mercurynews--2020-06-10--4 ‘Vanderpump Rules’ cast members ousted over slurs, racial profiling

NEW YORK — Four cast members are not returning for another season of Bravo ’ s “ Vanderpump Rules ” — two over their racist social media posts , and the others after they racially profiled a coworker .
Bravo released a statement Tuesday confirming that Stassi Schroeder , Kristen Doute , Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni would not return to the reality series , which will air its final episode of season eight next week .
The show follows the personal lives of current and former employees of former “ Real Housewives of Beverly Hills ” star Lisa Vanderpump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Banksy has a proposal for empty plinth in Bristol • ‘ Bachelor ’ and ‘ Bachelorette ’ alums are supporting a push to make the franchise more diverse • Oprah hosts two-night special about racism and the state of the nation It was revealed last week on a podcast that Schroeder and Doute had reported a former African American coworker , Faith Stowers , for a crime she had nothing to do with .
Stowers appeared on two seasons of “ Vanderpump.
” Boyens and Caprioni were let go over past tweets that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who have been main cast members on the show since its 2013 debut , have apologized on social media .
Boyens and Caprioni , who are new to the series , apologized on last week ’ s reunion episode of “ Vanderpump Rules.
” Vanderpump appeared on nine seasons of “ Real Housewives of Beverly Hills ” and left that series last year .

NEW YORK — Four cast members are not returning for another season of Bravo’s “Vanderpump Rules” — two over their racist social media posts, and the others after they racially profiled a coworker.
Bravo released a statement Tuesday confirming that Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni would not return to the reality series, which will air its final episode of season eight next week.
The show follows the personal lives of current and former employees of former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Lisa Vanderpump’s Los Angeles restaurants.
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Hair relaxers have been linked to cancer among Black women, litigation says. ‘Nobody cares except us.’ TV Streaming | Contra Costa DA attempts to block publicization of new racist texts by Antioch cops It was revealed last week on a podcast that Schroeder and Doute had reported a former African American coworker, Faith Stowers, for a crime she had nothing to do with. Stowers appeared on two seasons of “Vanderpump.”
Boyens and Caprioni were let go over past tweets that contained racial slurs.
Schroeder and Doute, who have been main cast members on the show since its 2013 debut, have apologized on social media. Boyens and Caprioni, who are new to the series, apologized on last week’s reunion episode of “Vanderpump Rules.”
Vanderpump appeared on nine seasons of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and left that series last year.


mercurynews--2020-06-10--LA cop seen on video striking unarmed suspect is charged with felony assault

By BRIAN MELLEY | The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles police officer has been charged with assault for punching an unarmed trespassing suspect more than a dozen times in an encounter caught on video by a bystander , prosecutors said Tuesday .
Officer Frank Hernandez was charged with assault under color of authority .
Video from a bystander and cameras worn by officers shows Hernandez pummeling the man on April 27 as he stood with his hands behind his back , as if he was going to be handcuffed .
The charge comes less than a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis called for the ouster of District Attorney Jackie Lacey for doing little to prosecute police officers for shootings and other violence on the job .
Black Lives Matter and other groups have criticized Lacey , who is black , for not bringing charges in hundreds of police shootings during her more than seven years running the largest local prosecutors office in the U.S. Lacey has said she has done the best she can but is up against laws that allow officers to use deadly force and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said she ’ s prosecuted more than 20 police officers for use of force and has the only pending case in the state for an officer-involved shooting .
Lacey is up for re-election in a campaign that has focused on prosecuting police brutality and criminal justice reforms .
Hernandez , 49 , could face up to three years in county jail if convicted of the felony .
The union representing Hernandez issued a rare statement condemning what was portrayed in the videos .
“ While we have a fiduciary responsibility to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affairs administrative process , what we saw on that video was unacceptable and is not what we are trained to do ” the Los Angeles Police Protective League Board of Directors said .
It was not immediately clear if Hernandez had a defense lawyer who could provide comment .
The incident occurred when police were called about a man trespassing in a vacant lot in the Boyle Heights neighborhood .
Hernandez and a female partner arrived , crouched through a hole in a chain link fence and approached the suspect , telling him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by police .
The man , who was wearing a Los Angeles Rams jersey , cursed at the officers but grabbed his bicycle and left the grassy plot .
The female officer told him to be on his way , but after walking down a sidewalk past a church , the suspect told the officers he lived there .
The suspect then asked what Hernandez was going to do and said he wasn ’ t afraid of him .
Hernandez approached the man and told him to turn around .
“ Ain ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man said , as he continued to curse at the officer .
“ Ain ’ t nobody getting crazy but you.
” After a brief scuffle when the man initially refused to put his hands behind his back , the suspect faced a fence and appeared to comply with the order .
Hernandez grabbed the man ’ s hands as if he was going to cuff him and then took a wild swing and punched the man in the right side of the head .
Hernandez then delivered a series of blows to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and body , cursing at him the entire time .
“ This is a disturbing case of the illegal use of force at the hands of a police officer , ” Lacey said in a statement .
“ In this case , we believe the force was neither legally necessary nor reasonable.
” Hernandez has been stripped of police powers and assigned to home , the police department said .
Associated Press journalist Stefanie Dazio contributed to this report .

By BRIAN MELLEY | The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles police officer has been charged with assault for punching an unarmed trespassing suspect more than a dozen times in an encounter caught on video by a bystander, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Officer Frank Hernandez was charged with assault under color of authority.
Video from a bystander and cameras worn by officers shows Hernandez pummeling the man on April 27 as he stood with his hands behind his back, as if he was going to be handcuffed.
The charge comes less than a week after thousands of protesters galvanized by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis called for the ouster of District Attorney Jackie Lacey for doing little to prosecute police officers for shootings and other violence on the job.
Black Lives Matter and other groups have criticized Lacey, who is black, for not bringing charges in hundreds of police shootings during her more than seven years running the largest local prosecutors office in the U.S.
Lacey has said she has done the best she can but is up against laws that allow officers to use deadly force and make it difficult to bring charges. She said she’s prosecuted more than 20 police officers for use of force and has the only pending case in the state for an officer-involved shooting.
Lacey is up for re-election in a campaign that has focused on prosecuting police brutality and criminal justice reforms.
Hernandez, 49, could face up to three years in county jail if convicted of the felony.
The union representing Hernandez issued a rare statement condemning what was portrayed in the videos.
“While we have a fiduciary responsibility to provide our members with assistance through the internal affairs administrative process, what we saw on that video was unacceptable and is not what we are trained to do” the Los Angeles Police Protective League Board of Directors said.
It was not immediately clear if Hernandez had a defense lawyer who could provide comment.
The incident occurred when police were called about a man trespassing in a vacant lot in the Boyle Heights neighborhood.
Hernandez and a female partner arrived, crouched through a hole in a chain link fence and approached the suspect, telling him to leave, according to videos provided by police. The man, who was wearing a Los Angeles Rams jersey, cursed at the officers but grabbed his bicycle and left the grassy plot.
The female officer told him to be on his way, but after walking down a sidewalk past a church, the suspect told the officers he lived there.
“You don’t live here anymore,” Hernandez said. “Bye.”
The suspect then asked what Hernandez was going to do and said he wasn’t afraid of him. Hernandez approached the man and told him to turn around.
“Ain’t nobody acting defiant,” the man said, as he continued to curse at the officer. “Ain’t nobody getting crazy but you.”
After a brief scuffle when the man initially refused to put his hands behind his back, the suspect faced a fence and appeared to comply with the order. Hernandez grabbed the man’s hands as if he was going to cuff him and then took a wild swing and punched the man in the right side of the head.
Hernandez then delivered a series of blows to the man’s head, neck and body, cursing at him the entire time.
“This is a disturbing case of the illegal use of force at the hands of a police officer,” Lacey said in a statement. “In this case, we believe the force was neither legally necessary nor reasonable.”
Hernandez has been stripped of police powers and assigned to home, the police department said.
___
Associated Press journalist Stefanie Dazio contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-06-10--Health insurance telemarketers fined $225 million for a billion robocalls

By Tali Arbel , The Associated Press The U.S. communications regulator on Tuesday proposed a $ 225 million fine , its largest ever , against two health insurance telemarketers for spamming people with 1 billion robocalls using fake phone numbers .
The Federal Communications Commission said John Spiller and Jakob Mears made the calls through two businesses .
State attorneys general of Arkansas , Indiana , Michigan , Missouri , North Carolina , Ohio and Texas also sued the two men and their companies , Rising Eagle and JSquared Telecom , in federal court in Texas , where both men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governing telemarketing , the Telephone Consumer Protection Act .
The FCC said the robocalls offered plans from major insurers like Aetna and UnitedHealth with an automated message .
If consumers pressed a button for more information , however , they were transferred to a call center that sold plans not connected to those companies .
The FCC said the Missouri attorney general sued Rising Eagle ’ s largest client , Health Advisors of America , for telemarketing violations last year .
Over more than four months in early 2019 , the FCC said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls displayed in caller ID with intent to deceive consumers ; purposefully called people who are on the Do Not Call list ; and called people ’ s mobile phones without getting permission first .
Consumers weren ’ t the only ones bothered .
The telemarketers faked their calls to make them appear they came from other companies , which then received angry calls and were named in lawsuits from consumers .
The FCC didn ’ t name these companies , but said one got so many calls that its phone network “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a final decision .
Spiller and Mears will have a chance to respond .
As robocalls became a pressing issue for consumers , both as an annoyance and as a vehicle for fraud , the FCC has pushed carriers to do more to stop them .
A new law beefs up enforcement and mandates that the phone industry not charge for call-blocking tools and put in place a system designed to weed out “ spoofed ” calls made using fake numbers .
Reached by phone at the number listed for JSquared , Spiller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide contact information for Mears and said neither would speak before talking to an attorney .
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By Tali Arbel, The Associated Press
The U.S. communications regulator on Tuesday proposed a $225 million fine, its largest ever, against two health insurance telemarketers for spamming people with 1 billion robocalls using fake phone numbers.
The Federal Communications Commission said John Spiller and Jakob Mears made the calls through two businesses. State attorneys general of Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas also sued the two men and their companies, Rising Eagle and JSquared Telecom, in federal court in Texas, where both men live, for violating the federal law governing telemarketing, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
The FCC said the robocalls offered plans from major insurers like Aetna and UnitedHealth with an automated message. If consumers pressed a button for more information, however, they were transferred to a call center that sold plans not connected to those companies. The FCC said the Missouri attorney general sued Rising Eagle’s largest client, Health Advisors of America, for telemarketing violations last year.
Over more than four months in early 2019, the FCC said, these telemarketers faked the number their calls displayed in caller ID with intent to deceive consumers; purposefully called people who are on the Do Not Call list; and called people’s mobile phones without getting permission first.
Consumers weren’t the only ones bothered. The telemarketers faked their calls to make them appear they came from other companies, which then received angry calls and were named in lawsuits from consumers. The FCC didn’t name these companies, but said one got so many calls that its phone network “became unusable.”
The fine is not a final decision. Spiller and Mears will have a chance to respond.
As robocalls became a pressing issue for consumers, both as an annoyance and as a vehicle for fraud, the FCC has pushed carriers to do more to stop them. A new law beefs up enforcement and mandates that the phone industry not charge for call-blocking tools and put in place a system designed to weed out “spoofed” calls made using fake numbers.
Reached by phone at the number listed for JSquared, Spiller declined to comment. He declined to provide contact information for Mears and said neither would speak before talking to an attorney.


mercurynews--2020-06-10--BofA to give $1 billion over 4 years to help communities hurt by coronavirus

Bank of America has expanded its financial outreach with a $ 1 billion , four-year commitment to help communities address economic and racial inequality accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic .
The programs will target people and communities of color that have experienced a greater impact from the health crisis , with a focus on health , job support and creation ( training , reskilling and upskilling ) and support for small businesses and housing needs .
“ Underlying economic and social disparities that exist have accelerated and intensified during the global pandemic , ” CEO Brian Moynihan said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do more.
” The $ 1 billion commitment builds on other outreach programs BofA has launched , including a $ 500,000 donation to Project Isaiah , which delivers food to people in need and helps preserve food-service jobs , and a $ 1 million donation to Feeding America , a hunger-relief organization .
Working in partnership with airline catering company Gate Gourmet , Project Isaiah is helping the company save hundreds of jobs while also providing pre-packaged airline meals to people financially impacted by the health crisis .
Gate Gourmet distributes more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. cities , including Los Angeles , and the organization has saved more than 500 jobs .
“ Given their experience with transportation and logistics , Gate Gourmet is able to deliver large-scale meals , ” said Dannielle Campos , BofA ’ s philanthropy director .
“ The food is being distributed to places like Union Station in Los Angeles and midnight missions .
This is what we think of when we think about an alternative food supply chain.
” Project Isaiah co-founder Devon Spurgeon said BofA ’ s help goes beyond money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in every step of this journey , ” she said .
“ They have been extraordinary in providing guidance and in helping us get this up and running .
I really feel like they have been in the trenches with us.
” Feeding America used a portion of its BofA donation to distribute more than 54,000 meals to Inland Empire residents in need — all in the course of a week .
“ We are grateful for Bank of America ’ s support of our COVID-19 response efforts , ” said Casey Marsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer .
“ It will help provide food and funds for food banks across the Feeding America network.
” Campos said nonprofits are in dire need of funding .
“ We had 42 million people struggling with hunger pre-COVID-19 , and now millions more Americans are out of work , ” she said .
“ This crisis has prompted innovation to tackle these problems in different ways.
” The bank has directed $ 100 million toward eliminating food insecurity and providing needed medical services .
“ In the first 30 days after March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that in grants to hunger relief organizations — and a quarter of that went to Southern California as a whole , ” Campos said .
In Los Angeles , BofA is supporting the California Hospital Medical Center with a $ 300,000 grant .
The medical center serves at risk-populations in central L.A. with a focus on the city ’ s expanding homeless population .
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show low-paying service jobs have been hammered by COVID-19 .
The nation ’ s leisure and hospitality industry lost 7.5 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following month , although the hotel industry still shed 148,000 jobs .
Retail trade lost 2.3 million jobs in April but added 368,000 in May .

Bank of America has expanded its financial outreach with a $1 billion, four-year commitment to help communities address economic and racial inequality accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The programs will target people and communities of color that have experienced a greater impact from the health crisis, with a focus on health, job support and creation (training, reskilling and upskilling) and support for small businesses and housing needs.
“Underlying economic and social disparities that exist have accelerated and intensified during the global pandemic,” CEO Brian Moynihan said in a statement. “We all need to do more.”
Building on other outreach efforts
The $1 billion commitment builds on other outreach programs BofA has launched, including a $500,000 donation to Project Isaiah, which delivers food to people in need and helps preserve food-service jobs, and a $1 million donation to Feeding America, a hunger-relief organization.
Working in partnership with airline catering company Gate Gourmet, Project Isaiah is helping the company save hundreds of jobs while also providing pre-packaged airline meals to people financially impacted by the health crisis.
Gate Gourmet distributes more than 350,000 boxed meals per week in 11 U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, and the organization has saved more than 500 jobs.
“Given their experience with transportation and logistics, Gate Gourmet is able to deliver large-scale meals,” said Dannielle Campos, BofA’s philanthropy director. “The food is being distributed to places like Union Station in Los Angeles and midnight missions. This is what we think of when we think about an alternative food supply chain.”
Beyond money
Project Isaiah co-founder Devon Spurgeon said BofA’s help goes beyond money.
“They have been a partner in every step of this journey,” she said. “They have been extraordinary in providing guidance and in helping us get this up and running. I really feel like they have been in the trenches with us.”
Feeding America used a portion of its BofA donation to distribute more than 54,000 meals to Inland Empire residents in need — all in the course of a week.
“We are grateful for Bank of America’s support of our COVID-19 response efforts,” said Casey Marsh, Feeding America’s chief development officer. “It will help provide food and funds for food banks across the Feeding America network.”
Dire need
Campos said nonprofits are in dire need of funding.
“We had 42 million people struggling with hunger pre-COVID-19, and now millions more Americans are out of work,” she said. “This crisis has prompted innovation to tackle these problems in different ways.”
The bank has directed $100 million toward eliminating food insecurity and providing needed medical services.
“In the first 30 days after March 16 we directed about $30 million of that in grants to hunger relief organizations — and a quarter of that went to Southern California as a whole,” Campos said.
In Los Angeles, BofA is supporting the California Hospital Medical Center with a $300,000 grant. The medical center serves at risk-populations in central L.A. with a focus on the city’s expanding homeless population.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show low-paying service jobs have been hammered by COVID-19.
The nation’s leisure and hospitality industry lost 7.5 million jobs in April but regained 1.2 million the following month, although the hotel industry still shed 148,000 jobs.


mercurynews--2020-06-10--California budget cuts could end adult day care

Even with police violence , civil unrest and the unabating coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc in the world , Estelle Sherman is most worried about what ’ s happening behind closed doors in Sacramento .
That ’ s where , this week , state legislators and California Gov .
Gavin Newsom are in the final stage of negotiating the new state budget , set to be ratified by Monday , June 15 .
As part of the haggling , the $ 95.2 million California would spend on the Adult Day Services program , which Sherman describes as “ a lifeline , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sherman , 78 , lives in Laguna Woods with her husband , Mendel Sherman , 84 , who has dementia and other health problems that require her 24/7 care giving .
Newsom ’ s proposed budget would eliminate funding for the adult care programs relied on by the Shermans and thousands of other older and disabled people in Orange County .
Nobody involved in the budget process wants to cut the program , formally known as Community-Based Adult Services .
That includes the governor , who last year signed an executive order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the state ’ s graying population .
But faced with a $ 54.3 billion deficit , the program is vulnerable .
The centers provide a variety of services that can include occupation and physical therapy , wellness checks , meals , recreation and exercise , and socialization with other adults .
Many of the people who attend the centers have some form of dementia .
For caregivers like Sherman , the programs , which include free transportation , offer several hours of respite on weekdays .
Recently , the South County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s home has been closed , to avoid spreading coronavirus , but Sherman still gets calls from staff who continue to check on program participants .
The possibility that the center might never re-open , Sherman said , is frightening .
“ I ’ ve been absolutely sick from it , ” she said .
The proposed cuts to the day services program , along with elimination of another program for the elderly called the Multipurpose Senior Services , and trims to In-Home Supportive Services , are part of the governor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 54 billion shortfall resulting from lost revenue and increased expenses caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Advocates say the programs , which largely serve low-income seniors , have been crucial to keeping older adults at home and out of long-term care facilities , places that now account for about half of all deaths in California related to COVID-19 .
Last month , the number of COVID-19 deaths among long-term care residents in Orange County began to surge , accounting for nearly 40 % of the overall total by late May .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we would put a great emphasis on how much we value our seniors , and how we have to take care of them , and we ’ re so concerned about them during this pandemic , and yet we ’ re going to cut the funds that they rely on , ” said Libby Anderson of the Council on Aging-Southern California , where she is director of the Ombudsman Program that keeps an eye on the well-being of long-term care residents in Orange and Riverside counties .
Orange County is home to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 260 around the state ) attended by about 3,000 people , said Jim McAleer , chief executive officer of Alzheimer ’ s Orange County .
McAleer ’ s organization runs two centers , in Laguna Woods and in Garden Grove , where half of the participants are Vietnamese immigrants .
McAleer ’ s organization , along with other California nonprofits that run the centers , recently rallied their constituents to contact Newsom ’ s office , state legislators , and the media .
Those constituents have made thousands of phone calls , sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs to be preserved .
The nonprofits also used social media to blast out photos of seniors holding handwritten signs bearing such pleas as “ Please Don ’ t Take Away Our Center.
” “ We are hearing that the messages have been received , ” McAleer said .
Though Sherman considers herself to be a private person , she felt compelled to write letters to Gov .
Newsom and to the editor of her local paper , arguing against cuts to adult day care .
For the past couple of years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her husband three days a week at South County Adult Day Services .
That ’ s where he spends up to five hours a day , getting exercise , recreation , and socialization with other seniors , along with on-site nursing and therapy to improve his mobility .
During those hours , Estelle Sherman got much-needed personal time .
The cost , $ 110 per-day , is mostly covered by a private grant form Monarch Healthcare to Alzheimer ’ s Orange County .
In recent weeks , with the center closed , Sherman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 58 years deteriorates , mentally and physically , before her eyes .
The couple has been confined to their apartment in the Towers complex in Laguna Woods since March , but Sherman hopes that the day services program will be spared and the center soon will reopen under new COVID-19 protocols .
Sherman also is feeling the weight of being her husband ’ s sole care provider .
“ It ’ s taken a toll on my health , too , ” said Sherman , who can ’ t afford either in-home care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ My biggest fear is what happens if I get sick ?
” Sherman also worries about the other people who depended on the center : “ There are so many worse than my husband that go there.
” The senior programs do have champions in the state Assembly and Senate .
The budget proposals from both branches of state government protect senior programs , more heavily relying on such sources as the state ’ s rainy day fund and other trims to bridge the $ 54 billion gap , along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t get this cut , ” McAleer said of the slashing Newsom proposed in his May revision of the budget .
But , McAleer added , the thinking is that Newsom suggested cutting such popular programs in order to put pressure on the federal government to come through with billions of dollars to help backfill California ’ s economic losses from the pandemic .
In May , the House of Representatives passed another pandemic relief bill , the $ 3 trillion HEROES Act , that earmarks one-third of that money for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid package has received a cold shoulder from Republican leadership in the Senate and President Trump , who has cast aid to the states in partisan terms , tweeting his aversion to taxpayers bailing out what he terms “ poorly run ” states that mostly happen to be run by Democrats .
Meantime , local advocates continue to put pressure on Newsom to work with the legislature and spare the senior programs when the new fiscal year begins July 1 .
“ I think the governor does listen to what the community is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive officer of the Council on Aging .

Even with police violence, civil unrest and the unabating coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc in the world, Estelle Sherman is most worried about what’s happening behind closed doors in Sacramento.
That’s where, this week, state legislators and California Gov. Gavin Newsom are in the final stage of negotiating the new state budget, set to be ratified by Monday, June 15. As part of the haggling, the $95.2 million California would spend on the Adult Day Services program, which Sherman describes as “a lifeline,” is on the red line.
Sherman, 78, lives in Laguna Woods with her husband, Mendel Sherman, 84, who has dementia and other health problems that require her 24/7 care giving. Newsom’s proposed budget would eliminate funding for the adult care programs relied on by the Shermans and thousands of other older and disabled people in Orange County.
Nobody involved in the budget process wants to cut the program, formally known as Community-Based Adult Services. That includes the governor, who last year signed an executive order to establish a Master Plan for Aging in response to the state’s graying population. But faced with a $54.3 billion deficit, the program is vulnerable.
The centers provide a variety of services that can include occupation and physical therapy, wellness checks, meals, recreation and exercise, and socialization with other adults. Many of the people who attend the centers have some form of dementia.
For caregivers like Sherman, the programs, which include free transportation, offer several hours of respite on weekdays.
Recently, the South County Adult Day Services center near the couple’s home has been closed, to avoid spreading coronavirus, but Sherman still gets calls from staff who continue to check on program participants.
The possibility that the center might never re-open, Sherman said, is frightening.
“I’ve been absolutely sick from it,” she said.
“These places are so vital.”
Organized response
The proposed cuts to the day services program, along with elimination of another program for the elderly called the Multipurpose Senior Services, and trims to In-Home Supportive Services, are part of the governor’s plan to make up a $54 billion shortfall resulting from lost revenue and increased expenses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Advocates say the programs, which largely serve low-income seniors, have been crucial to keeping older adults at home and out of long-term care facilities, places that now account for about half of all deaths in California related to COVID-19. Last month, the number of COVID-19 deaths among long-term care residents in Orange County began to surge, accounting for nearly 40% of the overall total by late May.
“It’s just so counter-intuitive to me that we would put a great emphasis on how much we value our seniors, and how we have to take care of them, and we’re so concerned about them during this pandemic, and yet we’re going to cut the funds that they rely on,” said Libby Anderson of the Council on Aging-Southern California, where she is director of the Ombudsman Program that keeps an eye on the well-being of long-term care residents in Orange and Riverside counties.
Orange County is home to 17 adult day service centers (among 260 around the state) attended by about 3,000 people, said Jim McAleer, chief executive officer of Alzheimer’s Orange County. McAleer’s organization runs two centers, in Laguna Woods and in Garden Grove, where half of the participants are Vietnamese immigrants.
McAleer’s organization, along with other California nonprofits that run the centers, recently rallied their constituents to contact Newsom’s office, state legislators, and the media. Those constituents have made thousands of phone calls, sent emails and wrote letters asking for the programs to be preserved. The nonprofits also used social media to blast out photos of seniors holding handwritten signs bearing such pleas as “Please Don’t Take Away Our Center.”
“We are hearing that the messages have been received,” McAleer said.
Though Sherman considers herself to be a private person, she felt compelled to write letters to Gov. Newsom and to the editor of her local paper, arguing against cuts to adult day care.
For the past couple of years, Sherman has been able to drop off her husband three days a week at South County Adult Day Services. That’s where he spends up to five hours a day, getting exercise, recreation, and socialization with other seniors, along with on-site nursing and therapy to improve his mobility. During those hours, Estelle Sherman got much-needed personal time.
The cost, $110 per-day, is mostly covered by a private grant form Monarch Healthcare to Alzheimer’s Orange County.
In recent weeks, with the center closed, Sherman has watched helplessly as her husband of 58 years deteriorates, mentally and physically, before her eyes. The couple has been confined to their apartment in the Towers complex in Laguna Woods since March, but Sherman hopes that the day services program will be spared and the center soon will reopen under new COVID-19 protocols.
Sherman also is feeling the weight of being her husband’s sole care provider.
“It’s taken a toll on my health, too,” said Sherman, who can’t afford either in-home care or placing her husband in assisted living. “My biggest fear is what happens if I get sick?”
Sherman also worries about the other people who depended on the center: “There are so many worse than my husband that go there.”
Nobody wants cuts
The senior programs do have champions in the state Assembly and Senate. The budget proposals from both branches of state government protect senior programs, more heavily relying on such sources as the state’s rainy day fund and other trims to bridge the $54 billion gap, along with hoped-for federal funding.
“I really didn’t get this cut,” McAleer said of the slashing Newsom proposed in his May revision of the budget.
But, McAleer added, the thinking is that Newsom suggested cutting such popular programs in order to put pressure on the federal government to come through with billions of dollars to help backfill California’s economic losses from the pandemic.
In May, the House of Representatives passed another pandemic relief bill, the $3 trillion HEROES Act, that earmarks one-third of that money for state and local aid. The massive aid package has received a cold shoulder from Republican leadership in the Senate and President Trump, who has cast aid to the states in partisan terms, tweeting his aversion to taxpayers bailing out what he terms “poorly run” states that mostly happen to be run by Democrats.
Meantime, local advocates continue to put pressure on Newsom to work with the legislature and spare the senior programs when the new fiscal year begins July 1.
“I think the governor does listen to what the community is saying,” said Lisa Wright-Jenkins, chief executive officer of the Council on Aging.
“It’s important that the community speak up.”


mercurynews--2020-06-10--Letter: US may spend billions on a nuclear bargaining chip

Public interest organizations , including Tri-Valley CAREs , sent Congress a letter recently responding to reports senior White House officials discussed conducting the first U.S. nuclear weapon test explosion since 1992 .
The proposal , a chest-thumping gesture aimed at Russia and China , is likely to spur the two countries and other nuclear states to conduct their own nuclear tests .
The groups urged Congress to “ demand prohibition on use of any funds to resume or prepare to resume such a test.
” Sen. Ed Markey , D-Mass.
, has drafted a bill using similar language .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunnyvale for 50 years–this protest made us proud • Letter : Kudos to Santa Clara County for rules based on science • Letter : When Colin Kaepernick took a knee in 2016 , I did this Nuclear testing sickened and killed military personnel involved in detonations , as well as civilians in the fallout pathways .
Now officials consider spending billions on a high-risk nuclear bargaining chip , while the costs of the pandemic and unemployment continue to rise .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to @ @

Public interest organizations, including Tri-Valley CAREs, sent Congress a letter recently responding to reports senior White House officials discussed conducting the first U.S. nuclear weapon test explosion since 1992.
The proposal, a chest-thumping gesture aimed at Russia and China, is likely to spur the two countries and other nuclear states to conduct their own nuclear tests. The groups urged Congress to “demand prohibition on use of any funds to resume or prepare to resume such a test.” Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., has drafted a bill using similar language.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps Nuclear testing sickened and killed military personnel involved in detonations, as well as civilians in the fallout pathways. Now officials consider spending billions on a high-risk nuclear bargaining chip, while the costs of the pandemic and unemployment continue to rise.
Mary Perner
Livermore
Board President
Tri-Valley CAREs
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mercurynews--2020-06-10--49ers mailbag: Will NFL follow NASCAR’s pace and allow in fans?

Recent days have seen 49ers players walk and speak out at equal-rights protests , both locally and nationally .
Meanwhile , they also continue to train for a 2020 season that sparked these social-media questions for this week ’ s mailbag : Do you think fans will be allowed in stadiums ?
( @ urijr49 ) I ’ ve watched Australian rugby-league , Korean baseball and German soccer restart without fans , and it ’ s palatable , other than fake-crowd noise and cardboard cutouts in seats .
NASCAR now takes the U.S. lead , having announced Tuesday it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s race in Florida and 5,000 next weekend in Alabama .
Three months from now , it ’ s conceivable a limited number of fans can attend NFL games , and I ’ m sure there will be no shortage of fans willing .
Can they really stay spread out , though ?
When will our coaching staff return ?
( @ randyw_87 ) Kyle Shanahan is not whining about being the only coach unable to reunite with assistants at team headquarters .
His rationale : they do enough via Zoom meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back at any NFL facilities unless they ’ re rehabbing .
I ’ d expect Levi ’ s Stadium to reopen for all coaches and players by training camp in late July .
When will the Kittle deal be done ?
I ’ m getting nervous .
( @ migue_mtzz ) Amazing how caught up we get in athletes ’ bank accounts .
In George Kittle ’ s case , he ’ s already four months past due on a record-setting extension , one that will deliver more than Jerry Rice ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Eventually , he will get paid by the 49ers and reset the tight end market , possibly reaching the “ wide receiver ” pay grade .
Deadline ?
Probably closer to training camp or by Week 1 .
Who ’ s the veteran player on the team with the most to lose this season ?
( @ andiaz @ 91 ) Jimmy Garoppolo .
He ’ s the quarterback , after all , and the one who took too much flack for the 49ers ’ Super Bowl collapse .
He otherwise excelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t thrive in 2020 , I can ’ t see the 49ers parting ways .
The next veterans with 2021 fortunes at stake : linebacker Kwon Alexander , defensive end Dee Ford , defensive tackle Solomon Thomas , cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon and wide receiver Dante Pettis .
How do you see the wide receiver room shaking out ?
Do they keep six or seven ?
( @ simpletaxcpa ) Six should be the max , which is two more than they suited up in the Super Bowl .
Deebo Samuel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bourne are locks .
After that , look for a spirited competition among Trent Taylor , Jalen Hurd , Travis Benjamin , Pettis , Richie James Jr. and Jauan Jennings .
Odds are thus more stacked against Shawn Poindexter , Chris Thompson and Chris Finke .
Biggest question mark going into the 2020 season ?
( @ mike_zamora ) You mean aside from if there will be a delayed season , a shortened season or a paused season because of the pandemic , and how health concerns impact teams and fans ?
?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is how Garoppolo and the passing attack improve to complement an already rugged rushing attack and pressure-packed defense .
What are the chances Tim Harris surprises for a cornerback role ?
( @ Cucho_723 ) John Lynch mentioned Harris when explaining the 49ers ’ inactivity on the free agent market and in the draft regarding cornerback help .
Harris ’ health has prevented him from fully showing his capability , and with no offseason practices , he must do his heavy lifting in training camp to become that surprise cornerback .
My first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Freddie Solomon during the dynastic ’ 80s , so he instantly became a favorite .
A parade of greats came from that era ( see : Bill Walsh , Joe Montana , Ronnie Lott , Eddie D. ) .
My favorites from covering the team ( and its legacy ) the past 20 years are Steve Young , Frank Gore and anyone willing to take time to educate me/you .
What seed will the Niners be ?
( @ tsm_tyler ) A sunflower , rather than a pumpkin .
( What , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick Drew Brees ’ New Orleans Saints to dethrone the 49ers at No .
1 , much less the Aaron Rodgers/Jordan Love-led Green Bay Packers ? )
How did you become a journalist ?
( @ thicc.daddy.cletus ) I wrote about sports better than I played them .
Not sure that ’ s held true .
But I still love interviewing people and sharing information/news/stories .
We ’ re constantly reminded how important journalism is , so please subscribe .
• Letter : When Colin Kaepernick took a knee in 2016 , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Why Kaepernick has a stronger platform outside the NFL • Drew Brees ’ wife apologizes for husband ’ s comments on Colin Kaepernick ’ s kneeling during the national anthem

Recent days have seen 49ers players walk and speak out at equal-rights protests, both locally and nationally. Meanwhile, they also continue to train for a 2020 season that sparked these social-media questions for this week’s mailbag:
Do you think fans will be allowed in stadiums? (@urijr49)
I’ve watched Australian rugby-league, Korean baseball and German soccer restart without fans, and it’s palatable, other than fake-crowd noise and cardboard cutouts in seats. NASCAR now takes the U.S. lead, having announced Tuesday it will allow 1,000 “guests” at Sunday’s race in Florida and 5,000 next weekend in Alabama. Three months from now, it’s conceivable a limited number of fans can attend NFL games, and I’m sure there will be no shortage of fans willing. Can they really stay spread out, though?
When will our coaching staff return? (@randyw_87)
Kyle Shanahan is not whining about being the only coach unable to reunite with assistants at team headquarters. His rationale: they do enough via Zoom meetings, and players are still not allowed back at any NFL facilities unless they’re rehabbing. I’d expect Levi’s Stadium to reopen for all coaches and players by training camp in late July.
When will the Kittle deal be done? I’m getting nervous. (@migue_mtzz)
Amazing how caught up we get in athletes’ bank accounts. In George Kittle’s case, he’s already four months past due on a record-setting extension, one that will deliver more than Jerry Rice’s career earnings ($42 million). Eventually, he will get paid by the 49ers and reset the tight end market, possibly reaching the “wide receiver” pay grade. Deadline? Probably closer to training camp or by Week 1.
Who’s the veteran player on the team with the most to lose this season? (@andiaz@91)
Jimmy Garoppolo. He’s the quarterback, after all, and the one who took too much flack for the 49ers’ Super Bowl collapse. He otherwise excelled last year, and even if he doesn’t thrive in 2020, I can’t see the 49ers parting ways. The next veterans with 2021 fortunes at stake: linebacker Kwon Alexander, defensive end Dee Ford, defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon and wide receiver Dante Pettis.
How do you see the wide receiver room shaking out? Do they keep six or seven? (@simpletaxcpa)
Six should be the max, which is two more than they suited up in the Super Bowl. Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and, yep, Kendrick Bourne are locks. After that, look for a spirited competition among Trent Taylor, Jalen Hurd, Travis Benjamin, Pettis, Richie James Jr. and Jauan Jennings. Odds are thus more stacked against Shawn Poindexter, Chris Thompson and Chris Finke.
Biggest question mark going into the 2020 season? (@mike_zamora)
You mean aside from if there will be a delayed season, a shortened season or a paused season because of the pandemic, and how health concerns impact teams and fans??? Well, then the key question is how Garoppolo and the passing attack improve to complement an already rugged rushing attack and pressure-packed defense.
What are the chances Tim Harris surprises for a cornerback role? (@Cucho_723)
John Lynch mentioned Harris when explaining the 49ers’ inactivity on the free agent market and in the draft regarding cornerback help. Harris’ health has prevented him from fully showing his capability, and with no offseason practices, he must do his heavy lifting in training camp to become that surprise cornerback.
Favorite Niner of your generation? (@angelsocks12)
My first 49ers autograph as a Cupertino kid came from Freddie Solomon during the dynastic ’80s, so he instantly became a favorite. A parade of greats came from that era (see: Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, Eddie D.). My favorites from covering the team (and its legacy) the past 20 years are Steve Young, Frank Gore and anyone willing to take time to educate me/you.
What seed will the Niners be? (@tsm_tyler)
A sunflower, rather than a pumpkin. (What, did you actually think I’d pick Drew Brees’ New Orleans Saints to dethrone the 49ers at No. 1, much less the Aaron Rodgers/Jordan Love-led Green Bay Packers?)
How did you become a journalist? (@thicc.daddy.cletus)
I wrote about sports better than I played them. Not sure that’s held true. But I still love interviewing people and sharing information/news/stories. We’re constantly reminded how important journalism is, so please subscribe.


mercurynews--2020-06-10--Letter: We’ve lived in Sunnyvale for 50 years–this protest made us proud

My husband and I have lived in Sunnyvale since 1968 .
Over these many years our city has hardly been known for its political activism , although , like many cities , it ’ s had its share of problems regarding racism .
However , what happened last Friday , made us truly Sunnyvale proud .
More than 1,000 Sunnyvalians of all ethnic backgrounds and ages assembled downtown for a Peaceful Protest March in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter .
They brought hand-crafted signs and chanted enthusiastically “ No Justice , No Peace.
” The Sunnyvale Police peacefully paved the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participants gave eloquent speeches in support of racial equality and unity .
• Letter : US may spend billions on a nuclear bargaining chip • Letter : Kudos to Santa Clara County for rules based on science • Letter : When Colin Kaepernick took a knee in 2016 , I did this Mayor Larry Klein and City Councilman Otto Lee were there lending their support to these peaceful protesters .
This gave us old-timers hope that this new generation of Americans will work to advance the neverending work of seeking justice and equality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

My husband and I have lived in Sunnyvale since 1968.
Over these many years our city has hardly been known for its political activism, although, like many cities, it’s had its share of problems regarding racism.
However, what happened last Friday, made us truly Sunnyvale proud. More than 1,000 Sunnyvalians of all ethnic backgrounds and ages assembled downtown for a Peaceful Protest March in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter. They brought hand-crafted signs and chanted enthusiastically “No Justice, No Peace.”
The Sunnyvale Police peacefully paved the way to Sunnyvale City Hall where many participants gave eloquent speeches in support of racial equality and unity.
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This gave us old-timers hope that this new generation of Americans will work to advance the neverending work of seeking justice and equality for the whole community.
Together “We shall overcome.”
Gisela U. Daetz
Sunnyvale
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mercurynews--2020-06-11--Mother-son street race in Southern California ends with mom dead, son arrested

A race between a mother and her son on 9th Street in San Bernardino ended in a crash – with the mother dead and the son arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated , police said Wednesday , June 10 .
Algetta Michelle Strother , 54 , of San Bernardino died at the scene of the crash , reported about 10:15 p.m. Monday on 9th east of Waterman Avenue , Sgt .
John Echevarria said .
She was in a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV .
Her son , Steven Kirk Strother Jr. 26 , of San Bernardino was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
Both the Tahoe and the Century , going westbound on 9th , crashed when they attempted to pass a third car they came upon while racing , police said .
The Tahoe rolled over and struck a tree , a pipe , and a light pole .
Algetta Strother was thrown from the Tahoe .
A passenger in the SUV , a 21-year-old Buena Park woman , was hospitalized , Echevarria said .
Steven Kirk Strother ’ s car struck the car he and his mother were trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 28-year-old San Bernardino man who , along with his passenger , escaped injury , police said .
Steven Strother was uninjured as well .
Police ask anyone with additional information about the crash to contact Detective Dan Acosta or Sgt .
Jeff Harvey at 909-384-5792 .

A race between a mother and her son on 9th Street in San Bernardino ended in a crash – with the mother dead and the son arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated, police said Wednesday, June 10.
Algetta Michelle Strother, 54, of San Bernardino died at the scene of the crash, reported about 10:15 p.m. Monday on 9th east of Waterman Avenue, Sgt. John Echevarria said.
She was in a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. Her son, Steven Kirk Strother Jr. 26, of San Bernardino was at the wheel of a Buick Century, police said.
Both the Tahoe and the Century, going westbound on 9th, crashed when they attempted to pass a third car they came upon while racing, police said. The Tahoe rolled over and struck a tree, a pipe, and a light pole.
Algetta Strother was thrown from the Tahoe. A passenger in the SUV, a 21-year-old Buena Park woman, was hospitalized, Echevarria said.
Steven Kirk Strother’s car struck the car he and his mother were trying to pass, a Toyota Camry driven by a 28-year-old San Bernardino man who, along with his passenger, escaped injury, police said.
Steven Strother was uninjured as well.
Police ask anyone with additional information about the crash to contact Detective Dan Acosta or Sgt. Jeff Harvey at 909-384-5792.


mercurynews--2020-06-11--Coronavirus: California justices rescind emergency zero-bail order

SAN FRANCISCO — A controversial statewide court order that provided bail relief to low-level arrestees — and keep them out of jails trying to tamp down COVID-19 spread — is set to expire after California ’ s judicial rule-makers voted to rescind the policy .
In a vote announced late Wednesday afternoon , the Judicial Council , led by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye , chose 17-2 in favor of ending the $ 0 emergency bail schedule that has been in place since April 13 .
The order expires June 20 , though individual county Superior Courts will have the discretion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preserve the policy .
“ The Judicial Council ’ s action better reflects the current needs of our state , which has different health concerns and restrictions county-to-county based on the threat posed by COVID-19 , ” Justice Marsha Slough said in a statement Wednesday .
“ We urge local courts to continue to use the emergency COVID-19 bail schedule where necessary to protect the health of the community , the courts , and the incarcerated.
” Slough added that county courts have by June 20 to indicate “ whether they plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or another reduced bail schedule.
” The vote was not held live , and no public hearings were held prior to the vote .
Since its enactment , law-enforcement agencies across the state have been critical of the $ 0 bail order , arguing that it has prevented police from keeping repeat offenders off the street .
“ We expressed serious concerns about the impact of $ 0 bail as we felt it would result in inappropriate early release of potentially dangerous offenders and those who would continue to reoffend if not held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of the California Police Chiefs Association , said in a statement .
“ We applaud the Judicial Council for voting on whether to rescind their $ 0 bail schedule.
” Public defenders and criminal-justice reform advocates argue that cash bail — which faces extinction in California on the November ballot — has only served to keep people of color and poor people in pretrial incarceration while those with financial resources , committing the same crimes , can go free .
They also assert , as the Judicial Council did Monday , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic with the $ 0 bail schedule in effect .
“ Do Judicial Council members watch the news ?
There ’ s a nationwide uprising against systemic racism , and the council chooses this moment to give counties permission to return to the mass pre-trial incarceration of Black and Brown people , ” Alameda County Chief Public Defender Brendon Woods said in a statement following the vote .
“ Now my only hope is that judges here in Alameda County do better and decide to continue with our local version of the emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only way we ’ re going to keep the virus from spreading in our jails and communities.
” The Judicial Council indicated it explored shifting discretion on $ 0 bail to local courts on the premise its emergency order largely achieved its goal decreasing jail crowding amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Combined with a statewide volley of pretrial releases of nonviolent defendants , and amnesty of expiring sentences , California ’ s jail population decreased 30 % between the end of February and the first week of May , from about 72,000 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures .
Still , public defenders say the emergency posed by COVID-19 in jails has not subsided to a level that justifies ending the bail relief .
In Santa Clara County , after recording six infected inmates in the first two months of the local shelter-in-place order , there have been at least 12 new jail cases confirmed since the last week of May .
Separate from Wednesday ’ s vote , Cantil-Sakauye rescinded an emergency order that extended arraignment deadlines , which had meant people could be jailed for as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The standard arraignment window is two days .
Similar emergency extensions , like those for speedy trial deadlines , remain in place .
Those measures have also been subject to intense criticism from defense attorneys who say the measures disproportionately impede due process for minority and poor defendants whose primary avenues for challenging their pretrial incarceration relies on swift access to court hearings .
Check back for updates to this story .

SAN FRANCISCO — A controversial statewide court order that provided bail relief to misdemeanor and low-level felony arrestees — to keep them out of jails trying to tamp down COVID-19 spread — is set to expire after California’s judicial rule-makers voted to rescind the policy.
In a vote announced late Wednesday afternoon, the Judicial Council, led by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, chose 17-2 in favor of ending the $0 emergency bail schedule that has been in place since April 13. The order expires June 20, though individual county Superior Courts will have the discretion to institute their own local orders to preserve the policy.
“The Judicial Council’s action better reflects the current needs of our state, which has different health concerns and restrictions county-to-county based on the threat posed by COVID-19,” Justice Marsha Slough said in a statement Wednesday. “We urge local courts to continue to use the emergency COVID-19 bail schedule where necessary to protect the health of the community, the courts, and the incarcerated.”
Slough added that county courts have by June 20 to indicate “whether they plan to keep the COVID-19 emergency bail schedule, or another reduced bail schedule.” The vote was not held live, and no public hearings were held prior to the vote.
Since its enactment, law-enforcement agencies across the state have been critical of the $0 bail order, arguing that it has prevented police from keeping repeat offenders off the street.
“We expressed serious concerns about the impact of $0 bail as we felt it would result in inappropriate early release of potentially dangerous offenders and those who would continue to reoffend if not held accountable,” Eric R. Nuñez, president of the California Police Chiefs Association, said in a statement. “We applaud the Judicial Council for voting on whether to rescind their $0 bail schedule.”
Public defenders and criminal-justice reform advocates argue that cash bail — which faces extinction in California on the November ballot — has only served to keep people of color and poor people in pretrial incarceration while those with financial resources, committing the same crimes, can go free. They also assert, as the Judicial Council did Monday, that crime rates have remained low during the pandemic with the $0 bail schedule in effect.
“Do Judicial Council members watch the news? There’s a nationwide uprising against systemic racism, and the council chooses this moment to give counties permission to return to the mass pre-trial incarceration of Black and Brown people,” Alameda County Chief Public Defender Brendon Woods said in a statement following the vote. “Now my only hope is that judges here in Alameda County do better and decide to continue with our local version of the emergency bail schedule. That’s the only way we’re going to keep the virus from spreading in our jails and communities.”
The Judicial Council indicated it explored shifting discretion on $0 bail to local courts on the premise its emergency order largely achieved its goal of decreasing jail crowding amid the coronavirus pandemic. Combined with a statewide volley of pretrial releases of nonviolent defendants, and amnesty of expiring sentences, California’s jail population decreased 30% between the end of February and the first week of May, from about 72,000 to roughly 51,000 inmates, according to state figures.
Still, public defenders say the emergency posed by COVID-19 in jails has not subsided to a level that justifies ending the bail relief. In Santa Clara County, after recording six infected inmates in the first two months of the local shelter-in-place order, there have been at least 12 new jail cases confirmed since the last week of May. In Alameda County, as of Wednesday there have been 58 confirmed cases in the jail system, and 20 inmates are awaiting test results after presenting symptoms or having contact with an infected person.
Separate from Wednesday’s vote, Cantil-Sakauye rescinded an emergency order that extended arraignment deadlines, which had meant people could be jailed for as long as seven days before being formally charged. The standard arraignment window is two days.
Similar emergency extensions, like those for speedy trial deadlines, remain in place. Those measures have also been subject to intense criticism from defense attorneys, who say the measures disproportionately impede affect minority and poor defendants whose ability to challenge their jailings relies on ready access to court hearings.


mercurynews--2020-06-11--MLB Draft: SF Giants select North Carolina State catcher with first round pick

The San Francisco Giants are building around a core group of young prospects with the hope of creating a sustainable blueprint for success in the 2020s .
The latest addition to the talent pool ?
First round draft choice Patrick Bailey .
The Giants tabbed the North Carolina State catcher with the 13th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft , which has been shortened from 40 rounds to five following a negotiation between MLB and the Players Association to designed to alleviate financial issues created by the coronavirus pandemic .
The decision to draft the switch-hitting Bailey was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catcher , Joey Bart , with the No .
2 overall pick in the 2018 draft .
With the National League expected to soon adopt the designated hitter and a front office that prefers having right and left-handed hitting options at each position , the power-hitting Bailey figures to complement Bart and will be viewed as a prospect eventually expected to fill an everyday role .
The slot value for the No .
13 pick is $ 4,197,300 this year , but the Players Association agreed to limit teams to paying out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick in 2020 .
Half of the remaining money draftees expect to receive from the contracts signed this year will be paid out July 1 , 2021 with the other half due on July 1 , 2022 .
Bailey joins a franchise that has overhauled its farm system over the last three-plus years and added several top-tier prospects with the potential to become everyday players in the majors .
A first-team All-ACC player in 2019 , Bailey hit .288 with a .513 slugging percentage and 10 home runs last season .
Position players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heliot Ramos and 2019 first round choice Hunter Bishop help anchor a farm system that also includes an impressive group of international prospects headlined by shortstop Marco Luciano , infielder Luis Toribio and outfielder Luis Matos .
The farm system has become highly-regarded in the last year thanks in part to the addition of several prospects at the 2019 trade deadline including infielder Mauricio Dubón and outfielder Jaylin Davis who have already made their major league debuts .
The Giants also added another first round talent to the organization in December when president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal for Bailey ’ s former college teammate , shortstop Will Wilson , the Angels ’ first round selection in 2019 who Giants executives had their eyes on in last year ’ s pre-draft process .
Giants executives are optimistic the prospects can form an exciting homegrown core akin to the championship-caliber homegrown group led by Matt Cain , Tim Lincecum , Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey in the 2010s .
Bailey is the first of seven players who will be selected by the Giants in the 2020 MLB Draft as the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the most picks of any MLB team .
The Giants will make their remaining six selections Thursday when rounds 2-5 take place .
San Francisco holds five of the top 85 picks this year including the No .
67 and No .
68 selections , which are compensatory picks that were awarded to the franchise after free-agent pitchers Madison Bumgarner ( Diamondbacks ) and Will Smith ( Braves ) turned down one-year qualifying offers from the Giants to sign elsewhere .
After the fifth round of the draft , undrafted amateur players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 a.m. PT on Monday , June 14 .
Teams are allowed to sign as many undrafted players after round five as they wish , but signing bonuses are capped at $ 20,000 .
Pitching is expected to be a priority for the Giants on day two of the draft as amateur scouting director Michael Holmes told this news organization he believes the 2020 draft features the deepest class of college pitchers in the last 10-to-12 years .
Eight of the Giants ’ top 10 prospects ranked by MLB.com are position players and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when new rankings are released this summer .
Prior to the start of the MLB Draft , the Giants announced they will continue to pay their minor league players $ 400 weekly stipends through September 7 , which was previously set to mark the end of the 2020 minor league season .
The Giants had previously committed to paying their minor leaguers weekly stipends only through June 30 .

The San Francisco Giants are building around a core group of young prospects with the hope of creating a sustainable blueprint for success in the 2020s.
The latest addition to the talent pool? First round draft choice Patrick Bailey.
The Giants tabbed the North Carolina State catcher with the 13th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, which has been shortened from 40 rounds to five following a negotiation between MLB and the Players Association to designed to alleviate financial issues created by the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision to draft the switch-hitting Bailey was a mild surprise considering San Francisco took another catcher, Joey Bart, with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft. With the National League expected to soon adopt the designated hitter and a front office that prefers having right and left-handed hitting options at each position, the power-hitting Bailey figures to complement Bart and will be viewed as a prospect eventually expected to fill an everyday role.
Bailey wasn’t among those surprised by the pick as he said the Giants informed him before the draft they planned to take the best player available when they were on the clock at 13.
“I guess that was me,” he said.
The catcher grew up a Texas Rangers fan and said he was “crushed” when the Giants defeated his favorite club in the 2010 World Series, but he’s now looking forward to the opportunity to learn from the then-rookie catcher who helped sink his favorite team’s hopes.
“That’s kind of what you look forward to most in this next step is to be able to talk with guys like Posey and all the experiences he’s had and even talking with Joey Bart, learn from different guys and different ways of doing stuff,” Bailey said on a conference call with local media.
With a combination of Bart, a durable right-handed slugger and Bailey, a prospect who can held his own from the left side of the plate in college, the Giants can foresee a future in which they’re monitoring the workloads of their catchers while maintaining a favorable option at the position regardless of whether they’re facing a right or left-handed pitcher.
The slot value for the No. 13 pick is $4,197,300 this year, but the Players Association agreed to limit teams to paying out a maximum of $100,000 to each draft pick in 2020. Half of the remaining money draftees expect to receive from the contracts signed this year will be paid out July 1, 2021 with the other half due on July 1, 2022.
Patrick Bailey: 13th overall selection, No. 1 overall bat flip. pic.twitter.com/VllampAW8o — Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) June 11, 2020
Bailey joins a franchise that has overhauled its farm system over the last three-plus years and added several top-tier prospects with the potential to become everyday players in the majors. A first-team All-ACC player in 2019, Bailey hit .288 with a .513 slugging percentage and 10 home runs last season.
Position players including Bart, 2017 first round pick Heliot Ramos and 2019 first round choice Hunter Bishop help anchor a farm system that also includes an impressive group of international prospects headlined by shortstop Marco Luciano, infielder Luis Toribio and outfielder Luis Matos.
The farm system has become highly-regarded in the last year thanks in part to the addition of several prospects at the 2019 trade deadline including infielder Mauricio Dubón and outfielder Jaylin Davis who have already made their major league debuts.
The Giants also added another first round talent to the organization in December when president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi swung a deal for Bailey’s former college teammate, shortstop Will Wilson, the Angels’ first round selection in 2019 who Giants executives had their eyes on in last year’s pre-draft process.
Giants’ amateur scouting director Michael Holmes was familiar with Bailey before the team began scouting Wilson as he evaluated him in high school when Holmes was a member of the Oakland A’s front office.
Giants executives are optimistic the prospects can form an exciting homegrown core akin to the championship-caliber homegrown group led by Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey in the 2010s.
Bailey is the first of seven players who will be selected by the Giants in the 2020 MLB Draft as the team is tied with the St. Louis Cardinals for the most picks of any MLB team.
The Giants will make their remaining six selections Thursday when rounds 2-5 take place. San Francisco holds five of the top 85 picks this year including the No. 67 and No. 68 selections, which are compensatory picks that were awarded to the franchise after free-agent pitchers Madison Bumgarner (Diamondbacks) and Will Smith (Braves) turned down one-year qualifying offers from the Giants to sign elsewhere.
After the fifth round of the draft, undrafted amateur players can begin signing with MLB organizations at 6 a.m. PT on Monday, June 14. Teams are allowed to sign as many undrafted players after round five as they wish, but signing bonuses are capped at $20,000.
Pitching is expected to be a priority for the Giants on day two of the draft as Holmes told this news organization he believes the 2020 draft features the deepest class of college pitchers in the last 10-to-12 years.
Eight of the Giants’ top 10 prospects ranked by MLB.com are position players and Bailey is expected to join the group when new rankings are released this summer.
Prior to the start of the MLB Draft, the Giants announced they will continue to pay their minor league players $400 weekly stipends through September 7, which was previously set to mark the end of the 2020 minor league season.
The Giants had previously committed to paying their minor leaguers weekly stipends only through June 30.


mercurynews--2020-06-11--Letter: Protest to remind people of injustices felt by many

The endemic racism in our society today is not a political issue , but an urgent humanitarian one that must be addressed before yet more people are murdered because of their skin color .
Yes , voting in elected officials who will uphold the American ideals of ‘ liberty and justice for all ’ will help , but we don ’ t have time to wait , which is why we protest – loudly , and peacefully .
Given the delay before criminal charges were brought against the Minneapolis police officers involved in the murder of George Floyd , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were it not for the protesters who demanded justice .
• Letter : Absolutely no need for violence from any party • Letter : Ironically , Trump may be a catalyst for social change • Letter : US may spend billions on a nuclear bargaining chip • Letter : We ’ ve lived in Sunnyvale for 50 years–this protest made us proud So let ’ s keep protesting — loudly and peacefully ; exercising our constitutional right to do so , thereby reminding people of the ongoing injustices suffered by so many , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the systemic racism that is the scourge of this nation .
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The endemic racism in our society today is not a political issue, but an urgent humanitarian one that must be addressed before yet more people are murdered because of their skin color.
Yes, voting in elected officials who will uphold the American ideals of ‘liberty and justice for all’ will help, but we don’t have time to wait, which is why we protest – loudly, and peacefully.
Given the delay before criminal charges were brought against the Minneapolis police officers involved in the murder of George Floyd, I doubt that they would have been arrested were it not for the protesters who demanded justice.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps So let’s keep protesting — loudly and peacefully; exercising our constitutional right to do so, thereby reminding people of the ongoing injustices suffered by so many, and with a clear vision of eradicating the systemic racism that is the scourge of this nation.
Elizabeth Ward
Campbell
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mercurynews--2020-06-11--Bellarmine leaders put anthem kneeling controversy behind: ‘Black Lives Matter’

SAN JOSE — Three years ago , no Bay Area high school found itself more in the public crosshairs of the national anthem kneeling debate than San Jose ’ s Bellarmine College Prep .
When about a dozen football players took a knee before a game to protest social injustices , the backlash within the all-boys school ’ s community was swift .
An assistant football coach resigned .
Hundreds of comments filled stories published by this news organization .
Administrators wrote a letter to alumni , saying they planned to review rules for individual expression as it relates to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid nationwide protests in the aftermath of George Floyd ’ s death under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer , Bellarmine president Chris Meyercord issued another letter to alumni that he shared on social media .
Himself a Bellarmine graduate , Meyercord acknowledged that the school should be doing more for its students and alumni of color and announced a series of online town-hall meetings to listen to the issues .
“ To put it plainly , we have fallen short , ” Meyercord wrote .
“ We have failed to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeds that Black Lives Matter .
I say it clearly now : Black Lives Matter.
” In his letter , Meyercord wrote that the meetings would start this month and be limited to a dozen visitors because “ We want to make sure that you have ample opportunity to share your experience and your ideas .
Our role is to listen.
” Meyercord wrote that while the Bellarmine experience was wonderful for some , the school recognizes that for many students and alumni of color “ their years at Bellarmine were complicated at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know that there are people of color in our student and alumni community who have not felt seen , heard , or valued by the school .
It is not acceptable to know this and do nothing about it .
We want to do all that we can to make sure that the next student ’ s experience is better.
” When members of the football team took a knee at San Jose City College on Sept. 29 , 2017 , they did not do so aimlessly .
The players wrote a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , describing their action as a peaceful protest against social wrongdoing .
Others saw it as being disrespectful to the flag and military , a response that New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees used last week before apologizing amid an avalanche of criticism .
In the Bellarmine players ’ letter , they wrote , “ By kneeling , we hope to express our dissatisfaction with our society ’ s failure to uphold the values of justice , equality , and peace , and start constructive dialogue in our community .
In addition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our country ’ s marginalized groups : minorities , women , immigrants , those who have experienced religious persecution , and members of the LGBTQ community .
“ We would like to clarify that we unequivocally appreciate and value the sacrifices of law enforcement officers , yet we feel the need to express our displeasure with the continued failure of some members of law enforcement and our justice system to protect the marginalized.
” Austin Ajiake , now a linebacker at the University of Nevada Las Vegas , was one of the players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is black , did not reply to a request this week for an interview but has been critical on social media of his high school alma mater since Floyd ’ s death .
“ Their goal was to silence us as soon as possible to defend their reputation , ” Ajiake wrote last weekend on Twitter .
“ That ’ s all that has mattered at this institution , money and reputation .
Black Lives Matter is not a trend , actually mean it.
” The players took a knee three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week later against Archibishop Riordan .
Meyercord and principal Kristina Lusher later issued a joint letter to alumni , calling the players ’ message powerful but adding that they have a responsibility to realize when a message and the way it is delivered is too controversial .
Players from other schools also took knees at that time during the anthem , a protest that was started in 2016 by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and resurfaced a year later when President Trump called out NFL players .
But the outrage on other Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Bellarmine , whose long list of notable alumni include San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo .
Another Bellarmine graduate , Jalal Beauchman , was named this spring as the school ’ s football coach .
Beauchman , who replaced his mentor , Mike Janda , is the first black coach to lead Bellarmine ’ s football program .
“ It means a lot , ” Beauchman said at the time of his hiring .
“ I am very proud of my heritage and my background .
It ’ s an honor to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach.
” In his letter last week , Meyercord wrote , “ As President , it is my responsibility to steward this school into the future , to maintain the Bellarmine tradition of educating young men to pursue academic excellence , to be servants in their communities , and to seek justice in all ways .
“ And at this moment in time , as we all witness the unrest that pours out onto the streets as a result of hundreds of years of systemic injustice against communities of color in this nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledge that Bellarmine has not been immune to these same injustices.
” • Why # BlackLivesMatter movement is close to legendary DLS coach ’ s heart • Tom Brady joins Serra alumni on YouTube to celebrate class of 2020

SAN JOSE — Three years ago, no Bay Area high school found itself more in the public crosshairs of the national anthem kneeling debate than San Jose’s Bellarmine College Prep.
When about a dozen football players took a knee before a game to protest social injustices, the backlash within the all-boys school’s community was swift.
An assistant football coach resigned. Hundreds of comments filled stories published by this news organization. Administrators wrote a letter to alumni, saying they planned to review rules for individual expression as it relates to representing the Jesuit school.
Now, amid nationwide protests in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer, Bellarmine president Chris Meyercord issued another letter to alumni that he shared on social media.
Himself a Bellarmine graduate, Meyercord acknowledged that the school should be doing more for its students and alumni of color and announced a series of online town-hall meetings to listen to the issues.
“To put it plainly, we have fallen short,” Meyercord wrote. “We have failed to say clearly enough in our words and our deeds that Black Lives Matter. I say it clearly now: Black Lives Matter.”
In his letter, Meyercord wrote that the meetings would start this month and be limited to a dozen visitors because “We want to make sure that you have ample opportunity to share your experience and your ideas. Our role is to listen.”
Meyercord wrote that while the Bellarmine experience was wonderful for some, the school recognizes that for many students and alumni of color “their years at Bellarmine were complicated at best, hurtful at worst.
“We know that there are people of color in our student and alumni community who have not felt seen, heard, or valued by the school. It is not acceptable to know this and do nothing about it. We want to do all that we can to make sure that the next student’s experience is better.”
When members of the football team took a knee at San Jose City College on Sept. 29, 2017, they did not do so aimlessly. The players wrote a letter to the school’s community, describing their action as a peaceful protest against social wrongdoing. Others saw it as being disrespectful to the flag and military, a response that New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees used last week before apologizing amid an avalanche of criticism.
In the Bellarmine players’ letter, they wrote, “By kneeling, we hope to express our dissatisfaction with our society’s failure to uphold the values of justice, equality, and peace, and start constructive dialogue in our community. In addition, we kneel to show our support for our country’s marginalized groups: minorities, women, immigrants, those who have experienced religious persecution, and members of the LGBTQ community.
“We would like to clarify that we unequivocally appreciate and value the sacrifices of law enforcement officers, yet we feel the need to express our displeasure with the continued failure of some members of law enforcement and our justice system to protect the marginalized.”
Austin Ajiake, now a linebacker at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, was one of the players who led the Bellarmine protest. Ajiake, who is black, did not reply to a request this week for an interview but has been critical on social media of his high school alma mater since Floyd’s death.
“Their goal was to silence us as soon as possible to defend their reputation,” Ajiake wrote last weekend on Twitter. “That’s all that has mattered at this institution, money and reputation. Black Lives Matter is not a trend, actually mean it.”
The players took a knee three years ago against Serra and then a week later against Archibishop Riordan. Meyercord and principal Kristina Lusher later issued a joint letter to alumni, calling the players’ message powerful but adding that they have a responsibility to realize when a message and the way it is delivered is too controversial.
Players from other schools also took knees at that time during the anthem, a protest that was started in 2016 by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and resurfaced a year later when President Trump called out NFL players. But the outrage on other Bay Area high school campuses paled in comparison to Bellarmine, whose long list of notable alumni include San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo.
Another Bellarmine graduate, Jalal Beauchman, was named this spring as the school’s football coach. Beauchman, who replaced his mentor, Mike Janda, is the first black coach to lead Bellarmine’s football program.
“It means a lot,” Beauchman said at the time of his hiring. “I am very proud of my heritage and my background. It’s an honor to say I am the first African American head coach.”
In his letter last week, Meyercord wrote, “As President, it is my responsibility to steward this school into the future, to maintain the Bellarmine tradition of educating young men to pursue academic excellence, to be servants in their communities, and to seek justice in all ways.
“And at this moment in time, as we all witness the unrest that pours out onto the streets as a result of hundreds of years of systemic injustice against communities of color in this nation, it is also my responsibility to acknowledge that Bellarmine has not been immune to these same injustices.”


mercurynews--2020-06-10--The Jayhawks are back with cool new video for ‘Dogtown Days’

Fans of the Jayhawks should head right over to YouTube and catch the band ’ s cool new video “ Dogtown Days.
” The video , which was shot with social distancing filming techniques and using vintage 1985 footage of the band , tells the story of two friends on a road trip to see the Jayhawks , one of the best alt-country-rock acts of all time .
“ Rick Fuller , Rick Lawrence and I filmed the Jayhawks sound checking for New Band Night , 1985 at the 7th St Entry in Minneapolis , ” explains “ Dogtown Days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news release .
“ Thirty-five years later I wove this rare outtake footage and mic check banter into a fictional story of two friends on a road trip , filming 8mm and selling merch for a young band called the Jayhawks .
“ Actors Em Prozinski ( Jayhawks ’ drummer Tim O ’ Reagan ’ s niece ) and my son Otto Harder were filmed separately by their parents .
We took notes on actions and reactions for Em and Otto , and there were a few scenes that were split-screened in edit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a foot apart.
” The end result is well worth 4 1/2 minutes of your time and should get fans even more excited about the band ’ s forthcoming album , “ XOXO , ” which is due out July 10 .

Fans of the Jayhawks should head right over to YouTube and catch the band’s cool new video “Dogtown Days.”
The video, which was shot with social distancing filming techniques and using vintage 1985 footage of the band, tells the story of two friends on a road trip to see the Jayhawks, one of the best alt-country-rock acts of all time.
“Rick Fuller, Rick Lawrence and I filmed the Jayhawks sound checking for New Band Night, 1985 at the 7th St Entry in Minneapolis,” explains “Dogtown Days” video director Philip Harder in a news release. “Thirty-five years later I wove this rare outtake footage and mic check banter into a fictional story of two friends on a road trip, filming 8mm and selling merch for a young band called the Jayhawks.
“Actors Em Prozinski (Jayhawks’ drummer Tim O’Reagan’s niece) and my son Otto Harder were filmed separately by their parents. We took notes on actions and reactions for Em and Otto, and there were a few scenes that were split-screened in edit to allow them to appear to be a foot apart.”
The end result is well worth 4 1/2 minutes of your time and should get fans even more excited about the band’s forthcoming album, “XOXO,” which is due out July 10.
For more information, visit jayhawksofficial.com.
Here’s the “Dogtown Days” video:
Drive-in concerts? Yes, it's a thing and it's coming to California. https://t.co/vUiO1u0KSj — Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) June 10, 2020


mercurynews--2020-06-10--Pelosi urges Congress to take down Confederate statues

WASHINGTON – U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Congress on Wednesday to immediately take steps to remove from the U.S. Capitol 11 statues representing Confederate leaders and soldiers from the Civil War .
“ Their statues pay homage to hate , not heritage .
They must be removed , ” Pelosi , the country ’ s top elected Democrat , said in a letter to leaders of a congressional committee in charge of managing the statues on display at the Capitol .
Her call comes as the country grapples with questions about racial inequality and police brutality following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a white Minneapolis policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
It was the latest in a long list of high-profile killings of black men and women by U.S. police .
Since Floyd ’ s death , officials in the South – where African-Americans were enslaved until the end of the 1861-1865 Civil War – are now ordering the removal of monuments honoring the Confederacy .
The Confederate statues in the U.S. Capitol , which has a large number of monuments to figures in American history , include General Robert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was president of the Confederacy .
The joint committee to which Pelosi made her appeal for taking down the statues has members of both political parties , and it was unclear how the panel would respond .
Under a long-standing tradition , each U.S. state sends two statues to the Capitol .
President Donald Trump earlier on Wednesday rejected the idea of renaming U.S. military bases that are named for Confederate leaders , dismissing appeals made after Floyd ’ s death , which ignited nationwide and international protests .
The U.S. Navy said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Confederate battle flag from all public spaces on its installations , ships and aircraft .

By Mohammad Zargham and Susan Cornwell | Reuters
WASHINGTON – U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Congress on Wednesday to immediately take steps to remove from the U.S. Capitol 11 statues representing Confederate leaders and soldiers from the Civil War. “Their statues pay homage to hate, not heritage. They must be removed,” Pelosi, the country’s top elected Democrat, said in a letter to leaders of a congressional committee in charge of managing the statues on display at the Capitol.
Her call comes as the country grapples with questions about racial inequality and police brutality following the May 25 death of George Floyd after a white Minneapolis policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. It was the latest in a long list of high-profile killings of black men and women by U.S. police.
Since Floyd’s death, officials in the South – where African-Americans were enslaved until the end of the 1861-1865 Civil War – are now ordering the removal of monuments honoring the Confederacy.
The Confederate statues in the U.S. Capitol, which has a large number of monuments to figures in American history, include General Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis, who was president of the Confederacy.
The joint committee to which Pelosi made her appeal for taking down the statues has members of both political parties, and it was unclear how the panel would respond. Under a long-standing tradition, each U.S. state sends two statues to the Capitol.
President Donald Trump earlier on Wednesday rejected the idea of renaming U.S. military bases that are named for Confederate leaders, dismissing appeals made after Floyd’s death, which ignited nationwide and international protests.
The U.S. Navy said on Tuesday it was working to ban the Confederate battle flag from all public spaces on its installations, ships and aircraft.