mercurynews--2020-06-13--Horoscopes June 13, 2020: Tim Allen, put your mind at ease, and take a practical path.

Happy Birthday : Put your mind at ease , and take a practical path .
Setting goals that require hard work , knowledge and skills you possess will bring the best return .
Don ’ t let an outsider ’ s gibberish lead you out of your comfort zone and into harm ’ s way .
Call the shots , and do what you do best .
There is no need to fret ; be articulate and take action .
Your numbers are 8 , 11 , 24 , 28 , 32 , 37 , 41 .
ARIES ( March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want to do next , and you ’ ll discover the best way to move forward .
Don ’ t give up because someone is negative or doesn ’ t share your optimism .
It ’ s amazing what you can achieve when you put forth the effort .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Your opinion will change as you move forward .
Gather information that will give you a closer view regarding a situation that can influence how you earn your living .
Documents need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
4 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : Do what feels right and what ’ s best for you .
Giving in to someone trying to coax you into something you don ’ t want to do will lead to regret .
Personal gain will require your undivided attention .
Self-improvement is favored .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : An unexpected change will push you in an unfamiliar direction .
Relax , and go with the flow .
Your strength will come from experience and knowledge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ innovatively will turn into a regular occurrence .
5 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Take care of your affairs .
Refuse to let someone interfere in your business .
A personal change will encourage you to take better care of your health .
Expect someone to offer false information in order to take advantage of you .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Make changes that will bring you greater happiness and the lifestyle that makes you feel most comfortable .
Keep tabs on what your peers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t feel the need to get involved in something that you find uninteresting .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Take pride in what you do and the way you look .
The changes you make will gain approval from someone special .
A change to the way you think about or handle investments and personal finances should lead to greater security .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Live and learn .
Try something different or pursue a creative dream .
Refuse to let someone crush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do something that matters to you .
Speak your mind , and make your intentions clear .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : You ’ ll be sidetracked easily if you give too much of your time to someone who talks big and offers ideas and information that aren ’ t valid .
Check facts and figures before you get involved in a joint venture with someone unreliable .
2 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : An emotional situation will bring ongoing problems to the surface .
Take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that you can move on with your life .
Letting go of the past and embracing the future will be liberating .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : A chance to relax with someone you love will do you a world of good .
Share your thoughts and feelings , and you will be able to map out what you want to see happen as you move forward .
Make a positive adjustment to your living space .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Open up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and you ’ ll find out who is on your side .
Getting to the bottom of a situation that has been unstable will encourage you to make a worthwhile personal change .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are innovative , productive and willful .
You are hardworking and determined .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kat Dennings, 34; Chris Evans, 39; Tim Allen, 67; Stellan Skarsgard, 69.
Happy Birthday: Put your mind at ease, and take a practical path. Setting goals that require hard work, knowledge and skills you possess will bring the best return. Don’t let an outsider’s gibberish lead you out of your comfort zone and into harm’s way. Call the shots, and do what you do best. There is no need to fret; be articulate and take action. Your numbers are 8, 11, 24, 28, 32, 37, 41.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Look at what you want to do next, and you’ll discover the best way to move forward. Don’t give up because someone is negative or doesn’t share your optimism. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you put forth the effort. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your opinion will change as you move forward. Gather information that will give you a closer view regarding a situation that can influence how you earn your living. Documents need to be updated to avoid a lapse in service. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Do what feels right and what’s best for you. Giving in to someone trying to coax you into something you don’t want to do will lead to regret. Personal gain will require your undivided attention. Self-improvement is favored. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): An unexpected change will push you in an unfamiliar direction. Relax, and go with the flow. Your strength will come from experience and knowledge. A unique opportunity to use your skills innovatively will turn into a regular occurrence. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take care of your affairs. Refuse to let someone interfere in your business. A personal change will encourage you to take better care of your health. Expect someone to offer false information in order to take advantage of you. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Make changes that will bring you greater happiness and the lifestyle that makes you feel most comfortable. Keep tabs on what your peers are up to, but don’t feel the need to get involved in something that you find uninteresting. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take pride in what you do and the way you look. The changes you make will gain approval from someone special. A change to the way you think about or handle investments and personal finances should lead to greater security. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Live and learn. Try something different or pursue a creative dream. Refuse to let someone crush your ego or hurt your chance to do something that matters to you. Speak your mind, and make your intentions clear. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll be sidetracked easily if you give too much of your time to someone who talks big and offers ideas and information that aren’t valid. Check facts and figures before you get involved in a joint venture with someone unreliable. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): An emotional situation will bring ongoing problems to the surface. Take this opportunity to implement a workable solution so that you can move on with your life. Letting go of the past and embracing the future will be liberating. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A chance to relax with someone you love will do you a world of good. Share your thoughts and feelings, and you will be able to map out what you want to see happen as you move forward. Make a positive adjustment to your living space. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Open up about what you want to see happen, and you’ll find out who is on your side. Getting to the bottom of a situation that has been unstable will encourage you to make a worthwhile personal change. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are innovative, productive and willful. You are hardworking and determined.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-06-13--Ask Amy: Why would she say she’s bisexual if she has sex only with her husband?

DEAR AMY : I consider myself a liberal thinker and have several friends and close family members who identify LGBTQ .
But I just don ’ t get the bisexual label if one is not sexually active ( nor looking to be ) .
Over the past several years , at least three acquaintances have “ come out ” on social media as bisexual .
All three are in long-term marriages ( 10-plus years ) to people of the opposite sex .
While one can never know what goes on “ behind closed doors , ” it is doubtful that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” One of the professed bisexuals is an ordained minister ; another is married to an ordained minister .
So the idea of these individuals having free-wheeling sex lives with multiple partners seems remote .
What does it mean for someone to be bisexual and not express that in a physical way ?
How is it important to announce that truth about themselves if they are not looking for a relationship ?
What about being bisexual are they “ claiming , ” if it isn ’ t about sex ?
• Ask Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex with other people , I didn ’ t expect this • Ask Amy : How long can one use ‘ a rough childhood ’ as an excuse ?
• Ask Amy : I thought he was a friend , then he got this tattoo • Ask Amy : I can ’ t believe my own dad would demand this of me • Ask Amy : Don ’ t I deserve thanks from these maskless rule breakers ?
DEAR BI-CURIOUS : Some people might be inspired to proclaim their own bisexuality out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and secure than they are .
This would be a powerful statement from some in the clergy community , if they belong to a faith practice that openly discriminates against LGBTQ people .
But — because you are curious about a public proclamation , you should feel free to ask .
DEAR AMY : I am a retired professional .
My husband is still working .
We have no investments and no inheritances , but we get by .
I rarely mention money .
I love to go to restaurants , shows and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generous with what I have .
I have a friend who is quite the opposite .
She does not dine out or go to shows or concerts , and both she and her husband retired a few years ago with generous pensions and health insurance .
Her parents passed away , leaving her a large ( by her description ) inheritance .
For a while , she talked about all the things she was looking forward to spending it on .
She has never done any of those things , and her house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constantly complains about not having “ funds.
” Her main topic of conversation is coupons .
Today we were in a neighbor ’ s beautiful backyard , and she said she wished she had money for plants .
Amy , this is ridiculous .
I know her well , and she has no expenses and doesn ’ t spend a dime .
She frequently brags that she and her husband did not help their sons with college expenses .
Can you explain why people act this way ?
I know she isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to her remarks about clipping coupons and not having funds — I just change the subject .
I don ’ t know what to say to her , and I am reaching the point where I can ’ t stand it anymore .
DEAR STRAINED : It sounds as if your knowledge of your friend ’ s financial situation has come , mainly , from her self-reporting .
Because of this , it seems natural that , rather than change the subject each time she brings it up , you could ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought that you and your husband were doing well financially .
What happened ?
” Your friend and/or her husband could actually be out of funds because they fell for a scam , invested badly , gave money to their kids , engaged in online gambling , donated their money to an institution — or for any number of other reasons .
Your friend ’ s husband might be controlling her by denying her access to their money .
Or — she and/or her husband might have a hoarding disorder , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ saving ” it to their own detriment .
You ’ ve heard of people hoarding possessions , paper , animals , vehicles , etc.
, to the point where it poses a risk to their own health and safety .
The same disorder leads some people to hoard money .
If you know these people very well and their living situation is deteriorating to a dangerous extent , you could consider sharing your concern with their children .
Your friend seems unable to enjoy life .
Rather than judge her harshly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compassion .
DEAR AMY : Thank you for your advice to “ Cold Feet , ” the woman whose future in-laws were causing so much trouble .
My own advice would have been one word : Run !
DEAR BEEN THERE : Entering this family system will present some definite challenges for both “ Cold Feet ” and her fiance .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

DEAR AMY: I consider myself a liberal thinker and have several friends and close family members who identify LGBTQ. But I just don’t get the bisexual label if one is not sexually active (nor looking to be).
Over the past several years, at least three acquaintances have “come out” on social media as bisexual. All three are in long-term marriages (10-plus years) to people of the opposite sex.
While one can never know what goes on “behind closed doors,” it is doubtful that any of these marriages are “open.”
One of the professed bisexuals is an ordained minister; another is married to an ordained minister. So the idea of these individuals having free-wheeling sex lives with multiple partners seems remote.
What does it mean for someone to be bisexual and not express that in a physical way? How is it important to announce that truth about themselves if they are not looking for a relationship? What about being bisexual are they “claiming,” if it isn’t about sex?
Bi-Curious?
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy DEAR BI-CURIOUS: Some people might be inspired to proclaim their own bisexuality out of solidarity to people who are less safe and secure than they are.
This would be a powerful statement from some in the clergy community, if they belong to a faith practice that openly discriminates against LGBTQ people.
But — because you are curious about a public proclamation, you should feel free to ask.
DEAR AMY: I am a retired professional. My husband is still working. We have no investments and no inheritances, but we get by.
I rarely mention money. I love to go to restaurants, shows and concerts, tip well, and am generous with what I have.
I have a friend who is quite the opposite. She does not dine out or go to shows or concerts, and both she and her husband retired a few years ago with generous pensions and health insurance.
Her parents passed away, leaving her a large (by her description) inheritance. For a while, she talked about all the things she was looking forward to spending it on.
She has never done any of those things, and her house is falling apart around her. She constantly complains about not having “funds.” Her main topic of conversation is coupons. Today we were in a neighbor’s beautiful backyard, and she said she wished she had money for plants. Amy, this is ridiculous. I know her well, and she has no expenses and doesn’t spend a dime. She frequently brags that she and her husband did not help their sons with college expenses.
Can you explain why people act this way? I know she isn’t the only one. I never respond to her remarks about clipping coupons and not having funds — I just change the subject.
I don’t know what to say to her, and I am reaching the point where I can’t stand it anymore.
Any advice?
Strained Friendship
DEAR STRAINED: It sounds as if your knowledge of your friend’s financial situation has come, mainly, from her self-reporting. Because of this, it seems natural that, rather than change the subject each time she brings it up, you could ask your friend — one time — “I thought that you and your husband were doing well financially. What happened?”
Your friend and/or her husband could actually be out of funds because they fell for a scam, invested badly, gave money to their kids, engaged in online gambling, donated their money to an institution — or for any number of other reasons. Your friend’s husband might be controlling her by denying her access to their money. Or — she and/or her husband might have a hoarding disorder, which causes them to actually hoard their money, “saving” it to their own detriment.
You’ve heard of people hoarding possessions, paper, animals, vehicles, etc., to the point where it poses a risk to their own health and safety. The same disorder leads some people to hoard money. If you know these people very well and their living situation is deteriorating to a dangerous extent, you could consider sharing your concern with their children.
Your friend seems unable to enjoy life. Rather than judge her harshly, you might respond with patience and compassion.
DEAR AMY: Thank you for your advice to “Cold Feet,” the woman whose future in-laws were causing so much trouble.
My own advice would have been one word: Run!
Been There
DEAR BEEN THERE: Entering this family system will present some definite challenges for both “Cold Feet” and her fiance.
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--2020-06-13--Harriette Cole: I know my neighbor loves my kids, but this needs to stop

DEAR HARRIETTE : I have a neighbor who likes to bring candy to my children .
He doesn ’ t have his own kids , so I know he is doing this to connect with children he loves .
And my kids do love him .
But I don ’ t give them candy .
I told him that the first time he gave it to them , but he hasn ’ t gotten the message .
He has even dropped off packages of candy for them at my door during stay-at-home orders .
He ’ s not creepy or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I get him to change what he gives them without hurting his feelings ?
DEAR CANDY MAN : Wait until the quarantine is over and you feel safe to talk to him face-to-face , if possible .
Thank him for being attentive to your children and reset your boundaries .
Remind him that you do not allow your children to eat candy , which means they can never enjoy the gifts he brings because you don ’ t give it to them .
Suggest that he come up with another gift or forego @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why you don ’ t give your children sweets so that he is clear about your wishes and your reasons to back them up .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I am a human resources professional , and the recent writer who should have gotten a promotion with a raise had more options than to wait and be patient , especially as it appears her employer has been dragging its feet before the pandemic .
• Harriette Cole : She said it was stupid to give money to these kind people • Harriette Cole : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sickness is , and I ’ m worried for my own health • Harriette Cole : They say it ’ s overdoing it to wear a mask • Harriette Cole : All these people are telling us what to do about the baby • Harriette Cole : I can ’ t change at this point , so why do they keep nagging me ?
The letter writer needs to have documentation that this is a promotion and there will be a raise .
She needs to know the new salary and have information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that must be met .
She should also ask for back wages for the raise in the form of a bonus .
For example , say the raise is $ 2,000 a year , but it is not issued for six months .
The letter writer would be owed $ 1,000 .
In short , she needs to speak up for herself .
Even just emailing something like this to her employer would be helpful documentation in case it refuses to provide an offer letter .
She can set terms like , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90 days/six months/business has recovered to 80 % of pre-pandemic levels.
” And the letter writer should clearly document both the new responsibilities and how she has been carrying them out .
This is needed so if the raise isn ’ t given or if she is fired , she has written proof that she can share with an attorney .
She should send this letter to her manager and HR or someone else in the company and BCC her personal email .
If there is no response in a week , email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t respond by email , have a conversation .
Afterward , send an email summary and BCC herself .
I would also send an email of every conversation I had about this : “ Today is June 13 , 2020 , and I spoke to Manager John .
He said he would check with the owner.
” DEAR HR INPUT : Thank you for your clarification .
Several people have written to me about this topic .
I am grateful to share your professional wisdom on the matter .
Harriette Cole is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a neighbor who likes to bring candy to my children. He doesn’t have his own kids, so I know he is doing this to connect with children he loves. And my kids do love him.
But I don’t give them candy. I told him that the first time he gave it to them, but he hasn’t gotten the message. He has even dropped off packages of candy for them at my door during stay-at-home orders. He’s not creepy or anything, just lonely.
How can I get him to change what he gives them without hurting his feelings?
Candy Man
DEAR CANDY MAN: Wait until the quarantine is over and you feel safe to talk to him face-to-face, if possible.
Thank him for being attentive to your children and reset your boundaries. Remind him that you do not allow your children to eat candy, which means they can never enjoy the gifts he brings because you don’t give it to them. Suggest that he come up with another gift or forego giving them anything. You might explain why you don’t give your children sweets so that he is clear about your wishes and your reasons to back them up.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a human resources professional, and the recent writer who should have gotten a promotion with a raise had more options than to wait and be patient, especially as it appears her employer has been dragging its feet before the pandemic.
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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 The letter writer needs to have documentation that this is a promotion and there will be a raise. She needs to know the new salary and have information about when or if there are conditions that must be met. She should also ask for back wages for the raise in the form of a bonus. For example, say the raise is $2,000 a year, but it is not issued for six months. The letter writer would be owed $1,000. In short, she needs to speak up for herself.
Even just emailing something like this to her employer would be helpful documentation in case it refuses to provide an offer letter. She can set terms like, “We will evaluate where business is in 90 days/six months/business has recovered to 80% of pre-pandemic levels.” And the letter writer should clearly document both the new responsibilities and how she has been carrying them out. This is needed so if the raise isn’t given or if she is fired, she has written proof that she can share with an attorney. She should send this letter to her manager and HR or someone else in the company and BCC her personal email. If there is no response in a week, email again.
If the company doesn’t respond by email, have a conversation. Afterward, send an email summary and BCC herself. I would also send an email of every conversation I had about this: “Today is June 13, 2020, and I spoke to Manager John. He said he would check with the owner.”
HR Input
DEAR HR INPUT: Thank you for your clarification. Several people have written to me about this topic. I am grateful to share your professional wisdom on the matter.
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--2020-06-13--Miss Manners: I ratted out my co-worker, and I was the one who got in trouble

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I Googled several of my co-workers out of curiosity to see what , if anything , might come up , and I found that one of them has a criminal record .
Apparently he had a substance abuse problem that resulted in an assault charge .
It was 25 years ago , but I don ’ t think people like that change .
So I let everyone else in the office know .
My boss told me that the office has a zero-tolerance policy for “ malicious gossip ” and that if I ever did something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired .
She knows that I ’ m a Christian , so she asked me what the Bible says about gossip .
I thought that was totally uncalled for , and maybe even religious discrimination .
I couldn ’ t believe what I was hearing .
How should I handle this ?
GENTLE READER : Perhaps your boss should not have invoked your religion , but do you really want to get into an HR war about which offense was the greatest ?
In the end , your boss was showing more faith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-worker — by giving you a second chance .
Miss Manners recommends that you take it .
• Miss Manners : My friend is so perfect that it makes me angry • Miss Manners : A text from the bride ’ s mother made me think I acted badly • Miss Manners : I ’ m busy being a childless wife , and I resent their implication • Miss Manners : She berated me for putting my trash bin at her curb • Miss Manners : I want to send them something from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am 55 years old and have always used the word “ they ” to refer to multiple persons .
It is how my brain is programmed .
Even as a youth , I thought there should be a word for a singular person without specifying gender , but as there wasn ’ t one , I abided by using “ he , ” “ one , ” “ sir ” or “ madam.
” “ They ” was reserved for multiple persons , and was being misused if referring to a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is used when one does not know the person ’ s gender or prefers not to use it .
I find it confusing to follow , because my mind automatically translates “ they ” to mean multiple persons .
My adult daughter told me to adjust my brain , because this is now the acceptable usage of “ they.
” I have come across “ zim , ” meaning “ him/her.
” I could easily adjust to using “ zim , ” as it remains clear that one person is referenced .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sie , ” “ em , ” “ ver ” and “ ter.
” It seems one word has yet to be chosen .
Are we stuck using “ they ” ?
I ’ d rather be grammatically incorrect than offend someone .
Please advise me on how to use pronouns so as to be properly understood and not offend .
GENTLE READER : It is indeed grammatically confusing .
Miss Manners takes personal responsibility for not getting ahead of this problem before it made it to the dictionary and got away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singular “ they ” has taken hold , and we all must adjust our brains .
Her only helpful suggestion is that before launching into any lengthy stories that involve a person who uses the pronoun , you give fair warning — as in , “ Tee identifies as ‘ they ' ” — lest you find yourself lost in a “ Who ’ s on First ?
” of questioning : “ Who was at the store when it got robbed ?
” “ They were.
” “ But I thought you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were.
” “ Who were ?
” 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 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I Googled several of my co-workers out of curiosity to see what, if anything, might come up, and I found that one of them has a criminal record. Apparently he had a substance abuse problem that resulted in an assault charge.
It was 25 years ago, but I don’t think people like that change. So I let everyone else in the office know.
My boss told me that the office has a zero-tolerance policy for “malicious gossip” and that if I ever did something like that again, I would be fired.
She knows that I’m a Christian, so she asked me what the Bible says about gossip. I thought that was totally uncalled for, and maybe even religious discrimination. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. How should I handle this?
GENTLE READER: Perhaps your boss should not have invoked your religion, but do you really want to get into an HR war about which offense was the greatest?
In the end, your boss was showing more faith in you than you did in your co-worker — by giving you a second chance. Miss Manners recommends that you take it.
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Even as a youth, I thought there should be a word for a singular person without specifying gender, but as there wasn’t one, I abided by using “he,” “one,” “sir” or “madam.” “They” was reserved for multiple persons, and was being misused if referring to a single person.
Currently, “they” is used when one does not know the person’s gender or prefers not to use it. I find it confusing to follow, because my mind automatically translates “they” to mean multiple persons. My adult daughter told me to adjust my brain, because this is now the acceptable usage of “they.”
I have come across “zim,” meaning “him/her.” I could easily adjust to using “zim,” as it remains clear that one person is referenced. But along with zim, there are “sie,” “em,” “ver” and “ter.” It seems one word has yet to be chosen. Are we stuck using “they”?
I’d rather be grammatically incorrect than offend someone. Please advise me on how to use pronouns so as to be properly understood and not offend.
GENTLE READER: It is indeed grammatically confusing. Miss Manners takes personal responsibility for not getting ahead of this problem before it made it to the dictionary and got away from her.
But it seems that the singular “they” has taken hold, and we all must adjust our brains.
Her only helpful suggestion is that before launching into any lengthy stories that involve a person who uses the pronoun, you give fair warning — as in, “Tee identifies as ‘they'” — lest you find yourself lost in a “Who’s on First?” of questioning: “Who was at the store when it got robbed?” “They were.” “But I thought you said Tee was alone.” “They were.” “Who were?”
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--2020-06-13--Dear Abby: It’s nobody’s business how I got my dog

DEAR ABBY : Why do people feel compelled to ask if my dog was adopted or rescued ?
I have wanted a dog for at least five years .
Because I was in nursing school , I waited until I graduated , and then my partner and I researched extensively .
While I love the idea of adopting , sheltering or rescuing , we wanted a purebred German shepherd puppy .
My son and I both have mental health issues , and our dog has been a huge help and an antidepressant all in one .
It is unfair that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the audacity to make faces and comments when I say no .
I have neither the desire nor the capacity to mend or train a potentially broken dog .
How I got her is no one ’ s business but ours and our vet ’ s .
• Dear Abby : He threatened me over my lack of a mask • Dear Abby : Why has my girlfriend become a foul-mouthed shrew ?
• Dear Abby : I got banned for my online comment .
Was I wrong ?
• Dear Abby : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but this other woman is fighting back The best response I have heard when someone asks if a dog is adopted or rescued is , “ No , she ’ s biological.
” I ’ ve used it only once , but it got my point across .
Please remind your readers that asking these questions is rude .
DEAR MYOB : I ’ m willing to remind them , but whether they ’ ll pay attention is anyone ’ s guess .
What these people are doing is expressing the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good home should take priority .
That said , there is nothing wrong with having a purebred animal if that is your preference .
P.S .
I hear a lot lately about people adopting dogs during this quarantine period because they are desperate for company .
I sincerely hope the animals will not be forgotten or discarded once the quarantine is lifted and folks return to their ( somewhat ) normal lives .
DEAR ABBY : Our first granddaughter is getting married in six months and has told her parents that no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wedding .
They want to get married by themselves because they are both shy and don ’ t want to be the center of attention .
At first I was OK with it , but the more I thought about it , the more hurt I felt .
The confusing part about this is she wants a pre-wedding party for both families to attend .
So I asked her to keep an open mind and think about having the party right after the marriage ceremony .
Now she won ’ t talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest an idea ?
My husband is now saying he doesn ’ t want to attend any party they will have .
I can ’ t stop thinking about our daughter and how she feels about not being able to see her daughter get married .
I ’ m afraid I may have made things worse , and I ’ m very depressed .
I just want to fix it so everyone is happy .
Help !
DEAR DEPRESSED : So you have appointed yourself the official family fixer ?
Your “ shy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be confirmed introverts .
If they prefer to take their vows privately , it ’ s their privilege , and you shouldn ’ t personalize it .
That was your mistake .
While I don ’ t think you have committed a cardinal sin and do think your granddaughter overreacted , you shouldn ’ t feel the need to mend any fences .
As to how your daughter will feel about not seeing her daughter get married , that is not your problem .
Take a step back and let the bride and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
P.S .
I find it odd the bride and groom would want any party , feeling the way they do about the ceremony .
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: Why do people feel compelled to ask if my dog was adopted or rescued? I have wanted a dog for at least five years. Because I was in nursing school, I waited until I graduated, and then my partner and I researched extensively.
While I love the idea of adopting, sheltering or rescuing, we wanted a purebred German shepherd puppy.
My son and I both have mental health issues, and our dog has been a huge help and an antidepressant all in one.
It is unfair that people ask these questions, or have the audacity to make faces and comments when I say no. I have neither the desire nor the capacity to mend or train a potentially broken dog. How I got her is no one’s business but ours and our vet’s.
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Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us Advice | Dear Abby: I was annoyed to discover why our friends picked this restaurant The best response I have heard when someone asks if a dog is adopted or rescued is, “No, she’s biological.” I’ve used it only once, but it got my point across. Please remind your readers that asking these questions is rude.
MYOB IN MASSACHUSETTS
DEAR MYOB: I’m willing to remind them, but whether they’ll pay attention is anyone’s guess. What these people are doing is expressing the idea that animals who are in need of a good home should take priority.
That said, there is nothing wrong with having a purebred animal if that is your preference.
P.S. I hear a lot lately about people adopting dogs during this quarantine period because they are desperate for company. I sincerely hope the animals will not be forgotten or discarded once the quarantine is lifted and folks return to their (somewhat) normal lives.
DEAR ABBY: Our first granddaughter is getting married in six months and has told her parents that no one from either family is invited to the wedding. They want to get married by themselves because they are both shy and don’t want to be the center of attention.
At first I was OK with it, but the more I thought about it, the more hurt I felt. The confusing part about this is she wants a pre-wedding party for both families to attend. So I asked her to keep an open mind and think about having the party right after the marriage ceremony.
Now she won’t talk to me! Was I wrong to suggest an idea? My husband is now saying he doesn’t want to attend any party they will have.
I can’t stop thinking about our daughter and how she feels about not being able to see her daughter get married. I’m afraid I may have made things worse, and I’m very depressed. I just want to fix it so everyone is happy. Help!
DEPRESSED IN NORTH CAROLINA
DEAR DEPRESSED: So you have appointed yourself the official family fixer? Your “shy” granddaughter and her fiance appear to be confirmed introverts. If they prefer to take their vows privately, it’s their privilege, and you shouldn’t personalize it. That was your mistake.
While I don’t think you have committed a cardinal sin and do think your granddaughter overreacted, you shouldn’t feel the need to mend any fences. As to how your daughter will feel about not seeing her daughter get married, that is not your problem. Take a step back and let the bride and groom celebrate their day as they wish.
P.S. I find it odd the bride and groom would want any party, feeling the way they do about the ceremony.
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--2020-06-13--California AG may take over investigation of Vallejo police killing of Sean Monterrosa

VALLEJO — The Solano County District Attorney ’ s Office is in talks with the California Attorney General about the possibility of the state office reviewing the recent shooting death of San Francisco resident Sean Monterrosa by a Vallejo policeman , according to a DA news release .
The news release , issued Friday afternoon by the office of Solano District Attorney Krishna Abrams , appears to open the door to the possibility that Attorney General Xavier Becerra will take over the investigation .
Becerra ’ s office is already in the process of a major review of the Vallejo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which he announced last week .
“ Whether the case is ultimately handled by our office or the Attorney General ’ s Office , all evidence will be thoroughly reviewed ; objectively and without bias , ” a news release attributed to Abrams says , after confirming her office is “ in consultation with ” Becerra ’ s office .
“ Any decision regarding the filing of criminal charges will be in line with our professional responsibilities as a prosecutor.
” The news release comes in the wake of public calls for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials , including Congressman Mike Thompson and Assemblyman Tim Grayson , as well as protests and nationwide media attention over Monterrosa ’ s killing .
Monterrosa was shot and killed shortly after midnight June 2 , by an officer who was responding to reports of people trying to break into the Walgreens on the 1000 block of Redwood Street in Vallejo .
The officer — identified by multiple law enforcement sources as Ofc .
Jarrett Tonn — fired five times through his own windshield after mistaking a hammer at Monterrosa ’ s waist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shawny Williams told reporters that Monterrosa was in a “ half-kneeling ” position when he was shot , and that the officer misinterpreted it as Monterrosa readying himself to fire .
Monterrosa ’ s family members have told reporters they believe he was surrendering .
Williams has pledged to release video footage of the shooting before a 45-day legal deadline , but has not done so in the 10 days since the shooting .
Williams has faced sharp criticism for failing to notify the public about Monterrosa ’ s death until 38 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he held a news conference to condemn widespread looting in Vallejo on the night of June 1 and morning of June 2 .
State assemblyman Tim Grayson said the delay was “ absolutely unacceptable ” in a statement that called for the AG or a federal agency to review the shooting .
• Off-duty Los Angeles cop was ‘ out of policy ’ in deadly Costco shooting , authorities say • Police ID woman fatally injured in Vallejo , setting off chaotic day that ended with police killing suspect Tonn has three prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which resulted in a death .
He and three “ witness officers ” were placed on paid leave following the shooting , police said .
A Vallejo police union said in a news release that the officer who shot Monterrosa — whom they did not refer to by name — has been receiving death threats .
Monterrosa ’ s death marked the first fatal Vallejo police shooting since February 2019 , when six Vallejo officers fired dozens of shots at Willie McCoy , a 20-year-old Suisun City resident who was asleep in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive-thru — with a pistol in his lap .
The shooting drew criticism and national news coverage , and is the subject of a federal lawsuit filed by Burris ’ firm .
The DA ’ s full statement can be read here .

VALLEJO — The Solano County District Attorney’s Office is in talks with the California Attorney General about the possibility of the state office reviewing the recent shooting death of San Francisco resident Sean Monterrosa by a Vallejo policeman, according to a DA news release.
The news release, issued Friday afternoon by the office of Solano District Attorney Krishna Abrams, appears to open the door to the possibility that Attorney General Xavier Becerra will take over the investigation. Becerra’s office is already in the process of a major review of the Vallejo police department’s procedures and policies, which he announced last week.
“Whether the case is ultimately handled by our office or the Attorney General’s Office, all evidence will be thoroughly reviewed; objectively and without bias,” a news release attributed to Abrams says, after confirming her office is “in consultation with” Becerra’s office. “Any decision regarding the filing of criminal charges will be in line with our professional responsibilities as a prosecutor.”
The news release comes in the wake of public calls for an outside investigation by state and city officials, including Congressman Mike Thompson and Assemblyman Tim Grayson, as well as protests and nationwide media attention over Monterrosa’s killing.
Monterrosa was shot and killed shortly after midnight June 2, by an officer who was responding to reports of people trying to break into the Walgreens on the 1000 block of Redwood Street in Vallejo. The officer — identified by multiple law enforcement sources as Ofc. Jarrett Tonn — fired five times through his own windshield after mistaking a hammer at Monterrosa’s waist for a gun.
Vallejo police Chief Shawny Williams told reporters that Monterrosa was in a “half-kneeling” position when he was shot, and that the officer misinterpreted it as Monterrosa readying himself to fire. Monterrosa’s family members have told reporters they believe he was surrendering. Williams has pledged to release video footage of the shooting before a 45-day legal deadline, but has not done so in the 10 days since the shooting.
Williams has faced sharp criticism for failing to notify the public about Monterrosa’s death until 38 hours after the shooting, during which time he held a news conference to condemn widespread looting in Vallejo on the night of June 1 and morning of June 2. State assemblyman Tim Grayson said the delay was “absolutely unacceptable” in a statement that called for the AG or a federal agency to review the shooting.
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A Vallejo police union said in a news release that the officer who shot Monterrosa — whom they did not refer to by name — has been receiving death threats.
Monterrosa’s death marked the first fatal Vallejo police shooting since February 2019, when six Vallejo officers fired dozens of shots at Willie McCoy, a 20-year-old Suisun City resident who was asleep in his car — in a Taco Bell drive-thru — with a pistol in his lap. The shooting drew criticism and national news coverage, and is the subject of a federal lawsuit filed by Burris’ firm.
The DA’s full statement can be read here.


mercurynews--2020-06-13--Oakland: Peaceful George Floyd protests continue Friday with marches, speeches

Oakland took to the streets yet again Friday to declare the value of Black lives , with about 200 protesters raising their signs and their fists to condemn the killing of George Floyd and all of the racial injustices that preceded that act .
The group met at Jefferson Square Park around 5:30 p.m. and then marched down the middle of 7th Street , flanked on either side by cars honking in support .
They paused for eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence in front of the police station at the corner of Broadway — symbolizing the eight minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Derek Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd ’ s neck , resulting in Floyd ’ s death .
They then headed down Broadway and ended at City Hall , where protesters gave impassioned speeches about everything from the struggles and the beauty of being Black , to the need to remove police from Oakland schools .
“ I ’ m here because I ’ m sick of hearing about innocent people being murdered by the same people that are here to protect us , ” Samantha Norman called out to the crowd .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professionals of the Bay Area , organized the march — it was her first time putting together a protest .
The peaceful demonstration , which ended around 7:15 p.m. , drew people of all different races and ages .
Several families brought young children .
There were no police in sight — a marked contrast from protests two weeks ago that drew large numbers of officers in riot gear .
Earlier in the day , several hundred people gathered at Lake Merritt for a “ Hyphy Protest ” drum circle and dance party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that before Floyd was killed , they ’ d never protested before .
Even those with a history of civic engagement said things felt different this time .
“ It ’ s a lot to take in .
It ’ s been very emotional , ” Norman said of the past two weeks .
“ I ’ m happy that people are standing up … At this point , I kind of feel like all of the people who don ’ t want to see change are outnumbered .
They ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past .
And that makes me happy.
” Ashley Richardson , 28 , made the trek to Oakland from Vallejo to participate .
“ Before , I didn ’ t do signs .
I didn ’ t post .
I didn ’ t sign petitions , ” she said , holding a sign that read : “ If you are not outraged , you are not paying attention.
” But after Floyd died , something in her snapped , and she couldn ’ t be silent any longer .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Richardson said .
“ That we can ’ t breathe again .
And why do we have to tell you guys more than once that we can ’ t breathe ?
” Steve Paltiel , of Oakland , took his three sons — ages 8 , 14 and 16 — to the demonstration .
It was their first protest .
“ I want to make sure my kids grow up with empathy , ” said Paltiel , who is White .
The boys agreed it ’ s important for them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s important for everybody to fight for equality , ” said 14-year-old Dylan Paltiel .
“ It ’ s not enough for just the people who are being oppressed to fight.
” When the group arrived at Frank Ogawa Plaza outside City Hall , Norman grabbed a microphone and told a story about a White man she once tried to be friends with , who felt sorry for her for being Black .
“ I love my melanin .
I love my skin .
I love my curly , kinky hair , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crowd .
“ Despite being hated by so many people for how I look , I love it … And whatever you are , you should love it too.
” Other people to take a turn at the mic included 17-year-old Kira Norwood , who had just graduated from Berkeley High School .
• 10 military posts are named for Confederate commanders .
The Army is thinking about changing that • Palo Alto : Two protesters arrested in assault on CHP officer on Highway 101 “ If I ’ m going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and demanding , then I ’ m fine with that , ” she told the crowd .
“ I want you to hold me accountable to doing this for the rest of my life , if that ’ s what I need to do.
” Dwayne Aikens Jr. , who co-founded the nonprofit We Lead Ours to serve Oakland youth , left the crowd with some homework : Get involved in politics , even after the marching stops .
“ Change starts right now , ” he said .
“ We can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for things .
”

Oakland took to the streets yet again Friday to declare the value of Black lives, with about 200 protesters raising their signs and their fists to condemn the killing of George Floyd and all of the racial injustices that preceded that act.
The group met at Jefferson Square Park around 5:30 p.m. and then marched down the middle of 7th Street, flanked on either side by cars honking in support. They paused for eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence in front of the police station at the corner of Broadway — symbolizing the eight minutes and 46 seconds former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd’s neck, resulting in Floyd’s death. They then headed down Broadway and ended at City Hall, where protesters gave impassioned speeches about everything from the struggles and the beauty of being Black, to the need to remove police from Oakland schools.
“I’m here because I’m sick of hearing about innocent people being murdered by the same people that are here to protect us,” Samantha Norman called out to the crowd. Norman, a member of Young Black Professionals of the Bay Area, organized the march — it was her first time putting together a protest.
The peaceful demonstration, which ended around 7:15 p.m., drew people of all different races and ages. Several families brought young children. There were no police in sight — a marked contrast from protests two weeks ago that drew large numbers of officers in riot gear.
Earlier in the day, several hundred people gathered at Lake Merritt for a “Hyphy Protest” drum circle and dance party.
Many people who showed up Friday said that before Floyd was killed, they’d never protested before. Even those with a history of civic engagement said things felt different this time.
“It’s a lot to take in. It’s been very emotional,” Norman said of the past two weeks. “I’m happy that people are standing up … At this point, I kind of feel like all of the people who don’t want to see change are outnumbered. They’re more outnumbered than they’ve been in the past. And that makes me happy.”
Ashley Richardson, 28, made the trek to Oakland from Vallejo to participate.
“Before, I didn’t do signs. I didn’t post. I didn’t sign petitions,” she said, holding a sign that read: “If you are not outraged, you are not paying attention.”
But after Floyd died, something in her snapped, and she couldn’t be silent any longer.
It was “the fact that it happened again,” Richardson said. “That we can’t breathe again. And why do we have to tell you guys more than once that we can’t breathe?”
Steve Paltiel, of Oakland, took his three sons — ages 8, 14 and 16 — to the demonstration. It was their first protest.
“I want to make sure my kids grow up with empathy,” said Paltiel, who is White.
The boys agreed it’s important for them to speak up.
“I think it’s important for everybody to fight for equality,” said 14-year-old Dylan Paltiel. “It’s not enough for just the people who are being oppressed to fight.”
When the group arrived at Frank Ogawa Plaza outside City Hall, Norman grabbed a microphone and told a story about a White man she once tried to be friends with, who felt sorry for her for being Black.
“I love my melanin. I love my skin. I love my curly, kinky hair,” she said, to cheers from the crowd. “Despite being hated by so many people for how I look, I love it … And whatever you are, you should love it too.”
Other people to take a turn at the mic included 17-year-old Kira Norwood, who had just graduated from Berkeley High School.
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Dwayne Aikens Jr., who co-founded the nonprofit We Lead Ours to serve Oakland youth, left the crowd with some homework: Get involved in politics, even after the marching stops.
“Change starts right now,” he said. “We can’t just march and then not ask for things.”


mercurynews--2020-06-13--Map: Grant Fire grows rapidly on edge of Sacramento

A wildfire that started shortly after noon Friday east of Sacramento grew to 4,500 acres in barely four hours .
@ @ @ @ @ around 100 acres when firefighters responded to a rural area near a landfill at Grant @ @ @ @ @ .
It had reached 700 acres at 2:15 , 2,000 acres at 3:30 and 4,500 @ @ @ @ @ ) at 4:30 , said CalFire ’ s Amador El Dorado unit .
As of @ @ @ @ @ % contained .
No structures had been damaged .
Winds were pushing the fire toward @ @ @ @ @ the Sloughhouse area , and it had jumped Scott Road .
About 20 miles of @ @ @ @ @ were ordered at the Prairie Creek OHV park , 1½ square miles of off-road vehicle @ @ @ @ @ .
The few homes on Glory Lane and Pleasant Hill Lane were also evacuated .
@ @ @ @ @ in defensible areas without combustible vegetation , and residents should not return to their properties @ @ @ @ @ Metro Fire of Sacramento announced around 1:30 .

A wildfire that started shortly after noon Friday east of Sacramento grew to 4,500 acres in barely four hours.
The Grant Fire was already around 100 acres when firefighters responded to a rural area near a landfill at Grant Line Road and Kiefer Boulevard. It had reached 700 acres at 2:15, 2,000 acres at 3:30 and 4,500 acres (7 square miles) at 4:30, said CalFire’s Amador El Dorado unit.
As of 4:30, it was 30% contained. No structures had been damaged.
Winds were pushing the fire toward the northeast, away from the Sloughhouse area, and it had jumped Scott Road.
About 20 miles of roads are closed. Evacuations were ordered at the Prairie Creek OHV park, 1½ square miles of off-road vehicle trails and a go-kart track. The few homes on Glory Lane and Pleasant Hill Lane were also evacuated.
“Occupants should take shelter in defensible areas without combustible vegetation, and residents should not return to their properties in the area,” Metro Fire of Sacramento announced around 1:30.


mercurynews--2020-06-13--Protesters call attention to deaths of two more black men

By Russ Bynum and Ed White | Associated Press SAVANNAH , Ga. ( AP ) — Anti-racism protesters on Saturday sought to call attention to the deaths of two more black men — one who was found hanging from a tree in California and another who was fatally shot by police outside an Atlanta restaurant .
The Atlanta police chief resigned hours later .
Meanwhile in Europe , far-right activists scuffled with police in London and Paris as more Black Lives Matter demonstrations unfolded nearly three weeks after George Floyd , another black man , died at the hands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a knee to his neck .
Atlanta police were called late Friday about a man said to be sleeping in a car blocking a Wendy ’ s restaurant drive-thru .
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was investigating reports that 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks failed a sobriety test and was shot in a struggle over a police Taser .
By Saturday evening , Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that she had accepted the resignation of Police Chief Erika Shields .
The announcement came as roughly 150 protesters marched outside the restaurant .
The mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the officer who opened fire on Brooks .
“ I do not believe that this was a justified use of deadly force , ” Bottoms said .
She said it was Shields ’ decision to step aside and that she would remain with the city in an undetermined role .
Stacey Abrams , the Georgia Democrat who gained national prominence running for governor in 2018 , tweeted that “ sleeping in a drive-thru must not end in death.
” In Palmdale , California , hundreds of people marched to demand an investigation into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was found hanging from a tree early Wednesday near city hall .
The protesters marched from where the body was found to a sheriff ’ s station , with many carrying signs that said “ Justice for Robert Fuller.
” Authorities said the death appeared to be a suicide , but an autopsy was planned .
The city said there were no outdoor cameras that could have recorded what happened .
European protesters sought to show solidarity with their American counterparts and to confront bias in their own countries .
The demonstrations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to limit crowds to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
In Paris , police stopped protesters from confronting far-right activists who unfurled a huge banner from a building denouncing “ anti-white racism.
” The banner was partly torn down by residents in the building , with one raising a fist in victory .
A Black Lives Matter group in London called off a demonstration , saying the presence of counter-protesters would make it unsafe .
Right-wing activists and soccer fans descended on the U.K. capital , saying they wanted to guard historical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters .
Many gathered around the statue of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the Cenotaph war memorial , which were boarded up Friday to protect them from vandalism .
Officials feared far-right activists would seek confrontations with anti-racism protesters under the guise of protecting statues .
The statue of Churchill had been daubed with the words “ was a racist.
” Prime Minister Boris Johnson called Churchill a hero but acknowledged that he “ sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today.
” Some activists threw bottles and cans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push through police barriers .
The mostly white crowd chanted “ England ” and sang the national anthem while riot police on horses pushed them back .
A rally in Paris drew 15,000 , led by supporters of Adama Traore , a French black man who died in police custody in 2016 .
No one has been charged in his death .
Police fired tear gas and blocked people from marching .
An enormous portrait showed one face with images of Floyd and Traore .
Banners strung between trees around Republique plaza bore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died or suffered violence at the hands of French police .
Myriam Boicoulin , 31 , who was born on the French Caribbean island of Martinique , said she marched because she wanted to be heard .
As a black woman living in mainland France , she said , “ I ’ m constantly obliged to adapt , to make compromises , not make waves — to be almost white , in fact.
” “ It ’ s the first time people see us , ” Boicoulin said .
“ Let us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prague for the second straight weekend in support of protests in the U.S .
The event was organized by an informal group of Americans living in Prague , along with several Czech groups .
The threat of rain and lack of a permit limited the size of crowds in Perth , the capital of Western Australia , but an estimated 5,000 people still turned out to honor Floyd and remember indigenous Australians who have died in custody .
Western Australia state Premier Mark McGowan had urged organizers to postpone the event , citing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McGlade , a human rights lawyer and activist , rejected McGowan ’ s request and called for an independent investigation into indigenous deaths .
• Protesters call for end to systemic racism in policing , housing , education and more “ They told us not to come .
They told us to be silent .
We will not be silent , ” McGlade said .
White reported from Detroit .
Associated Press writers Sylvia Hui in London and Arno Pedram in Paris also contributed to this report .

By Russ Bynum and Ed White | Associated Press
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Anti-racism protesters on Saturday sought to call attention to the deaths of two more black men — one who was found hanging from a tree in California and another who was fatally shot by police outside an Atlanta restaurant. The Atlanta police chief resigned hours later.
Meanwhile in Europe, far-right activists scuffled with police in London and Paris as more Black Lives Matter demonstrations unfolded nearly three weeks after George Floyd, another black man, died at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer who pressed a knee to his neck.
Atlanta police were called late Friday about a man said to be sleeping in a car blocking a Wendy’s restaurant drive-thru. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was investigating reports that 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks failed a sobriety test and was shot in a struggle over a police Taser.
By Saturday evening, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that she had accepted the resignation of Police Chief Erika Shields. The announcement came as roughly 150 protesters marched outside the restaurant. The mayor also called for the immediate firing of the officer who opened fire on Brooks.
“I do not believe that this was a justified use of deadly force,” Bottoms said.
She said it was Shields’ decision to step aside and that she would remain with the city in an undetermined role.
Stacey Abrams, the Georgia Democrat who gained national prominence running for governor in 2018, tweeted that “sleeping in a drive-thru must not end in death.”
In Palmdale, California, hundreds of people marched to demand an investigation into the death of 24-year-old Robert Fuller, who was found hanging from a tree early Wednesday near city hall. The protesters marched from where the body was found to a sheriff’s station, with many carrying signs that said “Justice for Robert Fuller.”
Authorities said the death appeared to be a suicide, but an autopsy was planned. The city said there were no outdoor cameras that could have recorded what happened.
[vemba-video id=”us/2020/06/13/atlanta-wendys-shooting-rayshard-brooks-surveillance-witness-video-vpx.cnn”]
European protesters sought to show solidarity with their American counterparts and to confront bias in their own countries. The demonstrations also posed a challenge to policies intended to limit crowds to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
In Paris, police stopped protesters from confronting far-right activists who unfurled a huge banner from a building denouncing “anti-white racism.” The banner was partly torn down by residents in the building, with one raising a fist in victory.
A Black Lives Matter group in London called off a demonstration, saying the presence of counter-protesters would make it unsafe. Right-wing activists and soccer fans descended on the U.K. capital, saying they wanted to guard historical monuments that have been targeted by anti-racism protesters.
Many gathered around the statue of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the Cenotaph war memorial, which were boarded up Friday to protect them from vandalism. Officials feared far-right activists would seek confrontations with anti-racism protesters under the guise of protecting statues.
The statue of Churchill had been daubed with the words “was a racist.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson called Churchill a hero but acknowledged that he “sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today.”
Some activists threw bottles and cans at officers, while others tried to push through police barriers. The mostly white crowd chanted “England” and sang the national anthem while riot police on horses pushed them back.
A rally in Paris drew 15,000, led by supporters of Adama Traore, a French black man who died in police custody in 2016. No one has been charged in his death. Police fired tear gas and blocked people from marching.
An enormous portrait showed one face with images of Floyd and Traore. Banners strung between trees around Republique plaza bore the names of dozens of others who have died or suffered violence at the hands of French police.
Myriam Boicoulin, 31, who was born on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, said she marched because she wanted to be heard.
As a black woman living in mainland France, she said, “I’m constantly obliged to adapt, to make compromises, not make waves — to be almost white, in fact.”
“It’s the first time people see us,” Boicoulin said. “Let us breathe.”
Elsewhere, hundreds rallied in Prague for the second straight weekend in support of protests in the U.S. The event was organized by an informal group of Americans living in Prague, along with several Czech groups.
The threat of rain and lack of a permit limited the size of crowds in Perth, the capital of Western Australia, but an estimated 5,000 people still turned out to honor Floyd and remember indigenous Australians who have died in custody.
Western Australia state Premier Mark McGowan had urged organizers to postpone the event, citing health risks from the coronavirus.
Hannah McGlade, a human rights lawyer and activist, rejected McGowan’s request and called for an independent investigation into indigenous deaths.
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Israel’s Netanyahu released from hospital ahead of key vote on legal overhaul News | Protesters try to storm Baghdad’s Green Zone over the burning of Quran and Iraqi flag in Denmark “They told us not to come. They told us to be silent. We will not be silent,” McGlade said.
White reported from Detroit. Associated Press writers Sylvia Hui in London and Arno Pedram in Paris also contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-06-13--Colorado’s historic police reform bill one step away from being signed into law

Tears streamed down Colorado lawmakers ’ faces as House Speaker KC Becker , choking up , read the final vote tally .
House members passed a bill Friday that promises to bring sweeping changes to policing in the state , and it was expected to get a final vote in the Senate later in the evening .
A dozen House Republicans joined all Democratic representatives in voting for the bill .
“ I am feeling incredibly proud and grateful that this legislative body has stood up and listened to the protesters and listened to the families and said , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about this injustice in our society and we ’ re going to start today , ’ ” said Rep. Leslie Herod , a Denver Democrat , said after the vote .
The bill passed the Senate 32-1 earlier this week , and Gov .
Jared Polis said he will sign it .
The House vote came after lawmakers spent nearly two hours Friday sharing personal experiences they and their loved ones have had with law enforcement and the need for accountability to keep black and brown communities in Colorado safe .
Several stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonizing good cops but about holding those entrusted with protecting their communities accountable .
Prior to Friday ’ s vote , lawmakers debated the bill for hours in the House and Senate , and committees heard testimony from both families of victims and representatives of law enforcement .
Senate Bill 217 was introduced in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death at police hands in Minneapolis and the protests that followed , but lawmakers stressed that the issues are not new and are very much Colorado issues , too .
Among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers to use body-worn cameras and a public release of footage within 45 days , bans the use of chokeholds and carotid control holds and limits when police are allowed to shoot at a person who is running away from them , commonly referred to as the “ fleeing felon ” statute .
Officers would need objective justification to make stops , be required to intervene when seeing other officers using excessive force or face a criminal charge and officers could be sued in their personal capacities and held personally liable up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ” qualified immunity ” protection that previously didn ’ t allow it .
The bill also restricts the use of force officers can use on protesters and changes the standards for when police can use deadly force .
The bill requires agencies to report data annually so issues can be identified and addressed .
It entrusts the Peace Office Standards and Training board to decertify officers who are fired for excessive force so they aren ’ t able to just get rehired by another department .
Herod said she wants to tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Bill 217 passed because they showed up , protested and demanded change , which helped push the legislation forward .
But most importantly , she said , it honors families like those of Elijah McClain and De ’ Von Bailey .
McClain died after a violent arrest by Aurora police in August and Bailey was fatally shot by Colorado Springs police in December last year .
Although the Republicans who voted against the policing bill cited concerns with how quickly it was pushed through — the bill was introduced just nine days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been studied and worked on for years , but the political will to pass them just wasn ’ t there .
They also worked with law enforcement and groups that would be affected throughout the process .
“ Our communities are tired .
And we have been asking for change for generations .
Now is the time , ” said sponsor Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez , D-Denver .
House Republicans who voted in favor of the bill said they were convinced by not only the stories shared but the need to hold accountable those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously opposed to the bill changed their minds after sponsors worked with them and stakeholders to make changes , they said .
House Minority Leader Patrick Neville , R-Castle Rock , said he was voting for it because it calls for policy changes that are needed .
“ It ’ s my prayer that this bill will be a step forward and that ’ s why I ’ m voting yes , ” he said .
Still , not every Republican was on board .
Rep. Rod Bockenfeld of Watkins questioned the bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ street , saying many worry about whether they can continue to work in Colorado .
After discussions and some changes , law enforcement organizations came out in support of the bill .
“ As difficult as this legislative process has been , we really do believe this is going to make us better , ” Steve Schulz , president of the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police , said in a statement .
“ … We are committed to keeping the lines of communication open between law enforcement agencies , the communities we serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work together and make necessary changes before crises arise.
” • More than 200 gather in Anaheim park to rally against police brutality • Protesters call for end to systemic racism in policing , housing , education and more • Letter : Let ’ s put a price on pollution before we add a third crisis Thirteen House Republican representatives voted against the bill : Bockenfeld ; Mark Baisely of Roxborough Park ; Perry Buck of Windsor ; Terri Carver , Larry Liston , Shane Sandridge and Dave Williams of Colorado Springs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McKean of Loveland ; Rod Pelton of Cheyenne Wells ; Lori Saine of Firestone ; Matt Soper of Delta ; and Perry Will of New Castle .
“ This is about a pattern of injustice and unfair treatment that Black Americans and communities of color have endured , not only in our criminal justice system but also in aspects of every day life , ” Polis said in a statement .
“ Coloradans should be proud our state is leading the way to make policing more accountable , restore trust in law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberties , and lay the groundwork for future discussions of criminal and juvenile justice reform .
”

Tears streamed down Colorado lawmakers’ faces as House Speaker KC Becker, choking up, read the final vote tally.
52-13.
House members passed a bill Friday that promises to bring sweeping changes to policing in the state, and it was expected to get a final vote in the Senate later in the evening. A dozen House Republicans joined all Democratic representatives in voting for the bill.
“I am feeling incredibly proud and grateful that this legislative body has stood up and listened to the protesters and listened to the families and said, ‘we’re going to do something about this injustice in our society and we’re going to start today,’” said Rep. Leslie Herod, a Denver Democrat, said after the vote.
The bill passed the Senate 32-1 earlier this week, and Gov. Jared Polis said he will sign it.
The House vote came after lawmakers spent nearly two hours Friday sharing personal experiences they and their loved ones have had with law enforcement and the need for accountability to keep black and brown communities in Colorado safe. Several stressed that the bill isn’t about demonizing good cops but about holding those entrusted with protecting their communities accountable.
Prior to Friday’s vote, lawmakers debated the bill for hours in the House and Senate, and committees heard testimony from both families of victims and representatives of law enforcement.
Senate Bill 217 was introduced in the wake of George Floyd’s death at police hands in Minneapolis and the protests that followed, but lawmakers stressed that the issues are not new and are very much Colorado issues, too. Among the biggest changes, the bill requires all officers to use body-worn cameras and a public release of footage within 45 days, bans the use of chokeholds and carotid control holds and limits when police are allowed to shoot at a person who is running away from them, commonly referred to as the “fleeing felon” statute.
Officers would need objective justification to make stops, be required to intervene when seeing other officers using excessive force or face a criminal charge and officers could be sued in their personal capacities and held personally liable up to $25,000 for constitutional violations, removing the”qualified immunity” protection that previously didn’t allow it. The bill also restricts the use of force officers can use on protesters and changes the standards for when police can use deadly force.
The bill requires agencies to report data annually so issues can be identified and addressed. It entrusts the Peace Office Standards and Training board to decertify officers who are fired for excessive force so they aren’t able to just get rehired by another department.
Herod said she wants to tell Coloradans and the people of Denver that Senate Bill 217 passed because they showed up, protested and demanded change, which helped push the legislation forward. But most importantly, she said, it honors families like those of Elijah McClain and De’Von Bailey. McClain died after a violent arrest by Aurora police in August and Bailey was fatally shot by Colorado Springs police in December last year.
Although the Republicans who voted against the policing bill cited concerns with how quickly it was pushed through — the bill was introduced just nine days earlier — supporters said these issues have been studied and worked on for years, but the political will to pass them just wasn’t there. They also worked with law enforcement and groups that would be affected throughout the process.
“Our communities are tired. And we have been asking for change for generations. Now is the time,” said sponsor Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver.
House Republicans who voted in favor of the bill said they were convinced by not only the stories shared but the need to hold accountable those entrusted with protecting their communities. Republicans previously opposed to the bill changed their minds after sponsors worked with them and stakeholders to make changes, they said.
House Minority Leader Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock, said he was voting for it because it calls for policy changes that are needed.
“It’s my prayer that this bill will be a step forward and that’s why I’m voting yes,” he said.
Still, not every Republican was on board. Rep. Rod Bockenfeld of Watkins questioned the bill’s impact on officers on the street, saying many worry about whether they can continue to work in Colorado.
After discussions and some changes, law enforcement organizations came out in support of the bill.
“As difficult as this legislative process has been, we really do believe this is going to make us better,” Steve Schulz, president of the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police, said in a statement. “… We are committed to keeping the lines of communication open between law enforcement agencies, the communities we serve and lawmakers so that we can continue to work together and make necessary changes before crises arise.”
Related Articles News | Officer gets 4+ years for role in George Floyd killing
Officer gets 4+ years for role in George Floyd killing News | San Jose: Federal excessive force lawsuit from George Floyd protests is greenlit for trial Thirteen House Republican representatives voted against the bill: Bockenfeld; Mark Baisely of Roxborough Park; Perry Buck of Windsor; Terri Carver, Larry Liston, Shane Sandridge and Dave Williams of Colorado Springs; Colin Larson of Littleton; Hugh McKean of Loveland; Rod Pelton of Cheyenne Wells; Lori Saine of Firestone; Matt Soper of Delta; and Perry Will of New Castle.
The Democratic governor applauded its passage.
“This is about a pattern of injustice and unfair treatment that Black Americans and communities of color have endured, not only in our criminal justice system but also in aspects of every day life,” Polis said in a statement. “Coloradans should be proud our state is leading the way to make policing more accountable, restore trust in law enforcement, uphold an individual’s civil liberties, and lay the groundwork for future discussions of criminal and juvenile justice reform.”