mercurynews--2020-03-03--Steph Curry’s injury rehab takes him to the G League

SANTA CRUZ — Fifteen minutes into his post-practice shooting routine , Steph Curry slipped off his royal blue jersey , revealing a white T-shirt that read “ SANTA CRUZ BASKETBALL ” on the front .
That blue jersey was the one he wore in Monday ’ s 5-on-5 scrimmage with the Warriors ’ G League affiliate at Kaiser Permanente Arena , his first since undergoing two procedures to repair a broken bone in his left hand , and an important step in his eventual return .
“ The real thing is getting bumped around , the physicality of the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , maybe jamming that hand on a fall , ” Santa Cruz head coach Kris Weems said .
“ You have to have those things to feel like you ’ re ready to go , so hopefully we gave him that.
” “ Whenever they deem him ready to play , he ’ ll be ready to go.
” Though Curry did not return to the Warriors ’ lineup on Sunday as he had hoped , the 31-year-old guard could return as early as Thursday against the Raptors .
For those involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impression .
Weems separated his roster into two groups — Curry captained the Blue team and forward Jonathon Simmons headed the Gold team — for a session that lasted for three 7-minute quarters .
Early in the scrimmage , Weems called a high screen for Curry in order to get the two-time MVP an easy shot .
But , before Curry ’ s teammate could arrive in time to set the screen , Curry pulled up from nearly halfcourt and drained a 3-pointer .
“ Nevermind , ” Weems told the would-be screen-setter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tightly guarding him , Curry side-stepped into a 3-pointer in the left corner .
“ I ’ m not going to say nothing surprises you , but it ’ s Steph , ” Santa Cruz forward Roger Moute a Bidias said .
“ He does stuff like that.
” Though Curry also missed several open shots , he didn ’ t hesitate to shoot or make plays for others .
With only a few seconds left , his Blue team down by one in what was a competitive scrimmage , Weems called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screen .
Curry took the inbound and darted toward the screen , but Gold team ’ s Jeremy Pargo ran him off the 3-point line and toward the basket , where Simmons and another big were waiting to contest his shot .
With three players on him , Curry pulled up from mid-range , but his shot rimmed out .
Blue fell to Gold , 49-48 .
“ It was a pretty good scrimmage , ” Pargo said .
“ One-point victory , I ’ ll take that.
” “ We got a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot we could have gotten , ” Weems said , acknowledging that everyone knew the play was called for Curry .
“ Why would I draw it up for anybody else ?
I ’ m not trying to lose my job.
” Ultimately , it was the job of Weems and his staff to get Curry ready for a return .
In Santa Cruz , the Warriors played Curry physically .
They bumped him off his spots , showed him different defenses and forced him to guard bigger players .
Though Curry was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sunday ’ s loss to the Wizards , Golden State wanted him to participate in this sort of scrimmage — one that would more closely resemble the game action that awaits him after a four-month absence .
• Steph Curry impresses in G League scrimmage as he nears Warriors return : ‘ He ’ ll be ready to go ’ • Klay Thompson unveils his new shoe , and gets upstaged by his dog Rocco • Steph Curry watches from bench and 3 more thoughts from Warriors loss to Wizards • Photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warms up , but doesn ’ t play against Washington Wizards Since he suffered a broken bone in his left hand against Phoenix on Oct. 30 , Curry has worked through a meticulous rehab to regain the strength and feeling in his surgically-repaired left hand .
Following the failed game-winner , Curry went through 90 minutes of shooting drills with player development coach Seth Cooper and consulted with Golden State ’ s Director of Sports Medicine and Performance Dr. Rick Celebrini .
As he went through his drills on one end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his temporary teammates worked on the other basket .
A few feet from Curry was a banner that listed all of the team ’ s G League call-ups over the years — including names like Damion Lee , Seth Curry and Quinn Cook .
The few times Curry lost his dribble or missed consecutive shots , he punctuated his mistakes with a frustrated “ ARGH ” or “ Oh , my God.
” When Celebrini paused his shooting routine , he ’ d run Curry through a series of balance drills and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in which he acknowledges he still experiences occasional numbness and tingling .
This is someone who is , no doubt , anxious to return , but is being monitored closely by an organization with the longview in mind .
A return Thursday would provide up to 20 games for Curry to test his nerve-damaged left hand and build some chemistry with his new teammates before an extended offseason .
And though he ’ s been frustrated by his extended recovery , a new set of frustrations may await him after joining the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as he nears his return , Curry has remained positive .
When he walked into the facility at 9:15 a.m. , he greeted his teammates and coaches with fist bumps and hand shakes .
After the intense scrimmage , he pulled several youngsters aside to dole out advice .
“ The fire that he plays with , he ’ s highly competitive , which everybody knows .
His habits in practice and going against our guys , that should raise our level of play , ” Weems said .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is .
”

SANTA CRUZ — Fifteen minutes into his post-practice shooting routine, Steph Curry slipped off his royal blue jersey, revealing a white T-shirt that read “SANTA CRUZ BASKETBALL” on the front.
That blue jersey was the one he wore in Monday’s 5-on-5 scrimmage with the Warriors’ G League affiliate at Kaiser Permanente Arena, his first since undergoing two procedures to repair a broken bone in his left hand, and an important step in his eventual return.
“The real thing is getting bumped around, the physicality of the game, setting screens, fighting over screens, maybe jamming that hand on a fall,” Santa Cruz head coach Kris Weems said. “You have to have those things to feel like you’re ready to go, so hopefully we gave him that.”
“Whenever they deem him ready to play, he’ll be ready to go.”
Though Curry did not return to the Warriors’ lineup on Sunday as he had hoped, the 31-year-old guard could return as early as Thursday against the Raptors. For those involved in the scrimmage, Curry left a positive impression.
Weems separated his roster into two groups — Curry captained the Blue team and forward Jonathon Simmons headed the white team — for a session that lasted for three 7-minute quarters.
Early in the scrimmage, Weems called a high screen for Curry in order to get the two-time MVP an easy shot. But, before Curry’s teammate could arrive in time to set the screen, Curry pulled up from nearly halfcourt and drained a 3-pointer. “Nevermind,” Weems told the would-be screen-setter.
Later on, with his defender tightly guarding him, Curry side-stepped into a 3-pointer in the left corner.
“I’m not going to say nothing surprises you, but it’s Steph,” Santa Cruz forward Roger Moute a Bidias said. “He does stuff like that.”
Though Curry also missed several open shots, he didn’t hesitate to shoot or make plays for others. With only a few seconds left, his Blue team down by one in what was a competitive scrimmage, Weems called the final shot for Curry: another high screen.
Curry took the inbound and darted toward the screen, but white team’s Jeremy Pargo ran him off the 3-point line and toward the basket, where Simmons and another big were waiting to contest his shot. With three players on him, Curry pulled up from mid-range, but his shot rimmed out. Blue fell to white, 49-48.
“It was a pretty good scrimmage,” Pargo said. “One-point victory, I’ll take that.”
“We got a shot off but maybe not the best shot we could have gotten,” Weems said, acknowledging that everyone knew the play was called for Curry. “Why would I draw it up for anybody else? I’m not trying to lose my job.”
Ultimately, it was the job of Weems and his staff to get Curry ready for a return. In Santa Cruz, the Warriors played Curry physically. They bumped him off his spots, showed him different defenses and forced him to guard bigger players.
Though Curry was frustrated that he couldn’t play in Sunday’s loss to the Wizards, Golden State wanted him to participate in this sort of scrimmage — one that would more closely resemble the game action that awaits him after a four-month absence. Related Articles Golden State Warriors | Here’s the Warriors’ schedule for NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament
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Since he suffered a broken bone in his left hand against Phoenix on Oct. 30, Curry has worked through a meticulous rehab to regain the strength and feeling in his surgically-repaired left hand.
Following the failed game-winner, Curry went through 90 minutes of shooting drills with player development coach Seth Cooper and consulted with Golden State’s Director of Sports Medicine and Performance Dr. Rick Celebrini.
As he went through his drills on one end of the single court in the 2,505 capacity arena, his temporary teammates worked on the other basket. A few feet from Curry was a banner that listed all of the team’s G League call-ups over the years — including names like Damion Lee, Seth Curry and Quinn Cook.
The few times Curry lost his dribble or missed consecutive shots, he punctuated his mistakes with a frustrated “ARGH” or “Oh, my God.” When Celebrini paused his shooting routine, he’d run Curry through a series of balance drills and test the strength of his left hand, in which he acknowledges he still experiences occasional numbness and tingling.
This is someone who is, no doubt, anxious to return, but is being monitored closely by an organization with the longview in mind.
Steph Curry getting shots in after practicing in Santa Cruz. pic.twitter.com/xwnU6meP5u — Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) March 2, 2020
A return Thursday would provide up to 20 games for Curry to test his nerve-damaged left hand and build some chemistry with his new teammates before an extended offseason.
And though he’s been frustrated by his extended recovery, a new set of frustrations may await him after joining the Warriors during this lottery-bound season.
Still, as he nears his return, Curry has remained positive. When he walked into the facility at 9:15 a.m., he greeted his teammates and coaches with fist bumps and hand shakes. After the intense scrimmage, he pulled several youngsters aside to dole out advice.
“The fire that he plays with, he’s highly competitive, which everybody knows. His habits in practice and going against our guys, that should raise our level of play,” Weems said. “We’re trying to get to where he is.”


mercurynews--2020-03-03--Fatal crash closes Highway 156 in Hollister

HOLLISTER – The California Highway Patrol is investigating a traffic fatality on Highway 156 near Hollister .
The crash was @ @ @ @ @ in the westbound lane just east of San Felipe Road .
Both lanes of Highway @ @ @ @ @ an investigation , according to the CHP .

HOLLISTER – One man is dead and another is in custody following a suspected DUI crash on State Route 156 near Hollister, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash was reported about 3:05 p.m. Monday on the two-lane highway just east of San Felipe Road.
The CHP said that Russell Longworth, 26, of Modesto, was driving a 2006 Toyota Tacoma westbound at an estimated 55 mph when he crossed over the solid double-yellow lines for reasons that are still under investigation and collided head-on with a 41-year-old Los Banos man driving a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta eastbound, also at an estimated 55 mph.
The Los Banos man suffered fatal injuries in the crash, according to the CHP. The San Benito County Coroner’s Office will release his identity once it has been confirmed and his next of kin is notified.
The CHP said Longworth was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence. He was then taken to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas to be treated for major injuries. An update on his condition was not immediately available Tuesday night.
Both lanes of State Route 156 were closed for an investigation until about 5:20 p.m. Monday.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-03-03--Chris Matthews shocker: MSNBC host retires — abrutptly

Pugnacious MSNBC host and political commentator Chris Matthews stunned viewers on Monday , announcing his retirement from his nightly “ Hardball ” show — effective immediately .
How immediate ?
Matthews didn ’ t even bother to finish the show .
“ I ’ m retiring , ” he said in the opening moments of Monday ’ s program .
“ This is my last Hardball on MSNBC.
” He will be replaced at 7 p.m. by a rotating group of hosts .
Matthews , 74 , said he and MSNBC had mutually agreed to part ways .
The decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism of the host ’ s statements about Bernie Sanders , African-American lawmakers , and comments he had made to female journalists and coworkers .
Just last Monday , Matthews apologized to Sanders for comparing his rise in the 2020 campaign to the German invasion of France .
“ I ’ m sorry for comparing anything from that tragic era in which so many suffered , especially the Jewish people , to an electoral result of which you were the well-deserved winner , ” Matthews said during his on-air mea culpa .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave his show in younger hands .
“ After conversations with MSNBC , I ’ ve decided tonight will be my last ‘ Hardball.
’ Let me tell you why : The younger generations out there are ready to take the reins.
” He went on to suggest that younger people were bringing “ better standards than we grew up with – fair standards ” to the workplace , and admitted he addressed women in an outdated manner .
“ For making such comments in the past , I ’ m sorry.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matthew signed off and handed over the hour to a visibly shaken MSNBC anchor Steve Kornacki .
“ Um , that was a lot to take in just now , I ’ m sure , ” Kornacki said .
“ And I ’ m sure you ’ re still absorbing that , and I am too .
Chris Matthews is a giant .
He ’ s a legend .
It ’ s been an honor for me to work with him , to sit in here on occasion .
And I know how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think you ’ re going to miss him .
And I know I ’ m going to.
” Kornacki went on to say there would be “ no bells and whistles ” on Monday ’ s program before acknowledging that “ we do have to fill this hour.
” Matthews was due to retire in the near future with the events of the past week playing a factor in the timing of the move , an MSNBC spokesperson said .
The controversial Matthews was one of the longest-tenured voices at MSNBC , ( @ @ @ @ @

Pugnacious MSNBC host and political commentator Chris Matthews stunned viewers on Monday, announcing his retirement from his nightly “Hardball” show — effective immediately.
How immediate? Matthews didn’t even bother to finish the show.
Related Articles TV Streaming | ’60 Minutes’ slammed for piece on alleged ‘war criminal’ “I’m retiring,” he said in the opening moments of Monday’s program. “This is my last Hardball on MSNBC.”
He will be replaced at 7 p.m. by a rotating group of hosts.
Matthews, 74, said he and MSNBC had mutually agreed to part ways. In recent weeks, Matthews had come under fire for a series of controversial statements he made about Bernie Sanders and African-American lawmakers, and sexist comments he had made to female journalists and coworkers.
Just last Monday, Matthews apologized to Sanders for comparing his rise in the 2020 campaign to the German invasion of France.
“I’m sorry for comparing anything from that tragic era in which so many suffered, especially the Jewish people, to an electoral result of which you were the well-deserved winner,” Matthews said during his on-air mea culpa.
On Monday, Matthews said it was time to leave his show in younger hands.
“After conversations with MSNBC, I’ve decided tonight will be my last ‘Hardball.’ Let me tell you why: The younger generations out there are ready to take the reins. We see them in politics, and the media and fighting for their causes. They are improving the workplace. We’re talking here about better standards than we grew up with, fair standards. A lot of it has to do with how we talk to each other, compliments on a woman’s appearance that some men, including me, might have once incorrectly thought were OK – were never OK. Not then and certainly not today, and for making such comments in the past, I’m sorry.”
In less than two minutes, Matthew signed off and handed over the hour to a visibly shaken MSNBC anchor Steve Kornacki.
“Um, that was a lot to take in just now, I’m sure,” Kornacki said. “And I’m sure you’re still absorbing that, and I am too. Chris Matthews is a giant. He’s a legend. It’s been an honor for me to work with him, to sit in here on occasion. And I know how much you meant to him. I think you’re going to miss him. And I know I’m going to.”
Kornacki went on to say there would be “no bells and whistles” on Monday’s program before acknowledging that “we do have to fill this hour.”
Matthews was due to retire in the near future with recent events playing a factor in the timing of the move, an MSNBC spokesperson said.
Just three days ago, Matthews was the subject of a GQ.com column in which the author, Laura Bassett, wrote that Matthews behaved in a “gross” and “inappropriate” manner when she was a guest on his show. Bassett also cited Matthews’ aggressive questioning of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts following NBC’s primary debate on Feb. 19 as an example of his sexism. During that interview, Matthews repeatedly pressed Warren about her criticism of Michael Bloomberg and his company’s handling of allegations of sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination.
“His tendency to objectify women in his orbit has bled into his treatment of female politicians and candidates,” Bassett wrote.
NBC News has acknowledged that there has been one financial settlement paid to a former female employee who complained about Matthews’ behavior. The host reportedly received a stern reprimand over the matter.
CHRIS MATTHEWS just now: "I’m retiring – this is the last Hardball on MSNBC." — Michael M. Grynbaum (@grynbaum) March 3, 2020
The controversial Matthews was one of the longest-tenured voices at MSNBC. But he generated a great deal of criticism along the way. Shortly after announcing his resignation, the watchdog group Media Matters issued a statement calling his departure “long overdue.”
“He has a decades-long history of misogyny — on and off the air — and even openly bragged about whether women measured up to his ‘Chris Matthews test’ of women’s attractiveness,” the statement continued. “He spoke derisively of female politicians, complaining about their voices and diminishing their accomplishments. He had a particular fixation on whether powerful women were ‘castrating’ their male counterparts. …”


mercurynews--2020-03-02--One lucky day: Couple’s second child was born on Leap Day — so was their first, four years earlier

It ’ s rare to have one child born on a Leap Day .
But two ?
The lightning struck twice for Lindsay and Dane Demchak .
Lindsay first gave birth to their son , Omri , on Feb. 29 , 2016 .
Their daughter , Scout , joined the family last weekend .
Her birth date : Feb. 29 , 2020 .
“ Deep down I wanted it to happen and always joked with my wife that she will be born then too , but never really believed it [ would ] happen again , ” Dane told CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ odds were 1 in 2 million .
The couple wasn ’ t expecting their daughter to arrive early .
In fact , doctors said her due date was March 4 .
But baby Scout was ready to celebrate her birthday with her big brother .
The family had just set up decorations for Omri ’ s birthday party when Lindsay started having contractions early in the morning .
“ No way on Leap Day , again , ” Dane said .
Lindsay gave birth to a 7 pound 2-ounce Scout that same day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will celebrate their two kids ’ birthdays , the family isn ’ t worried about it .
They have it all figured out .
The couple plans on celebrating Omri ’ s birthday on Feb. 28 , since he ’ s older and Scout ’ s on March 1 .
And every four years on Leap Day , the siblings will have a giant celebration together .
“ Hopefully it becomes a tradition that carries on with them as they grow old and something that keeps them close forever , ” Dane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only two who have birthdays in February .
Lindsay ’ s is Feb. 26 , and her mother ’ s is Feb. 28 .
If you throw Valentine ’ s Day in the mix , it ’ s going to be a busy month for the Demchaks .
Dane gives all the praise to his wife , who he said has been amazing through it all .
With the two kids , it ’ s a good thing they run a family-owned online coffee roasting company .
They ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @

[vemba-video id=”van/ns-acc/2020/03/02/NE-015MO_CNNA-ST1-1000000005ab95fc”]
VIDEO: Family welcomes second Leap Day baby
It’s rare to have one child born on a Leap Day. But two?
The lightning struck twice for Lindsay and Dane Demchak.
Lindsay first gave birth to their son, Omri, on Feb. 29, 2016. Their daughter, Scout, joined the family last weekend. Her birth date: Feb. 29, 2020.
“Deep down I wanted it to happen and always joked with my wife that she will be born then too, but never really believed it [would] happen again,” Dane told CNN. “I think they said the odds were 1 in 2 million.
Beating the odds
The couple wasn’t expecting their daughter to arrive early.
In fact, doctors said her due date was March 4. But baby Scout was ready to celebrate her birthday with her big brother.
The family had just set up decorations for Omri’s birthday party when Lindsay started having contractions early in the morning. “No way on Leap Day, again,” Dane said.
Lindsay gave birth to a 7 pound 2-ounce Scout that same day — Feb. 29.
As for when they will celebrate their two kids’ birthdays, the family isn’t worried about it. They have it all figured out.
The couple plans on celebrating Omri’s birthday on Feb. 28, since he’s older and Scout’s on March 1. And every four years on Leap Day, the siblings will have a giant celebration together.
“Hopefully it becomes a tradition that carries on with them as they grow old and something that keeps them close forever,” Dane said.
The kids aren’t the only two who have birthdays in February. Lindsay’s is Feb. 26, and her mother’s is Feb. 28.
If you throw Valentine’s Day in the mix, it’s going to be a busy month for the Demchaks.
Dane gives all the praise to his wife, who he said has been amazing through it all. With the two kids, it’s a good thing they run a family-owned online coffee roasting company.
They’re going to need the extra caffeine.


mercurynews--2020-03-02--New Sharks defenseman explains how he became Joe Thornton’s houseguest

SAN JOSE — Monday was moving day for new Sharks defenseman Brandon Davidson .
“ Yeah , Jumbo took me in , ” Davidson said Monday .
“ Hell of a man .
I have a lot of words to describe him , actually.
” Davidson , who was acquired Feb. 24 from the Calgary Flames , will likely be in the lineup Tuesday — filling in for the injured Jake Middleton — when the Sharks host the Toronto Maple Leafs .
Middleton is considered week-to-week with a lower body injury he suffered Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belongings and traveled from Boston , where the Flames were , to Philadelphia to meet his new team .
Davidson and Thornton have a mutual friend in former Sharks forward Devin Setoguchi .
Davidson and Setoguchi , both from Taber , Alberta , are good friends and spoke to each other about the Sharks after the deal .
For complete Sharks coverage follow us on Flipboard .
“ Devin had known I had been traded and ( he ) called me right away , ” Davidson said .
“ I think he called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that ’ s kind of how we got introduced , anyway .
Friend of a friend.
” Thornton later asked Davidson where he was staying in San Jose .
Davidson replied that he was probably going to be at a hotel .
“ And he just said , ‘ No , you ’ re not.
’ He didn ’ t give me a choice , ” Davidson said of Thornton .
“ I mean , I wouldn ’ t have said no anyways .
Joe basically said , ‘ No , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re coming with me.
’ “ His wife and kids were actually in Switzerland , so he had a little bit of a empty house and I don ’ t know if he was lonely or just looking after me .
He gave me no choice and it meant everything to me , just to be able to meet one of my favorite hockey players and also stay at his house and have him just to show me around and introduce me to everybody.
” Davidson said he stayed with Thornton for about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family returning Monday , he figured it was time to move out .
“ He was phenomenal , ” Davidson said .
“ He took me into his home and gave me a bed and looked after me , just until I got my feet underneath me .
It ’ s guys like that that make this league what it is .
“ Jumbo Joe needs no introduction .
He ’ s the man , and he took very good care of me .
It was nice to spend a few days at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news , commentary and conversation .
Davidson said he went into Feb. 24 , the day of the NHL ’ s trade deadline , expecting to remain with the Flames .
But Calgary acquired two defensemen right before the deadline , trading for Erik Gustafsson from Chicago and Derek Forbort from Los Angeles .
Suddenly the Flames had a glut of defensemen , making Davidson expendable .
“ I could kind of see the writing between the lines .
But I never expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davidson said .
“ It did come as a bit of a surprise , but to say the least , a good surprise .
“ I couldn ’ t have landed in a better place with a better opportunity.
” Davidson , who was paired with Tim Heed for Monday ’ s practice , looks at the trade as an opportunity to rejuvenate his NHL career .
Davidson was diagnosed with testicular cancer in Oct. 2012 , right as he was starting his first full professional season in Oklahoma City with the Edmonton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later made his NHL debut with Edmonton on Dec. 10 , 2014 .
He would go on to play in 161 more NHL games from 2014-2019 with Edmonton , Montreal , the New York Islanders and Chicago .
He was hampered by an injury last season with the Blackhawks , but even though he ’ s been healthy this season , played just seven games with Calgary , spending most of his time in the AHL with Stockton .
“ I had surgery last season where I didn ’ t know if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as I have in the past , ” Davidson said .
“ I pushed myself mentally and physically and got myself to a place where I feel happy with where I ’ m at and my game .
“ It took some games in the minor leagues , took some games in the National League .
But I ’ ve definitely gotten to a place where I feel comfortable and feel good about my game.
” Davidson , listed at 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds , played a little more than 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Calgary .
Before his injury last season , though , he was averaging roughly 16 or 17 minutes per night .
“ He seems like a great guy , ” Sharks interim coach Bob Boughner said of Davidson .
“ Excited to be here and he works hard .
He ’ s in great shape .
I ’ ve watched him play a little over the years and I think he ’ s going to be able to help us.
” • Sharks 5 , Penguins 0 : Martin Jones ’ s work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrick Marleau : ‘ The door ’ s open ’ for ( another ) return to the Sharks Davidson , a one-year , two-way deal , will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season .
“ I take these last games as a tryout , and I think everybody should as well , ” Davidson said .
“ For me , personally , I just want to play some hockey , I want to play to the best of my ability .
Hopefully if I can do that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to maybe get a job here for next season and establish myself in this organization .
”

SAN JOSE — Monday was moving day for new Sharks defenseman Brandon Davidson.
Out of Joe Thornton’s house.
“Yeah, Jumbo took me in,” Davidson said Monday. “Hell of a man. I have a lot of words to describe him, actually.”
Davidson, who was acquired Feb. 24 from the Calgary Flames, will likely be in the lineup Tuesday — filling in for the injured Jake Middleton — when the Sharks host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Middleton is considered week-to-week with a lower body injury he suffered Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
After the trade, Davidson threw together some belongings and traveled from Boston, where the Flames were, to Philadelphia to meet his new team.
Davidson and Thornton have a mutual friend in former Sharks forward Devin Setoguchi. Davidson and Setoguchi, both from Taber, Alberta, are good friends and spoke to each other about the Sharks after the deal.
For complete Sharks coverage
follow us on Flipboard.
“Devin had known I had been traded and (he) called me right away,” Davidson said. “I think he called Jumbo and just told him about me, and that’s kind of how we got introduced, anyway. Friend of a friend.”
Thornton later asked Davidson where he was staying in San Jose. Davidson replied that he was probably going to be at a hotel.
“And he just said, ‘No, you’re not.’ He didn’t give me a choice,” Davidson said of Thornton. “I mean, I wouldn’t have said no anyways. Joe basically said, ‘No, you’re not, you’re coming with me.’
“His wife and kids were actually in Switzerland, so he had a little bit of a empty house and I don’t know if he was lonely or just looking after me. He gave me no choice and it meant everything to me, just to be able to meet one of my favorite hockey players and also stay at his house and have him just to show me around and introduce me to everybody.”
Davidson said he stayed with Thornton for about five days. With Thornton’s family returning Monday, he figured it was time to move out.
“He was phenomenal,” Davidson said. “He took me into his home and gave me a bed and looked after me, just until I got my feet underneath me. It’s guys like that that make this league what it is.
“Jumbo Joe needs no introduction. He’s the man, and he took very good care of me. It was nice to spend a few days at his place and get settled in.”
Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news, commentary and conversation.
Davidson said he went into Feb. 24, the day of the NHL’s trade deadline, expecting to remain with the Flames. But Calgary acquired two defensemen right before the deadline, trading for Erik Gustafsson from Chicago and Derek Forbort from Los Angeles.
Suddenly the Flames had a glut of defensemen, making Davidson expendable.
“I could kind of see the writing between the lines. But I never expected to be traded at all,” Davidson said. “It did come as a bit of a surprise, but to say the least, a good surprise.
“I couldn’t have landed in a better place with a better opportunity.”
Davidson, who was paired with Tim Heed for Monday’s practice, looks at the trade as an opportunity to rejuvenate his NHL career.
Davidson was diagnosed with testicular cancer in Oct. 2012, right as he was starting his first full professional season in Oklahoma City with the Edmonton Oilers organization. He persevered, and later made his NHL debut with Edmonton on Dec. 10, 2014.
He would go on to play in 161 more NHL games from 2014-2019 with Edmonton, Montreal, the New York Islanders and Chicago. He was hampered by an injury last season with the Blackhawks, but even though he’s been healthy this season, played just seven games with Calgary, spending most of his time in the AHL with Stockton.
“I had surgery last season where I didn’t know if I was going to be able to compete as well as I have in the past,” Davidson said. “I pushed myself mentally and physically and got myself to a place where I feel happy with where I’m at and my game.
“It took some games in the minor leagues, took some games in the National League. But I’ve definitely gotten to a place where I feel comfortable and feel good about my game.”
Davidson, listed at 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds, played a little more than 12 minutes per game in his time with Calgary. Before his injury last season, though, he was averaging roughly 16 or 17 minutes per night.
“He seems like a great guy,” Sharks interim coach Bob Boughner said of Davidson. “Excited to be here and he works hard. He’s in great shape. I’ve watched him play a little over the years and I think he’s going to be able to help us.”
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“I take these last games as a tryout, and I think everybody should as well,” Davidson said. “For me, personally, I just want to play some hockey, I want to play to the best of my ability. Hopefully if I can do that, I think that I’ll be able to maybe get a job here for next season and establish myself in this organization.”


mercurynews--2020-03-02--This map shows the most dangerous areas in Santa Clara County for cyclists

• Here ’ s why I don ’ t use my turn signal anymore • I tried to return my FasTrak transponder .
It did not go well .
While San Jose may be the most deadly city for Silicon Valley cyclists , Palo Alto is home to the most dangerous zone in Santa Clara County , according to a new analysis .
A new interactive map offers cyclists a jarring reminder of the danger they face while riding — even as leaders across the region are trying to push it as an alternative mode of transit .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the frequency and severity of vehicle vs. bicyclist and pedestrian injuries , ” said Michael Kelly , managing partner of the San Francisco-based personal injury law firm Walkup , Melodia Kelly and Schoenberger that produced the study .
“ … And we thought that this study would be helpful for cyclists to know where are the places where they have the highest chance of getting injured so that they can decide whether to reroute themselves around those sections.
” The data analysis and map — created by the marketing agency 1Point21 Interactive — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California Highway Patrol of 3,745 bicycle collisions across the county from 2014 to 2018 .
It then scored zones across the county based on the frequency and severity of crashes , assigning one point for each collision , three points for each injury , five points for each severe injury and 10 points for a fatality .
Using that scoring system , the study found that the ten most dangerous areas for cyclists were scattered across the county — from San Jose to Palo Alto to Santa Clara to Los Gatos .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the analysis , was a grid of city blocks in downtown Palo Alto .
The cluster of downtown streets , including the epicenter at the intersection of Waverley Street and University Avenue , saw 49 bicycle collisions , 84 % of which involved injuries but the majority were minor , according to the study .
In Palo Alto , 10 percent of residents bike to work– or more than ten times the rate of residents in most Bay Area cities , according to census data .
Yet , this study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a given area into consideration .
Emma Shlaes , deputy director of the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition , said that while this data does a good job of raising awareness , it should not be looked at in isolation .
“ It ’ s not that black and white , ” Shlaes said .
“ There ’ s going to be more collisions in Palo Alto because you have more people biking .
There ’ s also going to be more collisions in San Jose because there are significantly more people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to consider.
” During the same five-year time frame , San Jose had nearly three times the number of cyclist-involved collisions as the county ’ s next largest city , Sunnyvale .
San Jose not only had nearly 1,500 bicycle collisions during that time but had more cyclist injuries , severe injuries and deaths than the top five cities in the county combined , the study found .
Many of the city ’ s most dangerous zones designated by the study were concentrated downtown , including the intersections of South Market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clara and South 4th streets .
Most of the cities throughout Santa Clara County have adopted Vision Zero policies , which aim to eradicate traffic deaths on city streets .
But the goal has proved difficult to attain .
In San Jose , for instance , the trend has moved far in the opposite direction .
In 2019 , four years after the city launched a Vision Zero initiative , 60 people died in traffic collisions — matching the 25-year high reached in 2014 .
Seven of those fatalities involved cyclists .
Hoping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this year put nearly $ 7 million of additional funds into its Vision Zero plan over the next two years to further analyze data , form a Vision Zero Taskforce and hire a consultant to design a community engagement and messaging campaign to discourage residents from speeding .
The city has identified 15 safety priority corridors totaling 56 miles of city roadways to focus safety improvement projects , but only some of the priority corridors overlap with the areas highlighted by the newly released study .
Colin Heyne , the spokesperson for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said that ’ s because the city chose its zones based on the severity of collisions — those that involved a fatality or severe injuries , not collisions in general like in the recent study .
“ We appreciate a firm looking into it , but it ’ s really important to be able to explain what you mean by that and what qualifies as dangerous , ” Heyne said .
“ ….With this Zero Vision work where we ’ re decreasing speeds and possibly making an area more congested , sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if there are less severe injuries , then that ’ s not bad.
” The study also found that more than half of the top danger zones for Santa Clara County cyclists occurred along an expressway or a major arterial throughway — both notoriously known for catering more toward vehicles and often leaving bicycles and pedestrians out to dry .
Five of the most dangerous zones on the Peninsula involved an intersection on El Camino Real — one of the most trafficked thoroughfares but least friendly to cyclists and pedestrians in the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Expressway , Montgomery Highway and Sinclair Freeway also made the top 25 list .
The ten most dangerous areas for Santa Clara County cyclists , according to the study :

While San Jose may be the most deadly city for Silicon Valley cyclists, Palo Alto is home to the most dangerous zone in Santa Clara County, according to a new analysis.
A new interactive map offers cyclists a jarring reminder of the danger they face while riding — even as leaders across the region are trying to push it as an alternative mode of transit.
“We’re seeing an increase of both the frequency and severity of vehicle vs. bicyclist and pedestrian injuries,” said Michael Kelly, managing partner of the San Francisco-based personal injury law firm Walkup, Melodia Kelly and Schoenberger that produced the study.
“… And we thought that this study would be helpful for cyclists to know where are the places where they have the highest chance of getting injured so that they can decide whether to reroute themselves around those sections.”
The data analysis and map — created by the marketing agency 1Point21 Interactive — drew from publicly available data from the California Highway Patrol of 3,745 bicycle collisions across the county from 2014 to 2018.
It then scored zones across the county based on the frequency and severity of crashes, assigning one point for each collision, three points for each injury, five points for each severe injury and 10 points for a fatality.
Using that scoring system, the study found that the ten most dangerous areas for cyclists were scattered across the county — from San Jose to Palo Alto to Santa Clara to Los Gatos.
But the most dangerous zone in the county, according to the analysis, was a grid of city blocks in downtown Palo Alto. The cluster of downtown streets, including the epicenter at the intersection of Waverley Street and University Avenue, saw 49 bicycle collisions, 84% of which involved injuries but the majority were minor, according to the study.
In Palo Alto, 10 percent of residents bike to work– or more than ten times the rate of residents in most Bay Area cities, according to census data. Yet, this study did not take the volume of cyclists in a given area into consideration.
Emma Shlaes, deputy director of the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, said that while this data does a good job of raising awareness, it should not be looked at in isolation.
“It’s not that black-and-white,” Shlaes said. “There’s going to be more collisions in Palo Alto because you have more people biking. There’s also going to be more collisions in San Jose because there are significantly more people. There’s a relationship there that you have to consider.”
During the same five-year time frame, San Jose had nearly three times the number of cyclist-involved collisions as the county’s next largest city, Sunnyvale. San Jose not only had nearly 1,500 bicycle collisions during that time but had more cyclist injuries, severe injuries and deaths than the top five cities in the county combined, the study found.
Many of the city’s most dangerous zones designated by the study were concentrated downtown, including the intersections of South Market and San Fernando streets and East Santa Clara and South 4th streets.
Most of the cities throughout Santa Clara County have adopted Vision Zero policies, which aim to eradicate traffic deaths on city streets. But the goal has proved difficult to attain.
In San Jose, for instance, the trend has moved far in the opposite direction. In 2019, four years after the city launched a Vision Zero initiative, 60 people died in traffic collisions — matching the 25-year high reached in 2014. Seven of those fatalities involved cyclists.
Hoping to reverse the trend, San Jose earlier this year put nearly $7 million of additional funds into its Vision Zero plan over the next two years to further analyze data, form a Vision Zero Taskforce and hire a consultant to design a community engagement and messaging campaign to discourage residents from speeding.
The city has identified 15 safety priority corridors totaling 56 miles of city roadways to focus safety improvement projects, but only some of the priority corridors overlap with the areas highlighted by the newly released study.
Colin Heyne, the spokesperson for the city’s department of transportation, said that’s because the city chose its zones based on the severity of collisions — those that involved a fatality or severe injuries, not collisions in general like in the recent study.
“We appreciate a firm looking into it, but it’s really important to be able to explain what you mean by that and what qualifies as dangerous,” Heyne said. “….With this Zero Vision work where we’re decreasing speeds and possibly making an area more congested, sometimes treatments may result in more crashes but if there are less severe injuries, then that’s not bad.”
The study also found that more than half of the top danger zones for Santa Clara County cyclists occurred along an expressway or a major arterial throughway — both notoriously known for catering more toward vehicles and often leaving bicycles and pedestrians out to dry.
Five of the most dangerous zones on the Peninsula involved an intersection on El Camino Real — one of the most trafficked thoroughfares but least friendly to cyclists and pedestrians in the region. San Jose’s East Capitol Expressway, Montgomery Highway and Sinclair Freeway also made the top 25 list.
The ten most dangerous areas for Santa Clara County cyclists, according to the study:
Waverly Street & University Avenue — Palo Alto South Market Street and West San Fernando Street — San Jose Park Blvd. and Page Mill Road — Palo Alto Los Gatos-Saratoga Road and North Santa Cruz Avenue — Los Gatos Senter Road and East Capitol Expressway — San Jose Curtner Avenue and Monterey Highway — San Jose Auzerais Avenue and Montgomery Street — San Jose El Camino Real and Helen Avenue — Santa Clara Embarcadero Road and West El Camino Real — Palo Alto East Santa Clara Street and South First Street — San Jose
To read the full analysis click here.


mercurynews--2020-03-02--What we learned from Giants’ win vs. Diamondbacks: How did Hunter Pence look in his spring debut?

SCOTTSDALE , Ariz. — No , it ’ s not 2014 .
And by all indications , there will be no even-year , umm , you know .
But it sure felt like it Monday at Salt River Fields , at least for a couple innings .
Hunter Pence made his first spring training appearance since re-signing with the Giants this winter , and he was the recipient of the largest cheers of the 8-1 win over the Diamondbacks when he stepped into the box for the first time , following who other than Pablo Sandoval .
Sandoval and Pence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — albeit in a spring training exhibition — for the first time since July 30 , 2013 .
It didn ’ t amount to much the first time through the lineup , but Pence drove in the first run of the day in the third inning .
With two outs in the third , Wilmer Flores drew a walk and Sandoval followed that up with a hard single through the hole at short .
That brought Pence to the plate .
“ I had a lot of adrenaline , ” Pence said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the middle that brought Flores home and allowed Sandoval — or in Pence ’ s words , his “ soul brother ” — to chug his way from first to third .
He would be stranded there , however , as Pence was picked off first base on the next play .
“ It ’ s so funny , ” manager Gabe Kapler said .
“ We were talking about should we run for ( Sandoval ) ?
Should we not run for him ?
… He was so fired up coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the only one feeling a little nostalgic .
“ It ’ s like we went into a little black hole there for a year and all of a sudden we ’ re back with Pablo and Hunter out there , ” starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija said .
“ It ’ s like the old times again.
” Giants starting pitchers had run up a count of 20 ⅔ innings pitched this spring without allowing an earned run .
Before Monday , no starter had come out for a third inning of work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end to both those streaks .
After needing 28 pitches to get through his first two innings , manager Gabe Kapler sent him back out to the mound for the top of the third .
He appeared to have settled in after missing the strike zone on six of his first eight pitches , but John Hicks put an end to that .
A first-pitch slider got a little too much of the plate and Hicks put it on the berm behind the left-field foul pole .
“ First time we faced him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the count there , ” Samardzija said .
“ But other than that , I thought everything was pretty good .
The splitter was good .
I threw some good backdoor sliders .
The cutter has some work to go , but overall we just kind of did what we did out there and worked both sides of the plate.
” Samardzija stayed in and recorded the final two outs of the third , finishing with a final line of three hits , a walk and a strikeout to accompany the solo home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit the gas pedal , ” Kapler said .
“ There were times when he flashed a little more velocity ; that was nice to see .
But more importantly , he mixes and matches ( pitches ) so well.
” OK , so it ’ s not new this year .
But it ’ s new to the Giants .
Before signing with the Rangers last offseason , Pence got in touch with swing guru Dave Matta , who ’ s worked with a number of other big leaguers to reform their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failing , you ’ re going to seek everything you can to grow , ” Pence said .
“ Seeing several people really change their careers after a swing change … I was like , ‘ Well let me see if I can learn it and apply it to myself.
’ I think that was kind of the turning point for me.
” The result ?
Pence ’ s highest average exit velocity ( 91.4 mph ) , highest percentage of hard contact ( 42.6 % ) and his first All-Star nod since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dating back to 2015 ) .
In 83 games , Pence hit 18 home runs and drove in 59 runs while batting .297 .
How ’ d he do it ?
“ Instead of trying to swing down and inside the baseball , I ’ m trying to match the plane depending on the way the pitch is coming in , whether it ’ s moving vertical or horizontal , ” Pence said .
“ Trying to align my barrel to have it go as long through the zone as I can , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hit the ball.
” Pence spoke enthusiastically — that adverb carries a little less weight when talking about Pence , but still — about accessing all the new information provided by new technology like Statcast and the high-powered cameras that feed it , and passing on what he ’ s learned by overhauling his swing the past two years .
“ There ’ s a tremendous amount of information , stuff that can really help you in the game , ” Pence said .
“ There ’ s much learning and enthusiasm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the clubhouse of just everyone together.
” Pence ’ s next playing time will come Wednesday against the Dodgers , when he will be penciled in at designated hitter .
Pence didn ’ t get any action in two frames playing right field .
But he very well could have if not for Mauricio Dubon and Wilmer Flores , who made up the right side of the Giants ’ infield .
On back-to-back plays in the first inning , Dubon shifted into shallow right field and was rewarded each time .
Eduardo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scooped up with ease , possibly only because of his positioning .
The following batter , David Peralta , hit a nearly identical ball to Dubon , who this time needed to range to his left , spin and throw .
It pulled Flores off the bag at first , but Flores was able to corral the throw , get the out and slap gloves with Dubon jogging off the field .
“ As a pitcher , with all these shifts , you ’ re really putting a lot of trust and respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field open , ” Samardzija said .
“ As long as you make those right pitches , when it works out , they hit hard balls right at guys that are in the right spot .
That play that Dubon made , then Flo to catch the ball , too .
That ’ s not an easy play because guys are coming from different spots than they ’ re used to.
” The Giants , like the rest of baseball , are utilizing shifts more than ever .
Kean Wong , who subbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also jogged into shallow right for a handful of plays later in the game .
Flores flashed the leather one more time in the second inning , going down to one knee to snag a hard-hit ground ball off the bat of Jake Lamb .
He quickly tagged first and fired to shortstop Abietal Avelino at second to double-up Kole Calhoun and end the inning .
Green goes the other way • Kurtenbach : Mauricio Dubón ’ s strong spring shows the Giants ’ rebuild is on track • No timetable for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see spring training game action • SF Giants will get a taste of ‘ robo-umps ’ at Salt River Fields .
Here ’ s how they could impact the game .
• What we learned from SF Giants ’ spring training loss vs. Padres : Why Buster Posey is so special behind the plate Zach Green , a player the Giants seem to want to give every chance to make the roster , added one more reason to keep him around .
With Dubon on second after a double , Green barreled up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent it over the 390′ sign in right-center field .
It was Green ’ s third hit in 16 at-bats this spring — and his first home run .
“ Obviously he ’ s flashed that power at the minor league level , ” Kapler said .
“ We want to give him an opportunity to show us he can do it at this level , as well.
” They brought him to camp on a minor-league deal for a second straight spring training .
He spent most of 2019 in Triple-A Sacramento @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did see the first major-league action of his career during an eight-game stretch in July .
In just 252 Triple-A at-bats last year , Green slugged 25 home runs , an absurd rate of one dinger per 10.08 at-bats .
For context , Mark McGwire owns the highest career HR/AB rate , hitting one every 10.61 at-bats ( Barry Bonds is third , behind Babe Ruth , at 12.92 ) For the first time this spring , the Giants were interrupted by an Arizona spring shower .
In the middle of the sixth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of lightning were seen in the distance .
Soon , the skies opened up and play had to pause .
Players came off the field in exchange for tarps , but the delay lasted only seven minutes .
Play resumed without interruption — or another rain drop — for the final three and a half innings .
Left-handed reliever Tony Watson , who ’ s been dealing with tightness in his throwing shoulder , tossed his second bullpen Monday .
Kapler said it went well and the plan is for him to throw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest on the Giants ’ potential closer here .
What ’ s next for the Giants ?
The Giants host the Rangers at Scottsdale Stadium at 1:05 local time ( 12:05 PT ) Tuesday .
If you ’ re interested in the bullpen battle , this will be one to watch .
Right-hander Logan Webb gets the start , with Tyler Beede , Trevor Gott , Shaun Anderson and Wandy Peralta slated to follow .

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — No, it’s not 2014. And by all indications, there will be no even-year, umm, you know. But it sure felt like it Monday at Salt River Fields, at least for a couple innings.
Hunter Pence made his first spring training appearance since re-signing with the Giants this winter, and he was the recipient of the largest cheers of the 8-1 win over the Diamondbacks when he stepped into the box for the first time, following who other than Pablo Sandoval.
Sandoval and Pence hit 3-4 in the Giants’ order — albeit in a spring training exhibition — for the first time since July 30, 2013. It didn’t amount to much the first time through the lineup, but Pence drove in the first run of the day in the third inning.
With two outs in the third, Wilmer Flores drew a walk and Sandoval followed that up with a hard single through the hole at short. That brought Pence to the plate.
“I had a lot of adrenaline,” Pence said.
He channeled it into a line drive up the middle that brought Flores home and allowed Sandoval — or in Pence’s words, his “soul brother” — to chug his way from first to third. He would be stranded there, however, as Pence was picked off first base on the next play.
“It’s so funny,” manager Gabe Kapler said. “We were talking about should we run for (Sandoval)? Should we not run for him? … He was so fired up coming into the dugout.”
You’re not the only one feeling a little nostalgic.
“It’s like we went into a little black hole there for a year and all of a sudden we’re back with Pablo and Hunter out there,” starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija said. “It’s like the old times again.”
Samardzija erratic, but effective
Giants starting pitchers had run up a count of 20 ⅔ innings pitched this spring without allowing an earned run. Before Monday, no starter had come out for a third inning of work yet, either.
Samardzija put an end to both those streaks. After needing 28 pitches to get through his first two innings, manager Gabe Kapler sent him back out to the mound for the top of the third.
He appeared to have settled in after missing the strike zone on six of his first eight pitches, but John Hicks put an end to that. A first-pitch slider got a little too much of the plate and Hicks put it on the berm behind the left-field foul pole.
“First time we faced him, just trying to get ahead in the count there,” Samardzija said. “But other than that, I thought everything was pretty good. The splitter was good. I threw some good backdoor sliders. The cutter has some work to go, but overall we just kind of did what we did out there and worked both sides of the plate.”
Samardzija stayed in and recorded the final two outs of the third, finishing with a final line of three hits, a walk and a strikeout to accompany the solo home run.
“He knows when to hit the gas pedal,” Kapler said. “There were times when he flashed a little more velocity; that was nice to see. But more importantly, he mixes and matches (pitches) so well.”
Pence’s new swing
OK, so it’s not new this year. But it’s new to the Giants.
Before signing with the Rangers last offseason, Pence got in touch with swing guru Dave Matta, who’s worked with a number of other big leaguers to reform their swings.
“When you’re failing, you’re going to seek everything you can to grow,” Pence said. “Seeing several people really change their careers after a swing change … I was like, ‘Well let me see if I can learn it and apply it to myself.’ I think that was kind of the turning point for me.”
The result? Pence’s highest average exit velocity (91.4 mph), highest percentage of hard contact (42.6%) and his first All-Star nod since the dawn of the Statcast era (dating back to 2015). In 83 games, Pence hit 18 home runs and drove in 59 runs while batting .297.
How’d he do it?
“Instead of trying to swing down and inside the baseball, I’m trying to match the plane depending on the way the pitch is coming in, whether it’s moving vertical or horizontal,” Pence said. “Trying to align my barrel to have it go as long through the zone as I can, so I have a much larger window to hit the ball.”
Pence spoke enthusiastically — that adverb carries a little less weight when talking about Pence, but still — about accessing all the new information provided by new technology like Statcast and the high-powered cameras that feed it, and passing on what he’s learned by overhauling his swing the past two years.
“There’s a tremendous amount of information, stuff that can really help you in the game,” Pence said. “There’s much learning and enthusiasm. I feel that just hungry vibe in the clubhouse of just everyone together.”
Pence’s next playing time will come Wednesday against the Dodgers, when he will be penciled in at designated hitter.
Giants infield flashes the leather
Pence didn’t get any action in two frames playing right field. But he very well could have if not for Mauricio Dubon and Wilmer Flores, who made up the right side of the Giants’ infield.
On back-to-back plays in the first inning, Dubon shifted into shallow right field and was rewarded each time. Eduardo Escobar hit a sharp grounder that Dubon scooped up with ease, possibly only because of his positioning. The following batter, David Peralta, hit a nearly identical ball to Dubon, who this time needed to range to his left, spin and throw. It pulled Flores off the bag at first, but Flores was able to corral the throw, get the out and slap gloves with Dubon jogging off the field.
“As a pitcher, with all these shifts, you’re really putting a lot of trust and respect into your defense, leaving half the field open,” Samardzija said. “As long as you make those right pitches, when it works out, they hit hard balls right at guys that are in the right spot. That play that Dubon made, then Flo to catch the ball, too. That’s not an easy play because guys are coming from different spots than they’re used to.”
The Giants, like the rest of baseball, are utilizing shifts more than ever. Kean Wong, who subbed in for Evan Longoria at third base, also jogged into shallow right for a handful of plays later in the game.
Flores flashed the leather one more time in the second inning, going down to one knee to snag a hard-hit ground ball off the bat of Jake Lamb. He quickly tagged first and fired to shortstop Abietal Avelino at second to double-up Kole Calhoun and end the inning.
Green goes the other way
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With Dubon on second after a double, Green barreled up a 94-mph fastball down the middle and sent it over the 390′ sign in right-center field. It was Green’s third hit in 16 at-bats this spring — and his first home run.
“Obviously he’s flashed that power at the minor league level,” Kapler said. “We want to give him an opportunity to show us he can do it at this level, as well.”
They brought him to camp on a minor-league deal for a second straight spring training. He spent most of 2019 in Triple-A Sacramento, where he grew up, but did see the first major-league action of his career during an eight-game stretch in July.
In just 252 Triple-A at-bats last year, Green slugged 25 home runs, an absurd rate of one dinger per 10.08 at-bats. For context, Mark McGwire owns the highest career HR/AB rate, hitting one every 10.61 at-bats (Barry Bonds is third, behind Babe Ruth, at 12.92)
Rain, rain, go away
For the first time this spring, the Giants were interrupted by an Arizona spring shower. In the middle of the sixth inning, thunder claps sounded and flashes of lightning were seen in the distance. Soon, the skies opened up and play had to pause.
Players came off the field in exchange for tarps, but the delay lasted only seven minutes. Play resumed without interruption — or another rain drop — for the final three and a half innings.
What’s next for Watson?
Left-handed reliever Tony Watson, who’s been dealing with tightness in his throwing shoulder, tossed his second bullpen Monday. Kapler said it went well and the plan is for him to throw another before facing live hitters. Read the latest on the Giants’ potential closer here.
What’s next for the Giants?
The Giants host the Rangers at Scottsdale Stadium at 1:05 local time (12:05 PT) Tuesday. If you’re interested in the bullpen battle, this will be one to watch. Right-hander Logan Webb gets the start, with Tyler Beede, Trevor Gott, Shaun Anderson and Wandy Peralta slated to follow.


mercurynews--2020-03-02--Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area announces opening date

On your mark , get set … build .
After months of planning and construction — as well as the unpacking of millions of colorful plastic bricks — Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area will open its doors to children and families on April 2 at Great Mall in Milpitas .
• ‘ Lego Masters ’ : Oakland duo out to shine in reality TV series A $ 12 million investment in the Silicon Valley market , California ’ s first Legoland Discovery Center will be comprised of more than 31,000 square feet of interactive and educational attraction space geared toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A vast indoor playground , its range of educational and interactive experiences includes themed building stations , master classes in the Creative Workshop from Master Model Builder Sam Suksiri , an Imagination Express train ride , an earthquake table , a 4D cinema , party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations , a cafe , a retail shop , and , a “ Miniland ” play area featuring models of iconic Bay Area landmarks , including Winchester Mystery House , the Golden Gate Bridge , and Levi ’ s Stadium .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start crooning , “ Everything Is Awesome ” !
“ We are so excited to welcome families from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond to our ultimate indoor playground , ” James Judy , general manager of the facility , said in a statement .
“ We look forward to providing an interactive experience that is both entertaining and educational.
” In addition to announcing its grand opening , the Discovery Center revealed the names of Bay Area children who will make up its “ Creative Crew.
” The crew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambassadors ( ages 5–12 ) who will learn new building skills and assist Suksiri on a variety of efforts and special events throughout the year .
In addition , crew members are treated to a pair of annual passes , VIP perks and more .
The members of the Creative Crew are Dylan Blas , 7 , Abigail Castagnetto , 6 , Jeramiah Diaz , 9 , Colin Gong , 9 Anusha Jain , 12 , Kaashvi Jain , 7 , Parker Miles , 12 , Paisley Shieh , 5 , Thomas Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Mikayla Wong , 8 .
Now available to the public , “ First to Play ” annual passes can be purchased for $ 79.95 .
Pass holders will receive unlimited access to the attraction for 12 months , plus benefits at the cafe and retail shop , invitations to special events , as well as birthday party discounts .
“ First to Play ” single day tickets ( $ 26 ) are also now available .
Children under 2 years-old are free .
To purchase , visit bayarea.legolanddiscoverycenter.com .
Only a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” annual and single day tickets are available .
Once sold out , regular one-day tickets and annual passes will be released .
Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area will hold a “ First to Play ” Preview Weekend , open only to “ First to Play ” passholders on March 28 and 29 .
To celebrate the grand opening , Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area will be giving away “ First to Play ” annual passes each week during the month of March leading up to opening day .
To enter , follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Instagram and post why you ’ re excited for the playground to open , why you want to win “ First to Play ” annual passes , and who you would bring as your guest in the comment area below the weekly sweepstakes photo that will be posted every Monday .
The winner will be announced via Facebook / Instagram every Friday through March 27 .
All entries submitted prior to the weekly announcement will be accepted .
All entrants must be following Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area on Facebook / Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by at least one child ( aged 17 and under ) to visit the attraction .

On your mark, get set … build.
After months of planning and construction — as well as the unpacking of millions of colorful plastic bricks — Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area will open its doors to children and families on April 2 at Great Mall in Milpitas.
A $12 million investment in the Silicon Valley market, California’s first Legoland Discovery Center will be comprised of more than 31,000 square feet of interactive and educational attraction space geared toward kids ages 3–10, and their families.
A vast indoor playground, its range of educational and interactive experiences includes themed building stations, master classes in the Creative Workshop from Master Model Builder Sam Suksiri, an Imagination Express train ride, an earthquake table, a 4D cinema, party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations, a cafe, a retail shop, and, a “Miniland” play area featuring models of iconic Bay Area landmarks, including Winchester Mystery House, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Levi’s Stadium.
It’s almost enough to make us to start crooning, “Everything Is Awesome”!
“We are so excited to welcome families from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond to our ultimate indoor playground,” James Judy, general manager of the facility, said in a statement. “We look forward to providing an interactive experience that is both entertaining and educational.”
In addition to announcing its grand opening, the Discovery Center revealed the names of Bay Area children who will make up its “Creative Crew.” The crew is a team of enthusiastic, imaginative ambassadors (ages 5–12) who will learn new building skills and assist Suksiri on a variety of efforts and special events throughout the year. In addition, crew members are treated to a pair of annual passes, VIP perks and more.
The members of the Creative Crew are Dylan Blas, 7, Abigail Castagnetto, 6, Jeramiah Diaz, 9, Colin Gong, 9 Anusha Jain, 12, Kaashvi Jain, 7, Parker Miles, 12, Paisley Shieh, 5, Thomas Smith, 11, Earnie Wong, 12, and Mikayla Wong, 8.
Now available to the public, “First to Play” annual passes can be purchased for $79.95. Pass holders will receive unlimited access to the attraction for 12 months, plus benefits at the cafe and retail shop, invitations to special events, as well as birthday party discounts.
“First to Play” single day tickets ($26) are also now available. Children under 2 years-old are free. To purchase, visit bayarea.legolanddiscoverycenter.com. Only a limited quantity of “First to Play” annual and single day tickets are available. Once sold out, regular one-day tickets and annual passes will be released.
Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area will hold a “First to Play” Preview Weekend, open only to “First to Play” passholders on March 28 and 29.
Related Articles Entertainment | Bay Area Legoland holding contest to find ‘Master Model Builder’
Bay Area Legoland holding contest to find ‘Master Model Builder’ Entertainment | ‘Lego Masters’: Oakland duo out to shine in reality TV series To celebrate the grand opening, Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area will be giving away “First to Play” annual passes each week during the month of March leading up to opening day. To enter, follow Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area on Facebook and Instagram and post why you’re excited for the playground to open, why you want to win “First to Play” annual passes, and who you would bring as your guest in the comment area below the weekly sweepstakes photo that will be posted every Monday.
The winner will be announced via Facebook / Instagram every Friday through March 27. All entries submitted prior to the weekly announcement will be accepted. All entrants must be following Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area on Facebook / Instagram to win. Adults must be accompanied by at least one child (aged 17 and under) to visit the attraction.


mercurynews--2020-03-02--Apple affordable housing fund opens for projects

Flush with tech funding , nonprofit Housing Trust Silicon Valley on Monday launched its first call to developers to tap into a $ 150 million Apple Affordable Housing Fund to build subsidized homes and apartments in the greater Bay Area .
The money is the first release of Cupertino-based Apple ’ s $ 2.5 billion commitment to support residential projects in the region through a wide variety of programs and initiatives .
Housing Trust Silicon Valley CEO Kevin Zwick said the initial loans will be aimed at projects approved by local cities but needing extra funding to start construction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ projects that will have the most impact , ” he said .
“ This will really move forward projects that otherwise wouldn ’ t happen.
” As the Bay Area ’ s booming economy and housing shortage have sent home and apartment prices to record levels , affordable housing developers have struggled to fund projects .
State and federal grants often have been insufficient to buy Bay Area property and build subsidized units .
Apple stepped forward in November to support new , multi-family developments , first-time buyer assistance , affordable housing projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Affordable housing means stability and dignity , opportunity and pride , ” Apple CEO Tim Cook said at the time .
“ When these things fall out of reach for too many , we know the course we are on is unsustainable , and Apple is committed to being part of the solution.
” • Affordable housing group calls for 15,000 homes near Google development around Diridon Station • They refused to pay rent for months .
Now , it may pay off • Caltrain board votes to require on-site affordable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developers face stiff competition for government funding , as well as high property costs to acquire land in the Bay Area .
Many projects stall while developers cobble together funds for financing and construction , advocates say .
Winning local and environmental approval can also lengthen construction timelines and add substantial costs .
Michael Lane , deputy director of SV @ Home , said developers of affordable projects typically need to tap funding from 5 to 7 sources , including local , state and federal agencies .
The new loans will allow developers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process , he said .
“ This flexible , local source is really needed , ” Lane said .
“ It feels like you ’ ve got a friend at the local level.
” Zwick estimates as many as 50 developments in the Bay Area could qualify for the competitive funding .
“ The need is so great , ” he said .
The housing trust expects to identify between 6 and 9 projects , and extend about $ 50 million in loans , he said .
The maximum loan amount will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as long as 20 years .
The trust wants developments that are “ shovel ready ” — poised to start construction — by the end of 2021 .
The developments will support housing low and moderate-income residents , including families making up to 120 percent of the region ’ s median income .
The new developments will have long-term agreements dedicating them as affordable housing units .
The trust plans to tap into the additional Apple funds for other loan and development programs , Zwick said .

Flush with tech funding, nonprofit Housing Trust Silicon Valley on Monday launched its first call to developers to tap into a $150 million Apple Affordable Housing Fund to build subsidized homes and apartments in the greater Bay Area.
The money is the first release of Cupertino-based Apple’s $2.5 billion commitment to support residential projects in the region through a wide variety of programs and initiatives.
Housing Trust Silicon Valley CEO Kevin Zwick said the initial loans will be aimed at projects approved by local cities but needing extra funding to start construction. “We’re really looking for projects that will have the most impact,” he said. “This will really move forward projects that otherwise wouldn’t happen.”
As the Bay Area’s booming economy and housing shortage have sent home and apartment prices to record levels, affordable housing developers have struggled to fund projects. State and federal grants often have been insufficient to buy Bay Area property and build subsidized units.
Apple stepped forward in November to support new, multi-family developments, first-time buyer assistance, affordable housing projects, homelessness assistance and other housing initiatives.
“Affordable housing means stability and dignity, opportunity and pride,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said at the time. “When these things fall out of reach for too many, we know the course we are on is unsustainable, and Apple is committed to being part of the solution.” Related Articles Real Estate | Caltrain board votes to require on-site affordable housing in new residential development
Caltrain board votes to require on-site affordable housing in new residential development Real Estate | Housing Trust offers new loan programs for first-time buyers
Housing Trust offers new loan programs for first-time buyers Real Estate | JPMorgan Chase to invest $22 million to boost Bay Area affordable housing stock
Affordable housing developers face stiff competition for government funding, as well as high property costs to acquire land in the Bay Area. Many projects stall while developers cobble together funds for financing and construction, advocates say. Winning local and environmental approval can also lengthen construction timelines and add substantial costs.
Michael Lane, deputy director of SV@Home, said developers of affordable projects typically need to tap funding from 5 to 7 sources, including local, state and federal agencies. The new loans will allow developers to move more quickly, and simplify the process, he said.
“This flexible, local source is really needed,” Lane said. “It feels like you’ve got a friend at the local level.”
Zwick estimates as many as 50 developments in the Bay Area could qualify for the competitive funding. “The need is so great,” he said.
The housing trust expects to identify between 6 and 9 projects, and extend about $50 million in loans, he said. The maximum loan amount will be $10 million, repayable over as long as 20 years.
The trust wants developments that are “shovel ready” — poised to start construction — by the end of 2021. The developments will support housing low and moderate-income residents, including families making up to 120 percent of the region’s median income. The new developments will have long-term agreements dedicating them as affordable housing units.
Developer applications are due March 24.
The trust plans to tap into the additional Apple funds for other loan and development programs, Zwick said.


mercurynews--2020-03-03--Costco crush: Water, toilet paper dwindle on coronavirus fears

Big-box stores throughout Southern California are grappling with dwindling supplies of bottled water , toilet paper , bleach and hand sanitizer as worried shoppers stock up amid news of the spreading coronavirus and local quarantines .
What began as a busy shopping weekend Feb. 29 spiraled into a scene more typical of storm preparations : empty shelves and carts teetering with bulk supplies at Costco , Sam ’ s Club , Target and local drugstores .
By Sunday , supplies were waning and stores from Ontario to south Orange County were rationing water and toilet paper .
At Sam ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Mark store-brand water was sold out Monday after a “ crazy weekend , ” according to one employee .
A typically quiet shopping day , Monday wound up almost as hectic as the weekend as more shoppers lined up to buy their share .
“ This is not normal , ” a Sam ’ s Club employee said with a laugh .
News on Friday of 600 people quarantined in Orange County , plus burgeoning numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. and California likely spooked residents into their buying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand sanitizers , rubbing alcohol and bleach at a Target on East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena had gaping holes , while the store ’ s inventory of cold and flu medicine was virtually depleted .
Pasadena resident Julie Ward said she was stocking up before supplies ran out .
“ I ’ m just re-stocking the medicine cabinet to make sure I have everything on hand in case we need to have it … and I ’ m going to use it at some point , anyway , ” she said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get stuck in the house for two weeks .
A manager at Target on Arlington Avenue in Riverside said her store was dealing with an ongoing shortage of masks , hand sanitizers and cough medicine .
Face masks have been selling fast over the last three weeks , she said .
Will these big-box stores be able to replenish all of the merchandise that ’ s flying off the shelves ?
It depends on the store , according to Burt Flickinger III , managing director for the retail consulting firm Strategic Resource Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which owns Ralphs , have all invested extensively in having their own trucking fleets and local warehouses that are half a million to a million square feet in all of their major markets in California and across the country , ” he said .
“ They have the working capital to re-supply their stores quickly.
” But Target , he said , will have a tougher time keeping up .
“ Target has outsourced its distribution to third-party wholesalers which tend to be very lean on inventory , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it will be hard for Target to get extra deliveries on a weekly basis.
” When contacted Monday , Target declined to comment on how the coronavirus has affected its operations .
Costco also had resupply issues Monday .
Shoppers at a store in Signal Hill circled an uncharacteristically barren aisle , exchanging confused glances — all the water was gone .
A manager who declined to give his last name at the Lakewood Costco said it was chaotic at his store as well .
“ It ’ s busier than Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lines were all the way to the alcohol section.
” Is all the shopping overkill or appropriate ?
Dr. Sean Nordt , chief medical officer and the Gavin Herbert Endowed Professor of Pharmacy at the Chapman University School of Pharmacy , said people should use common sense .
“ We ’ re still in the flu season , so any precautions you might take for the flu we recommend you apply to this , ” he said .
“ Frequent hand washing is good , and if you are sick don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stay at home , unless you are so symptomatic that you need to go to the emergency department.
” Nordt also advises people not to buy up masks in an effort to protect themselves from the virus .
“ If you aren ’ t sick it doesn ’ t make a whole lot of sense , ” he said .
“ And there ’ s a shortage of masks .
Hospital providers need those masks for people who are really sick.
” Nordt said Southland residents shouldn ’ t necessarily avoid public places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention has not declared the outbreak a pandemic .
“ People have to make their own risk assessment regarding that , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t know of any universities or workplaces that are closed .
It ’ s pretty much business as usual.
” The coronavirus outbreak has so far sickened more than 90,200 people , according to official counts .
At least 3,081 people have died , all but 169 in mainland China , the New York Times reported .
Of the six reported U.S. deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Care Center nursing care facility in Kirkland , ironically the home of Costco .
Global health officials have sought to reassure the public that the virus remains a manageable threat .
“ Containment is feasible and must remain the top priority for all countries , ” World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said .
The virus may not be a pandemic , but its effect on U.S. markets is close .
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development warned that the world economy could contract this quarter for the first time since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decade ago .
“ Global economic prospects remain subdued and very uncertain , ” the agency said .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared nearly 1,300 points , or 5 % , Monday as stocks roared back from a seven-day rout on hopes that central banks will take action to shield the global economy from the effects of the coronavirus outbreak .
Correspondent Kat Schuster and The Associated Press contributed to this report .

Kevin Smith, Jack Katzanek, Samantha Gowen

Big-box stores throughout Southern California are grappling with dwindling supplies of bottled water, toilet paper, bleach and hand sanitizer as worried shoppers stock up amid news of the spreading coronavirus and local quarantines.
What began as a busy shopping weekend Feb. 29 spiraled into a scene more typical of storm preparations: empty shelves and carts teetering with bulk supplies at Costco, Sam’s Club, Target and local drugstores.
By Sunday, supplies were waning and stores from Ontario to south Orange County were rationing water and toilet paper. At Sam’s Club in Fullerton, the Member’s Mark store-brand water was sold out Monday after a “crazy weekend,” according to one employee.
Shoppers at the Sam’s Club in Fullerton walk past empty bays that once held cases of Member’s Mark bottled water. The membership club owned by Walmart sold out of its namesake water after rationing supplies over the weekend, according to one employee. All that remained Monday was a few cases of Arrowhead bottled water. Shoppers were busy stocking up on household supplies amid coronavirus headlines that could spur some residents to stay home. (Samantha Gowen/SCNG)
Signs hanging inside a Costco store in Cypress notified customers that they were out of supplies on Monday, March 2. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Normally water, toilet paper and paper towels fill this space at the Woodland Hills, CA. Costco on Monday, March 2, 2020. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Signs hanging inside Costco notify customers that they are out of supplies on March 2, 2020, in Cypress, CA. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Signs hanging inside Costco notify customers that they are out of supplies on March 2, 2020, in Cypress, CA. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Shoppers visit a Costco Wholesale in Tigard, Ore., Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, after reports of Oregon’s first case of coronavirus was announced in the nearby Oregon city of Lake Oswego on Friday. (AP Photo/Gillian Flaccus)
Shoppers visit a Costco Wholesale in Tigard, Ore., Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, after reports of Oregon’s first case of coronavirus was announced in the nearby Oregon city of Lake Oswego on Friday. (AP Photo/Gillian Flaccus)
A typically quiet shopping day, Monday wound up almost as hectic as the weekend as more shoppers lined up to buy their share.
“This is not normal,” a Sam’s Club employee said with a laugh.
News on Friday of 600 people quarantined in Orange County, plus burgeoning numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. and California likely spooked residents into their buying binge.
Shelves ordinarily stocked full of hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohol and bleach at a Target on East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena had gaping holes, while the store’s inventory of cold and flu medicine was virtually depleted.
Pasadena resident Julie Ward said she was stocking up before supplies ran out.
“I’m just re-stocking the medicine cabinet to make sure I have everything on hand in case we need to have it … and I’m going to use it at some point, anyway,” she said. “It’s just in case we get stuck in the house for two weeks.
A manager at Target on Arlington Avenue in Riverside said her store was dealing with an ongoing shortage of masks, hand sanitizers and cough medicine. Face masks have been selling fast over the last three weeks, she said.
Backfilling supplies
Will these big-box stores be able to replenish all of the merchandise that’s flying off the shelves?
It depends on the store, according to Burt Flickinger III, managing director for the retail consulting firm Strategic Resource Group.
“Albertsons, Vons and Kroger, which owns Ralphs, have all invested extensively in having their own trucking fleets and local warehouses that are half a million to a million square feet in all of their major markets in California and across the country,” he said. “They have the working capital to re-supply their stores quickly.”
But Target, he said, will have a tougher time keeping up.
“Target has outsourced its distribution to third-party wholesalers which tend to be very lean on inventory,” he said. “When other competitors are increasing deliveries, it will be hard for Target to get extra deliveries on a weekly basis.”
When contacted Monday, Target declined to comment on how the coronavirus has affected its operations.
Costco also had resupply issues Monday. Shoppers at a store in Signal Hill circled an uncharacteristically barren aisle, exchanging confused glances — all the water was gone. A manager who declined to give his last name at the Lakewood Costco said it was chaotic at his store as well.
“It’s busier than Christmas,” he said. “Yesterday the lines were all the way to the alcohol section.”
Common sense
Is all the shopping overkill or appropriate?
Dr. Sean Nordt, chief medical officer and the Gavin Herbert Endowed Professor of Pharmacy at the Chapman University School of Pharmacy, said people should use common sense.
“We’re still in the flu season, so any precautions you might take for the flu we recommend you apply to this,” he said. “Frequent hand washing is good, and if you are sick don’t go to work or school. Stay at home, unless you are so symptomatic that you need to go to the emergency department.”
Nordt also advises people not to buy up masks in an effort to protect themselves from the virus.
“If you aren’t sick it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense,” he said. “And there’s a shortage of masks. Hospital providers need those masks for people who are really sick.”
Nordt said Southland residents shouldn’t necessarily avoid public places, as the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention has not declared the outbreak a pandemic.
“People have to make their own risk assessment regarding that,” he said. “I don’t know of any universities or workplaces that are closed. It’s pretty much business as usual.”
By the numbers …
The coronavirus outbreak has so far sickened more than 90,200 people, according to official counts.
At least 3,081 people have died, all but 169 in mainland China, the New York Times reported. Of the six reported U.S. deaths, four were residents at the Life Care Center nursing care facility in Kirkland, ironically the home of Costco.
Global health officials have sought to reassure the public that the virus remains a manageable threat.
“Containment is feasible and must remain the top priority for all countries,” World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
An economic threat
The virus may not be a pandemic, but its effect on U.S. markets is close. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development warned that the world economy could contract this quarter for the first time since the international financial crisis more than a decade ago.
“Global economic prospects remain subdued and very uncertain,” the agency said.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared nearly 1,300 points, or 5%, Monday as stocks roared back from a seven-day rout on hopes that central banks will take action to shield the global economy from the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
Correspondent Kat Schuster and The Associated Press contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-03-03--LA County sheriff says 8 deputies took or shared graphic photos of Kobe Bryant helicopter crash

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said eight deputies allegedly took or shared graphic photos of the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash scene , but he ordered them deleted .
“ That was my No .
1 priority , was to make sure those photos no longer exist , ” Villanueva told NBC News for a story Monday .
“ We identified the deputies involved , they came to the station on their own and had admitted they had taken them and they had deleted them .
And we ’ re content that those involved did that.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the crash that as many as eight deputies may have been involved .
“ We ’ ve communicated in no uncertain terms that the behavior is inexcusable , ” Villanueva said .
“ I mean , people are grieving for the loss of their loved ones .
To have that on top of what they ’ ve already gone through is unconscionable.
” Villanueva said the Sheriff ’ s Department doesn ’ t have a specific policy about taking photographs on personal cellphones .
But he plans to change that situation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making it illegal to take unauthorized photos of accident scenes depicting dead bodies .
Villanueva told KABC-TV that the deputies are facing an investigation and possible disciplinary action .
He wouldn ’ t specify the kind of actions they might face .
The Sheriff ’ s Department has a policy against taking and sharing crime scene photos , but it doesn ’ t apply to accident scenes , the sheriff told KCBS-TV .
Bryant , his daughter and seven others died on Jan. 26 when their helicopter crashed into a hillside in Calabasas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cloudy weather .
The victims were traveling to a youth basketball tournament at Bryant ’ s sports facility in Thousand Oaks .
The crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board .
• Per Kobe Bryant ’ s wishes , girl who lost parents and sister in helicopter crash to get internship • Still devastated , Klay Thompson posts personal tribute to Kobe and daughter The Los Angeles Times reported last week that a public safety source with knowledge of the events had seen one of the photos on the phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not related to the investigation of the crash .
He said the photos showed the scene and victims ’ remains .
Only the county coroner ’ s office and the NTSB were authorized to take photographs of the crash scene .
After dealing with grieving family members , “ it ’ s just a sense of betrayal ” to learn that other photos were taken , the sheriff told KABC-TV , describing it as “ a punch to the gut.
” Bryant ’ s widow , Vanessa Bryant , was “ absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crash scene photos being shared , her lawyer said last week .
Villanueva told KABC-TV that he has apologized to the families .

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said eight deputies allegedly took or shared graphic photos of the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash scene, but he ordered them deleted.
“That was my No. 1 priority, was to make sure those photos no longer exist,” Villanueva told NBC News for a story Monday. “We identified the deputies involved, they came to the station on their own and had admitted they had taken them and they had deleted them. And we’re content that those involved did that.”
The sheriff said he learned the week of the crash that as many as eight deputies may have been involved.
“We’ve communicated in no uncertain terms that the behavior is inexcusable,” Villanueva said. “I mean, people are grieving for the loss of their loved ones. To have that on top of what they’ve already gone through is unconscionable.”
Villanueva said the Sheriff’s Department doesn’t have a specific policy about taking photographs on personal cellphones. But he plans to change that situation and would like to see a state law making it illegal to take unauthorized photos of accident scenes depicting dead bodies.
Villanueva told KABC-TV that the deputies are facing an investigation and possible disciplinary action. He wouldn’t specify the kind of actions they might face.
The Sheriff’s Department has a policy against taking and sharing crime scene photos, but it doesn’t apply to accident scenes, the sheriff told KCBS-TV.
Bryant, his daughter and seven others died on Jan. 26 when their helicopter crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, northwest of Los Angeles, during cloudy weather. The victims were traveling to a youth basketball tournament at Bryant’s sports facility in Thousand Oaks.
The crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
The Los Angeles Times reported last week that a public safety source with knowledge of the events had seen one of the photos on the phone of another official in a setting that was not related to the investigation of the crash. He said the photos showed the scene and victims’ remains.
Only the county coroner’s office and the NTSB were authorized to take photographs of the crash scene. After dealing with grieving family members, “it’s just a sense of betrayal” to learn that other photos were taken, the sheriff told KABC-TV, describing it as “a punch to the gut.”
Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, was “absolutely devastated” by the reports of unauthorized crash scene photos being shared, her lawyer said last week.
Villanueva told KABC-TV that he has apologized to the families.