mercurynews--2020-08-09--Hiltzik: California is making Obamacare work, even with COVID-19

Amid the patchwork of state-level approaches to health care reform , California has always stood out for its all-in embrace of the Affordable Care Act .
The state expanded Medicaid , taking full advantage of a federal government subsidy of the expanded program ’ s costs — starting at 100 % from 2014 to 2016 and settling at 90 % this year and beyond .
It established its own individual insurance exchange , Covered California , and managed it actively so that coverage options and expenses would be understandable for applicants and benefits would be consistent .
When the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of undermining the ACA by cutting marketing budgets and allowing cheap junk insurance plans to flood the market , California resisted .
The state banned junk plans , instituted an individual mandate penalty as a substitute for the penalty the GOP Congress repealed in 2017 and extended premium subsidies further into the middle class than the federal subsidies did .
The result has been continued strong enrollments and comparatively moderate premium increases .
More than 418,000 Californians enrolled in Covered California during open enrollment for the first time for 2020 , a 41 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state exchange covers about 1.5 million members .
As I reported a few months ago , during that halcyon era before COVID-19 became the nation ’ s No .
1 concern , since the inauguration of the individual insurance exchanges in 2013 , California ’ s uninsured rate has fallen by 10 percentage points , to 7.2 % .
That ’ s the largest drop in the nation .
Among “ eligible uninsured ” people — that is , excluding those barred from participating because of their immigration status , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even lower , 3 % .
The question this spring was whether the coronavirus would upend the system Covered California created .
The answer appears to be no .
Covered California on Tuesday announced that average premiums for 2021 will rise by 0.6 % — even lower than the 0.8 % increase charged for coverage this year over last .
Customers willing to shop for new 2021 plans , the exchange says , can do even better — reducing their rates by an average of 7.3 % statewide and as much as 13.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , without changing their benefits .
The figures don ’ t reflect state and federal subsidies , which can reduce premiums even further .
“ This is a story about what it means to be a counterpoint to three years of an administration seeking to undercut the Affordable Care Act , versus a state that says , ‘ No , that ’ s not the track we ’ re going to take , ’ ” Peter V. Lee , executive director of Covered California , told me .
“ We ’ re seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Affordable Care Act.
” All 11 carriers will stay in the exchange next year .
Two will expand within the state : Anthem Blue Cross will add five counties , and Oscar will add one .
Several factors contributed to moderating the insurers ’ calculations .
One was that efforts such as shelter-at-home policies to limit the spread of COVID-19 in California worked , especially through the spring .
“ The scope and scale of hospital admissions is far less than they might have been if California had sat on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , ” Lee says .
Covered California ’ s initial estimates were for at least 400,000 COVID-related hospital admissions this year ; there have been fewer than half that many .
Although infections are rebounding in California , the overall cost of treatment is declining as medical professionals learn best practices .
“ Far fewer of the people who are infected are hospitalized , and of those who are hospitalized , fewer end up in intensive care , ” Lee says .
Some non-COVID factors contributed to the moderate premium increase for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One is the Congressional repeal last December of the ACA ’ s health insurer tax , which goes into effect Jan. 1 .
This tax , which ranged as high as 3.3 % of collected premiums , was thoroughly detested by the insurance industry , which finally got its way on a permanent repeal after goading Congress to suspend it in 2017-2019 .
The repeal lowered premiums for 2021 by about 1.7 % on average , the exchange says .
Still , the most important lesson from Covered California ’ s experience with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insured individuals and families by making sure that coverage is indeed affordable is the key to making the ACA work .
Trump continually asserts that the ACA has been a “ disaster ” and promises that he ’ ll sign a replacement reform that always seems to be two weeks over the horizon .
But he doesn ’ t have any ideas for doing so , and no answer for the reality that California has made the ACA work .

Amid the patchwork of state-level approaches to health care reform, California has always stood out for its all-in embrace of the Affordable Care Act.
The state expanded Medicaid, taking full advantage of a federal government subsidy of the expanded program’s costs — starting at 100% from 2014 to 2016 and settling at 90% this year and beyond.
It established its own individual insurance exchange, Covered California, and managed it actively so that coverage options and expenses would be understandable for applicants and benefits would be consistent.
When the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans pursued a strategy of undermining the ACA by cutting marketing budgets and allowing cheap junk insurance plans to flood the market, California resisted.
The state banned junk plans, instituted an individual mandate penalty as a substitute for the penalty the GOP Congress repealed in 2017 and extended premium subsidies further into the middle class than the federal subsidies did.
The result has been continued strong enrollments and comparatively moderate premium increases. More than 418,000 Californians enrolled in Covered California during open enrollment for the first time for 2020, a 41% increase from the year before. The state exchange covers about 1.5 million members.
As I reported a few months ago, during that halcyon era before COVID-19 became the nation’s No. 1 concern, since the inauguration of the individual insurance exchanges in 2013, California’s uninsured rate has fallen by 10 percentage points, to 7.2%.
That’s the largest drop in the nation. Among “eligible uninsured” people — that is, excluding those barred from participating because of their immigration status, such as adult undocumented residents — the rate is even lower, 3%.
The question this spring was whether the coronavirus would upend the system Covered California created. The answer appears to be no. Covered California on Tuesday announced that average premiums for 2021 will rise by 0.6% — even lower than the 0.8% increase charged for coverage this year over last.
Customers willing to shop for new 2021 plans, the exchange says, can do even better — reducing their rates by an average of 7.3% statewide and as much as 13.4% in parts of Los Angeles County, without changing their benefits. The figures don’t reflect state and federal subsidies, which can reduce premiums even further.
“This is a story about what it means to be a counterpoint to three years of an administration seeking to undercut the Affordable Care Act, versus a state that says, ‘No, that’s not the track we’re going to take,’” Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California, told me. “We’re seeing in California a multiyear payoff of building on the Affordable Care Act.”
All 11 carriers will stay in the exchange next year. Two will expand within the state: Anthem Blue Cross will add five counties, and Oscar will add one.
Several factors contributed to moderating the insurers’ calculations.
One was that efforts such as shelter-at-home policies to limit the spread of COVID-19 in California worked, especially through the spring.
“The scope and scale of hospital admissions is far less than they might have been if California had sat on its hands and let the pandemic run its course,” Lee says. Covered California’s initial estimates were for at least 400,000 COVID-related hospital admissions this year; there have been fewer than half that many.
Although infections are rebounding in California, the overall cost of treatment is declining as medical professionals learn best practices. “Far fewer of the people who are infected are hospitalized, and of those who are hospitalized, fewer end up in intensive care,” Lee says.
Some non-COVID factors contributed to the moderate premium increase for next year, Covered California says. One is the Congressional repeal last December of the ACA’s health insurer tax, which goes into effect Jan. 1.
This tax, which ranged as high as 3.3% of collected premiums, was thoroughly detested by the insurance industry, which finally got its way on a permanent repeal after goading Congress to suspend it in 2017-2019. The repeal lowered premiums for 2021 by about 1.7% on average, the exchange says.
Still, the most important lesson from Covered California’s experience with rates is that expanding the pool of insured individuals and families by making sure that coverage is indeed affordable is the key to making the ACA work.
Trump continually asserts that the ACA has been a “disaster” and promises that he’ll sign a replacement reform that always seems to be two weeks over the horizon. But he doesn’t have any ideas for doing so, and no answer for the reality that California has made the ACA work.
Michael Hiltzik is a Los Angeles Times columnist. (c)2020 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency.


mercurynews--2020-08-09--Walters: California still struggling to get ethnic studies right

A year ago , the California Department of Education released a draft of guidelines for implementing “ ethnic studies ” in public high schools .
It unleashed a torrent of controversy — for good reason .
The 303-page document was ersatz Marxist agitprop that , if adopted , would have drummed into young minds the notion that in America , anyone not a white male is virtually enslaved .
“ At its core , ” the draft declared , “ the field of ethnic studies is the interdisciplinary study of race , ethnicity , and indigeneity with an emphasis on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , ” adding , “ The field critically grapples with the various power structures and forms of oppression , including , but not limited to , white supremacy , race and racism , sexism , classism , homophobia , islamophobia , transphobia , and xenophobia , that continue to impact the social , emotional , cultural , economic , and political experiences of Native People ( s ) and people of color.
” In critiquing “ systems of power , ” it advised , “ These are structures that have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political , and/or social-cultural contexts .
These systems are often controlled by those in power and go on to determine how society is organized and functions , ” adding , “ some examples of systems of power are : white supremacy , capitalism , and patriarchy.
” Some of most pointed criticism came from Jewish legislators who said in a letter , “ we can not support a curriculum that erases the American Jewish experience , fails to discuss anti-semitism , reinforces negative stereotypes about Jews , singles out Israel for criticism and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our public schools.
” Hurriedly , state education officials , including Superintendent Tony Thurmond , promised a makeover .
The new version is definitely toned down — less a call for social revolution and more a conventional academic outline .
There ’ s some irony in that transformation .
The new draft was released as the fundamental change advocated in the first version was gaining currency in response to the suffocation death of a Black man , George Floyd , with the knee of a Minneapolis policeman on his neck .
Nevertheless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the previous proposal , to wit : “ Ethnic studies should help students become more engaged locally and develop into effective civic participants and stronger social justice advocates , better able to contribute to constructive social change .
It can also help students connect current resistance movements to those of the past , and to imagine new possibilities for a true democracy.
” There ’ s another bit of irony in the declaration that ethnic studies “ can help students learn to present their ideas in strong , compelling , jargon-free language.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ undecipherable jargon , such as saying ethnic studies help students “ conceptualize , imagine , and build new possibilities for post-imperial life that promotes collective narratives of transformative resistance , critical hope , and radical healing.
” Can anyone translate that ?
When the Legislature required an ethnic studies curriculum to be created , its expressed rationale was that since Californians are a complex matrix of ethnicities and cultures , students should become more aware of who we are and how we got here .
No argument there .
And there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach , including slavery , genocidal treatment of native peoples and immigration patterns .
Facts are facts and we shouldn ’ t shy away from them .
But ideological indoctrination , which the first draft clearly embraced and still colors the second , is not knowledge .
The histories of America and California are not only tales of conflict , including a very bloody civil war , but also narratives of overcoming adversity and achievement , and well-balanced ethnic studies should include them as well .
The Legislature is weighing whether to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ d better get it right .
Dan Walters is a CalMatters columnist .
• Hanson : Truman had no good choices before dropping the bombs • Senior : It ’ s not just you .
We ’ ve all got a case of the COVID-19 blues • Walters : Should California borrow more or tax more to cope with COVID-19 ?

A year ago, the California Department of Education released a draft of guidelines for implementing “ethnic studies” in public high schools.
It unleashed a torrent of controversy — for good reason.
The 303-page document was ersatz Marxist agitprop that, if adopted, would have drummed into young minds the notion that in America, anyone not a white male is virtually enslaved.
“At its core,” the draft declared, “the field of ethnic studies is the interdisciplinary study of race, ethnicity, and indigeneity with an emphasis on experiences of people of color in the United States,” adding, “The field critically grapples with the various power structures and forms of oppression, including, but not limited to, white supremacy, race and racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, islamophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia, that continue to impact the social, emotional, cultural, economic, and political experiences of Native People(s) and people of color.”
In critiquing “systems of power,” it advised, “These are structures that have the capacity to control circumstances within economic, political, and/or social-cultural contexts. These systems are often controlled by those in power and go on to determine how society is organized and functions,” adding, “some examples of systems of power are: white supremacy, capitalism, and patriarchy.”
Some of most pointed criticism came from Jewish legislators who said in a letter, “we cannot support a curriculum that erases the American Jewish experience, fails to discuss anti-semitism, reinforces negative stereotypes about Jews, singles out Israel for criticism and would institutionalize the teaching of anti-semitic stereotypes in our public schools.”
Hurriedly, state education officials, including Superintendent Tony Thurmond, promised a makeover. The new version is definitely toned down — less a call for social revolution and more a conventional academic outline.
There’s some irony in that transformation. The new draft was released as the fundamental change advocated in the first version was gaining currency in response to the suffocation death of a Black man, George Floyd, with the knee of a Minneapolis policeman on his neck.
Nevertheless, the new draft still contains echoes of the previous proposal, to wit:
“Ethnic studies should help students become more engaged locally and develop into effective civic participants and stronger social justice advocates, better able to contribute to constructive social change. It can also help students connect current resistance movements to those of the past, and to imagine new possibilities for a true democracy.”
There’s another bit of irony in the declaration that ethnic studies “can help students learn to present their ideas in strong, compelling, jargon-free language.”
The draft itself is loaded with undecipherable jargon, such as saying ethnic studies help students “conceptualize, imagine, and build new possibilities for post-imperial life that promotes collective narratives of transformative resistance, critical hope, and radical healing.” Can anyone translate that?
When the Legislature required an ethnic studies curriculum to be created, its expressed rationale was that since Californians are a complex matrix of ethnicities and cultures, students should become more aware of who we are and how we got here.
No argument there. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking a warts-and-all approach, including slavery, genocidal treatment of native peoples and immigration patterns. Facts are facts and we shouldn’t shy away from them.
But ideological indoctrination, which the first draft clearly embraced and still colors the second, is not knowledge. The histories of America and California are not only tales of conflict, including a very bloody civil war, but also narratives of overcoming adversity and achievement, and well-balanced ethnic studies should include them as well.
The Legislature is weighing whether to make ethnic studies mandatory. If so, we’d better get it right.


mercurynews--2020-08-09--How rare was the Giants’ offensive outburst against Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw?

Before Saturday ’ s game at Dodger Stadium , the San Francisco Giants sent news outlets a packet of notes filled with stats and information about the 2020 season to date .
The daily packet focuses almost solely on what the Giants have accomplished this summer , but Saturday ’ s contained a tip of the cap to Dodger starter Clayton Kershaw .
Under a header that read “ Tough On Us , ” the Giants said , “ Clayton Kershaw ’ s numbers against the Giants in his career are arguably the best by any pitcher against a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ span , Kershaw ’ s 1.74 ERA versus SF is the lowest by any pitcher versus one team , with a minimum of 20 victories.
” That ’ s not unwarranted hype .
Those are simply the facts .
So when Kershaw walked off the mound in the top of the fifth with a 5-0 deficit against the Giants , it was practically uncharted territory for the future Hall of Fame pitcher .
For the first time in 50 career appearances ( 48 starts ) against the Giants , Kershaw gave up three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solo home runs in the third inning and the fifth inning , right fielder Austin Slater joined an exclusive list that features only six other players who have homered off Kershaw twice in a game .
“ There ’ s a reason that Slater is at the top of our lineup against left-handed pitching and it ’ s because we have a ton of faith in him and want him up in big spots , ” manager Gabe Kapler said .
“ We want him to come up against a left-handed starter as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s really no disputing that Clayton Kershaw is one of the best pitchers of our generation .
Slater taking him deep twice to the middle of the field at Dodger Stadium is a really impressive feat.
” With a 4 1/3 inning outing on Saturday , Kershaw has now thrown more than 345 career innings in his 13-year career against the Giants .
With a pair of home runs in his team ’ s 5-4 win , Slater joined Buster Posey ( 3 ) and Madison Bumgarner ( 2 ) as the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Dodgers ace .
Saturday ’ s game marked the third time in his career Kershaw had ever given up two home runs in the same game against the Giants , with the others coming on May 1 , 2017 ( Buster Posey , Hunter Pence ) and April 9 , 2016 ( Madison Bumgarner , Ehire Adrianza ) .
Kershaw ’ s third inning against the Giants was particularly noteworthy as Slater wasn ’ t the only player to take him deep .
With a smooth swing against a fastball on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center fielder Mike Yastrzemski homered out to right field .
The Giants had never had two home runs in the same inning against Kershaw , but they ’ d also only had one other home run hit by a left-handed hitter .
Aside from Joe Panik ’ s Opening Day home run in 2018 that lifted the Giants to a 1-0 win at Dodger Stadium , Yastrzemski ’ s homer on Saturday is the only other hit by a lefty against the Dodgers ’ top southpaw .
Finishing a game with at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giants did Saturday , isn ’ t as rare as one might expect as San Francisco has done so on 14 other occasions , but preventing Kershaw from completing five innings is a major feat .
The only other starts Kershaw has made against the Giants in which he failed to record at least 15 outs came in September , 2019 .
The first was on September 6 , when the Giants tagged him for seven hits and three earned in a 5-4 victory at Oracle Park and the second came on September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inning so he could get some work in before the start of the postseason .
Given Kershaw ’ s incredible run of dominance over the last 12 years , it ’ s easy to see that Saturday ’ s 5-4 Giants win was the team ’ s best performance ever against the Dodgers starter .
And with two home runs in the same game , Slater ’ s night can be considered the best individual performance ever by a Giants player against Kershaw .
“ He should be proud , ” Kapler said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best pitcher of the last 10 years out there .
That ’ s quite an accomplishment.
” 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

Before Saturday’s game at Dodger Stadium, the San Francisco Giants sent news outlets a packet of notes filled with stats and information about the 2020 season to date.
The daily packet focuses almost solely on what the Giants have accomplished this summer, but Saturday’s contained a tip of the cap to Dodger starter Clayton Kershaw.
Under a header that read “Tough On Us,” the Giants said, “Clayton Kershaw’s numbers against the Giants in his career are arguably the best by any pitcher against a single opponent in the live-ball era…in that 100-year span, Kershaw’s 1.74 ERA versus SF is the lowest by any pitcher versus one team, with a minimum of 20 victories.”
That’s not unwarranted hype. Those are simply the facts.
So when Kershaw walked off the mound in the top of the fifth with a 5-0 deficit against the Giants, it was practically uncharted territory for the future Hall of Fame pitcher.
For the first time in 50 career appearances (48 starts) against the Giants, Kershaw gave up three home runs in a game.
With solo home runs in the third inning and the fifth inning, right fielder Austin Slater joined an exclusive list that features only six other players who have homered off Kershaw twice in a game.
“There’s a reason that Slater is at the top of our lineup against left-handed pitching and it’s because we have a ton of faith in him and want him up in big spots,” manager Gabe Kapler said. “We want him to come up against a left-handed starter as many times as possible. There’s really no disputing that Clayton Kershaw is one of the best pitchers of our generation. Slater taking him deep twice to the middle of the field at Dodger Stadium is a really impressive feat.”
Austin Slater is the 7th player with multiple HR in a game vs Clayton Kershaw, joining: 2019 Bo Bichette
2017 José Reyes
2013 Jay Bruce
2013 Jayson Werth
2012 Carlos González
2010 Adam Dunn — Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 9, 2020
With a 4 1/3 inning outing on Saturday, Kershaw has now thrown more than 345 career innings in his 13-year career against the Giants. With a pair of home runs in his team’s 5-4 win, Slater joined Buster Posey (3) and Madison Bumgarner (2) as the only Giants players with two career home runs against the Dodgers ace.
Saturday’s game marked the third time in his career Kershaw had ever given up two home runs in the same game against the Giants, with the others coming on May 1, 2017 (Buster Posey, Hunter Pence) and April 9, 2016 (Madison Bumgarner, Ehire Adrianza).
Slater does it again 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vDNZNhsmb5 — SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) August 9, 2020
Kershaw’s third inning against the Giants was particularly noteworthy as Slater wasn’t the only player to take him deep. With a smooth swing against a fastball on the seventh pitch of his at-bat, center fielder Mike Yastrzemski homered out to right field.
The Giants had never had two home runs in the same inning against Kershaw, but they’d also only had one other home run hit by a left-handed hitter.
Aside from Joe Panik’s Opening Day home run in 2018 that lifted the Giants to a 1-0 win at Dodger Stadium, Yastrzemski’s homer on Saturday is the only other hit by a lefty against the Dodgers’ top southpaw.
Finishing a game with at least seven hits against Kershaw, as the Giants did Saturday, isn’t as rare as one might expect as San Francisco has done so on 14 other occasions, but preventing Kershaw from completing five innings is a major feat.
The only other starts Kershaw has made against the Giants in which he failed to record at least 15 outs came in September, 2019. The first was on September 6, when the Giants tagged him for seven hits and three earned in a 5-4 victory at Oracle Park and the second came on September 29, when Kershaw threw a single inning so he could get some work in before the start of the postseason.
Given Kershaw’s incredible run of dominance over the last 12 years, it’s easy to see that Saturday’s 5-4 Giants win was the team’s best performance ever against the Dodgers starter.
And with two home runs in the same game, Slater’s night can be considered the best individual performance ever by a Giants player against Kershaw.
“He should be proud,” Kapler said. “That’s arguably the best pitcher of the last 10 years out there. That’s quite an accomplishment.”
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--2020-08-09--Me & My Car: ’71 Datsun 510 built for speed, not gas mileage

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the slideshow on a mobile device .
Editor ’ s note : David Krumboltz ’ s regular column is on hiatus until further notice due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
In its place , we ’ re running some of Dave ’ s favorite past columns .
This one originally ran in November 2017 .
• Me & My Car : Please don ’ t confuse this ’ 35 Plymouth for a Chevy • Me & My Car : ’ 48 Diamond truck perfect for antique business • Me & My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ auto industry • Me & My Car : 60 mph was fast when 1912 Hudson was new Datsun was the name Nissan used when they first started exporting vehicles to America .
The company used that name from 1958 until 1984 , when it was dropped in favor of Nissan .
The 510 models that were produced from 1967 to 1981 included two- and four-door sedans and four-door station wagons .
Datsun was the second Japanese brand imported to the United States after Toyota in 1957 .
Both these brands were nice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sold in relatively small numbers until first oil embargo happened in 1973 .
That ’ s when many American car owners panicked , trading big , beautiful king-size luxury vehicles for little Datsuns , Toyotas and VW Bugs .
Concord resident Dean Sherman ’ s 1971 Datsun 510 is no econ-o-box vehicle ; it ’ s a performance car .
Auto Week ’ s G.D. Levy says the 510 was often referred to as the poor man ’ s BMW , as the engineering was influenced by European sedans , especially the 1966 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early U.S. and European cars were manufactured , they proved their quality and durability in races and rallies .
Datsun did the same .
In 1970 , the Datsun Bluebird 510 won the 18th East African Safari Rally and the Australian Northern Territory Speedway Championship .
In the United States , Datsun won the Trans Am Series in its class in 1971 and 1972 .
Sherman first got interested in Datsun when he was looking at a Datsun 240 Z to compete in a cross-country race back in 1997 .
But he learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racing and entered a race with his son , David .
This was unlike any race I had ever hear of before .
“ Road and Track ” magazine editor Brock Yates came up with the One Lap of America race in 1984 and it ’ s still an annual race that respects speed limits .
The 1997 race started in Watkins Glen , New York , then went to St. Louis Park , Missouri , Pike ’ s Peak , Colorado , Phoenix , Memphis , Greenville , South Carolina , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these locations there is a road course race track with left and right turns .
The unusual hitch to this race is that the driver ( s ) have to DRIVE their race car to each location , then drive the race course and then drive on to the next location .
The locations are anywhere from 600 to 1,500 miles apart .
Locations change every year , and there are classifications for the different makes , sizes , and ages of cars .
“ Our 60th-place finish overall got us a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last 20 places .
I ’ m glad we did it but wouldn ’ t do it again under any circumstances .
I have never endured such fatigue and lack of sleep in my life .
Driving overnight for 16 to 18 hours for about 30 minutes of track time is not what I consider equitable payment and award , ” Sherman said .
However , Sherman considered their participation in the race a success and quoted an expression : ” ‘ Run with the big dogs or stay on the porch.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ big dogs , but it ’ s nice to be back on the porch with our own kind.
” Unfortunately , the race car was totaled in a fire that destroyed Sherman ’ s garage at his home in 2003 .
It was a serious disappointment , but he had a second 510 .
This one is now a duplicate and sort of an emotional replacement .
“ It had been given to me two weeks prior to the fire by a friend in Santa Cruz , ” he said .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Sherman got it , though .
The building of this second Datsun 510 began in 2005 .
“ It took me three or four years to locate enough parts to put it together .
I bought a Datsun 1600 cc engine in 2005 and finally got it on the road in 2008.
” Of course , there is no power-anything .
Sherman installed Datsun 280 Z disc brakes on all four wheels of this 2,000-pound car .
He drives this Datsun 510 often , but it isn ’ t a daily driver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not driving them in rallies or races , but driving them on freeways .
“ About three years ago I went to coffee with a friend , and on the way back I was rear-ended on Highway 4 .
We were stopped in traffic and a full-size Chevrolet didn ’ t stop.
” It took five weeks to repair the damage at a cost of $ 11,880 .
Even though it was just the rear end of the car that was damaged , the entire car was repainted beautifully thanks to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a retired Contra Costa County Fire Department captain , took me for a ride .
What I learned was he probably won ’ t enter any more races , but there aren ’ t many that could beat him from the stop light .
Have an interesting vehicle ?
Contact David Krumboltz at MOBopoly @ yahoo.com .
To view more photos of this and other issues ’ vehicles or to read more of Dave ’ s columns , visit mercurynews.com/author/david-krumboltz .

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the slideshow on a mobile device.
Editor’s note: David Krumboltz’s regular column is on hiatus until further notice due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In its place, we’re running some of Dave’s favorite past columns. This one originally ran in November 2017.
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Me & My Car: ’48 Diamond truck perfect for antique business
Me & My Car: Willys-Knight partnership beneficial for early auto industry
Me & My Car: 60 mph was fast when 1912 Hudson was new Datsun was the name Nissan used when they first started exporting vehicles to America. The company used that name from 1958 until 1984, when it was dropped in favor of Nissan. The 510 models that were produced from 1967 to 1981 included two- and four-door sedans and four-door station wagons.
Datsun was the second Japanese brand imported to the United States after Toyota in 1957. Both these brands were nice, small, economical cars, and they sold in relatively small numbers until first oil embargo happened in 1973. That’s when many American car owners panicked, trading big, beautiful king-size luxury vehicles for little Datsuns, Toyotas and VW Bugs.
Concord resident Dean Sherman’s 1971 Datsun 510 is no econ-o-box vehicle; it’s a performance car. Auto Week’s G.D. Levy says the 510 was often referred to as the poor man’s BMW, as the engineering was influenced by European sedans, especially the 1966 BMW 1600-2. Back when the very early U.S. and European cars were manufactured, they proved their quality and durability in races and rallies. Datsun did the same. In 1970, the Datsun Bluebird 510 won the 18th East African Safari Rally and the Australian Northern Territory Speedway Championship. In the United States, Datsun won the Trans Am Series in its class in 1971 and 1972.
Sherman first got interested in Datsun when he was looking at a Datsun 240 Z to compete in a cross-country race back in 1997. But he learned the Datsun 510 was better suited for racing and entered a race with his son, David. This was unlike any race I had ever hear of before. “Road and Track” magazine editor Brock Yates came up with the One Lap of America race in 1984 and it’s still an annual race that respects speed limits.
The 1997 race started in Watkins Glen, New York, then went to St. Louis Park, Missouri, Pike’s Peak, Colorado, Phoenix, Memphis, Greenville, South Carolina, and back to Watkins Glen. At each of these locations there is a road course race track with left and right turns. The unusual hitch to this race is that the driver(s) have to DRIVE their race car to each location, then drive the race course and then drive on to the next location. The locations are anywhere from 600 to 1,500 miles apart. Locations change every year, and there are classifications for the different makes, sizes, and ages of cars.
“Our 60th-place finish overall got us a consolation award that was only awarded to the last 20 places. I’m glad we did it but wouldn’t do it again under any circumstances. I have never endured such fatigue and lack of sleep in my life. Driving overnight for 16 to 18 hours for about 30 minutes of track time is not what I consider equitable payment and award,” Sherman said.
However, Sherman considered their participation in the race a success and quoted an expression: ” ‘Run with the big dogs or stay on the porch.’ Well, we ran with the big dogs, but it’s nice to be back on the porch with our own kind.”
Unfortunately, the race car was totaled in a fire that destroyed Sherman’s garage at his home in 2003. It was a serious disappointment, but he had a second 510. This one is now a duplicate and sort of an emotional replacement.
“It had been given to me two weeks prior to the fire by a friend in Santa Cruz,” he said.
It was really just a shell of a car when Sherman got it, though. The building of this second Datsun 510 began in 2005.
“It took me three or four years to locate enough parts to put it together. I bought a Datsun 1600 cc engine in 2005 and finally got it on the road in 2008.”
Of course, there is no power-anything. Sherman installed Datsun 280 Z disc brakes on all four wheels of this 2,000-pound car. He drives this Datsun 510 often, but it isn’t a daily driver. A fear of many car collectors is not driving them in rallies or races, but driving them on freeways.
“About three years ago I went to coffee with a friend, and on the way back I was rear-ended on Highway 4. We were stopped in traffic and a full-size Chevrolet didn’t stop.”
It took five weeks to repair the damage at a cost of $11,880. Even though it was just the rear end of the car that was damaged, the entire car was repainted beautifully thanks to a very understanding insurance company. Sherman, a retired Contra Costa County Fire Department captain, took me for a ride. What I learned was he probably won’t enter any more races, but there aren’t many that could beat him from the stop light.
Have an interesting vehicle? Contact David Krumboltz at MOBopoly@yahoo.com. To view more photos of this and other issues’ vehicles or to read more of Dave’s columns, visit mercurynews.com/author/david-krumboltz.


mercurynews--2020-08-09--Horoscopes Aug. 9, 2020: Adelaide Kane, show your strengths

Happy Birthday : Show your strengths .
Apply your skills to the things you enjoy doing most .
Question what you are doing with your life and what you can do to achieve peace of mind and the happiness you desire .
Life is about choices and being true to your beliefs .
Discuss your thoughts with someone you love , and you ’ ll come up with a workable plan .
Your numbers are 8 , 17 , 21 , 24 , 33 , 36 , 48 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : You have more options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anger consume you when you should be focusing on how to move forward .
You have plenty to gain if you focus on what makes you happy .
Don ’ t let emotions impose on your future .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Emotions will surface if someone you are counting on heads in a different direction .
Continue alone .
Your accomplishment will turn out well with or without the person you expected to be there for you .
Romance is on the rise .
Keep the peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 ) : Be secretive about your plans .
A surprise will have an impact on the people you love .
Set your course , and pursue what makes you happy .
The rest will fall into place .
Consistency matters ; don ’ t venture off your chosen path .
4 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Keep the peace , avoid joint ventures and stick to what ’ s feasible .
Don ’ t feel obligated to follow in someone ’ s footsteps if you don ’ t share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are better off exploring the people and pastimes that make you happy .
2 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Question anyone trying to coerce you into making a change that entails too many risks .
Challenge what ’ s being offered , and don ’ t be afraid to take a different path .
Protect against loss , interference and poor decisions .
Be responsible , and control your destiny .
5 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Take care of unfinished business .
Update records , passwords @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Unexpected information will leave you at odds about a decision you need to make .
Confrontation isn ’ t the answer .
Surprise everyone with an innovative change of plans .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Partnerships are featured .
Do your best to get along , but not at the expense of letting someone get away with something that might damage your position , reputation or relationship .
Set the record straight , and carry on .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to say , but in the end , do your own thing .
A partnership will need an adjustment if you plan to engage in future dealings .
Listen , observe and consider your options .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Plan to do something exhilarating .
Physical challenges will fire you up and boost your morale .
Refuse to let someone impede your plans for adventure and excitement .
If someone doesn ’ t want to join in , be prepared to venture out on your own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 ) : Don ’ t let an emotional incident ruin your day .
Remind negative people of life ’ s pleasures .
Get involved in activities that make you happy .
Peace , love and romance will enhance your day and your relationship with someone special .
2 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : A partnership looks promising .
Discuss your ideas and plans , and the input you receive will pump you up and move you forward .
An interesting suggestion will help you develop a new way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Adjusting to what ’ s going on around you will help you get past a minor setback .
Being pushed in a new direction will end up being beneficial , so stop fighting the inevitable .
A personal change at home or within a relationship is favored .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are aggressive , passionate and generous .
You are impressive and dynamic .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Adelaide Kane, 30; Anna Kendrick, 35; Gillian Anderson, 52; Hoda Kotb, 56.
Happy Birthday: Show your strengths. Apply your skills to the things you enjoy doing most. Question what you are doing with your life and what you can do to achieve peace of mind and the happiness you desire. Life is about choices and being true to your beliefs. Discuss your thoughts with someone you love, and you’ll come up with a workable plan. Your numbers are 8, 17, 21, 24, 33, 36, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): You have more options than you realize. Refuse to let anger consume you when you should be focusing on how to move forward. You have plenty to gain if you focus on what makes you happy. Don’t let emotions impose on your future. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Emotions will surface if someone you are counting on heads in a different direction. Continue alone. Your accomplishment will turn out well with or without the person you expected to be there for you. Romance is on the rise. Keep the peace. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Be secretive about your plans. A surprise will have an impact on the people you love. Set your course, and pursue what makes you happy. The rest will fall into place. Consistency matters; don’t venture off your chosen path. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep the peace, avoid joint ventures and stick to what’s feasible. Don’t feel obligated to follow in someone’s footsteps if you don’t share the same beliefs or interests. You are better off exploring the people and pastimes that make you happy. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Question anyone trying to coerce you into making a change that entails too many risks. Challenge what’s being offered, and don’t be afraid to take a different path. Protect against loss, interference and poor decisions. Be responsible, and control your destiny. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take care of unfinished business. Update records, passwords and other essential matters in your life. Unexpected information will leave you at odds about a decision you need to make. Confrontation isn’t the answer. Surprise everyone with an innovative change of plans. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Partnerships are featured. Do your best to get along, but not at the expense of letting someone get away with something that might damage your position, reputation or relationship. Set the record straight, and carry on. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Expand your interests and listen to what others have to say, but in the end, do your own thing. A partnership will need an adjustment if you plan to engage in future dealings. Listen, observe and consider your options. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Plan to do something exhilarating. Physical challenges will fire you up and boost your morale. Refuse to let someone impede your plans for adventure and excitement. If someone doesn’t want to join in, be prepared to venture out on your own. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t let an emotional incident ruin your day. Remind negative people of life’s pleasures. Get involved in activities that make you happy. Peace, love and romance will enhance your day and your relationship with someone special. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A partnership looks promising. Discuss your ideas and plans, and the input you receive will pump you up and move you forward. An interesting suggestion will help you develop a new way to market what you have to offer. 4 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Adjusting to what’s going on around you will help you get past a minor setback. Being pushed in a new direction will end up being beneficial, so stop fighting the inevitable. A personal change at home or within a relationship is favored. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are aggressive, passionate and generous. You are impressive and dynamic.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-08-09--Word Game: Aug. 9, 2020

Word Game: Aug. 9, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — ABRIDGED ( ABRIDGED : uh-BRIJD : Shortened by the omission of words or phrases .
@ @ @ @ @ or more words in ABRIDGED ?
?
To purchase the Word Game book , visit @ @ @ @ @ for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
Words must be of four @ @ @ @ @ .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “ s , ” such @ @ @ @ @ “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional words made by adding @ @ @ @ @ an “ s ” may not be used .
For example , if “ bake @ @ @ @ @ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , but “ bake ” and @ @ @ @ @ .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or vulgar or sexually explicit words @ @ @ @

TODAY’S WORD — ABRIDGED (ABRIDGED: uh-BRIJD: Shortened by the omission of words or phrases.)
Average mark 49 words
Time limit 60 minutes
Can you find 61 or more words in ABRIDGED??
TODAY’S WORD — ABRIDGED abed abide abridge adder aged ager aide aired
arid bade badge badger bard bare barge bead bear beard berg bidder bide bier
bird brad brag braid bread bred bride bridge brig brigade rabid rage raid read
rebid redid ride ridge idea dare dead dear debar died dire dirge drab drag dread
dreg drib dried garb gear gibe gird grab grade grid
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.


Bridge: Aug. 9, 2020

Cy the Cynic ’ s team had managed to win the club ’ s quarterly Swiss Teams championship , much to his delight .
“ It was a remarkable victory , ” Cy told me , “ inasmuch as Louie was a member of our team .
Luckily , we had Ed on board to compensate.
” Ed is the best player in my club .
Unlucky Louie blames his frequent disasters on bad luck despite all the evidence to the contrary .
“ We led by five IMPs with one deal left , ” Cy said .
“ At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Louie was North for our team , and he bid 3NT , passed out .
East led the king of hearts , and the defense took five hearts for down one.
” “ I sympathize with Louie , for once , ” I said .
“ If South ’ s major-suit holdings had been a bit different , 3NT would have been the only makeable game.
” The Cynic nodded .
“ At the other table , ” he said , “ North raised to five clubs .
What would you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was West , ” Cy said .
“ He led a trump !
Declarer won and started the spades , hoping to ruff his fourth spade in dummy if necessary , but Ed got in twice for two more trump leads , and South ’ s fourth spade was a loser .
We tied the deal and salvaged the match.
” Ed made a fine lead , but Cy was luckier than he knew .
South can win the trump lead in dummy and ruff a heart .
He continues thus : diamond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dummy , heart ruff , ace of spades , heart ruff .
Having won the first eight tricks , South can lead a trump to dummy and ruff the last diamond with his last trump .
Dummy still has a high trump to fulfill the contract .
South West North East 3 C Pass 5 C All Pass

Cy the Cynic’s team had managed to win the club’s quarterly Swiss Teams championship, much to his delight.
“It was a remarkable victory,” Cy told me, “inasmuch as Louie was a member of our team. Luckily, we had Ed on board to compensate.”
Ed is the best player in my club. Unlucky Louie blames his frequent disasters on bad luck despite all the evidence to the contrary.
“We led by five IMPs with one deal left,” Cy said. “At both tables, South opened three clubs. Louie was North for our team, and he bid 3NT, passed out. East led the king of hearts, and the defense took five hearts for down one.”
“I sympathize with Louie, for once,” I said. “If South’s major-suit holdings had been a bit different, 3NT would have been the only makeable game.”
The Cynic nodded. “At the other table,” he said, “North raised to five clubs. What would you have led as West?”
“The king of spades.”
“Ed was West,” Cy said. “He led a trump! Declarer won and started the spades, hoping to ruff his fourth spade in dummy if necessary, but Ed got in twice for two more trump leads, and South’s fourth spade was a loser. We tied the deal and salvaged the match.”
Ed made a fine lead, but Cy was luckier than he knew. South can win the trump lead in dummy and ruff a heart. He continues thus: diamond to dummy, heart ruff, diamond to dummy, heart ruff, ace of spades, heart ruff. Having won the first eight tricks, South can lead a trump to dummy and ruff the last diamond with his last trump. Dummy still has a high trump to fulfill the contract.
South dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S A 5 2
H J 8 5 3
D A K 6
C K J 10
WEST
S K Q 10 8
H A 10 7 4
D 10 2
C 6 4 3
EAST
S J 7
H K Q 9 6 2
D Q J 9 7 5 3
C None
SOUTH
S 9 6 4 3
H None
D 8 4
C A Q 9 8 7 5 2
South West North East
3 C Pass 5 C All Pass
Opening lead — Choose it
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-08-09--Ask Amy: I’m afraid I’ve damaged my amazing teenage daughters

Dear Amy : My husband and I have two amazing teenage daughters .
They are mature , intelligent and conscientious .
I ’ m very proud of them and look forward to seeing what they do in their lives , but this is also where my fear lies .
They have grown up witnessing an unhealthy codependent relationship between their father and me .
Although we are currently working toward a healthy solution , I fear that some of the damage has already been done .
Our daughters were never in danger , and as parents we always tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I see some of my not-so-admirable traits of low self-esteem and hints of his addictive behavior in them as well .
I ’ m afraid they will make the same mistakes and choose unhealthy habits and/or relationships .
• Ask Amy : My wife is furious that these little kids don ’ t follow her tidy rules • Ask Amy : He ‘ only dates models.
’ Unfortunately , it ’ s me that he got pregnant .
• Ask Amy : My baby , my rules — but they got hostile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My fiancee says I can ’ t spend winters in Belize without her • Ask Amy : I ’ m starting to resent this old man ’ s games What advice can you give to help them recognize and avoid this ?
I certainly hope these apples fall far from this tree .
Dear Concerned : You don ’ t outline the specific nature of the dynamic in your household , but I would venture a guess that some of the traits you mention might be hardwired for your daughters , while others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the dynamic they witnessed and absorbed in early childhood ) .
It is important and useful to be as honest as possible with your teen daughters regarding your own mistakes , failings , and frailties , but , when it comes to parenting , “ do as we say , not as we do ” has a very limited utility .
If you and/or your husband are struggling with an addiction , it is vital that your daughters receive responsible information and support .
Introduce them to a “ friends and family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Al-anon.org ) .
I think it is also important that you seek professional help on your own .
The message should be , “ I ’ ve sought help for my problems ; I ’ m working my program , and it is helping.
” Do not hide or stigmatize the role of therapy or support groups ; these are lifelines .
In addition to all of this talking , it is also vital that you listen .
Your daughters need to know that they can be honest with you and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your best to support them when they need it .
Dear Amy : My loving husband of 45 years died unexpectedly three years ago .
He was the most loving , caring person I have ever met .
I had a young daughter from a prior marriage when we met .
He adopted my daughter and treated her and the son we had together beautifully .
My husband was 71 when he died .
I haven ’ t been able to get on with my life .
People tell me he wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with my life , but he was my life .
He was my best friend — he was everything to me .
What am I to do now ?
My mom helped me the most , but she and Daddy were married for 63 years until she died last year .
The women in our family live long lives .
I do pray all the time , and it has helped , but I need to do something else .
Can you help ?
Dear Grieving : I ’ m so sorry for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging of all emotions , because it cuts you off from even the smallest pleasures of living in the world .
Connecting with other human beings in an authentic way will help you , but your grief has effectively cut you off from others .
You say that prayer is helping , and because you seem spiritually oriented , I suggest that you join a faith community .
The current pandemic has actually opened up the opportunities for worship , because so many houses of worship have moved their services online .
Researching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspiring services — all available online any day of the week .
An internet search should get you started .
Professional grief counseling would help you tremendously .
Your doctor could help you connect with a counselor .
Your local hospice center will host in-person ( or online ) grief groups , where you can connect with and communicate with other grieving people .
Think : Communication and community .
This is the way forward .
Dear Amy : “ Allergic ” complained of a very serious allergy to poison ivy , often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rub up against her on the hiking trail .
Instead of chastising dog owners , why didn ’ t you simply suggest she use a different trail ?
Dear Disappointed : This is truly a case of the trail wagging the dog .
Maybe the dogs should use a different trail .
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 husband and I have two amazing teenage daughters. They are mature, intelligent and conscientious.
I’m very proud of them and look forward to seeing what they do in their lives, but this is also where my fear lies.
They have grown up witnessing an unhealthy codependent relationship between their father and me.
Although we are currently working toward a healthy solution, I fear that some of the damage has already been done.
Our daughters were never in danger, and as parents we always tried to prioritize their needs over our own, but I see some of my not-so-admirable traits of low self-esteem and hints of his addictive behavior in them as well.
I’m afraid they will make the same mistakes and choose unhealthy habits and/or relationships.
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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 advice can you give to help them recognize and avoid this? I certainly hope these apples fall far from this tree.
Concerned Parent
Dear Concerned: You don’t outline the specific nature of the dynamic in your household, but I would venture a guess that some of the traits you mention might be hardwired for your daughters, while others are situational and learned behavior (based on the dynamic they witnessed and absorbed in early childhood).
It is important and useful to be as honest as possible with your teen daughters regarding your own mistakes, failings, and frailties, but, when it comes to parenting, “do as we say, not as we do” has a very limited utility.
If you and/or your husband are struggling with an addiction, it is vital that your daughters receive responsible information and support. Introduce them to a “friends and family” peer support group, like Alateen (Al-anon.org).
I think it is also important that you seek professional help on your own. The message should be, “I’ve sought help for my problems; I’m working my program, and it is helping.” Do not hide or stigmatize the role of therapy or support groups; these are lifelines.
In addition to all of this talking, it is also vital that you listen. Your daughters need to know that they can be honest with you and that you will listen with compassion and do your best to support them when they need it.
Dear Amy: My loving husband of 45 years died unexpectedly three years ago. He was the most loving, caring person I have ever met. I had a young daughter from a prior marriage when we met. He adopted my daughter and treated her and the son we had together beautifully.
My husband was 71 when he died. I haven’t been able to get on with my life. People tell me he wouldn’t want me to not move on with my life, but he was my life. He was my best friend — he was everything to me.
I regularly cry myself to sleep.
What am I to do now? My mom helped me the most, but she and Daddy were married for 63 years until she died last year. The women in our family live long lives.
I do pray all the time, and it has helped, but I need to do something else.
Can you help?
Grieving
Dear Grieving: I’m so sorry for your losses. Grief is the most challenging of all emotions, because it cuts you off from even the smallest pleasures of living in the world.
Connecting with other human beings in an authentic way will help you, but your grief has effectively cut you off from others.
You say that prayer is helping, and because you seem spiritually oriented, I suggest that you join a faith community. The current pandemic has actually opened up the opportunities for worship, because so many houses of worship have moved their services online.
Researching your question, I have watched several inspiring services — all available online any day of the week. An internet search should get you started.
Professional grief counseling would help you tremendously. Your doctor could help you connect with a counselor. Your local hospice center will host in-person (or online) grief groups, where you can connect with and communicate with other grieving people. Think: Communication and community. This is the way forward.
Dear Amy: “Allergic” complained of a very serious allergy to poison ivy, often transmitted to her by dogs when they rub up against her on the hiking trail.
Instead of chastising dog owners, why didn’t you simply suggest she use a different trail?
Disappointed
Dear Disappointed: This is truly a case of the trail wagging the dog. Maybe the dogs should use a different trail.
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--2020-08-09--Dear Abby: Does my friend’s behavior warrant an intervention?

DEAR ABBY : I have an extremely well-educated and intelligent friend whose emotions , ideas and opinions seem to have become subjugated to the control of her relatively new spouse .
I should add that he has a bad temper , and I am afraid it could escalate .
What are my options for reporting or intervening in the situation ?
It ’ s possible that she ’ s willingly submitting , but it seems uncharacteristic .
I have personal experience with this kind of situation in regard to family members , but I don ’ t want to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
DEAR FRIEND : Unless you have proof that your friend is being physically abused , the most helpful thing you can do is stay in close contact and make sure she knows you will always be there for her if she needs you , day or night .
If she confides that her husband is emotionally abusive , support her by reminding her that , despite what her husband may have told her , she ’ s intelligent and well-educated .
• Dear Abby : Everyone thinks we should be a couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a move • Dear Abby : I ’ m haunted by the fear that I cost her a job • Dear Abby : My husband ’ s family says I should just ‘ get over it ’ • Dear Abby : Our teen was pretty and popular , and she threw it away to become ‘ they ’ • Dear Abby : She didn ’ t invite me dress shopping , and now I want to skip the wedding Talk to her about the situations you have encountered in your own family and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thehotline.org ; 800-799-7233 ) .
If she contacts you because he has hurt her physically , get her to an emergency room right away .
They know how to handle ( and report ) domestic abuse and are mandated to do so .
DEAR ABBY : Is it fair to other family members to leave dirty dishes in the sink until “ later ” ?
My wife and I have been married 15 years , but my wife still leaves dirty dishes in the sink all day , every day , “ until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , this is rude and inconsiderate .
If I have time enough to use a dish or a glass , I have time to rinse it and put it in the dishwasher .
Who is right here ?
DEAR RUDE : You are .
Because you have asked your wife repeatedly not to do this , one would think she would accommodate you .
It takes only a moment to put used dishes and utensils into a dishwasher rather than leave them stacked in the sink .
Her disregard for your feelings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she does it as a way to punish you for something she ’ s not willing to discuss .
DEAR ABBY : Five months ago , after eight years , my fiancee terminated our relationship .
I still have very strong feelings for her , although she ghosted me and won ’ t communicate with me .
We agreed from the outset that should the relationship end , the ring ( or value thereof ) would be returned to me .
I have sent numerous emails and text messages and have received no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 22 days — just before she broke up with me over the phone — was because I “ gave her an ultimatum.
” She had selected the ring and told me repeatedly how much she loved it .
Do you think she ’ s still “ in love ” with me and that ’ s why she refuses to return the ring ?
DEAR DUMPED : No , I think she is still in love with the ring , which is why she refuses to return it .
Because your former fiancee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abide by the rules of etiquette or your verbal agreement , it ’ s time to consult a lawyer .
If you want that ring back ( or the value thereof ) , you may have to take her to court to get it .
Be glad you are rid of her , even if it wasn ’ t your idea .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: I have an extremely well-educated and intelligent friend whose emotions, ideas and opinions seem to have become subjugated to the control of her relatively new spouse. I should add that he has a bad temper, and I am afraid it could escalate.
What are my options for reporting or intervening in the situation? It’s possible that she’s willingly submitting, but it seems uncharacteristic. I have personal experience with this kind of situation in regard to family members, but I don’t want to make a fuss if I’m wrong.
CARING FRIEND IN KANSAS
DEAR FRIEND: Unless you have proof that your friend is being physically abused, the most helpful thing you can do is stay in close contact and make sure she knows you will always be there for her if she needs you, day or night. If she confides that her husband is emotionally abusive, support her by reminding her that, despite what her husband may have told her, she’s intelligent and well-educated.
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Dear Abby: Why are people so rude to me lately? I’m a nice guy. Advice | Dear Abby: My financial adviser won’t listen to me, but he insists he’s not sexist
Dear Abby: My financial adviser won’t listen to me, but he insists he’s not sexist Advice | Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us
Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us Advice | Dear Abby: I was annoyed to discover why our friends picked this restaurant Talk to her about the situations you have encountered in your own family and mention the National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org; 800-799-7233). If she contacts you because he has hurt her physically, get her to an emergency room right away. They know how to handle (and report) domestic abuse and are mandated to do so.
DEAR ABBY: Is it fair to other family members to leave dirty dishes in the sink until “later”? My wife and I have been married 15 years, but my wife still leaves dirty dishes in the sink all day, every day, “until I can get to them.” To me, this is rude and inconsiderate.
If I have time enough to use a dish or a glass, I have time to rinse it and put it in the dishwasher. Who is right here?
RUDE IN TEXAS
DEAR RUDE: You are. Because you have asked your wife repeatedly not to do this, one would think she would accommodate you. It takes only a moment to put used dishes and utensils into a dishwasher rather than leave them stacked in the sink.
Her disregard for your feelings is passive-aggressive. Consider asking her if she does it as a way to punish you for something she’s not willing to discuss.
DEAR ABBY: Five months ago, after eight years, my fiancee terminated our relationship. I still have very strong feelings for her, although she ghosted me and won’t communicate with me.
We agreed from the outset that should the relationship end, the ring (or value thereof) would be returned to me. I have sent numerous emails and text messages and have received no response. Her explanation for her silence for 22 days — just before she broke up with me over the phone — was because I “gave her an ultimatum.”
She had selected the ring and told me repeatedly how much she loved it. Do you think she’s still “in love” with me and that’s why she refuses to return the ring?
DUMPED WITHOUT RING
DEAR DUMPED: No, I think she is still in love with the ring, which is why she refuses to return it.
Because your former fiancee has chosen to keep it rather than abide by the rules of etiquette or your verbal agreement, it’s time to consult a lawyer. If you want that ring back (or the value thereof), you may have to take her to court to get it. Be glad you are rid of her, even if it wasn’t your idea.
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--2020-08-09--Arson suspect arrested following East Bay fire

WALNUT CREEK — A fire that burned up some of a hillside and threatened a building Friday is suspected to @ @ @ @ @ and police said they have arrested a homeless man .
Kyle Shields , 37 , @ @ @ @ @ the fire to which officers were called around 8:15 p.m. , police said .
The @ @ @ @ @ Tice Valley Boulevard near Rolling Hills Drive , and a witness described a person running @ @ @ @ @ it started , police said .
Nobody was inside the building , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ a bus stop and arrested him there .
He was being held in the Martinez @ @ @ @ @ lieu of $ 75,000 bail .

WALNUT CREEK — A fire that burned up some of a hillside and threatened a building Friday is suspected to have been set intentionally, and police said they have arrested a homeless man.
Kyle Shields, 37, is suspected of arson in the fire to which officers were called around 8:15 p.m., police said. The fire threatened a building on Tice Valley Boulevard near Rolling Hills Drive, and a witness described a person running from the fire moments after it started, police said.
No one was reported to be inside the building.
Officers found Shields behind a bus stop and arrested him there. He was being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on Saturday in lieu of $75,000 bail.


mercurynews--2020-08-10--San Quentin death-row inmate Arias dies in hospital

SAN QUENTIN — A 58-year-old man convicted of murder who was also serving a life sentence without parole died Sunday of apparent COVID-19 complications , state prison officials said .
In a statement Sunday evening , state prison officials said death-row inmate Pedro Arias had been receiving treatment at an outside hospital , and that a coroner will pronounce an exact cause of death for Romero , the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said .
Arias had been on death row since March 5 , 1990 , nearly two weeks after his Sacramento County sentencing for first-degree murder and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He had also received a life sentence without parole after convictions for kidnapping for ransom , penetration with a foreign object , attempted sodomy , lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14 , sodomy of a child under 14 , two counts of forcible rape , second-degree robbery and enhancements for the use of a firearm .
At least two dozen San Quentin prisoners have died , including several sent to Bay Area medical centers for treatment in the wake of a COVID-19 outbreak that has sickened more than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought to marshal support to ease the pandemic ’ s deadly impact within state prison facilities .
On Sunday , a prison guard who had been battling the illness succumbed .
Arias was one of 714 people awaiting execution on California ’ s Death Row , though Gov .
Gavin Newsom has effectively suspended the death penalty here .

SAN QUENTIN — A 58-year-old man convicted of murder who was also serving a life sentence without parole died Sunday of apparent COVID-19 complications, state prison officials said.
In a statement Sunday evening, state prison officials said death-row inmate Pedro Arias had been receiving treatment at an outside hospital, and that a coroner will pronounce an exact cause of death for Arias, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said.
Arias had been on death row since March 5, 1990, nearly two weeks after his Sacramento County sentencing for first-degree murder and second-degree robbery while armed with a firearm.
He had also received a life sentence without parole after convictions for kidnapping for ransom, penetration with a foreign object, attempted sodomy, lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14, sodomy of a child under 14, two counts of forcible rape, second-degree robbery and enhancements for the use of a firearm.
At least two dozen San Quentin prisoners have died, including several sent to Bay Area medical centers for treatment in the wake of a COVID-19 outbreak that has sickened more than a thousand prisoners.
Last weekend, protesters sought to marshal support to ease the pandemic’s deadly impact within state prison facilities. On Sunday, a prison guard who had been battling the illness succumbed.
Arias was one of 714 people awaiting execution on California’s Death Row, though Gov. Gavin Newsom has effectively suspended the death penalty here.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-08-10--PGA Championship: Cal’s Collin Morikawa wins first major

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device .
SAN FRANCISCO — Collin Morikawa delivered a shot that will go down as one of the best in a major that hardly anyone witnessed , setting up an eagle on the 16th hole Sunday that carried him to the most quiet PGA Championship ever .
In the first major without spectators , Morikawa , in his second season on the PGA Tour , finished with a bang .
He was among seven players tied for the lead on the back nine at Harding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a major .
Morikawa , who played at Cal from 2015-19 , chipped in from 40 feet on the 14th hole to take the lead , and then he ended it with one swing .
On the 294-yard 16th hole , Morikawa hit driver that hopped onto the green and settled 7 feet below the cup .
He made it for eagle and was on his way .
Morikawa closed with a 6-under 64 , the lowest final round by a PGA champion in 25 years , and took his place among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just over a year ago , he was finishing up his degree at nearby California , one of several heralded college players ready to rule .
Now he has three victories , including a major , by beating a world-class lineup on the public course in San Francisco .
Dustin Johnson never got anything going .
Brooks Koepka turned out to be all talk in his bid for a third straight PGA Championship .
Tiger Woods was long gone before the leaders even tee off .
This major was up for grabs until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shores of Lake Merced , where the tee was moved up to tempt players to drive the green or pay the price if they missed in the trees to the right or the hazard to the left .
Morikawa never hesitated .
The swing was never more pure .
Check back for more on this story .

CLICK HERE if you’re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device.
By DOUG FERGUSON
AP Golf Writer
SAN FRANCISCO — The shot will be remembered as one of the best under pressure that hardly anyone witnessed. It made Collin Morikawa a major champion Sunday in a thrill-a-minute PGA Championship that not many will forget.
Morikawa hit driver on the 294-yard 16th hole that was perfect in flight and even better when it landed, hopping onto the green and rolling to 7 feet for an eagle that all but clinched victory on a most quiet Sunday afternoon at Harding Park in San Francisco.
In the first major without spectators, the 23-year-old Californian finished with a bang.
“I was hoping for a really good bounce and got it,” he said. “I hit a really good putt, and now we’re here.”
He closed with a 6-under 64, the lowest final round by a PGA champion in 25 years, for a two-shot victory over Paul Casey and Dustin Johnson, two of 10 players who had a chance on the back nine.
Morikawa, who played at Cal from 2015-19, was among seven players tied for the lead, as wild as any Sunday in a major. He took the lead when he chipped in for birdie from 40 feet short of the 14th green. And then he delivered the knockout with one swing along the shores of Lake Merced.
The COVID-19 pandemic that moved the PGA Championship from May to August was allowed to be played only if spectators were not allowed. But there was one person who won’t forget what he saw.
Casey, with his first good shot at winning a major, birdied the 16th to tie Morikawa for the lead. Standing on the tee at the par-3 17th, he looked back and saw the ball roll toward the cup.
“What a shot,” was all Casey could say. “Nothing you can do but tip your cap to that. Collin had taken on that challenge and pulled it off. That’s what champions do.”
Golf’s latest major champion was still in the vicinity of Harding Park just over a year ago, finishing up his degree at Cal and his All-American career, part of a new cast of young stars in a sport filled with them.
He only played Harding Park about a dozen times while in college, but never set up with rough like this or with the tees all the way back.
Now he has three PGA Tour victories and is No. 5 in the world, taking his place among the young stars by beating a cast of world-class players on the public course in San Francisco.
For Johnson, it was another major that got away. He had a one-shot lead and didn’t do too much wrong on the day except for not keeping it in the fairway for better chances of birdie. He drove into the hazard on the 16th and chipped in for birdie when it was too late, and a birdie on the 18th gave him a 68 and a tie for second.
It was his fifth runner-up finish in a major — his only title is the 2016 U.S. Open — and his second straight runner-up in the PGA Championship.
Brooks Koepka proved to be all talk. He looked at the crowded leaderboard on Saturday night and didn’t see anyone with his experience of four major championships, even dishing on Johnson because he has “only won one.”
Koepka didn’t make a birdie until the 12th hole. He went from two shots behind to a 74, tying for 29th.
“It’s my first bad round in a major in a while,” said Koepka, who said he spent the back nine mostly trying to cheer on Casey and his bid to win a first major at age 43.
Youth rules these days.
Morikawa, in his second season on the PGA Tour, finished at 13-under 267, and left so many others wondering how close they came.
Matthew Wolff, who grew up with Morikawa in Southern California and turned pro last summer with him, shot a 65 and joined Jason Day, Bryson DeChambeau, Tony Finau and PGA Tour rookie Scottie Scheffler at 10-under 270.
Cameron Champ, among eight players who had a share of the lead at some point, lost momentum with a double bogey at the turn. DeChambeau dropped two shots at the turn and never caught up until it was too late.
Morikawa, in only his 28th start as a pro and his second major, played bogey-free. His only mistake was at the end, when it was time to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy, the heaviest of the four major trophies. The lid came off and tumbled to the grass as Morikawa’s eyes bulged.
If that was his only mistake, consider it a good day. A major day.


mercurynews--2020-08-10--Santa Clara County: Firefighters battle Metcalf, Uvas fires

SANTA CLARA COUNTY — Firefighters were responding Sunday afternoon to separate vegetation fires in remote eastern and southern Santa Clara @ @ @ @ @ Around 4:45 p.m. , CalFire crews responded to reports of a grass fire near San @ @ @ @ @ and found a two-acre area in flames .
By 6:15 p.m. , that fire ’ @ @ @ @ @ stopped , according to a social-media post .
Around 5 p.m. , additional CalFire crews @ @ @ @ @ near Uvas and Little Uvas roads west-southwest of Morgan Hill .
That blaze , known @ @ @ @ @ grew to about six acres by 5:45 p.m. with several air tankers and helicopters providing @ @ @ @ @ the ground .
There were no initial reports of any injuries , evacuations or threatened @ @ @ @ @ updates .

SANTA CLARA COUNTY — Firefighters stopped separate vegetation fires’ forward progress in remote eastern and southern Santa Clara County, authorities said.
Around 4:45 p.m., CalFire crews responded to reports of a grass fire near San Felipe and Metcalf roads, and found a two-acre area in flames. By 6:15 p.m., that fire’s forward progress had been stopped, according to a social-media post.
Around 5 p.m., additional CalFire crews responded to a separate fire near Uvas and Little Uvas roads west-southwest of Morgan Hill. That blaze, known as the Uvas fire, grew to about six acres by 5:45 p.m. with several air tankers and helicopters providing aerial support to firefighters on the ground.
By 8:45 p.m., forward progress was stopped and a social-media post described the fire as 13.6 acres and about 80 percent contained.
There were no initial reports of any injuries, evacuations or threatened structures.
Firefighters are battling a 1 acre fire in the area of San Felipe and Metcalf Rd in the San Jose Area (Santa Clara County). #MetcalfFire @SJFD pic.twitter.com/HP4byP0Q42 — CAL FIRE SCU (@calfireSCU) August 9, 2020
Firefighters are battling a 2 acre fire in the area of Little Uvas and Uvas Roads (Santa Clara County). Photo courtesy of Uvas Air Attack. #UvasFire pic.twitter.com/zHAAV06Ekb — CAL FIRE SCU (@calfireSCU) August 10, 2020
#MetcalfFire [update] in the area of San Felipe and Metcalf Rd in the San Jose Area (Santa Clara County) is now two acres. @SJFD pic.twitter.com/dNE9IKOaPX — CAL FIRE SCU (@calfireSCU) August 10, 2020
#Uvasfire [update] in the area of Little Uvas and Uvas Roads (Santa Clara County) is now 6 acres. pic.twitter.com/qNfWVXzrz2 — CAL FIRE SCU (@calfireSCU) August 10, 2020
#MetcalfFire [update] in the area of San Felipe and Metcalf Rd in the San Jose Area (Santa Clara County) remains at two acres. Forward progress stopped. pic.twitter.com/RlUZlyEMH4 — CAL FIRE SCU (@calfireSCU) August 10, 2020
#Uvasfire [update] in the area of Little Uvas and Uvas Roads (Santa Clara County) is now 15 acres. pic.twitter.com/pUToRcvjBQ — CAL FIRE SCU (@calfireSCU) August 10, 2020
#Uvasfire [update] in the area of Little Uvas and Uvas Roads (Santa Clara County) is now 15 acres with progress stopped. pic.twitter.com/fHxMVrHKzz — CAL FIRE SCU (@calfireSCU) August 10, 2020
#Uvasfire [update] in the area of Little Uvas and Uvas Roads (Santa Clara County) is now 13.6 acres and 80% contained. Acreage reduced due to better mapping. Firefighters will remain on scene through the night. pic.twitter.com/vJWy4eKII2 — CAL FIRE SCU (@calfireSCU) August 10, 2020
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-08-10--San Quentin tragedy: San Jose native prison guard dies of coronavirus

SAN JOSE — Doctors had told Sgt .
Gilbert Polanco ’ s family that it could happen at any time .
And on Sunday , the San Quentin corrections officer who contracted coronavirus within the prison walls of the nation ’ s worst outbreak , died .
“ He was my best friend .
He was my mom ’ s true love , ” said Polanco ’ s 22-year-old daughter , Selena .
“ He was just an amazing man in every way.
” Gilbert Polanco , 55 , a San Jose native , had been hospitalized since July 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of the 261 staff members infected by the virus at San Quentin Prison , Polanco is the first to perish and the 9th corrections employee to die of the virus in California .
Of the 2,231 San Quentin inmates infected with the virus , 24 have died .
San Quentin had been virus-free until state prison officials made an ill-fated decision to transfer 121 prisoners from the state prison in Chino , where an outbreak had taken hold .
Some 25 tested positive for the virus after they arrived at San Quentin on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Sergeant Gilbert Polanco is an example of the best of CDCR and his passing deeply saddens us all , ” California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Secretary Ralph Diaz said in a statement Sunday .
“ His dedication to public service will not be forgotten.
” “ Sgt .
Gilbert Polanco demonstrated unwavering commitment and bravery as a peace officer working the frontline every day during this devastating pandemic , ” Broomfield said in a statement .
“ His memory is carried on in the hearts of all the men and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus at San Quentin .
We mourn together with his family and pray for their peace and comfort in the midst of their immeasurable loss.
” As dozens of prison guards fell ill with the virus , Polanco worked extra shifts to help out .
He commuted each day from his home in San Jose .
He started having a cough on Father ’ s Day , June 17 .
The Polanco family , including his son Vincent , recently home from a U.S. Army station in South Korea , said they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Doctors at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center San Jose had started a plasma treatment and weaned him off steroids .
For the first time in 10 days , they were able to position him on his back , Polanco ’ s wife , Patricia Polanco , had told this news organization .
“ He ’ s not out of the woods yet , ” the doctors had told her .
“ These are baby steps.
” But just before dawn Sunday morning , “ his heart just stopped , ” Selena said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said from the family ’ s San Jose home .
“ I can go on forever , but it really hurts .
”

SAN JOSE — Doctors had told Sgt. Gilbert Polanco’s family that it could happen at any time. And on Sunday, the San Quentin corrections officer who contracted coronavirus within the prison walls of the nation’s worst outbreak, died.
“He was my best friend. He was my mom’s true love,” said Polanco’s 22-year-old daughter, Selena. “He was just an amazing man in every way.”
Gilbert Polanco, 55, a San Jose native, had been hospitalized since July 3 and had been intubated for weeks.
Of the 261 staff members infected by the virus at San Quentin Prison, Polanco is the first to perish and the 9th corrections employee to die of the virus in California. Of the 2,231 San Quentin inmates infected with the virus, 24 have died.
San Quentin had been virus-free until state prison officials made an ill-fated decision to transfer 121 prisoners from the state prison in Chino, where an outbreak had taken hold. Some 25 tested positive for the virus after they arrived at San Quentin on May 30 and it spread from there.
“Sergeant Gilbert Polanco is an example of the best of CDCR and his passing deeply saddens us all,” California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Secretary Ralph Diaz said in a statement Sunday. “His dedication to public service will not be forgotten.”
Acting San Quentin Warden Ron Broomfield said “our hearts are broken.”
“Sgt. Gilbert Polanco demonstrated unwavering commitment and bravery as a peace officer working the frontline every day during this devastating pandemic,” Broomfield said in a statement. “His memory is carried on in the hearts of all the men and women who continue to battle this deadly virus at San Quentin. We mourn together with his family and pray for their peace and comfort in the midst of their immeasurable loss.”
As dozens of prison guards fell ill with the virus, Polanco worked extra shifts to help out. He commuted each day from his home in San Jose. He started having a cough on Father’s Day, June 17.
The Polanco family, including his son Vincent, recently home from a U.S. Army station in South Korea, said they had felt hopeful within the last few days. Doctors at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center San Jose had started a plasma treatment and weaned him off steroids. For the first time in 10 days, they were able to position him on his back, Polanco’s wife, Patricia Polanco, had told this news organization.
“He’s not out of the woods yet,” the doctors had told her. “These are baby steps.”
But just before dawn Sunday morning, “his heart just stopped,” Selena said.
“He was everything,” Selena said from the family’s San Jose home. “I can go on forever, but it really hurts.”


mercurynews--2020-08-09--Report: Power 5 conferences discuss postponing football

Presidents of Big Ten universities are ready to “ pull the plug ” on the fall sports season , leading to a conference call between Power 5 commissioners to discuss the possibility of not playing football in the fall , ESPN reported Sunday .
What ’ s more , ESPN is reporting that numerous sources have come to believe over the last 48 hours that postponing or canceling the football season seems inevitable , but that a Power 5 league would need to act in order to get the others to follow .
“ Nobody wanted to be the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 coach told ESPN , “ and now nobody will want to be the last.
” According to the report , the Big Ten presidents met Saturday to discuss the status of a fall sports season amid the COVID-19 pandemic , and came away wanting to know if other commissioners and presidents from the other Power 5 conferences would agree to postponing football with the hopes of playing the sports in the spring .
That led to the Sunday call among all five conferences .
Following the call , one Power 5 athletic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t look good.
” ESPN reported that presidents and chancellors of Pac-12 institutions are scheduled to meet Tuesday .
As for the ACC , Big 12 and SEC , those conferences had wanted to assess the situation after students returned to campuses this month , but ESPN stated that any postponements by the Pac-12 or Big Ten may force their hand .
The Mid-American Conference on Saturday voted to postpone fall sports , making it the first FBS conference to postpone football .
The MAC is hoping to play in the spring @ @

Presidents of Big Ten universities are ready to “pull the plug” on the fall sports season, leading to a conference call between Power 5 commissioners to discuss the possibility of not playing football in the fall, ESPN reported Sunday.
What’s more, ESPN is reporting that numerous sources have come to believe over the last 48 hours that postponing or canceling the football season seems inevitable, but that a Power 5 league would need to act in order to get the others to follow.
“Nobody wanted to be the first to do it,” a Power 5 coach told ESPN, “and now nobody will want to be the last.”
According to the report, the Big Ten presidents met Saturday to discuss the status of a fall sports season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and came away wanting to know if other commissioners and presidents from the other Power 5 conferences would agree to postponing football with the hopes of playing the sports in the spring.
That led to the Sunday call among all five conferences. Following the call, one Power 5 athletic director told ESPN, “It doesn’t look good.”
ESPN reported that presidents and chancellors of Pac-12 institutions are scheduled to meet Tuesday.
As for the ACC, Big 12 and SEC, those conferences had wanted to assess the situation after students returned to campuses this month, but ESPN stated that any postponements by the Pac-12 or Big Ten may force their hand.
The Mid-American Conference on Saturday voted to postpone fall sports, making it the first FBS conference to postpone football. The MAC is hoping to play in the spring instead.


mercurynews--2020-08-09--Viral videos showed crowded hallways at a George high school. Now there 9 cases of Covid-19 and clas

Viral videos showed crowded hallways at a George high school. Now there 9 cases of Covid-19 and classes move online

A Georgia high school that came under scrutiny last week when a student shared a photo of a crowded hallway will temporarily move to virtual learning after it reported nine cases of Covid-19 , according to a letter the school district sent to parents Sunday .
“ As a result of our being informed of nine cases of Covid-19 at North Paulding High School following the first week of in-person instruction , along with the possibility that number could increase if there are currently pending tests that prove positive , we have consulted with the Department of Public Health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Digital Learning at NPHS , ” the letter from Paulding County Schools Superintendent Brian Otott said .
The high school will only offer digital learning Monday and Tuesday .
Tuesday evening families will be informed of whether remote instruction will continue or if students can return to school , the letter said .
Meanwhile , “ the school will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected , ” Otott wrote .
The school district will also work with the Georgia Department of Public Health to identify anyone else who had close contact with the confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Principal Gabe Carmona wrote in a separate letter Saturday that “ six students and three staff members who were in school for at least some time last week … have since reported to us that they have tested positive.
” The Paulding case just the latest instance of students and teachers testing positive for Covid-19 after returning to school , highlighting the risks of resuming in-person classes amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Last week , the high school in Dallas , Georgia , — about 40 miles from Atlanta — attracted nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter by sophomore Hannah Watters .
The viral image showed Hannah ’ s classmates in a crowded school hallway with few visible masks .
The school district resumed classes August 3 .
“ I was concerned for the safety of everyone in that building and everyone in the county because precautions that the CDC and guidelines that the CDC has been telling us for months now , weren ’ t being followed , ” Hannah told CNN Thursday .
In his letter Sunday , Otott apologized to families for “ any inconvenience this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we all can agree that the health and safety of our students and staff takes precedence over any other considerations at this time.
” ‘ Good and necessary trouble , ’ student says Otott previously said in a letter to the community that the viral photo was taken out of context and that class changes in high school were a challenge .
“ It is an area we are continuing to work on in this new environment to find practicable ways to further limit students from congregating .
Students are in this hallway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they move to their next class , ” the superintendent wrote .
He added : “ There is no question that the photo does not look good .
… Wearing a mask is a personal choice , and there is no practical way to enforce a mandate to wear them.
” Otott ’ s letter also said the district anticipated needing to make “ adjustments.
” The district previously decided to make Thursday and Friday virtual learning days for students receiving in-person instruction , “ so that all of our schools can step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far , ” Otott said .
Hannah said she was initially suspended for posting the photo .
But on Friday , her mother told CNN the suspension had been reversed .
Lynne Watters spoke with the school ’ s principal Friday morning , she said , and was told her daughter would not be suspended and a suspension would not appear on her record .
Hannah can return to school on Monday .
“ I ’ d like to say this is some good and necessary trouble , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about me being safe , ” she said .
“ It ’ s about everyone being safe because behind every teacher , student and staff member there is a family , there are friends , and I would just want to keep everyone safe .
”

A Georgia high school that came under scrutiny last week when a student shared a photo of a crowded hallway will temporarily move to virtual learning after it reported nine cases of Covid-19, according to a letter the school district sent to parents Sunday.
“As a result of our being informed of nine cases of Covid-19 at North Paulding High School following the first week of in-person instruction, along with the possibility that number could increase if there are currently pending tests that prove positive, we have consulted with the Department of Public Health and are temporarily switching the instructional method to Digital Learning at NPHS,” the letter from Paulding County Schools Superintendent Brian Otott said.
The high school will only offer digital learning Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday evening families will be informed of whether remote instruction will continue or if students can return to school, the letter said.
Meanwhile, “the school will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected,” Otott wrote. The school district will also work with the Georgia Department of Public Health to identify anyone else who had close contact with the confirmed patients and have yet to be identified.
Principal Gabe Carmona wrote in a separate letter Saturday that “six students and three staff members who were in school for at least some time last week … have since reported to us that they have tested positive.”
The Paulding case is just the latest instance of students and teachers testing positive for Covid-19 after returning to school, highlighting the risks of resuming in-person classes amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Last week, the high school in Dallas, Georgia, — about 40 miles from Atlanta — attracted nationwide attention thanks to a photo posted on Twitter by sophomore Hannah Watters. The viral image showed Hannah’s classmates in a crowded school hallway with few visible masks. The school district resumed classes August 3.
“I was concerned for the safety of everyone in that building and everyone in the county because precautions that the CDC and guidelines that the CDC has been telling us for months now, weren’t being followed,” Hannah told CNN Thursday.
In his letter Sunday, Otott apologized to families for “any inconvenience this schedule change may cause, but hopefully we all can agree that the health and safety of our students and staff takes precedence over any other considerations at this time.”
Otott previously said in a letter to the community that the viral photo was taken out of context and that class changes in high school were a challenge.
“It is an area we are continuing to work on in this new environment to find practicable ways to further limit students from congregating. Students are in this hallway environment for just a brief period as they move to their next class,” the superintendent wrote.
He added: “There is no question that the photo does not look good. … Wearing a mask is a personal choice, and there is no practical way to enforce a mandate to wear them.”
Otott’s letter also said the district anticipated needing to make “adjustments.” The district previously decided to make Thursday and Friday virtual learning days for students receiving in-person instruction, “so that all of our schools can step back and assess how things are going so far,” Otott said.
Hannah said she was initially suspended for posting the photo. But on Friday, her mother told CNN the suspension had been reversed. Lynne Watters spoke with the school’s principal Friday morning, she said, and was told her daughter would not be suspended and a suspension would not appear on her record. Hannah can return to school on Monday.
Hannah doesn’t regret sharing the photo, she told CNN.
“I’d like to say this is some good and necessary trouble,” she said. “My biggest concern is not only about me being safe,” she said. “It’s about everyone being safe because behind every teacher, student and staff member there is a family, there are friends, and I would just want to keep everyone safe.”