cousin had her misfortune .
In our case , the middle name is in honor of my wife ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one we have always liked and , frankly , we can not think of any other names we like more .
• Dear Abby : Our neighbor damaged our house , and his wife won ’ t let him do the right thing • Dear Abby : My son-in-law ’ s driving scares me , and he refuses to stop • Dear Abby : I forgave my husband , and I don ’ t like his response • Dear Abby : If nobody objects to my swimsuit , can I assume it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t want my grandchild speaking English like her mother does Is it immoral or even unkind to name our child the same as her cousin ’ s child ?
Should we consider a different name to avoid causing them pain ?
DEAR RESPECTFUL : Please try harder to find a different first name for your baby .
Although it would not be immoral to give your little one the same name ( s ) as this cousin ’ s stillborn baby , if this woman interacts with you at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even though no one “ owns ” a name , to use these two would be extremely insensitive .
DEAR ABBY : I shared some information with my grandson about his mother that I shouldn ’ t have .
He repeated it to her during an argument , and now she ’ s angry with me .
I apologized , but it has not been acknowledged or accepted .
Our relationship has always been tenuous and , frankly , it ’ s not a big deal for me .
She will get over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding it over my head and being the victim .
They ’ re moving into a beautiful house this weekend .
My son told me he can ’ t wait for me to see it , and he ’ s sure it won ’ t be long before I ’ m allowed to come out and visit .
What would you do ?
I ’ m thinking of buying an olive tree .
They ’ re in style , and it would be my way if extending an olive branch .
I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son is there .
Good idea ?
DEAR BIG MOUTH : It ’ s cute , but an olive branch and another sincere apology might be less expensive and go over better .
It might even last longer than a tree in her brand-new yard that reminds her of something unpleasant .
DEAR ABBY : I have a miniature dachshund , “ Snoopy , ” that I take on walks in the neighborhood .
I am very good about picking up any deposits that he makes .
One neighbor has asked that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for either No .
1 or No .
2 while on his walks .
Is this unreasonable or , more to the point , practical ?
Anybody who has ever had a dog knows that stopping a dog and picking him up the second he lifts his leg or squats will quite often result in disaster .
Again , I ’ m very good about picking up his deposits and have never left anything in her yard .
What say you ?
DEAR GUARDIAN : Dogs do not urinate just to relieve themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ messages ” for other dogs .
Snoopy would have less of an urge to go in that woman ’ s yard if other dogs had not already signed in .
I feel for that poor homeowner because , if enough dogs use her lawn as a post office , they could destroy it .
Also , when dogs defecate , traces can be left behind , which make it very unpleasant for those who take care of the landscaping .
Please try to do as she has requested .
P.S .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I would have advised her to fence her property if it is allowed by the homeowners association .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I are expecting our second child. We are facing a moral decision based on choosing his name.
My wife’s cousin sadly had a late-term miscarriage two years ago. The name they were going to give their baby is coincidentally the same first and middle name that we have chosen for our child. We have wanted this combination of first and middle names for years, well before her cousin had her misfortune.
In our case, the middle name is in honor of my wife’s father. The first name is just one we have always liked and, frankly, we cannot think of any other names we like more.
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RESPECTFUL IN HAWAII
DEAR RESPECTFUL: Please try harder to find a different first name for your baby. Although it would not be immoral to give your little one the same name(s) as this cousin’s stillborn baby, if this woman interacts with you at all, it will cause her pain. Even though no one “owns” a name, to use these two would be extremely insensitive.
DEAR ABBY: I shared some information with my grandson about his mother that I shouldn’t have. He repeated it to her during an argument, and now she’s angry with me. I apologized, but it has not been acknowledged or accepted.
Our relationship has always been tenuous and, frankly, it’s not a big deal for me. She will get over it, but she’s enjoying holding it over my head and being the victim.
They’re moving into a beautiful house this weekend. My son told me he can’t wait for me to see it, and he’s sure it won’t be long before I’m allowed to come out and visit. What would you do? I’m thinking of buying an olive tree. They’re in style, and it would be my way if extending an olive branch. I will take it over when I know my son is there. Good idea?
BIG MOUTH IN OKLAHOMA
DEAR BIG MOUTH: It’s cute, but an olive branch and another sincere apology might be less expensive and go over better. It might even last longer than a tree in her brand-new yard that reminds her of something unpleasant.
DEAR ABBY: I have a miniature dachshund, “Snoopy,” that I take on walks in the neighborhood. I am very good about picking up any deposits that he makes. One neighbor has asked that I not allow him to use her yard for either No. 1 or No. 2 while on his walks. Is this unreasonable or, more to the point, practical?
Anybody who has ever had a dog knows that stopping a dog and picking him up the second he lifts his leg or squats will quite often result in disaster. Again, I’m very good about picking up his deposits and have never left anything in her yard. What say you?
RESPONSIBLE PET GUARDIAN
DEAR GUARDIAN: Dogs do not urinate just to relieve themselves. They also do it to leave “messages” for other dogs. Snoopy would have less of an urge to go in that woman’s yard if other dogs had not already signed in.
I feel for that poor homeowner because, if enough dogs use her lawn as a post office, they could destroy it. Also, when dogs defecate, traces can be left behind, which make it very unpleasant for those who take care of the landscaping. Please try to do as she has requested.
P.S. If the homeowner had written me about this, I would have advised her to fence her property if it is allowed by the homeowners association.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-07-19--Peralta Colleges chancellor who resigned is shown the door early

OAKLAND — The Peralta Community College Board of Trustees on Saturday voted to place Chancellor Regina Stanback Stroud on administrative leave , showing her the door earlier than she planned after resigning two days ago .
The elected board of the four-college district voted in closed session to put Stanback Stroud on leave effective Saturday .
Stanback Stroud had sent the board a resignation letter Thursday and wrote that she would resign Aug. 15 .
On a motion from trustee Bill Withrow and seconded by trustee Cindi Napoli-Abella Reiss , those two members and Karen Weinsten , Nicky Gonzalez-Yuen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chancellor ’ s resignation and place her on paid administrative leave through Aug. 15 .
Trustees Meredith Brown and Linda Handy did not attend the meeting .
The board also voted to not renew the contract of the chancellor ’ s chief of staff/general counsel .
Stanback Stroud ’ s resignation came just nine months after taking the job to lead the district office overseeing Laney College , Merritt College , College of Alameda and Berkeley City College .
In her letter , the chancellor accused the elected board of hostile conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the confidentiality of closed sessions and bringing up inappropriate topics during some of them , among other claims .
In a statement issued Friday , board members Bonilla and Napoli-Abella Reiss , said : “ We want to assure everyone in the Peralta Community that our organization is strong , ” the letter states .
“ While this situation is not ideal , there is no doubt that we will continue to serve students and our community with dedication and compassion.
” The letter goes on to cite Stanback Stroud ’ s accomplishments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quotes Bonilla : “ I am saddened by this resignation .
I respect the Chancellor ’ s decision and honor her service to Peralta.
” Peralta Colleges has been in financial trouble for years , and under the watch of state accreditors since last year .
Facing a financial crisis and a significant drop in enrollment , Chancellor Jowel Laguerre stepped down in early 2019 , after the board accepted his “ early retirement , ” months before his contract expired .
Before arriving in Oakland , Stanback Stroud was the president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .

OAKLAND — The Peralta Community College Board of Trustees on Saturday voted to place Chancellor Regina Stanback Stroud on administrative leave, showing her the door earlier than she planned after resigning two days ago.
The elected board of the four-college district voted in closed session to put Stanback Stroud on leave effective Saturday. Stanback Stroud had sent the board a resignation letter Thursday and wrote that she would resign Aug. 15.
On a motion from trustee Bill Withrow and seconded by trustee Cindi Napoli-Abella Reiss, those two members and Karen Weinsten, Nicky Gonzalez-Yuen and board president Julina Bonilla voted to accept the chancellor’s resignation and place her on paid administrative leave through Aug. 15. Trustees Meredith Brown and Linda Handy did not attend the meeting.
The board also voted to not renew the contract of the chancellor’s chief of staff/general counsel.
Stanback Stroud’s resignation came just nine months after taking the job to lead the district office overseeing Laney College, Merritt College, College of Alameda and Berkeley City College. In her letter, the chancellor accused the elected board of hostile conduct toward others and each other, violating the confidentiality of closed sessions and bringing up inappropriate topics during some of them, among other claims.
In a statement issued Friday, board members Bonilla and Napoli-Abella Reiss, said:
“We want to assure everyone in the Peralta Community that our organization is strong,” the letter states. “While this situation is not ideal, there is no doubt that we will continue to serve students and our community with dedication and compassion.”
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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 letter goes on to cite Stanback Stroud’s accomplishments during her short tenure. It also quotes Bonilla: “I am saddened by this resignation. I respect the Chancellor’s decision and honor her service to Peralta.”
Peralta Colleges has been in financial trouble for years, and under the watch of state accreditors since last year. Facing a financial crisis and a significant drop in enrollment, Chancellor Jowel Laguerre stepped down in early 2019, after the board accepted his “early retirement,” months before his contract expired.
Before arriving in Oakland, Stanback Stroud was the president of Skyline College in San Bruno for nine years.
Staff writer Annie Sciacca contributed reporting.


mercurynews--2020-07-19--Giants’ Tyler Anderson enjoying new surroundings free of pain

SAN FRANCISCO — Everything is new for Tyler Anderson .
There is a different uniform , unfamiliar teammates and an unprecedented two-part spring training necessitated by a global pandemic .
But the one thing of note that should encourage the Giants is Anderson is throwing without a familiar ache in his left knee that was an issue for much of his career after being a first-round draft pick by the Colorado Rockies .
“ It ’ s been a few years since I ’ ve been dealing with it so it ’ s hard to remember what it was like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Anderson said Saturday before the Giants conducted an evening scrimmage at Oracle Park .
“ I feel strong .
I ’ ve put some weight back on , I ’ ve been able to get stronger , get my legs stronger.
” Anderson , 30 , has pitched in two simulated games and was shaky in the first outing and sharp in the second .
Exactly where the left-hander fits into the Giants plans is a story in progress like much of the roster .
In 2018 , Anderson was good enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National League Division series for the Rockies against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 2 .
He pitched well , too , giving up four hits and one earned run with two walks and five strikeouts .
But by the end of the 2019 , Anderson was no longer in Colorado ’ s plans .
The Giants claimed him off waivers last December 2 , and then after Anderson was granted free agency , he signed back up with the Giants the following day .
Anderson was the first of many low-risk , high-reward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming aboard even before Gabe Kapler was hired as manager .
For the reasonable cost of $ 1,775,000 , the Giants took on a pitcher who was once one of the top prospects in Colorado .
If he works out , great .
If not , no big deal .
Although Anderson wouldn ’ t have been ready to start the season if it had started on time , he ’ s in contention for an undetermined role on the Giants ’ roster .
Kapler hasn ’ t named starters beyond Johnny Cueto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Dodgers in Los Angeles .
Jeff Samardizja , Kevin Gausman and Drew Smyly are likely candidates , but after that it ’ s a hodge-podge of long relievers , short relievers and a goal to determine who can pitch on back to back days and during a 60-game sprint .
Anderson , with an 18-24 career record with a 4.69 earned run average and has made 71 starts and only two relief appearances since 2016 but realizes the short season presents a unique set of circumstances .
“ I think there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are trying to figure out what your role is going to be , ” Anderson said .
“ Personally I would like to start .
I ’ ve done that my whole career .
It ’ s what I ’ m comfortable with .
It ’ s what I ’ ve known .
But I ’ m open to the idea that I can bring anything to the table to help us win.
” After having extensive knee surgery for a “ chondral defect ” — in which cartilage and an underlying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to feel his stuff come around as the season approaches .
“ Each game you go out there your intensity rises and your timing and your rhythm and your stuff comes back as you face that , ” Anderson said .
As for the unusual nature of the season ramp-up , Anderson is trying to make it work for him .
If anything I think it ’ s forcing guys to get comfortable being uncomfortable in some situations , ” Anderson said .
“ You might not have the full time you normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you figure out how to do it the best you can .
It makes you appreciate every rep you have instead of maybe taking a couple for granted.
” The Giants not only altered “ Triples Alley ” in center field but also added some seats down the left and right field foul lines , giving outfielders precariously little room when chasing balls toward the line .
“ You might see a couple more homers , but I think as far as playing the lines , guys are going to have to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Slater said .
It ’ s going to make right and left field a little tougher.
” Catcher Chadwick Tromp took Cueto deep to left field for a home run in the fourth inning of a simulated game .
Cueto gave up two runs , one earned , in the first inning in a 66-pitch performance with 44 strikes .
• Join our Giants and A ’ s reporters as clubs prepare for strange MLB season • SF Giants use virtual reality , video game simulations to prepare for Opening Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coaches might not travel to every game this season First baseman Brandon Belt had two plate appearances while under instructions not to run after making contact .
He flied to center and grounded out .
Belt is nursing a heel injury .
Non-roster right-hander Andrew Treggs had a scoreless inning , as did left-hander Sam Selman and right-hander Danny Jiminez .
Outfield prospect Heliot Ramos is out with an infection that Kapler doesn ’ t believe to be serious .
“ I don ’ t have concerns about this being a major setback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chose his words carefully to assess the sound of fake crowd noise .
“ I ’ ll answer this question very diplomatically , ” Kapler said .
“ We wish we had fans in the stands , put it that way.
” Kapler ’ s assessment of Pablo Sandoval : “ He ’ s taken as good a swings as anybody in camp .
He ’ s worked his his tail off around first base and third base .
He ’ s good to go.
” Kapler on the approach of catcher and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one thing I ’ ll say about Joey , he ’ s had an incredibly professional camp .
With all of the conversations that have been swirling about , he ’ s never let that impact his work in the bullpen and his work with our pitchers .
He ’ s been a pro .
”

SAN FRANCISCO — Everything is new for Tyler Anderson. There is a different uniform, unfamiliar teammates and an unprecedented two-part spring training necessitated by a global pandemic.
But the one thing of note that should encourage the Giants is Anderson is throwing without a familiar ache in his left knee that was an issue for much of his career after being a first-round draft pick by the Colorado Rockies.
“It’s been a few years since I’ve been dealing with it so it’s hard to remember what it was like when I was 25 years old,” Anderson said Saturday before the Giants conducted an evening scrimmage at Oracle Park. “I feel strong. I’ve put some weight back on, I’ve been able to get stronger, get my legs stronger.”
Anderson, 30, has pitched in two simulated games and was shaky in the first outing and sharp in the second. Exactly where the left-hander fits into the Giants plans is a story in progress like much of the roster.
In 2018, Anderson was good enough to draw the starting assignment in the National League Division series for the Rockies against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 2. He pitched well, too, giving up four hits and one earned run with two walks and five strikeouts.
But by the end of the 2019, Anderson was no longer in Colorado’s plans. The Giants claimed him off waivers last December 2, and then after Anderson was granted free agency, he signed back up with the Giants the following day.
Anderson was the first of many low-risk, high-reward signings by general manager Farhan Zaidi, coming aboard even before Gabe Kapler was hired as manager. For the reasonable cost of $1,775,000, the Giants took on a pitcher who was once one of the top prospects in Colorado. If he works out, great. If not, no big deal.
Although Anderson wouldn’t have been ready to start the season if it had started on time, he’s in contention for an undetermined role on the Giants’ roster. Kapler hasn’t named starters beyond Johnny Cueto on Thursday night in the season opener against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
Jeff Samardizja, Kevin Gausman and Drew Smyly are likely candidates, but after that it’s a hodge-podge of long relievers, short relievers and a goal to determine who can pitch on back to back days and during a 60-game sprint.
Anderson, with an 18-24 career record with a 4.69 earned run average and has made 71 starts and only two relief appearances since 2016 but realizes the short season presents a unique set of circumstances.
“I think there’s some evaluating going on and people are trying to figure out what your role is going to be,” Anderson said. “Personally I would like to start. I’ve done that my whole career. It’s what I’m comfortable with. It’s what I’ve known. But I’m open to the idea that I can bring anything to the table to help us win.”
After having extensive knee surgery for a “chondral defect” — in which cartilage and an underlying bone are repaired — Anderson is beginning to feel his stuff come around as the season approaches.
“Each game you go out there your intensity rises and your timing and your rhythm and your stuff comes back as you face that,” Anderson said.
As for the unusual nature of the season ramp-up, Anderson is trying to make it work for him.
If anything I think it’s forcing guys to get comfortable being uncomfortable in some situations,” Anderson said. “You might not have the full time you normally have to go through your routines but you figure out how to do it the best you can. It makes you appreciate every rep you have instead of maybe taking a couple for granted.”
SLATER SAYS OUTFIELD LINES A CHALLENGE
The Giants not only altered “Triples Alley” in center field but also added some seats down the left and right field foul lines, giving outfielders precariously little room when chasing balls toward the line.
“You might see a couple more homers, but I think as far as playing the lines, guys are going to have to start sliding sometimes before they hit the dirt,” Slater said. It’s going to make right and left field a little tougher.”
TROMP GOES DEEP
Catcher Chadwick Tromp took Cueto deep to left field for a home run in the fourth inning of a simulated game. Cueto gave up two runs, one earned, in the first inning in a 66-pitch performance with 44 strikes.
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Non-roster right-hander Andrew Treggs had a scoreless inning, as did left-hander Sam Selman and right-hander Danny Jiminez.
KAPLER NOTES: RAMOS OUT WITH INFECTION
Outfield prospect Heliot Ramos is out with an infection that Kapler doesn’t believe to be serious.
“I don’t have concerns about this being a major setback,” Kapler said.
Kapler hoped for a more informed update Sunday.
— Kapler chose his words carefully to assess the sound of fake crowd noise.
“I’ll answer this question very diplomatically,” Kapler said. “We wish we had fans in the stands, put it that way.”
Kapler’s assessment of Pablo Sandoval: “He’s taken as good a swings as anybody in camp. He’s worked his his tail off around first base and third base. He’s good to go.”
Kapler on the approach of catcher and prize prospect Joey Bart: “The one thing I’ll say about Joey, he’s had an incredibly professional camp. With all of the conversations that have been swirling about, he’s never let that impact his work in the bullpen and his work with our pitchers. He’s been a pro.”