mercurynews--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Reusable bag ban in stores, other details from Bay Area’s new social-distancing rules

Six Bay Area counties and the city of Berkeley issued strict new shelter-at-home orders on Tuesday March 31 , 2020 that includes a requirement that essential businesses create plans for how they will operate before Friday , April 3 , 2020 .
They must complete , post and enact a social distancing protocol for each facility that remains open using a special template .
Among the measures each business must take : • Install signs at each public entrance telling employees and customers that they should not enter if they have a cough or fever , must maintain at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use a cloth or tissue if they cough or sneeze and not to shake hands or have other physical contact .
• List steps taken to protect employee health , including directing anyone who can work from home to do so , separate workspaces by at least six feet , increase frequency of increased cleaning and availability of soap , hand sanitizer and other supplies that are effective against COVID-19 .
• Explain what the business is doing to limit the number of customers in a store , including setting a maximum number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posting an employee at the door to ensure the maximum number of people inside isn ’ t exceeded and setting limits on items that may generate crowding .
• Enact rules to keep people at least six apart and explain how they will ensure it happens .
Among the recommendations – provide markings on floors and sidewalks and separate order and delivery areas .
• Prevent customers from self-serving food items , have staff hand out lids and food-bar items , prohibit customers from using bulk food bins or prohibit customers from bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reusable items from home .
• Increase sanitizing measures such as providing disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer and disinfecting all payment portals , pens and styluses after each use .
See the full order here .
Scroll down to see and download the essential business protocol form here :

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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Six Bay Area counties and the city of Berkeley issued strict new shelter-at-home orders on Tuesday March 31, 2020 that includes a requirement that essential businesses create plans for how they will operate before Friday, April 3, 2020. They must complete, post and enact a social distancing protocol for each facility that remains open using a special template.
Among the measures each business must take:
Install signs at each public entrance telling employees and customers that they should not enter if they have a cough or fever, must maintain at least a six-foot distance from each other, use a cloth or tissue if they cough or sneeze and not to shake hands or have other physical contact.
List steps taken to protect employee health, including directing anyone who can work from home to do so, separate workspaces by at least six feet, increase frequency of increased cleaning and availability of soap, hand sanitizer and other supplies that are effective against COVID-19.
Explain what the business is doing to limit the number of customers in a store, including setting a maximum number of people who can be inside, posting an employee at the door to ensure the maximum number of people inside isn’t exceeded and setting limits on items that may generate crowding.
Enact rules to keep people at least six apart and explain how they will ensure it happens. Among the recommendations – provide markings on floors and sidewalks and separate order and delivery areas.
Prevent customers from self-serving food items, have staff hand out lids and food-bar items, prohibit customers from using bulk food bins or prohibit customers from bringing their own bags, mugs or other reusable items from home.
Increase sanitizing measures such as providing disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer and disinfecting all payment portals, pens and styluses after each use.
See the full order here. Scroll down to see and download the essential business protocol form here:


mercurynews--2020-03-31--How the coronavirus consumer bailout can get you cash

The unprecedented $ 2.2 trillion economic rescue package will provide one-time checks for most Americans and significant enhancements to unemployment benefits .
Both will provide much-needed help to those recently laid-off and to financially stressed households as the coronavirus shuts down much of the economy .
Here are some questions and answers about how the legislation can help you : WHO IS GETTING A CHECK ?
Everyone earning up to $ 75,000 in adjusted gross income — the income on your tax return — and who has a Social Security number will receive a $ 1,200 payment .
The payment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and phases out for those who earn more than $ 99,000 .
For married couples , both adults receive $ 1,200 , with the phase-out starting at $ 150,000 of income and falling to zero for couples who earn $ 198,000 .
Each child will also get $ 500 .
For heads of household with one child , the benefit starts to decline at $ 112,500 and falls to zero at $ 146,500 .
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET ONE ?
For most people , nothing .
The U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your bank if they have that information from this year ’ s tax return or last year ’ s .
For everyone else , they will mail a check .
If you didn ’ t file a tax return for either 2018 or 2019 , your check could be delayed .
The government can use your Social Security benefit statement as well .
WHEN WILL I GET THE PAYMENT ?
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said repeatedly that it should arrive in three weeks .
Even if it arrives electronically , you should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the payment that specifies how much you received and how it was delivered .
IS THERE HELP IN THE BILL FOR THE UNEMPLOYED ?
The bill adds $ 600 a week , for a period of four months , to standard unemployment benefits , which vary by state .
The measure adds 13 weeks of coverage for people who have exhausted their existing jobless benefits .
It also provides funding for states to let people collect their payments immediately , eliminating a one-week waiting period .
WHAT IF I ONLY WORK PART-TIME @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people who work part time or whose hours have been reduced .
And the emergency legislation provides incentives for states to set up so-called “ short time compensation ” programs , which provide benefits to offset lost pay through reduction of work hours .
Those programs are intended to provide companies an alternative to cutting jobs .
For example , the rescue bill would pay half the cost of providing benefits to those with reduced hours through the end of the year to states that launch such programs .
Yes .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assistance program to cover many workers not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits , including self-employed people , contractors and those with limited work history .
That program will last through December 31 .

The unprecedented $2.2 trillion economic rescue package will provide one-time checks for most Americans and significant enhancements to unemployment benefits.
Both will provide much-needed help to those recently laid-off and to financially stressed households as the coronavirus shuts down much of the economy.
Here are some questions and answers about how the legislation can help you:
WHO IS GETTING A CHECK?
Everyone earning up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income — the income on your tax return — and who has a Social Security number will receive a $1,200 payment. The payment steadily declines for those who make more, and phases out for those who earn more than $99,000. For married couples, both adults receive $1,200, with the phase-out starting at $150,000 of income and falling to zero for couples who earn $198,000. Each child will also get $500. For heads of household with one child, the benefit starts to decline at $112,500 and falls to zero at $146,500.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET ONE?
For most people, nothing. The U.S. Treasury will direct deposit the money in your bank if they have that information from this year’s tax return or last year’s. For everyone else, they will mail a check. If you didn’t file a tax return for either 2018 or 2019, your check could be delayed. The government can use your Social Security benefit statement as well.
WHEN WILL I GET THE PAYMENT?
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said repeatedly that it should arrive in three weeks. Even if it arrives electronically, you should receive a written notice within 15 days after the payment that specifies how much you received and how it was delivered.
IS THERE HELP IN THE BILL FOR THE UNEMPLOYED?
The bill adds $600 a week, for a period of four months, to standard unemployment benefits, which vary by state. The measure adds 13 weeks of coverage for people who have exhausted their existing jobless benefits. It also provides funding for states to let people collect their payments immediately, eliminating a one-week waiting period.
WHAT IF I ONLY WORK PART-TIME?
Some states do provide partial unemployment for people who work part time or whose hours have been reduced. And the emergency legislation provides incentives for states to set up so-called “short time compensation” programs, which provide benefits to offset lost pay through reduction of work hours. Those programs are intended to provide companies an alternative to cutting jobs.
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I AM A GIG WORKER, CAN I QUALIFY?
Yes. The bill would create a temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program to cover many workers not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits, including self-employed people, contractors and those with limited work history. That program will last through December 31.


mercurynews--2020-03-31--East Bay Rep. Desaulnier’s condition still critical, but some progress

More than two weeks after he was hospitalized , East Bay Rep. Mark DeSaulnier remains in critical but stable condition and is showing some progress , but his road to recovery from pneumonia is uncertain , his sons said Tuesday .
The first update in a week on the congressman ’ s condition came on his 68th birthday .
DeSaulnier , D-Concord , fell ill from complications of pneumonia resulting from a rib fracture that occurred in a running accident .
Although he was hospitalized for a lung condition in the middle of a national health crisis , his condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has tested negative for COVID-19 .
“ While his situation remains serious , he is showing progress as his doctors continue to treat his pneumonia , ” Tristan and Tucker DeSaulnier said in a statement issued through their father ’ s congressional office .
“ His road to recovery is uncertain , ongoing , and will take time .
Right now , our priority — and his — is ensuring improvement continues.
” DeSaulnier , a cancer survivor , avid runner and former marathoner , represents most of Contra Costa County .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 13 , days after the accident .
His office reported on March 16 that he was in serious , but stable condition .
But his condition deteriorated to critical by March 21 .
“ Even in the most difficult times , ” his sons said Tuesday , “ Dad has always had faith that California and America are strong enough to face any challenge .
And we believe the same of him .
”

More than two weeks after he was hospitalized, East Bay Rep. Mark DeSaulnier remains in critical but stable condition and is showing some progress, but his road to recovery from pneumonia is uncertain, his sons said Tuesday.
The first update in a week on the congressman’s condition came on his 68th birthday. DeSaulnier, D-Concord, fell ill from complications of pneumonia resulting from a rib fracture that occurred in a running accident.
Although he was hospitalized for a lung condition in the middle of a national health crisis, his condition is not related to coronavirus. He has tested negative for COVID-19.
“While his situation remains serious, he is showing progress as his doctors continue to treat his pneumonia,” Tristan and Tucker DeSaulnier said in a statement issued through their father’s congressional office. “His road to recovery is uncertain, ongoing, and will take time. Right now, our priority — and his — is ensuring improvement continues.”
DeSaulnier, a cancer survivor, avid runner and former marathoner, represents most of Contra Costa County. He was first hospitalized for the pneumonia on March 13, days after the accident. His office reported on March 16 that he was in serious, but stable condition. But his condition deteriorated to critical by March 21.
“Even in the most difficult times,” his sons said Tuesday, “Dad has always had faith that California and America are strong enough to face any challenge. And we believe the same of him.”


mercurynews--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Pompeo says US might rethink Iran sanctions

WASHINGTON – U.S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held out the possibility on Tuesday that the United States may consider easing sanctions on Iran and other nations to help fight the coronavirus epidemic but gave no concrete sign it plans to do so .
The comments reflected a shift in tone by the U.S. State Department , which has come under withering criticism for its hard line toward sanctions relief even in the face of a call by the U.N. secretary-general to ease U.S. economic penalties .
Pompeo stressed that humanitarian supplies are exempt from sanctions Washington reimposed on Tehran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 2015 multilateral deal to limit its nuclear program .
However , broader U.S. sanctions deter many firms from humanitarian trade with Iran , one of the nations hardest hit by the coronavirus epidemic .
Asked if there might come a point at which Washington might reevaluate its stance on easing sanctions , Pompeo told reporters : “ We evaluate all of our policies constantly , so the answer is – would we ever rethink ?
– Of course.
” Asked about such relief on March 20 , Pompeo simply said U.S. sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humanitarian goods .
Washington is pursuing a “ maximum pressure ” policy to try to force Tehran to curb its nuclear , missile and regional activities .
Iran has accused the United States of “ medical terror , ” prompting Pompeo ’ s spokeswoman , Morgan Ortagus , on Monday to tweet : “ Stop lying .
… It ’ s not the sanctions .
It ’ s the regime.
” France , Germany and Britain have exported medical goods to Iran in the first transaction under a trade mechanism set up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Jon Alterman , a Middle East analyst at Washington ’ s CSIS think tank , said Pompeo ’ s shift in tone might be a response to the European move .
“ There is an Iranian effort to peel off Europe … Holding open the possibility of reconsidering is an effort to keep Europe on side , ” he added , though he saw little chance of a U.S. policy shift .
“ In the current environment , the chances are very low , but the environment keeps changing.
” • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out-of-work employees • ‘ Hamilton ’ to close in San Francisco due to COVID-19 pandemic • Coronavirus : Think the lockdown is bad ?
Try without internet • Between 2,000 and 14,000 people could die this year from COVID-19 in Contra Costa , health officials say • Coronavirus : Santa Clara County closes in on 900 COVID-19 cases , reports 2 new deaths Pompeo has been sharply criticized for the administration ’ s stance on Iran sanctions .
In recent weeks , the United States has repeatedly tightened sanctions on Iran , notably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to export oil .
“ Pompeo appears to view the epidemic as a handy means to compound ‘ maximum pressure , ' ” Washington Post columnist Jackson Diehl wrote on Sunday .
“ To what end ?
”

By Arshad Mohammed and Humeyra Pamuk | Reuters
WASHINGTON – U.S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held out the possibility on Tuesday that the United States may consider easing sanctions on Iran and other nations to help fight the coronavirus epidemic but gave no concrete sign it plans to do so.
The comments reflected a shift in tone by the U.S. State Department, which has come under withering criticism for its hard line toward sanctions relief even in the face of a call by the U.N. secretary-general to ease U.S. economic penalties.
Pompeo stressed that humanitarian supplies are exempt from sanctions Washington reimposed on Tehran after President Donald Trump abandoned Iran’s 2015 multilateral deal to limit its nuclear program.
However, broader U.S. sanctions deter many firms from humanitarian trade with Iran, one of the nations hardest hit by the coronavirus epidemic.
Asked if there might come a point at which Washington might reevaluate its stance on easing sanctions, Pompeo told reporters: “We evaluate all of our policies constantly, so the answer is – would we ever rethink? – Of course.”
Asked about such relief on March 20, Pompeo simply said U.S. sanctions do not apply to medical and other humanitarian goods.
Washington is pursuing a “maximum pressure” policy to try to force Tehran to curb its nuclear, missile and regional activities.
Iran has accused the United States of “medical terror,” prompting Pompeo’s spokeswoman, Morgan Ortagus, on Monday to tweet: “Stop lying. … It’s not the sanctions. It’s the regime.”
France, Germany and Britain have exported medical goods to Iran in the first transaction under a trade mechanism set up to barter humanitarian goods and food, Germany said.
Jon Alterman, a Middle East analyst at Washington’s CSIS think tank, said Pompeo’s shift in tone might be a response to the European move.
“There is an Iranian effort to peel off Europe … Holding open the possibility of reconsidering is an effort to keep Europe on side,” he added, though he saw little chance of a U.S. policy shift. “In the current environment, the chances are very low, but the environment keeps changing.”
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“Pompeo appears to view the epidemic as a handy means to compound ‘maximum pressure,'” Washington Post columnist Jackson Diehl wrote on Sunday. “To what end?”


mercurynews--2020-03-31--‘Tiger King’ news makes Shaq change his stripes after learning of Joe Exotic’s past

Shaquille O ’ Neal , who made an unexpected appearance on the Netflix docuseries “ Tiger King : Murder , Mayhem and Madness , ” informed listeners on his podcast he has stopped visiting Joe Exotic ’ s Oklahoma park , according to a story in the New York Post .
Joe Exotic has hosted plenty of guests at his G.W .
Zoo over the years , including O ’ Neal , a basketball Hall of Famer and former Bayou Bengal Tiger from LSU .
The NBA legend recently addressed his 2014 experience at the Oklahoma park on “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he actually “ stopped going ” upon learning about Exotic ’ s checkered activities .
“ So we go in there , and it ’ s a beautiful place , and the character that was there was Exotic Joe .
We ’ re there and I dropped some donations for the tigers ’ foods and all that , ” O ’ Neal detailed .
“ We take pictures with tigers .
We went back a couple times.
” The true crime docuseries is about Oklahoma zookeeper Joseph Maldonado-Passage , who is better known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serving a 22-year sentence for planning a murder-for-hire plot targeting animal rights activist Carole Baskin and for more than a dozen wildlife violations , including killing five tigers .
O ’ Neal , also a big cat enthusiast , continued : “ Then we go back another time and we found out that he ’ s involved with all the stuff , and then , actually , I stopped going.
” Exotic was found guilty last year in a murder-for-hire plot on Florida rival Carole Baskin , an animal rights activist and owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also accused of animal cruelty and is currently serving a 22-year sentence , recently seeking a presidential pardon .
O ’ Neal , 48 , said Exotic is “ not ” his friend , and that he doesn ’ t “ know him.
” “ I don ’ t harm tigers .
I love tigers .
I love white tigers .
Do I put donations to these zoos to help these tigers out ?
I do it all the time .
Do I own tigers personally at my house ?
No .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neal said .

Shaquille O’Neal, who made an unexpected appearance on the Netflix docuseries “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness,” informed listeners on his podcast he has stopped visiting Joe Exotic’s Oklahoma park, according to a story in the New York Post.
Joe Exotic has hosted plenty of guests at his G.W. Zoo over the years, including O’Neal, a basketball Hall of Famer and former Bayou Bengal Tiger from LSU.
The NBA legend recently addressed his 2014 experience at the Oklahoma park on “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” stating he actually “stopped going” upon learning about Exotic’s checkered activities.
“So we go in there, and it’s a beautiful place, and the character that was there was Exotic Joe. We’re there and I dropped some donations for the tigers’ foods and all that,” O’Neal detailed. “We take pictures with tigers. We went back a couple times.”
The true crime docuseries is about Oklahoma zookeeper Joseph Maldonado-Passage, who is better known as Joe Exotic. Maldonado-Passage is currently serving a 22-year sentence for planning a murder-for-hire plot targeting animal rights activist Carole Baskin and for more than a dozen wildlife violations, including killing five tigers.
O’Neal, also a big cat enthusiast, continued: “Then we go back another time and we found out that he’s involved with all the stuff, and then, actually, I stopped going.”
Exotic was found guilty last year in a murder-for-hire plot on Florida rival Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist and owner of Big Cat Rescue. He was also accused of animal cruelty and is currently serving a 22-year sentence, recently seeking a presidential pardon.
O’Neal, 48, said Exotic is “not” his friend, and that he doesn’t “know him.”
“I don’t harm tigers. I love tigers. I love white tigers. Do I put donations to these zoos to help these tigers out? I do it all the time. Do I own tigers personally at my house? No. But I love tigers,” O’Neal said.


mercurynews--2020-03-31--Bay Area restaurateurs use GoFundMe to help out-of-work employees

It ’ s not the worst side effect from the coronavirus .
Not even close .
But there ’ s no doubting the impact COVID-19 has made on people ’ s lives , routines and small pleasures — among them a nice dinner out .
Sober news on that front : Last week the California Restaurant Association advised Gov .
Gavin Newsom that as many as 30,000 state restaurants and bars could close permanently because of the restrictions related to the coronavirus .
A letter sent to the governor , and obtained by the Associated Press , painted a dire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take-away and delivery in the absence of in-dining options .
The upshot , the California Restaurant Association wrote Newsom , is the “ near decimation of our industry .
We believe the state has a moral obligation to take equally aggressive steps to address the economic harm caused by these measures , ” the association wrote .
Some Bay Area restaurateurs are not waiting to see to what extent this plea is answered .
They are taking steps to help their employees , many who live paycheck-to paycheck in the best of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle of choice .
Donations “ won ’ t fundamentally save businesses , ” said Laurie Thomas , acting director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association and owner of two restaurants herself .
Resuscitating the restaurant industry will take federal and state money .
But short-term donations could help employees stick around until the establishments reopen .
To that end , chef Kyle Itani of Oakland ’ s Itani Ramen , which has pivoted to take-out and delivery during the shutdown , is seeking funds for his hourly workers .
“ Please consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve set up on GoFundMe .
We ’ ll get through this together , ” Itani wrote on his company ’ s website .
“ 100 % of funds raised will be distributed to our hourly employees.
” As of Tuesday morning , Itani had realized $ 4,294 for his employees ( his goal is $ 5,000 ) .
In Berkeley , where Gather has closed until April 15 , according to a video posted by owner Eric Fenster , a GoFundMe effort for “ our team ” had collected $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday morning .
“ We thrive on gathering , ” Fenster said .
“ These are uncharted waters.
” And Chez Panisse has established a GoFundMe Employee Relief Fund .
As of Tuesday , donations were at $ 41,160 , almost a quarter of the $ 200,000 goal .
Coupa Cafe in Los Altos has had to close most of its locations .
Owners Nancy , Camelia and JP Coupal have established a GoFundMe account with proceeds to be distributed evenly among employees .
So far , $ 12,369 had been raised of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Mr. Jiu ’ s requested $ 40,000 for health insurance for his company ’ s 50-plus staff members ; By Tuesday morning $ 32,265 had been donated .
San Francisco ’ s La Cocina , a nonprofit culinary incubator that helps women of color open restaurants across the Bay Area , is welcoming donations on the company ’ s website .
San Francisco ’ s 21st Amendment Brewery , which temporarily closed its San Francisco and San Leandro locations , is calling for commercial lenders to “ institute a 60-day moratorium on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” is setting up a GoFundMe account , as well .
By Tuesday the fund was at $ 18,034 ( of the $ 40,000 goal ) .
And San Francisco ’ s Waterbar , which will be closed until May 1 , and EPIC Steak , closed until April 7 , have established an employee relief fund .
Patrons can purchase a gift card to be used when the business reopens .
At that point half of the value of the card will go to employees .

It’s not the worst side effect from the coronavirus. Not even close. But there’s no doubting the impact COVID-19 has made on people’s lives, routines and small pleasures — among them a nice dinner out.
Sober news on that front: Last week the California Restaurant Association advised Gov. Gavin Newsom that as many as 30,000 state restaurants and bars could close permanently because of the restrictions related to the coronavirus. A letter sent to the governor, and obtained by the Associated Press, painted a dire picture of the plight of restaurants reduced to take-away and delivery in the absence of in-dining options.
The upshot, the California Restaurant Association wrote Newsom, is the “near decimation of our industry. We believe the state has a moral obligation to take equally aggressive steps to address the economic harm caused by these measures,” the association wrote.
Some Bay Area restaurateurs are not waiting to see to what extent this plea is answered. They are taking steps to help their employees, many who live paycheck-to paycheck in the best of times — and GoFundMe is a popular vehicle of choice.
Donations “won’t fundamentally save businesses,” said Laurie Thomas, acting director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association and owner of two restaurants herself. Resuscitating the restaurant industry will take federal and state money. But short-term donations could help employees stick around until the establishments reopen.
To that end, chef Kyle Itani of Oakland’s Itani Ramen, which has pivoted to take-out and delivery during the shutdown, is seeking funds for his hourly workers.
“Please consider contributing to the Itani Ramen Employee Fund we’ve set up on GoFundMe. We’ll get through this together,” Itani wrote on his company’s website. “100% of funds raised will be distributed to our hourly employees.” As of Tuesday morning, Itani had realized $4,294 for his employees (his goal is $5,000).
In Berkeley, where Gather has closed until April 15, according to a video posted by owner Eric Fenster, a GoFundMe effort for “our team” had collected $1,420 of the $5,000 goal by Tuesday morning. “We thrive on gathering,” Fenster said. “These are uncharted waters.”
And Chez Panisse has established a GoFundMe Employee Relief Fund. As of Tuesday, donations were at $41,160, almost a quarter of the $200,000 goal.
Coupa Cafe in Los Altos has had to close most of its locations. Owners Nancy, Camelia and JP Coupal have established a GoFundMe account with proceeds to be distributed evenly among employees. So far, $12,369 had been raised of the $180,000 goal.
Chinatown’s Mr. Jiu’s requested $40,000 for health insurance for his company’s 50-plus staff members; By Tuesday morning $32,265 had been donated. San Francisco’s La Cocina, a nonprofit culinary incubator that helps women of color open restaurants across the Bay Area, is welcoming donations on the company’s website.
San Francisco’s 21st Amendment Brewery, which temporarily closed its San Francisco and San Leandro locations, is calling for commercial lenders to “institute a 60-day moratorium on principal and interest payments for small businesses,” is setting up a GoFundMe account, as well. By Tuesday the fund was at $18,034 (of the $40,000 goal).
And San Francisco’s Waterbar, which will be closed until May 1, and EPIC Steak, closed until April 7, have established an employee relief fund. Patrons can purchase a gift card to be used when the business reopens. At that point half of the value of the card will go to employees.


mercurynews--2020-03-31--World War II era grenade removed from Oakland vehicle lot by sheriff’s bomb squad

OAKLAND — An East Oakland auto parts business was evacuated Tuesday afternoon while the Alameda County Sheriff ’ s bomb @ @ @ @ @ II vintage grenade from a vehicle on the lot , authorities said .
A sizeable @ @ @ @ @ found in the vehicle and they were also removed .
No one was injured .
@ @ @ @ @ Ray Kelly said the grenade — an Mk 2 model , also known as a @ @ @ @ @ shape — and the ammunition were found by an employee about 12:45 p.m. Tuesday inside @ @ @ @ @ Pick-n-Pull , 8451 San Leandro St..
The business is known for selling recycled auto parts @ @ @ @ @ Employees and others at the lot were evacuated while the bomb squad removed the grenade @ @ @ @ @ The removal was completed by 2:15 p.m .
The grenade was taken to the sheriff @ @ @ @ @ where it was blown up with a counter charge , Kelly said .

OAKLAND — An East Oakland auto parts business was evacuated Tuesday afternoon while the Alameda County Sheriff’s bomb squad removed a World War II vintage grenade from a vehicle on the lot, authorities said.
A sizeable amount of bullets was also found in the vehicle and they were also removed.
No one was injured.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Ray Kelly said the grenade — an Mk 2 model, also known as a pineapple grenade because of its shape — and the ammunition were found by an employee about 12:45 p.m. Tuesday inside a box truck at the Pick-n-Pull, 8451 San Leandro St.. The business is known for selling recycled auto parts and buying older vehicles.
Employees and others at the lot were evacuated while the bomb squad removed the grenade and ammunition from the vehicle..
The removal was completed by 2:15 p.m. The grenade was taken to the sheriff’s department bomb range where it was blown up with a counter charge, Kelly said.


mercurynews--2020-03-31--Hotline newsletter: Larry Scott on TV networks and football disruption, Pac-12 revenue hit, Whitting

Hotline newsletter: Larry Scott on TV networks and football disruption, Pac-12 revenue hit, Whittingham’s book and movie picks

*** The Pac-12 Hotline newsletter is published each Monday-Wednesday-Friday during the college sports season and twice-a-week in the summer .
( Sign up here for a free subscription . )
This edition , from March 31 , has been made available in archived form .
Larry Scott on the State of Pac-12 football Pac-12 officials have spent several weeks sorting through issues of immediate import during the COVID-19 shutdown , from the welfare of student-athletes scattered across the country to the financial damage incurred by the NCAA Tournament cancellation to the extension of eligibility for spring sports athletes .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will turn to those dark skies looming on the September horizon .
“ In the next week or two , ’ ’ according to commissioner Larry Scott , the conference will dive into the potential for a disrupted football season .
“ The optimistic model has an elongated training camp and on-time start ( to the season ) , ’ ’ Scott said .
“ The most pessimistic has no season at all.
” If the season starts on time , when would teams need to commence training camp in order to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
If the season is delayed or canceled , how would the logistical and financial ramifications play out ?
The Pac-12 has already formed what Scott described as a “ football planning committee ” that includes athletic directors , head coaches and directors of football operations and was asked to “ identify and navigate the short-term issues.
” Now that the conference has suspended all organized team activities through May 31 , the focus will broaden in scope .
Scott identified the end of May as an approximate deadline for determining the direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And that direction , he indicated , will come from outside the Pac-12 football circle .
“ A lot has to do with what the universities decide for their students on campus and what the public health officials believe , ’ ’ Scott said , noting that schools have gone to remote learning .
“ The decision is not really in our control.
” If there is disruption , the financial implications could be immense .
Football accounts for the vast majority of annual revenue for major college athletic departments : Each home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenue , and the TV contracts — both for the regular season and major bowls — are worth in excess of $ 20 million per school per year .
How would conferences be compensated for canceled games ?
How would the TV windows be reconfigured if the season gets delayed or interrupted ?
“ I have been on the phone with ESPN and Fox , and whenever I get on the phone with them , they ’ re getting off the phone with representatives from the NBA and the NFL and baseball and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ By the time we see an impact on football , our ( TV ) partners will have figured out how to adapt an abbreviated season with what they ’ re doing with the NBA and the NFL and baseball and NASCAR .
“ There ’ s a long-term view ; people want to be fair .
There will be an industry approach.
” — Jon Wilner • We counted more than 30 examples of Pac-12 coaches and athletes using social media to spread the word about stopping the spread of COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Larry Kryskowiak ’ s kitchen table chat to Grant Gunnell ’ s singing voice .
They ’ re all here for your enjoyment , with links .
• Commissioner Larry Scott joined the Hotline on Monday to discuss a variety of topics , including but not limited to the football issues addressed above .
Scott broke down the financial hit the conference could take from the cancellation of March Madness and the Pac-12 tournament .
• From the vault ( previously-published Hotline content that you might have missed ) : Two podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded with FOX analyst and former Washington quarterback Brock Huard , who takes aim at Pac-12 presidents and what has been a suspect commitment to football ; the second features Hotline contributor AJ Maestas , who dives into the economics of football recruiting .
Your Voices : The Hotline is calling on readers to step forward and share a favorite Pac-12 memory via an email to me ( address below ) .
We ’ ll turn your words into a published collection to help everyone deal with these difficult times .
The memory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , team or moment .
The details are here .
To those who have already submitted pieces for publication , thank you .
Support the Hotline : Several Hotline articles will remain free each month ( as will the newsletter ) , but for access to all content , you ’ ll need to subscribe .
I ’ ve secured a rate of $ 1 per week for a full year or just 99 cents for the first month , with the option to cancel anytime .
Click here .
And thanks for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday granted an eligibility waiver for all spring sports athletes , including seniors who opt to return .
Sports Illustrated ’ s Pat Forde called it “ an appropriate gesture ” but notes “ this new legislation is not easily transferrable from the Division I Council vote Monday to on-campus reality … CBS Sports ’ Dennis Dodd writes that , “ Perhaps never has so much been written about the spring sports affected , including baseball , softball , outdoor track and field , lacrosse , tennis , golf , rowing , men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women ’ s water polo .
That ’ s because perhaps never have so many cared.
” • The top roster news of the week comes from Tempe , where Arizona State ’ s Remy Martin announced he would enter the NBA Draft .
The all-conference guard can always change his mind but gave no indication that he ’ s considering a return .
• UCLA forward Chris Smith is pondering the NBA , but the decision involves “ uncertainty piled atop uncertainty , ” according to the L.A. Times ’ Ben Bolch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graduate transfers .
The latest to join Andy Enfield ’ s roster for 2020-21 is forward Chevez Goodwin , from Wofford .
• The final installment of a three-part series on Washington State basketball , from the Spokesman-Review ’ s Theo Lawson .
• Arizona ’ s freshmen aren ’ t expected to be top-10 selections in the NBA Draft , but the current thinking is that all three ( Nico Mannion , Zeke Nnaji and Josh Green ) will turn pro .
• Also from Tucson : How might ‘ The Scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonight on HBO ?
Will it compound Sean Miller ’ s problems , or are fans weary of the issue ?
The Daily Star ’ s Bruce Pascoe provides an overview .
• Finally , the Mercury News ’ mock NCAA Tournament has reached the Final Four .
One of the teams is from the WCC , but it ’ s not that team .
• Jim Lambright , who coordinated one of the greatest defenses in conference history and later became Washington ’ s head coach , has passed away at age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times ’ Matt Calkins writes that “ grit was the ultimate currency ” for Lambright .
• The suspension of spring practice is especially troublesome for first-year head coaches , like Colorado ’ s Karl Dorrell .
• Cal ’ s Justin Wilcox and Stanford ’ s David Shaw combined ( with San Jose State ’ s Brent Brennan ) on a video for COVID-19 messaging .
• Chip Kelly ’ s routine has completely changed during the shutdown , writes The Athletic ’ s Bruce Feldman .
Instead of leaving the house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kelly leaves at 7 .
Last week , we recommended a book ( Flu , by Gina Kolata ) and movie ( Free Solo ) to help Hotline readers fill the void created by the sports shutdown .
Good news : We ’ re expanding the endeavor , with the help of Pac-12 coaches .
First up is the dean , Utah ’ s Kyle Whittingham .
We reached out and , through an intermediary , received these selections : • Whittingham ’ s book pick : Tuesdays With Morrie , by Mitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life perspective.
” • Whittingham ’ s movie pick : Forrest Gump , The Princess Bride and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty because of their “ uplifting messages.
” Thanks to Whittingham for playing along .
• The conference has an option to make itself financially whole despite the $ 15 million reduction in revenues from postseason basketball events .
We ’ ll explain how .
• Next up in our look at the 2020-21 basketball season : The Hotline ’ s ridiculously early top-25 projections .
The next newsletter is scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward this email to friends ( sign up here ) .
If you don ’ t , or have other feedback , let me know : pac12hotline @ bayareanewsgroup.com .
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference , and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference .

*** The Pac-12 Hotline newsletter is published each Monday-Wednesday-Friday during the college sports season and twice-a-week in the summer. (Sign up here for a free subscription.) This edition, from March 31, has been made available in archived form.
Larry Scott on the State of Pac-12 football
Pac-12 officials have spent several weeks sorting through issues of immediate import during the COVID-19 shutdown, from the welfare of student-athletes scattered across the country to the financial damage incurred by the NCAA Tournament cancellation to the extension of eligibility for spring sports athletes.
But soon, very soon, the focus will turn to those dark skies looming on the September horizon.
“In the next week or two,’’ according to commissioner Larry Scott, the conference will dive into the potential for a disrupted football season.
“The optimistic model has an elongated training camp and on-time start (to the season),’’ Scott said. “The most pessimistic has no season at all.”
If the season starts on time, when would teams need to commence training camp in order to ensure the players are in proper physical condition?
If the season is delayed or canceled, how would the logistical and financial ramifications play out?
The Pac-12 has already formed what Scott described as a “football planning committee” that includes athletic directors, head coaches and directors of football operations and was asked to “identify and navigate the short-term issues.”
Now that the conference has suspended all organized team activities through May 31, the focus will broaden in scope.
Scott identified the end of May as an approximate deadline for determining the direction of the preseason and regular season.
And that direction, he indicated, will come from outside the Pac-12 football circle.
“A lot has to do with what the universities decide for their students on campus and what the public health officials believe,’’ Scott said, noting that schools have gone to remote learning.
“The decision is not really in our control.”
If there is disruption, the financial implications could be immense.
Football accounts for the vast majority of annual revenue for major college athletic departments: Each home game generates several million dollars in ticket revenue, and the TV contracts — both for the regular season and major bowls — are worth in excess of $20 million per school per year.
How would conferences be compensated for canceled games?
How would the TV windows be reconfigured if the season gets delayed or interrupted?
“I have been on the phone with ESPN and Fox, and whenever I get on the phone with them, they’re getting off the phone with representatives from the NBA and the NFL and baseball and NASCAR,’’ Scott said.
“By the time we see an impact on football, our (TV) partners will have figured out how to adapt an abbreviated season with what they’re doing with the NBA and the NFL and baseball and NASCAR.
“There’s a long-term view; people want to be fair. There will be an industry approach.” — Jon Wilner
Hot off the Hotline
• We counted more than 30 examples of Pac-12 coaches and athletes using social media to spread the word about stopping the spread of COVID-19, from Nick Rolovich’s restaurant hopping to Larry Kryskowiak’s kitchen table chat to Grant Gunnell’s singing voice. They’re all here for your enjoyment, with links.
• Commissioner Larry Scott joined the Hotline on Monday to discuss a variety of topics, including but not limited to the football issues addressed above. Scott broke down the financial hit the conference could take from the cancellation of March Madness and the Pac-12 tournament.
• From the vault (previously-published Hotline content that you might have missed): Two podcasts to consider today: The first was recorded with FOX analyst and former Washington quarterback Brock Huard, who takes aim at Pac-12 presidents and what has been a suspect commitment to football; the second features Hotline contributor AJ Maestas, who dives into the economics of football recruiting.
Your Voices: The Hotline is calling on readers to step forward and share a favorite Pac-12 memory via an email to me (address below). We’ll turn your words into a published collection to help everyone deal with these difficult times. The memory could be of a player of coach, team or moment. The details are here. To those who have already submitted pieces for publication, thank you.
Support the Hotline: Several Hotline articles will remain free each month (as will the newsletter), but for access to all content, you’ll need to subscribe. I’ve secured a rate of $1 per week for a full year or just 99 cents for the first month, with the option to cancel anytime. Click here. And thanks for your loyalty.
Legal Affairs
• The NCAA on Monday granted an eligibility waiver for all spring sports athletes, including seniors who opt to return. Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde called it “an appropriate gesture” but notes “this new legislation is not easily transferrable from the Division I Council vote Monday to on-campus reality … CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd writes that, “Perhaps never has so much been written about the spring sports affected, including baseball, softball, outdoor track and field, lacrosse, tennis, golf, rowing, men’s volleyball, beach volleyball and women’s water polo. That’s because perhaps never have so many cared.”
In the News
(Note: The Hotline newsletter includes links to sites that could require a subscription once the number of free views has been reached.)
• The top roster news of the week comes from Tempe, where Arizona State’s Remy Martin announced he would enter the NBA Draft. The all-conference guard can always change his mind but gave no indication that he’s considering a return.
• UCLA forward Chris Smith is pondering the NBA, but the decision involves “uncertainty piled atop uncertainty,” according to the L.A. Times’ Ben Bolch.
• USC has been busy collecting graduate transfers. The latest to join Andy Enfield’s roster for 2020-21 is forward Chevez Goodwin, from Wofford.
• The final installment of a three-part series on Washington State basketball, from the Spokesman-Review’s Theo Lawson.
• Arizona’s freshmen aren’t expected to be top-10 selections in the NBA Draft, but the current thinking is that all three (Nico Mannion, Zeke Nnaji and Josh Green) will turn pro.
• Also from Tucson: How might ‘The Scheme’ be received locally after it airs tonight on HBO? Will it compound Sean Miller’s problems, or are fans weary of the issue? The Daily Star’s Bruce Pascoe provides an overview.
• Finally, the Mercury News’ mock NCAA Tournament has reached the Final Four. One of the teams is from the WCC, but it’s not that team.
On the football front:
• Jim Lambright, who coordinated one of the greatest defenses in conference history and later became Washington’s head coach, has passed away at age 77 of undisclosed causes … The Seattle Times’ Matt Calkins writes that “grit was the ultimate currency” for Lambright.
• The suspension of spring practice is especially troublesome for first-year head coaches, like Colorado’s Karl Dorrell.
• Cal’s Justin Wilcox and Stanford’s David Shaw combined (with San Jose State’s Brent Brennan) on a video for COVID-19 messaging.
• Chip Kelly’s routine has completely changed during the shutdown, writes The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman. Instead of leaving the house at 6 a.m., for example, Kelly leaves at 7.
Kyle Whittingham Recommends …
Last week, we recommended a book (Flu, by Gina Kolata) and movie (Free Solo) to help Hotline readers fill the void created by the sports shutdown. Good news: We’re expanding the endeavor, with the help of Pac-12 coaches.
First up is the dean, Utah’s Kyle Whittingham. We reached out and, through an intermediary, received these selections:
• Whittingham’s book pick: Tuesdays With Morrie, by Mitch Albom, because it “gives good life perspective.”
• Whittingham’s movie pick: Forrest Gump, The Princess Bride and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty because of their “uplifting messages.”
Thanks to Whittingham for playing along.
Looking Ahead
What’s coming on the Pac-12 Hotline:
• The conference has an option to make itself financially whole despite the $15 million reduction in revenues from postseason basketball events. We’ll explain how.
• Next up in our look at the 2020-21 basketball season: The Hotline’s ridiculously early top-25 projections.
The next newsletter is scheduled for Friday. Enjoy it? Please forward this email to friends (sign up here). If you don’t, or have other feedback, let me know: pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com.
*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.


mercurynews--2020-03-31--‘Hamilton’ to close in San Francisco due to COVID-19 pandemic

“ Hamilton , ” the Broadway mega-hit musical that became one of the Bay Area ’ s biggest theatrical blockbusters , has closed , another casualty of the coronavirus crisis .
The musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda was set to run at the Orpheum Theatre through May 31 .
It had been in the midst of a second San Francisco run that had been characterized by sold-out shows and long waits on ticket websites .
But with fears of COVID-19 ’ s spreading and home-sheltering requirements shuttering live performances venues for the foreseeable future , presenter BroadwaySF has elected to terminate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Award-winning musical uses hip-hop and a mostly non-white cast to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton and America ’ s founding fathers .
The closure follows a number of previous announcements of canceled “ Hamilton ” performances , as well as cancellations of other BroadwaySF shows .
The company brings touring versions of Broadway hits , and other events , to two San Francisco theaters .
Customers who purchased tickets through BroadwaySF will be automatically refunded through the original method of purchase .
Those who purchased tickets through another source ( such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should contact that source for refunds .

“Hamilton,” the Broadway mega-hit musical that became one of the Bay Area’s biggest theatrical blockbusters, has closed, another casualty of the coronavirus crisis.
The musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda was set to run at the Orpheum Theatre through May 31. It had been in the midst of a second San Francisco run that had been characterized by sold-out shows and long waits on ticket websites. But with fears of COVID-19’s spreading and home-sheltering requirements shuttering live performances venues for the foreseeable future, presenter BroadwaySF has elected to terminate the Orpheum Theatre stand.
The Tony Award-winning musical uses hip-hop and a mostly non-white cast to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton and America’s founding fathers.
The closure follows a number of previous announcements of canceled “Hamilton” performances, as well as cancellations of other BroadwaySF shows. The company brings touring versions of Broadway hits, and other events, to two San Francisco theaters.
Customers who purchased tickets through BroadwaySF will be automatically refunded through the original method of purchase.
Those who purchased tickets through another source (such as Vivid Seats, Goldstar or TodayTix) should contact that source for refunds.


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Unraveling a coronavirus mystery: Stomach bug can be sign of infection

The 56-year-old Southern California man was an active professional doing business across the world , despite his need for dialysis several times a week .
He was in South Korea for the first two weeks of January — before awareness that COVID-19 was steamrolling across continents — then came home to Southern California , according to doctors and researchers at UC Irvine .
The man felt fine for nearly two more months .
But on March 7 , he went to an urgent care with nausea , vomiting , abdominal cramps and a low-grade fever .
He was diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ bad sushi ” eaten the day before — and sent home .
That would happen several more times over the next five days , before doctors understood that they were dealing with a case of COVID-19 — minus initial , severe respiratory issues .
“ The delayed diagnosis , ” said the case study published March 24 in the American Journal of Nephrology , “ was likely because it was not recognized by the treating centers that gastrointestinal manifestation may be a part of COVID-19 infection.
” This case highlights the importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that don ’ t include respiratory symptoms , to prevent ongoing exposure of potentially affected people to the general population , the study said .
“ It also highlights the need for rapidly available testing for all patients who present to healthcare setting with even non-severe and atypical symptoms , ” it said .
“ This patient with community spread disease traveled from Southern California to Utah for two days using public airports , commercial flights , and public transportation , potential exposures which could have been avoided if testing supplies and public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The consequences of this exposure remain unclear , but the United States has since had a rapidly increasing number of cases.
” The night of March 7 , after that first trip to urgent care , the man ’ s intestinal distress grew worse and he sought help at the emergency room .
Lab tests were “ unremarkable.
” Chest X-rays showed no significant lung issues .
“ Notably , ” the paper said , “ he had no respiratory complaints.
” The man ’ s nausea subsided at the ER and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gastroenteritis .
He was sent home and reported feeling better , except that he had developed some loose stools .
Over the next five days , the man went to his dialysis center as usual , flew to Utah for business on March 10 , used a dialysis center there on March 11 , and went to the ER as well .
Now suffering cough , congestion , nausea and fever , he flew home to Southern California earlier than planned — on March 12 — on a commercial flight .
“ His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had progressed rapidly and he was becoming more short-of-breath , ” the UCI paper said .
He was admitted to the hospital on March 13 with chronically low blood oxygen levels and a temperature of 100.6° F. He was tested for COVID-19 .
Over the next 24 hours , his fever rose .
His respiratory status rapidly deteriorated .
He was put on a ventilator and transferred to the intensive care unit .
After three days , the COVID-19 test came back positive .
The man , whose family agreed to share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others , was in critical condition , said one of the report ’ s 20 authors , Kam Kalantar-Zadeh , a specialist in internal medicine , nephrology and pediatrics at UCI who also is an adjunct professor of epidemiology at UCLA .
“ A unique feature of our reported case is the potentially long incubation period , assuming this patient contracted the infection in South Korea in early January 2020 , which was 6 weeks prior to the first presentation , but we can not be certain , ” the paper said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the first community spread cases identified in Southern California.
” The man ’ s gastrointestinal issues threw everyone off , but the first case of COVID-19 infection confirmed in the U.S. included a two-day history of nausea and vomiting followed by loose stools , the paper said .
Researchers from Hubei , China , also found that digestive symptoms were not uncommon in patients with the novel coronavirus .
Clinicians should recognize that digestive symptoms such as diarrhea can be signs of COVID-19 infection , “ and that the index of suspicion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at-risk patients presenting with digestive symptoms , ” the paper says .
COVID-19 has a mortality rate some 10 to 30 times more lethal than influenza , the paper notes .
Vulnerable populations , like dialysis patients , are gathering for routine treatments in limited spaces that put them at great risk for exposure .
“ This scenario , ” the study says , “ also suggests that home dialysis may be a protective intervention in the face of such a rapidly infectious pandemic .
”

The 56-year-old Southern California man was an active professional doing business across the world, despite his need for dialysis several times a week.
He was in South Korea for the first two weeks of January — before awareness that COVID-19 was steamrolling across continents — then came home to Southern California, according to doctors and researchers at UC Irvine.
The man felt fine for nearly two more months. But on March 7, he went to an urgent care with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and a low-grade fever. He was diagnosed with viral gastroenteritis — suspected food poisoning from “bad sushi” eaten the day before — and sent home.
That would happen several more times over the next five days, before doctors understood that they were dealing with a case of COVID-19 — minus initial, severe respiratory issues.
“The delayed diagnosis,” said the case study published March 24 in the American Journal of Nephrology, “was likely because it was not recognized by the treating centers that gastrointestinal manifestation may be a part of COVID-19 infection.”
This case highlights the importance of considering COVID-19 infection in clinical situations that don’t include respiratory symptoms, to prevent ongoing exposure of potentially affected people to the general population, the study said.
“It also highlights the need for rapidly available testing for all patients who present to healthcare setting with even non-severe and atypical symptoms,” it said. “This patient with community spread disease traveled from Southern California to Utah for two days using public airports, commercial flights, and public transportation, potential exposures which could have been avoided if testing supplies and public health recommendations would have been different.
“The consequences of this exposure remain unclear, but the United States has since had a rapidly increasing number of cases.”
Unraveling a mystery
The night of March 7, after that first trip to urgent care, the man’s intestinal distress grew worse and he sought help at the emergency room. Lab tests were “unremarkable.” Chest X-rays showed no significant lung issues. “Notably,” the paper said, “he had no respiratory complaints.”
The man’s nausea subsided at the ER and his symptoms were again attributed to viral gastroenteritis. He was sent home and reported feeling better, except that he had developed some loose stools.
Over the next five days, the man went to his dialysis center as usual, flew to Utah for business on March 10, used a dialysis center there on March 11, and went to the ER as well. Now suffering cough, congestion, nausea and fever, he flew home to Southern California earlier than planned — on March 12 — on a commercial flight.
“His respiratory symptoms, which were initially minimal, had progressed rapidly and he was becoming more short-of-breath,” the UCI paper said.
He was admitted to the hospital on March 13 with chronically low blood oxygen levels and a temperature of 100.6° F. He was tested for COVID-19.
Over the next 24 hours, his fever rose. His respiratory status rapidly deteriorated. He was put on a ventilator and transferred to the intensive care unit. After three days, the COVID-19 test came back positive.
The man, whose family agreed to share the details of his case to educate others, was in critical condition, said one of the report’s 20 authors, Kam Kalantar-Zadeh, a specialist in internal medicine, nephrology and pediatrics at UCI who also is an adjunct professor of epidemiology at UCLA.
“A unique feature of our reported case is the potentially long incubation period, assuming this patient contracted the infection in South Korea in early January 2020, which was 6 weeks prior to the first presentation, but we cannot be certain,” the paper said.
“Alternatively, he could be one of the first community spread cases identified in Southern California.”
Digestive symptoms not uncommon
The man’s gastrointestinal issues threw everyone off, but the first case of COVID-19 infection confirmed in the U.S. included a two-day history of nausea and vomiting followed by loose stools, the paper said.
Researchers from Hubei, China, also found that digestive symptoms were not uncommon in patients with the novel coronavirus.
Clinicians should recognize that digestive symptoms such as diarrhea can be signs of COVID-19 infection, “and that the index of suspicion may need to be raised earlier in at-risk patients presenting with digestive symptoms,” the paper says.
COVID-19 has a mortality rate some 10 to 30 times more lethal than influenza, the paper notes. Vulnerable populations, like dialysis patients, are gathering for routine treatments in limited spaces that put them at great risk for exposure.
“This scenario,” the study says, “also suggests that home dialysis may be a protective intervention in the face of such a rapidly infectious pandemic.”
Update 12.50 p.m. 4/1/20 with comment from UCI’s Antoney Ferrey and Grace Choi:
“”The authors want to be clear that there is no evidence to suggest COVID-19 has a longer incubation period than has otherwise been reported by the scientific community and this is not meant to draw additional alarm. The evidence in this case favors community spread consistent with what is already known about the incubation period of the COVID-19 virus.”


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Letter: This explains why we have a TP shortage

Re : “ Why is there still no toilet paper in stores ?
” ( Eastbaytimes.com , March 26 ) : The entire Bay Area , as in the rest of the country , is currently under a shelter-in-place order and local stores have been raided for basic necessities , such as toilet paper .
The reason there is no more toilet paper is because of social media and the rumors produced all over social media .
This miscommunication is causing consumers to purchase toilet paper , a commodity that doesn ’ t really correlate to the virus itself but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspective should be considered because it shows how the “ solutions ” to those on social media inspire others to formulate a similar state of mind : “ If I see another person grabbing toilet paper along with other items , it must be important !
” • Letter : Stores can dramatically reduce risk to seniors , clerks with this • Letter : I was picking up a to-go pizza and there was a horrendous line • Letter : We are capable of terrible things — and the opposite • Letter : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidency • Letter : COVID-19 can ’ t be beat by blaming , dividing and lying The tweet that was posted in the article shows that the people of America are easily convinced by social media , which is a possible answer as to why there may be no more toilet paper .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

TP shortage shows the
influence of social media
Re: “Why is there still no toilet paper in stores?” (Eastbaytimes.com, March 26):
The entire Bay Area, as in the rest of the country, is currently under a shelter-in-place order and local stores have been raided for basic necessities, such as toilet paper.
The reason there is no more toilet paper is because of social media and the rumors produced all over social media. This miscommunication is causing consumers to purchase toilet paper, a commodity that doesn’t really correlate to the virus itself but more so to the shelter-in-place.
This perspective should be considered because it shows how the “solutions” to those on social media inspire others to formulate a similar state of mind: “If I see another person grabbing toilet paper along with other items, it must be important!”
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps The tweet that was posted in the article shows that the people of America are easily convinced by social media, which is a possible answer as to why there may be no more toilet paper.
Nelson Montalvo
San Leandro
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Letter: Stores can dramatically reduce risk to seniors, clerks with this

Senior citizens are able to socially distance quite effectively , except when they have to shop for groceries .
Stores could reduce the risk to seniors tremendously if they would offer grocery pickup services .
Optimally , the person-to-person contact would be zero .
The senior orders and pays online , and is assigned a time window to pick up the order .
The store personnel would be exposed to fewer customers , although they might have to increase staff to do the shopping .
Upon arrival at the designated pickup area in the store ’ s parking lot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trunk and the groceries are delivered to his trunk .
Some stores advertise this service already , but the demand from the general public has paralyzed the service .
Perhaps , by limiting the service to seniors , the service can be implemented reliably .
• Letter : I was picking up a to-go pizza and there was a horrendous line • Letter : We are capable of terrible things — and the opposite • Letter : Klobuchar the best person to assume the presidency • Letter : COVID-19 can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lying A small service fee could also be charged to help cover the added labor cost .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Stores can reduce risk to
seniors, clerks
Senior citizens are able to socially distance quite effectively, except when they have to shop for groceries.
Stores could reduce the risk to seniors tremendously if they would offer grocery pickup services.
Optimally, the person-to-person contact would be zero. The senior orders and pays online, and is assigned a time window to pick up the order. The store personnel would be exposed to fewer customers, although they might have to increase staff to do the shopping.
Upon arrival at the designated pickup area in the store’s parking lot, the customer texts the store, opens the trunk and the groceries are delivered to his trunk.
Some stores advertise this service already, but the demand from the general public has paralyzed the service. Perhaps, by limiting the service to seniors, the service can be implemented reliably.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps A small service fee could also be charged to help cover the added labor cost.
Art Muto
Cupertino
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Bridge: April 1, 2020

Bridge: April 1, 2020

“ I think that song ‘ Heads , Shoulders , Knees and Toes ’ is really about how you feel when you hit 60 , ” a club player said to me .
“ Not to mention , my concentration is getting weak.
” Declarer must be on his toes at today ’ s 3NT .
Suppose he wins the first heart with the ace , unblocks his A-Q-J of clubs and leads a diamond to dummy ’ s ten .
East plays low .
South can take the king of clubs and lead the queen of diamonds , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diamond .
Declarer never gets his fourth diamond and takes only eight tricks .
Declarer can ’ t shoulder the burden by starting the diamonds at Trick Two .
East ducks twice again , and declarer can ’ t score all nine of his winners .
South won ’ t have to bend a knee to apologize if he keeps his head and wins the first heart in dummy .
He can unblock his high clubs and lead a diamond to the ten .
If East ducks , South cashes the king of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ace of hearts is still an entry to his hand .
You hold : S Q 8 5 H K 8 3 D Q 10 4 C K 7 5 2 .
Your partner opens one diamond , you respond 1NT and he bids two clubs .
The opponents pass .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : You had maximum strength for your 1NT response .
Still , to bid notrump again would tell the same story twice , and your stoppers in the major suits are not too robust .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ good hand with club support .
Your partner can always convert to 3NT if he wishes .

“I think that song ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ is really about how you feel when you hit 60,” a club player said to me. “Not to mention, my concentration is getting weak.”
Declarer must be on his toes at today’s 3NT. Suppose he wins the first heart with the ace, unblocks his A-Q-J of clubs and leads a diamond to dummy’s ten. East plays low.
South can take the king of clubs and lead the queen of diamonds, but East ducks again and wins the third diamond. Declarer never gets his fourth diamond and takes only eight tricks.
BURDEN
Declarer can’t shoulder the burden by starting the diamonds at Trick Two. East ducks twice again, and declarer can’t score all nine of his winners.
South won’t have to bend a knee to apologize if he keeps his head and wins the first heart in dummy. He can unblock his high clubs and lead a diamond to the ten. If East ducks, South cashes the king of clubs and sets up his diamonds. The ace of hearts is still an entry to his hand.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S Q 8 5 H K 8 3 D Q 10 4 C K 7 5 2. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond 1NT and he bids two clubs. The opponents pass. What do you say?
ANSWER: You had maximum strength for your 1NT response. Still, to bid notrump again would tell the same story twice, and your stoppers in the major suits are not too robust. Raise to three clubs to show a good hand with club support. Your partner can always convert to 3NT if he wishes.
South dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S Q 8 5
H K 8 3
D Q 10 4
C K 7 5 2
WEST
S K 10 6 4
H J 10 4 2
D 9 8 3
C 10 8
EAST
S A 9 7
H Q 9 5
D A 7 5
C 9 6 4 3
SOUTH
S J 3 2
H A 7 6
D K J 6 2
C A Q J
South West North East
1 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — H 2
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Horoscopes April 1, 2020: Susan Boyle, a little will go a long way this year.

Happy Birthday : A little will go a long way this year .
Hone your skills , and focus on what matters the most to you .
You ’ ve spent too many years spreading yourself thin doing for others and not enough time engaging in your own best interests .
It ’ s your turn to head in a direction that will bring you the greatest joy .
Your numbers are 5 , 12 , 19 , 27 , 35 , 38 , 42 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : You may feel targeted .
Keep a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibilities and don ’ t let anyone goad you into a senseless argument .
It ’ s what you accomplish that will matter when all is said and done .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Consider your emotional needs , and start to make the changes necessary to ensure your happiness .
Get the lowdown regarding the paperwork , financial plan or legal implications that you will have to deal with to get what you want .
Romance is on the rise .
4 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowledge and technological savvy .
Refuse to let someone from your past disrupt your plans .
Keep your feet planted on the ground when it comes to emotional matters .
Willpower will be required if you want to get ahead .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Emotional indulgence will be your enemy .
Stay focused , and expand your knowledge , ideas and plans .
Don ’ t lose sight of your goals .
Keep life simple , live in the moment and don ’ t overreact .
Choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a priority .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Refuse to let an unexpected change lead to an argument .
Keep your opinions to yourself until you know all the facts and you are sure you can live with the results should things not go your way .
Take the high road .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Your kindness and generosity are admirable , but don ’ t let anyone take advantage of you .
Listen and make suggestions , but don ’ t offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortuitous .
A makeover will lift your spirits and lead to compliments .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Look for the good in whatever situation you face , and you will come out on top .
If you overreact , take on too much or let someone bully you , it will lead to discord .
Take pride in handling matters with grace and dignity .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Use your imagination , be creative and follow your heart .
You have so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes you happy .
Surround yourself with supportive people , not those who are jealous or use emotional manipulation .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Pay off any personal debts as quickly as possible .
Cut your overhead , and start thinking about your financial future .
How you handle matters now will make a difference to the lifestyle you lead in the future .
Avoid excess and indulgence .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Make a change at home that will please someone you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Love and romance are on the rise , and the way you address personal matters will determine the outcome .
Be open about the way you feel .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Concentrate on self-improvement , not trying to change others .
Your health and emotional well-being should be priorities .
Do what ’ s best for you instead of trying to please everyone around you .
Be responsible for your happiness , and follow your heart .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel will benefit and offer something in return .
A smart investment will pay off if you are patient and disciplined in the way you go about getting things done .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are curious , engaging and observant .
You are astute and intuitive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Asa Butterfield, 23; Hillary Scott, 34; Taran Killam, 38; Susan Boyle, 59.
Happy Birthday: A little will go a long way this year. Hone your skills, and focus on what matters the most to you. You’ve spent too many years spreading yourself thin doing for others and not enough time engaging in your own best interests. It’s your turn to head in a direction that will bring you the greatest joy. Your numbers are 5, 12, 19, 27, 35, 38, 42.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): You may feel targeted. Keep a low profile, take care of your responsibilities and don’t let anyone goad you into a senseless argument. It’s what you accomplish that will matter when all is said and done. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Consider your emotional needs, and start to make the changes necessary to ensure your happiness. Get the lowdown regarding the paperwork, financial plan or legal implications that you will have to deal with to get what you want. Romance is on the rise. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Update your skills, knowledge and technological savvy. Refuse to let someone from your past disrupt your plans. Keep your feet planted on the ground when it comes to emotional matters. Willpower will be required if you want to get ahead. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Emotional indulgence will be your enemy. Stay focused, and expand your knowledge, ideas and plans. Don’t lose sight of your goals. Keep life simple, live in the moment and don’t overreact. Choose your words wisely, and make creativity a priority. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Refuse to let an unexpected change lead to an argument. Keep your opinions to yourself until you know all the facts and you are sure you can live with the results should things not go your way. Take the high road. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your kindness and generosity are admirable, but don’t let anyone take advantage of you. Listen and make suggestions, but don’t offer handouts. A partnership is looking exceptionally fortuitous. A makeover will lift your spirits and lead to compliments. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Look for the good in whatever situation you face, and you will come out on top. If you overreact, take on too much or let someone bully you, it will lead to discord. Take pride in handling matters with grace and dignity. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Use your imagination, be creative and follow your heart. You have so much to gain if you pursue what makes you happy. Surround yourself with supportive people, not those who are jealous or use emotional manipulation. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Pay off any personal debts as quickly as possible. Cut your overhead, and start thinking about your financial future. How you handle matters now will make a difference to the lifestyle you lead in the future. Avoid excess and indulgence. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Make a change at home that will please someone you love or will bring you joy. Love and romance are on the rise, and the way you address personal matters will determine the outcome. Be open about the way you feel. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Concentrate on self-improvement, not trying to change others. Your health and emotional well-being should be priorities. Do what’s best for you instead of trying to please everyone around you. Be responsible for your happiness, and follow your heart. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Share your thoughts and experience with someone you feel will benefit and offer something in return. A smart investment will pay off if you are patient and disciplined in the way you go about getting things done. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are curious, engaging and observant. You are astute and intuitive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Word Game: April 1, 2020

Word Game: April 1, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — PALLIATE ( PALLIATE : PAL-ee-ate : To make less severe or intense ; mitigate .
@ @ @ @ @ or more words in PALLIATE ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
YESTERDAY ’ @ @ @ @ @ hest used shed shut sled sleuth slue stud sued suet thud thus lest lues lush @ @ @ @ @ dulse dust To purchase the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now @ @ @ @ @ supplies last !
1 .
Words must be of four or more letters .
2 @ @ @ @ @ letters by the addition of “ s , ” such as “ bats ” or @ @ @ @ @ not allowed .
3 .
Additional words made by adding a “ d ” or @ @ @ @ @ not be used .
For example , if “ bake ” is used , “ @ @ @ @ @ ” are not allowed , but “ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible @ @ @ @ @ , slang words , or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — PALLIATE (PALLIATE: PAL-ee-ate: To make less severe or intense; mitigate.)
Average mark 29 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 37 or more words in PALLIATE? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — HUSTLED held hest used shed shut sled sleuth slue stud
sued suet thud thus lest lues lush lust lute duel dues duet dulse dust
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Ask Amy: Flirting men need to know I stick to my own kind

DEAR READERS : Because of syndication scheduling , I write and submit my columns two weeks in advance of publication .
Due to this time lag , the Q & A ’ s will not reflect the latest information about the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic we are currently facing .
DEAR AMY : I am an average-attractive single woman who lives in a big city .
I am frequently approached by men of other races that flirt with me and try to get my phone number .
How do I tell them I am not interested without offending them ?
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NO THANKS : It is fairly easy to say , “ No , thank you.
” But if you truly want to repel these interested men , you could tell them the truth : “ No offense , but I ’ m a racist.
” They should leave you alone after that .
• Ask Amy : After my brother ’ s response to sick baby , I ’ m thinking he ’ s a jerk • Ask Amy : How the coronavirus pandemic looked two weeks ago • Ask Amy : Being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad situation • Ask Amy : I don ’ t want to marry him but I want the ring • Ask Amy : Their wedding guest list is bonkers , and I think I know the reason DEAR AMY : I have abandonment issues .
My biological mother left me when I was a baby .
Due to the extreme parental neglect in my infancy , the courts awarded custody to my paternal grandmother .
My father moved in with her as well .
In my mind , my father “ saved ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve died in , but the truth is , he was just as responsible for my neglect .
My father remarried , and my grandmother allowed me to live with my dad in his new home with his new wife .
I called her “ Mom ” until she passed away .
Mom was not affectionate toward me .
She was very strict .
Fast-forward to now .
I am 50 years old .
My biological mother and stepmother are both dead .
My father remarried again and moved hundreds of miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resentment toward my father .
Having learned that he wasn ’ t the saint I always thought him to be , I find I don ’ t want to speak to him much .
I love him very much , but I ’ m hurt that every woman in his life has had such an influence on him to the neglect of not just me but also my two half-sisters .
I don ’ t really want to go down this path .
My bitterness toward my biological mother and lack of love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made me a cold person toward family .
I feel more empathy toward strangers than my own relations ( sometimes , even my own children , which I am acutely ashamed of ) .
Therapy is not easily accessible in my rural area , so I ’ m left to my own devices .
What advice can you provide that may warm my heart toward the very few that have loved me ?
DEAR HEART : You already seem to have a lot of insight about your challenging past .
You have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a child and your own hesitance ( or inability ) to express affection toward family members .
Insight is a positive start , and you can definitely continue to grow and change .
As a child , your emotional needs weren ’ t met .
Your mother abandoned you and then the other adults in your life didn ’ t provide an emotionally safe and nurturing environment .
To love others fully , you have to learn to fully love yourself .
Loving yourself doesn ’ t mean you are arrogantly declaring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are learning to accept and embrace your own vulnerability , owning your own mistakes , and leaning into your determination to do better .
Your very efforts toward healing and self-love should be considered your first triumph .
One way to love others is to physically be there for them .
Be present , especially for your children .
Show up for them .
Express an interest in their lives and be bravely expressive toward them .
You should tell them your own story , share your insight , express the desire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are in their corner — through good times and bad .
You are trying to break a generational chain of neglect , so understand that your kids may be bewildered , hurting , and affection-starved , too .
You would benefit from reading “ Healing Your Emotional Self , ” by Beverly Engel ( 2007 , Wiley & Sons ) .
DEAR AMY : Thank you for your response to “ Shy in Boston , ” the shy guy who was wondering how to possibly meet a nice woman in the supermarket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but this is how I met my husband !
He somewhat shyly asked me for advice about produce .
The rest is history .
We ’ re celebrating 15 years of marriage this year .
DEAR TOGETHER : “ I need a price check for happily-ever-after on Checkstand One !
” You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR READERS: Because of syndication scheduling, I write and submit my columns two weeks in advance of publication. Due to this time lag, the Q&A’s will not reflect the latest information about the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic we are currently facing.
DEAR AMY: I am an average-attractive single woman who lives in a big city.
I am frequently approached by men of other races that flirt with me and try to get my phone number.
How do I tell them I am not interested without offending them? I stick to my own kind.
No Thanks
DEAR NO THANKS: It is fairly easy to say, “No, thank you.” But if you truly want to repel these interested men, you could tell them the truth: “No offense, but I’m a racist.”
They should leave you alone after that.
Related Articles Advice | Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy DEAR AMY: I have abandonment issues. My biological mother left me when I was a baby. Due to the extreme parental neglect in my infancy, the courts awarded custody to my paternal grandmother. My father moved in with her as well.
In my mind, my father “saved” me from a world that I could’ve died in, but the truth is, he was just as responsible for my neglect.
My father remarried, and my grandmother allowed me to live with my dad in his new home with his new wife. I called her “Mom” until she passed away. Mom was not affectionate toward me. She was very strict.
Fast-forward to now. I am 50 years old. My biological mother and stepmother are both dead. My father remarried again and moved hundreds of miles away.
My issue is a new resentment toward my father. Having learned that he wasn’t the saint I always thought him to be, I find I don’t want to speak to him much. I love him very much, but I’m hurt that every woman in his life has had such an influence on him to the neglect of not just me but also my two half-sisters.
I don’t really want to go down this path. My bitterness toward my biological mother and lack of love from the woman that raised me has made me a cold person toward family. I feel more empathy toward strangers than my own relations (sometimes, even my own children, which I am acutely ashamed of).
Therapy is not easily accessible in my rural area, so I’m left to my own devices.
What advice can you provide that may warm my heart toward the very few that have loved me?
Heart Two Sizes Too Small
DEAR HEART: You already seem to have a lot of insight about your challenging past. You have made the connection between the neglect you suffered as a child and your own hesitance (or inability) to express affection toward family members. Insight is a positive start, and you can definitely continue to grow and change.
As a child, your emotional needs weren’t met. Your mother abandoned you and then the other adults in your life didn’t provide an emotionally safe and nurturing environment.
To love others fully, you have to learn to fully love yourself. Loving yourself doesn’t mean you are arrogantly declaring how great you are, but that you are learning to accept and embrace your own vulnerability, owning your own mistakes, and leaning into your determination to do better. Your very efforts toward healing and self-love should be considered your first triumph.
One way to love others is to physically be there for them. Be present, especially for your children. Show up for them. Express an interest in their lives and be bravely expressive toward them. You should tell them your own story, share your insight, express the desire to be better, and tell them you are in their corner — through good times and bad. You are trying to break a generational chain of neglect, so understand that your kids may be bewildered, hurting, and affection-starved, too.
You would benefit from reading “Healing Your Emotional Self,” by Beverly Engel (2007, Wiley & Sons).
DEAR AMY: Thank you for your response to “Shy in Boston,” the shy guy who was wondering how to possibly meet a nice woman in the supermarket.
It may sound like a cliche, but this is how I met my husband! He somewhat shyly asked me for advice about produce.
The rest is history. We’re celebrating 15 years of marriage this year.
Happily Together
DEAR TOGETHER: “I need a price check for happily-ever-after on Checkstand One!”
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Letter: I was picking up a to-go pizza and there was a horrendous line

I ordered a take out pizza from a local restaurant I saw something on Friday night that really left me wondering .
I ordered a take out pizza from a Walnut Creek restaurant .
When I got there , there was a horrendous line out the door , down the sidewalk and through the parking lot .
Probably 60-80 people .
Okay , I guess I should have expected that .
What I didn ’ t expect was this : No one , not a single person had any kind of mask on .
Not even a bandana .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but in several places , they had coalesced into small chat groups .
• Letter : Stores can dramatically reduce risk to seniors , clerks with this • Letter : We are capable of terrible things — and the opposite • Letter : Klobuchar the best person to assume the presidency • Letter : COVID-19 can ’ t be beat by blaming , dividing and lying The coronavirus may be the catastrophe of our time , or hopefully we will beat it and go back to normal life .
Come on everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let ’ s all do our part and beat this thing .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

I ordered a take out pizza
from a local restaurant
I saw something on Friday night that really left me wondering.
I ordered a take out pizza from a Walnut Creek restaurant. When I got there, there was a horrendous line out the door, down the sidewalk and through the parking lot. Probably 60-80 people.
Okay, I guess I should have expected that. What I didn’t expect was this: No one, not a single person had any kind of mask on. Not even a bandana. Most folks were keeping a reasonable distance apart, but in several places, they had coalesced into small chat groups.
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Jim Peterson
Walnut Creek
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