Bridge: June 18, 2020

In today ’ s deal from a penny game at my club , West was John Underwood , known to us all as “ The Undertaker ” because he tries to beat contracts by four tricks — and often doesn ’ t beat them at all .
Against four hearts , John led the jack of diamonds .
Declarer took dummy ’ s ace — East followed with the deuce — and started the trumps .
When John took the ace , he saw an easy two-trick set : He could lead a club , and East would take the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could take the queen and ace and give his partner a ruff .
Things didn ’ t pan out that way .
South produced the ace of clubs , drew trumps and ran the clubs to make an overtrick .
As usual , John wouldn ’ t settle for a sure one-trick set .
When he takes the ace of trumps , he should lead the deuce of spades .
When East wins and returns a spade , the defense gets three spades and a trump .
If East had the ace of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , East-West would still prevail .
They would get two spades and a club .
You hold : S 9 6 5 H K J 3 D A 4 C K Q J 5 4 .
Your partner opens one heart , you respond two clubs , he bids two diamonds and you jump to three hearts ( forcing ) .
Partner bids four clubs .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : If partner were content to play at game , he would have bid four hearts .
His four clubs is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slam .
You can cooperate by cue-bidding four diamonds , but if he signs off at four hearts , pass .

In today’s deal from a penny game at my club, West was John Underwood, known to us all as “The Undertaker” because he tries to beat contracts by four tricks — and often doesn’t beat them at all.
Against four hearts, John led the jack of diamonds. Declarer took dummy’s ace — East followed with the deuce — and started the trumps. When John took the ace, he saw an easy two-trick set: He could lead a club, and East would take the ace and return a spade. John could take the queen and ace and give his partner a ruff.
Things didn’t pan out that way. South produced the ace of clubs, drew trumps and ran the clubs to make an overtrick.
SURE SET
As usual, John wouldn’t settle for a sure one-trick set. When he takes the ace of trumps, he should lead the deuce of spades. When East wins and returns a spade, the defense gets three spades and a trump.
If East had the ace of clubs instead of the king of spades, East-West would still prevail. They would get two spades and a club.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 9 6 5 H K J 3 D A 4 C K Q J 5 4. Your partner opens one heart, you respond two clubs, he bids two diamonds and you jump to three hearts (forcing). Partner bids four clubs. What do you say?
ANSWER: If partner were content to play at game, he would have bid four hearts. His four clubs is an ace-showing cue bid to try for slam. You can cooperate by cue-bidding four diamonds, but if he signs off at four hearts, pass.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S 9 6 5
H K J 3
D A 4
C K Q J 5 4
WEST
S A Q 10 2
H A 5
D J 10 9 5
C 10 8 7
EAST
S K 7
H 8 6 2
D Q 8 7 6 2
C 9 6 3
SOUTH
S J 8 4 3
H Q 10 9 7 4
D K 3
C A 2
North East South West
1 C Pass 1 H Pass
2 H Pass 2 S Pass
3 C Pass 3 H Pass
4 H All Pass
Opening lead — D J
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-06-19--Australian PM says country being hit by cyberattacks

CANBERRA , Australia — Australia is under increasing cyberattack from a “ sophisticated state-based cyber actor , ” the Australian @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Scott Morrison would not name the state , and he said he made @ @ @ @ @ awareness .
“ Australian organizations are currently being targeted by a sophisticated state-based cyber actor @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This activity is targeting Australian organizations across a range of sectors , including @ @ @ @ @ industry , political organizations , education , health , essential service providers and operators of @ @ @ @ @ he added .
Although the threat was constant , the frequency of attacks had increased @ @ @ @ @ “ This is the actions of a state-based actor with significant capabilities .
There aren @ @ @ @ @ actors who have those capabilities , ” Morrison said.\

By Rod McGuirk | Associated Press
CANBERRA, Australia — Australia is under increasing cyberattack from a “sophisticated state-based cyber actor,” the Australian prime minister said Friday.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison would not name the state, and he said he made the threat public to raise awareness.
“Australian organizations are currently being targeted by a sophisticated state-based cyber actor,” Morrison told reporters.
“This activity is targeting Australian organizations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organizations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure,” he added.
Although the threat was constant, the frequency of attacks had increased “over many months.”
“This is the actions of a state-based actor with significant capabilities. There aren’t too many state-based actors who have those capabilities,” Morrison said.\


mercurynews--2020-06-19--Letter: The benefits to California of high-speed rail are real

Dan Walters suggests a recent legislative one-house resolution may sound the death knell for the high-speed rail project .
The project — in his opinion — suffers from an “ abject lack of a clear public benefit.
” The facts , including successes in many other countries around the world , suggest otherwise .
The public will greatly benefit from continued creation of jobs , tackling climate change , easing traffic congestion and affordable housing opportunities .
An all-electric high-speed rail system that connects the major economic regions of our state is ambitious to be sure .
But the benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a transportation system that improves mobility and helps achieve our ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals .
• Letter : Change to police forces should come from within • Letter : Many people in Tulsa aren ’ t happy with upcoming Trump rally • Letter : We need police reform , but also society reform • Letter : # DefundThePolice not the same as # ReformThePolice Fulfilling voters ’ vision of a fast , modern , environmentally friendly rail system for Californians will take all the determination and political will we can muster .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not an option .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Re: “Walters: High-Speed Rail could finally be derailed” (Opinion section, Mercurynews.com, June 14):
Dan Walters suggests a recent legislative one-house resolution may sound the death knell for the high-speed rail project. The project — in his opinion — suffers from an “abject lack of a clear public benefit.”
The facts, including successes in many other countries around the world, suggest otherwise.
The public will greatly benefit from continued creation of jobs, tackling climate change, easing traffic congestion and affordable housing opportunities.
An all-electric high-speed rail system that connects the major economic regions of our state is ambitious to be sure. But the benefits are real. We must invest in a transportation system that improves mobility and helps achieve our ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals.
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Jason Baker
Vice president
Transportation and Housing
Silicon Valley Leadership Group
Campbell
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-06-18--NY City Council passes six police reform bills

A sweeping package of police reforms was approved by the New York City Council Thursday , some of which have been in the works since the death of Eric Garner in 2014 .
The council passed six bills that include requiring officer badge numbers to be visible , an official ban on chokeholds or any other maneuver that restricts blood or air flow and a bill requiring oversight of the New York City Police Department ’ s surveillance technology .
The reform package creates a penalty system for police officers with disciplinary issues , a system to intervene with training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” and a bill that puts into law the right to record police interactions .
Council members began working on the chokehold ban in 2014 shortly after Garner ’ s death .
Garner was videotaped being restrained by an NYPD officer while saying that he couldn ’ t breathe .
In a press conference before the vote , City Council Speaker Corey Johnson apologized for the bills not having moved more quickly .
“ I think the conversation around policing and re-envisioning what public safety looks like , that conversation should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson said at the press conference conducted via Zoom .
“ It should have started after all of these deaths that we ’ ve seen and sadly it didn ’ t .
But this reckoning that we ’ re seeing now is now creating the moment for us to actually have that conversation again.
” Johnson became City Council speaker in 2018 , but in 2015 , he voted in support of a city budget that would expand the NYPD by 1,300 officers , a move that he and other council members have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to apologize for that , ” Johnson said .
“ And not make up excuses and not sit here today and give you a list of reasons why .
This moment is a reckoning .
It ’ s a reckoning for America , it ’ s a reckoning for our city.
” The reforms come after the nationwide protests spurred by the death of George Floyd , who died after a Minneapolis police officer restrained Floyd by pressing a knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
New York City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was partly that Americans across the country were home to watch the wall-to-wall coverage of Floyd ’ s death , including the graphic video of his final moments .
“ They got to see what we live through on a daily basis , ” Donovan said .
“ People around the world are marching for George Floyd and protesting .
This is a unique moment in history .
We can ’ t rest on our laurels .
There ’ s a lot more work to be done.
” Earlier this week , New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would make chokeholds used by police that resulted in serious injury or death illegal .
New York City Councilman Rory Lancman said the city ’ s bill prohibits an officer from sitting , kneeling or standing on a suspect ’ s chest or back in a way that restricts airflow or blood flow .
Garner ’ s mother , Gwen Carr , told CNN Thursday that she has been frustrated it took nearly six years for the chokehold ban to pass .
“ At one point they told me it probably wouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so glad I don ’ t take no for an answer , ” Carr said .
“ I ’ m glad that they saw fit to pass this .
Just to have it passed and to have it on the books is a step in the right direction .
I just hope to get other laws passed that can stop the killing and the murder of the black and brown communities.
” Lancman said Thursday that part of the delay in getting the chokehold ban passed was Mayor Bill de Blasio ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , de Blasio said at a press conference that he will sign the chokehold legislation .
“ We have to give people confidence that policing will be fair and I ’ m convinced this legislation will do it and I will be signing it , ” de Blasio said .
All six measures passed with veto-proof majorities .
Another bill the council passed the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology Act , which would require police to disclose how they use surveillance technology and what safeguards it has in place to protect civil liberties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department could not support a law that “ seems to be designed to help criminals and terrorists thwart efforts to stop them and endanger brave officers.
” • Letter : Change to police forces should come from within • Skelton : Let civilians police the police — officials are protecting them “ To be clear , the bill as currently proposed would literally require the NYPD to advertise on its website the covert means and equipment used by undercover officers who risk their lives every day , ” Detective Sophia Mason said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Legal Aid Society of New York released a statement praising the passage of the surveillance bill .
“ Today ’ s passing of the POST Act signals a critical shift in transparency and a significant step in the larger fight for police accountability to protect communities of color , the LGBTQ+ community , and all overly policed communities , ” said Jerome Greco , a Legal Aid Society attorney .

By Sonia Moghe | CNN
A sweeping package of police reforms was approved by the New York City Council Thursday, some of which have been in the works since the death of Eric Garner in 2014.
The council passed six bills that include requiring officer badge numbers to be visible, an official ban on chokeholds or any other maneuver that restricts blood or air flow and a bill requiring oversight of the New York City Police Department’s surveillance technology.
The reform package creates a penalty system for police officers with disciplinary issues, a system to intervene with training for officers who are deemed “problematic,” and a bill that puts into law the right to record police interactions.
Council members began working on the chokehold ban in 2014 shortly after Garner’s death. Garner was videotaped being restrained by an NYPD officer while saying that he couldn’t breathe.
In a press conference before the vote, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson apologized for the bills not having moved more quickly.
“I think the conversation around policing and re-envisioning what public safety looks like, that conversation should have started a long time ago,” Johnson said at the press conference conducted via Zoom. “It should have started after all of these deaths that we’ve seen and sadly it didn’t. But this reckoning that we’re seeing now is now creating the moment for us to actually have that conversation again.”
Johnson became City Council speaker in 2018, but in 2015, he voted in support of a city budget that would expand the NYPD by 1,300 officers, a move that he and other council members have come under fire for recently.
“I want to apologize for that,” Johnson said. “And not make up excuses and not sit here today and give you a list of reasons why. This moment is a reckoning. It’s a reckoning for America, it’s a reckoning for our city.”
The reforms come after the nationwide protests spurred by the death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer restrained Floyd by pressing a knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
New York City Councilman Donovan Richards said he believes it was partly that Americans across the country were home to watch the wall-to-wall coverage of Floyd’s death, including the graphic video of his final moments.
“They got to see what we live through on a daily basis,” Donovan said. “People around the world are marching for George Floyd and protesting. This is a unique moment in history. We can’t rest on our laurels. There’s a lot more work to be done.”
Earlier this week, New York state lawmakers passed a state bill that would make chokeholds used by police that resulted in serious injury or death illegal. New York City Councilman Rory Lancman said the city’s bill prohibits an officer from sitting, kneeling or standing on a suspect’s chest or back in a way that restricts airflow or blood flow.
Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr, told CNN Thursday that she has been frustrated it took nearly six years for the chokehold ban to pass.
“At one point they told me it probably wouldn’t pass. I’m so glad I don’t take no for an answer,” Carr said. “I’m glad that they saw fit to pass this. Just to have it passed and to have it on the books is a step in the right direction. I just hope to get other laws passed that can stop the killing and the murder of the black and brown communities.”
Lancman said Thursday that part of the delay in getting the chokehold ban passed was Mayor Bill de Blasio’s threat to veto it.
On Thursday, de Blasio said at a press conference that he will sign the chokehold legislation.
“We have to give people confidence that policing will be fair and I’m convinced this legislation will do it and I will be signing it,” de Blasio said.
All six measures passed with veto-proof majorities.
Another bill the council passed the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology Act, which would require police to disclose how they use surveillance technology and what safeguards it has in place to protect civil liberties.
A spokeswoman for the NYPD said the department could not support a law that “seems to be designed to help criminals and terrorists thwart efforts to stop them and endanger brave officers.”
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The Legal Aid Society of New York released a statement praising the passage of the surveillance bill.
“Today’s passing of the POST Act signals a critical shift in transparency and a significant step in the larger fight for police accountability to protect communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and all overly policed communities,” said Jerome Greco, a Legal Aid Society attorney.


mercurynews--2020-06-18--Crews battle series of vegetation fires in San Jose

SAN JOSE – Crews battled a trio of vegetation fires Thursday afternoon in San Jose , authorities said .
The @ @ @ @ @ 2:07 p.m. on Coyote Creek Golf Drive , near Monterey Road and Bailey Avenue , @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman Erica Ray .
Ray said the fire scorched roughly 6 acres and was fully @ @ @ @ @ p.m. At 2:08 p.m. , crews were called to a fire near Highway 87 and @ @ @ @ @ , adding that it took about an hour to extinguish .
Ray said the third @ @ @ @ @ 3 p.m. at Senter Road and Keyes Road .
She could not immediately confirm if @ @ @ @ @ in the area .
The fire consumed 3 to 4 acres and was fully contained @ @ @ @ @ , Ray said .
No injuries were reported , and no structures were damaged or @ @ @ @ @ fires .
Ray said the cause of each fire is under investigation .

SAN JOSE – Crews battled a trio of vegetation fires Thursday afternoon in San Jose, authorities said.
The first blaze was reported at 2:07 p.m. on Coyote Creek Golf Drive, near Monterey Road and Bailey Avenue, said San Jose Fire Department spokeswoman Erica Ray.
Ray said the fire scorched roughly 6 acres and was fully contained as of about 4 p.m.
At 2:08 p.m., crews were called to a fire near Highway 87 and Interstate 280, said Ray, adding that it took about an hour to extinguish.
Ray said the third blaze was reported just before 3 p.m. at Senter Road and Keyes Road. She could not immediately confirm if it involved a homeless encampment in the area.
The fire consumed 3 to 4 acres and was fully contained as of about 4 p.m., Ray said.
No injuries were reported, and no structures were damaged or threatened by any of the fires.
Ray said the cause of each fire is under investigation.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-06-18--Preview: ‘Rocket Arena’ adds fighting game elements to team-based shooter

Breaking into team-based shooters is a difficult task .
Games such as “ Overwatch ” , “ Apex Legends , ” and “ Counter-Strike Global Offensive ” suck up all the oxygen in the room .
Add in Riot Games ’ latest release “ Valorant ” and it can be difficult to stand out from the pack .
Nevertheless , Electronic Arts is again jumping into the fray by publishing “ Rocket Arena ” from Final Strike Games .
The third-person shooter launches on July 14 and will follow a path similar to “ Overwatch.
” That means it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 maps and five modes of play with plans to expand on all three .
“ Rocket Arena ” takes place on Crater , a planet dense with history , different cultures and an unhealthy obsession with rockets .
Players choose one of the heroes and join a team of three in battles across several arenas .
Despite being a shooter , the project has more in common with fighting games such as “ Super Smash Bros. ” The title has a family-friendly approach as players blast each other rockets , but opponents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead , they have a blast meter that rises as they take damage .
Once it ’ s full and if they ’ re hit with a rocket , they ’ ll be megablasted out of the arena and they ’ ll fly around to a new starting point .
It ’ s comparable to being knocked off the stage in “ Super Smash Bros. , ” and similar to that , there are ways to avoid being knocked out .
If players can avoid damage for a while , they can have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If they ’ re reeling and teetering on the edge of the arena , they can save themselves if they picked the right character use their special abilities to interrupt their trajectory and fall back to earth .
In addition , each character has his or her own stage .
That ’ s content more commonly seen in fighting games than competitive shooters .
Character choice matters a lot in “ Rocket Arena.
” Each hero has a distinct style of play that ’ s reflected in the properties of their rockets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those play into their role in this three-versus-three team-based shooter .
Take Izell for instance .
She ’ s made for aggression and close-up fighting with her quick firing and short-ranged spear rockets and her bola snare that pulls rivals toward her .
The Jaaqua Charge move helps close the distance between foes .
Meanwhile , Blastbeard has a slow but powerful project that ’ s harder to aim as it arcs in the air .
His Charged Anchor secondary attack knocks opponents back while his Shockwave ability pushes foes away while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at holding an area on the map .
The teams of three will have to coordinate their talents in four player-vs-player modes : Knockout , Rocketball , Treasure Hunt and Megarocket .
The rule sets benefit certain characters so it ’ s important to choose the right ones for the map and mode .
Knockout is comparable to a team deathmatch .
The team that knocks the most opponents out of the arena or hits the limit wins .
Rocketball is comparable to capture the flag .
Players have to grab the ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Characters with speed and high mobility are great in this mode .
One of the interesting twists is that players can throw the ball to teammates or at their goal to score .
Treasure Hunt is the most intriguing mode because it ’ s the most unconventional .
Players phase two alternating phases .
The first is a chase for the treasure chest .
The one who has it generates coins for their team with the player holding it last getting a bonus .
Afterward , the map is filled with coins and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grab as many as possible .
Players can grab the gold or they can fire rockets at their rivals to stop them .
This keeps going on until one time hits the limit .
Megarocket is a mode I didn ’ t get to play at a demo event , but it ’ s set up like a Control or Domination .
A rocket lands somewhere on the map and players have to stay in the zone to get points for victory .
The last mode is player vs. enemy called RocketBot Attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RocketBots .
Players have to work together to survive the onslaught .
Final Strike Games says the team is testing out more modes and characters .
From what I played , “ Rocket Arena ” is fun , but it takes time to adjust to the concept .
Players have to understand how role and play-style fits with each character .
Because each rocket fires differently and the secondary attacks and special abilities are so diverse , no two heroes play alike and it will take time to learn the ins and outs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also have cooldown times so players can ’ t use them willy-nilly .
The same goes for the lone defensive maneuver , a rocket dodge that has a very forgiving window of invincibility .
Combine those with moves such as a triple jump , a rocket jump and a rocket climb , and it ’ s going to take time to master and understand the basics of “ Rocket Arena.
” In the meantime , players will have a lot of cosmetics and upgrades to unlock .
Final Strike Games says there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each character and more than 350 unlockable cosmetics .
Players will also encounter 22 gameplay-changing artifacts that modify a characters stats or abilities .
Lastly , players can expect social and ranked playlists .
• Photos : 26 images from ‘ New Pokemon Snap ’ show pocket monsters in the wild • Amazon and Zynga team up for ‘ Words with Friends ’ spin-off on Alexa devices • Pokemon Go Fest 2020 : Here is what to expect from two-day event Will “ Rocket Arena ” be as popular as more established titles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a team made of developers who worked on titles such as “ Halo 5 : Guardians ” and the “ Call of Duty ” franchise .
It will face a battle to grab players ’ attention , but the gameplay and art is unique enough to stand out .
The option for crossplay out of the box helps as well as the game comes out on PC , PlayStation 4 and Xbox One .
“ Rocket Arena ” will come out in two forms .
The $ 29.99 Standard Edition features just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edition includes an outfit for Jayto , cosmetic items and Rocket Fuel — the premium currency — that is separate from the in-game currency that can be earned in play .

Breaking into team-based shooters is a difficult task. Games such as “Overwatch” and “Counter-Strike Global Offensive” suck up all the oxygen in the room. Add in Riot Games’ latest release “Valorant” and it can be difficult to stand out from the pack.
Nevertheless, Electronic Arts is jumping into the fray by publishing “Rocket Arena” from Final Strike Games. The third-person shooter launches on July 14 and will follow a path similar to “Overwatch.” That means it will release initially with 10 playable characters, 10 maps and five modes of play with plans to expand on all three.
“Rocket Arena” takes place on Crater, a planet dense with history, different cultures and an unhealthy obsession with rockets. Players choose one of the heroes and join a team of three in battles across several arenas. Despite being a shooter, the project has more in common with fighting games such as “Super Smash Bros.”
The title has a family-friendly approach as players blast each other rockets, but opponents never explode into a bloody mess. Instead, they have a blast meter that rises as they take damage. Once it’s full and if they’re hit with a rocket, they’ll be megablasted out of the arena and they’ll fly around to a new starting point.
It’s comparable to being knocked off the stage in “Super Smash Bros.,” and similar to that, there are ways to avoid being knocked out. If players can avoid damage for a while, they can have their meter drop after a few seconds. If they’re reeling and teetering on the edge of the arena, they can save themselves if they picked the right character use their special abilities to interrupt their trajectory and fall back to earth.
In addition, each character has his or her own stage. That’s content more commonly seen in fighting games than competitive shooters.
Character choice matters a lot in “Rocket Arena.” Each hero has a distinct style of play that’s reflected in the properties of their rockets, their movement and their special abilities. Those play into their role in this three-versus-three team-based shooter.
Take Izell for instance. She’s made for aggression and close-up fighting with her quick firing and short-ranged spear rockets and her bola snare that pulls rivals toward her. The Jaaqua Charge move helps close the distance between foes. Meanwhile, Blastbeard has a slow but powerful project that’s harder to aim as it arcs in the air. His Charged Anchor secondary attack knocks opponents back while his Shockwave ability pushes foes away while also destroying incoming rockets. He excels at holding an area on the map.
The teams of three will have to coordinate their talents in four player-vs-player modes: Knockout, Rocketball, Treasure Hunt and Megarocket. The rule sets benefit certain characters so it’s important to choose the right ones for the map and mode.
Knockout is comparable to a team deathmatch. The team that knocks the most opponents out of the arena or hits the limit wins.
Rocketball is comparable to capture the flag. Players have to grab the ball and take it to their base. Characters with speed and high mobility are great in this mode. One of the interesting twists is that players can throw the ball to teammates or at their goal to score.
Treasure Hunt is the most intriguing mode because it’s the most unconventional. Players phase two alternating phases. The first is a chase for the treasure chest. The one who has it generates coins for their team with the player holding it last getting a bonus. Afterward, the map is filled with coins and there’s a mad dash to grab as many as possible. Players can grab the gold or they can fire rockets at their rivals to stop them. This keeps going on until one time hits the limit.
Megarocket is a mode I didn’t get to play at a demo event, but it’s set up like a Control or Domination. A rocket lands somewhere on the map and players have to stay in the zone to get points for victory.
The last mode is player vs. enemy called RocketBot Attack and pits teams of three against AI-controlled RocketBots. Players have to work together to survive the onslaught.
Final Strike Games says the team is testing out more modes and characters. From what I played, “Rocket Arena” is fun, but it takes time to adjust to the concept. Players have to understand how role and play-style fits with each character. Because each rocket fires differently and the secondary attacks and special abilities are so diverse, no two heroes play alike and it will take time to learn the ins and outs.
The secondary attacks and special moves also have cooldown times so players can’t use them willy-nilly. The same goes for the lone defensive maneuver, a rocket dodge that has a very forgiving window of invincibility. Combine those with moves such as a triple jump, a rocket jump and a rocket climb, and it’s going to take time to master and understand the basics of “Rocket Arena.”
In the meantime, players will have a lot of cosmetics and upgrades to unlock. Final Strike Games says there’s 100 levels of progression rewards for each character and more than 350 unlockable cosmetics. Players will also encounter 22 gameplay-changing artifacts that modify a characters stats or abilities. Lastly, players can expect social and ranked playlists.
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What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August Entertainment | ‘First Descendant’ crossplay beta delayed until September but will be open to all Will “Rocket Arena” be as popular as more established titles? That’s hard to say for a team made of developers who worked on titles such as “Halo 5: Guardians” and the “Call of Duty” franchise. It will face a battle to grab players’ attention, but the gameplay and art is unique enough to stand out. The option for crossplay out of the box helps as well as the game comes out on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
“Rocket Arena” will come out in two forms. The $29.99 Standard Edition features just the game while the $39.99 Mythic Edition includes an outfit for Jayto, cosmetic items and Rocket Fuel — the premium currency — that is separate from the in-game currency that can be earned in play.


mercurynews--2020-06-18--Coronavirus: Here’s who has to wear a mask in California and when

Gov .
Gavin Newsom issued a new order Thursday mandating that Californians wear masks in most public settings as the state sees an uptick in new coronavirus cases and businesses reopen .
The mandate calls for Californians to cover up while waiting in lines or indoors in public places , in various work settings and while in healthcare facilities .
Here are the details : You must wear a mask when … • You ’ re inside any public space or waiting in line to enter one • You ’ re in any healthcare setting , like a hospital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physician or dental office , veterinary clinic or blood bank • You ’ re waiting for or riding on public transportation or while in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle • You ’ re interacting with a member of the public at work , or working in any space visited by the public , even if you ’ re alone inside the workplace • You ’ re working in a setting where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution • You ’ re working in — or walking through — common areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and parking lots • You ’ re in any room or enclosed area where other people , except for members of your own household , are present — and physical distancing is difficult • You ’ re driving or operating any public transportation or paratransit vehicle , taxi , private car service or ride-sharing vehicle and other passengers are present • You ’ re outside in a public space and physical distancing isn ’ t possible You don ’ t have to wear a mask if … • You ’ re a child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a medical , mental health , or developmental disability that prevents wearing a mask • You ’ re hard of hearing or communicating with someone hard of hearing who needs to see your face • Wearing a face covering would create a risk related to your work — as determined by local , state , or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines • You ’ re obtaining a service involving the nose or face and need to take off the mask to do so • You ’ re eating at a restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six feet away from the nearest table • You ’ re swimming , walking , hiking , bicycling , or running outside and able to maintain social distance • You ’ re incarcerated .
Prisons and jails will have their own specific guidance on face masks , according to the state

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a new order Thursday mandating that Californians wear masks in most public settings as the state sees an uptick in new coronavirus cases and businesses reopen.
The mandate calls for Californians to cover up while waiting in lines or indoors in public places, in various work settings and while in healthcare facilities. Here are the details:
You must wear a mask when …
You’re inside any public space or waiting in line to enter one
You’re in any healthcare setting, like a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic or blood bank
You’re waiting for or riding on public transportation or while in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle
You’re interacting with a member of the public at work, or working in any space visited by the public, even if you’re alone inside the workplace
You’re working in a setting where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution
You’re working in — or walking through — common areas like hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking lots
You’re in any room or enclosed area where other people, except for members of your own household, are present — and physical distancing is difficult
You’re driving or operating any public transportation or paratransit vehicle, taxi, private car service or ride-sharing vehicle and other passengers are present
You’re outside in a public space and physical distancing isn’t possible
You don’t have to wear a mask if …


mercurynews--2020-06-18--Letter: Change to police forces should come from within

I disagree with the editorial titled “ Defunding police isn ’ t the answer – real reform is ” ( Eastbaytimes.com , June 10 ) .
This doesn ’ t mean I think defunding the police is the answer – I don ’ t .
I disagree because I don ’ t want civilians playing Monday morning quarterback for a high-stress job that requires immediate decision-making .
Change to police forces should come from within .
• Letter : Many people in Tulsa aren ’ t happy with upcoming Trump rally • Letter : We need police reform , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DefundThePolice not the same as # ReformThePolice If the outside world continues to demand changes to police departments and those changes happen , there will be consequences .
Police will leave their jobs , either forcibly or voluntarily .
New people will be recruited to join the police force .
These police will be less likely to be the “ cream of the crop ” and these individuals will be put in the same high-pressure situations the current police face .
What happens then ?
More regulation ?
Submit your letter to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Editor

I disagree with the editorial titled “Defunding police isn’t the answer – real reform is” (Eastbaytimes.com, June 10).
This doesn’t mean I think defunding the police is the answer – I don’t. I disagree because I don’t want civilians playing Monday morning quarterback for a high-stress job that requires immediate decision-making. Change to police forces should come from within.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps If the outside world continues to demand changes to police departments and those changes happen, there will be consequences. Police will leave their jobs, either forcibly or voluntarily. New people will be recruited to join the police force. These police will be less likely to be the “cream of the crop” and these individuals will be put in the same high-pressure situations the current police face. What happens then? More regulation?
Ian McGuire
Concord
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-06-18--San Mateo County’s barber shops, salons, restaurants open for indoor customers

The floor of the San Carlos barbershop was covered in hair two inches deep — a sign of a successful reopening Thursday after three months of COVID-19-forced shutdown .
“ I ’ ve been here for about four hours and I ’ ve taken about five or six people , ” barber Kristoffer Garcia , 29 , said at I ’ m Faded after taking a break to sweep up .
“ It ’ s been a few months without work .
I have two kids , so it ’ s been hard .
It ’ s good to finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to take 10 months of training and to see that hard work thrown down the drain , it was really difficult .
We ’ re self-employed ; we don ’ t get paid time off.
” Garcia said customers were excited to get back in the barber ’ s chair .
“ I already feel great and I can ’ t wait to just feel rejuvenated .
I feel like I ’ m alive again , ” said 20-year-old customer Masie Mohammadi .
“ I ’ ve been cutting my own hair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the same .
Now I ’ m with a professional .
He ’ s been my barber for five years , since I was a sophomore in high school .
It ’ s cool to see him again.
” With the state ’ s blessing , San Mateo County on Thursday relaxed coronavirus restrictions enough to allow hair and nail salons , barbershops , gyms and restaurants to invite customers back inside .
Many were eager to return to business ; others are taking their time getting ready .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Mario Santacruz , owner of Lisa ’ s Mexican , a memorabilia-packed mainstay in Daly City where the steak ranchero and green-sauced burritos have been drawing customers for more than 50 years .
“ Small businesses have been really suffering.
” By 1 p.m. , he had already served two diners — one a loyal long-timer and the other a newcomer .
“ With the social distancing , we ’ re going to have to play musical chairs , ” he said .
“ We ’ re hoping to get 15 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant.
” Normally , Lisa ’ s seats about 45 customers .
Santacruz said he ’ ll maintain limited hours , 12:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for now , then reassess on July 1 .
“ Two more parties walked in while we were talking !
” he said excitedly .
Other businesses were still getting ready to reopen or have taken a wait-and-see approach .
Anne Le Ziblatt , a veteran chef-entrepreneur who launched her new Nam Vietnamese Brasserie in February , will offer indoor dining beginning July 7 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing takeout and delivery for weeks and just recently added outdoor dining when the city approved a temporary parklet .
Nearby , at the Great Clips in the Sequoia Station shopping center in Redwood City , owners Randy and Flo Wakefield — who have been in the hair-cutting business for 25 years — were restocking shelves , vacuuming and getting the shop ready to open in a day or two .
They said a Thursday opening with so little notice would have been difficult , especially after receiving more than a dozen requests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schedule haircuts .
“ We have to get our staff in shape , get everything sanitized , vacuum , mop up , ” Flo said as she placed an armful of shampoo bottles back up on the shelf after months of gathering dust in the back of the shop .
A plastic shield is already up at both cash registers in the hair salon , and sanitation stations were being set up .
“ They told me they ’ d try to open tomorrow , ” said a disappointed Tim Caselli , 54 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works on the Peninsula as a food broker for grocery stores and stopped by during a break .
He added that although he ’ s happy to see a return to some semblance of normalcy , he is still very skeptical .
“ I have to work at grocery stores , so I ’ ve been very cautious about going to events or places with large gatherings.
” Flo said there ’ s a lot that ’ s going to be different about getting a haircut .
Customers will have to wear a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed inside the lobby to wait unless they are elderly or have a disability , and there will only be one thing on the menu : haircuts .
Concerned about spreading the virus , Flo said hairstylists will not be giving beard trims , bang trims or shampooing of any kind “ until there ’ s a vaccine.
” She also said that sanitation , already frequent between haircuts , will now be deeper and longer than before .
She said she ’ s not very concerned about getting back in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried about the sheer number of people who may line up outside their shop for haircuts .
“ I ’ m very nervous , ” Flo said .
“ Antsy as well .
You never know what can happen .
There ’ s going to be a lot of people and the staff are going to need to take breaks .
“ Waits are going to be very long for a while .
”

The floor of the San Carlos barbershop was covered in hair two inches deep — a sign of a successful reopening Thursday after three months of COVID-19-forced shutdown.
“I’ve been here for about four hours and I’ve taken about five or six people,” barber Kristoffer Garcia, 29, said at I’m Faded after taking a break to sweep up. “It’s been a few months without work. I have two kids, so it’s been hard. It’s good to finally be back at work. Every barber has to take 10 months of training and to see that hard work thrown down the drain, it was really difficult. We’re self-employed; we don’t get paid time off.”
Garcia said customers were excited to get back in the barber’s chair.
“I already feel great and I can’t wait to just feel rejuvenated. I feel like I’m alive again,” said 20-year-old customer Masie Mohammadi. “I’ve been cutting my own hair at the house but it’s not the same. Now I’m with a professional. He’s been my barber for five years, since I was a sophomore in high school. It’s cool to see him again.”
With the state’s blessing, San Mateo County on Thursday relaxed coronavirus restrictions enough to allow hair and nail salons, barbershops, gyms and restaurants to invite customers back inside. Many were eager to return to business; others are taking their time getting ready.
“I’m very, very excited,” said Mario Santacruz, owner of Lisa’s Mexican, a memorabilia-packed mainstay in Daly City where the steak ranchero and green-sauced burritos have been drawing customers for more than 50 years. “Small businesses have been really suffering.”
By 1 p.m., he had already served two diners — one a loyal long-timer and the other a newcomer.
“With the social distancing, we’re going to have to play musical chairs,” he said. “We’re hoping to get 15, 20 people at one time in the restaurant.”
Normally, Lisa’s seats about 45 customers. Santacruz said he’ll maintain limited hours, 12:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for now, then reassess on July 1. “Two more parties walked in while we were talking!” he said excitedly.
Other businesses were still getting ready to reopen or have taken a wait-and-see approach.
Anne Le Ziblatt, a veteran chef-entrepreneur who launched her new Nam Vietnamese Brasserie in February, will offer indoor dining beginning July 7. The downtown Redwood City restaurant had been doing takeout and delivery for weeks and just recently added outdoor dining when the city approved a temporary parklet.
Nearby, at the Great Clips in the Sequoia Station shopping center in Redwood City, owners Randy and Flo Wakefield — who have been in the hair-cutting business for 25 years — were restocking shelves, vacuuming and getting the shop ready to open in a day or two.
They said a Thursday opening with so little notice would have been difficult, especially after receiving more than a dozen requests in person and over the phone to schedule haircuts.
“We have to get our staff in shape, get everything sanitized, vacuum, mop up,” Flo said as she placed an armful of shampoo bottles back up on the shelf after months of gathering dust in the back of the shop. A plastic shield is already up at both cash registers in the hair salon, and sanitation stations were being set up.
“They told me they’d try to open tomorrow,” said a disappointed Tim Caselli, 54, who lives in San Leandro but works on the Peninsula as a food broker for grocery stores and stopped by during a break. He added that although he’s happy to see a return to some semblance of normalcy, he is still very skeptical. “I have to work at grocery stores, so I’ve been very cautious about going to events or places with large gatherings.”
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Economy | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Flo said there’s a lot that’s going to be different about getting a haircut. Customers will have to wear a mask, most people won’t be allowed inside the lobby to wait unless they are elderly or have a disability, and there will only be one thing on the menu: haircuts. Concerned about spreading the virus, Flo said hairstylists will not be giving beard trims, bang trims or shampooing of any kind “until there’s a vaccine.”
She also said that sanitation, already frequent between haircuts, will now be deeper and longer than before. She said she’s not very concerned about getting back in the groove of things but is a bit worried about the sheer number of people who may line up outside their shop for haircuts.
“I’m very nervous,” Flo said. “Antsy as well. You never know what can happen. There’s going to be a lot of people and the staff are going to need to take breaks.
“Waits are going to be very long for a while.”


mercurynews--2020-06-18--Oakland, S.F. neighborhoods fastest gentrifying in U.S.

Nearly one-third of poor neighborhoods in Oakland and San Francisco experienced gentrification between 2013 and 2017 , the highest rate in the country according to a new national study .
San Jose was also among the top 10 cities in the U.S. where families with low median household incomes were replaced by high wage earners with college degrees , according to a report released Thursday by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition .
The study spotlights the Bay Area ’ s rare bubble — poor communities in other cities across the country have seen little new investment and gentrification over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But high-wage tech workers and expensive housing have continued to push lower-wage neighbors out of West Oakland , Uptown , East Palo Alto and other communities .
The study quantifies what Bay Area residents have seen for years : historically low-income neighborhoods rapidly changed by new , higher-income residents .
“ It ’ s a combination of economic activity , land use and geography , ” said NCRC director of research Jason Richardson .
The nonprofit coalition advocates for private reinvestment in under served communities .
The researchers looked at census data in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantial rises in median household income , housing prices , and the share of residents with four-year degrees to find gentrification .
Researchers identified 41 of 131 low- and moderate-income tracts in San Francisco and Oakland that saw substantial increases in household income , education and home prices .
The San Francisco and Oakland metro are saw 31 percent of its eligible communities gentrify , outpacing Denver ( 27 .
5 percent ) and Boston ( 21 percent ) as the most intense changes in the country , according to NCRC .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — about 18 percent — had large gains in wealth and educational status .
In West Oakland , for example , median household income rose from $ 80,700 to $ 86,300 between 2010 and 2017 , while the percent of population with four-year degrees rose from one-third to nearly one-half , according to the study .
The study also considered the possible future effects of federal opportunity zones on low and moderate-income neighborhoods .
The opportunity zones , established in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act , allow tax breaks for certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is designed to fuel investment in 8,000 urban and rural zones designated as disadvantaged by state governors .
NCRC researchers found nearly 70 percent of the opportunity zones overlap or run adjacent to communities most likely to experience gentrification .
“ These are some of the most distressed neighborhoods in the U.S. , ” said report co-author Bruce Mitchell .
The investments could bring opportunities for residents — but studies have shown long-time residents are usually displaced by the community make-overs .
Renters and people of color are most vulnerable .
Critics worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in many neighborhoods , even as properties are redeveloped .
NCRC researchers said its too soon to gauge the impact of opportunity zones on communities .
Mitchell noted that reinvestment will likely be slowed as the economy is hampered by the coronavirus pandemic .
California Housing Partnership CEO Matt Schwartz said the long-running trend in the Bay Area has been driven by booming job growth in the tech sector .
Other factors , including lack of new construction and state property tax laws , have driven up housing prices across the region .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ found the mounting cost of housing hit households of color hardest .
A 30 percent increase in rents , for example , led to a nearly 30 percent decline in low income minority residents in Bay Area communities .
Existing white residents , however , were likely to stay put as their neighborhood changed , the study found .
“ The impacts were not equal , ” Schwartz said .
• The Price We Pay : How rising housing costs are transforming the Bay Area • Home price hikes are hurting vulnerable residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing prices in the Bay Area have pushed basic needs for renters well out of reach in recent years .
An exclusive analysis of Zillow housing data by this news organization last year found moderate and low-income residents have been slowly priced out of the region since 2012 .
Families with a household income of $ 100,000 , about the median income in the Bay Area , could not afford the typical rent in 7 in 10 zip codes in the region , including all of San Francisco , San Mateo and Marin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than $ 64,000 — common for two , minimum wage workers — no Bay Area neighborhoods had an affordable median apartment rent .

Nearly one-third of poor neighborhoods in Oakland and San Francisco experienced gentrification between 2013 and 2017, the highest rate in the country according to a new national study.
San Jose was also among the top 10 cities in the U.S. where families with low median household incomes were replaced by high wage earners with college degrees, according to a report released Thursday by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition.
The study spotlights the Bay Area’s rare bubble — poor communities in other cities across the country have seen little new investment and gentrification over the last decade, NCRC research showed. But high-wage tech workers and expensive housing have continued to push lower-wage neighbors out of West Oakland, Uptown, East Palo Alto and other communities.
The study quantifies what Bay Area residents have seen for years: historically low-income neighborhoods rapidly changed by new, higher-income residents. “It’s a combination of economic activity, land use and geography,” said NCRC director of research Jason Richardson. The nonprofit coalition advocates for private reinvestment in under served communities.
The researchers looked at census data in poor communities from 2012 to 2017 for substantial rises in median household income, housing prices, and the share of residents with four-year degrees to find gentrification.
Researchers identified 41 of 131 low- and moderate-income tracts in San Francisco and Oakland that saw substantial increases in household income, education and home prices. The San Francisco and Oakland metro are saw 31 percent of its eligible communities gentrify, outpacing Denver (27. 5 percent) and Boston (21 percent) as the most intense changes in the country, according to NCRC.
In San Jose, 13 of 72 tracts — about 18 percent — had large gains in wealth and educational status.
In West Oakland, for example, median household income rose from $80,700 to $86,300 between 2010 and 2017, while the percent of population with four-year degrees rose from one-third to nearly one-half, according to the study.
The study also considered the possible future effects of federal opportunity zones on low and moderate-income neighborhoods. The opportunity zones, established in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, allow tax breaks for certain investments in distressed communities. The program is designed to fuel investment in 8,000 urban and rural zones designated as disadvantaged by state governors.
NCRC researchers found nearly 70 percent of the opportunity zones overlap or run adjacent to communities most likely to experience gentrification. “These are some of the most distressed neighborhoods in the U.S.,” said report co-author Bruce Mitchell. The investments could bring opportunities for residents — but studies have shown long-time residents are usually displaced by the community make-overs. Renters and people of color are most vulnerable.
Critics worry that the investment program may accelerate gentrification in many neighborhoods, even as properties are redeveloped.
Related Articles Real Estate | The Price We Pay: How rising housing costs are transforming the Bay Area
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Home price hikes are hurting vulnerable residents in these Bay Area neighborhoods Real Estate | Coronavirus lockdowns no match for Bay Area home buyers NCRC researchers said its too soon to gauge the impact of opportunity zones on communities. Mitchell noted that reinvestment will likely be slowed as the economy is hampered by the coronavirus pandemic.
California Housing Partnership CEO Matt Schwartz said the long-running trend in the Bay Area has been driven by booming job growth in the tech sector. Other factors, including lack of new construction and state property tax laws, have driven up housing prices across the region.
In a 2019 report, the partnership found the mounting cost of housing hit households of color hardest. A 30 percent increase in rents, for example, led to a nearly 30 percent decline in low income minority residents in Bay Area communities. Existing white residents, however, were likely to stay put as their neighborhood changed, the study found.
“The impacts were not equal,” Schwartz said.
The runaway housing prices in the Bay Area have pushed basic needs for renters well out of reach in recent years. An exclusive analysis of Zillow housing data by this news organization last year found moderate and low-income residents have been slowly priced out of the region since 2012.
Families with a household income of $100,000, about the median income in the Bay Area, could not afford the typical rent in 7 in 10 zip codes in the region, including all of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties. For a family earning less than $64,000 — common for two, minimum wage workers — no Bay Area neighborhoods had an affordable median apartment rent.


mercurynews--2020-06-18--Bay Area man made $21 million operating international sex trafficking websites that included child v

Bay Area man made $21 million operating international sex trafficking websites that included child victims, feds say

FREMONT — A Bay Area man is in federal custody and awaiting extradition to Texas , where he is set to face federal charges that allege he set up sex trafficking websites on an international scale , raking in $ 21 million in proceeds within a two-year span .
Wilhan Martono , 46 , was arrested Wednesday in Fremont , and was being held Thursday in the Santa Rita Jail on a no-bail hold .
In coming days , the U.S .
Marshals are expected to move him to Dallas , Texas , where he is facing 28 federal counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and facilitation of prostitution , racketeering , and more than a dozen money laundering charges .
The indictment against Martono alleges that his sites included not only adult prostitution “ services , ” but ads featuring “ numerous child trafficking victims , ” including one who was identified as a 13-year-old girl who was rescued in Texas last November .
The website names included “ CityXGuide , ” and “ BodyRubShop , ” as well as an alteration on the infamous adult services website Backpage , which was shut down by the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleges that Martono first purchased a CityXGuide domain in 2004 , but in 2018 — after the fall of Backpage — he expressed a desire to kick things into overdrive .
A month after Backpage was shut down , Martono allegedly purchased a domain called “ New Backpage.
” In January 2019 , in an email exchange with a “ promoter , ” he expressed a desire to take over , “ from where Backpage left off , ” the indictment alleges .
The sites allowed users to search for sex workers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States , including San Jose , San Francisco , Los Angeles , Sacramento , Las Vegas , and San Diego , the indictment says .
Users could pick from a range of services , everything from massage and “ lunch dates ” to a range of specific sexual acts .
Users were expected to pay electronically with Bitcoin or gift cards , which make it harder for authorities to track , the indictment alleges .
The websites were set up with physical addresses listed in a Hong Kong apartment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a property management company there , prosecutors say .
• ‘ You owe me ya life ’ : New details in rapper Serius Jones ’ pimping , human trafficking case • ‘ You know how Oakland is ’ : Man with pimping conviction faces federal gun charges During the investigation , authorities tracked 16 different wire transfers from November 2018 to May 2019 , in which Martono deposited thousands of gift cards that added up to hundreds of thousands of dollars .
As part of the indictment , the U.S. Department of Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 bank accounts allegedly operated by Martono , as well as an undisclosed amount of silver bullion that was allegedly purchased from a business in Singapore .

FREMONT — A Bay Area man is in federal custody and awaiting extradition to Texas, where he is set to face federal charges that allege he set up sex trafficking websites on an international scale, raking in $21 million in proceeds within a two-year span.
Wilhan Martono, 46, was arrested Wednesday in Fremont, and was being held Thursday in the Santa Rita Jail on a no-bail hold. In coming days, the U.S. Marshals are expected to move him to Dallas, Texas, where he is facing 28 federal counts.
The charges include conspiracy, promotion and facilitation of prostitution, racketeering, and more than a dozen money laundering charges. The indictment against Martono alleges that his sites included not only adult prostitution “services,” but ads featuring “numerous child trafficking victims,” including one who was identified as a 13-year-old girl who was rescued in Texas last November.
The website names included “CityXGuide,” and “BodyRubShop,” as well as an alteration on the infamous adult services website Backpage, which was shut down by the federal government in April 2018. The indictment alleges that Martono first purchased a CityXGuide domain in 2004, but in 2018 — after the fall of Backpage — he expressed a desire to kick things into overdrive.
A month after Backpage was shut down, Martono allegedly purchased a domain called “New Backpage.” In January 2019, in an email exchange with a “promoter,” he expressed a desire to take over, “from where Backpage left off,” the indictment alleges.
The sites allowed users to search for sex workers in five continents and more than 14 cities in the United States, including San Jose, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Las Vegas, and San Diego, the indictment says. Users could pick from a range of services, everything from massage and “lunch dates” to a range of specific sexual acts.
Users were expected to pay electronically with Bitcoin or gift cards, which make it harder for authorities to track, the indictment alleges. The websites were set up with physical addresses listed in a Hong Kong apartment, and phone numbers that went back to a property management company there, prosecutors say.
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Weeks after beating murder charge, East Bay man arrested for allegedly trafficking girl in Pinole Crime and Public Safety | Arrests announced in Bay Area crackdown on human trafficking During the investigation, authorities tracked 16 different wire transfers from November 2018 to May 2019, in which Martono deposited thousands of gift cards that added up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
As part of the indictment, the U.S. Department of Justice is moving to seize the contents of 12 bank accounts allegedly operated by Martono, as well as an undisclosed amount of silver bullion that was allegedly purchased from a business in Singapore.


mercurynews--2020-06-19--Authorities: 21-year-old Santa Cruz jail inmate died of acute water intoxication

SANTA CRUZ — Authorities released the cause of a 21-year-old man ’ s death in a Santa Cruz County jail cell hours before a demonstration seeking answers about the incident was scheduled to begin .
Tamario Smith , 21 , died in a Santa Cruz County Jail cell May 10 .
An autopsy determined his death was caused by overconsumption of water , according to information released Thursday by the county Sheriff ’ s Office .
“ Our forensic pathologist determined Mr. Smith ’ s cause of death to be acute water intoxication , due to the over consumption of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Sheriff ’ s Office stated in a release .
“ The over consumption of water was influenced by Mr. Smith ’ s underlying mental health issues .
This water consumption led to an electrolyte imbalance , which caused Mr. Smith ’ s organs to fail , leading to Mr. Smith ’ s death.
” The autopsy found no evidence of trauma , foul play , COVID-19 or any sign Smith had ingested any kind of toxic substance , according to the Sheriff ’ s Office .
Smith did not share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his death was ruled an accident .
Smith was found unresponsive in his cell at Santa Cruz County Main Jail around 6 p.m. May 10 .
Correctional officers attempted life-saving measures and called paramedics before Smith was pronounced dead at the jail , according to previously released information .
A Sheriff ’ s Office spokesperson did not respond to questions seeking additional information on Smith ’ s death , and the timing of Thursday ’ s release , by press time .
A demonstration in demand of answers from the Sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s death was scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday at the Town Clock .
Demonstrators had previously identified Smith ’ s race as Black , raising questions around his death in the context of the national Black Lives Matter movement .
Protesters chanted Smith ’ s name during a demonstration at the county ’ s main jail earlier in June , and his name was temporarily displayed on a banner and chalked onto the bricks at the base of the Town Clock this week .
Organizers for Thursday ’ s planned demonstration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent media sites , couldn ’ t immediately be identified or reached .
Smith was born in Stockton and moved to Santa Cruz County with his family in 2001 , according to an online obituary .
He graduated from Louden Nelson Community School and was a member of the Word of Life Church in Santa Cruz .
Court records show Smith pleaded not guilty to domestic violence related charges in December in a case that was ongoing at the time of his death .

SANTA CRUZ — Authorities released the cause of a 21-year-old man’s death in a Santa Cruz County jail cell hours before a demonstration seeking answers about the incident was scheduled to begin.
Tamario Smith, 21, died in a Santa Cruz County Jail cell May 10. An autopsy determined his death was caused by overconsumption of water, according to information released Thursday by the county Sheriff’s Office.
“Our forensic pathologist determined Mr. Smith’s cause of death to be acute water intoxication, due to the over consumption of water in a short period of time,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in a release. “The over consumption of water was influenced by Mr. Smith’s underlying mental health issues. This water consumption led to an electrolyte imbalance, which caused Mr. Smith’s organs to fail, leading to Mr. Smith’s death.”
The autopsy found no evidence of trauma, foul play, COVID-19 or any sign Smith had ingested any kind of toxic substance, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Smith did not share a cell with another inmate, and his death was ruled an accident.
Smith was found unresponsive in his cell at Santa Cruz County Main Jail around 6 p.m. May 10. Correctional officers attempted life-saving measures and called paramedics before Smith was pronounced dead at the jail, according to previously released information.
A Sheriff’s Office spokesperson did not respond to questions seeking additional information on Smith’s death, and the timing of Thursday’s release, by press time.
A demonstration in demand of answers from the Sheriff’s Office as to the circumstances around Smith’s death was scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday at the Town Clock.
Demonstrators had previously identified Smith’s race as Black, raising questions around his death in the context of the national Black Lives Matter movement.
Protesters chanted Smith’s name during a demonstration at the county’s main jail earlier in June, and his name was temporarily displayed on a banner and chalked onto the bricks at the base of the Town Clock this week.
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Smith was born in Stockton and moved to Santa Cruz County with his family in 2001, according to an online obituary. He graduated from Louden Nelson Community School and was a member of the Word of Life Church in Santa Cruz.
Court records show Smith pleaded not guilty to domestic violence related charges in December in a case that was ongoing at the time of his death.


mercurynews--2020-06-19--‘Nooses’ in Oakland park were exercise aids, man says

OAKLAND — Oakland ’ s mayor said five ropes found hanging from trees in a city park are nooses and racially-charged symbols of terror but a resident said they are merely exercise equipment that he put up there months ago .
Mayor Libby Schaaf said Wedesday that a hate crime investigation was under way after a social media post identified a noose at the city ’ s popular Lake Merritt .
Police said they searched the area on Tuesday and found five ropes attached to trees .
The Police Department provided five photographs of trees , some of which showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a piece of plastic pipe attached to a rope , hanging from tree limbs .
They have been removed by city officials .
Victor Sengbe , who is black , told KGO-TV that the ropes were part of a rigging that he and his friends used as part of a larger swing system .
He also shared video of the swing in use .
“ Out of the dozen and hundreds and thousands of people that walked by , no one has thought that it looked anywhere close to a noose .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was really a fun addition to the park that we tried to create , ” Sengbe said .
“ It ’ s unfortunate that a genuine gesture of just wanting to have a good time got misinterpreted into something so heinous , ” he told the station .
Nooses have been associated with the lynching of black people and used as symbols to taunt or terrorize African Americans .
Schaaf said officials must “ start with the assumption that these are hate crimes.
” However , the mayor and Nicholas Williams , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recreation , also said it didn ’ t matter whether the ropes were meant to send a racist message .
“ Intentions don ’ t matter when it comes to terrorizing the public , ” Schaaf said .
“ It is incumbent on all of us to know the actual history of racial violence , of terrorism , that a noose represents and that we as a city must remove these terrorizing symbols from the public view.
” “ The symbolism of the rope hanging in the tree is malicious regardless of intent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it symbolizes hatred , ” Williams said .
Police said several community members came forward during their initial investigation to say the ropes were used for exercise and a man came forward to say he put them up several months ago .
The department said it is conducting a full investigation and had notified the FBI .
“ We remind and ask our community to be mindful when using this equipment in a recreational manner .
These acts may send an unintended message , ” the police statement said .
“ We recognize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ropes on or attached to trees , limbs or other objects can be associated with hate crimes and racial violence .
”

CLICK HERE if you’re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device.
OAKLAND — Oakland’s mayor said five ropes found hanging from trees in a city park are nooses and racially-charged symbols of terror but a resident said they are merely exercise equipment that he put up there months ago.
Mayor Libby Schaaf said Wedesday that a hate crime investigation was under way after a social media post identified a noose at the city’s popular Lake Merritt. Police said they searched the area on Tuesday and found five ropes attached to trees.
The Police Department provided five photographs of trees, some of which showed knotted ropes and one that appeared to have a piece of plastic pipe attached to a rope, hanging from tree limbs.
They have been removed by city officials.
Victor Sengbe, who is black, told KGO-TV that the ropes were part of a rigging that he and his friends used as part of a larger swing system. He also shared video of the swing in use.
“Out of the dozen and hundreds and thousands of people that walked by, no one has thought that it looked anywhere close to a noose. Folks have used it for exercise. It was really a fun addition to the park that we tried to create,” Sengbe said.
“It’s unfortunate that a genuine gesture of just wanting to have a good time got misinterpreted into something so heinous,” he told the station.
Nooses have been associated with the lynching of black people and used as symbols to taunt or terrorize African Americans.
Schaaf said officials must “start with the assumption that these are hate crimes.” However, the mayor and Nicholas Williams, the city’s director of parks recreation, also said it didn’t matter whether the ropes were meant to send a racist message.
“Intentions don’t matter when it comes to terrorizing the public,” Schaaf said. “It is incumbent on all of us to know the actual history of racial violence, of terrorism, that a noose represents and that we as a city must remove these terrorizing symbols from the public view.”
“The symbolism of the rope hanging in the tree is malicious regardless of intent. It’s evil, and it symbolizes hatred,” Williams said.
Police said several community members came forward during their initial investigation to say the ropes were used for exercise and a man came forward to say he put them up several months ago.
The department said it is conducting a full investigation and had notified the FBI.
“We remind and ask our community to be mindful when using this equipment in a recreational manner. These acts may send an unintended message,” the police statement said. “We recognize especially at this time, that any ropes on or attached to trees, limbs or other objects can be associated with hate crimes and racial violence.”


mercurynews--2020-06-19--Guidelines and exemptions to California’s new mask order

SACRAMENTO — California on Thursday began requiring people to wear masks in most indoor spaces and some outdoor ones as it fights the coronavirus .
Here are details of the statewide guidance .
WHERE AND WHEN ARE MASKS REQUIRED ?
— Inside or in line to enter indoor public spaces .
— In hospitals , pharmacies , medical clinics or other healthcare offices .
— While waiting for and riding public transportation , taxis or ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft .
Drivers should also wear masks .
— In work places that require interacting with the public , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered , or when sharing common spaces such as elevators and hallways .
— In office settings where people can not physically distance .
— While outside if it ’ s not possible to stay six feet away from others .
— People with medical , mental health or developmental issues that prevent it .
— People who are deaf or have hearing loss and those who communicate with them if seeing someone ’ s mouth is essential .
— Workers who would violate workplace safety rules by wearing one .
— People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , running or doing other outdoor activity where they can stay 6 feet ( 1.8 meters ) from others .
— People in jails and prisons , which have their own guidance on face coverings .

SACRAMENTO — California on Thursday began requiring people to wear masks in most indoor spaces and some outdoor ones as it fights the coronavirus. Here are details of the statewide guidance.
WHERE AND WHEN ARE MASKS REQUIRED?
— Inside or in line to enter indoor public spaces.
— In hospitals, pharmacies, medical clinics or other healthcare offices.
— While waiting for and riding public transportation, taxis or ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. Drivers should also wear masks.
— In work places that require interacting with the public, where food is prepared, packaged or delivered, or when sharing common spaces such as elevators and hallways.
— In office settings where people cannot physically distance.
— While outside if it’s not possible to stay six feet away from others.
WHO IS EXEMPT?
— Children age 2 and younger.
— People with medical, mental health or developmental issues that prevent it.
— People who are deaf or have hearing loss and those who communicate with them if seeing someone’s mouth is essential.
— Workers who would violate workplace safety rules by wearing one.
— People eating and drinking at restaurants.
— People swimming, walking, hiking, biking, running or doing other outdoor activity where they can stay 6 feet (1.8 meters) from others.
— People in jails and prisons, which have their own guidance on face coverings.


mercurynews--2020-06-19--University of California campuses plan to offer most classes online this fall

All but one of University of California ’ s nine undergraduate campuses have now announced plans to offer many classes — if not all — online this fall , as the four-year university system moves forward amid the coronavirus pandemic .
On Wednesday , three UC campuses — Berkeley , Riverside and Santa Cruz — became the latest to disclose detailed plans for the fall , joining Davis , Irvine , Merced and Los Angeles .
In general , the campuses will deliver the vast majority of classes virtually , except for classes such as science labs and small discussion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
UC San Diego has yet to formally announce their plans for the fall , but Chancellor Pradeep Khosla wrote in an op-ed Wednesday in the San Diego Union-Tribune that the university will “ offer a mix of remote and in-person instruction.
” UC Santa Barbara is the only undergraduate UC campus that has yet to say anything publicly about how classes will operate in the fall .
A spokesperson for that university did not return a request Wednesday seeking details about the university ’ s plans for fall instruction .
The announcements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across California and the United States .
Hospitalizations are increasing in some parts of California , including in Orange and Ventura counties as well as in the San Joaquin Valley , according to the Los Angeles Times .
California is also among nine states that on Tuesday registered either new single-day highs in cases of the virus or a record for seven-day new case averages , the Washington Post reported .
Classes across the UC system first transitioned to being delivered virtually in March , as the coronavirus began to spread rapidly across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward by UC campuses for the fall are in line with the expectations set by system president Janet Napolitano , who said last month that “ most of , if not all of , our campuses will operate in some kind of hybrid mode.
” The state ’ s other four-year public university system , the 23-campus California State University , appeared to initially take a stricter approach than UC in limiting in-person classes for the fall .
Tim White , that system ’ s chancellor , made national headlines last month when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system will be offered online this fall , with limited exceptions for classes that can ’ t be delivered virtually .
Napolitano did not take the same top-down approach , instead leaving decisions for the fall to each individual campus across the UC system .
But as those campuses have released their plans , they appear to be fairly similar to what can be expected across the CSU system , with the majority of classes being taught remotely and a few courses being delivered face-to-face .
Even as the majority of classes will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UC system will allow at least some students to return to campus housing in the fall .
The seven campuses that have formally announced their plans for the fall have said they will open campus housing to some students .
Here are details of the plans for eight of UC ’ s campuses : In-person classes at Berkeley will be offered on a limited basis to students “ who wish to come to campus , ” the university said Wednesday .
“ Large courses ” will be delivered remotely , the university said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of those classes may be available in person .
The university is still in the process of determining specifically which classes will have in-person options for the fall and plans to make that information available by July .
In any case , the university will not require any student to take in-person classes or be present on campus .
Even courses that offer in-person instruction will also be available “ via a remotely delivered method , ” according to the university .
A limited number of students will be able to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 30,000 undergraduate students , the university plans to house up to 6,500 students in residence halls .
Those students will need to be tested for Covid-19 , the disease the virus causes , before moving into their dorms and will be asked to isolate for between seven and 10 days after arriving .
Students who will be given priority for staying in campus housing include low-income students , students who have already signed housing contracts , students with disabilities and athletes .
Most courses will be offered virtually at Davis this fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in person “ depending on health guidelines and instructor preference , ” according to the university .
The university plans to offer in-person instruction for the “ small number of courses that can not be delivered remotely , ” including classes that emphasize hands-on learning .
Classes that are offered in-person will be held in classrooms that are bigger than usual .
If county and state health guidelines allow , the university will also allow students to return to campus housing this fall , but residence halls “ will have reduced density , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first UC campus to disclose plans for the fall , announcing last week that almost all undergraduate classes would be delivered remotely , with exceptions made for labs , clinical courses and some engineering classes .
However , the university does plan to allow students to return to campus .
University officials wrote in a letter to students and their families that the university is “ committed to providing as many students as possible with a meaningful campus residential experience ” and would allow students to stay in dorms with single and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it expects between 15 % and 20 % of classes will be offered either in person or with a mix of in-person and virtual delivery .
Those classes will include labs , clinical courses , some performing arts classes and other courses that can ’ t be delivered remotely .
The rest of the university ’ s classes will be conducted online .
The university said it will also offer on-campus housing but at a “ lower population density ” and will prioritize housing “ based on a variety of factors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the distance between their primary residence and the campus .
Merced is aiming to offer between 20 % and 30 % of classes in person this fall as part of a blended approach of remote , in-person and hybrid course offerings , the university said last week .
Priority for on-campus housing will go to incoming freshmen , foster and former foster students , students with disabilities and students who are homeless or otherwise housing insecure .
Housing that is still available after those students have been accommodated will be offered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All classes at UC Riverside will be available virtually during the fall quarter .
Instructors who want to offer in-person classes can submit requests to do so , but any classes approved for in-person instruction will also need to accommodate students who can ’ t attend in person .
The university said it expects that a “ relatively small number of classes ” will be approved for in-person instruction , and that it will prioritize graduate classes and undergraduate lab and studio courses .
On-campus housing will be available to students , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal and is still being determined , ” according to the university .
In an op-ed in the San Diego Union-Tribune , UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla said the campus will offer a limited number of in-person classes , including “ smaller seminar classes , studios and laboratories that require hands-on work.
” The university is expected to announce more formal plans on Friday , according to the Los Angeles Times .
Most courses will be offered remotely this fall , UC Santa Cruz announced Wednesday , but in-person instruction will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classes that can not be delivered remotely.
” That includes some lab classes , studio courses and field study courses .
The on-campus housing offered by the university will be significantly reduced , with priority given to “ various continuing student populations and new transfer students , who may have a need to be physically present for courses or labs taught on campus , ” the university said .

All but one of University of California’s nine campuses serving undergraduates have now formally announced plans to offer most classes online this fall, as the four-year university system moves forward amid the coronavirus pandemic.
This week, four UC campuses — Berkeley, Riverside, Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara — became the latest to disclose detailed plans for the fall, joining Davis, Irvine, Merced and Los Angeles. In general, the campuses will deliver the vast majority of classes virtually, except for classes such as science labs and small discussion seminars that are difficult to provide remotely.
At the same, those seven universities have also said they will allow some students to return to campus this fall and stay in dorms, with variations from campus to campus in how they envision doing that.
UC San Diego has yet to formally announce their plans for the fall, but Chancellor Pradeep Khosla wrote in an op-ed Wednesday in the San Diego Union-Tribune that the university will “offer a mix of remote and in-person instruction.”
The announcements come as the coronavirus continues to spread across California and the United States. Hospitalizations are increasing in some parts of California, including in Orange and Ventura counties as well as in the San Joaquin Valley, according to the Los Angeles Times. California is also among nine states that on Tuesday registered either new single-day highs in cases of the virus or a record for seven-day new case averages, the Washington Post reported.
Classes across the UC system first transitioned to being delivered virtually in March, as the coronavirus began to spread rapidly across the state.
The plans being put forward by UC campuses for the fall are in line with the expectations set by system president Janet Napolitano, who said last month that “most of, if not all of, our campuses will operate in some kind of hybrid mode.”
The state’s other four-year public university system, the 23-campus California State University, initially appeared to take a stricter approach than UC in limiting in-person classes for the fall. Tim White, that system’s chancellor, made national headlines last month when he said that most classes across the system will be offered online this fall, with limited exceptions for classes that can’t be delivered virtually.
Napolitano did not take the same top-down approach, instead leaving decisions for the fall to each individual campus across the UC system. But as those campuses have released their plans, they appear to be fairly similar to what can be expected across the CSU system, with the majority of classes being taught remotely and a few courses being delivered face-to-face.
Here is what is known about plans for UC’s campuses:
Berkeley
In-person classes at Berkeley will be offered on a limited basis to students “who wish to come to campus,” the university said Wednesday. “Large courses” will be delivered remotely, the university said, but smaller discussion groups that are part of those classes may be available in person. The university is still in the process of determining specifically which classes will have in-person options for the fall and plans to make that information available by July.
In any case, the university will not require any student to take in-person classes or be present on campus. Even courses that offer in-person instruction will also be available “via a remotely delivered method,” according to the university.
A limited number of students will be able to stay in campus housing. Out of more than 30,000 undergraduate students, the university plans to house up to 6,500 students in residence halls. Those students will need to be tested for COVID-19, the disease the virus causes, before moving into their dorms and will be asked to isolate for between seven and 10 days after arriving. Students who will be given priority for staying in campus housing include low-income students, students who have already signed housing contracts, students with disabilities and athletes.
UC Davis
Most courses will be offered virtually at Davis this fall, but some will also be available in person “depending on health guidelines and instructor preference,” according to the university. The university plans to offer in-person instruction for the “small number of courses that cannot be delivered remotely,” including classes that emphasize hands-on learning.
Classes that are offered in-person will be held in classrooms that are bigger than usual.
If county and state health guidelines allow, the university will also allow students to return to campus housing this fall, but residence halls “will have reduced density,” the university said.
Irvine
Irvine was the first UC campus to disclose plans for the fall, announcing earlier this month that almost all undergraduate classes would be delivered remotely, with exceptions made for labs, clinical courses and some engineering classes.
However, the university does plan to allow students to return to campus. University officials wrote in a letter to students and their families that the university is “committed to providing as many students as possible with a meaningful campus residential experience” and would allow students to stay in dorms with single and double rooms.
Los Angeles
UCLA said this week that it expects between 15% and 20% of classes will be offered either in person or with a mix of in-person and virtual delivery. Those classes will include labs, clinical courses, some performing arts classes and other courses that can’t be delivered remotely. The rest of the university’s classes will be conducted online.
The university said it will also offer on-campus housing but at a “lower population density” and will prioritize housing “based on a variety of factors,” including the financial needs of students and the distance between their primary residence and the campus.
Merced
Merced is aiming to offer between 20% and 30% of classes in person this fall as part of a blended approach of remote, in-person and hybrid course offerings, the university said last week.
Priority for on-campus housing will go to incoming freshmen, foster and former foster students, students with disabilities and students who are homeless or otherwise housing insecure. Housing that is still available after those students have been accommodated will be offered to other students on a waiting list.
Riverside
All classes at UC Riverside will be available virtually during the fall quarter. Instructors who want to offer in-person classes can submit requests to do so, but any classes approved for in-person instruction will also need to accommodate students who can’t attend in person.
The university said it expects that a “relatively small number of classes” will be approved for in-person instruction and that it will prioritize graduate classes and undergraduate lab and studio courses.
On-campus housing will be available to students, “but the density will be lower than normal and is still being determined,” according to the university.
UC Santa Barbara
Most classes will be offered remotely — and definitely all classes with enrollments of more than 50 students. At the same time the university says “we still plan to create a meaningful on-campus experience for as many students as we can, particularly those with special circumstances.”
Campus residence halls will be open, but with no more than double occupancy per room. Before returning to campus, students will be required to show that they have tested negatively to the virus, and once there they will be asked to limit social interactions for the first two weeks, and then to stay on campus for the entire quarter which begins on October 1.
Residence halls will impose a strict “no visitor” policy. The university says it will give special consideration in allocating housing “to students in their first year on campus and those with special circumstances. “The number of housing units for graduate students will not be affected.
Students living off-campus in Isla Vista are being encouraged to “will carefully explore all options, and be mindful about the importance of physical distancing and reduced density in living situations.” Even in off-campus housing, students are advised not to more than two people per bedroom.
San Diego
In an op-ed in the San Diego Union-Tribune, Khosla said the campus will offer a limited number of in-person classes, including “smaller seminar classes, studios and laboratories that require hands-on work.”
Santa Cruz
Most courses will be offered remotely this fall, UC Santa Cruz announced Wednesday, but in-person instruction will be provided for a “small number of classes that cannot be delivered remotely.” That includes some lab classes, studio courses and field study courses.
The on-campus housing offered by the university will be significantly reduced, with priority given to “various continuing student populations and new transfer students, who may have a need to be physically present for courses or labs taught on campus,” the university said.