mercurynews--2020-05-19--Short-play program offers digital ‘Pear Slices’

Mountain View ’ s Pear Theatre came up with a creative way of presenting its annual short-play program despite the current pandemic— “ Pear Slices 2020 : Digital Edition.
” The Pear is presenting eight new short plays by recording each actor and digitizing the set , sound , costume and lighting—all of it done remotely .
That it works most of the time is a testament to the dedicated behind-the-scenes people and some remarkable actors who worked in what had to be less than ideal conditions .
Big huzzahs first to veteran directors Betsy Kruse Craig and Troy Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While this is Kruse Craig ’ s first time directing “ Pear Slices , ” Johnson has co-directed live productions of the Pear ’ s short-play festival 13 times before .
Six versatile actors perform all the roles in the short plays , and rather surprisingly , all are excellent in some roles and somewhat bland in others .
The one exception is Damaris Divito , who shines brightly in all four roles she performs .
Other actors include Gary Giurbino , who brings warmth to several of his roles , and Henry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Deuce Cooper : Goodbye Tuesday ” by Paul Braverman , yet uninteresting as an alien in Meghan Maugeri ’ s “ The Good Bad Planet ” and as the king in “ Exposure ” by Bridgette Dutta Portman .
Both Becca Gilbert and Leslie Newport Wright seem to wear permanent frowns in several of their roles , so when they do finally manage a smile , it ’ s a welcome relief .
Gilbert ’ s best role is in Braverman ’ s “ Deep State Blues , ” a rather bizarre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airplane ’ s bathroom and , inexplicably , down its toilet .
Clearly , Braverman enjoys bathroom humor .
Wright is a perennial pouter until she finally remembers a happy memory in Barry Slater ’ s too-long “ Beach Memories.
” She also shows spunk ( and a punk hairdo ) in “ Deep State Blues.
” The sixth actor , Bill C. Jones , sometimes looks pale and fragile , but he comes into his own as the father in “ Beach Memories ” and the titular gumshoe in “ Deuce Cooper.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cooper stories , and all have been a part of Pear Slices over the years .
This one is probably the most ambitious to do digitally because characters walk in and out , hide behind the bar , pop up whenever someone sneezes and then duck down again .
It ’ s not always successful , but audiences should be able to get the drift .
Maugeri ’ s “ Planet ” is tedious—mostly just two talking heads , and one of them ( Alper ) sports a terrible make-up job as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best part of a sketch is occasional off-camera exclamations by Chewbacca .
Fortunately , Maugeri ’ s “ Glinda : The Middle-Aged Witch ” is much better and full of fun dialogue , including a scene in which Glinda ( Divito , wearing a sparkly costume ) goes trick-or-treating .
Playwright Peggy Powell ’ s “ Business Class ” is a winner , perhaps because of its simplicity , sincerity and fine acting from Divito and Giurbino .
It takes place in an airport waiting room as Divito ’ s character gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs into an old flame ( Giurbino ) , and their ensuing conversation sounds genuine coming from these actors .
There are some technical gaffes in the digital scenery , but overall , the videographers—Pear ’ s artistic director Sinjin Jones and John Beamer—did a fine job under trying circumstances .
Also deserving credit is the rest of the production staff : Pati Bristow , costumes and props ; Patricia Tyler , graphics ; David L. Hobbs , sound ; Meghan Souther , lighting ; and Kelly Weber Barraza , stage production manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” is worthy of a donation to keep the lights on at Pear Theatre .
All involved took a near-untenable situation and came up with two hours of appealing entertainment .
What : Pear Slices 2020 Where : Digitally at www.thepear.org Through : June 14 Tickets : $ 15 ( additional donations appreciated ) ; 650-254-1148

Mountain View’s Pear Theatre came up with a creative way of presenting its annual short-play program despite the current pandemic—“Pear Slices 2020: Digital Edition.”
The Pear is presenting eight new short plays by recording each actor and digitizing the set, sound, costume and lighting—all of it done remotely.
That it works most of the time is a testament to the dedicated behind-the-scenes people and some remarkable actors who worked in what had to be less than ideal conditions.
Big huzzahs first to veteran directors Betsy Kruse Craig and Troy Johnson, who each helmed four plays. While this is Kruse Craig’s first time directing “Pear Slices,” Johnson has co-directed live productions of the Pear’s short-play festival 13 times before.
Six versatile actors perform all the roles in the short plays, and rather surprisingly, all are excellent in some roles and somewhat bland in others. The one exception is Damaris Divito, who shines brightly in all four roles she performs.
Other actors include Gary Giurbino, who brings warmth to several of his roles, and Henry Alper, fine as the bartender in “Deuce Cooper: Goodbye Tuesday” by Paul Braverman, yet uninteresting as an alien in Meghan Maugeri’s “The Good Bad Planet” and as the king in “Exposure” by Bridgette Dutta Portman.
Both Becca Gilbert and Leslie Newport Wright seem to wear permanent frowns in several of their roles, so when they do finally manage a smile, it’s a welcome relief. Gilbert’s best role is in Braverman’s “Deep State Blues,” a rather bizarre comedy which mostly takes place in an airplane’s bathroom and, inexplicably, down its toilet. Clearly, Braverman enjoys bathroom humor.
Wright is a perennial pouter until she finally remembers a happy memory in Barry Slater’s too-long “Beach Memories.” She also shows spunk (and a punk hairdo) in “Deep State Blues.”
The sixth actor, Bill C. Jones, sometimes looks pale and fragile, but he comes into his own as the father in “Beach Memories” and the titular gumshoe in “Deuce Cooper.”
Braverman has now written three Deuce Cooper stories, and all have been a part of Pear Slices over the years. This one is probably the most ambitious to do digitally because characters walk in and out, hide behind the bar, pop up whenever someone sneezes and then duck down again. It’s not always successful, but audiences should be able to get the drift.
Maugeri’s “Planet” is tedious—mostly just two talking heads, and one of them (Alper) sports a terrible make-up job as an alien. It’s sad when the best part of a sketch is occasional off-camera exclamations by Chewbacca.
Fortunately, Maugeri’s “Glinda: The Middle-Aged Witch” is much better and full of fun dialogue, including a scene in which Glinda (Divito, wearing a sparkly costume) goes trick-or-treating.
Playwright Peggy Powell’s “Business Class” is a winner, perhaps because of its simplicity, sincerity and fine acting from Divito and Giurbino. It takes place in an airport waiting room as Divito’s character gets ready to board a plane. She runs into an old flame (Giurbino), and their ensuing conversation sounds genuine coming from these actors.
There are some technical gaffes in the digital scenery, but overall, the videographers—Pear’s artistic director Sinjin Jones and John Beamer—did a fine job under trying circumstances. Also deserving credit is the rest of the production staff: Pati Bristow, costumes and props; Patricia Tyler, graphics; David L. Hobbs, sound; Meghan Souther, lighting; and Kelly Weber Barraza, stage production manager.
Overall, “Pear Slices 2020” is worthy of a donation to keep the lights on at Pear Theatre. All involved took a near-untenable situation and came up with two hours of appealing entertainment.
Theater
What: Pear Slices 2020
Where: Digitally at www.thepear.org
Through: June 14
Tickets: $15 (additional donations appreciated); 650-254-1148


mercurynews--2020-05-19--It’s a boy! Endangered pygmy hippo born at San Diego Zoo

( CNN ) — Pygmy hippos are an endangered species , but in April , one was born at the San Diego Zoo .
It was the zoo ’ s first successful pygmy hippo birth in more than 30 years .
Mabel , a 4-year-old pygmy hippopotamus at the San Diego Zoo , gave birth to her first calf last month , the zoo announced Friday .
The calf hasn ’ t been named , but the zoo said it stood , walked and followed its mother around within just a few hours of its birth .
“ Mom and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the zoo said in a statement .
“ The calf is nursing and getting lots of attention from the first-time mother.
” Pygmy hippos typically reside in rivers and streams of West African forests , according to the zoo .
Less than 2,500 pygmy hippos live in Africa , the zoo said .
• 9 ways to celebrate Endangered Species Day from your own home The baby now weighs 25 pounds , up from the wee 12 pounds he weighed at birth .
For anyone looking to see the new addition , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a month until he ’ s introduced to the main habitat , the zoo said .
Click here if you ’ re having trouble viewing this video on a mobile device .

(CNN) — Pygmy hippos are an endangered species, but in April, one was born at the San Diego Zoo. It was the zoo’s first successful pygmy hippo birth in more than 30 years.
Mabel, a 4-year-old pygmy hippopotamus at the San Diego Zoo, gave birth to her first calf last month, the zoo announced Friday.
The calf hasn’t been named, but the zoo said it stood, walked and followed its mother around within just a few hours of its birth.
“Mom and calf are doing very well,” the zoo said in a statement. “The calf is nursing and getting lots of attention from the first-time mother.”
Pygmy hippos typically reside in rivers and streams of West African forests, according to the zoo. Less than 2,500 pygmy hippos live in Africa, the zoo said.
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Otter attacks in Sierra Nevada: Panicked swimmer scrambles onto stranger’s paddleboard Environment | Colorado asked 4 states to share their gray wolves. So far, it’s received 3 maybes and a hell no. The baby now weighs 25 pounds, up from the wee 12 pounds he weighed at birth.
For anyone looking to see the new addition, though, they’ll have to wait about a month until he’s introduced to the main habitat, the zoo said.
Click here if you’re having trouble viewing this video on a mobile device.


mercurynews--2020-05-18--Critter Corner: Correcting a puppy’s barking habits

Dear Miss Behavin ’ : I have noticed since we have been sheltered in place that my pup is barking a lot more than before .
I am not sure how to handle this and would like to address it before it becomes a habit .
A .
This is a great question and I am sure something that a lot of households are experiencing since sheltering in place .
One of the first things you need to do when working with barking is to identify the type or why the dog is barking .
In this case I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is doing their job .
Luckily there are a few things you can do to help lessen the amount of barking since you are there to manage it .
If your pup is barking because they can see people or dogs passing by , you can block their view to that window by lowering the blinds , placing something in the area to block their access or my personal favorite use decorative window contact paper .
This allows the light to come in and blocks the dogs view .
If your pup is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dogs passing by , you can add inside noise to help buffer the outside noises .
You can have a TV , radio or white noise box playing in the area that the noise generates from .
I usually recommend using what is most commonly on in your household .
You can verbally correct your pup by allowing them to give off an alert bark or 2 and then give a cue such as that ’ s enough .
Additionally you may need to get in between your pup and the area they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave the room by giving a cue and pointing to another room or area .
A final note is to keep in mind that some breeds are more prone to bark than others and you may have to be more lenient in those cases .
If you would like to schedule a virtual consult please contact our behavior department at training @ phs-spca.org or 650-340-7022 ext .
667 for more details .
Tasha Suda is the Lead Dog Trainer for the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Behavior Department .
For more information , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email tsuda @ phs-spca.org .

Dear Miss Behavin’: I have noticed since we have been sheltered in place that my pup is barking a lot more than before. I am not sure how to handle this and would like to address it before it becomes a habit.
A. This is a great question and I am sure something that a lot of households are experiencing since sheltering in place. One of the first things you need to do when working with barking is to identify the type or why the dog is barking. In this case I would say it is territorial and your pup is doing their job.
Luckily there are a few things you can do to help lessen the amount of barking since you are there to manage it. If your pup is barking because they can see people or dogs passing by, you can block their view to that window by lowering the blinds, placing something in the area to block their access or my personal favorite use decorative window contact paper. This allows the light to come in and blocks the dogs view. If your pup is barking because they hear the people or dogs passing by, you can add inside noise to help buffer the outside noises. You can have a TV, radio or white noise box playing in the area that the noise generates from. I usually recommend using what is most commonly on in your household.
You can verbally correct your pup by allowing them to give off an alert bark or 2 and then give a cue such as that’s enough. Additionally you may need to get in between your pup and the area they are barking at and ask them to leave the room by giving a cue and pointing to another room or area. A final note is to keep in mind that some breeds are more prone to bark than others and you may have to be more lenient in those cases. If you would like to schedule a virtual consult please contact our behavior department at training@phs-spca.org or 650-340-7022 ext. 667 for more details.
Tasha Suda is the Lead Dog Trainer for the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Behavior Department. For more information, please visit www.phs-spca.org, call 650-340-7022 or email tsuda@phs-spca.org.


mercurynews--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Fremont neighborhood thanks postal, waste workers

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having trouble viewing media on a mobile device .
FREMONT — Rishica Awasthi and her brother Reyansh each handed one of three men an envelope as they lined up beside the blue Republic Services waste-collection trucks they parked on Greenhills Way just before noon Monday .
Rishica , 12 , and Reyansh , 8 , were completing a final round of weekly gift-giving started for waste collectors and postal workers by several families in the Heritage Heights neighborhood .
The gift drive was born in a community Whatsapp group ; neighbors Anju Prakash and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay Area ’ s shelter-in-place order was extended from April through the end of May .
The organizers had few limits for participating : No minimum amount was set for donations , nor were there any rules about the items that could be contributed .
Prakash said she first came up with the idea after seeing a waste collector ’ s audition on an episode of “ American Idol.
” The contestant then offered a tedious description of how he cleaned up after finishing his shift .
“ This was pre-COVID time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ imagine what our garbage-truck and recycle and yard-debris workers are doing , taking all our garbage — probably with stuff that ’ s being infected by bacteria — and they have to take it away .
Even if they use gloves and masks and they don ’ t have to touch it personally , they still go home to their families .
I thought of them .
I thought of the mailman , ” Prakash said .
The neighbors then reached out to the waste collection company ’ s customer service department with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager for Alameda County for Republic Services , suggested handing out gift certificates to local businesses that are struggling amid the shelter-in-place order .
“ I ’ m absolutely floored by their generosity , ” Viamari said , adding that the gifts are a morale booster in a tough time .
“ It ’ s a challenging job right now .
Our employees are working hard every day to service our customers and the communities — and people are realizing we ’ re a vital part of that , and we appreciate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gift cards to local eateries , including Ambrose Butchery , Aniki Sushi , Bill ’ s Café , Country Way , Din Ding Dumpling House , Dino Family Restaurant , El Patio , Falafel , Etc.
, La Casita , Massimo ’ s , Mi Lindo Sinaloa , Mission Pizza , Sala Thai , Satomi Sushi , Shakers Pizza , Skillets , Smoking Pig , Super Taco , The Port of Peri Peri and Zorba ’ s .
On Monday , the gift cards that Reyansh Awasthi handed one worker in an envelope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ software architect at Oracle , also presented the three collectors who met with the community donors with gifts from local Kohl ’ s , Ross and Uniqlo retail outlets .
“ They come every day and they have to be out all the time .
They have to deal with ( trash ) all the time .
We wanted to appreciate all they are doing for us .
That is why all of us are giving them some stuff , ” Shukla said .
“ I think we are the ones doing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will know about it , then these people will get more help.
” Republic Services has launched a $ 20 million “ Committed to Serve ” initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The effort is aimed at helping to “ support our small-business customers that are the economic engines of local communities ” while the company ’ s roughly 36,000 employees remain in the field and on-the-clock .
Guadalupe Davila , who has been picking up trash in the Heritage Heights neighborhood for more than 20 years , didn ’ t know who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers were receiving on Wednesdays and Fridays when the community drive started last month .
“ I really respect this .
I really appreciate what they are doing , ” Davila said , adding that the increased kindness reflects the difficult times .
“ On holidays we get a lot of gifts , but with this pandemic , we really got a lot of things within the last few months .
”

CLICK HERE if you’re having trouble viewing media on a mobile device.
FREMONT — Rishica Awasthi and her brother Reyansh each handed one of three men an envelope as they lined up beside the blue Republic Services waste-collection trucks they parked on Greenhills Way just before noon Monday.
Rishica, 12, and Reyansh, 8, were completing a final round of weekly gift-giving started for waste collectors and postal workers by several families in the Heritage Heights neighborhood.
The gift drive was born in a community Whatsapp group; neighbors Anju Prakash and Sushil Shukla spread the idea after the Bay Area’s shelter-in-place order was extended from April through the end of May. The organizers had few limits for participating: No minimum amount was set for donations, nor were there any rules about the items that could be contributed.
Prakash said she first came up with the idea after seeing a waste collector’s audition on an episode of “American Idol.” The contestant then offered a tedious description of how he cleaned up after finishing his shift.
“This was pre-COVID time. It struck me that: Can you imagine what our garbage-truck and recycle and yard-debris workers are doing, taking all our garbage — probably with stuff that’s being infected by bacteria — and they have to take it away. Even if they use gloves and masks and they don’t have to touch it personally, they still go home to their families. I thought of them. I thought of the mailman,” Prakash said.
The neighbors then reached out to the waste collection company’s customer service department with their idea. Steve Viamari, general manager for Alameda County for Republic Services, suggested handing out gift certificates to local businesses that are struggling amid the shelter-in-place order.
“I’m absolutely floored by their generosity,” Viamari said, adding that the gifts are a morale booster in a tough time. “It’s a challenging job right now. Our employees are working hard every day to service our customers and the communities — and people are realizing we’re a vital part of that, and we appreciate the recognition for it.”
Workers have received gift cards to local eateries, including Ambrose Butchery, Aniki Sushi, Bill’s Café, Country Way, Din Ding Dumpling House, Dino Family Restaurant, El Patio, Falafel, Etc., La Casita, Massimo’s, Mi Lindo Sinaloa, Mission Pizza, Sala Thai, Satomi Sushi, Shakers Pizza, Skillets, Smoking Pig, Super Taco, The Port of Peri Peri and Zorba’s.
On Monday, the gift cards that Reyansh Awasthi handed one worker in an envelope totaled $25. Shukla, a software architect at Oracle, also presented the three collectors who met with the community donors with gifts from local Kohl’s, Ross and Uniqlo retail outlets.
“They come every day and they have to be out all the time. They have to deal with (trash) all the time. We wanted to appreciate all they are doing for us. That is why all of us are giving them some stuff,” Shukla said. “I think we are the ones doing it for the first time. Other communities will know about it, then these people will get more help.”
Republic Services has launched a $20 million “Committed to Serve” initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effort is aimed at helping to “support our small-business customers that are the economic engines of local communities” while the company’s roughly 36,000 employees remain in the field and on-the-clock.
Guadalupe Davila, who has been picking up trash in the Heritage Heights neighborhood for more than 20 years, didn’t know who was behind the gifts and food the workers were receiving on Wednesdays and Fridays when the community drive started last month.
“I really respect this. I really appreciate what they are doing,” Davila said, adding that the increased kindness reflects the difficult times. “On holidays we get a lot of gifts, but with this pandemic, we really got a lot of things within the last few months.”


mercurynews--2020-05-18--Watch live: Go for a stroll around Lake Merritt — while social distancing, of course

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having trouble viewing media on a mobile device .
Join us as we go for a stroll around Lake Merritt , the 3.4-mile tidal lagoon known today as the city ’ s jewel and wrapped by a necklace of lights .
The lake , which is named after a former mayor known as the “ Father of Oakland , ” has a storied history .
Before Horace Carpentier , the town ’ s first mayor , began illegally selling plots of land west of Market Street and quietly working to incorporate the area once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , members of the Ohlone and Miwok tribes shared the space surrounding the lake with settlers .
In the mid-1800s it was called the San Antonio Slough , then Lake Peralta , according to the nonprofit Lake Merritt Institute .
The lake formed at the mouth of several creeks and the center of marshlands as part of the San Francisco Bay .
In 1868 , Dr. Samuel Merritt , Oakland ’ s 13th mayor , proposed a dam be built to separate the slough from the bay , according to the San Francisco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( SPUR ) .
In 1869 , Merritt donated 155 acres that included the headwaters of Indian Slough and money to build a dam at the 12th Street Bridge , across the “ neck ” of the inlet , according to the city ’ s website .
This created the present-day lake , which became known as “ Merritt ’ s Lake ” and later as Lake Merritt .
The doctor envisioned a place for residents to recreate and wildlife to take refuge .
The California Legislature recognized this vision and , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Refuge — the first wildlife sanctuary in North America .
• Reopening California : 5 things we learned Monday about what ’ s next • In reversal , Santa Clara County allows car parades and celebrations amid pandemic Fast forward to 1925 : Lake Merritt ’ s Necklace of Lights was lit for the first time during the Dons of Peralta Water Festival , shining nightly until blackout conditions during World War II were enforced starting in 1941 .
The 3,041 bulbs strung around the 126 main lamps circling the lake were reinstalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Lake Merritt Breakfast Club in the 1980s ; on July 13 , 1987 , they were turned back on — the night before the MLB All-Star Game was hosted at the Oakland Coliseum .
Rumor has it the lake is home to a leviathan these days , which the executive director of the Lake Merritt Institute calls the Oakness Monster .

CLICK HERE if you’re having trouble viewing media on a mobile device.
Join us as we go for a stroll around Lake Merritt, the 3.4-mile tidal lagoon known today as the city’s jewel and wrapped by a necklace of lights.
The lake, which is named after a former mayor known as the “Father of Oakland,” has a storied history.
Before Horace Carpentier, the town’s first mayor, began illegally selling plots of land west of Market Street and quietly working to incorporate the area once known as Contra Costa in the 1850s, members of the Ohlone and Miwok tribes shared the space surrounding the lake with settlers. In the mid-1800s it was called the San Antonio Slough, then Lake Peralta, according to the nonprofit Lake Merritt Institute.
The lake formed at the mouth of several creeks and the center of marshlands as part of the San Francisco Bay. In 1868, Dr. Samuel Merritt, Oakland’s 13th mayor, proposed a dam be built to separate the slough from the bay, according to the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR). In 1869, Merritt donated 155 acres that included the headwaters of Indian Slough and money to build a dam at the 12th Street Bridge, across the “neck” of the inlet, according to the city’s website. This created the present-day lake, which became known as “Merritt’s Lake” and later as Lake Merritt. The doctor envisioned a place for residents to recreate and wildlife to take refuge. The California Legislature recognized this vision and, in 1870, established the Lake Merritt Wildlife Refuge — the first wildlife sanctuary in North America.
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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 Fast forward to 1925: Lake Merritt’s Necklace of Lights was lit for the first time during the Dons of Peralta Water Festival, shining nightly until blackout conditions during World War II were enforced starting in 1941. The 3,041 bulbs strung around the 126 main lamps circling the lake were reinstalled as part of a 10-year beautification campaign by the Lake Merritt Breakfast Club in the 1980s; on July 13, 1987, they were turned back on — the night before the MLB All-Star Game was hosted at the Oakland Coliseum.
Rumor has it the lake is home to a leviathan these days, which the executive director of the Lake Merritt Institute calls the Oakness Monster.


mercurynews--2020-05-18--Reopening California: 5 things we learned Monday about what’s next

Gov .
Gavin Newsom and Bay Area officials announced sweeping changes Monday in their stay-home and shelter-in-place orders to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
Here are the highlights .
The state lowered the bar for allowing counties to relax restrictions and let more nonessential businesses , such as retail shops , reopen .
The criteria two weeks ago called for no deaths and no more than one positive case per 10,000 people in the last 14 days , a standard that urban counties couldn ’ t meet .
That was revised Monday to less than 25 cases per 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than 8 % testing positive over the last 7 days , with hospitalizations rising less than 5 % on a 7-day average , or no more than 20 on any single day over the last 14 days .
That more than doubles the counties able to qualify to 53 out of 58 .
Twenty-seven state parks and beaches in Santa Cruz , San Benito , Sonoma , Riverside and Orange counties , along with the Lake Tahoe Area , began partially reopening their parking lots over the weekend , with half the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Newsom said live professional sports could potentially resume in June , with restrictions to protect athletes and support staff , starting with not having spectators .
It ’ s not clear what sports leagues will be ready to resume that soon , and stricter county rules in the Bay Area remain in place .
Newsom said the state will provide guidance for allowing worshipers to return to the pews at houses of worship and for barbers and hair stylists to give Californians a much-needed trim .
The governor didn ’ t offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within a window of a few weeks.
” The Bay Area has maintained stricter shelter-in-place rules since even before Newsom ’ s stay-home order , easing some restrictions this month like allowing construction and other outdoor businesses to resume , while imposing new restrictions such as mask mandates .
But Monday , Santa Clara , Alameda , Contra Costa , Marin and San Francisco counties issued a revised order that lets shops offer storefront pick-up , and manufacturing , warehousing , and logistical operations that support retail to resume .
Also Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car parades .
• Watch live : Go for a stroll around Lake Merritt — while social distancing , of course • In reversal , Santa Clara County allows car parades and celebrations amid pandemic

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Bay Area officials announced sweeping changes Monday in their stay-home and shelter-in-place orders to slow the spread of COVID-19. Here are the highlights.
New state criteria ease restrictions on urban counties
The state lowered the bar for allowing counties to relax restrictions and let more nonessential businesses, such as retail shops, reopen. The criteria two weeks ago called for no deaths and no more than one positive case per 10,000 people in the last 14 days, a standard that urban counties couldn’t meet.
That was revised Monday to less than 25 cases per 100,000 in the last 14 days, or less than 8% testing positive over the last 7 days, with hospitalizations rising less than 5% on a 7-day average, or no more than 20 on any single day over the last 14 days. That more than doubles the counties able to qualify to 53 out of 58.
State parks begin to reopen
Twenty-seven state parks and beaches in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Sonoma, Riverside and Orange counties, along with the Lake Tahoe Area, began partially reopening their parking lots over the weekend, with half the parking stalls blocked off to reduce crowding.
Pro sports could return in June
Newsom said live professional sports could potentially resume in June, with restrictions to protect athletes and support staff, starting with not having spectators. It’s not clear what sports leagues will be ready to resume that soon, and stricter county rules in the Bay Area remain in place.
Church, haircuts coming back soon
Newsom said the state will provide guidance for allowing worshipers to return to the pews at houses of worship and for barbers and hair stylists to give Californians a much-needed trim. The governor didn’t offer details but said “we’re within a window of a few weeks.”
Bay Area counties relax rules, too
The Bay Area has maintained stricter shelter-in-place rules since even before Newsom’s stay-home order, easing some restrictions this month like allowing construction and other outdoor businesses to resume, while imposing new restrictions such as mask mandates.


mercurynews--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Parking lots reopen at 27 California state parks

Parking lots are slowly beginning to re-open at some of California ’ s state parks .
Over the weekend , and without an official announcement , the state began to partially reopen lots at 27 state parks and beaches in Santa Cruz , San Benito , Sonoma , Riverside and Orange counties , along with the Lake Tahoe Area , and several other mostly rural parts of the state .
In most of the re-opened parking lots , 50 % or fewer of the parking spaces will be available .
California has 280 state parks .
As of Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
State parks officials have closed the parking lots in the parks that are open as a way to encourage only local visitors and reduce crowd size .
Gloria Sandoval , deputy director of California ’ s state parks department , said Monday that the state was able to reopen some lots starting Friday after consultation with local and state health officials .
She said that the department expects visitors not to travel across county lines , and to go only to their local parks , as a way to reduce overcrowding until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be relaxed .
“ We are still telling people to stay close to home , ” she said .
“ It ’ s important for everybody to do their part to help mitigate the spread of the virus.
” Sandoval recommended that anyone planning to visit a state park first look up the website for that individual park to see the latest rules at www.parks.ca.gov .
All beaches in Santa Cruz County , for example , are closed daily between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. , by local order , with violators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swimming and surfing are permitted .
Guided tours , campgrounds , museums and visitor centers remain closed at all state parks , although trails are open at many .
The state parks where parking lots have partially reopened , by county , are : Folsom Lake State Recreation Area ( also in Sacramento and Placer counties ) On Monday , as he relaxed some rules around California , Gov .
Gavin Newsom was asked when he would be opening state parks parking lots , following reports that it was difficult for the elderly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are open .
“ There are 27 proof points that that was done in the last few days , ” Newsom said .
Newsom and parks officials continue to urge state parks visitors to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household .

Parking lots are slowly beginning to re-open at some of California’s state parks.
Over the weekend, and without an official announcement, the state began to partially reopen lots at 27 state parks and beaches in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Sonoma, Riverside and Orange counties, along with the Lake Tahoe Area, and several other mostly rural parts of the state.
In most of the re-opened parking lots, 50% or fewer of the parking spaces will be available.
California has 280 state parks. As of Monday, 36 were closed and 244 were open. State parks officials have closed the parking lots in the parks that are open as a way to encourage only local visitors and reduce crowd size.
Gloria Sandoval, deputy director of California’s state parks department, said Monday that the state was able to reopen some lots starting Friday after consultation with local and state health officials. She said that the department expects visitors not to travel across county lines, and to go only to their local parks, as a way to reduce overcrowding until conditions continue to improve and more rules can be relaxed.
“We are still telling people to stay close to home,” she said. “It’s important for everybody to do their part to help mitigate the spread of the virus.”
Sandoval recommended that anyone planning to visit a state park first look up the website for that individual park to see the latest rules at www.parks.ca.gov. All beaches in Santa Cruz County, for example, are closed daily between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., by local order, with violators subject to $1,000 fines — although swimming and surfing are permitted.
Guided tours, campgrounds, museums and visitor centers remain closed at all state parks, although trails are open at many.
The state parks where parking lots have partially reopened, by county, are:
Butte County
Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
El Dorado County
Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Emerald Bay State Park
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (also in Sacramento and Placer counties)
Lake Valley State Recreation Area
Washoe Meadows State Park
Kern County
Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area
Nevada County
Donner Memorial State Park
Orange County
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Doheny State Beach
Huntington State Beach
San Clemente State Beach
Crystal Cove State Beach
Placer County
Auburn State Recreation Area
Kings Beach State Recreation Area
Riverside County
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
San Benito County
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Santa Cruz County
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Wilder Ranch State Park
Shasta County
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Sonoma County
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Jack London State Historic Park
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Trione-Annadel State Park
Tuolumne County
Columbia State Historic Park
On Monday, as he relaxed some rules around California, Gov. Gavin Newsom was asked when he would be opening state parks parking lots, following reports that it was difficult for the elderly and disabled visitors to visit the ones that are open.
“There are 27 proof points that that was done in the last few days,” Newsom said.
Newsom and parks officials continue to urge state parks visitors to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household.


mercurynews--2020-05-18--Raiders sign cornerback Prince Amukamara

The Raiders have signed Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara , according to the NFL Network ’ s Mike Garafolo .
Amukamara @ @ @ @ @ has played with the Giants , the Jaguars and the Bears , who reportedly signed @ @ @ @ @ $ 27 million in 2018 .
A first-round selection in the 2011 NFL draft , @ @ @ @ @ cornerback .
• Ten Raiders who face uphill battle to make the 53-man roster • @ @ @ @ @ in a ‘ virtual ’ offseason ?
• Raiders zero in on veteran corner Prince @ @ @ @ @ , Amukamara has 10 interceptions , 78 passes defensed , and 477 tackles .
He @ @ @ @ @ Joyner and Damon Arnette , the Raiders ’ first round pick from this spring ’ @ @ @ @ @ Raiders defensive backfield .

The Raiders have signed Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara, according to the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Amukamara, a 10-year veteran, has played with the Giants, the Jaguars and the Bears, who reportedly signed him to a three-year, $27 million in 2018.
A first-round selection in the 2011 NFL draft, he has mostly played right cornerback.
In 113 NFL games, Amukamara has 10 interceptions, 78 passes defensed, and 477 tackles.
He joins Johnathan Abram, LaMarcus Joyner and Damon Arnette, the Raiders’ first round pick from this spring’s draft, in the Raiders defensive backfield.


mercurynews--2020-05-19--Letter: ‘Bookish’ inspires me to share my favorites

I loved “ Bookish : 23 awesome ways to celebrate the Bay Area ’ s literary scene ” ( Eastbaytimes.com @ @ @ @ @ Thanks !
May I share a few of my favorites ?
• “ The Golem @ @ @ @ @ Helene Wecker , • “ All the Little Live Things ” by Wallace Stegner , @ @ @ @ @ Sea of Cortez ” by John Steinbeck , • “ In Search of Our Mothers @ @ @ @ @ Walker , • “ Ishi in Two Worlds ” by Theodora Kroeber , • “ @ @ @ @ @ ” by Maxine Hong Kingston .
• Letter : I ’ m not a Trump @ @ @ @ @ he deserves credit • Letter : Protesters had no face coverings and weren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ My encounters with people who won ’ t social distance • Letter : The worst @ @ @ @ @ that he ’ s a con man • Letter : Mail-in ballots deprive all voters @ @ @ @ @ your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

‘Bookish’ inspires me
to share my favorites
I loved “Bookish: 23 awesome ways to celebrate the Bay Area’s literary scene” (Eastbaytimes.com, May 22)! Thanks!
May I share a few of my favorites?
Celia Menczel
Walnut Creek
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-05-19--What 49ers story equates to Jordan-level documentary?

Hall of Famers , highlight reels and a five-piece , Lombardi Trophy collection represent the 49ers ’ rich history .
There is always more to the story , however .
Say you ’ re making a 49ers documentary about a key person , season or era .
It must rival or top ESPN ’ s “ The Last Dance , ” a 10-episode docuseries that wrapped up Sunday night on basketball ’ s almighty Michael Jordan .
Compelling action .
Championship stakes .
Untold drama .
Flamboyant personalities .
Mix all that together and it makes for a nostalgic nirvana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Over 6,000 fans weighed in via Twitter and Instagram polls when offered a four-topic sampler about a 49ers documentary .
Write-in candidates flooded the polling booths , too .
The following nine storylines may not define the Niners ’ legacy , but they at least appeal to the modern-day masses , in any order you like : Colin Kaepernick is the most polarizing figure in 49ers ’ lore .
He ’ d make for the most riveting documentary , including reactions that reverberated through NFL locker rooms and America ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relive his career , and some will love to hate on him more .
One of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks ever , he once ran for 181 yards in a playoff win and later nearly pulled off a Super Bowl comeback .
He took the NFL by storm , complete with his Instagram hashtag of “ 7tormsComing.
” Fast forward to 2016 for his final season .
Kaepernick ’ s social activism turned him into an international celebrity , as he protested during the national anthem to bring attention to social inequalities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words became so outspoken he became a NFL outcast , whether his on-field skills justified that or not .
This title is credited to George Kittle , who vowed after the Super Bowl LIV loss he ’ d return for the Lombardi Trophy in the 49ers ’ “ Legendary Revenge Tour of 2020.
” It ’ s no surprise this won the popular vote .
A bright future and great hope serve as guiding lights through dark times .
Coach Kyle Shanahan ’ s fourth year can show how a veteran , familiar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , plus other adversity such as any fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ I feel we ’ re still loaded on the defensive front .
I feel we ’ ll be fine , ” safety Jimmie Ward said last week , before poignantly adding : “ It ’ s just a bunch of talking right now , so we ’ ll see Game 1.
” Absence makes the heart grow fonder , and it ’ s been 25 years since the 49ers ’ last enjoyed a Super Bowl win .
What a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nods .
Steve Young got the monkey off his back by overcoming the Dallas Cowboys ( and Charles Haley ) and then throwing a Super Bowl-record six touchdown passes .
There was Deion Sanders ’ glorious one-and-done , Ken Norton Jr. ’ s defection from Dallas , and Jerry Rice , and so much more .
Hall of Famers Bill Walsh , Joe Montana and Ronnie Lott broke out with the 49ers ’ first Super Bowl season in 1981 , and don ’ t dare forget about then-owner Eddie DeBartolo .
NFL Network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the Cowboys with “ The Catch.
” True , NFL Films ’ wonderful “ America ’ s Game ” documentary series captured the 1981 team ’ s essence , along with all other Super Bowl-winning seasons .
But let ’ s now add more off-field context , such as how that team bonded San Francisco through some dark times such as the AIDS epidemic and 1978 City Hall assassinations .
The ’ 81 season would make easy entry for a docuseries on the Team of the 80 ’ s .
What a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harbaugh ’ s four seasons as the 49ers coach from 2011-14 .
He steered a meteoric rise into playoff contention , but then came Year 4 .
Instead of a contract extension , discord with 49ers ownership and general manager Trent Baalke reached a boiling point , and a “ mutual decision ” led Harbaugh back to his alma mater , Michigan .
Packed into the Harbaugh era were three NFC Championship games , an epic Super Bowl , a quarterback controversy , a labor lockout , power struggles and the revitalization of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NFL is all about .
This is the bronzed benchmark for all NFL quarterback controversies : one Hall of Famer is dethroned by another to take over a championship dynasty .
Some 30 years later , Joe Montana and Steve Young are not bitter rivals , nor do they talk with disdain about their time together , so don ’ t count on a documentary revealing ugly warfare .
A third-round draft pick with reconstructed knees turned into the 49ers ’ all-time rushing king from 2005-14 .
His passion is unparalleled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be enshrined in Canton , eventually .
Just don ’ t make the documentary about a potential last dance as a 2020 New York Jet .
Really want to go there ?
After back-to-back Super Bowl titles , the 49ers ’ quest for a third straight slipped from their grasp , symbolized by Roger Craig ’ s fumble in the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 20 , 1991 .
That fourth quarter earlier saw Joe Montana ’ s career derailed by Leonard Marshall ’ s blindside hit .
The Niners ’ three-peat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so has been Craig ’ s Hall of Fame candidacy .
The No .
1 overall draft pick in 2005 came with a dilemma , which Mike Nolan settled by picking Alex Smith over Aaron Rodgers .
It ’ s been second-guessed at every turn , especially since Rodgers ’ lone Super Bowl win a decade ago .
Look at them now : Rodgers is clinging to his Packers ’ tenure , and Smith is attempting an awe-inspiring comeback from a gruesome leg injury .
This story , like the QBs , @ @ @ @

Hall of Famers, highlight reels and a five-piece, Lombardi Trophy collection represent the 49ers’ rich history.
There is always more to the story, however.
Say you’re making a 49ers documentary about a key person, season or era. It must rival or top ESPN’s “The Last Dance,” a 10-episode docuseries that wrapped up Sunday night on basketball’s almighty Michael Jordan.
Compelling action. Championship stakes. Untold drama. Flamboyant personalities. Mix all that together and it makes for a nostalgic nirvana, plus a nifty distraction amid a pandemic.
Over 6,000 fans weighed in via Twitter and Instagram polls when offered a four-topic sampler about a 49ers documentary. Write-in candidates flooded the polling booths, too.
If you were to make a #49ers docuseries, which topic is most compelling (and I sure know what is most polarizing on national level): — Cam Inman (@CamInman) May 18, 2020
The following nine storylines may not define the Niners’ legacy, but they at least appeal to the modern-day masses, in any order you like:
Kaeperinick’s 7torm
Colin Kaepernick is the most polarizing figure in 49ers’ lore. He’d make for the most riveting documentary, including reactions that reverberated through NFL locker rooms and America’s inner cities. Some will love to relive his career, and some will love to hate on him more.
One of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks ever, he once ran for 181 yards in a playoff win and later nearly pulled off a Super Bowl comeback. He took the NFL by storm, complete with his Instagram hashtag of “7tormsComing.”
Fast forward to 2016 for his final season. Kaepernick’s social activism turned him into an international celebrity, as he protested during the national anthem to bring attention to social inequalities and police misconduct. A man of few words became so outspoken he became a NFL outcast, whether his on-field skills justified that or not.
A docuseries on Kaepernick’s rise and fall in football would be the most compelling. From – taking over for Smith showing how dominant he was those first few years – to showing how injury led to a few terrible seasons, benching and onset of the protest and all that followed. — Dan DeGloria (@dandegloria) May 18, 2020
Revenge Tour of 2020
This title is credited to George Kittle, who vowed after the Super Bowl LIV loss he’d return for the Lombardi Trophy in the 49ers’ “Legendary Revenge Tour of 2020.” It’s no surprise this won the popular vote. A bright future and great hope serve as guiding lights through dark times.
Coach Kyle Shanahan’s fourth year can show how a veteran, familiar cast overcomes the dredded Super Bowl hangover, plus other adversity such as any fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. “I feel we’re still loaded on the defensive front. I feel we’ll be fine,” safety Jimmie Ward said last week, before poignantly adding: “It’s just a bunch of talking right now, so we’ll see Game 1.”
George Kittle vows to be back!! The legendary revenge tour is upon us! #49ers 🎥:@SharpFootball pic.twitter.com/ZDUJO1lXnK — OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) February 5, 2020
’94 Road to ‘Last’ Lombardi
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and it’s been 25 years since the 49ers’ last enjoyed a Super Bowl win. What a cast, complete with 10 Pro Bowl nods. Steve Young got the monkey off his back by overcoming the Dallas Cowboys (and Charles Haley) and then throwing a Super Bowl-record six touchdown passes. There was Deion Sanders’ glorious one-and-done, Ken Norton Jr.’s defection from Dallas, and Jerry Rice, and so much more.
I voted for ‘94. Too many storylines. Young. Rice-Sanders. Rivalry w/Cowboys. Let’s fulfill the Revenge tour before we decide to make a doc about it lol — Bryant Guzman (@BryantGuzman15) May 18, 2020
No. 1 In 1981
Hall of Famers Bill Walsh, Joe Montana and Ronnie Lott broke out with the 49ers’ first Super Bowl season in 1981, and don’t dare forget about then-owner Eddie DeBartolo. NFL Network loves replaying the 49ers’ NFC win over the Cowboys with “The Catch.” True, NFL Films’ wonderful “America’s Game” documentary series captured the 1981 team’s essence, along with all other Super Bowl-winning seasons. But let’s now add more off-field context, such as how that team bonded San Francisco through some dark times such as the AIDS epidemic and 1978 City Hall assassinations. The ’81 season would make easy entry for a docuseries on the Team of the 80’s.
81 run was the season I started watching as a kid – so that’s always gonna lead for me — Al Cabron (@morefromalan) May 18, 2020
Heaven, Hell, Harbaugh
What a wild ride it was for coach Jim Harbaugh’s four seasons as the 49ers coach from 2011-14. He steered a meteoric rise into playoff contention, but then came Year 4. Instead of a contract extension, discord with 49ers ownership and general manager Trent Baalke reached a boiling point, and a “mutual decision” led Harbaugh back to his alma mater, Michigan. Packed into the Harbaugh era were three NFC Championship games, an epic Super Bowl, a quarterback controversy, a labor lockout, power struggles and the revitalization of a thankful fan base – essentially what the NFL is all about.
You left out the actual correct answer. The Harbaugh years. Instant rise and instant demise. — Rudy Bats (@teji_5) May 18, 2020
Joe vs. Steve
This is the bronzed benchmark for all NFL quarterback controversies: one Hall of Famer is dethroned by another to take over a championship dynasty. Some 30 years later, Joe Montana and Steve Young are not bitter rivals, nor do they talk with disdain about their time together, so don’t count on a documentary revealing ugly warfare.
You forgot the Joe-Steve QB soap opera of 88-92. Readers/viewers couldn’t get enough of it then. Would be great to sit those guys down with beverages today & get their thoughtful perspectives 30 years on—plus honest interviews w/Holmgren, Rice, B Jones, Lott, etc. Gets my vote. https://t.co/ROYiiNDnQW — Mark Purdy (@MercPurdy) May 18, 2020
Frank. Gore.
A third-round draft pick with reconstructed knees turned into the 49ers’ all-time rushing king from 2005-14. His passion is unparalleled. His commitment is script-worthy. His bust will be enshrined in Canton, eventually. Just don’t make the documentary about a potential last dance as a 2020 New York Jet.
A 30 for 30 about Frank Gore would be amazing. — Hubbard Ron (@iamronhubbard) May 18, 2020
Three-Peat DENIED
Really want to go there? After back-to-back Super Bowl titles, the 49ers’ quest for a third straight slipped from their grasp, symbolized by Roger Craig’s fumble in the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 20, 1991. That fourth quarter earlier saw Joe Montana’s career derailed by Leonard Marshall’s blindside hit. The Niners’ three-peat bid was denied, and, unfortunately, so has been Craig’s Hall of Fame candidacy.
The 1990 49ers should be on this list. I would vote them. 3 peat denied. Joe getting hurt changed the course of not only the 49ers but the NFL. pic.twitter.com/JP0JY2pj2J — Jeffrey Walizer Jr (@JWalizerJr) May 18, 2020
Alex or Aaron
The No. 1 overall draft pick in 2005 came with a dilemma, which Mike Nolan settled by picking Alex Smith over Aaron Rodgers. It’s been second-guessed at every turn, especially since Rodgers’ lone Super Bowl win a decade ago. Look at them now: Rodgers is clinging to his Packers’ tenure, and Smith is attempting an awe-inspiring comeback from a gruesome leg injury. This story, like the QBs, has staying power.


mercurynews--2020-05-19--Decision delayed on 315-unit East Bay housing project

LAFAYETTE — Voicing concerns about potential “ life and death ” evacuations in a wildfire and increased traffic congestion , the Lafayette Planning Commission delayed a decision on the controversial 315-unit Terraces of Lafayette housing plan until its June 15 meeting .
Planning Commission Chair Kristina Sturm first raised the idea of continuing the meeting — which lasted until about 1:40 a.m. Tuesday — after public comments from nearly 90 people were read .
The reading of the comments , both in support for more housing in the Bay Area and in emotional opposition to the project , ended after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she would prefer to have the commission discuss the Terraces at length at another meeting .
The vote to postpone the decision was 7-1 , with Commissioner Anna Radonich casting the only “ no ” vote .
Radonich said she couldn ’ t deny the project .
Sturm said she was “ feeling conflicted ” over approving the plan , but said she was leaning toward approving the Terraces .
She said she still needed “ harder evidence ” that traffic and congestion issues wouldn ’ t exacerbate public health and safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out that two fires occurred last October near the housing project site that not only caused extensive damage to the Lafayette Tennis Club , but also forced the evacuation of nearby residents and caused major traffic tie-ups as drivers tried to flee to safety .
Vice Chair Farschad Farzan wanted to know why the staff report cited 2013 data on traffic delays instead of using statistics in 2017 , and also had questions about the Terraces impact on public health and safety .
A city staff report concluded that denying the project could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in a legal fight and cited the state ’ s Housing Accountability Act , which essentially takes away the issue of local control regarding affordable housing projects because of California ’ s housing crisis .
The Terraces project has set aside 20 percent of its 315 units — 63 in total — for affordable housing .
Bryan Wenter , attorney for Menlo Park developer O ’ Brien Homes , said in his rebuttal that there was “ no valid way to deny this project ” and said the Terraces would bring “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He urged the commissioners to approve the project and “ be on the right side of history.
” The 20-page staff report concluded the Terraces apartment project is well-designed to “ develop a safe and efficient circulation system that respects Lafayette ’ s quality of life and community character and is consistent with other city goals.
” O ’ Brien Homes proposes to preserve 16 trees , plant 68 more trees , widen Pleasant Hill Road to add a third southbound lane between Deer Hill Road and Highway 24 , install a two-way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extension .
It will also provide a free shuttle for residents to the nearby Lafayette BART station .
But Commissioner Stephen LaBonge raised his concerns about potential fire hazards .
He was worried about the impact that a big apartment complex would have — with its hundreds of residents and hundreds of vehicles — on the neighborhoods and residents living north of it in a wildfire , and called it a “ life or death issue.
” And Commissioner Karen Maggio asked if there were any other mitigation measures the commissioners could ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it needs improvement , ” she said of the project .
“ We need to bring residents some relief.
” The Terraces apartment plan dates back to March 2011 .
It has been the subject of 20 public hearings and a lawsuit , as well as a state court ruling .
The developer earlier agreed to shelve the apartment plan and instead build 44 houses on the 22-acre site off Deer Hill and Pleasant Hill roads .
The compromise plan , called Measure L , went on the June 2018 ballot .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Brien Homes immediately revived the 315-unit apartment project .

LAFAYETTE — Voicing concerns about what one commissioner called potential “life and death” evacuations in a wildfire and increased traffic congestion, the Lafayette Planning Commission delayed a decision on the controversial 315-unit Terraces of Lafayette housing plan until its June 15 meeting.
The commission heard comments from almost 90 people being read before it ended its meeting at about 1:40 a.m. Tuesday. Reading of the comments, both for and against, lasted until after midnight. Planning Commission Chairwoman Kristina Sturm noted the late hour and said she would prefer to have the commission discuss the Terraces at length at another meeting.
The vote to postpone the decision was 7-1, with Commissioner Anna Radonich voting “no.” Radonich said she couldn’t deny the project.
Sturm said she was feeling conflicted over approving the plan, but said she was leaning toward agreeing to the Terraces. She said she still needed what she called “harder evidence” that traffic and congestion issues would not threaten public health and safety.
Sturm and other commissioners pointed out that two fires last October near the housing project site not only extensively damaged the Lafayette Tennis Club, but also forced nearby residents to evacuate and caused major traffic tie-ups as drivers tried to get to safety.
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Deputy Fire Chief Aaron McAlister said there was no safety and health risk with the Terraces.
“If this development was at the end of a two-lane road that had difficult access and I couldn’t move fire apparatus out in an easy way, and I didn’t feel like I could conduct an evacuation, I would say, ‘Don’t build it.’ That’s not the case here,” he said.
Commissioner Stephen LaBonge said he acknowledged that the Terraces would itself not pose a fire risk. But he raised concerns about the impact that an apartment complex with hundreds of residents and hundreds of vehicles would have on the residents living north of it in a wildfire, and called it a “life or death issue.”
Commission Vice Chairman Farschad Farzan wanted to know why the staff report cited 2013 data on traffic delays instead of using statistics from 2017, and also had questions about the Terraces’ potential impact on public health and safety.
A city staff report concluded that denying the project could potentially cost Lafayette more than $15 million in a legal fight and cited the state’s Housing Accountability Act, which essentially takes away some local control regarding affordable housing projects because of California’s housing crisis. The Terraces project has set aside 20 percent of its 315 apartments — 63 in total — for affordable housing.
The 20-page staff report concluded the Terraces apartment project is well-designed to “develop a safe and efficient circulation system that respects Lafayette’s quality of life and community character and is consistent with other city goals.”
“We are, of course, quite disappointed that the Planning Commission continued the hearing on this important housing project,” said Bryan Wenter, attorney for Menlo Park developer O’Brien Homes, in an email. “This is the most heavily studied project in Lafayette. It will … provide important and needed affordable housing in a community that has little, and there is no evidence that it will have any negative health or safety impacts.”
Wenter added, “There is no lawful way to disapprove the project, nor will there be any regardless of how much more it is studied.”
The Terraces apartment project dates back to March 2011. It has been the subject of 20 public hearings and a lawsuit, as well as a state court ruling. O’Brien Homes initially proposed building 315 apartments on the 22-acre site off Deer Hill and Pleasant Hill roads.
But the developer shelved the apartment plan and worked out a compromise with the city to instead build 44 houses on the property and let voters decide. After Lafayette voters rejected the compromise plan in June 2018, O’Brien Homes immediately revived the Terraces plan.


mercurynews--2020-05-19--Letter: I’m not a Trump fan, but I think he deserves credit

I ’ m not a Trump fan , but I think he deserves credit I am not a fan of Donald Trump , but I think that his administration has done a respectable job in impeding the spread of the coronavirus .
We are not giving him enough credit for what he has done .
In an administration , everyone has an opinion .
When some experts predict a pandemic early on , there can be many more who disagree .
That is how government works , and it is not Donald Trump ’ s fault .
What is important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Could he have done better ?
Yes .
However , instead of worrying about the past , we should be working together and supporting one another .
• Letter : Protesters had no face coverings and weren ’ t social distancing • Letter : My encounters with people who won ’ t social distance • Letter : The worst thing about Trump is not that he ’ s a con man • Letter : Mail-in ballots deprive all voters of one key thing • Letter : Is reopening the Tesla plant mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This pandemic can drive us apart , but it is also an opportunity to bring our country together .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

I’m not a Trump fan, but I
think he deserves credit
I am not a fan of Donald Trump, but I think that his administration has done a respectable job in impeding the spread of the coronavirus. We are not giving him enough credit for what he has done.
In an administration, everyone has an opinion. When some experts predict a pandemic early on, there can be many more who disagree. That is how government works, and it is not Donald Trump’s fault.
What is important is that he did take a stand. Could he have done better? Yes. However, instead of worrying about the past, we should be working together and supporting one another.
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Bennie Chang
San Jose
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mercurynews--2020-05-19--Horoscopes May 19, 2020: Dario Franchitti, preparation is the name of the game.

Happy Birthday : Preparation is the name of the game .
Do your due diligence , and you ’ ll gain the confidence to present and promote what you have to offer .
Your changing lifestyle requires you to explore new ways of doing things .
Use your intelligence , and be innovative in your approach to work , love and overall happiness .
Branch out , and dance to a unique beat .
Your numbers are 7 , 18 , 21 , 25 , 34 , 38 , 42 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Balance will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finish what you start .
Simplicity and precision will be the paths to getting what you want .
Avoid getting dragged into someone ’ s melodrama .
Make a decision based on reality and practicality .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Strong opinions with facts to back your claims will help you recognize who is in your corner .
Keep a positive attitude , and refrain from showing disappointment if someone chooses to head in a different direction .
Live in the moment .
3 stars GEMINI ( May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with finesse .
Don ’ t engage in joint ventures .
Put your money , possessions and passwords in a safe place .
An offer someone makes will have ulterior motives .
Do what ’ s best for you .
Handle a romantic gesture carefully .
4 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Show everyone what you are capable of doing .
Step outside your comfort zone and try something new .
Taking a different approach to an old idea will jump-start a stalemate you encounter .
A financial gain is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Look at the pros and cons of a situation , and make a compromise to offset any negativity you encounter .
Share your ideas and concerns , and suggestions will develop .
Don ’ t make an impulsive move .
Time is on your side .
5 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Handle your financial , legal and health concerns yourself .
If you let someone take over , you will be disappointed with the results .
Be open and make suggestions , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business , avoid joint ventures .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Stay on top of expenditures , responsibilities and excessive behavior .
Learn from the experience , and act moderately and in good faith to avoid setbacks .
Personal improvement should entail practicality , not a promise , a product or sales pitch offering the impossible .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Be open , attentive and respectful when dealing with others , and you will avoid a situation that can limit you .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but don ’ t let it cost you financially or damage your reputation .
Stick to the truth .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : A problem or concern regarding a friend , relative or neighbor will escalate if you are too generous or accommodating .
Pay closer attention to what ’ s going on at home or with someone close to you .
Protect what ’ s important to you .
5 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Make changes at home that will make your life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting help from someone unless you are ready to offer something in return .
How you approach a job will reflect how well others respect you .
2 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Make your position clear , and offer only what you are willing to do .
Stick close to home , and spend time sorting through what to keep and what to donate to charity .
Put health , fitness and meaningful relationships first .
4 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Be careful when dealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too open about the way you feel or what you plan to do .
Someone will use personal information against you if you don ’ t store your personal information and passwords properly .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are entertaining , fun-loving and persistent .
You are opportunistic and helpful .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Dario Franchitti, 47; Polly Walker, 54; Grace Jones, 72; Pete Townshend, 75.
Happy Birthday: Preparation is the name of the game. Do your due diligence, and you’ll gain the confidence to present and promote what you have to offer. Your changing lifestyle requires you to explore new ways of doing things. Use your intelligence, and be innovative in your approach to work, love and overall happiness. Branch out, and dance to a unique beat. Your numbers are 7, 18, 21, 25, 34, 38, 42.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Balance will be necessary if you are going to finish what you start. Simplicity and precision will be the paths to getting what you want. Avoid getting dragged into someone’s melodrama. Make a decision based on reality and practicality. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Strong opinions with facts to back your claims will help you recognize who is in your corner. Keep a positive attitude, and refrain from showing disappointment if someone chooses to head in a different direction. Live in the moment. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Handle your finances with finesse. Don’t engage in joint ventures. Put your money, possessions and passwords in a safe place. An offer someone makes will have ulterior motives. Do what’s best for you. Handle a romantic gesture carefully. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Show everyone what you are capable of doing. Step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Taking a different approach to an old idea will jump-start a stalemate you encounter. A financial gain is heading your way. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Look at the pros and cons of a situation, and make a compromise to offset any negativity you encounter. Share your ideas and concerns, and suggestions will develop. Don’t make an impulsive move. Time is on your side. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Handle your financial, legal and health concerns yourself. If you let someone take over, you will be disappointed with the results. Be open and make suggestions, but when it comes to taking care of business, avoid joint ventures. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Stay on top of expenditures, responsibilities and excessive behavior. Learn from the experience, and act moderately and in good faith to avoid setbacks. Personal improvement should entail practicality, not a promise, a product or sales pitch offering the impossible. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Be open, attentive and respectful when dealing with others, and you will avoid a situation that can limit you. It’s OK to be different, but don’t let it cost you financially or damage your reputation. Stick to the truth. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A problem or concern regarding a friend, relative or neighbor will escalate if you are too generous or accommodating. Pay closer attention to what’s going on at home or with someone close to you. Protect what’s important to you. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Make changes at home that will make your life easier. Don’t count on getting help from someone unless you are ready to offer something in return. How you approach a job will reflect how well others respect you. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Make your position clear, and offer only what you are willing to do. Stick close to home, and spend time sorting through what to keep and what to donate to charity. Put health, fitness and meaningful relationships first. 4 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be careful when dealing with others. Don’t be too open about the way you feel or what you plan to do. Someone will use personal information against you if you don’t store your personal information and passwords properly. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are entertaining, fun-loving and persistent. You are opportunistic and helpful.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-05-19--Word Game: May 19, 2020

Word Game: May 19, 2020

Can you find 25 or more words in DOCUDRAMA ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — DOCUDRAMA (DOCUDRAMA: DOK-yuh-drom-uh: A drama dealing with recent historical events.)
Average mark 17 words
Time limit 35 minutes
Can you find 25 or more words in DOCUDRAMA? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — LUSTROUS loss lost lotus lout lust slot slur sort soul sour
toss tour truss roust rout rust ours oust
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.


Bridge: May 19, 2020

Here ’ s another deal from my monthly trip to Birmingham for a game with old friends and teammates .
We always have interesting deals .
The most taxing contract to play and defend is 2NT .
Declarer must struggle with no extra high-card strength .
But 1NT can be almost as stressful .
I was today ’ s East , and my partner led the ten of diamonds .
Declarer took dummy ’ s ace , so I knew he had the king and maybe the queen .
He led a club next : five , jack , ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dummy ’ s jack .
I took the queen and shifted to the queen of spades .
Dummy ’ s king won , and declarer led a second club .
I took the ace .
So far our defense had been on target .
If I continue with the queen of clubs , I set up my seven with my ten of spades as an entry .
We get two clubs , three spades and two hearts .
Whether I would have continued down the winning path I ’ ll never know ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slipped by pitching a diamond .
South had four diamond tricks , a spade and two clubs .
You hold : S K 9 6 3 2 H K J 4 D A 7 C 9 8 3 .
You deal and pass , the next player passes and your partner opens one heart .
The next player passes .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : If you were not a passed hand , you would temporize with a one-spade response .
If partner bid , say , two of a minor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearts to invite game .
But now a new-suit response would not be forcing , and partner might pass it .
Bid three hearts , invitational .

Here’s another deal from my monthly trip to Birmingham for a game with old friends and teammates. We always have interesting deals.
The most taxing contract to play and defend is 2NT. Declarer must struggle with no extra high-card strength. But 1NT can be almost as stressful. I was today’s East, and my partner led the ten of diamonds. Declarer took dummy’s ace, so I knew he had the king and maybe the queen. He led a club next: five, jack, ten.
South then led a heart to dummy’s jack. I took the queen and shifted to the queen of spades. Dummy’s king won, and declarer led a second club. I took the ace.
ON TARGET
So far our defense had been on target. If I continue with the queen of clubs, I set up my seven with my ten of spades as an entry. We get two clubs, three spades and two hearts.
Whether I would have continued down the winning path I’ll never know; on the second club, my partner slipped by pitching a diamond. South had four diamond tricks, a spade and two clubs.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K 9 6 3 2 H K J 4 D A 7 C 9 8 3. You deal and pass, the next player passes and your partner opens one heart. The next player passes. What do you say?
ANSWER: If you were not a passed hand, you would temporize with a one-spade response. If partner bid, say, two of a minor next, you would jump to three hearts to invite game. But now a new-suit response would not be forcing, and partner might pass it. Bid three hearts, invitational.
South dealer
Neither side vulnerable
NORTH
S K 9 6 3 2
H K J 4
D A 7
C 9 8 3
WEST
S A J 8 4
H A 10 5 3
D 10 9 8 5
C 10
EAST
S Q 10 7
H Q 9 2
D J 3 2
C A Q 7 5
SOUTH
S 5
H 8 7 6
D K Q 6 4
C K J 6 4 2
South West North East
Pass Pass 1 S Pass
1 NT All Pass
Opening lead — D 10
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-05-19--Ask Amy: I won’t be intimate if she won’t wear a mask

DEAR AMY : I ’ m 71 and live in upstate New York , but during the winter months I stay at my girlfriend “ Wendy ’ s ” house in Florida .
She is 65 .
Wendy and I get along fine but have run into a snag regarding COVID-19 precautions .
Wendy ’ s son ( age 35 ) lives about 15 miles away .
She uses no COVID-19 precautions when she sees him , which is at least once a day .
When he comes to visit , I put on a face mask , and stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tells me I am being rude to him by doing this .
She ’ s well aware of the criteria regarding COVID-19 , but ignores it when it comes to her son .
I have given up trying to reason with her , as it only leads to an argument .
( She says , “ I ’ m an adult , and can make my own decisions .
Don ’ t talk to me like I ’ m a child.
” ) • Ask Amy : I forgot all about this anguished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Ask Amy : What I said about his boyfriend made my son irate • Ask Amy : My employee wants to be fired and is refusing to work • Ask Amy : To this immature woman , any criticism is ‘ mean ’ • Ask Amy : Have women forfeited the right to men ’ s courtesy ?
I ’ ve given up being intimate with Wendy , due to her unsafe behavior .
Her birthday is today , so her son came over ( along with his girlfriend ) to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ write this , I ’ m in another room ( with my mask on ) , preparing to eat my steak .
I feel trapped .
Any advice for me ?
DEAR STUCK : Scores of people have figured out how to communicate , maintain family ties , and celebrate birthdays and other special occasions without risking their health , or the health of others .
As I write this , the concept of “ contract tracing ” is being discussed , and you can well imagine that the presence of just one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring you into possible viral contact with dozens of other people .
Obviously , if “ Wendy ” has close contact with her son , and also contact with you , you wearing a mask when around him might not protect you as much as you think ( although you should continue to do so ) .
All the same , this is Wendy ’ s house .
This could be one of those times when ownership conveys power .
You seem to be doing your best to stay safe within this household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do at this point .
Once you pack your bags and are able to safely decamp to your northern home , you will be able to consider the residual damage to your relationship .
Perhaps , in your frustration , you have treated your partner like a child .
Unfortunately , now she seems to be acting like one .
DEAR AMY : My wife is an alcoholic .
Although she has been to a facility two times for in-patient rehab , she still drinks .
I ’ m dealing with this the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has made all our lives more difficult — for various reasons .
My question to you is : Why were liquor stores allowed to remain open during this pandemic ?
Is this an “ essential business ” ?
So many businesses were forced to close , and this was one I thought we could do without .
DEAR WONDERING : My assumption is that this decision has been made on a state-by-state basis — influenced , no doubt , by powerful lobbying efforts .
You might also envision one state keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state keeps theirs open ( and some states sell wine and liquor in grocery stores , further complicating the issue ) .
People living within driving distance of a state border might choose to travel ( potentially spreading the virus ) in order to purchase alcohol .
But this isn ’ t really about “ essential businesses.
” This is about your wife ’ s drinking , and how painful and destructive her alcoholism is for you .
If you have not connected with a “ friends and family ” support group up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to start .
The rehab facility where she sought treatment will likely have suggestions for ways to connect with the loved ones of addicts who have been treated there .
DEAR AMY : I just read the letter from the “ Anxious Parents , ” about the grandmother who refused to get a flu shot .
I totally agree with your response that it is very important for these young parents to set a firm boundary regarding interaction with this grandmother and their at-risk child .
I would also add that new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in contact with a new baby be vaccinated against pertussis ( whooping cough ) .
Thanks for using your column to share honest health information .
DEAR GRANDMA : It strains credulity that anyone would refuse a useful , proven , and safe vaccine .
Surely right now , we are all hoping for 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 @ @

DEAR AMY: I’m 71 and live in upstate New York, but during the winter months I stay at my girlfriend “Wendy’s” house in Florida. She is 65.
Wendy and I get along fine but have run into a snag regarding COVID-19 precautions.
Wendy’s son (age 35) lives about 15 miles away. She uses no COVID-19 precautions when she sees him, which is at least once a day.
When he comes to visit, I put on a face mask, and stay six feet away from him.
Wendy tells me I am being rude to him by doing this. She’s well aware of the criteria regarding COVID-19, but ignores it when it comes to her son.
I have given up trying to reason with her, as it only leads to an argument. (She says, “I’m an adult, and can make my own decisions. Don’t talk to me like I’m a child.”)
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Her birthday is today, so her son came over (along with his girlfriend) to cook dinner for her. As I write this, I’m in another room (with my mask on), preparing to eat my steak.
I feel trapped. Any advice for me?
Stuck in Florida
DEAR STUCK: Scores of people have figured out how to communicate, maintain family ties, and celebrate birthdays and other special occasions without risking their health, or the health of others.
As I write this, the concept of “contract tracing” is being discussed, and you can well imagine that the presence of just one extra person visiting your household might potentially bring you into possible viral contact with dozens of other people. Obviously, if “Wendy” has close contact with her son, and also contact with you, you wearing a mask when around him might not protect you as much as you think (although you should continue to do so).
All the same, this is Wendy’s house. This could be one of those times when ownership conveys power.
You seem to be doing your best to stay safe within this household, and that is all you can do at this point. Once you pack your bags and are able to safely decamp to your northern home, you will be able to consider the residual damage to your relationship.
Perhaps, in your frustration, you have treated your partner like a child.
Unfortunately, now she seems to be acting like one.
DEAR AMY: My wife is an alcoholic. Although she has been to a facility two times for in-patient rehab, she still drinks.
I’m dealing with this the best I can during the coronavirus pandemic, which has made all our lives more difficult — for various reasons.
My question to you is: Why were liquor stores allowed to remain open during this pandemic? Is this an “essential business”? So many businesses were forced to close, and this was one I thought we could do without.
Just Wondering
DEAR WONDERING: My assumption is that this decision has been made on a state-by-state basis — influenced, no doubt, by powerful lobbying efforts.
You might also envision one state keeping liquor stores closed, while a neighboring state keeps theirs open (and some states sell wine and liquor in grocery stores, further complicating the issue). People living within driving distance of a state border might choose to travel (potentially spreading the virus) in order to purchase alcohol.
But this isn’t really about “essential businesses.” This is about your wife’s drinking, and how painful and destructive her alcoholism is for you.
If you have not connected with a “friends and family” support group up to now, this is the ideal time to start. The rehab facility where she sought treatment will likely have suggestions for ways to connect with the loved ones of addicts who have been treated there.
Fortunately, Al-Anon is offering virtual meetings. Check Al-anon.org.
DEAR AMY: I just read the letter from the “Anxious Parents,” about the grandmother who refused to get a flu shot.
I totally agree with your response that it is very important for these young parents to set a firm boundary regarding interaction with this grandmother and their at-risk child.
I would also add that new parents should also require that people coming in contact with a new baby be vaccinated against pertussis (whooping cough).
Thanks for using your column to share honest health information.
Oregon Grandma
DEAR GRANDMA: It strains credulity that anyone would refuse a useful, proven, and safe vaccine. Surely right now, we are all hoping for 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--2020-05-19--Letter: Protesters had no face coverings and weren’t social distancing

Businesses must be more careful than protesters I have sympathy for those protesting the county ’ s continuing shelter-in-place order , pushing for businesses to reopen .
This pandemic has turned our lives upside down , some more than others , in a short time period .
But when I saw on a newsclip that many protesters had no face coverings and were not maintaining 6-feet distance from one another , I have to ask whether I would put my and my family ’ s health and safety at risk , if businesses are also not going to act responsibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses open up , if they don ’ t have the public ’ s confidence that they take their customers ’ health and safety seriously , they are not likely to resume their business as usual .
We need to be responsible in how we open up , or else the last two months spent at home will have been squandered , and we ’ ll be right back to square one .
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The virus is more patient than we are ; we need to be smarter .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Businesses must be more
careful than protesters
I have sympathy for those protesting the county’s continuing shelter-in-place order, pushing for businesses to reopen. This pandemic has turned our lives upside down, some more than others, in a short time period.
But when I saw on a newsclip that many protesters had no face coverings and were not maintaining 6-feet distance from one another, I have to ask whether I would put my and my family’s health and safety at risk, if businesses are also not going to act responsibly when they reopen.
Even if these businesses open up, if they don’t have the public’s confidence that they take their customers’ health and safety seriously, they are not likely to resume their business as usual.
We need to be responsible in how we open up, or else the last two months spent at home will have been squandered, and we’ll be right back to square one.
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Marla Kirby
Livermore
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mercurynews--2020-05-19--Harriette Cole: The women all turn off their video. Is that OK?

DEAR HARRIETTE : My company has videoconference calls every day , often several times during the day .
I have noticed that the women hardly ever show their faces .
We just see their names across a blank screen , even when they are talking .
The men typically show their faces .
I imagine this is because nobody can get to the hairdresser or any other grooming place , and women don ’ t feel pulled together now .
I wonder what the etiquette is for participating in these calls .
My gut says it would be much better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning showing their faces .
DEAR VIDEO CALL ETIQUETTE : The new business world includes ongoing videoconferencing for many people .
I agree with you that it is smart to be visible on these calls , at least when you first join in on the call and whenever you speak .
In this way , you humanize yourself during the conversation .
It is also true that many people are struggling with grooming and maintenance during this extended period under stay-at-home orders .
• Harriette Cole : Should I take the funeral home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Harriette Cole : I ’ ve started having flashbacks of my shameful behavior • Harriette Cole : My husband makes me feel stupid and inadequate • Harriette Cole : How do I tell my boss I can barely use a computer ?
• Harriette Cole : How do I get out of her silly cocktail party ?
To all , I suggest that you figure out how to look your best professionally , and that should include what you wear .
You may not need to wear a suit jacket , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on the various calls you have .
Dress appropriately for that moment .
Be sure that your hair is neat .
Also pay attention to your background to ensure that you move anything out of the shot that you would prefer not be seen .
DEAR HARRIETTE : My town is reopening , and I am so scared .
When I listen to the news , I hear many conflicting messages .
On one hand , they say that if we continue to stay six feet apart and wear our masks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know that we need to begin to turn things around , but I am worried .
I have underlying health conditions , but nobody knows .
I ’ m afraid to say anything because I might lose my job , even after my company allowed all of us to stay on payroll when we were closed .
I don ’ t know what to do .
Should I speak to HR or my boss about my concerns ?
Should I go in and just hope for the best ?
Should I stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DEAR BACK TO WORK : Start with your primary care physician .
Schedule a call to discuss how you can go back to work safely .
Ask for advice on what you can do that will be safest for you .
If your doctor doesn ’ t want you to go back to work , get a written note stating that you have been asked to stay at home for medical reasons for a particular period of time .
Your doctor does not need to state what your circumstances are , just that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home .
Talk to your employer about how you can do your job remotely for an extended period of time .
If your doctor says you can go back to work , be careful .
Keep your surfaces and hands clean .
Wear a mask consistently .
Do not touch people .
Do not let your guard down — even if co-workers brush off the precautions as frivolous .
Stay vigilant .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: My company has videoconference calls every day, often several times during the day.
I have noticed that the women hardly ever show their faces. We just see their names across a blank screen, even when they are talking. The men typically show their faces.
I imagine this is because nobody can get to the hairdresser or any other grooming place, and women don’t feel pulled together now.
I wonder what the etiquette is for participating in these calls. My gut says it would be much better for people to be fully participatory, meaning showing their faces.
Video Call Etiquette
DEAR VIDEO CALL ETIQUETTE: The new business world includes ongoing videoconferencing for many people. I agree with you that it is smart to be visible on these calls, at least when you first join in on the call and whenever you speak. In this way, you humanize yourself during the conversation.
It is also true that many people are struggling with grooming and maintenance during this extended period under stay-at-home orders.
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success To all, I suggest that you figure out how to look your best professionally, and that should include what you wear. You may not need to wear a suit jacket, but think about your industry and who will be on the various calls you have. Dress appropriately for that moment. Be sure that your hair is neat. Also pay attention to your background to ensure that you move anything out of the shot that you would prefer not be seen.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My town is reopening, and I am so scared. When I listen to the news, I hear many conflicting messages. On one hand, they say that if we continue to stay six feet apart and wear our masks, we can go back to work. I know that we need to begin to turn things around, but I am worried.
I have underlying health conditions, but nobody knows. I’m afraid to say anything because I might lose my job, even after my company allowed all of us to stay on payroll when we were closed. I don’t know what to do. Should I speak to HR or my boss about my concerns?
Should I go in and just hope for the best? Should I stay home? What do you recommend?
Back to Work
DEAR BACK TO WORK: Start with your primary care physician. Schedule a call to discuss how you can go back to work safely. Ask for advice on what you can do that will be safest for you. If your doctor doesn’t want you to go back to work, get a written note stating that you have been asked to stay at home for medical reasons for a particular period of time. Your doctor does not need to state what your circumstances are, just that you have a medical reason for staying at home.
Talk to your employer about how you can do your job remotely for an extended period of time.
If your doctor says you can go back to work, be careful. Keep your surfaces and hands clean. Wear a mask consistently. Do not touch people. Do not let your guard down — even if co-workers brush off the precautions as frivolous. Stay vigilant.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.