mercurynews--2020-09-02--A year after deadly California boat fire, families sail out to honor those lost

For 34 families from across the country , the chilly , windswept waters off Santa Cruz Island were a scene of unfathomable tragedy a year ago .
The scuba diving charter boat where their loved ones slept burst aflame overnight , trapping them inside , and sank in what is considered the worst modern maritime disaster in California history .
But Wednesday , many of those grieving families are boating out to those waters 20 miles from the Ventura shore in their memory , some to dive among the marine life , others to simply soak up the breathtaking natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ For me it ’ s sacred ground , sacred waters , ” said Susana Solano Rosas , of Stockton , whose former husband , Michael Quitasol , his wife , and three of their four daughters were among the 34 killed on the Conception ’ s ill-fated final voyage .
“ I don ’ t want them to be forgotten .
They were such wonderful people doing such wonderful things for the community.
” What ignited the fire that killed all 33 passengers and a crew member who were sleeping below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains uncertain .
The National Transportation Safety Board this week scheduled an Oct. 20 meeting to discuss findings of its investigation and finalize its report .
In its preliminary report last September , the NTSB noted that when the fire erupted around 3:14 a.m. , the five surviving crew members were all asleep in berths on the upper deck — which would violate maritime safety protocols requiring a roving night watchman at all times .
While criminal investigations continue , civil lawsuits on behalf of the fire victims ’ families point to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , used for various cameras , computers and other electronic gear powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries , as a likely source of the blaze .
The middle — or main — deck is located directly above the sleeping quarters and includes the galley , dining area and dive deck .
The wheelhouse is on the upper deck .
Filings on behalf of four families earlier this year alleged the Santa Barbara dive boat charter company , Truth Aquatics , had a close call a year earlier on one of the Conception ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when a lithium-ion battery overheated and caught fire .
But the charter company “ failed to report this fire for further investigation , failed to perform safety risk assessments after this fire and failed to warn the vessel ’ s crew and passengers about the risk of fire caused by lithium batteries , ” the lawsuits alleged in January .
Without a night watchman and lacking fire alarms that sounded above deck , the lawsuits allege , the fire was out of control by the time crew members were awakened by the noise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleeping below were a stairwell and escape hatch that both led to the furiously burning middle deck .
The vessel had last passed inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard in February 2019 .
Lawyers representing Truth Aquatics and its owners , Glen and Dana Fritzler of Santa Barbara , did not respond to requests for comment .
But in a federal court filing last week , they acknowledged an ongoing criminal investigation of possible manslaughter charges by the United States Coast Guard , Federal Bureau of Investigation , Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Attorney ’ s Office .
The court filing indicated that the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office in July met with the Conception ’ s surviving captain , Jerry Boylan , in a manner that suggested it “ has sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges.
” For many of the fire victims ’ families , the carelessness that contributed to the Conception catastrophe only adds to their anguish a year later .
“ It ’ s such a horrible tragedy that was absolutely preventable , ” Rosas , who lost daughters EvanMichel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tearfully .
“ They didn ’ t deserve that to happen at the prime of their life .
Hopefully because of this tragedy , the law will change so everybody has a chance to get out .
They had no chance.
” Others are just struggling to move on with their loss .
“ It ’ s a complete tragedy .
Whether it was someone ’ s fault or not , it happened , ” said Brett Harmeling , of Houston , Texas , who lost his sister , Kristy Finstad , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Worldwide Diving Adventures in Santa Cruz with her husband .
“ Now it comes down to moving forward with love and kindness.
” Harmeling , who plans to join other family members in the memorial dive on Wednesday , said grief comes in waves , and “ some days are harder than the day it happened.
” “ It ’ s been a challenging year for the family and all the families involved , ” Harmeling said .
“ It ’ s hard to believe that it happened and that Kristy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big part of my life .
She allowed me to see the world through a different lens .
That ’ s what I miss about her .
I do my best every day to bring about her legacy .
But I also believe in divine timing and that God took her home for a reason .
I ’ ll never question his call .
It gives me peace at least.
” Vicki Moore , of Los Altos , who lost her husband , Scott Chan , and their daughter , Kendra Chan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a memorial fund for marine conservation through the Nature Conservancy in their honor .
“ They had very full lives and great impact , ” Moore said of her husband , an electrical engineer who became a teacher , and daughter , a biologist with the U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service in Ventura .
“ I ’ ve been doing everything I can to continue that.
” The families have kept in touch through email and social media , but the coronavirus pandemic scuttled planned get-togethers .
Even Wednesday ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of Ventura for a memorial dive and another out of Santa Barbara for other family members to be there , will require face masks and social distancing .
There will be formal recognition of memorials underwater at the scene and at the Santa Barbara harbor , but the event is largely unscripted , and the families have asked news reporters to respect their privacy .
While some dive in memory of the lost divers , others such as Rosas and Moore plan just to enjoy the moment above water .
Some families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the occasion in their own way back home .
“ It ’ s going to be a very emotional experience , but I think a very important one , ” Moore said .
“ There is this community that shared in the grief where all this happened to us .
There ’ s a lot of comfort in meeting with others that experienced a loss like this.
” To learn more about the Scott and Kendra Chan Memorial Fund for Marine Conservation or to make a donation , please contact Lindsay Hower , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Northern California : lindsay.hower @ tnc.org ; 703-862-2819 .

For 34 families from across the country, the chilly, windswept waters off Santa Cruz Island were a scene of unfathomable tragedy a year ago. The scuba diving charter boat where their loved ones slept burst aflame overnight, trapping them inside, and sank in what is considered the worst modern maritime disaster in California history.
But Wednesday, many of those grieving families are boating out to those waters 20 miles from the Ventura shore in their memory, some to dive among the marine life, others to simply soak up the breathtaking natural beauty that had inspired those they lost.
“For me it’s sacred ground, sacred waters,” said Susana Solano Rosas, of Stockton, whose former husband, Michael Quitasol, his wife, and three of their four daughters were among the 34 killed on the Conception’s ill-fated final voyage. “I don’t want them to be forgotten. They were such wonderful people doing such wonderful things for the community.”
What ignited the fire that killed all 33 passengers and a crew member who were sleeping below the main deck on the dive boat remains uncertain. The National Transportation Safety Board this week scheduled an Oct. 20 meeting to discuss findings of its investigation and finalize its report.
In its preliminary report last September, the NTSB noted that when the fire erupted around 3:14 a.m., the five surviving crew members were all asleep in berths on the upper deck — which would violate maritime safety protocols requiring a roving night watchman at all times.
While criminal investigations continue, civil lawsuits on behalf of the fire victims’ families point to the middle deck’s electronic charging stations, used for various cameras, computers and other electronic gear powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, as a likely source of the blaze. The middle — or main — deck is located directly above the sleeping quarters and includes the galley, dining area and dive deck. The wheelhouse is on the upper deck.
Filings on behalf of four families earlier this year alleged the Santa Barbara dive boat charter company, Truth Aquatics, had a close call a year earlier on one of the Conception’s two sister ships, the Vision, when a lithium-ion battery overheated and caught fire.
But the charter company “failed to report this fire for further investigation, failed to perform safety risk assessments after this fire and failed to warn the vessel’s crew and passengers about the risk of fire caused by lithium batteries,” the lawsuits alleged in January.
Without a night watchman and lacking fire alarms that sounded above deck, the lawsuits allege, the fire was out of control by the time crew members were awakened by the noise, and the only exits for those sleeping below were a stairwell and escape hatch that both led to the furiously burning middle deck.
The vessel had last passed inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard in February 2019.
Lawyers representing Truth Aquatics and its owners, Glen and Dana Fritzler of Santa Barbara, did not respond to requests for comment. But in a federal court filing last week, they acknowledged an ongoing criminal investigation of possible manslaughter charges by the United States Coast Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The court filing indicated that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in July met with the Conception’s surviving captain, Jerry Boylan, in a manner that suggested it “has sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges.”
For many of the fire victims’ families, the carelessness that contributed to the Conception catastrophe only adds to their anguish a year later.
“It’s such a horrible tragedy that was absolutely preventable,” Rosas, who lost daughters EvanMichel, Nicole and Angela Rose Quitasol, said tearfully. “They didn’t deserve that to happen at the prime of their life. Hopefully because of this tragedy, the law will change so everybody has a chance to get out. They had no chance.”
Others are just struggling to move on with their loss.
“It’s a complete tragedy. Whether it was someone’s fault or not, it happened,” said Brett Harmeling, of Houston, Texas, who lost his sister, Kristy Finstad, a diving instructor and marine biologist who ran Worldwide Diving Adventures in Santa Cruz with her husband. “Now it comes down to moving forward with love and kindness.”
Harmeling, who plans to join other family members in the memorial dive on Wednesday, said grief comes in waves, and “some days are harder than the day it happened.”
“It’s been a challenging year for the family and all the families involved,” Harmeling said. “It’s hard to believe that it happened and that Kristy’s no longer here. Kristy was a big part of my life. She allowed me to see the world through a different lens. That’s what I miss about her. I do my best every day to bring about her legacy. But I also believe in divine timing and that God took her home for a reason. I’ll never question his call. It gives me peace at least.”
Vicki Moore, of Los Altos, who lost her husband, Scott Chan, and their daughter, Kendra Chan, has devoted the year since to setting up a memorial fund for marine conservation through the Nature Conservancy in their honor.
“They had very full lives and great impact,” Moore said of her husband, an electrical engineer who became a teacher, and daughter, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Ventura. “I’ve been doing everything I can to continue that.”
The families have kept in touch through email and social media, but the coronavirus pandemic scuttled planned get-togethers. Even Wednesday’s outings, which include a chartered boat out of Ventura for a memorial dive and another out of Santa Barbara for other family members to be there, will require face masks and social distancing.
There will be formal recognition of memorials underwater at the scene and at the Santa Barbara harbor, but the event is largely unscripted, and the families have asked news reporters to respect their privacy. While some dive in memory of the lost divers, others such as Rosas and Moore plan just to enjoy the moment above water. Some families, Rosas said, chose to mark the occasion in their own way back home.
“It’s going to be a very emotional experience, but I think a very important one,” Moore said. “There is this community that shared in the grief where all this happened to us. There’s a lot of comfort in meeting with others that experienced a loss like this.”
To learn more about the Scott and Kendra Chan Memorial Fund for Marine Conservation or to make a donation, please contact Lindsay Hower, TNC’s Director of Individual Giving for Northern California: lindsay.hower@tnc.org; 703-862-2819.


mercurynews--2020-09-02--State gives polluting power plants a shutdown reprieve

Two weeks after California was hit with rolling blackouts , state regulators extended the lifespan of a fleet of gas-fired power plants Tuesday , saying the facilities are needed to maintain reliability of the electricity grid .
The State Water Resources Control Board voted 4-0 to allow nine generating units to operate up to three more years before they ’ re mothballed , overriding objections from environmentalists and some local officials complaining about air and water pollution .
The fate of the generators , housed at four plants on the Southern California oceanfront , have become a closely-watched issue in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s energy future .
During a monstrous heat wave in mid-August , California endured two nights of rolling blackouts in part because of shortages of wind and solar power .
Critics said the blackouts showed California has over-reached in its efforts to create a green energy grid .
In the past decade the state has mothballed scores of natural-gas plants and has come to rely heavily on solar , wind and other renewable energy sources .
State law says the electricity grid must be 100 % renewable by 2045 .
Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said California , a leader in the fight against climate change , won ’ t retreat from its green-energy targets .
But Newsom has acknowledged the state must do a better job of planning for the transition to an all-renewable grid .
Officials with California ’ s energy agencies began urging the water board a year ago to postpone closure of the Southern California plants to help bridge the expected gaps in supplies over the next few years .
The recent rolling blackouts has added new urgency to those pleas .
During peak-demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in combination are needed , ” Ed Randolph , deputy executive director of the Public Utilities Commission , told the board Tuesday .
“ These planning margins are tight.
” Water board members went along with the postponements grudgingly — and said they are leery about granting any additional extensions .
“ We don ’ t want to be here again , ” said board Chairman E. Joaquin Esquivel .
“ This decision doesn ’ t come lightly.
” Randolph said the PUC may ask the water board for additional postponements if necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … it ’ s going to blow up in our face ’ Assemblyman Patrick O ’ Donnell , D-Long Beach , whose district includes two of the plants , said the postponements are necessary to prevent future blackouts — and maintain public support for a green energy grid .
“ If we go too fast … it ’ s going to blow up in our face , ” he said .
But representatives of some Southern California cities opposed any delay in closure , saying the facilities generate too much air and water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of those stacks is not good for you , ” said Bill Brand , the mayor of Redondo Beach , home to three of the generating units .
“ Extension of old fossil fuel power plants is not the answer.
” A lawyer for the city , Nick Garelli , threatened to sue the water board for delaying the Redondo Beach shutdown .
Environmentalists said the plants , some of which are a half-century old , are also notorious sources of air pollution , contribute heavily to climate change — and should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the facilities have had more than adequate time to comply ” with environmental regulations , said Shelley Luce of Heal the Bay , a Santa Monica nonprofit .
• Water service to shut off overnight in areas of El Sobrante next week The nine facilities are capable of powering 2.8 million households .
They were scheduled to close in December as part of a decade-long effort by the water board to eliminate “ once-through cooling ” power facilities .
The facilities draw billions of gallons of water from the sea to cool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state says has killed sea lions , fish and other marine life .
The water board has decreed that once-through cooling plants must cut their water usage by 93 % or shut down .
So far most of the plants have closed rather than spend the money needed to overhaul their systems .
The last nine units were due to be mothballed at year ’ s end .
With Tuesday ’ s decision , the three generating units in Redondo Beach will be allowed to run through December 2021 .
The other six @ @ @ @ @ @

By Dale Kasler | Sacramento Bee
Two weeks after California was hit with rolling blackouts, state regulators extended the lifespan of a fleet of gas-fired power plants Tuesday, saying the facilities are needed to maintain reliability of the electricity grid.
The State Water Resources Control Board voted 4-0 to allow nine generating units to operate up to three more years before they’re mothballed, overriding objections from environmentalists and some local officials complaining about air and water pollution.
The fate of the generators, housed at four plants on the Southern California oceanfront, have become a closely-watched issue in the debate over the environment and California’s energy future.
During a monstrous heat wave in mid-August, California endured two nights of rolling blackouts in part because of shortages of wind and solar power.
Critics said the blackouts showed California has over-reached in its efforts to create a green energy grid. In the past decade the state has mothballed scores of natural-gas plants and has come to rely heavily on solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. State law says the electricity grid must be 100% renewable by 2045.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state leaders have said California, a leader in the fight against climate change, won’t retreat from its green-energy targets.
But Newsom has acknowledged the state must do a better job of planning for the transition to an all-renewable grid. Officials with California’s energy agencies began urging the water board a year ago to postpone closure of the Southern California plants to help bridge the expected gaps in supplies over the next few years. The recent rolling blackouts has added new urgency to those pleas.
During peak-demand days, “all of these plants in combination are needed,” Ed Randolph, deputy executive director of the Public Utilities Commission, told the board Tuesday. “These planning margins are tight.”
Water board members went along with the postponements grudgingly — and said they are leery about granting any additional extensions.
“We don’t want to be here again,” said board Chairman E. Joaquin Esquivel. “This decision doesn’t come lightly.”
Randolph said the PUC may ask the water board for additional postponements if necessary.
‘If we go too fast … it’s going to blow up in our face’
Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell, D-Long Beach, whose district includes two of the plants, said the postponements are necessary to prevent future blackouts — and maintain public support for a green energy grid. “If we go too fast … it’s going to blow up in our face,” he said.
But representatives of some Southern California cities opposed any delay in closure, saying the facilities generate too much air and water pollution.
“What’s coming out of those stacks is not good for you,” said Bill Brand, the mayor of Redondo Beach, home to three of the generating units. “Extension of old fossil fuel power plants is not the answer.” A lawyer for the city, Nick Garelli, threatened to sue the water board for delaying the Redondo Beach shutdown.
Environmentalists said the plants, some of which are a half-century old, are also notorious sources of air pollution, contribute heavily to climate change — and should be retired in December. “All of the facilities have had more than adequate time to comply” with environmental regulations, said Shelley Luce of Heal the Bay, a Santa Monica nonprofit.
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Castle Rock State Park to expand in size due to rare state land purchase Business | Cupertino quarry won’t restart cement production after entering into legal agreement with Santa Clara County The nine facilities are capable of powering 2.8 million households. They were scheduled to close in December as part of a decade-long effort by the water board to eliminate “once-through cooling” power facilities. The facilities draw billions of gallons of water from the sea to cool themselves down, a process that the state says has killed sea lions, fish and other marine life.
The water board has decreed that once-through cooling plants must cut their water usage by 93% or shut down. So far most of the plants have closed rather than spend the money needed to overhaul their systems. The last nine units were due to be mothballed at year’s end.
With Tuesday’s decision, the three generating units in Redondo Beach will be allowed to run through December 2021. The other six will run through December 2023.


mercurynews--2020-09-02--Trump spins baseless take of ‘thugs’ flying to protests

By Amanda Seitz and David Klepper | Associated Press CHICAGO — President Donald Trump is recycling a baseless conspiracy theory to claim that recent protests have been orchestrated by powerful people in “ dark shadows ” intent on undermining his reelection prospects .
The claims first took root on Facebook and Twitter earlier this year after racial justice protests swelled across the country following the deaths of Black Americans in police custody .
Thousands of social media users shared posts suggesting a covert network was coordinating the protests and rioters were descending on communities across the country .
Trump appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham that aired Monday night , suggesting that protests in Washington during the Republican National Convention were orchestrated by unspecified forces .
“ We had somebody get on a plane from a certain city this weekend .
And in the plane , it was almost completely loaded with thugs wearing these dark uniforms , black uniforms with gear and this and that , ” said Trump , adding that the matter is under investigation .
When asked by reporters Tuesday for additional details on his assertion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity and he would have to check to see if that person was willing to speak with news media .
Vice President Mike Pence was asked in an interview Tuesday evening to explain what the president was talking about .
“ Well , I think what the president ’ s referring to is actually what we heard in many of the cities .
I know in Detroit there were a large number of arrests several weeks ago and the vast majority of people were from out of state .
The same thing occurred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities , ” Pence said on Fox News Channel ’ s “ Special Report with Bret Baier.
” “ Look , there ’ s something going on here , where the radical left — these anarchists and antifa — are moving people around the country , and it ’ s one of the reasons that the Justice Department is looking into where is the funding for this coming from ?
… We ’ re vigorously investigating where this is being organized from.
” He said during recent rioting that occurred in the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard some organization was pre-positioning assets and resources ” around the city .
The president has a history of elevating online conspiracy theories from his powerful podium , sometimes amplifying Twitter posts to his 85.6 million followers or dropping references to debunked claims in interviews and appearances .
As the November election approaches , he ’ s been particularly focused on the unproven notion that widespread protests against racist policing are being coordinated and driven by shadowy forces intent on defeating him .
Trump is picking up on unproven conspiracy theories that began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial justice .
One of the first public Facebook posts suggesting a similar conspiracy theory appears to have been made in May when Idaho resident Russell D. Wade wrote on Facebook that a plane was transporting protesters from Seattle to Boise , Idaho .
“ Be ready for attacks downtown and residential areas , ” Wade wrote in a post that has been shared more than 3,500 times .
Wade , who lost a bid for local sheriff earlier this year , urged his followers to arm themselves .
A social media message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately returned .
Local police departments from Sioux Falls , South Dakota , to Payette County , Idaho , were forced to knock down similar social media rumors in June that “ busloads ” of rioters were coming to town .
Other social media posts claimed that throngs of “ antifa , ” a term for leftist militants , were plotting to violently disrupt cities and towns .
In Michigan , a limousine businessman had to refute online rumors that his buses were purchased by liberal financier George Soros to coordinate protests after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charter buses to show the words “ Soros Riot Dance Squad ” emblazoned on the sides .
In Facebook and Twitter posts earlier this summer , Trump also blamed antifa for violence that broke out during racial justice protests .
But an Associated Press analysis of court records , employment histories and social media posts for 217 people arrested in Minneapolis and the District of Columbia , cities at the center of the protests earlier this year , found evidence that only a few of those arrested indicated they were involved in left-leaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the political right and Trump himself .
Trump ’ s allies have ramped up their efforts to push similar uncorroborated theories over the past week .
During the Republican National Convention , his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani claimed that “ Black Lives Matter and antifa sprang into action ” and “ hijacked ” peaceful protests .
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky called on the FBI to investigate protests outside of the RNC in Washington last week , describing it as “ an organized interstate racket.
” “ They need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who had to be escorted to his hotel during the final night of the convention .
“ The bills need to be subpoenaed by a judge to say , who paid for your bill ?
How did you get here on a plane , and staying in a fancy hotel , and yet you ’ re acting like a criminal ?
” • Mnuchin : Trump still wants to make a virus deal • Trump goes to Kenosha , places blame on ‘ domestic terror ’ • Eddy Grant sues Trump campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messaging from the president and his GOP supporters is aimed at building up fear among voters in hopes of driving them to cast a ballot in the president ’ s favor this fall , said Jennifer Mercieca , a professor at Texas A & M University who studies what she calls Trump ’ s “ rhetorical genius.
” “ Everything is on the line , you have to be sure to vote , ” Mercieca said in summing up the message .
“ They ’ re out to get you and destroy the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re already here … just a short plane ride away .
They ’ re scary , they wear black .
”

By Amanda Seitz and David Klepper | Associated Press
CHICAGO — President Donald Trump is recycling a baseless conspiracy theory to claim that recent protests have been orchestrated by powerful people in “dark shadows” intent on undermining his reelection prospects.
The claims first took root on Facebook and Twitter earlier this year after racial justice protests swelled across the country following the deaths of Black Americans in police custody.
Thousands of social media users shared posts suggesting a covert network was coordinating the protests and rioters were descending on communities across the country.
Trump appeared to amplify those unfounded conspiracy theories in an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham that aired Monday night, suggesting that protests in Washington during the Republican National Convention were orchestrated by unspecified forces.
“We had somebody get on a plane from a certain city this weekend. And in the plane, it was almost completely loaded with thugs wearing these dark uniforms, black uniforms with gear and this and that,” said Trump, adding that the matter is under investigation.
When asked by reporters Tuesday for additional details on his assertion, Trump said someone else witnessed the activity and he would have to check to see if that person was willing to speak with news media.
Vice President Mike Pence was asked in an interview Tuesday evening to explain what the president was talking about.
“Well, I think what the president’s referring to is actually what we heard in many of the cities. I know in Detroit there were a large number of arrests several weeks ago and the vast majority of people were from out of state. The same thing occurred in arrests that took place in recent cities,” Pence said on Fox News Channel’s “Special Report with Bret Baier.”
“Look, there’s something going on here, where the radical left — these anarchists and antifa — are moving people around the country, and it’s one of the reasons that the Justice Department is looking into where is the funding for this coming from? … We’re vigorously investigating where this is being organized from.”
He said during recent rioting that occurred in the nation’s capital, the administration “heard some organization was pre-positioning assets and resources” around the city.
The president has a history of elevating online conspiracy theories from his powerful podium, sometimes amplifying Twitter posts to his 85.6 million followers or dropping references to debunked claims in interviews and appearances. As the November election approaches, he’s been particularly focused on the unproven notion that widespread protests against racist policing are being coordinated and driven by shadowy forces intent on defeating him.
Trump is picking up on unproven conspiracy theories that began spreading earlier this year during protests for racial justice. One of the first public Facebook posts suggesting a similar conspiracy theory appears to have been made in May when Idaho resident Russell D. Wade wrote on Facebook that a plane was transporting protesters from Seattle to Boise, Idaho.
“Be ready for attacks downtown and residential areas,” Wade wrote in a post that has been shared more than 3,500 times. Wade, who lost a bid for local sheriff earlier this year, urged his followers to arm themselves. A social media message sent to Wade on Tuesday was not immediately returned.
Local police departments from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Payette County, Idaho, were forced to knock down similar social media rumors in June that “busloads” of rioters were coming to town. Other social media posts claimed that throngs of “antifa,” a term for leftist militants, were plotting to violently disrupt cities and towns.
In Michigan, a limousine businessman had to refute online rumors that his buses were purchased by liberal financier George Soros to coordinate protests after Facebook users manipulated images of his white charter buses to show the words “Soros Riot Dance Squad” emblazoned on the sides.
In Facebook and Twitter posts earlier this summer, Trump also blamed antifa for violence that broke out during racial justice protests. But an Associated Press analysis of court records, employment histories and social media posts for 217 people arrested in Minneapolis and the District of Columbia, cities at the center of the protests earlier this year, found evidence that only a few of those arrested indicated they were involved in left-leaning activities. A few others expressed support for the political right and Trump himself.
Trump’s allies have ramped up their efforts to push similar uncorroborated theories over the past week.
During the Republican National Convention, his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani claimed that “Black Lives Matter and antifa sprang into action” and “hijacked” peaceful protests. Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky called on the FBI to investigate protests outside of the RNC in Washington last week, describing it as “an organized interstate racket.”
“They need to be arrested, questioned,” said Paul, who had to be escorted to his hotel during the final night of the convention. “The bills need to be subpoenaed by a judge to say, who paid for your bill? How did you get here on a plane, and staying in a fancy hotel, and yet you’re acting like a criminal?”
The messaging from the president and his GOP supporters is aimed at building up fear among voters in hopes of driving them to cast a ballot in the president’s favor this fall, said Jennifer Mercieca, a professor at Texas A&M University who studies what she calls Trump’s “rhetorical genius.”
“Everything is on the line, you have to be sure to vote,” Mercieca said in summing up the message. “They’re out to get you and destroy the American way of life. They’re already here … just a short plane ride away. They’re scary, they wear black.”


mercurynews--2020-09-02--Report: Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco secret hair salon visit caught on camera

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is under fire after reportedly getting her hair done at a San Francisco salon on Monday , even as the county continued forbidding salons and barbershops to open as part of the coronavirus shutdown .
In security camera footage obtained by Fox News , Pelosi can be seen walking inside a salon with what appears to be a face covering around her neck .
The speaker was followed closely by a man in a face mask who appears to be her stylist .
Pelosi ’ s hair is wet in the video and she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi ’ s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from this news organization , but told Fox News she was following the rules as presented to her .
“ The Speaker always wears a mask and complies with local COVID requirements .
This business offered for the Speaker to come in on Monday and told her they were allowed by the city to have one customer at a time in the business .
The Speaker complied with the rules as presented to her by this establishment , ” her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties have moved to allow salons to restart indoor operations , San Francisco is not one of them .
And San Francisco did not permit even outdoor salon services until Tuesday .
According to Fox News , the owner of eSalon on Union Street said a stylist who rents space there contacted her Sunday to say Pelosi would be coming in the following day .
“ It was a slap in the face that she went in , you know , that she feels that she can just go and get her stuff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , and I can ’ t work , ” salon owner Erica Kious told Fox News .
The salon did not immediately respond to a request for comment from this news organization .
Businesses , including hair salons , have been hit hard by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , with many lobbying public health officials and others to move forward faster with reopening .
Pelosi could have visited a different salon at one of several nearby counties that have reopened indoor salon operations , including Marin , San Mateo , and Santa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vocal proponent of mask wearing and has criticized President Trump for failing to follow the science in addressing the pandemic , including rebuking him Monday for allowing more than 1,000 people — many of them without masks and sitting shoulder to shoulder — on the White House lawn recently to officially accept the Republican presidential nomination .
The salon visit immediately sparked outrage among conservative commentators and politicians “ On the left : Nancy Pelosi today shaming Americans , saying “ you must wear your mask.
” On the right : Nancy Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not wearing a mask , ” the Trump War Room tweeted , along with two contrasting videos .
Harmeet Dhillon , a San Francisco-based Republican National Committeewoman , called for the District Attorney to investigate .
“ If Speaker Pelosi can get her hair done in San Francisco indoors , no mask , while other Californians were forced to get theirs outdoors in 100+ degree heat and dangerous levels of smoke , then everyone should be able to , ” Dhillon said .
“ Others have been cited and sued and prosecuted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ await the San Francisco District Attorney ’ s charging decision — unless , of course , the speaker is above the very law she loudly proclaims others must follow .
”

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is under fire after reportedly getting her hair done at a San Francisco salon on Monday, even as the county continued forbidding salons and barbershops to open as part of the coronavirus shutdown.
In security camera footage obtained by Fox News, Pelosi can be seen walking inside a salon with what appears to be a face covering around her neck. The speaker was followed closely by a man in a face mask who appears to be her stylist. Pelosi’s hair is wet in the video and she looks to be wearing a robe.
Pelosi’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from this news organization, but told Fox News she was following the rules as presented to her.
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/09/02/pelosi-hair-salon-appointment-mxp-vpx.hln”]
Video: Footage shows Pelosi at hair appointment without a mask
“The Speaker always wears a mask and complies with local COVID requirements. This business offered for the Speaker to come in on Monday and told her they were allowed by the city to have one customer at a time in the business. The Speaker complied with the rules as presented to her by this establishment,” her spokesperson said.
While some Bay Area counties have moved to allow salons to restart indoor operations, San Francisco is not one of them. And San Francisco did not permit even outdoor salon services until Tuesday.
According to Fox News, the owner of eSalon on Union Street said a stylist who rents space there contacted her Sunday to say Pelosi would be coming in the following day.
“It was a slap in the face that she went in, you know, that she feels that she can just go and get her stuff done while no one else can go in, and I can’t work,” salon owner Erica Kious told Fox News.
The salon did not immediately respond to a request for comment from this news organization.
Businesses, including hair salons, have been hit hard by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with many lobbying public health officials and others to move forward faster with reopening.
Pelosi could have visited a different salon at one of several nearby counties that have reopened indoor salon operations, including Marin, San Mateo, and Santa Clara.
Pelosi herself has been a vocal proponent of mask wearing and has criticized President Trump for failing to follow the science in addressing the pandemic, including rebuking him Monday for allowing more than 1,000 people — many of them without masks and sitting shoulder to shoulder — on the White House lawn recently to officially accept the Republican presidential nomination.
The salon visit immediately sparked outrage among conservative commentators and politicians
“On the left: Nancy Pelosi today shaming Americans, saying “you must wear your mask.” On the right: Nancy Pelosi yesterday violating covid rules for salons and not wearing a mask,” the Trump War Room tweeted, along with two contrasting videos.
Harmeet Dhillon, a San Francisco-based Republican National Committeewoman, called for the District Attorney to investigate.
“If Speaker Pelosi can get her hair done in San Francisco indoors, no mask, while other Californians were forced to get theirs outdoors in 100+ degree heat and dangerous levels of smoke, then everyone should be able to,” Dhillon said. “Others have been cited and sued and prosecuted by the state for similar offenses. We await the San Francisco District Attorney’s charging decision — unless, of course, the speaker is above the very law she loudly proclaims others must follow.”


mercurynews--2020-09-01--New eviction protections come with a wish — federal funds

California lawmakers ’ stopgap measure on evictions has a wish built into it — a Democratic victory in November .
The emergency measure signed Monday provides some statewide protection through January but drew mixed reviews and protests demanding more aid for the state ’ s most vulnerable renters .
About 150 community activists demonstrated Tuesday afternoon in front of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors , calling for an end to all evictions during the pandemic .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom , lawmakers and supporters of the measure say the cash-strapped state needs the support of the federal government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
California lawmakers already have stitched up a $ 54 billion budget hole created by the economic slowdown during the pandemic .
Assemblymember David Chiu , D-San Francisco , said a victory by Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is key to getting federal support .
New federal aid has been stalled under President Donald Trump and the Republican led U.S. Senate .
The new tenant protection law sunsets Feb. 1 , weeks after the presidential inauguration .
“ The federal government needs to step up , ” said Chiu , the bill ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t do this on their own.
” The proposal bans evictions based on unpaid rent between March and August and requires tenants to pay 25 percent of their rents between Sept. 1 , 2020 , and Jan. 31 , 2021 , to prevent court-ordered displacement .
The law does not wipe out unpaid rent , and landlords can pursue the debt in civil court .
Unpaid rent beginning in February 2021 can be the cause of evictions .
Tenants must prove they have been affected by the pandemic to get relief .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their request .
Local protections , enacted in most Bay Area counties and cities , also sunset under the proposal .
The law also requires landlords to give their tenants written instructions about their rights , including materials in the tenants ’ native languages .
Chui said the state will need to engage in an aggressive education campaign to promote the new rights to tenants .
He added that lawmakers will hold bankers to promises made to help small landlords running late on mortgage payments .
• California eviction protections signed into law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , super-majority vote in the final hours of the Legislative session , it seemed to truly please no one .
Some landlords felt the measure would not help small rental property owners pay their mortgages and expenses , while some tenant advocates worry the complex regulations will not do enough to prevent evictions for the most vulnerable .
“ It ’ s really confusing , ” said Michael Trujillo , staff attorney at the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley .
“ It ’ s going to mean a lot of tenants miss out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO of Destination : Home , said the measure will give poor tenants at least some new protections .
The demand is great .
The nonprofit has received 30 times more requests for aid this year during the pandemic , mostly from poor Black and Latinx families , she said .
Even with the new curbs on evictions , she said , renters will struggle .
“ It ’ s still extremely stressful , ” Loving said .
Sid Lakireddy , president of the California Rental Housing Association , said small landlords recognize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tenants .
Both sides need help , and a relief fund to support the industry , drawing from state and federal funds , is the solution , he said .
“ We all recognize it ’ s a stopgap measure that isn ’ t perfect , ” he said .
Newsom acknowledged that the state will need more help to address the economic instability and possible displacement faced by renters during the pandemic .
“ We need a real , federal commitment of significant new funding to assist struggling tenants and homeowners in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsom said in a statement .
The coronavirus pandemic has clipped the state economy , and nearly 8 million California workers have applied for unemployment benefits since widespread shutdowns in mid-March .
A statewide moratorium enacted by the Judicial Council of California banning most court hearings on evictions expired at midnight , Sept. 1 .
Others were more vocal in their protests .
In Oakland on Tuesday afternoon , community activists showed up on Oak Street at the County of Alameda Administration building , demanding a sweeping ban on all evictions , rent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds .
“ If you ’ re going to shut evictions down , shut down everything .
Shut down all evictions , shut down the bills , shut it down , ” said LaShai Daniels , a speaker at the event who is with the housing activist group Moms4Housing .
Daniels said she was evicted in November and has been unhoused despite having a job .
Carroll Fife , who is running for District 3 in the Oakland City Council race , complained that residents are being asked to pay one quarter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Where are they going to get that 25 % from ?
No one got a 25 % boost .
Unemployed people can not pay 25 % from their zero income .
”

California lawmakers’ stopgap measure on evictions has a wish built into it — a Democratic victory in November.
The emergency measure signed Monday provides some statewide protection through January but drew mixed reviews and protests demanding more aid for the state’s most vulnerable renters. About 150 community activists demonstrated Tuesday afternoon in front of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, calling for an end to all evictions during the pandemic.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, lawmakers and supporters of the measure say the cash-strapped state needs the support of the federal government to afford subsidies for struggling landlords and tenants. California lawmakers already have stitched up a $54 billion budget hole created by the economic slowdown during the pandemic.
Assemblymember David Chiu, D-San Francisco, said a victory by Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is key to getting federal support. New federal aid has been stalled under President Donald Trump and the Republican led U.S. Senate. The new tenant protection law sunsets Feb. 1, weeks after the presidential inauguration.
“The federal government needs to step up,” said Chiu, the bill’s author. “The states can’t do this on their own.”
The proposal bans evictions based on unpaid rent between March and August and requires tenants to pay 25 percent of their rents between Sept. 1, 2020, and Jan. 31, 2021, to prevent court-ordered displacement. The law does not wipe out unpaid rent, and landlords can pursue the debt in civil court. Unpaid rent beginning in February 2021 can be the cause of evictions.
Tenants must prove they have been affected by the pandemic to get relief. High-income renters must provide documents backing up their request. Local protections, enacted in most Bay Area counties and cities, also sunset under the proposal.
The law also requires landlords to give their tenants written instructions about their rights, including materials in the tenants’ native languages.
Chui said the state will need to engage in an aggressive education campaign to promote the new rights to tenants. He added that lawmakers will hold bankers to promises made to help small landlords running late on mortgage payments. Related Articles Real Estate | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
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Despite an overwhelming, super-majority vote in the final hours of the Legislative session, it seemed to truly please no one. Some landlords felt the measure would not help small rental property owners pay their mortgages and expenses, while some tenant advocates worry the complex regulations will not do enough to prevent evictions for the most vulnerable.
“It’s really confusing,” said Michael Trujillo, staff attorney at the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley. “It’s going to mean a lot of tenants miss out on these protections.”
Jennifer Loving, CEO of Destination: Home, said the measure will give poor tenants at least some new protections. The demand is great.
The nonprofit has received 30 times more requests for aid this year during the pandemic, mostly from poor Black and Latinx families, she said. Even with the new curbs on evictions, she said, renters will struggle. “It’s still extremely stressful,” Loving said.
Sid Lakireddy, president of the California Rental Housing Association, said small landlords recognize the economic pressures and work with their tenants. Both sides need help, and a relief fund to support the industry, drawing from state and federal funds, is the solution, he said.
“We all recognize it’s a stopgap measure that isn’t perfect,” he said.
Newsom acknowledged that the state will need more help to address the economic instability and possible displacement faced by renters during the pandemic. “We need a real, federal commitment of significant new funding to assist struggling tenants and homeowners in California and across the nation,” Newsom said in a statement.
The coronavirus pandemic has clipped the state economy, and nearly 8 million California workers have applied for unemployment benefits since widespread shutdowns in mid-March. A statewide moratorium enacted by the Judicial Council of California banning most court hearings on evictions expired at midnight, Sept. 1.
Others were more vocal in their protests.
In Oakland on Tuesday afternoon, community activists showed up on Oak Street at the County of Alameda Administration building, demanding a sweeping ban on all evictions, rent cancellation and reallocation of sheriff’s funds.
Related Articles Real Estate | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
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Only 16% of Californians can afford to buy home as mortgage rates rise Real Estate | Senior East Bay tenants’ battle: Cockroaches, water leaks, maintenance problems “If you’re going to shut evictions down, shut down everything. Shut down all evictions, shut down the bills, shut it down,” said LaShai Daniels, a speaker at the event who is with the housing activist group Moms4Housing. Daniels said she was evicted in November and has been unhoused despite having a job.
Carroll Fife, who is running for District 3 in the Oakland City Council race, complained that residents are being asked to pay one quarter of their rent between September and January. “Where are they going to get that 25% from? No one got a 25% boost. Unemployed people cannot pay 25% from their zero income.”


mercurynews--2020-09-01--Mnuchin: Trump still wants to make a virus deal

WASHINGTON — Pressed by Democrats to quickly negotiate a new coronavirus relief package , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday the administration remains willing to work on a bipartisan agreement to help small businesses , the unemployed , children and schools .
Democratic leaders in Congress are holding it up with hardened positions , he said .
“ Let ’ s move forward on a bipartisan basis on points we can agree upon , ” Mnuchin urged at a hearing by the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis .
“ The president and I want to move forward.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s recovery has strengthened in recent weeks , citing improved consumer spending , growth in manufacturing and a rebounding housing market .
It ’ s the failure of some states to reopen activity that is holding back the economy , he said .
But Democrats insisted that dire economic conditions persist for many .
“ Millions of Americans are now facing eviction , debt and hunger , ” said the panel ’ s chairman , Rep. James Clyburn , D-S.C. “ As the pandemic drags on , states , cities and businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming.
” The subcommittee ’ s Democratic staff , meanwhile , said it has identified lapses pointing to possible fraud and abuse in a signature piece of the administration ’ s relief effort , the $ 660 billion-plus small business loan program — including more than $ 1 billion awarded to businesses that received multiple loans .
The staff investigators said in a report that a lack of government oversight and accountability for the program “ may have led to billions of dollars being diverted to fraud , waste and abuse , rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” With bipartisan agreement , Congress enacted an unprecedented $ 2.3 trillion pandemic rescue package in March .
Now the Trump administration and top congressional Democrats have been in a months-long stalemate over new relief legislation , with the two sides trillions of dollars apart .
Lawmakers left Washington for the August recess without an agreement .
The impasse left millions of jobless people without a $ 600-per-week pandemic bonus unemployment benefit that had helped families stay afloat , left state and local governments seeking fiscal relief high and dry , and held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school aid package .
An estimated 27 million people are receiving some form of unemployment benefits , according to the Labor Department , though the figure may be inflated by double-counting by states .
Mnuchin identified additional spending on aid to small businesses as the area where Democrats and Republicans are most likely to agree .
In sometimes sharp exchanges , he and Democrats on the panel disagreed over the state of the economy and traded blame for the impasse over new rescue legislation .
Mnuchin pinned the blame on a refusal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer .
While touting the economy ’ s partial recovery , he acknowledged that “ we have more work to do.
” Still , Mnuchin showed some openness to negotiating and even agreed , under prodding from Rep. Maxine Waters , D-Calif. , to phone Pelosi right after the hearing .
He said he doesn ’ t support the Democrats ’ position for $ 2.2 trillion in spending in the next package , which contrasts with Republicans ’ stance of $ 1 trillion .
He added , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … getting money to American workers , American families , kids .
There are tremendous areas of agreement , and that ’ s what we should be doing right away.
” “ I would publicly say I am willing to sit down at the negotiating table with the speaker with no conditions whatsoever any time , ” Mnuchin said .
Pelosi this week said the talks faltered because administration officials “ do not understand the gravity of the problem ” facing the country .
Under questioning from Democrats on the panel , Mnuchin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy .
Democrats are looking into how DeJoy was hired as they scrutinize a series of operational changes at the Postal Service that have resulted in widespread mail delays and fears that the agency will not be able to handle an expected surge in mail-in ballots this fall as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
Democrats also want to learn more about Mnuchin ’ s role .
The Treasury chief met with members of the Postal Service Board of Governors while the selection of the new postmaster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew DeJoy , a former supply chain CEO and a top Republican donor , from the 2016 Trump campaign .
But he said he had not seen or spoken to DeJoy before he was hired to lead the Postal Service this spring .
“ I had no specific conversations with him about that job until the ( search ) committee updated me that he was one of the finalists , ” Mnuchin said .
“ I was quite surprised when I found out that he was a candidate .
Again I had no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Small Business Administration ’ s Paycheck Protection Program was a key piece of the government ’ s economic aid program responding to the pandemic .
The nation ’ s small businesses received a gut punch in the spring as huge swaths of the economy were shut down , millions lost jobs and consumers curtailed spending .
Economists generally credit the small business program with helping prevent the job market meltdown from becoming worse .
The loans are forgivable if businesses use the money to keep employees on the payroll or rehire workers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eviction protections come with a wish — federal funds • Coronavirus : Some Bay Area beaches will close for Labor Day .
Is it necessary ?
• SF DocFest 2020 goes online with same rich collection of amazing stories • East Bay lawmaker brings newborn to Capitol after being told she can ’ t vote by proxy The program ran from April through early August , awarding about 5 million loans totaling some $ 520 billion .
The program “ is supporting an estimated 51 million jobs , representing 80 % of small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six territories , ” the Treasury Department and SBA said in statements when asked for comment on the congressional report .
“ We worked around the clock and launched the program in record time , under one week , because Americans needed immediate economic relief .
Any program of this scope and size will encounter issues , and we have moved quickly to respond as they arise.
” Associated Press writer Matthew Daly contributed to this report .

By Marcy Gordon | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Pressed by Democrats to quickly negotiate a new coronavirus relief package, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday the administration remains willing to work on a bipartisan agreement to help small businesses, the unemployed, children and schools. Democratic leaders in Congress are holding it up with hardened positions, he said.
“Let’s move forward on a bipartisan basis on points we can agree upon,” Mnuchin urged at a hearing by the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. “The president and I want to move forward.”
Mnuchin made the case that the economy’s recovery has strengthened in recent weeks, citing improved consumer spending, growth in manufacturing and a rebounding housing market. It’s the failure of some states to reopen activity that is holding back the economy, he said.
But Democrats insisted that dire economic conditions persist for many. “Millions of Americans are now facing eviction, debt and hunger,” said the panel’s chairman, Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C. “As the pandemic drags on, states, cities and businesses are warning that more layoffs may be coming.”
The subcommittee’s Democratic staff, meanwhile, said it has identified lapses pointing to possible fraud and abuse in a signature piece of the administration’s relief effort, the $660 billion-plus small business loan program — including more than $1 billion awarded to businesses that received multiple loans.
The staff investigators said in a report that a lack of government oversight and accountability for the program “may have led to billions of dollars being diverted to fraud, waste and abuse, rather than reaching small businesses truly in need.”
With bipartisan agreement, Congress enacted an unprecedented $2.3 trillion pandemic rescue package in March. Now the Trump administration and top congressional Democrats have been in a months-long stalemate over new relief legislation, with the two sides trillions of dollars apart. Lawmakers left Washington for the August recess without an agreement.
The impasse left millions of jobless people without a $600-per-week pandemic bonus unemployment benefit that had helped families stay afloat, left state and local governments seeking fiscal relief high and dry, and held back a more than $100 billion school aid package.
An estimated 27 million people are receiving some form of unemployment benefits, according to the Labor Department, though the figure may be inflated by double-counting by states.
Mnuchin identified additional spending on aid to small businesses as the area where Democrats and Republicans are most likely to agree. In sometimes sharp exchanges, he and Democrats on the panel disagreed over the state of the economy and traded blame for the impasse over new rescue legislation.
Mnuchin pinned the blame on a refusal to compromise by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. While touting the economy’s partial recovery, he acknowledged that “we have more work to do.”
Still, Mnuchin showed some openness to negotiating and even agreed, under prodding from Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., to phone Pelosi right after the hearing.
He said he doesn’t support the Democrats’ position for $2.2 trillion in spending in the next package, which contrasts with Republicans’ stance of $1 trillion. He added, however, “What’s more important is … getting money to American workers, American families, kids. There are tremendous areas of agreement, and that’s what we should be doing right away.”
“I would publicly say I am willing to sit down at the negotiating table with the speaker with no conditions whatsoever any time,” Mnuchin said.
Pelosi this week said the talks faltered because administration officials “do not understand the gravity of the problem” facing the country.
Under questioning from Democrats on the panel, Mnuchin again denied any involvement in the hiring of new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.
Democrats are looking into how DeJoy was hired as they scrutinize a series of operational changes at the Postal Service that have resulted in widespread mail delays and fears that the agency will not be able to handle an expected surge in mail-in ballots this fall as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Democrats also want to learn more about Mnuchin’s role. The Treasury chief met with members of the Postal Service Board of Governors while the selection of the new postmaster general was underway.
Mnuchin said he knew DeJoy, a former supply chain CEO and a top Republican donor, from the 2016 Trump campaign. But he said he had not seen or spoken to DeJoy before he was hired to lead the Postal Service this spring.
“I had no specific conversations with him about that job until the (search) committee updated me that he was one of the finalists,” Mnuchin said. “I was quite surprised when I found out that he was a candidate. Again I had no involvement in that process whatsoever.”
The Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program was a key piece of the government’s economic aid program responding to the pandemic. The nation’s small businesses received a gut punch in the spring as huge swaths of the economy were shut down, millions lost jobs and consumers curtailed spending.
Economists generally credit the small business program with helping prevent the job market meltdown from becoming worse. The loans are forgivable if businesses use the money to keep employees on the payroll or rehire workers who have been laid off.
Related Articles National News | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms National News | California COVID cases are rising. Here’s why and where health experts are masking The program ran from April through early August, awarding about 5 million loans totaling some $520 billion.
The program “is supporting an estimated 51 million jobs, representing 80% of small business payroll in all 50 states and six territories,” the Treasury Department and SBA said in statements when asked for comment on the congressional report. “We worked around the clock and launched the program in record time, under one week, because Americans needed immediate economic relief. Any program of this scope and size will encounter issues, and we have moved quickly to respond as they arise.”
Associated Press writer Matthew Daly contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-09-01--Coronavirus: Some Bay Area beaches will close for Labor Day. Is it necessary?

With another heat wave looming this weekend and in anticipation of stir-crazy Californians flocking to the outdoors for Labor Day , some Bay Area communities are closing down favorite coastal haunts to stem the spread of coronavirus .
All Santa Cruz County and city beaches will be shut part of the weekend and all day Monday , with similar restrictions expected throughout Monterey Bay — meaning no suntanning or beach brews to distract from scorching temperatures .
Pebble Beach plans to close its iconic 17-Mile Drive and all Del Monte Forest beaches , while the Monterey City Council ratified an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weekend .
Up in San Mateo County , all Pacifica beaches and lots will likewise be closed .
But beware of the backyard BBQ , experts say .
After the state ’ s surge of cases earlier this summer , including infection clusters linked to Memorial Day and Fourth of July gatherings , epidemiologists worry the beach closures could divert people towards riskier activities like backyard hangouts and indoor gatherings — while keeping Californians stuck in a cycle of back-and-forth shutdowns .
“ The beaches are not the problem , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of California , San Francisco .
“ The problem is really enclosed activities , with people who you ’ ve not had a lot of contact with , doing things where you have to take your masks off.
” The closures come as California ’ s infections are down by nearly half from their peak , with the daily average of new cases down to just over 5,000 per day , the lowest since late June .
Since the beginning of August , the state has slashed its cases by about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , falling below 4,000 this past weekend for the first time in more than two months — and marking a 46 % decline from their peak on July 21 .
And while California ended August with 3,796 deaths — its deadliest month of the pandemic by far — the seven-day average has fallen to fewer than 110 deaths per day , the lowest in about a month .
All that progress aside , experts are worried about a fresh round of infections this fall , which they predict could stem from any number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties and extended family hangouts with others not part of their “ pod.
” New coronavirus cases and the flu are likely to pop up as more parts of the economy reopen , including malls and other businesses across much of the Bay Area , under Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s new tiered risk system .
But are beaches a risk ?
Not so much , experts say .
“ We think that a lot of it after Memorial Day and Fourth of July were backyard barbecues — if the family comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not a good start , ” said Dr. George Rutherford of UCSF .
And they just may be forced to spend more time inside to keep cool in the air conditioning .
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch for the Bay Area and Monterey from Friday through Tuesday , forecasting triple-digit temperatures in the South Bay , Santa Cruz Mountains and inland Monterey County , with San Francisco and the North Bay trailing behind in the mid-70s to 80s .
For prior holiday weekends , beaches from Pacifica @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curtailed access to keep hordes of people away .
Fewer communities are doing so this time around , while many tourist destinations such as Yosemite National Park and Alcatraz have reopened to limited visitors .
Santa Cruz will allow surfers and swimmers to cross the beach , but no hanging out on the sand .
Still , public officials are in a tough position , epidemiologists say : In keeping outdoor spaces open , they risk hundreds of people flooding a small space ; in closing them down , they risk inadvertently causing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday weekends , state officials have not mandated or encouraged broad beach shutdowns .
California Health and Human Services Director Dr. Mark Ghaly said Tuesday that beach closures were up to local officials but added that Californians should prioritize spending time outside for short periods with masks on .
“ If the decision because of the beach closure is to bring a small gathering indoors , we know that that is going to create a more risky environment for transmission , and ( we ) would encourage people as much as possible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s not to say that outdoor spaces are risk-free , but the potential for infection is closely linked to social distancing and face coverings : The more people that are crowded together unmasked , the more likely it is for someone to pass along an infection , Rutherford said .
Instead of an all-or-nothing approach , Californians should understand the relative safety of what they ’ re doing and practice minimizing risk with day-to-day decisions , said UCSF epidemiologist Dr. Peter Chin-Hong — especially as the pandemic drags on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the setting , ” Chin-Hong said .
“ You can totally be unsafe outdoors , just like how you can have unsafe family gatherings.
” • New eviction protections come with a wish — federal funds • Mnuchin : Trump still wants to make a virus deal • SF DocFest 2020 goes online with same rich collection of amazing stories • East Bay lawmaker brings newborn to Capitol after being told she can ’ t vote by proxy

With another heat wave looming this weekend and in anticipation of stir-crazy Californians flocking to the outdoors for Labor Day, some Bay Area communities are closing down favorite coastal haunts to stem the spread of coronavirus.
All Santa Cruz County and city beaches will be shut part of the weekend and all day Monday, with similar restrictions expected throughout Monterey Bay — meaning no suntanning or beach brews to distract from scorching temperatures. Pebble Beach plans to close its iconic 17-Mile Drive and all Del Monte Forest beaches, while the Monterey City Council ratified an order Tuesday to close all beaches over the weekend. Up in San Mateo County, all Pacifica beaches and lots will likewise be closed.
But beware of the backyard BBQ, experts say. After the state’s surge of cases earlier this summer, including infection clusters linked to Memorial Day and Fourth of July gatherings, epidemiologists worry the beach closures could divert people towards riskier activities like backyard hangouts and indoor gatherings — while keeping Californians stuck in a cycle of back-and-forth shutdowns.
“The beaches are not the problem,” said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, an epidemiologist with the University of California, San Francisco. “The problem is really enclosed activities, with people who you’ve not had a lot of contact with, doing things where you have to take your masks off.”
The closures come as California’s infections are down by nearly half from their peak, with the daily average of new cases down to just over 5,000 per day, the lowest since late June. Since the beginning of August, the state has slashed its cases by about 40%.
Hospitalizations also have decreased, falling below 4,000 this past weekend for the first time in more than two months — and marking a 46% decline from their peak on July 21. And while California ended August with 3,796 deaths — its deadliest month of the pandemic by far — the seven-day average has fallen to fewer than 110 deaths per day, the lowest in about a month.
All that progress aside, experts are worried about a fresh round of infections this fall, which they predict could stem from any number of scenarios where people get together for parties and extended family hangouts with others not part of their “pod.” New coronavirus cases and the flu are likely to pop up as more parts of the economy reopen, including malls and other businesses across much of the Bay Area, under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new tiered risk system.
But are beaches a risk? Not so much, experts say.
“We think that a lot of it after Memorial Day and Fourth of July were backyard barbecues — if the family comes up for the long weekend, that’s not a good start,” said Dr. George Rutherford of UCSF.
And they just may be forced to spend more time inside to keep cool in the air conditioning. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch for the Bay Area and Monterey from Friday through Tuesday, forecasting triple-digit temperatures in the South Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains and inland Monterey County, with San Francisco and the North Bay trailing behind in the mid-70s to 80s.
For prior holiday weekends, beaches from Pacifica to Monterey closed down parking or otherwise curtailed access to keep hordes of people away. Fewer communities are doing so this time around, while many tourist destinations such as Yosemite National Park and Alcatraz have reopened to limited visitors. Santa Cruz will allow surfers and swimmers to cross the beach, but no hanging out on the sand.
Still, public officials are in a tough position, epidemiologists say: In keeping outdoor spaces open, they risk hundreds of people flooding a small space; in closing them down, they risk inadvertently causing people to gather inside.
Unlike past holiday weekends, state officials have not mandated or encouraged broad beach shutdowns. California Health and Human Services Director Dr. Mark Ghaly said Tuesday that beach closures were up to local officials but added that Californians should prioritize spending time outside for short periods with masks on.
“If the decision because of the beach closure is to bring a small gathering indoors, we know that that is going to create a more risky environment for transmission, and (we) would encourage people as much as possible to bring it outside,” Ghaly said.
That’s not to say that outdoor spaces are risk-free, but the potential for infection is closely linked to social distancing and face coverings: The more people that are crowded together unmasked, the more likely it is for someone to pass along an infection, Rutherford said.
Instead of an all-or-nothing approach, Californians should understand the relative safety of what they’re doing and practice minimizing risk with day-to-day decisions, said UCSF epidemiologist Dr. Peter Chin-Hong — especially as the pandemic drags on.


mercurynews--2020-09-01--SF DocFest 2020 goes online with same rich collection of amazing stories

The 19th annual San Francisco Documentary Festival ventures into the virtual realm this year but the result is once again a collection of mind-blowing true stories plucked from every corner of the globe to stir souls and spur discussions .
And there are lots of Bay Area stories in the mix , as well .
From an Alameda cyclist ’ s photography passion project to a Point Richmond artist ’ s inventive creations that brighten neighbors ’ days , this year ’ s 49-film program is stuffed with tales that inspire and inform .
DocFest starts Sept. 3 with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s “ Insert Coin , ” a dive into the rise and fall of video game giant Midway Games .
The centerpiece feature is Hannah Jayanti ’ s “ Truth or Consequences , ” a visit to the quirky New Mexico town ( yes , that is the actual name of the place ) and its wary relationship with a new neighbor , the first commercial Spaceport .
“ Truth ” producer Sara Archambault is the 2020 winner of DocFest ’ s annual Non-Fiction Vanguard Award .
The fest runs through Sept. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Q & As and other special events , but are also available on demand through the duration of the festival .
Here are some highlights .
“ Ride Slow .
Take Photos ” : With his Huckleberry bike shop T-shirt and overloaded pannier bags , Alameda ’ s Erik Mathy strikes a distinctive impression while cycling the sometimes-isolated stretches of the Butterfield trail , from San Francisco to Tucson , while capturing the immigrant experience via his vintage cameras .
Berkeley filmmaker Dan Cowles makes us feel as if we are following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome companion and cheerily describes himself as a “ photographer with a cycling problem.
” By the end of the journey , Mathy has collected a wealth of images , some beautiful , some haunting .
“ Little Point Richmond ” : Don ’ t let the brevity deter you .
In under 10 minutes , Jane Selle Morgan ’ s uplifter about a talented community artist creating miniature fairy worlds for unsuspecting neighbors reminds us that there is good in this temperamental world .
It ’ s part of the Plays in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make you smile .
“ Out Loud ” : Director Gail Willumsen tagged along with the groundbreaking Trans Chorus of Los Angeles for about a year , capturing everything from tryouts to rehearsals to the transexual choir ’ s 2016 debut performance .
It was time well spent .
“ Loud ” wraps us up into the lives of these evolving singers and culminates with the performance of their first concert , guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye .
“ Bleeding Audio ” : Some music documentaries fall into the trap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspective .
That doesn ’ t happen with San Francisco director Chelsea Christer ’ s rockin ’ doc about the beloved Oakland indie pop-punk band The Matches .
The fest ’ s closing night film is an entertaining look at the career arc of so many creative artists as they run into a dead end due to a lack of business savvy .
The band itself is full of charmers — Shawn Harris , Matt Whalen , Jon Devoto and Justin San Souci — who survive a name change ( originally they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with questionable industry acumen .
Then there ’ s the music ; it ’ ll make you want to tune in to The Matches on Spotify right afterward .
“ The Infinite Race ” : Christopher McDougall ’ s 2009 book “ Born to Run : A Hidden Tribe , Superathletes , and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen ” introduced viewers to the phenomenon of ultra-running as well as the Tarahumara native Mexican tribe .
The bestseller left many hungering to know more about the lives of tribe members .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
Bernardo Ruiz ’ s excellent documentary covers the annual Copper Canyon endurance run but mainly focuses on the Tarahumara , their struggles to preserve their cultural identity and run-ins with drug cartels .
“ Animation Outlaws ” : Palo Alto director Kat Alioshin gives animation buffs a special treat by spotlighting the creators behind the “ Spike and Mike Animation Festival.
” “ A Place to Breathe ” : Combining animation and live action , Bay Area filmmaker Michelle Grace Steinberg follows the journeys of refugees establishing new lives in Oakland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rebel ” : Tatted-up Buddhist teacher Noah Levine ’ s unconventional teachings turned him into one of San Francisco ’ s most high-profile spiritual practitioners , for a while .
Filmmaker Babeth Mondini-VanLoo originally planned to center her documentary on Levine ’ s addiction program .
Then a sexual misconduct claim changed the focus and scope of her documentary .
“ Roy ’ s World : Barry Gifford ’ s Chicago ” : The early Chicago years of Gifford , one of Berkeley ’ s most audacious literary figures , come vibrantly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told film .
“ One Word Sawalmem ” : UC Berkeley environmental studies student Michael “ Pom ” Preston — of the Native American Winnemem Wintu tribe — speaks out about the Trump administration ’ s plan to raise the Shasta Dam in this 20-minute documentary , part of the “ Plays in Shorts Program 2.
” “ For the Love of Rutland ” : When the mayor of Rutland , Vermont , opens community doors to Syrian refugees , residents fear they ’ ll take away jobs .
San Francisco director Jennifer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Palindromists ” : Anyone smitten with word games should view Vince Clemente ’ s doc , which delves into the history of words/phrases that can be read backward and forward .
One of the film ’ s prominent subjects is San Francisco author Jon Agee — part of a group that puts on world championships .
When : Sept. 3-20 , some screenings live-streamed with special additions , most films available on demand throughout the festival Tickets : Most films stream for $ 10 ; all-festival pass is $ 150

The 19th annual San Francisco Documentary Festival ventures into the virtual realm this year but the result is once again a collection of mind-blowing true stories plucked from every corner of the globe to stir souls and spur discussions.
And there are lots of Bay Area stories in the mix, as well.
From an Alameda cyclist’s photography passion project to a Point Richmond artist’s inventive creations that brighten neighbors’ days, this year’s 49-film program is stuffed with tales that inspire and inform.
DocFest starts Sept. 3 with a gamer’s must-see — Joshua Tsui’s “Insert Coin,” a dive into the rise and fall of video game giant Midway Games. The centerpiece feature is Hannah Jayanti’s “Truth or Consequences,” a visit to the quirky New Mexico town (yes, that is the actual name of the place) and its wary relationship with a new neighbor, the first commercial Spaceport. “Truth” producer Sara Archambault is the 2020 winner of DocFest’s annual Non-Fiction Vanguard Award.
The fest runs through Sept. 20. Many films have live-streaming dates with Q&As and other special events, but are also available on demand through the duration of the festival. Here are some highlights.
“Ride Slow. Take Photos”: With his Huckleberry bike shop T-shirt and overloaded pannier bags, Alameda’s Erik Mathy strikes a distinctive impression while cycling the sometimes-isolated stretches of the Butterfield trail, from San Francisco to Tucson, while capturing the immigrant experience via his vintage cameras. Berkeley filmmaker Dan Cowles makes us feel as if we are following behind Mathy, who makes a most welcome companion and cheerily describes himself as a “photographer with a cycling problem.” By the end of the journey, Mathy has collected a wealth of images, some beautiful, some haunting.
“Little Point Richmond”: Don’t let the brevity deter you. In under 10 minutes, Jane Selle Morgan’s uplifter about a talented community artist creating miniature fairy worlds for unsuspecting neighbors reminds us that there is good in this temperamental world. It’s part of the Plays in Shorts Program 1 and is destined to make you smile.
“Out Loud”: Director Gail Willumsen tagged along with the groundbreaking Trans Chorus of Los Angeles for about a year, capturing everything from tryouts to rehearsals to the transgender choir’s 2016 debut performance. It was time well spent. “Loud” wraps us up into the lives of these evolving singers and culminates with the performance of their first concert, guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye.
“Bleeding Audio”: Some music documentaries fall into the trap of fawning over their subjects and losing perspective. That doesn’t happen with San Francisco director Chelsea Christer’s rockin’ doc about the beloved Oakland indie pop-punk band The Matches. The fest’s closing night film is an entertaining look at the career arc of so many creative artists as they run into a dead end due to a lack of business savvy. The band itself is full of charmers — Shawn Harris, Matt Whalen, Jon Devoto and Justin San Souci — who survive a name change (originally they were called The Locals) and a manager with questionable industry acumen. Then there’s the music; it’ll make you want to tune in to The Matches on Spotify right afterward.
“The Infinite Race”: Christopher McDougall’s 2009 book “Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen” introduced viewers to the phenomenon of ultra-running as well as the Tarahumara native Mexican tribe. The bestseller left many hungering to know more about the lives of tribe members. Here’s your chance to find out. Bernardo Ruiz’s excellent documentary covers the annual Copper Canyon endurance run but mainly focuses on the Tarahumara, their struggles to preserve their cultural identity and run-ins with drug cartels.
More films with Bay Area ties
“Animation Outlaws”: Palo Alto director Kat Alioshin gives animation buffs a special treat by spotlighting the creators behind the “Spike and Mike Animation Festival.”
“A Place to Breathe”: Combining animation and live action, Bay Area filmmaker Michelle Grace Steinberg follows the journeys of refugees establishing new lives in Oakland and Lowell, Massachusetts.
“Dharma Rebel”: Tatted-up Buddhist teacher Noah Levine’s unconventional teachings turned him into one of San Francisco’s most high-profile spiritual practitioners, for a while. Filmmaker Babeth Mondini-VanLoo originally planned to center her documentary on Levine’s addiction program. Then a sexual misconduct claim changed the focus and scope of her documentary.
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“One Word Sawalmem”: UC Berkeley environmental studies student Michael “Pom” Preston — of the Native American Winnemem Wintu tribe — speaks out about the Trump administration’s plan to raise the Shasta Dam in this 20-minute documentary, part of the “Plays in Shorts Program 2.”
“For the Love of Rutland”: When the mayor of Rutland, Vermont, opens community doors to Syrian refugees, residents fear they’ll take away jobs. San Francisco director Jennifer Maytorena Taylor enters the fray.
“The Palindromists”: Anyone smitten with word games should view Vince Clemente’s doc, which delves into the history of words/phrases that can be read backward and forward. One of the film’s prominent subjects is San Francisco author Jon Agee — part of a group that puts on world championships.
Contact Randy Myers at soitsrandy@gmail.com.
SF DOCFEST
When: Sept. 3-20, some screenings live-streamed with special additions, most films available on demand throughout the festival
Tickets: Most films stream for $10; all-festival pass is $150
Where: sfdocfest2020.eventive.org/welcome


mercurynews--2020-09-01--Astro A20 (Gen 2) brings a new unifying design for console headsets

With the upcoming console generation , Astro Gaming is adapting to the changing technologies .
One of the biggest shifts is that sound processing is done on the console .
With the PlayStation 5 , that ’ s done via the Tempest 3D AudioTech , and with the Xbox Series X , it ’ s done via custom audio hardware .
The difference lies in flexibility .
With PS5 , the Tempest chip reportedly does most of the work so that it works uniformly .
Meanwhile , the Xbox Series X has its own audio solution that supports more Dolby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sonic , but at the same time , users may need headset hardware that supports all those standards across different games .
With the divergent approaches popping up , it creates a situation where players need different headsets for each console .
Having so many cans around the house for iPhones , workouts and entertainment can be confusing and burdensome .
You should see my house .
Astro tries to fix that problem with the second generation of its A20 wireless headset .
Announced today , the peripheral is built for both consoles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To get that dual functionality , players need to buy a separate USB transmitter .
The dongle looks like a thumb drive but it supports 50 feet of wireless range on a 2.4 GHz signal .
If you buy a headset designated for the PS5 , a PS5-compatible USB transmitter will be included .
If you want to use that same A20 on the Xbox Series X , you would have to buy an Xbox USB transmitter priced at $ 19.99 instead of a brand new set of cans for the system That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a collection of peripherals less crowded .
The headset itself is tuned by Astro and they said its Audio V2 “ provides a natural , smooth sound through an extended frequency range ” of its 40 mm Neodymium drivers .
It has over 15 hours of battery life , which is good .
It also has three EQ presets that focus on precise bass ( Astro setting ) , tuned mids and highs ( Pro setting ) and a neutral setting for movies and music ( Studio ) .
The headset will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has been around for years .
Its products such as the iconic A40 have their own distinct sound that I ’ ve come to appreciate .
The most appealing part of the Astro A20 ( Gen 2 ) could be the price .
At $ 119.99 , it ’ s more affordable than the previous version that was $ 149.99 .
I ’ ll hopefully be putting the headset through its paces and see if the other improvements and dual functionality work well on the current Xbox and PlayStation consoles .

With the upcoming console generation, Astro Gaming is adapting to the changing technologies. One of the biggest shifts is that sound processing is done on the console. With the PlayStation 5, that’s done via the Tempest 3D AudioTech, and with the Xbox Series X, it’s done via custom audio hardware.
The difference lies in flexibility. With PS5, the Tempest chip reportedly does most of the work so that it works uniformly. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series X has its own audio solution that supports more Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Window Sonic, but at the same time, users may need headset hardware that supports all those standards across different games.
With the divergent approaches popping up, it creates a situation where players need different headsets for each console. Having so many cans around the house for iPhones, workouts and entertainment can be confusing and burdensome. You should see my house. Astro tries to fix that problem with the second generation of its A20 wireless headset.
Announced today, the peripheral is built for both consoles but there’s a twist. To get that dual functionality, players need to buy a separate USB transmitter. The dongle looks like a thumb drive but it supports 50 feet of wireless range on a 2.4 GHz signal. If you buy a headset designated for the PS5, a PS5-compatible USB transmitter will be included. If you want to use that same A20 on the Xbox Series X, you would have to buy an Xbox USB transmitter priced at $19.99 instead of a brand new set of cans for the system
That’s a convenient solution that helps make a collection of peripherals less crowded.
The headset itself is tuned by Astro and they said its Audio V2 “provides a natural, smooth sound through an extended frequency range” of its 40 mm Neodymium drivers. It has over 15 hours of battery life, which is good. It also has three EQ presets that focus on precise bass (Astro setting), tuned mids and highs (Pro setting) and a neutral setting for movies and music (Studio).
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What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August Entertainment | ‘First Descendant’ crossplay beta delayed until September but will be open to all The headset will appeal to fans of the gaming brand, which has been around for years. Its products such as the iconic A40 have their own distinct sound that I’ve come to appreciate.
The most appealing part of the Astro A20 (Gen 2) could be the price. At $119.99, it’s more affordable than the previous version that was $149.99. I’ll hopefully be putting the headset through its paces and see if the other improvements and dual functionality work well on the current Xbox and PlayStation consoles.