mercurynews--2020-01-15--House leaders march Trump impeachment articles to the Senate

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — In a dramatic procession across the U.S. Capitol , House Democrats carried the formal articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate late Wednesday , setting the stage for only the third trial to remove a president in American history .
Trump complained anew it was all a “ hoax , ” even as fresh details emerged about his efforts in Ukraine .
The ceremonial pomp and protocol by the lawmakers prosecuting the case against Trump moved the impeachment out of Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s Democratic-run House to the Republican-majority Senate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mounting a defense aiming for swift acquittal .
“ Today we will make history , ” Pelosi said as she signed the documents , using multiple pens to hand out and mark the moment .
“ This president will be held accountable.
” Moments later the prosecutors walked solemnly through the stately hall , filing into the Senate back row as the Clerk of the House announced the arrival : “ The House has passed House Resolution 798 , a resolution appointing and authorizing managers of the impeachment trail of Donald John Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate will transform itself into an impeachment court at noon Thursday .
The Constitution calls for Chief Justice John Roberts to preside at the trial , administering the oath to senators who will serve as jurors and swear to deliver “ impartial justice.
” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pledged to have the Senate “ rise above the petty factionalism ” and “ factional fervor and serve the long-term , best interests of our nation.
” He called it “ a difficult time for our country.
” Technically , the House was simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the articles , with a more formal presentation Thursday .
Opening arguments are to begin next Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday .
Earlier Wednesday , the House voted 228-193 , almost entirely along party lines to deliver the charges .
The split reflected the deeply divided nation at the start of this presidential election year .
It came one month after the House impeached Trump alleging he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden , using military aid to the country as leverage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ensuing probe .
“ This is what an impeachment is about , ″ Pelosi said before the vote .
“ The president violated his oath of office , undermined our national security , jeopardized the integrity of our elections.
” Trump ’ s political campaign dismissed the House effort as “ just a failed attempt to politically damage President Trump leading up to his reelection.
” The top Republican in the House , Kevin McCarthy of California , said Americans will look back on this “ sad saga ” that tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ weakest case.
” The president ’ s team expects acquittal with a Senate trial lasting no more than two weeks , according to senior administration officials unauthorized to discuss the matter and granted anonymity .
That ’ s far shorter than the last presidential impeachment trail , of Bill Clinton , in 1999 , or the first one , of Andrew Johnson , in 1868 .
As McConnell sets the rules for the trial , Trump has given mixed messages about whether he prefers lengthy or swift proceeding , and senators are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to call more witnesses for testimony .
The seven-member prosecution team was led by the chairmen of the House impeachment proceedings , Reps. Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Jerry Nadler of the Judiciary Committee , two of Pelosi ’ s top lieutenants .
“ The president gravely abused the power of his office , ” Nadler said .
“ He did all this for his personal political gain.
” Ahead of Wednesday ’ s session , Schiff released new records from Lev Parnas , an associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an exchange with another man about surveilling later-fired Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch .
Schiff said the new evidence should bring more pressure on McConnell , who is reluctant to allow witnesses to testify and prefers swift acquittal .
“ The challenge is to get a fair trial , ” Schiff said in an interview with The Associated Press .
“ It shouldn ’ t be a challenge — if the senators are really going to live up to their oath to be impartial , they ’ ll want a fair trial .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming from.
” Trump ’ s trial will be only the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history , and it comes against the backdrop of a politically divided nation in an election year .
The managers are a diverse group with legal , law enforcement and military experience , including Hakeem Jeffries of New York , Sylvia Garcia of Texas , Val Demings of Florida , Jason Crow of Colorado and Zoe Lofgren of California .
Two are freshmen lawmakers — Crow a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Demings is the former police chief of Orlando and Jeffries is a lawyer and member of party leadership .
Lofgren has the rare credential of having worked on the congressional staff investigation of then-President Richard Nixon ’ s impeachment — he resigned before the full House voted on the charges — and then being an elected lawmaker during Bill Clinton ’ s .
For the roll call , all but one Democrat , Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota , voted to transmit the articles .
All Republicans voted against .
One former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , joined Democrats .
McConnell faces competing interests from his party for more witnesses , from centrists who are siding with Democrats on the need to hear testimony and conservatives mounting Trump ’ s defense .
Senate Republicans signaled they would reject the idea of simply voting to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Trump , as Trump himself has suggested .
McConnell agreed he does not have the votes to do that .
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is leading an effort among some Republicans , including Mitt Romney of Utah , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Tennessee to consider Senate witnesses .
She told reporters she was satisfied the rules will allow votes on that .
Romney said he wants to hear from John Bolton , the former national security adviser at the White House , who others have said raised alarms about the alternative foreign policy toward Ukraine being run by Giuliani .
Those four senators could force votes .
Republicans control the chamber , 53-47 , and are all but certain to acquit Trump .
But it takes just 51 votes during the trial to approve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would take only 51 senators to vote to dismiss the charges against Trump .
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and other Republicans want to subpoena Biden and his son , Hunter , who served on the board of a gas company in Ukraine , Burisma , while his father was vice president .
McConnell prefers to model Trump ’ s trial partly on the process used for Clinton ’ s impeachment trial in 1999 .
It , too , contained motions for dismissal or calling new witnesses .
McConnell is hesitant to call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and put vulnerable senators who are up for reelection in 2020 in a bind with tough choices .
At the same time , he wants to give those same senators ample room to show voters they are listening .
Associated Press writers Zeke Miller , Alan Fram , Matthew Daly , Andrew Taylor , Mary Clare Jalonick , Laurie Kellman , and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report .

By LISA MASCARO
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a dramatic procession across the U.S. Capitol, House Democrats carried the formal articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate late Wednesday, setting the stage for only the third trial to remove a president in American history.
Trump complained anew it was all a “hoax,” even as fresh details emerged about his efforts in Ukraine.
The ceremonial pomp and protocol by the lawmakers prosecuting the case against Trump moved the impeachment out of Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Democratic-run House to the Republican-majority Senate, where the president’s team is mounting a defense aiming for swift acquittal.
“Today we will make history,” Pelosi said as she signed the documents, using multiple pens to hand out and mark the moment. “This president will be held accountable.”
Moments later the prosecutors walked solemnly through the stately hall, filing into the Senate back row as the Clerk of the House announced the arrival: “The House has passed House Resolution 798, a resolution appointing and authorizing managers of the impeachment trial of Donald John Trump, President of United States.”
The Senate will transform itself into an impeachment court at noon Thursday. The Constitution calls for Chief Justice John Roberts to preside at the trial, administering the oath to senators who will serve as jurors and swear to deliver “impartial justice.”
The trial will play out before a deeply divided nation at the start of this election year as Trump seeks a second term and voters review his presidency. Three senators are running for the Democratic nomination.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pledged to have the Senate “rise above the petty factionalism” and “factional fervor and serve the long-term, best interests of our nation.” He called it “a difficult time for our country.”
Technically, the House was simply notifying the Senate of its delivery of the articles, with a more formal presentation Thursday. Opening arguments are to begin next Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Earlier Wednesday, the House voted 228-193, almost entirely along party lines, ending a weeks-long delay to deliver the charges with a tally reflecting the nation’s split.
The House impeached Trump last month alleging he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage. Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress’ ensuing probe.
“This is what an impeachment is about,″ Pelosi said before the vote. “The president violated his oath of office, undermined our national security, jeopardized the integrity of our elections.”
Trump’s political campaign dismissed the House effort as “just a failed attempt to politically damage President Trump leading up to his reelection.”
The top Republican in the House, Kevin McCarthy of California, said Americans will look back on this “sad saga” that tried to remove the president from office with the “weakest case.”
The president’s team expects acquittal with a Senate trial lasting no more than two weeks, according to senior administration officials unauthorized to discuss the matter and granted anonymity.
That’s far shorter than the last presidential impeachment trial, of Bill Clinton, in 1999, or the first one, of Andrew Johnson, in 1868.
As McConnell sets the rules for the trial, Trump has given mixed messages about whether he prefers lengthy or swift proceeding, and senators are under pressure with the emerging new evidence to call more witnesses for testimony.
The seven-member prosecution team was led by the chairmen of the House impeachment proceedings, Reps. Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Jerry Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, two of Pelosi’s top lieutenants.
“President Trump gravely abused the power of his office,” Nadler said. “He did all this for his personal political gain.”
Ahead of Wednesday’s session, Schiff released new records from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, about the Ukraine strategy, including an exchange with another man about surveilling later-fired Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch.
Schiff said the new evidence should bring more pressure on McConnell, who is reluctant to allow witnesses to testify and prefers swift acquittal. The White House has instructed officials not to comply with House subpoenas for testimony and documents.
“The challenge is to get a fair trial,” Schiff said in an interview with The Associated Press. “It shouldn’t be a challenge — if the senators are really going to live up to their oath to be impartial, they’ll want a fair trial. That’s obviously not where Mitch McConnell is coming from.”
The managers are a diverse group with legal, law enforcement and military experience, including Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Sylvia Garcia of Texas, Val Demings of Florida, Jason Crow of Colorado and Zoe Lofgren of California.
Two are freshmen lawmakers — Crow a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Garcia a former judge in Houston. Demings is the former police chief of Orlando and Jeffries is a lawyer and member of party leadership. Lofgren has the rare credential of having worked on the congressional staff investigation of then-President Richard Nixon’s impeachment — he resigned before the full House voted on the charges — and then being an elected lawmaker during Bill Clinton’s.
For the roll call, all but one Democrat, Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota, voted to transmit the articles. All Republicans voted against. One former Republican-turned-independent, Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, joined Democrats.
McConnell faces competing interests from his party for more witnesses, from centrists who are siding with Democrats on the need to hear testimony and conservatives mounting Trump’s defense.
Senate Republicans signaled they would reject the idea of simply voting to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Trump, as Trump himself has suggested. McConnell agreed he does not have the votes to do that.
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is leading an effort among some Republicans, including Mitt Romney of Utah, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, to consider Senate witnesses. She told reporters she was satisfied the rules will allow votes on that.
Romney said he wants to hear from John Bolton, the former national security adviser at the White House, who others have said raised alarms about the alternative foreign policy toward Ukraine being run by Giuliani.
Those or any four senators could force an outcome. Republicans control the chamber, 53-47, and are all but certain to acquit Trump. But it takes just 51 votes during the trial to approve rules or call witnesses. It also would take only 51 senators to vote to dismiss the charges against Trump.
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and other Republicans want to subpoena Biden and his son, Hunter, who served on the board of a gas company in Ukraine, Burisma, while his father was vice president.
McConnell prefers to model Trump’s trial partly on the process used for Clinton’s impeachment trial in 1999, which considered witnesses later.
McConnell is hesitant to call new witnesses who would prolong the trial and put vulnerable senators who are up for reelection in 2020 in a bind with tough choices. At the same time, he wants to give those same senators ample room to show voters they are listening.
—-
Associated Press writers Zeke Miller, Alan Fram, Matthew Daly, Andrew Taylor, Mary Clare Jalonick, Laurie Kellman, and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-01-15--How bad is ankle issue that kept 49ers’ Kittle from practice?

SANTA CLARA — Ankle “ soreness ” from Saturday ’ s playoff debut kept George Kittle from practicing Wednesday , the 49ers said following his surprise status in their injury report .
Kittle , the 49ers ’ All-Pro tight end and offensive catalyst , is still expected to play in Sunday ’ s NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers .
He was seen walking without a limp and showed no signs of pain or hindrance following the 27-10 win over Minnesota .
Coach Kyle Shanahan did not mention him on a pre-practice injury report during a media briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dee Ford ( hamstring , quadriceps ) as the only player who would not participate Wednesday .
This likely is a precautionary move to rest Kittle rather than aggravate the ankle , believed to be the same one he sustained bone chips in during an Oct. 31 injury at Arizona .
Kittle missed the ensuing two games after that win at the Cardinals .
• LaFleur brothers deflect talk of sibling rivalry in advance of Packers vs. 49ers • Wednesday at 49ers HQ : How Garoppolo ’ s link to Bosa ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another 49ers defensive assistant targeted by the Browns No .
85 finished with a team-high 85 receptions in the regular season for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns .
In the playoff opener , Kittle had only three receptions for a season-low 16 yards , but he played an integral role in the convoy of blockers for a rushing attack that had 47 carries ( most in 49ers playoff history ) for 186 yards and two touchdowns .
Kittle played 68 of 71 offensive snaps against the Vikings .
He was mic ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of entertaining audio , especially after run blocks , from requesting Shanahan to “ run it again !
” and later exhalting , “ “ Woo !
Rides , baby , all day long .
Get your tickets !
” Shanahan said Kittle ’ s lack of receptions Saturday was by design , but not because of an ankle issue and rather in that the 49ers knew they wanted to run more than pass .
“ We knew going into that game it was going to be hard to beat that team without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Shanahan said , “ and we were able to stick with it with the way the defense played and how good our tight ends are at blocking and stuff and how good we did on third down just allowed us to stick with it .
”

SANTA CLARA — Ankle “soreness” from Saturday’s playoff debut kept George Kittle from practicing Wednesday, the 49ers said following his surprise status in their injury report.
Kittle, the 49ers’ All-Pro tight end and offensive catalyst, is still expected to play in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers.
That left ankle got bent underneath Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson as he tackled Kittle on a 4-yard reception to the 4-yard line on the final play of Saturday’s third quarter, photographs showed.
Kittle was seen walking without a limp and showed no signs of pain or hindrance following the 27-10 win over Minnesota.
Coach Kyle Shanahan did not mention him on a pre-practice injury report during a media briefing, in which he listed defensive end Dee Ford (hamstring, quadriceps) as the only player who would not participate Wednesday.
This likely is a precautionary move to rest Kittle rather than aggravate the ankle, believed to be the same (left) one he sustained bone chips in during an Oct. 31 injury at Arizona. Kittle missed the ensuing two games after that win at the Cardinals. Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | 49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day
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No. 85 finished with a team-high 85 receptions in the regular season for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns. In the playoff opener, Kittle had only three receptions for a season-low 16 yards, but he played an integral role in the convoy of blockers for a rushing attack that had 47 carries (most in 49ers playoff history) for 186 yards and two touchdowns.
Kittle played 68 of 71 offensive snaps against the Vikings. He was mic’d up for the game and provided plenty of entertaining audio, especially after run blocks, from requesting Shanahan to “run it again!” and later exhalting, ““Woo! Rides, baby, all day long. Get your tickets!”
Shanahan said Kittle’s lack of receptions Saturday was by design, but not because of an ankle issue and rather in that the 49ers knew they wanted to run more than pass.
“We knew going into that game it was going to be hard to beat that team without getting a bunch of runs in,” Shanahan said, “and we were able to stick with it with the way the defense played and how good our tight ends are at blocking and stuff and how
good we did on third down just allowed us to stick with it.”
Going back two months to Kittle’s initial ankle injury, Shanahan helped explained in November what Kittle experienced with a bone chip.
“It’s like a piece of tree bark came off,” Shanahan said. “It was just a shaved part of the bone came off and when you do that, it’s still stable. You can’t break it worse and you’re able to go with it, but it’s extremely painful. So that was a choice he made in that game, which we’ll make it for him if it’s not stable. But, if it’s stable as long as he can tolerate the pain.”


mercurynews--2020-01-15--Got a parking ticket in this East Bay city? Look at it carefully

ALAMEDA — Did you visit Alameda recently and discover a parking ticket on your windshield ?
Don ’ t reach too quickly for your wallet to pay the fine : The ticket may be a ruse .
Someone has been placing fake parking citations on windshields around town , Alameda police announced on Facebook .
Investigators learned about the fake citations after a victim brought one into the police station on Oak Street to pay the fine , and a clerk noticed the document was not quite right .
For example , it did not cite any Alameda Municipal Code @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fine print stating , “ This ticket was issued by a concerned citizen and is not an actual fine .
This ticket is for entertainment purposes only.
” “ The tickets do not appear as an attempt to defraud anyone and should be disregarded if one appears on your windshield , especially if you are legally parked , ” police said in the Facebook posting .
Anyone who has received a ticket and thinks it may be suspicious , or has information about them , can call Alameda police at 510-337-8340 .

ALAMEDA — Did you visit Alameda recently and discover a parking ticket on your windshield?
Don’t reach too quickly for your wallet to pay the fine: The ticket may be a ruse.
Someone has been placing fake parking citations on windshields around town, Alameda police announced on Facebook.
Investigators learned about the fake citations after a victim brought one into the police station on Oak Street to pay the fine, and a clerk noticed the document was not quite right. For example, it did not cite any Alameda Municipal Code.
But the real giveaway was text in fine print stating, “This ticket was issued by a concerned citizen and is not an actual fine. This ticket is for entertainment purposes only.”
“The tickets do not appear as an attempt to defraud anyone and should be disregarded if one appears on your windshield, especially if you are legally parked,” police said in the Facebook posting.
Anyone who has received a ticket and thinks it may be suspicious, or has information about them, can call Alameda police at 510-337-8340.


mercurynews--2020-01-15--$162K for a Berkeley condo? It’s true — and housing lottery will be held

BERKELEY — This is not a misprint or a typo .
There are condos selling in Berkeley beginning at $ 162,000 — now .
The city of Berkeley is making six newly built affordable condos at the Bloom Berkeley complex at 2747 San Pablo Ave. available for low-income , first-time homeowners .
Five of the one-bedroom units will go — at a lottery — between $ 162,000 and $ 168,000 , depending on the size of the unit , according to a Berkeley city news release .
A three-bedroom unit will be sold for $ 230,000 and monthly homeowners association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 542 .
“ Given the extreme housing crisis facing the entire Bay Area , we ’ re looking for as many ways as possible to increase affordable housing in Berkeley , ” said City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley in a statement .
“ We ’ re excited that this opportunity also increases the pool of home ownership.
” Berkeley city spokesman Matthai Chakko said this is the “ first below-market-rate ownership project in 14 years.
” Prospective homebuyers interested in one of the condos must apply with the property owner , Bloom Berkeley , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more information about the application process , go to https : //bloomberkeley.com/bmr , email live @ BloomBerkeley.com or visit the sales office at 2747 San Pablo Ave. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays to Mondays .
The lottery will be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 10 .
The first-time homebuyers must make no more than $ 79,360 or $ 99,120 a year , depending on the unit type and household size , according to the release .
The applicants must submit documents , including a pre-approval letter with a maximum loan amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or work in Berkeley will be given preference .
Bloom Berkeley will be holding open houses from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 24 and from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 31 .
These below-market condominiums on San Pablo Avenue were created through a Berkeley city law , which uses large market rate development to subsidize the creation of units designated for low-income households , the release stated .
This policy , which is known as “ inclusionary housing , ” serves to increase affordable housing in Berkeley .
The city ’ s housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ units in new projects be set aside for low-income households .
The applicant proposed 30 units , and the six units account for 20 percent .
State law housing density allowed the applicant to build 11 more market-rate units in the 41-unit complex , the release stated .

BERKELEY — This is not a misprint or a typo. There are condos selling in Berkeley beginning at $162,000 — now.
The city of Berkeley is making six newly built affordable condos at the Bloom Berkeley complex at 2747 San Pablo Ave. available for low-income, first-time homeowners. Five of the one-bedroom units will go — at a lottery — for $162,000 to $168,000, depending on the size of the unit, according to a Berkeley city news release.
A three-bedroom condo will be sold for $230,000, and monthly homeowners association dues range from $443 to $542.
“Given the extreme housing crisis facing the entire Bay Area, we’re looking for as many ways as possible to increase affordable housing in Berkeley,” said City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley in a statement. “We’re excited that this opportunity also increases the pool of homeownership.”
Berkeley spokesman Matthai Chakko said this is the “first below-market-rate ownership project in 14 years” in the city.
Prospective homebuyers interested in one of the condos must apply with the property owner, Bloom Berkeley, by 5 p.m. Feb. 6. For more information about the application process, go to https://bloomberkeley.com/bmr, email live@BloomBerkeley.com or visit the sales office at 2747 San Pablo Ave. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays to Mondays.
The lottery will be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 10.
The first-time homebuyers must make no more than $79,360 or $99,120 a year, depending on the unit type and household size, according to the release. Those applying must submit documents, including a pre-approval letter with a maximum loan amount from a lender. People who live or work in Berkeley will be given preference.
Bloom Berkeley will be holding open houses from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 24 and from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 31.
These below-market condominiums on San Pablo Avenue were created through a Berkeley city law that uses large market-rate development to subsidize the creation of units designated for low-income households, the release said. This policy, which is known as “inclusionary housing,” serves to increase affordable housing in Berkeley.
The city’s housing ordinance requires that 20 percent of the units in new projects be set aside for low-income households. The applicant proposed 30 units, and the six units account for 20 percent.
State law housing density allowed the developer to build 11 more market-rate units in the 41-unit complex, according to the release.


mercurynews--2020-01-15--Police seek tips in decades-old Hayward missing-person cold case

HAYWARD — Nearly five decades after a Hayward teenager was last seen , police are asking residents to share any information they may have that could provide progress toward closure for her family .
Christine Marie Eastin , 19 , had finished a night of shopping on Jan. 18 , 1971 when she disappeared .
A car she was driving was later found locked with her purse and scarf on the front seat at Charlie ’ s Car Wash , 25400 Mission Blvd .
Eastin , who had recently graduated from Sunset High School , had gotten hired at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police began investigating her disappearance as a kidnapping and murder , but leads went cold soon afterward .
“ It has been 49 years since she disappeared .
But this will remain an open investigation until we can bring long sought answers to Christine ’ s family , ” police said in a statement Wednesday .
“ To achieve this goal , we have a dedicated detective assigned to this investigation .
There is a suspicion of foul play in Christine ’ s disappearance.
” A $ 50,000 reward exists for information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person responsible for her disappearance .
Anyone with information should call Hayward police Det .
Ryan Sprague at 510-293-7176 .

HAYWARD — Nearly five decades after a Hayward teenager was last seen, police are asking residents to share any information they may have that could provide progress toward closure for her family.
Christine Marie Eastin, 19, had finished a night of shopping on Jan. 18, 1971 when she disappeared. A car she was driving was later found locked with her purse and scarf on the front seat at Charlie’s Car Wash, 25400 Mission Blvd.
Eastin, who had recently graduated from Sunset High School, had gotten hired at a job and started classes at Chabot College. Police began investigating her disappearance as a kidnapping and murder, but leads went cold soon afterward.
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A $50,000 reward exists for information that leads to the conviction of the person responsible for her disappearance.
Anyone with information should call Hayward police Det. Ryan Sprague at 510-293-7176.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-01-15--Brian Sussman, talk show host, stepping down at KSFO

Bay Area conservative talk-show host Brian Sussman is leaving his post at KSFO radio after 18 years .
Sussman made the announcement Wednesday on his personal blog .
“ … Allow me to humbly say that these past nearly two decades on KSFO have made for an exhilarating chapter in my wonderful life , ” wrote Sussman , who cited health reasons for his departure .
Sussman revealed that he actually resigned last April from the Cumulus Media station due to an impasse in contract negotiations .
But soon thereafter , he reached a temporary agreement to host the show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his brother , Brad Sussman , hosted the fifth day ) .
However , in October he went on medical leave through the remainder of the year .
“ I was blindsided by some bizarre health issues , ” he wrote .
“ After some time in the hospital , a myriad of tests and a slew of doctors , it was determined that I was beset with a serious condition that was likely triggered by long-term lack of sleep , unorthodox working hours and stress.
” Sussman said he ’ s now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors are not recommending a return to morning radio .
A native of Los Angeles , Sussman began his media career in 1977 at a Missouri television station .
In 1980 , he became a weather anchor , first with KOLO-TV in Reno , then with KNTV in San Jose , and KDKA in Pittsburgh .
He returned to the Bay Area in 1989 and served as a meteorologist at KPIX ( CBS5 ) until 2000 when he left to launch a career in talk radio .
Sussman is also the founder of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which highlights foster children in need of adoption .
On his blog , Sussman thanked listeners for their “ steadfast support , kind words and thoughtful prayers.
” But he promised to keep bringing them my brand of “ right-thinking from the left coast , ” via both the blog and “ Hidden Headlines Podcast.
” He also said that he will continue to produce the “ Another Chance ” podcasts , which “ have gained an audience world-wide .
”

Bay Area conservative talk-show host Brian Sussman is leaving his post at KSFO radio after 18 years.
Sussman made the announcement Wednesday on his personal blog.
“… Allow me to humbly say that these past nearly two decades on KSFO have made for an exhilarating chapter in my wonderful life,” wrote Sussman, who cited health reasons for his departure.
Sussman revealed that he actually resigned last April from the Cumulus Media station due to an impasse in contract negotiations. But soon thereafter, he reached a temporary agreement to host the show four days per week through December (his brother, Brad Sussman, hosted the fifth day). However, in October he went on medical leave through the remainder of the year.
“I was blindsided by some bizarre health issues,” he wrote. “After some time in the hospital, a myriad of tests and a slew of doctors, it was determined that I was beset with a serious condition that was likely triggered by long-term lack of sleep, unorthodox working hours and stress.”
Sussman said he’s now “feeling great,” but his doctors are not recommending a return to morning radio.
A native of Los Angeles, Sussman began his media career in 1977 at a Missouri television station. In 1980, he became a weather anchor, first with KOLO-TV in Reno, then with KNTV in San Jose, and KDKA in Pittsburgh. He returned to the Bay Area in 1989 and served as a meteorologist at KPIX (CBS5) until 2000 when he left to launch a career in talk radio.
Sussman is also the founder of “Brian’s Kids,” which highlights foster children in need of adoption.
On his blog, Sussman thanked listeners for their “steadfast support, kind words and thoughtful prayers.” But he promised to keep bringing them my brand of “right-thinking from the left coast,” via both the blog and “Hidden Headlines Podcast.” He also said that he will continue to produce the “Another Chance” podcasts, which “have gained an audience world-wide.”


mercurynews--2020-01-16--Letter: Put kids’ needs over greed in Oakland housing case

Put kids ’ needs over greed in Oakland housing case Reading this article , I was saddened and disappointed in our legal system , which will evict these mothers and their children from a vacant , real estate company ’ s speculation house .
Once these families are evicted , where will they live ?
Where will their children go to school , and where will they be safe and secure ?
California law states that all school-age children must attend school .
If they are truant , their parents can be arrested .
When families are evicted , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a neighborhood school , and their lives are negatively impacted and destabilized .
Yet our legal system is making it nearly impossible for these children to get an education and a chance to escape poverty , one of the main reasons for the achievement gap .
• Letter : If Obama did what Trump did , they ’ d be praising him • Letter : Grateful for random act of kindness in Union City parking lot In this case , need should outweigh greed .
Courts should be allowed to rule in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the common greed .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Put kids’ needs over greed in Oakland housing case
Re: “Moms 4 Housing loses case, must vacate West Oakland home” (Eastbaytimes.com, Jan. 10):
Reading this article, I was saddened and disappointed in our legal system, which will evict these mothers and their children from a vacant, real estate company’s speculation house.
Once these families are evicted, where will they live? Where will their children go to school, and where will they be safe and secure?
California law states that all school-age children must attend school. If they are truant, their parents can be arrested. When families are evicted, it is extremely difficult to keep their children in a neighborhood school, and their lives are negatively impacted and destabilized.
Yet our legal system is making it nearly impossible for these children to get an education and a chance to escape poverty, one of the main reasons for the achievement gap.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
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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 In this case, need should outweigh greed. Courts should be allowed to rule in favor of the common good, instead of the common greed.
Jeanne Kinkella
San Leandro
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-01-16--Letter: Bernie Sanders’ lead in California raises concerns

I love Bernie Sanders .
I supported him in the last election .
But I was alarmed to read he @ @ @ @ @ in California .
Why ?
The next election will be determined by moderate voters in @ @ @ @ @ very concerned that Sanders ’ highly progressive positions , especially on 100 % public funding @ @ @ @ @ , are going to turn off these voters , handing Trump another four years .
@ @ @ @ @ did what Trump did , they ’ d be praising him • Letter : Grateful @ @ @ @ @ in Union City parking lot • Letter : A way to save Americans from Australia @ @ @ @ @ know his support among most Democrats is very strong , but that ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ To defeat Trump , Democrats need to vote with their heads , not their hearts @ @ @ @ @ the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Bernie Sanders’ lead in
California raises concerns
Re: “Bernie Sanders leading in close California presidential primary, new poll finds” (Mercurynews.com, Jan. 13):
I love Bernie Sanders. I supported him in the last election. But I was alarmed to read he’s leading right now in California.
Why? The next election will be determined by moderate voters in swing states. I am very concerned that Sanders’ highly progressive positions, especially on 100% public funding for health care and education, are going to turn off these voters, handing Trump another four years.
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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 I know his support among most Democrats is very strong, but that’s not going to be enough. To defeat Trump, Democrats need to vote with their heads, not their hearts.
Eric Thacker
San Jose
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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Bridge: Jan. 16, 2020

Bridge players are often less tolerant of their partner ’ s errors than their own .
“ Do you think players tend to be judgmental ?
” I asked Cy the Cynic in the club lounge .
I got a typical reply .
“ Of course , ” Cy said .
“ I can tell that some people are judgmental just by looking at them.
” Cy was dummy in today ’ s deal from a cut-around penny game .
At four spades , South ruffed the third heart and drew trumps .
He next led the A-K and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ten and queen for down one .
“ I knew he was a palooka when he sat down at the table , ” the Cynic growled .
After South ruffs the third heart , he can lead a low diamond .
West wins and returns , say , a trump .
South takes the ace and king and leads the A-K of diamonds .
When East , with the missing trump , must follow suit , South ruffs his last diamond in dummy , takes the A-K of clubs , ruffs a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the queen of trumps .
You hold : S A 6 2 H 7 4 3 D 8 7 2 C A K 6 5 .
Your partner opens one diamond , you respond two clubs , he rebids two diamonds and you raise to three diamonds .
Partner then bids three spades .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : You had a maximum hand for your chance-giving raise to three diamonds , and since partner has tried for game , you must go along .
Bid five diamonds .
A typical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 , 8 6 , A K Q 6 5 3 , Q 3 will make him a favorite for 11 tricks .

Bridge players are often less tolerant of their partner’s errors than their own.
“Do you think players tend to be judgmental?” I asked Cy the Cynic in the club lounge. I got a typical reply.
“Of course,” Cy said. “I can tell that some people are judgmental just by looking at them.”
Cy was dummy in today’s deal from a cut-around penny game. At four spades, South ruffed the third heart and drew trumps. He next led the A-K and a third diamond. Alas, East took the ten and queen for down one.
NOT BEST
“Your partner’s play wasn’t best,” I remarked to Cy.
“I knew he was a palooka when he sat down at the table,” the Cynic growled.
After South ruffs the third heart, he can lead a low diamond. West wins and returns, say, a trump. South takes the ace and king and leads the A-K of diamonds. When East, with the missing trump, must follow suit, South ruffs his last diamond in dummy, takes the A-K of clubs, ruffs a club and wins the 13th trick with the queen of trumps.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A 6 2 H 7 4 3 D 8 7 2 C A K 6 5. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond two clubs, he rebids two diamonds and you raise to three diamonds. Partner then bids three spades. What do you say?
ANSWER: You had a maximum hand for your chance-giving raise to three diamonds, and since partner has tried for game, you must go along. Bid five diamonds. A typical hand for him such as K 7 5, 8 6, A K Q 6 5 3, Q 3 will make him a favorite for 11 tricks.
South dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S A 6 2
H 7 4 3
D 8 7 2
C A K 6 5
WEST
S 10 8
H K J 9 2
D J 9
C Q 10 8 7 3
EAST
S J 9 7
H A 10 8 5
D Q 10 6 5
C J 9
SOUTH
S K Q 5 4 3
H Q 6
D A K 4 3
C 4 2
South West North East
1 S Pass 2 C Pass
2 D Pass 2 S Pass
4 S All Pass
Opening lead — H 2
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-01-16--Horoscopes Jan. 16, 2020: Max Joseph, use your imagination.

Happy Birthday : Use your imagination , and it will make it easier to expand your ideas and make a go of your plans .
Be the one to take the lead ; line up the people you feel have the most to offer , and turn your life into the masterpiece you envision .
Make this year about development , self-awareness and discovering what brings you greater joy .
Your numbers are 5 , 17 , 23 , 27 , 32 , 35 , 49 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Pay attention to detail .
Work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and concentration will help you complete what you start .
Stick to your game plan , even if someone tries to convince you to expand .
Play safe and by the rules .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Take precautions when dealing with unfamiliar people .
Refuse to let anyone talk you into something you don ’ t want to do .
Attending a seminar or trade show will be informative .
Use your brain to get what you want .
3 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with someone influential .
A financial investment you make will not be a safe bet .
Listen and learn , but don ’ t make a promise you ’ ll regret .
Spend more time on self-improvement and less trying to change someone .
5 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Look for an opportunity to work or travel with someone you like to be around .
Refuse to let an emotional matter ruin your day .
Don ’ t let what someone does upset you .
If you aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away .
2 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Do something entertaining .
Your upbeat attitude will attract attention , giving you the platform you need to persuade others to get involved in something you plan to do .
Speak up , listen to the feedback offered and set your plans in motion .
4 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Use the information you retrieve in conversations to your benefit .
A good friend will offer a new perspective regarding your lifestyle and how best to improve your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise and will enhance your personal life .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Emotional instability will surface if you try to make changes that someone opposes .
If your family isn ’ t agreeable , take off and enjoy the company of a friend or neighbor .
Don ’ t risk physical injury or ill health .
Take better care of yourself .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Don ’ t let a minor mishap or delay get the better of you .
Work overtime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t give up .
A unique idea will help you fix whatever problem you face .
Romance is on the rise .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Choose a path that leads to greater happiness .
A change to the way you look or how you live will boost your ego .
Involvement with an international organization , government agency or institution will lead to a change of plans .
4 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Do what works best for you .
Look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimalize your plans to fit your budget .
Remaining within your emotional , financial and legal comfort zone will ease stress .
No muss , no fuss .
2 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Look before you leap .
Be cautious when participating in physical challenges .
Protect against injury and arguments .
Concentrate on budgeting your finances and organizing essential papers .
A meaningful partnership will improve if you make suggestions and are willing to compromise .
5 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : You ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfinished business .
The better prepared you are , the easier it will be to convince others to see things your way .
Don ’ t let someone ’ s bad mood ruin your day .
Personal improvements look promising .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are responsive , focused and relentless .
You are brave and strategic .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Max Joseph, 38; Richard T. Jones, 48; Debbie Allen, 70; John Carpenter, 72.
Happy Birthday: Use your imagination, and it will make it easier to expand your ideas and make a go of your plans. Be the one to take the lead; line up the people you feel have the most to offer, and turn your life into the masterpiece you envision. Make this year about development, self-awareness and discovering what brings you greater joy. Your numbers are 5, 17, 23, 27, 32, 35, 49.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Pay attention to detail. Work alone to avoid interference. High energy and concentration will help you complete what you start. Stick to your game plan, even if someone tries to convince you to expand. Play safe and by the rules. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take precautions when dealing with unfamiliar people. Refuse to let anyone talk you into something you don’t want to do. Attending a seminar or trade show will be informative. Use your brain to get what you want. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Maintain control. Discuss your ideas with someone influential. A financial investment you make will not be a safe bet. Listen and learn, but don’t make a promise you’ll regret. Spend more time on self-improvement and less trying to change someone. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Look for an opportunity to work or travel with someone you like to be around. Refuse to let an emotional matter ruin your day. Don’t let what someone does upset you. If you aren’t happy with a deal, back away. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Do something entertaining. Your upbeat attitude will attract attention, giving you the platform you need to persuade others to get involved in something you plan to do. Speak up, listen to the feedback offered and set your plans in motion. 4 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Use the information you retrieve in conversations to your benefit. A good friend will offer a new perspective regarding your lifestyle and how best to improve your current situation. Romance is on the rise and will enhance your personal life. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Emotional instability will surface if you try to make changes that someone opposes. If your family isn’t agreeable, take off and enjoy the company of a friend or neighbor. Don’t risk physical injury or ill health. Take better care of yourself. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t let a minor mishap or delay get the better of you. Work overtime if you have to, but don’t give up. A unique idea will help you fix whatever problem you face. Romance is on the rise. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Choose a path that leads to greater happiness. A change to the way you look or how you live will boost your ego. Involvement with an international organization, government agency or institution will lead to a change of plans. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Do what works best for you. Look at what you can do without, and minimalize your plans to fit your budget. Remaining within your emotional, financial and legal comfort zone will ease stress. No muss, no fuss. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Look before you leap. Be cautious when participating in physical challenges. Protect against injury and arguments. Concentrate on budgeting your finances and organizing essential papers. A meaningful partnership will improve if you make suggestions and are willing to compromise. 5 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You’ll gain leverage if you take care of unfinished business. The better prepared you are, the easier it will be to convince others to see things your way. Don’t let someone’s bad mood ruin your day. Personal improvements look promising. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are responsive, focused and relentless. You are brave and strategic.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Word Game: Jan. 16, 2020

Can you find 26 or more words in NONESUCH ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — NONESUCH (NONESUCH: NUN-such: A person or thing without equal.)
Average mark 19 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 26 or more words in NONESUCH? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — REACTOR race racer rare rate rater react rear recto rector
roar rote acre actor care carer caret carrot cart carter cater cero coat core corer cote
crate crater creator taco tare taro tear terra tore trace tracer orate Orca
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-01-16--Ask Amy: He shows me his ex’s seductive texts

DEAR AMY : My boyfriend and I have been together for three months .
We regularly talk about our future together , but there is one thing getting in the way .
His ex , whom he broke up with nearly eight months ago , continues to text him .
At first it was nothing to worry about — it was simply texts arranging for when she would send him payments of money she owed him .
Lately , messages come in nearly every day , saying things like , “ I ’ m having a bad day , please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know who else makes me feel safe.
” Or , “ I can ’ t wait to be with you again , baby.
” He has been very open with me about the whole thing , letting me read his messages to her and telling me every time she texts him .
He never answers her texts unless it is about money , but his big heart gets in the way when she tries to manipulate him into talking to her .
I want so badly to text her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone , except I know that would be overstepping , and might mean that he would no longer get his money repaid .
He says he will block her on all platforms when she has repaid him .
I worry that she may never pay him back the total amount in order to always have a reason to talk to him .
DEAR GIRLFRIEND : Your boyfriend is doing the right thing by being transparent with you about these text messages .
The downside of him being so open with you is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You should not contact her .
First of all , this is not your business .
You do not own this man ; you don ’ t have the right to tell someone not to contact him .
It does seem to me , however , that an “ I can ’ t wait to be with you again , baby ” message should be met with a one-time “ We have broken up .
It ’ s time for you to move on ” message ( from him ) .
If he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she repays him , then he is being almost as manipulative as she is .
You don ’ t mention what amount of money is still owed , but your boyfriend should let his ex continue to pay her debt , and then he should consider stopping all contact — when she still has a minimal amount left to pay .
Forgiving that last payment might be in everyone ’ s best interest .
DEAR AMY : Our son-in-law “ Steve ’ s ” stepfather , “ Tom , ” is a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a cautious but cordial relationship for many years .
Over the past year , Steve and Tom have had a major falling-out and Tom is banned from having any contact or relationship with Steve and his family ( our daughter and grandkids ) .
We support Steve ’ s stand on this , since there has been a troubled relationship between them for many years .
Tom and his wife “ Martha ” ( Steve ’ s mother ) are having marital issues , but remain together for now .
We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We all live in the same town and have done many joint family gatherings ( birthdays , holidays , etc . )
together over the years , until this recent rift .
Now Martha attends family social gatherings alone , so we have had no interactions with Tom for over a year .
Soon Steve , our daughter and the grandkids are moving out of state .
We are not sure how to continue to support Steve ’ s family as regards our socializing with Tom .
Now that Steve and family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to exclude Tom ?
What do we say to Martha when we invite her to gatherings , or if she invites us to her house where Tom might be present ?
DEAR COMPLICATED : “ Steve ” is well within his rights to exclude his stepfather and to ask that you also exclude him if Steve and family will be present in your home .
Steve does not get to insist that you must also exclude his stepfather when Steve is not even in the state , however .
You should behave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent relationship with “ Martha.
” DEAR AMY : Ouch !
I thought you were a little too tough on “ K in Colorado , ” the older man who is frustrated because so many people assume he is his son ’ s grandfather .
I hope you are rethinking your answer to him .
DEAR STUNG : “ K ” used his frustration over this as a justification for belittling an overweight woman , in his son ’ s presence .
I think he needed a reality check .
You can email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: My boyfriend and I have been together for three months. We regularly talk about our future together, but there is one thing getting in the way.
His ex, whom he broke up with nearly eight months ago, continues to text him.
At first it was nothing to worry about — it was simply texts arranging for when she would send him payments of money she owed him.
Lately, messages come in nearly every day, saying things like, “I’m having a bad day, please answer this when you see it. I don’t know who else makes me feel safe.” Or, “I can’t wait to be with you again, baby.”
He has been very open with me about the whole thing, letting me read his messages to her and telling me every time she texts him.
He never answers her texts unless it is about money, but his big heart gets in the way when she tries to manipulate him into talking to her.
I want so badly to text her myself and tell her to leave him alone, except I know that would be overstepping, and might mean that he would no longer get his money repaid.
He says he will block her on all platforms when she has repaid him.
I worry that she may never pay him back the total amount in order to always have a reason to talk to him.
The New Girlfriend
DEAR GIRLFRIEND: Your boyfriend is doing the right thing by being transparent with you about these text messages. The downside of him being so open with you is that you have taken on this drama.
You should not contact her. First of all, this is not your business. You do not own this man; you don’t have the right to tell someone not to contact him.
It does seem to me, however, that an “I can’t wait to be with you again, baby” message should be met with a one-time “We have broken up. It’s time for you to move on” message (from him).
If he is even passively stringing her along until she repays him, then he is being almost as manipulative as she is.
You don’t mention what amount of money is still owed, but your boyfriend should let his ex continue to pay her debt, and then he should consider stopping all contact — when she still has a minimal amount left to pay. Forgiving that last payment might be in everyone’s best interest.
DEAR AMY: Our son-in-law “Steve’s” stepfather, “Tom,” is a man with whom my husband and I have had a cautious but cordial relationship for many years.
Over the past year, Steve and Tom have had a major falling-out and Tom is banned from having any contact or relationship with Steve and his family (our daughter and grandkids). We support Steve’s stand on this, since there has been a troubled relationship between them for many years.
Tom and his wife “Martha” (Steve’s mother) are having marital issues, but remain together for now. We have always had a good relationship with Martha.
We all live in the same town and have done many joint family gatherings (birthdays, holidays, etc.) together over the years, until this recent rift.
Now Martha attends family social gatherings alone, so we have had no interactions with Tom for over a year.
Soon Steve, our daughter and the grandkids are moving out of state. We are not sure how to continue to support Steve’s family as regards our socializing with Tom.
Now that Steve and family aren’t present, should we continue to exclude Tom?
What do we say to Martha when we invite her to gatherings, or if she invites us to her house where Tom might be present?
It’s Complicated
DEAR COMPLICATED: “Steve” is well within his rights to exclude his stepfather and to ask that you also exclude him if Steve and family will be present in your home.
Steve does not get to insist that you must also exclude his stepfather when Steve is not even in the state, however.
You should behave in a way that most honors your independent relationship with “Martha.”
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: Ouch! I thought you were a little too tough on “K in Colorado,” the older man who is frustrated because so many people assume he is his son’s grandfather. I hope you are rethinking your answer to him.
Stung
DEAR STUNG: “K” used his frustration over this as a justification for belittling an overweight woman, in his son’s presence. I think he needed a reality check.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-01-16--Letter: Concord needs leadership on crucial Weapons Station project

I was one of the many individuals that addressed the Concord City Council on Jan. 7 regarding the Concord Naval Weapons Station Reuse Plan .
I commended the City Council for their prudent oversight on this tremendous opportunity for the city of Concord and I strongly encouraged them to move forward .
I also recognized that the discussions between the developer and the labor unions were at an impasse .
With that said , I implored the council to “ intervene ” in these negotiations and insist that resolution be achieved immediately .
Rather step up and insist upon a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it back to the parties that have not been able to reach agreement after exhaustive negotiations .
• Letter : If Obama did what Trump did , they ’ d be praising him • Letter : Grateful for random act of kindness in Union City parking lot • Letter : A way to save Americans from Australia ’ s tragic fate I am disappointed in our city council ’ s lack of strong leadership exhibited in such a crucial matter to our community .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form @ @ @ @ @ @

Concord needs leadership on crucial Reuse Project
Re: “Concord weapons site’s redevelopment in limbo after council vote” (Eastbaytimes.com, Jan. 8):
I was one of the many individuals that addressed the Concord City Council on Jan. 7 regarding the Concord Naval Weapons Station Reuse Plan.
I commended the City Council for their prudent oversight on this tremendous opportunity for the city of Concord and I strongly encouraged them to move forward.
I also recognized that the discussions between the developer and the labor unions were at an impasse. With that said, I implored the council to “intervene” in these negotiations and insist that resolution be achieved immediately.
Rather step up and insist upon a third-party mediator intervene, the council threw it back to the parties that have not been able to reach agreement after exhaustive negotiations.
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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 I am disappointed in our city council’s lack of strong leadership exhibited in such a crucial matter to our community.
Richard Kennedy
Concord
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-01-16--Harriette Cole: Nobody ever explained credit to me, and I feel like a failure

DEAR HARRIETTE : I just graduated from college this year , and I got a credit card for the first time .
I was told that I have to build up credit in order to be able to buy property or even get an apartment .
I can ’ t get a lease for my own place without proof that I have good credit .
Nobody ever told me that before .
I don ’ t want to ask anybody for help .
Plus , my parents really can ’ t afford it .
They did tell me I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together .
I feel like a failure .
I did very well in school , have almost no college debt and recently got a job , but it ’ s still not enough .
What should I do ?
DEAR NO CREDIT : It is true that you generally need to have established credit in order to be able to do many things , including renting or buying an apartment — unless you can pay cash upfront for an extended period of time .
• Harriette Cole : I went crazy on gifts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt • Harriette Cole : Mom ’ s upset because I want absentee dad at wedding • Harriette Cole : I think the school is handling these racist incidents wrong • Harriette Cole : Her life is a Hallmark movie , and I ’ m worried • Harriette Cole : Does my dog deserve a better owner than me ?
Take your parents up on their offer for you to live with them while you build your credit .
Be disciplined about using your new credit card .
You must use it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges on your card , preferably using less than 30 % of the total amount of credit .
Always pay your bill on time .
You can pay the total balance in full each month , either on time or early , or you can pay a portion of the bill on time .
Either way will help build good credit .
If you pay it off in full each month , your credit score will rise higher and you will not incur interest charges .
Sign up for a credit monitoring app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can immediately access your credit score .
A year ’ s worth of good credit plus some dollars in the bank should make you ready to get your own place .
DEAR HARRIETTE : My husband and I have very different tastes in television programs .
I like romance and drama .
He watches shows about UFOs .
It makes my skin crawl when he turns on shows about extraterrestrials and then lectures me about his beliefs — backed up by these programs — that aliens are living among us .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I also know that I can ’ t do anything about it , even if it is true .
How can I get him to watch some of my shows ?
I am tired of being forced to endure the shows he likes .
It makes me really angry , and that ’ s no good for our relationship .
DEAR NO MORE ALIENS : Schedule together time and alone time .
Let your husband know that you realize that you don ’ t share the same interests in TV programming .
Rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostage watching and responding to something that irritates you , recommend that each of you enjoy alone time when you want to watch your separate TV shows .
When you come together , consider turning off the TV and talking to each other or engaging in other activities that do not have the television as a distraction .
As far as watching something together , figure out what you both like and agree to watch that during those together moments .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I just graduated from college this year, and I got a credit card for the first time. I was told that I have to build up credit in order to be able to buy property or even get an apartment. I can’t get a lease for my own place without proof that I have good credit. Nobody ever told me that before.
I don’t want to ask anybody for help. Plus, my parents really can’t afford it. They did tell me I can live with them until I get it together. I feel like a failure. I did very well in school, have almost no college debt and recently got a job, but it’s still not enough. What should I do?
No Credit
DEAR NO CREDIT: It is true that you generally need to have established credit in order to be able to do many things, including renting or buying an apartment — unless you can pay cash upfront for an extended period of time.
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success Take your parents up on their offer for you to live with them while you build your credit. Be disciplined about using your new credit card. You must use it, though. Each month, make some charges on your card, preferably using less than 30% of the total amount of credit. Always pay your bill on time. You can pay the total balance in full each month, either on time or early, or you can pay a portion of the bill on time. Either way will help build good credit. If you pay it off in full each month, your credit score will rise higher and you will not incur interest charges.
Sign up for a credit monitoring app, like Credit Karma, so that you can immediately access your credit score. A year’s worth of good credit plus some dollars in the bank should make you ready to get your own place.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband and I have very different tastes in television programs. I like romance and drama. He watches shows about UFOs.
It makes my skin crawl when he turns on shows about extraterrestrials and then lectures me about his beliefs — backed up by these programs — that aliens are living among us. I don’t believe it, but I also know that I can’t do anything about it, even if it is true.
How can I get him to watch some of my shows? I am tired of being forced to endure the shows he likes. It makes me really angry, and that’s no good for our relationship.
No More Aliens
DEAR NO MORE ALIENS: Schedule together time and alone time. Let your husband know that you realize that you don’t share the same interests in TV programming. Rather than feeling that you are being held hostage watching and responding to something that irritates you, recommend that each of you enjoy alone time when you want to watch your separate TV shows. When you come together, consider turning off the TV and talking to each other or engaging in other activities that do not have the television as a distraction.
As far as watching something together, figure out what you both like and agree to watch that during those together moments.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-01-16--Dear Abby: I’m angry that my parents never sued over my childhood injury

DEAR ABBY : When I was a junior in high school , I sustained a neck injury ( at school ) that damaged my spinal cord .
I recovered mostly from that , but I have residual weakness in my right side and severe neck pain .
I was able to work until , at 57 , I had to go on disability .
Because of that , my financial situation is difficult , increasingly so now that my wife will be retiring .
At the time of my injury , my parents didn ’ t sue the school , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was too young and certainly in no shape to address the situation .
A lawyer approached my parents at the time , and my physician stated my injuries would limit my long-term work abilities and drastically affect my life .
My parents were aware that I would have limited work years , thus affecting my financial situation .
I feel anger toward them because of their inaction regarding my injury and not suing the school .
I see them once or twice a week , and I ’ m wondering if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ re in their mid-80s but are quite lively and take care of themselves .
It consumes my thoughts each time I visit them , but I ’ ve said nothing .
Do you think I should bring this up to them ?
DEAR INJURED : Yes , I do .
You deserve to know why they were so apathetic in taking care of your welfare — and they should be made aware of the impact it has had on your life .
It may be too late to sue the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but at least you will have some answers .
DEAR ABBY : I am suffering from postpartum depression while trying to reconcile with my husband , “ Derek.
” He had several emotional affairs during my recent pregnancy , as well as after I gave birth .
His parents attacked me about the postpartum .
I was hospitalized for a week because of it , but they said it was an act .
Recently , his mom texted him saying he should use my mental illness as grounds to divorce me .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacking me that way .
She responded , calling me a devil , saying she ’ s always hated me .
Now she ’ s turning his entire family against me , spreading vicious lies .
She even accused me of trying to sleep with my father-in-law , which Derek knows is ridiculous .
I have asked Derek to address the situation , but what else can I do ?
I ’ m no longer comfortable around his parents or sending my children to be around them .
I don ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it ’ s not fair for me to be attacked with malicious lies because of her jealousy — especially 12 years in .
Please help .
DEAR DISRESPECTED : You may be suffering from postpartum depression , but your mother-in-law appears to have more problems than you do .
I don ’ t envy you for being her target , or your husband for having to buffer you .
It might be helpful if the two of you consult a licensed mental health provider to figure out how to deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And Derek should waste no time letting the rest of the family know that none of what his mother is saying is true .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: When I was a junior in high school, I sustained a neck injury (at school) that damaged my spinal cord. I recovered mostly from that, but I have residual weakness in my right side and severe neck pain. I was able to work until, at 57, I had to go on disability.
Because of that, my financial situation is difficult, increasingly so now that my wife will be retiring.
At the time of my injury, my parents didn’t sue the school, although clearly the school was responsible. I was too young and certainly in no shape to address the situation.
A lawyer approached my parents at the time, and my physician stated my injuries would limit my long-term work abilities and drastically affect my life. My parents were aware that I would have limited work years, thus affecting my financial situation. I feel anger toward them because of their inaction regarding my injury and not suing the school.
I see them once or twice a week, and I’m wondering if I should bring this up to them now. They’re in their mid-80s but are quite lively and take care of themselves. It consumes my thoughts each time I visit them, but I’ve said nothing. Do you think I should bring this up to them?
INJURED IN TENNESSEE
DEAR INJURED: Yes, I do. You deserve to know why they were so apathetic in taking care of your welfare — and they should be made aware of the impact it has had on your life. It may be too late to sue the school for what happened to you, but at least you will have some answers.
DEAR ABBY: I am suffering from postpartum depression while trying to reconcile with my husband, “Derek.” He had several emotional affairs during my recent pregnancy, as well as after I gave birth.
His parents attacked me about the postpartum. I was hospitalized for a week because of it, but they said it was an act. Recently, his mom texted him saying he should use my mental illness as grounds to divorce me. I texted her, asking her to stop attacking me that way. She responded, calling me a devil, saying she’s always hated me. Now she’s turning his entire family against me, spreading vicious lies. She even accused me of trying to sleep with my father-in-law, which Derek knows is ridiculous.
I have asked Derek to address the situation, but what else can I do? I’m no longer comfortable around his parents or sending my children to be around them. I don’t want Derek to be in an awkward position, but it’s not fair for me to be attacked with malicious lies because of her jealousy — especially 12 years in. Please help.
DISRESPECTED IN ILLINOIS
DEAR DISRESPECTED: You may be suffering from postpartum depression, but your mother-in-law appears to have more problems than you do. I don’t envy you for being her target, or your husband for having to buffer you.
It might be helpful if the two of you consult a licensed mental health provider to figure out how to deal with her, if that’s possible. And Derek should waste no time letting the rest of the family know that none of what his mother is saying is true.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-01-16--Miss Manners: The kids weren’t invited, and I found his response rude

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I have been with my boyfriend for a few years .
He has an 18-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son from a previous relationship .
My boyfriend ’ s uncle is getting married .
This isn ’ t his mom ’ s or dad ’ s brother , but an “ uncle ” through his mother ’ s cousin ’ s family .
When we received the wedding invitation , it directed us to an RSVP website where I marked our names as , “ Yes , we will attend.
” My name and my boyfriend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , both on the website and on our invitation .
Once I let my boyfriend know , he thought there must be a mistake , and that his uncle must have forgotten to invite his kids , or at least the 18-year-old .
I said , “ Maybe they don ’ t want anyone under 21 attending .
I think it was deliberate.
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I was horrified at the idea that he would think a wedding invitation would be sent so frivolously and without the proper guests being invited .
Weddings are expensive and planned out with care .
Dinner costs a certain amount of money per head , and I ’ m positive there is a budget and this was all figured out already .
Also , the invitation literally said , “ Join us for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drinks !
” which clearly seemed to imply that it was adults-only .
I told him as much .
I ’ m not sure what he didn ’ t understand about this , but he went ahead and called his uncle !
His uncle was gracious and said , “ Yes , she can come.
” Maybe it ’ s not a big deal , but I think it was incredibly rude to ask to invite another guest to a wedding .
He did get his way , but wasn ’ t it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuck-up ?
Sometimes I feel he lacks social grace and awareness , and this seems to be a glaring example .
Please correct me if I ’ m wrong !
GENTLE READER : You are correct that invitations are not to be thought of as an offer to negotiate more generous terms .
But Miss Manners is concerned how you plan to use her endorsement .
You are only a provisional member of your boyfriend ’ s family .
For now , his judgment has precedence in matters regarding interactions with them — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Perhaps he remembers that the uncle is forgetful and is close to his older daughter .
That , at least , is the theory .
In practice , it sounds like the uncle merely acquiesced .
The good news is that your boyfriend is only a provisional member of your own family .
Explain why you would not have put your own family member in such an awkward position .
How he reacts may provide useful evidence as you decide whether your provisional relationship should become permanent .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer a full bar or no bar at all ?
We don ’ t typically have anything on hand but martini fixings and scotch , but we do stock beer and wine for guests .
GENTLE READER : While good hosts make reasonable efforts to see that their guests enjoy themselves , you are not running a bar .
Neither etiquette nor Miss Manners imposes any requirements about the contents of the liquor cabinet , any more than we require a menu of dinner options .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been with my boyfriend for a few years. He has an 18-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son from a previous relationship.
My boyfriend’s uncle is getting married. This isn’t his mom’s or dad’s brother, but an “uncle” through his mother’s cousin’s family.
When we received the wedding invitation, it directed us to an RSVP website where I marked our names as, “Yes, we will attend.” My name and my boyfriend’s were the only ones listed, both on the website and on our invitation.
Once I let my boyfriend know, he thought there must be a mistake, and that his uncle must have forgotten to invite his kids, or at least the 18-year-old. I said, “Maybe they don’t want anyone under 21 attending. I think it was deliberate.”
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Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third I was horrified at the idea that he would think a wedding invitation would be sent so frivolously and without the proper guests being invited. Weddings are expensive and planned out with care. Dinner costs a certain amount of money per head, and I’m positive there is a budget and this was all figured out already. Also, the invitation literally said, “Join us for a night of debauchery, dancing and drinks!” which clearly seemed to imply that it was adults-only.
I told him as much. I’m not sure what he didn’t understand about this, but he went ahead and called his uncle! His uncle was gracious and said, “Yes, she can come.”
Maybe it’s not a big deal, but I think it was incredibly rude to ask to invite another guest to a wedding. He did get his way, but wasn’t it uncouth? Am I just stuck being stuck-up? Sometimes I feel he lacks social grace and awareness, and this seems to be a glaring example. Please correct me if I’m wrong!
Want Miss Manners delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
GENTLE READER: You are correct that invitations are not to be thought of as an offer to negotiate more generous terms. But Miss Manners is concerned how you plan to use her endorsement. You are only a provisional member of your boyfriend’s family. For now, his judgment has precedence in matters regarding interactions with them — if only because he knows them better. Perhaps he remembers that the uncle is forgetful and is close to his older daughter.
That, at least, is the theory. In practice, it sounds like the uncle merely acquiesced.
The good news is that your boyfriend is only a provisional member of your own family. Explain why you would not have put your own family member in such an awkward position. How he reacts may provide useful evidence as you decide whether your provisional relationship should become permanent.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: When you have guests, must you offer a full bar or no bar at all? We don’t typically have anything on hand but martini fixings and scotch, but we do stock beer and wine for guests.
GENTLE READER: While good hosts make reasonable efforts to see that their guests enjoy themselves, you are not running a bar. Neither etiquette nor Miss Manners imposes any requirements about the contents of the liquor cabinet, any more than we require a menu of dinner options.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-01-17--Alan Dershowitz, Ken Starr join Trump impeachment legal defense

By ERIC TUCKER | The Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump ’ s legal team for his upcoming Senate impeachment trial will include former Harvard University law professor Alan Dershowitz and Ken Starr , the independent counsel who investigated President Bill Clinton .
The team will also include Pam Bondi , the former Florida attorney general and a Trump ally , according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the person wasn ’ t authorized to speak on the record .
The lead roles for Trump ’ s defense will be played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump personal lawyer Jay Sekulow .
In adding Dershowitz and Starr , the president is turning to a pair of brand-name attorneys who have experience in some of the more consequential legal dramas of recent American history .
The additions give the president additional experience both in constitutional law and in the politics of impeachment .
Starr ’ s investigation into Clinton ’ s relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky helped set in motion Clinton ’ s impeachment , the last such case before Congress .
Dershowitz confirmed his role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying , he would “ present oral arguments at the Senate trial to address the constitutional arguments against impeachment and removal.
” Dershowitz said of himself : “ While Professor Dershowitz is nonpartisan when it comes to the Constitution — he opposed the impeachment of President Bill Clinton and voted for Hillary Clinton — he believes the issues at stake go to the heart of our enduring Constitution.
” A Fox News host said on the air that Starr would be parting ways with the network as a result of his role on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s legal defense include Jane Raskin , who was part of the president ’ s legal team during special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s Russia investigation , and Robert Ray , who was part of the the Whitewater investigation of the Clintons .
Trump was impeached on charges of abuse of power and obstructing Congress , stemming from his pressure on Ukraine to investigate Democratic rivals as he was withholding security aid , and obstructing the ensuing congressional probe..
The U.S. Senate opened the trial on Thursday and senators were sworn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
The president insists he did nothing wrong , and he dismissed the trial anew on Thursday at the White House : “ It ’ s totally partisan .
It ’ s a hoax.
” However , new revelations are mounting about Trump ’ s actions toward Ukraine .
The Government Accountability Office said Thursday that the White House violated federal law in withholding the security assistance to Ukraine , which shares a border with hostile Russia .
At the same time , an indicted associate of Trump ’ s personal lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned over to prosecutors new documents linking the president to the shadow foreign policy being run by Giuliani .
Those developments applied fresh pressure to senators to call more witnesses for the trial , a main source of contention that is still to be resolved .
The White House has instructed officials not to comply with subpoenas from Congress requesting witnesses or other information .
Besides his 1990s role as an independent counsel , Starr is also a former U.S. solicitor general and federal circuit court judge .
He was removed as president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chancellor of the school in the wake of a review critical of the university ’ s handling of sexual assault allegations against football players .
Starr said his resignation was the result of the university ’ s board of regents seeking to place the school under new leadership following the scandal , not because he was accused of hiding or failing to act on information .
Dershowitz , meanwhile , has been embroiled in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal .
A woman who went public with claims she was a teenage victim of Epstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Epstein trafficked her to several prominent men , including Dershowitz .
She says she had sex with Dershowitz on several occasions— allegations Dershowitz has vehemently denied .

By ERIC TUCKER | The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s legal team for his upcoming Senate impeachment trial will include former Harvard University law professor Alan Dershowitz and Ken Starr, the independent counsel who investigated President Bill Clinton.
The team will also include Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general and a Trump ally, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the person wasn’t authorized to speak on the record.
The lead roles for Trump’s defense will be played by White House Counsel Pat Cipollone and Trump personal lawyer Jay Sekulow.
In adding Dershowitz and Starr, the president is turning to a pair of brand-name attorneys who have experience in some of the more consequential legal dramas of recent American history. The additions give the president additional experience both in constitutional law and in the politics of impeachment. Starr’s investigation into Clinton’s relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky helped set in motion Clinton’s impeachment, the last such case before Congress.
Dershowitz confirmed his role in a series of tweets on Friday, saying, he would “present oral arguments at the Senate trial to address the constitutional arguments against impeachment and removal.”
Dershowitz said of himself: “While Professor Dershowitz is nonpartisan when it comes to the Constitution — he opposed the impeachment of President Bill Clinton and voted for Hillary Clinton — he believes the issues at stake go to the heart of our enduring Constitution.”
A Fox News host said on the air that Starr would be parting ways with the network as a result of his role on the legal team.
Other members of Trump’s legal defense include Jane Raskin, who was part of the president’s legal team during special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation, and Robert Ray, who was part of the the Whitewater investigation of the Clintons.
Trump was impeached on charges of abuse of power and obstructing Congress ,stemming from his pressure on Ukraine to investigate Democratic rivals as he was withholding security aid, and obstructing the ensuing congressional probe..
The U.S. Senate opened the trial on Thursday and senators were sworn in as jurors. The trial resumes Tuesday.
The president insists he did nothing wrong, and he dismissed the trial anew on Thursday at the White House: “It’s totally partisan. It’s a hoax.”
However, new revelations are mounting about Trump’s actions toward Ukraine.
The Government Accountability Office said Thursday that the White House violated federal law in withholding the security assistance to Ukraine, which shares a border with hostile Russia.
At the same time, an indicted associate of Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Lev Parnas, has turned over to prosecutors new documents linking the president to the shadow foreign policy being run by Giuliani.
Those developments applied fresh pressure to senators to call more witnesses for the trial, a main source of contention that is still to be resolved. The White House has instructed officials not to comply with subpoenas from Congress requesting witnesses or other information.
Besides his 1990s role as an independent counsel, Starr is also a former U.S. solicitor general and federal circuit court judge.
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Pence finds himself the reluctant centerpiece of case against Trump Politics | Should Trump be jailed? 2024 election may decide that He was removed as president of Baylor University and then resigned as chancellor of the school in the wake of a review critical of the university’s handling of sexual assault allegations against football players. Starr said his resignation was the result of the university’s board of regents seeking to place the school under new leadership following the scandal, not because he was accused of hiding or failing to act on information.
Dershowitz, meanwhile, has been embroiled in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. A woman who went public with claims she was a teenage victim of Epstein’s sex trafficking ring has said Epstein trafficked her to several prominent men, including Dershowitz.
She says she had sex with Dershowitz on several occasions— allegations Dershowitz has vehemently denied.