mercurynews--2020-02-06--DNC chair calls for ‘recanvass’ of Iowa results after delays

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — The chairman of the Democratic National Committee on Thursday called for a “ recanvass ” of the results of the Iowa caucuses , saying it was needed to “ assure public confidence ” after three days of technical issues and delays .
With 97 % of precincts reporting , Pete Buttigieg , a former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders are nearly tied for the lead , and both candidates have declared themselves victorious .
The Associated Press said Thursday that it is unable to declare a winner in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perez ’ s concerns , the Iowa Democratic Party has yet to report results from some satellite caucus sites , from which there are still an unknown number of state delegate equivalents to be won .
The state party apologized for technical glitches with an app that slowed down reporting of results from Monday ’ s caucuses and has spent the week trying to verify results .
However , it was unclear if the party planned to follow the directive of the national leader to recanvass those results , a process that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ math worksheets completed at more than 1,600 caucus sites to ensure the calculations were done correctly and matched the reported results .
Iowa chairman Troy Price suggested in a statement Thursday that he would only pursue a recanvass if one was requested by a campaign .
The caucus crisis was an embarrassing twist after months of promoting Iowa as a chance for Democrats to find some clarity in a jumbled 2020 field .
Instead , after a buildup that featured seven rounds of debates , nearly $ 1 billion spent nationwide and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended with no winner and no official results .
Campaigning in New Hampshire , Sanders called the Iowa Democratic Party ’ s management of the caucuses a “ screw-up ” that has been “ extremely unfair ” to the candidates and their supporters .
“ I really do feel bad for the people of Iowa , ” said Sanders , who added that it was “ an outrage that they were that unprepared.
” Iowa marked the first contest in a primary season that will span all 50 states and several U.S. territories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national convention in July .
As first reported by The New York Times , numerous precincts reported results that contained errors or were inconsistent with party rules .
For example , the AP confirmed that dozens of precincts reported more final alignment votes than first alignment votes , which is not possible under party rules .
In other precincts , viable candidates lost votes from the first alignment tally to the final , which is also inconsistent with party rules .
Some precincts made apparent errors in awarding state delegate equivalents to candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state delegate equivalents than they had available .
A few others didn ’ t award all of theirs .
The trouble began with an app that the Iowa Democratic Party used to tabulate the results of the contest .
The app was rolled out shortly before caucusing began and did not go through rigorous testing .
The problems were compounded when phone lines for reporting the outcomes became jammed , with many callers placed on hold for hours in order to report outcomes .
Party officials said the backlog was exacerbated by calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number and appeared intent on disrupting the process .
“ There was a moment in the night where , it became clear , ‘ Oh , the phone number just became available to the entire country , ’ ” said Iowa state Auditor Rob Sands , who was answering calls for the party .
“ It was a pretty big problem.
” “ The Democrats , they can ’ t count some simple votes and yet they want to take over your health care system , ” Trump said at a White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquittal .
“ Think of that — no , think of that.
” The chaos surrounding the reporting breakdown seems sure to blunt the impact of Iowa ’ s election , which typically rewards winners with a surge of momentum heading into subsequent primary contests .
But without a winner called , Democrats have quickly turned their focus to New Hampshire , which holds the next voting contest on Tuesday .
The results released so far show Buttigieg and Sanders locked in an exceedingly close contest .
They lead Sen. Elizabeth Warren , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar .
The two early leaders , Buttigieg and Sanders , are separated by 40 years in age and conflicting ideology .
Sanders , a 78-year-old self-described democratic socialist , has been a progressive powerhouse for decades .
Buttigieg , a 38-year-old former municipal official , represents the more moderate wing of the Democratic Party .
Buttigieg is also the first openly gay candidate to earn presidential primary delegates .
Sanders narrowly lost the Iowa caucuses in 2016 to Hillary Clinton and pushed the party to make changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ releasing three different sets of results : a tally of candidate support at the start of the caucuses , their levels of support after those backing candidates with less than 15 % got to make a second choice and the number of state delegate equivalents each candidate receives .
The AP will determine a winner based on state delegates .
Given the tight race , former DNC Chairwoman Donna Brazile said the party needs to “ get this right ” so the eventual nominee isn ’ t saddled with questions of legitimacy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ embarrassment and not being prepared for the various mishaps that can take place when you try to do something new and different , ” she said .
Party activist John Deeth , who organized the caucuses in Iowa ’ s most Democratic county , Johnson , said he welcomed a recanvass and would help as needed .
“ It makes sense to look everything over again and get it right , ” he said .
Deeth said that he believed the review would uncover some data entry errors as well as some math @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each precinct were awarded .
Volunteers running the precincts did their best , he said , but likely made some minor mistakes .
Peoples reported from New York .
Associated Press writers Ryan J. Foley in Iowa City , Iowa , Will Weissert in Manchester , N.H. , Bill Barrow in Atlanta , and Stephen Ohlemacher and Emily Swanson in Washington contributed to this report .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game .
”

By STEVE PEOPLES, JULIE PACE and BRIAN SLODYSKO
WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the Democratic National Committee on Thursday called for a “recanvass” of the results of the Iowa caucuses, saying it was needed to “assure public confidence” after three days of technical issues and delays.
”Enough is enough,” party leader Tom Perez wrote on Twitter.
Following the Iowa Democratic Party’s release of new results late Thursday night, former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg leads Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders by two state delegate equivalents out of 2,152 counted. That is a margin of 0.09 percentage points. Both candidates have declared themselves victorious.
However, there is evidence the party has not accurately tabulated some of its results, including those released late Thursday that the party reported as complete.
The Associated Press is unable to declare a winner.
The state party apologized for technical glitches with an app that slowed down reporting of results from Monday’s caucuses and has spent the week trying to verify results. However, it was unclear if the party planned to follow the directive of the national leader to recanvass those results, a process that would likely require state officials to review caucus math worksheets completed at more than 1,600 caucus sites to ensure the calculations were done correctly and matched the reported results.
Iowa chairman Troy Price suggested in a statement Thursday that he would only pursue a recanvass if one was requested by a campaign.
The caucus crisis was an embarrassing twist after months of promoting Iowa as a chance for Democrats to find some clarity in a jumbled 2020 field. Instead, after a buildup that featured seven rounds of debates, nearly $1 billion spent nationwide and a year of political jockeying, caucus day ended with no winner and no official results.
Campaigning in New Hampshire, Sanders called the Iowa Democratic Party’s management of the caucuses a “screw-up” that has been “extremely unfair” to the candidates and their supporters.
“We’ve got enough of Iowa,” he said later Thursday at a CNN town hall. “I think we should move onto New Hampshire.”
Iowa marked the first contest in a primary season that will span all 50 states and several U.S. territories, ending at the party’s national convention in July.
As first reported by The New York Times, numerous precincts reported results that contained errors or were inconsistent with party rules. For example, the AP confirmed that dozens of precincts reported more final alignment votes than first alignment votes, which is not possible under party rules. In other precincts, viable candidates lost votes from the first alignment tally to the final, which is also inconsistent with party rules.
Some precincts made apparent errors in awarding state delegate equivalents to candidates. A handful of precincts awarded more state delegate equivalents than they had available. A few others didn’t award all of theirs.
The trouble began with an app that the Iowa Democratic Party used to tabulate the results of the contest. The app was rolled out shortly before caucusing began and did not go through rigorous testing.
The problems were compounded when phone lines for reporting the outcomes became jammed, with many callers placed on hold for hours in order to report outcomes. Party officials said the backlog was exacerbated by calls from people around the country who accessed the number and appeared intent on disrupting the process.
“There was a moment in the night where, it became clear, ‘Oh, the phone number just became available to the entire country,’” said Iowa state Auditor Rob Sand, who was answering calls for the party. “It was a pretty big problem.”
President Donald Trump relished in the Democratic turmoil.
“The Democrats, they can’t count some simple votes and yet they want to take over your health care system,” Trump said at a White House event Thursday celebrating his impeachment trial acquittal. “Think of that — no, think of that.”
The chaos surrounding the reporting breakdown seems sure to blunt the impact of Iowa’s election, which typically rewards winners with a surge of momentum heading into subsequent primary contests. But without a winner called, Democrats have quickly turned their focus to New Hampshire, which holds the next voting contest on Tuesday.
Buttigieg and Sanders will emerge from Iowa’s caucuses with the most delegates to the party’s national convention, regardless of which one eventually wins the contest. They have each won at least 11 national delegates, with a handful of delegates still to be awarded, according to the AP delegate count. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has won at least five delegates, while former Vice President Joe Biden has won at least two and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar has at least one.
Iowa will award 41 pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention this summer. There are 11 delegates still to be awarded as the state party sorts out the final results of the caucuses.
Candidates must win a majority of pledged delegates to the party’s national convention to win the Democratic nomination for president on the first ballot. This year, that’s 1,191 pledged delegates.
The two Iowa leaders, Buttigieg and Sanders, are separated by 40 years in age and conflicting ideology.
Sanders, a 78-year-old self-described democratic socialist, has been a progressive powerhouse for decades. Buttigieg, a 38-year-old former municipal official, represents the more moderate wing of the Democratic Party. Buttigieg is also the first openly gay candidate to earn presidential primary delegates.
Sanders narrowly lost the Iowa caucuses in 2016 to Hillary Clinton and pushed the party to make changes to the process this year, including releasing three different sets of results: a tally of candidate support at the start of the caucuses, their levels of support after those backing candidates with less than 15% got to make a second choice and the number of state delegate equivalents each candidate receives. The AP will determine a winner based on state delegates.
Given the tight race, former DNC Chairwoman Donna Brazile said the party needs to “get this right” so the eventual nominee isn’t saddled with questions of legitimacy.
“It’s a combination of embarrassment and not being prepared for the various mishaps that can take place when you try to do something new and different,” she said.
Party activist John Deeth, who organized the caucuses in Iowa’s most Democratic county, Johnson, said he welcomed a recanvass and would help as needed.
“It makes sense to look everything over again and get it right,” he said.
Deeth said that he believed the review would uncover some data entry errors as well as some math and rounding errors in how delegates at each precinct were awarded. Volunteers running the precincts did their best, he said, but likely made some minor mistakes.
___
Peoples reported from New York. Associated Press writers Ryan J. Foley in Iowa City, Iowa, Will Weissert in Manchester, N.H., Bill Barrow in Atlanta, and Stephen Ohlemacher and Emily Swanson in Washington contributed to this report.
___
This story has been corrected to show that Iowa’s state auditor is named Rob Sand, not Rob Sands.
___
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast, “Ground Game.”


mercurynews--2020-02-06--Exelixis plans major Alameda expansion for new headquarters

ALAMEDA — Exelixis , a fast-expanding life sciences firm with nearly $ 1 billion in revenue , has struck a deal to lease a big office building for the company ’ s new headquarters , developers said Thursday .
The biotech company has leased a yet-to-be-built office building in Alameda that , when constructed and complete , will total 220,000 square feet , according to project developers srmErnst Development Partners and Hillwood Properties .
The building will rise at 1951 Harbor Bay Parkway and appears to be a sleek and modern campus , according to conceptual images provided by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is quickly expanding as businesses migrate from San Francisco and the Peninsula for better growth opportunities , ” said Joe Ernst , president of srmErnst .
The rental transaction represents a major expansion for Exelixis .
Exelixis was asked to comment about the situation on Thursday .
Alameda-based Exelixis now occupies a 64,000-square-foot building at 1851 Harbor Bay Parkway .
Offices of that size typically can accommodate about 320 workers .
A modern office building totaling 220,000 square feet could potentially be populated by 1,100 employees .
Over the 12 months that ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million on revenue of $ 956.1 million .
For the calendar year of 2018 , Exelixis earned $ 690.1 million on revenue of $ 853.8 million .
Exelixis specializes in the creation and commercialization of medicines to combat cancers that are difficult to treat .
The development of the new Exelixis headquarters is scheduled to begin this summer .
The developers didn ’ t provide a precise timeline for completion , however .
“ We ’ re excited to see the expansion of companies like Exelixis continue the evolution of this area into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Ernst said .

ALAMEDA — Exelixis, a fast-expanding life sciences firm with nearly $1 billion in revenue, has struck a deal to lease a big office building for the company’s new headquarters, developers said.
The biotech company has leased a yet-to-be-built office building in Alameda that, when constructed and complete, will total 220,000 square feet, according to project developers srmErnst Development Partners and Hillwood Properties.
The building will rise at 1951 Harbor Bay Parkway and appears to be a sleek and modern campus, according to conceptual images provided by the developers.
“Harbor Bay Business Park is quickly expanding as businesses migrate from San Francisco and the Peninsula for better growth opportunities,” said Joe Ernst, president of srmErnst.
The rental transaction represents a major expansion for Exelixis.
Alameda-based Exelixis already occupies three buildings on Harbor Bay Parkway that together total 135,000 square feet, including the current corporate headquarters at 1851 Harbor Bay Parkway that total 64,000 square feet.
Plus, Exelixis is preparing moves into two other buildings besides the big one that it has just leased. The other smaller office buildings are at 1601 Harbor Bay Parkway, totaling 37,000 square feet, and 1701 Harbor Bay Parkway, totaling 59,000 square feet.
At present, Exelixis has a headcount in Alameda of roughly 600 workers, the company said Friday.
The large unbuilt modern office building of 220,000 square feet at 1951 Harbor Bay Parkway is expected to accommodate 900 employees. All told, when the new headquarters is complete, Exelixis anticipates it will occupy 440,000 square feet in Alameda. That includes offices and lab spaces.
Over the 12 months that ended in September, Exelixis earned $612.4 million on revenue of $956.1 million. For the calendar year of 2018, Exelixis earned $690.1 million on revenue of $853.8 million.
“The underlying driver of all of this expansion work is the company’s continued growth,” Exelixis stated in the emailed comments.
Exelixis specializes in the creation and commercialization of medicines to combat cancers that are difficult to treat.
The development of the new Exelixis headquarters is scheduled to begin this summer. The developers didn’t provide a precise timeline for completion, however.
“We’re excited to see the expansion of companies like Exelixis continue the evolution of this area into a great place to do important work,” Ernst said.


mercurynews--2020-02-06--Another missed deadline for BART to San Jose. Translation: Keep waiting

By now , South Bay BART riders were supposed to be streaming into the new Milpitas and Berryessa stations .
Oakland and San Leandro bus passengers were supposed to be zipping past International Boulevard traffic in dedicated bus lanes .
And Nimitz Freeway drivers were supposed to be using new express lanes to get a quicker trip on I-880 .
But riders and drivers are still waiting and can expect to keep waiting for a while .
AC Transit reportedly has pushed back its plan for opening the bus rapid transit line to late spring .
The express lanes now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to late August , according to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission .
And after their long-delayed project missed yet another deadline last week , officials from BART and Valley Transportation Authority , which built the extension , still don ’ t have an estimate for when the gleaming new Milpitas and Berryessa stations finally will open for service .
“ I am not going to speculate one way or another , ” VTA spokeswoman Bernice Alaniz said this week when asked how long riders can expect to wait for the project .
“ All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and BART are working in as expedient and efficient a manner possible to deliver a safe and reliable system.
” Each of those three new projects had at one point been slated for completion by the end of 2019 .
They are among several big Bay Area transportation projects dogged by delays during the last decade — something experts say the region needs to fix as it looks to tackle even more ambitious projects , including the next phase of the BART extension through downtown San Jose and Caltrain ’ s push into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stations originally were supposed to open to the public in 2018 , but that schedule has been pushed back several times .
Until last fall VTA officials insisted the project was on track to open by Dec. 28 then acknowledged in November that it wouldn ’ t make that deadline either .
Since then , no one at BART or VTA has been willing to estimate when the $ 2.3 billion , 10-mile extension will open .
At one point , statements from BART and VTA pointed toward a possible late April or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlikely .
Instead , Alaniz said the agencies now hope to release a schedule sometime next month for the eventual opening .
VTA officials said in December that they planned to finish “ base project work ” on the extension by the end of January .
But Alaniz said that hasn ’ t happened — crews are still working to fix a software problem that is keeping BART ’ s trains from stopping at precise spots where the trains ’ doors line up with the black tiles on the platforms .
Beyond that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolve hundreds of other “ discrepancies ” with the extension before they can turn it over to BART , which will operate the system .
Whenever that happens , BART still will need some time to conduct its own testing before service to the stations begins .
BART officials last year estimated that would take about 12 weeks but have since backed away from that time frame .
“ We are continuing to work closely with VTA as their contractors execute their work and testing , ” BART spokeswoman Alicia Trost said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ BART riders have gotten the short end of a slate of changes VTA rolled out in late December , which bolstered service along the agency ’ s more popular bus routes while reducing the frequency of buses on others , and eliminating some entirely .
Those changes have included less-frequent service for the express VTA bus line between the Warm Springs BART station and downtown San Jose , plus a slower trip after the agency gave the route an extra stop in Milpitas .
Delays for rapid buses as well Anyone who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downtown Oakland lately has been seeing the signs of progress on the long-awaited bus rapid transit line along the corridor , which includes dozens of shiny new bus shelters .
With dedicated lanes to free coaches from automobile traffic — and bus-mounted cameras to ticket drivers who sneak into the lanes — transit advocates hope the AC Transit system becomes a model for similar rapid bus lines throughout the Bay Area .
AC Transit officials said in November that the project was behind schedule , pushing their planned opening from December to March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along the route , as well as a sinkhole along one block of International Boulevard , all of which slowed construction .
Now AC Transit estimates the line will open in May , according to the transportation news site Streetsblog , with the caveat that wet weather could create more delays .
An AC Transit spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report Thursday .
The 9.5-mile line eventually will run from the San Leandro BART station to Uptown Oakland , primarily along International Boulevard .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaints for drivers about dedicating lanes to public transportation , though .
As the Bay Area ’ s housing crisis drives up rents across Oakland , many worry the new transit line could worsen gentrification in the neighborhoods it will run through , pushing more longtime residents out .
Business owners have also complained that the project eliminates some parking spaces along International Boulevard and are weary from years of construction which one blamed for the closure of a 70-year-old furniture store as the project dragged on .
Amid the delays , AC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those waiting to ride the new line : Once it opens , the agency won ’ t charge for rides along the bus rapid transit route for its first 90 days .

By now, South Bay BART riders were supposed to be streaming into the new Milpitas and Berryessa stations. Oakland and San Leandro bus passengers were supposed to be zipping past International Boulevard traffic in dedicated bus lanes. And Nimitz Freeway drivers were supposed to be using new express lanes to get a quicker trip on I-880.
But riders and drivers are still waiting and can expect to keep waiting for a while.
AC Transit reportedly has pushed back its plan for opening the bus rapid transit line to late spring.
The express lanes now are planned for this summer — mid- to late August, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
And after their long-delayed project missed yet another deadline last week, officials from BART and Valley Transportation Authority, which built the extension, still don’t have an estimate for when the gleaming new Milpitas and Berryessa stations finally will open for service.
“I am not going to speculate one way or another,” VTA spokeswoman Bernice Alaniz said this week when asked how long riders can expect to wait for the project. “All I can definitively say is that VTA and BART are working in as expedient and efficient a manner possible to deliver a safe and reliable system.”
Each of those three new projects had at one point been slated for completion by the end of 2019. They are among several big Bay Area transportation projects dogged by delays during the last decade — something experts say the region needs to fix as it looks to tackle even more ambitious projects, including the next phase of the BART extension through downtown San Jose and Caltrain’s push into downtown San Francisco.
The new BART stations originally were supposed to open to the public in 2018, but that schedule has been pushed back several times.
Until last fall VTA officials insisted the project was on track to open by Dec. 28 then acknowledged in November that it wouldn’t make that deadline either.
Since then, no one at BART or VTA has been willing to estimate when the $2.3 billion, 10-mile extension will open. At one point, statements from BART and VTA pointed toward a possible late April or May opening, but that now seems unlikely.
Instead, Alaniz said the agencies now hope to release a schedule sometime next month for the eventual opening.
VTA officials said in December that they planned to finish “base project work” on the extension by the end of January. But Alaniz said that hasn’t happened — crews are still working to fix a software problem that is keeping BART’s trains from stopping at precise spots where the trains’ doors line up with the black tiles on the platforms.
Beyond that fix, VTA crews still need to resolve hundreds of other “discrepancies” with the extension before they can turn it over to BART, which will operate the system.
Whenever that happens, BART still will need some time to conduct its own testing before service to the stations begins. BART officials last year estimated that would take about 12 weeks but have since backed away from that time frame.
“We are continuing to work closely with VTA as their contractors execute their work and testing,” BART spokeswoman Alicia Trost said.
While that work continues, South Bay BART riders have gotten the short end of a slate of changes VTA rolled out in late December, which bolstered service along the agency’s more popular bus routes while reducing the frequency of buses on others, and eliminating some entirely. Those changes have included less-frequent service for the express VTA bus line between the Warm Springs BART station and downtown San Jose, plus a slower trip after the agency gave the route an extra stop in Milpitas.
Delays for rapid buses as well
Anyone who has traveled along International Boulevard or parts of downtown Oakland lately has been seeing the signs of progress on the long-awaited bus rapid transit line along the corridor, which includes dozens of shiny new bus shelters.
Let there be light! Pictured here is one of our 21 center-median stations at 73rd Avenue. The newly-installed lighting will help improve safety for riders and pedestrians at #BRT’s 46 platforms between #Oakland and #SanLeandro. #ACTransit #EastBayBRT coming spring 2020 pic.twitter.com/HUMSLXaPzf — Rideact BRT (@rideactBRT) February 4, 2020
With dedicated lanes to free coaches from automobile traffic — and bus-mounted cameras to ticket drivers who sneak into the lanes — transit advocates hope the AC Transit system becomes a model for similar rapid bus lines throughout the Bay Area.
AC Transit officials said in November that the project was behind schedule, pushing their planned opening from December to March. They said crews found unmarked utilities along the route, as well as a sinkhole along one block of International Boulevard, all of which slowed construction.
Now AC Transit estimates the line will open in May, according to the transportation news site Streetsblog, with the caveat that wet weather could create more delays. An AC Transit spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report Thursday.
The 9.5-mile line eventually will run from the San Leandro BART station to Uptown Oakland, primarily along International Boulevard. It has faced resistance that goes beyond the usual complaints for drivers about dedicating lanes to public transportation, though.
As the Bay Area’s housing crisis drives up rents across Oakland, many worry the new transit line could worsen gentrification in the neighborhoods it will run through, pushing more longtime residents out. Business owners have also complained that the project eliminates some parking spaces along International Boulevard and are weary from years of construction which one blamed for the closure of a 70-year-old furniture store as the project dragged on.
Amid the delays, AC Transit is offering a silver lining for those waiting to ride the new line: Once it opens, the agency won’t charge for rides along the bus rapid transit route for its first 90 days.


mercurynews--2020-02-06--Bay Area microbe hunters to test for coronavirus

Disease sleuths at a Richmond-based lab will soon be receiving samples of the mysterious coronavirus , accelerating efforts to provide more rapid results than currently offered by federal authorities .
The state lab , called the Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory , will start conducting tests on Wednesday , Feb. 12 , and report results within two days of receiving the specimens .
Results from the federal U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently take between two to seven days .
Quick turnaround time is essential in an emergency like coronavirus , when patients need to be isolated and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doors and security cameras , the lab has long been a bulwark in the state ’ s defense against about 300 viral and bacterial invaders , from flu to hantavirus , West Nile and diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever .
Now its gloved and white-coated technicians will be part of the state ’ s 16-lab team to guide prevention and care for people who may have been exposed to the new coronavirus .
“ The California Department of Public Health laboratory is proud to be a part of a statewide network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Dr. Sonia Angell , California Department of Pubic Health Director , in a prepared statement .
The test , distributed to California and a select number of other states by the CDC , is called Reverse Transcriptase PCR ( RT-PCR ) .
It measures tiny bits of viral RNA , a chain of cells that carry genetic information , that swim in oceans of cells in a patient ’ s sputum , serum or blood .
Meanwhile , scientists at UC San Francisco and the biotech company Mammoth Biosciences are racing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheaper test , enlisting the power of the gene editing tool CRISPR to detect snippets of a virus ’ s genetic material .
The Richmond lab , established 75 years ago , has been a key player in the national and international disease surveillance network .
Such vigilance means officials can sound the alarm if an entirely new and frightening microbe appears in California .
Every morning , FedEx trucks deliver samples from hospitals around the state .
Kept chilled , the samples are unpacked , dropped into tiny vials and prepared for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus , it will be stored in a cavernous freezer for research in the decades to come .
This contributes to the scientific understanding of the spread of coronavirus .
As the lab accumulates data from the viral samples , over time , it will help reveal any changes in the virus that make it more – or less – deadly .
“ Providing this test in California will deliver more rapid test results to improve care of persons who may be sick with this novel virus , ” said Angell .

Disease sleuths at a Richmond-based lab will soon be receiving samples of the mysterious coronavirus, accelerating efforts to provide more rapid results than currently offered by federal authorities.
The state lab, called the Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory, will start conducting tests on Wednesday, Feb. 12, and report results within two days of receiving the specimens. Results from the federal U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently take between two to seven days.
Quick turnaround time is essential in an emergency like coronavirus, when patients need to be isolated and treated immediately.
Behind gates, locked doors and security cameras, the lab has long been a bulwark in the state’s defense against about 300 viral and bacterial invaders, from flu to hantavirus, West Nile and diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Now its gloved and white-coated technicians will be part of the state’s 16-lab team to guide prevention and care for people who may have been exposed to the new coronavirus.
“The California Department of Public Health laboratory is proud to be a part of a statewide network to provide novel coronavirus virus testing,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, California Department of Pubic Health Director, in a prepared statement.
The test, distributed to California and a select number of other states by the CDC, is called Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). It measures tiny bits of viral RNA, a chain of cells that carry genetic information, that swim in oceans of cells in a patient’s sputum, serum or blood.
Meanwhile, scientists at UC San Francisco and the biotech company Mammoth Biosciences are racing to build an even faster and far cheaper test, enlisting the power of the gene editing tool CRISPR to detect snippets of a virus’s genetic material.
The Richmond lab, established 75 years ago, has been a key player in the national and international disease surveillance network. Such vigilance means officials can sound the alarm if an entirely new and frightening microbe appears in California.
Every morning, FedEx trucks deliver samples from hospitals around the state. Kept chilled, the samples are unpacked, dropped into tiny vials and prepared for testing.
If a sample tests positive for coronavirus, it will be stored in a cavernous freezer for research in the decades to come. This contributes to the scientific understanding of the spread of coronavirus. As the lab accumulates data from the viral samples, over time, it will help reveal any changes in the virus that make it more – or less – deadly. Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
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“Providing this test in California will deliver more rapid test results to improve care of persons who may be sick with this novel virus,” said Angell.


mercurynews--2020-02-07--Letter: This is a chance to expand Pleasant Hill recreation

As the former general manager of the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District and long-time resident of Pleasant Hill , I have first-hand knowledge of how residents value our parks and programs .
Measure A , on the March ballot , a bond measure to renovate and upgrade our parks and facilities , is a cost-effective way to address the need for safer and upgraded parks and facilities , and expand recreational opportunities for children , families and seniors .
The passage of Measure A would enhance the lives of the people in this community by completing a new aquatics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park with fields , and upgrades to parks including picnic areas , playgrounds and restrooms .
• Letter : PG & E ’ s regulatory agency needs legislative oversight as well • Letter : Paying teachers enough is the least we can do • Skelton : Will California voters prioritize beating Trump or the issues ?
• Letter : More and more children are using Juuls • Letter : People often think being overweight indicates character but… Measure A is an opportunity to expand recreational activities for all residents of the Pleasant Hill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Measure A is a chance to expand PH recreation
As the former general manager of the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District and long-time resident of Pleasant Hill, I have first-hand knowledge of how residents value our parks and programs.
Measure A, on the March ballot, a bond measure to renovate and upgrade our parks and facilities, is a cost-effective way to address the need for safer and upgraded parks and facilities, and expand recreational opportunities for children, families and seniors.
The passage of Measure A would enhance the lives of the people in this community by completing a new aquatics center, a gymnasium, a new park with fields, and upgrades to parks including picnic areas, playgrounds and restrooms.
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Bob Berggren
Retired General Manager
Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District
Pleasant Hill
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mercurynews--2020-02-07--What hot topics 49ers Shanahan, Lynch did cover in recap?

SANTA CLARA — Coach Kyle Shanahan , looking as soul-crushed as expected after another Super Bowl collapse , spoke confidently Thursday about each and every call he made , even those that backfired or drew intense skepticism .
He offered no excuses .
He kept his usual sarcasm at a minimum .
He insisted the 49ers have the “ special ” trait to bounce back next season .
His 25-minute , post-mortem press conference emitted the opposite emotions of a potential victory parade down Market Street .
Shanahan fidgeted with his coffee cup .
His eyes looked swollen from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and overall anguish .
Who could blame him ?
Well , most 49ers fans do .
“ I don ’ t feel it ’ s intense blow-back , I ’ m not on Twitter and whatever , all that stuff is , ” Shanahan said .
“ I would never do that to myself anyways .
You know , I ’ ve lost the Super Bowl before , I ’ ve been a part of a bigger lead that was lost , so I ’ m very well aware of what goes with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Super Bowl collapse as the Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator , Shanahan took a seat next to general manager John Lynch inside Levi ’ s Stadium auditorium and regurgitated Sunday ’ s Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs .
They briefly offered a glimpse at their offseason plan and explained why this “ special ” group has the ability to overcome the historical challenge of a Super Bowl return .
Optimism couldn ’ t totally cover Shanahan ’ s pain .
“ I also am not a good liar .
How you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel , ” Shanahan said .
“ I ’ m really upset about the loss because it ’ s hard to get there .
I personally thought we had the best team in the NFL this year .
We weren ’ t .
We ’ ve got to deal with that.
” Shanahan then reveled in how athletics — cue : “ Wide World of Sports ” theme — offers the thrill of victory and agony of defeat .
“ I can ’ t wait to try our butts off to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Thursday ’ s therapy session with the media came with predictable questions , rationale responses and , well , sympathy for a ghastly ending to a near-storybook season .
Shanahan and Lynch covered a lot of topics so let ’ s hit the key ones : Shanahan said he supports Garoppolo as strongly as prior to the Super Bowl , that there is no inclination to move on after the quarterback started every game , won 15 and was poised to win Super Bowl MVP honors that instead went to Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-of-11 as a 20-10 , fourth-quarter lead vanished , as did a comeback attempt .
“ He was on his way to winning Super Bowl MVP .
We all didn ’ t make those plays toward the end , ” Shanahan said .
“ We made those plays all year , our whole team , that ’ s one of the reasons we were there .
Whenever you don ’ t make those plays at the end of the game like that , first and foremost the quarterback is going to get attacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We understand that ’ s how it goes.
” Shanahan praised Garoppolo ’ s ACL comeback , his relative inexperience ( citing 26 career starts compared to the Cleveland Browns ’ Baker Mayfield ’ s 29 ) and overall ability to improve .
“ I can ’ t tell you how much I love coaching the guy as a player and as a person , ” Shanahan said .
Why no timeout before halftime ?
Shanahan remains “ very confident ” about not calling a timeout after the 49ers ’ defense made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before halftime .
Shanahan said he ’ d do it “ every single time , ” especially because the 49ers were getting the second-half kickoff .
Lynch , meanwhile , explained why television cameras caught him signaling for a timeout from a suite .
“ It ’ s just as if I was the player looking at the sideline calling , ‘ Timeout , timeout.
’ I was thrilled for these guys , ” Lynch said .
“ .
… It ’ s not my role to do time management and I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I was proud of our guys getting a big stop .
… I watch the game with emotion because I care and that ’ s all that was.
” Shanahan said he “ absolutely not ” would have handle it differently , and that not calling a timeout was a “ no brainer.
” He expected a Chiefs punt to pin the 49ers near their goal line , instead of an ensuing touchback , and he feared giving the Chiefs ’ Patrick Mahomes the ball again before halftime .
“ The way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the game is how he does a two-minute drive.
” Shanahan said he ’ s been through his play calls “ probably 1,000 times the past few days ” and doesn ’ t regret any .
However , he acknowledged later he did regret not calling a timeout and that came after Garoppolo failed to complete a 49-yard pass to Emmanuel Sanders with just over a minute remaining .
“ The one thing I was contemplating that was hard on me , was after we missed the post to Emmanuel , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That was my hardest thing , ” Shanahan said .
“ I wanted to call a timeout to give them energy to beat the corners again .
It was very hard how they were going .
Both Shanahan and Lynch echoed what they said in Wednesday ’ s final team meeting , that the 49ers have what it takes to become only the fourth team to win a Super Bowl after losing in it the previous season .
“ It ’ s not an easy thing to do .
But I also think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of teams have , ” said Shanahan , referring back to the 49ers ’ resiliency from their 0-9 start under him in 2017 .
“ … We have lot of stats that prove we ’ re different people .
We have to deal with this and get it out of our system .
But it will fuel us more and pump us up to get after it.
” Added Lynch : “ This group is very strong in terms of who we are .
I know this guy right here , in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football this year .
In the last game , we have to all own what happened .
Our guys are like that , who are going to take that , put it on their shoulders .
They ’ re going to own it .
We ’ re going to move forward and we ’ re going to be better from it.
” Lynch , who won a Super Bowl as a safety for the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers , said of his first losing experience “ stinks , ” adding “ That will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But , to me it ’ s about what you do going forward.
” Upon arriving Monday , Lynch attended one of his daughter ’ s basketball game and appreciated 49ers fans ’ offering thanks for this season ’ s revival .
Tight end George Kittle and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner , who won the 49ers ’ top team awards this season , stand to cash in with extensions .
Lynch indicated that such moves are budgeted and can happen once Shanahan gives his blessing now that he can turn his attention to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s pending free agency could prompt the 49ers to either let him go , re-sign him to a multi-year deal or franchise tag him at about $ 18 million , twice his 2019 salary .
“ Everything is on the table .
We want to find a way to keep him and make him a part of the 49ers for a long time , ” Lynch said .
“ The bright side is that we ’ re top-five in returning starters and they ’ re really good players , ” Lynch said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ care of some of our own players .
… First of all , we get over this loss , then we start having those conversations so that we go into the Combine and the Draft ready.
” • Will 49ers ’ Kyle Shanahan heed the lessons of the Super Bowl this offseason ?
• Shanahan explains why he didn ’ t take timeout near Super Bowl halftime Acquiring Dee Ford last March bolstered the pass rush , but as he coped with knee tendinitis , Ford repeatedly suggested last season he would need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lynch said that won ’ t be the case .
Rest might be the best prescription .
Lynch said Ford is “ in a good spot right now.
” Ford had no sacks , one hit on Mahomes and two tackles in playing 42 of 73 snaps Sunday .
The Chiefs ’ fourth-quarter comeback sprang to life when Patrick Mahomes completed a third-and-15 , 44-yard pass to Tyreek Hill .
Up until then , Shanahan said : “ I really thought we had the game won right there.
” Shanahan said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take the bait ” and change his coverage responsibility .
“ He held onto it as long as he could , which wasn ’ t long , and then threw it up , and they had the right two players for that play , ” Shanahan said .
” It was a heck of a play by them .
That ’ s why they got back in the game .
”

SANTA CLARA — Coach Kyle Shanahan, looking as soul-crushed as expected after another Super Bowl collapse, spoke confidently Thursday about each and every call he made, even those that backfired or drew intense skepticism.
He offered no excuses. He kept his usual sarcasm at a minimum. He insisted the 49ers have the “special” trait to bounce back next season.
His 25-minute, post-mortem press conference emitted the opposite emotions of a potential victory parade down Market Street. Shanahan fidgeted with his coffee cup. His eyes looked swollen from a combination of tears, lack of sleep and overall anguish. Who could blame him? Well, most 49ers fans do.
“I don’t feel it’s intense blow-back, I’m not on Twitter and whatever, all that stuff is,” Shanahan said. “I would never do that to myself anyways. You know, I’ve lost the Super Bowl before, I’ve been a part of a bigger lead that was lost, so I’m very well aware of what goes with that.”
Three years after enduring a Super Bowl collapse as the Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator, Shanahan took a seat next to general manager John Lynch inside Levi’s Stadium auditorium and regurgitated Sunday’s Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
They briefly offered a glimpse at their offseason plan and explained why this “special” group has the ability to overcome the historical challenge of a Super Bowl return. Optimism couldn’t totally cover Shanahan’s pain.
“I also am not a good liar. How you guys hear me talk is exactly how I feel,” Shanahan said. “I’m really upset about the loss because it’s hard to get there. I personally thought we had the best team in the NFL this year. We weren’t. We’ve got to deal with that.”
Shanahan then reveled in how athletics — cue: “Wide World of Sports” theme — offers the thrill of victory and agony of defeat.
“I can’t wait to try our butts off to get back there next year,” Shanahan said.
Thursday’s therapy session with the media came with predictable questions, rationale responses and, well, sympathy for a ghastly ending to a near-storybook season. Shanahan and Lynch covered a lot of topics so let’s hit the key ones:
Where does Jimmy Garoppolo stand?
Shanahan said he supports Garoppolo as strongly as prior to the Super Bowl, that there is no inclination to move on after the quarterback started every game, won 15 and was poised to win Super Bowl MVP honors that instead went to Kansas City counterpart Patrick Mahomes. Garoppolo was 3-of-11 as a 20-10, fourth-quarter lead vanished, as did a comeback attempt.
“He was on his way to winning Super Bowl MVP. We all didn’t make those plays toward the end,” Shanahan said. “We made those plays all year, our whole team, that’s one of the reasons we were there. Whenever you don’t make those plays at the end of the game like that, first and foremost the quarterback is going to get attacked, and then usually the play caller. We understand that’s how it goes.”
Shanahan praised Garoppolo’s ACL comeback, his relative inexperience (citing 26 career starts compared to the Cleveland Browns’ Baker Mayfield’s 29) and overall ability to improve. “I can’t tell you how much I love coaching the guy as a player and as a person,” Shanahan said.
Why no timeout before halftime?
Shanahan remains “very confident” about not calling a timeout after the 49ers’ defense made a third-down stop about 1 1/2 minutes before halftime. Shanahan said he’d do it “every single time,” especially because the 49ers were getting the second-half kickoff.
Lynch, meanwhile, explained why television cameras caught him signaling for a timeout from a suite. “It’s just as if I was the player looking at the sideline calling, ‘Timeout, timeout.’ I was thrilled for these guys,” Lynch said. “. … It’s not my role to do time management and I don’t focus a lot on it. I was proud of our guys getting a big stop. … I watch the game with emotion because I care and that’s all that was.”
Shanahan said he “absolutely not” would have handle it differently, and that not calling a timeout was a “no brainer.” He expected a Chiefs punt to pin the 49ers near their goal line, instead of an ensuing touchback, and he feared giving the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes the ball again before halftime. “The way he did that third-and-15 at the end of the game is how he does a two-minute drive.”
Any regretful moves?
Shanahan said he’s been through his play calls “probably 1,000 times the past few days” and doesn’t regret any. However, he acknowledged later he did regret not calling a timeout and that came after Garoppolo failed to complete a 49-yard pass to Emmanuel Sanders with just over a minute remaining.
“The one thing I was contemplating that was hard on me, was after we missed the post to Emmanuel, I knew how tired the guys were. That was my hardest thing,” Shanahan said. “I wanted to call a timeout to give them energy to beat the corners again. It was very hard how they were going.
Super Bowl hangover history
Both Shanahan and Lynch echoed what they said in Wednesday’s final team meeting, that the 49ers have what it takes to become only the fourth team to win a Super Bowl after losing in it the previous season.
“It’s not an easy thing to do. But I also think we have different people than a lot of teams have,” said Shanahan, referring back to the 49ers’ resiliency from their 0-9 start under him in 2017. “… We have lot of stats that prove we’re different people. We have to deal with this and get it out of our system. But it will fuel us more and pump us up to get after it.”
Added Lynch: “This group is very strong in terms of who we are. I know this guy right here, in my mind, was the best coach in football this year. In the last game, we have to all own what happened. Our guys are like that, who are going to take that, put it on their shoulders. They’re going to own it. We’re going to move forward and we’re going to be better from it.”
Lynch, who won a Super Bowl as a safety for the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said of his first losing experience “stinks,” adding “That will stick with us for a lifetime. But, to me it’s about what you do going forward.” Upon arriving Monday, Lynch attended one of his daughter’s basketball game and appreciated 49ers fans’ offering thanks for this season’s revival.
Who’s getting paid?
Tight end George Kittle and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who won the 49ers’ top team awards this season, stand to cash in with extensions. Lynch indicated that such moves are budgeted and can happen once Shanahan gives his blessing now that he can turn his attention to them.
Defensive tackle Arik Armstead’s pending free agency could prompt the 49ers to either let him go, re-sign him to a multi-year deal or franchise tag him at about $18 million, twice his 2019 salary. “Everything is on the table. We want to find a way to keep him and make him a part of the 49ers for a long time,” Lynch said.
Other free agents include safety Jimmie Ward and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
“The bright side is that we’re top-five in returning starters and they’re really good players,” Lynch said. “We’ve accounted for taking care of some of our own players. … First of all, we get over this loss, then we start having those conversations so that we go into the Combine and the Draft ready.” Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | 49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day
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How to fix Ford?
Acquiring Dee Ford last March bolstered the pass rush, but as he coped with knee tendinitis, Ford repeatedly suggested last season he would need offseason surgery to cure his ails. Lynch said that won’t be the case. Rest might be the best prescription. Lynch said Ford is “in a good spot right now.” Ford had no sacks, one hit on Mahomes and two tackles in playing 42 of 73 snaps Sunday.
Third-and-15 trauma
The Chiefs’ fourth-quarter comeback sprang to life when Patrick Mahomes completed a third-and-15, 44-yard pass to Tyreek Hill. Up until then, Shanahan said: “I really thought we had the game won right there.”
Shanahan said it was hard for cornerback Emmanuel Moseley “not to take the bait” and change his coverage responsibility. “He held onto it as long as he could, which wasn’t long, and then threw it up, and they had the right two players for that play,” Shanahan said. ” It was a heck of a play by them. That’s why they got back in the game.”


mercurynews--2020-02-07--Did that celebrity really endorse that candidate? The video can’t be trusted

Fox Nation host and conservative darling Tomi Lahren appears to be at home , smiling in a pink shirt with cut-out shoulders , as she holds out her cell phone camera to shoot a selfie video voicing her support for Orange County congressional candidate Greg Raths .
“ I know you ’ re running for office , so I ’ m wishing you the best of luck , ” Lahren says in the 30-second clip .
“ You ’ re a family man and you ’ re a Trump supporter , ” she continues , “ so you sound like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raths , one of six Republicans challenging Democratic Rep. Katie Porter for central Orange County ’ s 45th House District , initially shared the video on his campaign ’ s Facebook page last week with the note , “ Thank you Tomi Lahren for your kind words.
” The video was closing in on 2,000 views Thursday morning , and more than a dozen of Raths ’ 6,500 Facebook supporters had added comments like “ Nice for you , Greg Raths ” and “ You ’ re in.
” What wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognize the watermark in the corner of the video was that Raths ’ campaign paid Lahren $ 75 to record the message of support .
What ’ s also not clear is that Lahren and Raths have never met .
The paid video endorsement was provided through a startup service called Cameo .
The website features more than 20,000 celebrities ( think reality TV stars , former professional athletes and 20th century musicians ) who , for fees from $ 1 to $ 2,500 , will offer video messages that mention another person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gamut , from birthday greetings to baby announcements to helping people come out as gay .
It ’ s legal to pay for political endorsements , and there ’ s no legal requirement to tell the public about that payment other than on a campaign expense form .
But buying or selling a political endorsement can generate bad publicity for a candidate , as demonstrated last fall when an aide for Democratic presidential hopeful Tom Steyer was revealed to be offering money in exchange for support .
And political ethics experts urge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid supporters to avoid misrepresentation .
“ A big part of running for office is getting endorsements from influential people , ” said Adam Sheingate , a politics professor at Johns Hopkins University who ’ s been studying ethical issues in digital campaigns .
“ Greater transparency would be a good thing so that supporters of this candidate understand where this message came from and understand the degree of support that it really represents — which , in fact , is really pretty thin.
” Experts say platforms like Cameo also raise broader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of political campaigns .
So far , the digital world hasn ’ t been regulated in the same way as TV ads or other traditional forms of politicking , a gap that has sparked legislative fixes such as the Honest Ads Act as well as ongoing debates between regulators and social media platforms .
The lack of rules and the rise of video endorsement is “ a big problem , ” said Larry Noble , a Washington D.C.-based attorney who ’ s practiced political law for 40 years and previously served as general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It gets at the question of what the public has a right to know and how much candidates and platforms like Facebook are willing to deceive the public.
” Cameo ’ s website and related app weren ’ t built to serve politicians , according to Steven Galanis , the 31-year-old co-founder and CEO of the Chicago-based company .
But one of Galanis ’ first jobs was working as a body man for a local candidate in his home state of Illinois , and he said his team always envisioned that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their biggest supporters .
Galanis doesn ’ t see his service as being ethically different from someone paying thousands of dollars to snap a photo with a celebrity , or a popular political figure , and then using that selfie on a campaign website .
And since users are required to leave the Cameo watermark visible , he believes there ’ s built-in transparency about how the videos were made .
Sheingate , of Johns Hopkins , doesn ’ t believe that ’ s enough , particularly since the site isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sold more than 500,000 videos to fans around the world since going live in 2017 .
For $ 10 , you can get a personalized video from a YouTube star or from one of those miniature pigs that have become famous on Instagram .
For $ 150 , Galanis said you can get mentioned by name in a video by one of the most popular figures on the site , comedian Gilbert Gottfried .
The highest price on Cameo right now is for Caitlyn Jenner , who ’ s asking $ 2,500 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut from each video .
Only a tiny fraction of those videos are suspected to be linked to political campaigns .
There have been a few public reviews that included hashtags tied to a local sheriffs race in Michigan , or that say things like “ I can ’ t lose with your endorsement !
” But Galanis said his company hears frequently from politicians — including campaigns for two unnamed major Democratic presidential contenders — who want to be on the talent end of the service .
The candidates hope to raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messages that supporters will share on social media .
Galanis said his company is working with experts to be sure Cameo is compliant with all related campaign laws before rolling out a political fundraising arm .
It ’ s a coincidence , Galanis insisted , that all but a handful of the 36 people currently listed on the site ’ s “ politics ” category are conservative , with a section dominated by current and former Trump staffers , Fox News reporters and other right wing voices .
Galanis attributed that to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show.
” And as the site reaches further into the political arena , Galanis believes he ’ ll get more talent from across the ideological spectrum .
For now , politicians wanting to take advantage of Cameo can only use it just like any other fan .
To book a celebrity on Cameo , users click on the person ’ s name , submit information they ’ d like included in the video ( with a 250-character limit ) and pay whatever fee the celebrity has requested .
The celebrity has a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requests that they find “ objectionable or otherwise offensive , ” per company terms .
Any other vetting is left to the celebrity , who also can choose what to say or how long to make each video , though they ’ re encouraged to incorporate details the customer requested and speak for at least 30 seconds .
Cameo does have rules against knowingly sharing information that ’ s false , racist , pornographic , harassing or otherwise illegal .
The celebrity owns the video and can ask Cameo to take down any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as intended , but it ’ s up to the company to decide how to handle those situations .
Buyers are free to share the video for all “ non-promotional , non-commercial ” uses they chose .
( The site also is testing pricier videos for brand promotions . )
There have been examples of people buying videos and using them ironically , or as a way to troll the celebrity .
In October , for example , Politico reported that Democrat Steve Bullock posted a Cameo video that appeared to show former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scaramucci endorsing Bullock ’ s long-shot presidential bid .
Scaramucci apparently didn ’ t realize which “ Steve B.
” he was supporting and later asked Cameo to refund the payment .
Then there was a montage of Cameo videos featuring Lahren and others offering their sincere condolences for someone ’ s “ death.
” But the video was made by folks on the left as an inside joke about a conservative reporter who appeared to abandon Trump before veering back to the right .
Given the number of videos Cameo has sold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small fraction of their content .
And he ’ s confident that that site ’ s price and process will deter most bad actors .
House candidate Raths , of Mission Viejo , said he didn ’ t intend to deceive anyone with his Cameo videos , and didn ’ t expect them to be controversial .
“ It was kind of an experiment , ” he said .
Along with the Lahren video , Raths also paid $ 45 for a message featuring Corey Lewandowski , Trump ’ s 2016 campaign manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greg , as a decorated marine , fighter pilot and hopefully our next member of congress , I know you ’ ll continue to serve our country and fight for the Trump agenda , ” Lewandowski , wearing a white polo shirt , says from a chair in an office with framed certificates and a child ’ s artwork behind him .
Raths , 66 , said he first learned of Cameo only after his daughter suggested he use the service to generate buzz for his campaign .
He ’ s never met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew they were fellow conservatives and popular with his supporters .
And he assumes they did some research on him before agreeing to film the messages .
In 2018 , after Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Jeanine Pirro appeared at a Trump rally , the network told reporters that it “ does not condone any talent participating in campaign events.
” When asked whether Lahren ’ s video for Raths ( a councilman in Mission Viejo who served as mayor last year ) might violate that policy , John Finley , executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sent this statement : • Misconduct charges against Contra Costa assessor would be dropped if he wins supervisor election “ Tomi was unaware that Mayor Greg Raths would be distributing her message as part of his campaign promotion or any kind of endorsement and he was not granted approval to do so.
” Raths said he was careful not to use the word “ endorsement , ” though Noble said the word is less important than the message and source of the video when it comes to determining what regulations for disclosures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only required to itemize expenditures if they surpass $ 200 .
So the $ 120 that Raths paid to Cameo for the Lahren and Lewandowksi videos won ’ t trigger that requirement , meaning his payment for these videos won ’ t show up on any public records .
While a majority of people had positive reactions , Raths said perhaps 20 % of his supporters criticized the videos , telling him it looks like he has to “ pay someone to say nice things ” about him .
After talking with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook posts introducing the videos that said : “ cameo.com was paid a small fee to produce this video.
” Thursday , the videos came down .
Raths said he doesn ’ t plan to use the service again .

Fox Nation host and conservative darling Tomi Lahren appears to be at home, smiling in a pink shirt with cut-out shoulders, as she holds out her cell phone camera to shoot a selfie video voicing her support for Orange County congressional candidate Greg Raths.
“I know you’re running for office, so I’m wishing you the best of luck,” Lahren says in the 30-second clip.
“You’re a family man and you’re a Trump supporter,” she continues, “so you sound like a pretty badass American to me.”
Raths, one of six Republicans challenging Democratic Rep. Katie Porter for central Orange County’s 45th House District, initially shared the video on his campaign’s Facebook page last week with the note, “Thank you Tomi Lahren for your kind words.” The video was closing in on 2,000 views Thursday morning, and more than a dozen of Raths’ 6,500 Facebook supporters had added comments like “Nice for you, Greg Raths” and “You’re in.”
What wasn’t clear to anyone who didn’t recognize the watermark in the corner of the video was that Raths’ campaign paid Lahren $75 to record the message of support. What’s also not clear is that Lahren and Raths have never met.
The paid video endorsement was provided through a startup service called Cameo. The website features more than 20,000 celebrities (think reality TV stars, former professional athletes and 20th century musicians) who, for fees from $1 to $2,500, will offer video messages that mention another person by name. Those messages have run the gamut, from birthday greetings to baby announcements to helping people come out as gay.
And, recently, they’ve expanded into politics.
It’s legal to pay for political endorsements, and there’s no legal requirement to tell the public about that payment other than on a campaign expense form.
But buying or selling a political endorsement can generate bad publicity for a candidate, as demonstrated last fall when an aide for Democratic presidential hopeful Tom Steyer was revealed to be offering money in exchange for support. And political ethics experts urge candidates to disclose when they’ve paid supporters to avoid misrepresentation.
“A big part of running for office is getting endorsements from influential people,” said Adam Sheingate, a politics professor at Johns Hopkins University who’s been studying ethical issues in digital campaigns.
“Greater transparency would be a good thing so that supporters of this candidate understand where this message came from and understand the degree of support that it really represents — which, in fact, is really pretty thin.”
Experts say platforms like Cameo also raise broader questions about transparency in the digital side of political campaigns. So far, the digital world hasn’t been regulated in the same way as TV ads or other traditional forms of politicking, a gap that has sparked legislative fixes such as the Honest Ads Act as well as ongoing debates between regulators and social media platforms.
The lack of rules and the rise of video endorsement is “a big problem,” said Larry Noble, a Washington D.C.-based attorney who’s practiced political law for 40 years and previously served as general counsel of the Federal Election Commission.
“It gets at the question of what the public has a right to know and how much candidates and platforms like Facebook are willing to deceive the public.”
Democratizing celebrities
Cameo’s website and related app weren’t built to serve politicians, according to Steven Galanis, the 31-year-old co-founder and CEO of the Chicago-based company.
But one of Galanis’ first jobs was working as a body man for a local candidate in his home state of Illinois, and he said his team always envisioned that the now three-year-old site might help connect politicians with their biggest supporters.
Galanis doesn’t see his service as being ethically different from someone paying thousands of dollars to snap a photo with a celebrity, or a popular political figure, and then using that selfie on a campaign website. And since users are required to leave the Cameo watermark visible, he believes there’s built-in transparency about how the videos were made.
Sheingate, of Johns Hopkins, doesn’t believe that’s enough, particularly since the site isn’t yet widely known.
Cameo has sold more than 500,000 videos to fans around the world since going live in 2017. For $10, you can get a personalized video from a YouTube star or from one of those miniature pigs that have become famous on Instagram. For $150, Galanis said you can get mentioned by name in a video by one of the most popular figures on the site, comedian Gilbert Gottfried. The highest price on Cameo right now is for Caitlyn Jenner, who’s asking $2,500 per message. Cameo gets a 25% cut from each video.
Only a tiny fraction of those videos are suspected to be linked to political campaigns. There have been a few public reviews that included hashtags tied to a local sheriffs race in Michigan, or that say things like “I can’t lose with your endorsement!”
But Galanis said his company hears frequently from politicians — including campaigns for two unnamed major Democratic presidential contenders — who want to be on the talent end of the service. The candidates hope to raise awareness and campaign funds by selling video messages that supporters will share on social media. Galanis said his company is working with experts to be sure Cameo is compliant with all related campaign laws before rolling out a political fundraising arm.
It’s a coincidence, Galanis insisted, that all but a handful of the 36 people currently listed on the site’s “politics” category are conservative, with a section dominated by current and former Trump staffers, Fox News reporters and other right wing voices. Galanis attributed that to the administration “basically being one big reality show.” And as the site reaches further into the political arena, Galanis believes he’ll get more talent from across the ideological spectrum.
Working the system
For now, politicians wanting to take advantage of Cameo can only use it just like any other fan.
To book a celebrity on Cameo, users click on the person’s name, submit information they’d like included in the video (with a 250-character limit) and pay whatever fee the celebrity has requested. The celebrity has a week to accept the gig or reject any requests that they find “objectionable or otherwise offensive,” per company terms. Any other vetting is left to the celebrity, who also can choose what to say or how long to make each video, though they’re encouraged to incorporate details the customer requested and speak for at least 30 seconds.
Cameo does have rules against knowingly sharing information that’s false, racist, pornographic, harassing or otherwise illegal. The celebrity owns the video and can ask Cameo to take down any content that’s not being used as intended, but it’s up to the company to decide how to handle those situations.
Buyers are free to share the video for all “non-promotional, non-commercial” uses they chose. (The site also is testing pricier videos for brand promotions.)
There have been examples of people buying videos and using them ironically, or as a way to troll the celebrity.
In October, for example, Politico reported that Democrat Steve Bullock posted a Cameo video that appeared to show former Trump spokesman Anthony “The Mooch” Scaramucci endorsing Bullock’s long-shot presidential bid. Scaramucci apparently didn’t realize which “Steve B.” he was supporting and later asked Cameo to refund the payment.
Then there was a montage of Cameo videos featuring Lahren and others offering their sincere condolences for someone’s “death.” But the video was made by folks on the left as an inside joke about a conservative reporter who appeared to abandon Trump before veering back to the right.
Given the number of videos Cameo has sold, Galanis said such stunts represent a small fraction of their content. And he’s confident that that site’s price and process will deter most bad actors.
‘Experiment’ with Cameo backfires
House candidate Raths, of Mission Viejo, said he didn’t intend to deceive anyone with his Cameo videos, and didn’t expect them to be controversial.
“It was kind of an experiment,” he said.
Along with the Lahren video, Raths also paid $45 for a message featuring Corey Lewandowski, Trump’s 2016 campaign manager and a current senior adviser.
“Greg, as a decorated marine, fighter pilot and hopefully our next member of congress, I know you’ll continue to serve our country and fight for the Trump agenda,” Lewandowski, wearing a white polo shirt, says from a chair in an office with framed certificates and a child’s artwork behind him.
Raths, 66, said he first learned of Cameo only after his daughter suggested he use the service to generate buzz for his campaign. He’s never met Lewandowski or Lahren, but said he knew they were fellow conservatives and popular with his supporters. And he assumes they did some research on him before agreeing to film the messages.
In 2018, after Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Jeanine Pirro appeared at a Trump rally, the network told reporters that it “does not condone any talent participating in campaign events.” When asked whether Lahren’s video for Raths (a councilman in Mission Viejo who served as mayor last year) might violate that policy, John Finley, executive vice president of development for Fox News, sent this statement:
“Tomi was unaware that Mayor Greg Raths would be distributing her message as part of his campaign promotion or any kind of endorsement and he was not granted approval to do so.”
Raths said he was careful not to use the word “endorsement,” though Noble said the word is less important than the message and source of the video when it comes to determining what regulations for disclosures might be at play.
Politicians are only required to itemize expenditures if they surpass $200. So the $120 that Raths paid to Cameo for the Lahren and Lewandowksi videos won’t trigger that requirement, meaning his payment for these videos won’t show up on any public records.
While a majority of people had positive reactions, Raths said perhaps 20% of his supporters criticized the videos, telling him it looks like he has to “pay someone to say nice things” about him.
After talking with the Register, he added a note to Facebook posts introducing the videos that said: “cameo.com was paid a small fee to produce this video.” Thursday, the videos came down.
Raths said he doesn’t plan to use the service again.


mercurynews--2020-02-07--Letter: PG&E’s regulatory agency needs legislative oversight as well

PG & E has proven that it supports its profits above public safety .
• Letter : This is a @ @ @ @ @ recreation • Letter : Paying teachers enough is the least we can do • Skelton @ @ @ @ @ beating Trump or the issues ?
• Letter : More and more children are using @ @ @ @ @ often think being overweight indicates character but… Part of the problem has been poor oversight @ @ @ @ @ Commission .
Eternal vigilance includes responsible legislative oversight of the regulatory agencies to guard against @ @ @ @ @ are required to regulate .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read @ @ @ @ @

PG&E’s regulatory agency
needs legislative oversight
Re: “Walters: Is California’s PG&E seizure a real threat or bluff?” (Opinion section Mercurynews.com, Feb. 5):
I support Sen. Scott Wiener’s proposal for making PG&E a publicly owned utility.
PG&E has proven that it supports its profits above public safety.
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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 Part of the problem has been poor oversight by the California Public Utilities Commission. Eternal vigilance includes responsible legislative oversight of the regulatory agencies to guard against corruption by the industries they are required to regulate.
Don Draper
San Jose
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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Bridge: Feb. 7, 2020

“ She did it to me again , ” Cy the Cynic fumed .
“ Someday I ’ m going to pluck those glasses off her nose and stomp on them.
” Minnie Bottoms , my club ’ s senior member , wears old bifocals that make her mix up kings and jacks , often to her opponents ’ dismay .
Cy has been Minnie ’ s chief victim .
“ I played at 3NT , ” Cy said , showing me today ’ s deal , “ and West led the seven of hearts .
Minnie was East and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the jack , of course .
Would you have played low with my hand ?
” “ I took the queen , ” the Cynic said .
“ For all I knew , West had only four hearts .
When I led a club next , Minnie won and led the king of hearts , and West overtook and ran the hearts for down one .
West complimented Minnie ’ s defense , and she said she knew enough to play the bottom card of two equals in third seat.
” If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returns the ten , Cy will play low , losing only three hearts and a club .
You hold : S 10 7 6 3 H K 10 D Q 10 7 4 3 C A 8 .
Your partner opens one heart , you respond one spade , he bids two clubs and you return to two hearts .
Partner then bids two spades .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your partner ’ s bidding suggests extra strength .
Your two-heart preference showed at most nine points , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no chance for game .
Since you have maximum values and good diamonds , bid 3NT .
Partner may hold A K 5 , A Q 9 6 5 , 9 , K 10 6 5 .

“She did it to me again,” Cy the Cynic fumed. “Someday I’m going to pluck those glasses off her nose and stomp on them.”
Minnie Bottoms, my club’s senior member, wears old bifocals that make her mix up kings and jacks, often to her opponents’ dismay. Cy has been Minnie’s chief victim.
“I played at 3NT,” Cy said, showing me today’s deal, “and West led the seven of hearts. Minnie was East and played the ten — thinking her king was the jack, of course. Would you have played low with my hand?”
“With Minnie as East,” I laughed, “I might have.”
FOUR HEARTS
“I took the queen,” the Cynic said. “For all I knew, West had only four hearts. When I led a club next, Minnie won and led the king of hearts, and West overtook and ran the hearts for down one. West complimented Minnie’s defense, and she said she knew enough to play the bottom card of two equals in third seat.”
If Minnie plays the king of hearts and returns the ten, Cy will play low, losing only three hearts and a club.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 10 7 6 3 H K 10 D Q 10 7 4 3 C A 8. Your partner opens one heart, you respond one spade, he bids two clubs and you return to two hearts. Partner then bids two spades. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your partner’s bidding suggests extra strength. Your two-heart preference showed at most nine points, and he would have stopped there if he saw no chance for game. Since you have maximum values and good diamonds, bid 3NT. Partner may hold A K 5, A Q 9 6 5, 9, K 10 6 5.
South dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S A J 4
H 9 4
D J 6 2
C K Q 10 5 2
WEST
S 9 8 2
H A J 8 7 2
D 9 5
C 7 6 3
EAST
S 10 7 6 3
H K 10
D Q 10 7 4 3
C A 8
SOUTH
S K Q 5
H Q 6 5 3
D A K 8
C J 9 4
South West North East
1 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — H 7
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-02-07--Word Game: Feb. 7, 2020

Word Game: Feb. 7, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — SEDITIOUS ( SEDITIOUS : sih-DISH-us : Promoting or engaging in insurrection or rebellion . )
@ @ @ @ @ more words in SEDITIOUS ?
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 — SEDITIOUS (SEDITIOUS: sih-DISH-us: Promoting or engaging in insurrection or rebellion.)
Average mark 26 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 40 or more words in SEDITIOUS? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — DIAPER dare dear dire drape drip idea
aide aired aped aper arid padre paid pair pare pear pied pier pride
pried raid rape rapid read reap repaid ride Ripe
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--2020-02-07--Horoscopes Feb. 7, 2020: Ashton Kutcher, change may not be your first choice.

Happy Birthday : Change may not be your first choice , but it will be necessary .
Adapt , and you will come out on top .
Relax , observe and follow the path of least resistance .
It ’ s a time of self-discovery , realization and exploring your purpose .
Going through the process of everyday living will make you realize what ’ s important and how to reach your goal .
Your numbers are 6 , 18 , 25 , 29 , 31 , 37 , 43 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Complete what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you may have about going out and having some well-deserved downtime .
A chance to improve your surroundings or make a move will lift your spirits .
An unexpected financial gain looks promising .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Solicit help .
Delegate what you want others to do , and offer praise for any assistance you receive .
A positive attitude will make it much easier to reach your goal and to connect with supportive people .
Romance is on the rise .
4 stars GEMINI ( May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s offered as well as the consequence of any change you want to make .
Someone you trust to help you get ahead will be interested in taking credit for your ideas and hard work .
Protect against being used .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Refuse to let your emotions crush your plans .
Concentrate on being creative and using your skills to help you reach your objectives .
Spending time with someone you love will improve your relationship and boost your confidence .
Personal gain looks promising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 ) : If you are uncertain , leave important decisions until you feel more in control .
Don ’ t put up with anyone who is condescending or abusive .
Avoid situations that could lead to a confrontation .
Work alone , and finish what you start .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Present your ideas , and follow through with your plans .
Proceed with confidence .
Do what ’ s best for yourself , regardless of who supports what you plan to do and who doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Make your dream come true .
Romance is encouraged .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Calm down , think twice and don ’ t believe everything you hear .
Go to the source , ask questions and find out the truth before you make a decision that can influence your life personally or professionally .
Patience will be required .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Live and learn .
Every experience will be worth its weight in gold .
Travel for educational purposes .
Rely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions .
An open attitude will help you replace an odd situation with one that serves you well .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Check up on health , wealth and relationships .
Consider what and who require extra attention .
Don ’ t put up with anyone using emotional manipulation or deceit to take advantage of your kindheartedness .
Make do with what you have , and avoid unnecessary expenses .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Take advantage of any opportunity that comes your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and financial gain is within reach .
A romantic gesture will improve your personal life .
Attending a reunion or connecting with someone from your past is favored .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Keep moving forward .
Use your time wisely .
Refuse to get caught up in someone else ’ s dilemma .
Don ’ t jeopardize your job or your health for senseless reasons .
Stress will cause anxiety and setbacks .
Make your emotional , mental and physical well-being priorities .
3 stars PISCES ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you waiting for ?
Flesh out your creative ideas and turn them into something that excites you .
Socialize with people who share your interests .
Your unusual approach to whatever you do will create a stir and drum up unexpected help .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are willful , skilled and focused .
You are a leader and a crusader .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Ashton Kutcher, 42; Chris Rock, 55; Garth Brooks, 58; James Spader, 60.
Happy Birthday: Change may not be your first choice, but it will be necessary. Adapt, and you will come out on top. Relax, observe and follow the path of least resistance. It’s a time of self-discovery, realization and exploring your purpose. Going through the process of everyday living will make you realize what’s important and how to reach your goal. Your numbers are 6, 18, 25, 29, 31, 37, 43.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Complete what you start, and ease any guilt you may have about going out and having some well-deserved downtime. A chance to improve your surroundings or make a move will lift your spirits. An unexpected financial gain looks promising. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Solicit help. Delegate what you want others to do, and offer praise for any assistance you receive. A positive attitude will make it much easier to reach your goal and to connect with supportive people. Romance is on the rise. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Consider what’s offered as well as the consequence of any change you want to make. Someone you trust to help you get ahead will be interested in taking credit for your ideas and hard work. Protect against being used. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Refuse to let your emotions crush your plans. Concentrate on being creative and using your skills to help you reach your objectives. Spending time with someone you love will improve your relationship and boost your confidence. Personal gain looks promising. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): If you are uncertain, leave important decisions until you feel more in control. Don’t put up with anyone who is condescending or abusive. Avoid situations that could lead to a confrontation. Work alone, and finish what you start. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Present your ideas, and follow through with your plans. Proceed with confidence. Do what’s best for yourself, regardless of who supports what you plan to do and who doesn’t. Change begins within. Make your dream come true. Romance is encouraged. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Calm down, think twice and don’t believe everything you hear. Go to the source, ask questions and find out the truth before you make a decision that can influence your life personally or professionally. Patience will be required. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Live and learn. Every experience will be worth its weight in gold. Travel for educational purposes. Rely on your memory to help you make decisions. An open attitude will help you replace an odd situation with one that serves you well. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Check up on health, wealth and relationships. Consider what and who require extra attention. Don’t put up with anyone using emotional manipulation or deceit to take advantage of your kindheartedness. Make do with what you have, and avoid unnecessary expenses. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. A partnership looks exciting, and financial gain is within reach. A romantic gesture will improve your personal life. Attending a reunion or connecting with someone from your past is favored. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep moving forward. Use your time wisely. Refuse to get caught up in someone else’s dilemma. Don’t jeopardize your job or your health for senseless reasons. Stress will cause anxiety and setbacks. Make your emotional, mental and physical well-being priorities. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): What are you waiting for? Flesh out your creative ideas and turn them into something that excites you. Socialize with people who share your interests. Your unusual approach to whatever you do will create a stir and drum up unexpected help. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are willful, skilled and focused. You are a leader and a crusader.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.