mercurynews--2020-11-10--Raiders mailbag: Yes, 5-3 is nice . . . but what’s going on with Henry Ruggs III?

Raiders fans are a skeptical lot and I get it .
Having covered the team for the past 26 years and watched just four teams with records above .500 , I can only imagine what it ’ s like to be flying the colors only to wind up taking it on the chin year after year .
So with the Raiders at a surprising 5-3 at midseason , mailbag submissions weren ’ t overly optimistic in tone .
And fans have every right to be skeptical .
On to your questions : Q : Why are we seeing other rookie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into their teams offensive game plans based on targets per game and actual production than how Jon Gruden is using Henry Ruggs ?
– @ WestCoastonly15 Q : Where is Ruggs ?
Outside of one sweep to Ruggs and one missed deep ball I didn ’ t notice Ruggs being involved at all .
He has been at practice .
What are we missing ?
— @ AZRaider75 There were several other questions about Ruggs , but I ’ ll try and cover it all here .
First , the Raiders are winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it takes to win .
Would you rather see Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb stats or a 5-3 record ?
Thing is , Ruggs was never going to get a huge amount of touches .
The Raiders want to run the ball at least half the time .
More , if they ’ re winning .
Other than the occasional fly sweep , that rules out Ruggs .
Second , he ’ s got to make the most of the chances he does get .
He ’ s missed big plays the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet in bounds .
He ’ s got good hands and body control .
The other stuff is going to come .
You can compare Ruggs to Tyreek Hill all you want , but Jon Gruden is not Andy Reid .
He ’ s Mr. Smashmouth .
That said , he should be getting four or five touches per game .
A lot of that will come when Derek Carr totally trusts him .
That can fade in and out , as it did with Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree .
Q : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outside receivers .
Are they trying to be too aggressive ?
Seems like most of the throws going their way are deep balls with Darren Waller , Hunter Renfrow , and the backs getting the short to intermediate throws .
— @ A1anpaulhamus Nelson Agholor has been targeted 25 times and has 17 receptions for 347 yards and five touchdowns , averaging 20.4 yards per catch .
I ’ d say that ’ s pretty productive .
Don ’ t get too caught up in the stats .
This is a run-heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Waller has been targeted mostly shallow .
Renfrow has been reliable and very good .
It ’ s pretty normal for backs to get short and intermediate throws .
For Ruggs , see above .
Q : Whateek will the following likely return into action : Damon Arnette , Kolton Miller , Arden Key , Maurice Hurst , Richie Incognito , Trent Brown ?
— @ CLewisDixon Arnette maybe this week .
Miller we ’ ll know more on Wednesday if he ’ s on the field or not .
Key and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought would be ready by now .
But a 37-year-old Achilles ’ doesn ’ t bounce back as quickly as a 27-year-old Achillies ’ I would assume .
My guess on Brown is the last quarter of the season .
Q : Is Carr done sliding for first downs , touchdowns given the lack of success ( turnovers , still ruled in bounds ) and is all in on Rickey Henderson mode ?
— @ WOLVERINE_CLONE Not much of a slider , is he ?
And if he ’ s uncomfortable with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Don ’ t want get a high ankle sprain on a bad slide .
Could you imagine if he hurt himself sliding instead of getting hit ?
My feeling since Day 1 — the offense is good enough for nine or 10 wins provided the defense makes enough stops .
Doesn ’ t have to be great , just enough to set up the offense .
I don ’ t feel any differently through eight games .
Q : How will the Raiders compensate for the potential loss of Alec Ingold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Could scour the waiver wire or just do without .
They ’ ll likely look at a fullback or two .
Ingold has played only 22 percent of Raiders offensive snaps this season .
Last season it was 20 percent .
Can always utilize formations with a tight end in the backfield .
Waller , Moreau and Carrier could all line up in backfield and either shift out of it or stay there for a play or two for a different look .
Q : Would it be a tremendous cap hit For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown or do they have to hang on at least for a year ?
— Brandon Taylor ( email ) Q : Do the Raiders already know Trent Brown will have to miss four weeks with his medical complications or could he be back sooner if healthy ?
— @ aBursky Huge cap hit .
Not a possibility this year .
And next year they ’ re free and clear .
I ’ m sure the Raiders have a good idea how much time Brown will miss but are keeping it to themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mailbag I did on Oct. 27 addressing Brown ’ s future .
Nothing has changed .
If they can get four more games of Pro Bowl level play , take it .
Q : Is Rod Marinelli doing much different in terms of D-line rotation and snaps than Brentson Buckner ?
if so , I suppose the question is , could the pass rush be suffering from all the tinkering ?
— @ GunnerRaider Buckner subbed plenty as well .
The best D-lines keep their players fresh .
The Raiders problem is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t as good as they hoped through eight games ( Maliek Collins , Carl Nassib in particular ) .
Q : Why do we give up 15 yards every third down ?
— @ mrr8der34 I think it ’ s happened twice .
Two times too many .
I can imagine Gruden asking Paul Guenther that very same question .
Q : Why was Damon Arnette active but didn ’ t play when we clearly could have used him ?
— Brian McKee ( email ) He returned to practice but isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
They didn ’ t think he was ready .
Q : Do you think they will make a defensive coordinator change this off season ?
And who do you think it will be if so ?
They defense is terrible , They have the talent to be a lot better — Mike McKean ( email ) The offseason is a possibility if the defense keeps the Raiders out of the playoffs .
Keep in mind the possibility the players Guenther has had aren ’ t nearly as good as Gruden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For a new D.C. , I ’ d keep an eye on Derrick Ansley , currently at Tennessee .
Was on staff with Gruden in 2018 .
And that is a wild guess .
Q : Did they come anywhere near close to trading for a player before the deadline expired ?
And are there any players they would be interested in signing as free agents now ?
— @ MitchRVARaider The Raiders aren ’ t interested in bringing in anyone with a big salary .
They ’ re snug against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streams that were expected by Mark Davis didn ’ t materialize because of the pandemic .
Any free agents that are available now have been passed over by 31 other teams .
For the most part , you work with what you ’ ve got .
Q : Is Jason Witten helping or hindering Foster Moreau ’ s development ?
Does overall experience in tight end room trump fewer live reps ?
— @ Peteraiders From a knowledge standpoint , Witten should be helping Moreau and I ’ m sure he is .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ though .
Within two years , Moreau will be on the field much more .
Q : Is Jalen Richard on kickoffs and Hunter Renfrow on punts are only options for kick returners ?
They don ’ t seem very explosive .
What ’ s there longest returns for the year respectively ?
— Paul Lane ( email ) Richard had a 44-yard return against the Chargers that set up a short-field touchdown drive .
He ’ s pretty explosive .
And kickoff returns really have been devalued because they ’ re considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Renfrow at best is reliable at catching the ball and getting 10 to 15 yards top end .
Renfrow ’ s longest punt return this year is 27 yards .
Q : Does Raekwon McMillan not fit in Guenther ’ s system ?
Batting an injury ?
Or just not talented enough ?
One snap this past Sunday , seems like a bad move by the Raiders — Brent Viera ( email ) Not sure what you were expecting .
He came cheap because he was going to get cut by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rookies are being considered for Defensive Rookie of the Year or Offensive Rookie of the Year .
For good reason .
But do you think any of them gets hot in the 2nd half to jump in the conversation ?
— @ The_Autumn_Wind As far as the awards go , no .
Half the season is gone .
But can Ruggs and Arnette make their presence felt in the last eight games ?
Sure they can .
Q : Will Gruden ever learn to not trust his defense and treat every possession on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philly did in the Super Bowl ?
— @ Helpfight81 Admit I didn ’ t like it when they failed to go for a first down and tried to draw the Chargers offsides instead , then punted the ball .
Gruden has made some fourth-down gambles this year for precisely the reason you state , and it was against Patrick Mahomes .
He may have to do it more often against quarterbacks of lesser caliber if the defense keeps heading this way .
Q : Cory Littleton , I understand the need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its been a weird off-season and you never hear Gruden or any other coaches really speak on him good or bad so what ’ s the word on the street and is it feasible to move on from him or are the Raiders locked in ?
— @ BHelton7885 Raiders would be on the hook for more than $ 19 million in 2021 in a year with a smaller cap because of the pandemic .
They ’ re not going to rip him publicly , but no doubt they are disappointed through eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t get better .
And he ’ ll get the chance to be better .
They ’ re realizing at this point they paid $ 36 million for someone suited to be a nickel linebacker .
Q : Why do the Raiders always play KC after KC has a bye week ?
Andy Reid only has 3 losses after a bye his entire career — @ seanjohn85 • Jon Gruden : Raiders ’ mentality key in 5-3 start with no fans to cheer them on • Inside the Raiders : Schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it won ’ t be easy • What the Raiders are saying after a dramatic win over the Chargers In seven years with the Chiefs , Reid has faced the Raiders after the bye three times , with a fourth coming this season .
It will be the third consecutive season .
I suppose they could cry conspiracy , but the better option would be to build a better team .
As evidenced by the Week 4 win at Arrowhead , at least they ’ re getting closer .
Q : Why did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and multiple cornerback injuries to give Isiah Johnson a chance over Nevin Lawson ?
They ’ ve touted him multiple times in the past but wouldn ’ t let him on the field , all while Nevin Lawson is getting burned like Daryl Worley was last year .
— @ Guodknowledge They still don ’ t trust Johnson in the middle of the field .
Gruden made that clear today .
Raiders coaches love Lawson ’ s fearless and competitive nature .
But you ’ re right in that until Lawson is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you won ’ t have a playmaker outside — just a tough guy that will get in your face and won ’ t back down .
Q : At the mid point of the season , what would you say is the Raiders No .
1 position to address in the draft ?
— Shane Goyco ( email ) Pass rush .
What else could it be ?

Raiders fans are a skeptical lot and I get it after covering the team for the past 26 years. They have posted records better than .500 just four times during that span so I can imagine what it’s like to be flying the colors only to wind up taking it on the chin year after year.
So mailbag submissions weren’t overly optimistic despite the Las Vegas Raiders a surprising 5-3 at midseason. And fans have every right to be cautious.
On to your questions:
Q: Why are we seeing other rookie receivers around the league being incorporated better into their teams offensive game plans based on targets per game and actual production than how Jon Gruden is using Henry Ruggs? — @WestCoastonly15
Q: Where is Ruggs? Outside of one sweep to Ruggs and one missed deep ball I didn’t notice Ruggs being involved at all. He has been at practice. What are we missing? — @AZRaider75
There were several other questions about Ruggs, but I’ll try and cover it all here. First, the Raiders are winning and they’re going to do what it takes to win. Would you rather see Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb stats or a 5-3 record? Thing is, Ruggs was never going to get a lot of touches. The Raiders want to run the ball at least half the time. More, if they’re winning. Other than the occasional fly sweep, that rules out Ruggs. Second, he’s got to make the most of the chances he does get. He’s missed big plays the last two weeks by not keeping his feet inbounds. He’s got good hands and body control. The other stuff is going to come. You can compare Ruggs to Tyreek Hill all you want, but Jon Gruden is not Andy Reid. He’s Mr. Smashmouth. That said, Ruggs should be getting four or five touches per game. A lot of that will come when Derek Carr totally trusts him. That can fade in and out, as it did with Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree.
Q: Not understanding the lack of production from the outside receivers. Are they trying to be too aggressive? Seems like most of the throws going their way are deep balls with Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow and the backs getting the short to intermediate throws. — @A1anpaulhamus
Nelson Agholor has been targeted 25 times and has 17 receptions for 347 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 20.4 yards per catch. I’d say that’s pretty productive. Don’t get too caught up in the stats. This is a run-heavy team. Not built for fantasy football. Waller has been targeted mostly shallow. Renfrow has been reliable and very good. It’s pretty normal for backs to get short and intermediate throws. For Ruggs, see above.
Q: What week will the following likely return into action: Damon Arnette, Kolton Miller, Arden Key, Maurice Hurst, Richie Incognito, Trent Brown? — @CLewisDixon
Arnette maybe this week. Miller we’ll know more on Wednesday if he’s on the field or not. Key and Hurst may be this week. Incognito I thought would be ready by now. But a 37-year-old Achilles’ doesn’t bounce back as quickly as a 27-year-old Achillies’ I would assume. My guess on Brown is the last quarter of the season.
Q: Is Carr done sliding for first downs, touchdowns given the lack of success (turnovers, still ruled in bounds) and is all-in on Rickey Henderson mode? — @WOLVERINE_CLONE
Not much of a slider, is he? And if he’s uncomfortable with it, he shouldn’t do it. Don’t want get a high ankle sprain on a bad slide. Could you imagine if he hurt himself sliding instead of getting hit?
Q: Is this a 10-win team fully healthy? — @filipsobatkae
My feeling since Day 1 — the offense is good enough for nine or 10 wins provided the defense makes enough stops. Doesn’t have to be great, just enough to set up the offense. I don’t feel any differently through eight games.
Q: How will the Raiders compensate for the potential loss of Alec Ingold? — Colin Mehigan (email)
Could scour the waiver wire or just do without. They’ll likely look at a fullback or two. Ingold has played only 22% of Raiders offensive snaps this season. Last season it was 20%. Can always utilize formations with a tight end in the backfield. Waller, Moreau and Carrier could all line up in backfield and either shift out of it or stay there for a play or two for a different look.
Q: Would it be a tremendous cap hit for the Raiders to cut ties with Trent Brown or do they have to hang on at least for a year? — Brandon Taylor (email)
Q: Do the Raiders already know Trent Brown will have to miss four weeks with his medical complications or could he be back sooner if healthy? — @aBursky
Huge cap hit. Not a possibility this year. And next year they’re free and clear. I’m sure the Raiders have a good idea how much time Brown will miss but are keeping it to themselves. Here’s a link to the mailbag I did on Oct. 27 addressing Brown’s future. Nothing has changed. If they can get four more games of Pro Bowl-level play, take it.
Q: Is Rod Marinelli doing much different in terms of D-line rotation and snaps than Brentson Buckner? if so, I suppose the question is, could the pass rush be suffering from all the tinkering? — @GunnerRaider
Buckner subbed plenty as well. The best D-lines keep their players fresh. The Raiders’ problem is some of these players simply aren’t as good as they hoped through eight games (Maliek Collins, Carl Nassib in particular).
Q: Why do we give up 15 yards every third down? — @mrr8der34
I think it’s happened twice. Two times too many. I can imagine Gruden asking Paul Guenther that very same question.
Q: Why was Damon Arnette active but didn’t play when we clearly could have used him? — Brian McKee (email)
He returned to practice but isn’t active as yet. Should happen this week. They didn’t think he was ready.
Q: Do you think they will make a defensive coordinator change this off season? And who do you think it will be if so? They defense is terrible, They have the talent to be a lot better — Mike McKean (email)
The offseason is a possibility if the defense keeps the Raiders out of the playoffs. Keep in mind the possibility the players Guenther has had aren’t nearly as good as Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock had hoped. For a new D.C., I’d keep an eye on Derrick Ansley, currently at the University of Tennessee. Was on staff with Gruden in 2018. And that is a wild guess.
Q: Did they come anywhere near close to trading for a player before the deadline expired? And are there any players they would be interested in signing as free agents now? — @MitchRVARaider
The Raiders aren’t interested in bringing in anyone with a big salary. They’re snug against the cap, and besides, stadium revenue streams that were expected by Mark Davis didn’t materialize because of the pandemic. Any free agents that are available now have been passed over by 31 other teams. For the most part, you work with what you’ve got.
Q: Is Jason Witten helping or hindering Foster Moreau’s development? Does overall experience in tight end room trump fewer live reps? — @Peteraiders
From a knowledge standpoint, Witten should be helping Moreau and I’m sure he is. Nothing like being on the field, though. Within two years, Moreau will be on the field much more.
Q: Is Jalen Richard on kickoffs and Hunter Renfrow on punts are only options for kick returners? They don’t seem very explosive. What’s there longest returns for the year respectively? — Paul Lane (email)
Richard had a 44-yard return against the Chargers that set up a short-field touchdown drive. He’s pretty explosive. And kickoff returns really have been devalued because they’re considered too dangerous in terms of high-speed collisions. Renfrow at best is reliable at catching the ball and getting 10 to 15 yards top end. Renfrow’s longest punt return this year is 27 yards.
Q: Does Raekwon McMillan not fit in Guenther’s system? Batting an injury? Or just not talented enough? One snap this past Sunday seems like a bad move by the Raiders — Brent Viera (email)
Not sure what you were expecting. He came cheap because he was going to get cut by the Dolphins.
Q: None of the rookies are being considered for Defensive Rookie of the Year or Offensive Rookie of the Year. For good reason. But do you think any of them gets hot in the second half to jump into the conversation? — @The_Autumn_Wind
As far as the awards go, no. Half the season is gone. But can Ruggs and Arnette make their presence felt in the last eight games? Sure they can.
Q: Will Gruden ever learn to not trust his defense and treat every possession on offense as a necessity to score like Philly did in the Super Bowl? — @Helpfight81
Admit I didn’t like it when they failed to go for a first down and tried to draw the Chargers offsides instead, then punted the ball. Gruden has made some fourth-down gambles this year for precisely the reason you state, and it was against Patrick Mahomes. He may have to do it more often against quarterbacks of lesser caliber if the defense keeps heading this way.
Q: Cory Littleton, I understand the need to get used to a new system and its been a weird off-season and you never hear Gruden or any other coaches really speak on him good or bad so what’s the word on the street and is it feasible to move on from him or are the Raiders locked in? — @BHelton7885
Raiders would be on the hook for more than $19 million in 2021 in a year with a smaller cap because of the pandemic. They’re not going to rip him publicly, but no doubt they are disappointed through eight games. Doesn’t mean he can’t get better. And he’ll get the chance to be better. They’re realizing at this point they paid $36 million for someone suited to be a nickel linebacker.
Q: Why do the Raiders always play KC after KC has a bye week? Andy Reid only has 3 losses after a bye his entire career — @seanjohn85
In seven years with the Chiefs, Reid has faced the Raiders after the bye three times, with a fourth coming this season. It will be the third consecutive season. I suppose they could cry conspiracy, but the better option would be to build a better team. As evidenced by the Week 4 win at Arrowhead, at least they’re getting closer.
Q: Why did it take the coaching staff eight weeks and multiple cornerback injuries to give Isiah Johnson a chance over Nevin Lawson? They’ve touted him multiple times in the past but wouldn’t let him on the field, all while Nevin Lawson is getting burned like Daryl Worley was last year. — @Guodknowledge
They still don’t trust Johnson in the middle of the field. Gruden made that clear Monday. Raiders coaches love Lawson’s fearless and competitive nature. But you’re right in that until Lawson is a reserve, rather than a starter, you won’t have a playmaker outside — just a tough guy that will get in your face and won’t back down.
Q: At the midpoint of the season, what would you say is the Raiders No. 1 position to address in the draft? — Shane Goyco (email)
Pass rush. What else could it be?


mercurynews--2020-11-10--Bitter cold, snow perfect recipe for Lake Tahoe ski resorts

By SCOTT SONNER | The Associated Press RENO , Nev. — Lake Tahoe-area ski resorts were cranking up snow-making efforts Monday after winter roared into the Sierra Nevada over the weekend , dumping record snow in parts of northern Nevada and breaking low-temperature marks from Reno to Tonopah and even Las Vegas .
“ The natural snow over the weekend and ongoing cold temperatures have created the ideal conditions for early season snowmaking at Diamond Peak Ski Resort , ” said Paul Raymore , marketing manager for the Incline Village General Improvement District on the north end of the lake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of snow fell .
Up to 16 inches ( 40 centimeters ) of snow was recorded in the valleys along the Sierra ’ s eastern front on Sunday in Gardnerville , with more than a half-foot ( 15 cm ) in parts of the Reno-Sparks area .
New records were set near the Nevada-Utah line where 6.6 inches ( 16 cm ) of snow fell in Ely , breaking the old mark of 3.5 ( 9 cm ) in 2010 , and 4.1 inches ( 10 cm ) at Winnemucca — smashing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Interstate 80 set in 1879 at 1.1 inches ( 2.5 cm ) .
Eight inches ( 20 cm ) of snow was reported Sunday at Mt .
Charleston northwest of Las Vegas .
Up to a quarter inch ( .5 cm ) of rain fell in some areas of southern Nevada but only a trace at McCarran International Airport , so a record stretch without any measurable precipitation dating to April reached 203 days there on Monday .
A powerful cold front blew into the region Saturday sending temperatures tumbling by 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just two days .
South Lake Tahoe , California , followed a record high of 71 degrees ( 22 C ) on Thursday with a record low of 5 degrees ( -15 C ) on Sunday — 66 degrees ( 37 degrees C ) colder in about 60 hours .
Reno and Las Vegas also reached record lows for the date on Sunday , 34 and 54 degrees ( 1 and 12 C ) , respectively .
Las Vegas had set a record high of 86 degrees ( 30 C ) on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , setting a record low of 14 degrees ( -10 C ) at Tonopah halfway between Reno and Las Vegas , where the previous mark of 16 degrees ( -8 C ) was set in 1992 .
The unseasonably cold weather expected to continue through the week makes it easier for ski resorts to maximize man-made snowmaking efforts to build on the base of natural snow as several prepare to open over the next few weeks ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday .
“ This couldn ’ t have come at a better time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman for Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows , which is scheduled to open on Nov. 25 .
“ With less than three weeks to go , this is a crucial snowmaking time period for us.
” • Tahoe : Skiing in the time of Covid ?
Bundle up and prepare for a wild ride • Coronavirus changes at Lake Tahoe ski resorts will be mostly indoors • Texas woman drowns after falling off boat in Lake Tahoe Seven inches of snow was reported near Truckee , California , at Northstar California , which plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the earliest resorts scheduled to open , on Nov. 20 .
“ It is looking white and fluffy out there , ” said Joanna Mcwilliams , spokeswoman for Northstar and Heavenly .
Mammoth Mountain spokesman Tim LeRoy reported similar conditions in the central Sierra south of Yosemite National Park .
“ Cold overnight temps for the next week along with some snow in the 10 day ( forecast ) make for a pretty optimistic outlook , ” he said .

By SCOTT SONNER | The Associated Press
RENO, Nev. — Lake Tahoe-area ski resorts were cranking up snow-making efforts Monday after winter roared into the Sierra Nevada over the weekend, dumping record snow in parts of northern Nevada and breaking low-temperature marks from Reno to Tonopah and even Las Vegas.
“The natural snow over the weekend and ongoing cold temperatures have created the ideal conditions for early season snowmaking at Diamond Peak Ski Resort,” said Paul Raymore, marketing manager for the Incline Village General Improvement District on the north end of the lake where 8 inches (20 centimeters) of snow fell.
Up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) of snow was recorded in the valleys along the Sierra’s eastern front on Sunday in Gardnerville, with more than a half-foot (15 cm) in parts of the Reno-Sparks area.
New records were set near the Nevada-Utah line where 6.6 inches (16 cm) of snow fell in Ely, breaking the old mark of 3.5 (9 cm) in 2010, and 4.1 inches (10 cm) at Winnemucca — smashing a 141-year-old record in the north-central Nevada town on Interstate 80 set in 1879 at 1.1 inches (2.5 cm).
Eight inches (20 cm) of snow was reported Sunday at Mt. Charleston northwest of Las Vegas. Up to a quarter inch (.5 cm) of rain fell in some areas of southern Nevada but only a trace at McCarran International Airport, so a record stretch without any measurable precipitation dating to April reached 203 days there on Monday.
A powerful cold front blew into the region Saturday sending temperatures tumbling by 40 degrees or more in some places in just two days.
South Lake Tahoe, California, followed a record high of 71 degrees (22 C) on Thursday with a record low of 5 degrees (-15 C) on Sunday — 66 degrees (37 degrees C) colder in about 60 hours.
Reno and Las Vegas also reached record lows for the date on Sunday, 34 and 54 degrees (1 and 12 C), respectively. Las Vegas had set a record high of 86 degrees (30 C) on Thursday.
The chilly trend continued statewide Monday, setting a record low of 14 degrees (-10 C) at Tonopah halfway between Reno and Las Vegas, where the previous mark of 16 degrees (-8 C) was set in 1992.
The unseasonably cold weather expected to continue through the week makes it easier for ski resorts to maximize man-made snowmaking efforts to build on the base of natural snow as several prepare to open over the next few weeks ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
“This couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Alex Spychalsky, a spokeswoman for Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, which is scheduled to open on Nov. 25. “With less than three weeks to go, this is a crucial snowmaking time period for us.”
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A travel guide’s warning to avoid Lake Tahoe may jolt the region into managing huge tourist crowds Weather | Former Berkeley resident pleads guilty to setting 3 Lake Tahoe fires Seven inches of snow was reported near Truckee, California, at Northstar California, which plans to join Heavenly on the south shore as the earliest resorts scheduled to open, on Nov. 20.
“It is looking white and fluffy out there,” said Joanna Mcwilliams, spokeswoman for Northstar and Heavenly.
Mammoth Mountain spokesman Tim LeRoy reported similar conditions in the central Sierra south of Yosemite National Park.
“Cold overnight temps for the next week along with some snow in the 10 day (forecast) make for a pretty optimistic outlook,” he said.


mercurynews--2020-11-10--Democrat Christy Smith overtakes incumbent Republican Mike Garcia in LA County’s roller-coaster 25th

Democrat Christy Smith overtakes incumbent Republican Mike Garcia in LA County’s roller-coaster 25th Congressional District

Christy Smith appears to have retaken the lead against Mike Garcia in the race for the 25th Congressional District in northern L.A. County , according to the latest results from the Los Angeles and Ventura county registrars .
The district — which includes Santa Clarita Valley , the Antelope Valley and Simi Valley — overlaps both counties .
While the Ventura portion has mostly voted for Rep. Garcia , R-Santa Clarita , the portion of the district in L.A. County has voted in the majority for Smith .
Between both counties , Smith has 160,756 votes to Garcia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still counting votes that were mailed postmarked on Election Day and those dropped off on Election Day , along with provisional and conditional registration ballots .
On her Twitter account Monday night , Smith posted : “ Thank you all for your kindness , patience , and support .
My team and I appreciate you !
We will continue to honor the process as officials do their important work.
” She added an update on the race , which has been razor-thin close since Election Day a week ago .
Over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign volunteers , also thanking them for the “ hard work and dedication over the past 18 months have been unmatched , and I ’ m proud of what we ’ ve been able to accomplish together .
I ’ m so humbled by these patriots and warriors… ” • The Latest : International observers see no fraud in US vote The politically purple-ish 25th is a reflection of the nation — with demographics that trend Democrat but also have conservative roots that continue to cut through in the polls .
Both candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress that lost Democratic seats in the general election nationwide — contrary to what many expected .

Christy Smith appears to have retaken the lead against Mike Garcia in the race for the 25th Congressional District in northern L.A. County, according to the latest results from the Los Angeles and Ventura county registrars.
The district — which includes Santa Clarita Valley, the Antelope Valley and Simi Valley — overlaps both counties.
While the Ventura portion has mostly voted for Rep. Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, the portion of the district in L.A. County has voted in the majority for Smith. Between both counties, Smith has 160,756 votes to Garcia’s 159,469 — still close, with registrars still counting votes that were mailed postmarked on Election Day and those dropped off on Election Day, along with provisional and conditional registration ballots.
On her Twitter account Monday night, Smith posted: “Thank you all for your kindness, patience, and support. My team and I appreciate you! We will continue to honor the process as officials do their important work.”
Thank you all for your kindness, patience, and support. My team and I appreciate you! We will continue to honor the process as officials do their important work.🇺🇸 https://t.co/9qdWb2KUup — Christy Smith (@ChristyforCA25) November 10, 2020
She added an update on the race, which has been razor-thin close since Election Day a week ago.
Over the weekend, Garcia met with several of his campaign volunteers, also thanking them for the “hard work and dedication over the past 18 months have been unmatched, and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together. I’m so humbled by these patriots and warriors…”
Great get-together with 200 of our top volunteers yesterday! #TeamGarcia’s hard work and dedication over the past 18 months have been unmatched, and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together. I’m so humbled by these patriots and warriors… pic.twitter.com/8kHHnuKArT — Mike Garcia (@MikeGarcia2020) November 8, 2020
The politically purple-ish 25th is a reflection of the nation — with demographics that trend Democrat but also have conservative roots that continue to cut through in the polls.
Both candidates are racing toward a seat in a Congress that lost Democratic seats in the general election nationwide — contrary to what many expected.


mercurynews--2020-11-10--5 million Californians could lose insurance if Supreme Court cancels Obamacare

Of any state , California has the most to lose if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Affordable Care Act .
Health care coverage for millions of people is at stake , as are billions in federal dollars .
Yet Democratic California leaders don ’ t have a plan to preserve the broad range of health care programs the state has adopted since it aggressively implemented Obamacare — including initiatives that go far beyond the federal health care law .
“ We have made great strides , and we don ’ t want to go back , ” said Katie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Insure the Uninsured Project .
“ This is real and we have to get our ducks in a row.
” The Supreme Court hears arguments Tuesday in the case , now known as California v. Texas .
Texas and 18 Republican attorneys general , with backing from President Donald Trump and his administration , argue that Obamacare is unconstitutional because the law can not stand without the tax penalty that accompanies the individual mandate , which is the requirement to have health coverage .
The Republican-controlled Congress zeroed out the mandate ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax bill , which the Republican attorneys general say rendered both the mandate and the rest of the law unconstitutional .
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is leading the defense and says the law can stand without the mandate .
Legal experts predict the court is unlikely to rule until spring 2021 , at the earliest .
It could strike down the law entirely or keep parts of it , such as the ability for states to expand Medicaid to more adults , which has brought health insurance to roughly 12 million Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law as is .
Even as legal experts say the addition of three Trump-nominated justices to the Supreme Court since the last time it weighed in on the law amounts to a legal wild card , Becerra is optimistic .
“ We feel pretty confident that , as in the past , when the justices look to the fundamentals of the Affordable Care Act , they ’ re going to find that it is constitutional , ” Becerra told California Healthline .
“ It would be near impossible right now to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without the Affordable Care Act.
” Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s administration agreed the situation would be “ catastrophic ” for California if the law , or core parts of it , are overturned .
The state enthusiastically embraced Obamacare , and it gets more money than any other state under the law .
It expanded its Medicaid program , called Medi-Cal , adding nearly 4 million enrollees as of June .
It was the first to create a health insurance exchange , Covered California , which offers tax credits to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Currently , about 1.5 million people are enrolled .
Since 2014 , when the major provisions of the law took effect , California has cut its uninsured rate to historic lows — down to about 7 % from 17 % — and health insurance premiums for those buying coverage on the individual market are rising slower than before .
The statewide average premiums for Covered California plans in 2020 and 2021 have increased less than 1 % .
But if the court finds the law unconstitutional , about 5 million residents could lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lose an estimated $ 27 billion in federal funds annually .
Of that , Medi-Cal would lose $ 20 billion and Covered California would lose nearly $ 7 billion , according to the state Department of Finance .
Public health agencies , which also receive federal Obamacare funding , would also take a nearly $ 50 million hit .
California also offers much more than Obamacare provides , such as state subsidies to help low-income and middle-class families pay for their Covered California plans .
It also covers full Medicaid benefits for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And as the Trump administration cut funding for outreach and enrollment , Covered California has continued to plow more money — $ 157 million this year — into such efforts .
Should Obamacare be struck down during a deepening financial and public health crisis , Newsom administration officials and lawmakers say California could not afford to continue its Medicaid expansion on its own .
Millions of other low-income residents on Medi-Cal could face cuts to their benefits and insurance markets could be destabilized , sending insurance premiums soaring , state lawmakers warn .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee .
Lee told lawmakers in October that coming up with a replacement strategy would be a waste of time because the state couldn ’ t make up for such a monumental loss in funding .
“ Talking about contingency plans is like talking about adding a few lifeboats to the Titanic , ” he said .
“ We are not spending time on contingency plans , I ’ ll be really frank about that.
” Instead , Democratic lawmakers say they ’ d be forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unlike the federal government , states can ’ t operate with budget deficits .
And legislative leaders say they wouldn ’ t be able to finance the far more ambitious health care agenda they are eyeing under a Joe Biden-Kamala Harris administration .
“ Peter Lee is right .
I don ’ t know how we ’ d pivot and replace resources that should be coming to us from the federal government , because we ’ re in a budget crisis brought on by the pandemic , ” Senate President Pro Tem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ve gone from a $ 26 billion budget reserve and surplus in March to a $ 54 billion deficit , so this would put us in an impossible situation to continue to move forward creating more access from a health care perspective , ” Atkins said .
Powerful lawmakers who lead the health committees in the state Senate and Assembly said they fear California would have to rescind programs approved just last year , including the state subsidies for low- and middle-income Californians .
To date , roughly 40,000 low- and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , expected to cost $ 240 million this year , according to Covered California .
Most likely , lawmakers said , the state would no longer be able to afford its 2019 expansion of Medi-Cal to unauthorized immigrants between ages 19 and 25 , which is expected to cost roughly $ 100 million per year .
About 75,000 unauthorized immigrants in that age group signed up for the program this year , according to the Department of Health Care Services .
California has codified other parts of Obamacare into state law that don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These laws would preserve protections for some Californians should the federal law be invalidated .
For instance , state-regulated plans must cover dependents up to age 26 , and this year Newsom approved laws prohibiting them from imposing annual or lifetime coverage limits .
Also , state-regulated insurers are required to cover preventive care such as mammograms and vaccines .
But millions of Californians in plans regulated by the federal government would lose those protections .
“ We ’ ve passed some bills that do a little patchwork , but it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said state Sen. Richard Pan ( D-Sacramento ) , who chairs the Senate Health Committee .
“ People with preexisting conditions are going to be in big trouble.
” Because the Supreme Court likely won ’ t issue its ruling for months , Newsom administration officials and lawmakers said they have time to come up with a plan should Obamacare be deemed unconstitutional .
If necessary , they could call a special legislative session and Democratic lawmakers , with a supermajority in the legislature , could enact emergency legislation .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight outbreak • Letters : Student safety at risk | More PPE needed | Nation ’ s divide | One nation | Nation ’ s character revealed Dr. Robert Ross is a member of the Healthy California for All Commission , which is studying the feasibility of enacting a state-based single-payer system .
He said the commission , with deep health policy expertise , also could be well poised to respond .
“ All the lofty aspirations to do something that transformative turn to dust if the Affordable Care Act is blown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the California Endowment , a foundation that focuses on expanding health care access among Californians .
“ We ’ d be having an entirely different , sobering conversation , and I ’ d hope our commission could put ideas in front of the governor for consideration.
” Samantha Young of California Healthline contributed to this report .
This story was produced by KHN ( Kaiser Health News ) , which publishes California Healthline , an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation .
KHN is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente @

Of any state, California has the most to lose if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Affordable Care Act.
Health care coverage for millions of people is at stake, as are billions in federal dollars. Yet Democratic California leaders don’t have a plan to preserve the broad range of health care programs the state has adopted since it aggressively implemented Obamacare — including initiatives that go far beyond the federal health care law.
“We have made great strides, and we don’t want to go back,” said Katie Heidorn, executive director of the nonprofit Insure the Uninsured Project. “This is real and we have to get our ducks in a row.”
The Supreme Court hears arguments Tuesday in the case, now known as California v. Texas. Texas and 18 Republican attorneys general, with backing from President Donald Trump and his administration, argue that Obamacare is unconstitutional because the law cannot stand without the tax penalty that accompanies the individual mandate, which is the requirement to have health coverage. The Republican-controlled Congress zeroed out the mandate’s tax penalty as part of the 2017 tax bill, which the Republican attorneys general say rendered both the mandate and the rest of the law unconstitutional.
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is leading the defense and says the law can stand without the mandate.
Legal experts predict the court is unlikely to rule until spring 2021, at the earliest. It could strike down the law entirely or keep parts of it, such as the ability for states to expand Medicaid to more adults, which has brought health insurance to roughly 12 million Americans. Or, the justices could preserve the law as is.
Even as legal experts say the addition of three Trump-nominated justices to the Supreme Court since the last time it weighed in on the law amounts to a legal wild card, Becerra is optimistic.
“We feel pretty confident that, as in the past, when the justices look to the fundamentals of the Affordable Care Act, they’re going to find that it is constitutional,” Becerra told California Healthline. “It would be near impossible right now to keep a state’s head above water without the Affordable Care Act.”
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration agreed the situation would be “catastrophic” for California if the law, or core parts of it, are overturned.
The state enthusiastically embraced Obamacare, and it gets more money than any other state under the law. It expanded its Medicaid program, called Medi-Cal, adding nearly 4 million enrollees as of June. It was the first to create a health insurance exchange, Covered California, which offers tax credits to help qualified Californians pay for coverage. Currently, about 1.5 million people are enrolled.
Since 2014, when the major provisions of the law took effect, California has cut its uninsured rate to historic lows — down to about 7% from 17% — and health insurance premiums for those buying coverage on the individual market are rising slower than before. The statewide average premiums for Covered California plans in 2020 and 2021 have increased less than 1%.
But if the court finds the law unconstitutional, about 5 million residents could lose health coverage, and the state stands to lose an estimated $27 billion in federal funds annually.
Of that, Medi-Cal would lose $20 billion and Covered California would lose nearly $7 billion, according to the state Department of Finance. Public health agencies, which also receive federal Obamacare funding, would also take a nearly $50 million hit.
California also offers much more than Obamacare provides, such as state subsidies to help low-income and middle-class families pay for their Covered California plans. It also covers full Medicaid benefits for unauthorized immigrants up to age 26. And as the Trump administration cut funding for outreach and enrollment, Covered California has continued to plow more money — $157 million this year — into such efforts.
Should Obamacare be struck down during a deepening financial and public health crisis, Newsom administration officials and lawmakers say California could not afford to continue its Medicaid expansion on its own. Millions of other low-income residents on Medi-Cal could face cuts to their benefits and insurance markets could be destabilized, sending insurance premiums soaring, state lawmakers warn.
And Covered California would be in peril, said Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee.
Lee told lawmakers in October that coming up with a replacement strategy would be a waste of time because the state couldn’t make up for such a monumental loss in funding.
“Talking about contingency plans is like talking about adding a few lifeboats to the Titanic,” he said. “We are not spending time on contingency plans, I’ll be really frank about that.”
Instead, Democratic lawmakers say they’d be forced to make painful health care cuts because, unlike the federal government, states can’t operate with budget deficits. And legislative leaders say they wouldn’t be able to finance the far more ambitious health care agenda they are eyeing under a Joe Biden-Kamala Harris administration.
“Peter Lee is right. I don’t know how we’d pivot and replace resources that should be coming to us from the federal government, because we’re in a budget crisis brought on by the pandemic,” Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins told California Healthline.
“We’ve gone from a $26 billion budget reserve and surplus in March to a $54 billion deficit, so this would put us in an impossible situation to continue to move forward creating more access from a health care perspective,” Atkins said.
Powerful lawmakers who lead the health committees in the state Senate and Assembly said they fear California would have to rescind programs approved just last year, including the state subsidies for low- and middle-income Californians.
To date, roughly 40,000 low- and middle-income people have benefited from those subsidies, expected to cost $240 million this year, according to Covered California.
Most likely, lawmakers said, the state would no longer be able to afford its 2019 expansion of Medi-Cal to unauthorized immigrants between ages 19 and 25, which is expected to cost roughly $100 million per year. About 75,000 unauthorized immigrants in that age group signed up for the program this year, according to the Department of Health Care Services.
California has codified other parts of Obamacare into state law that don’t require major state spending. These laws would preserve protections for some Californians should the federal law be invalidated.
For instance, state-regulated plans must cover dependents up to age 26, and this year Newsom approved laws prohibiting them from imposing annual or lifetime coverage limits. Also, state-regulated insurers are required to cover preventive care such as mammograms and vaccines.
But millions of Californians in plans regulated by the federal government would lose those protections.
“We’ve passed some bills that do a little patchwork, but it’s a fraction of what’s needed,” said state Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), who chairs the Senate Health Committee. “People with preexisting conditions are going to be in big trouble.”
Because the Supreme Court likely won’t issue its ruling for months, Newsom administration officials and lawmakers said they have time to come up with a plan should Obamacare be deemed unconstitutional. If necessary, they could call a special legislative session and Democratic lawmakers, with a supermajority in the legislature, could enact emergency legislation.
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Meta criticized for making reproductive health an R-rated issue Health | More mosquitos test positive for West Nile virus in Santa Clara County Dr. Robert Ross is a member of the Healthy California for All Commission, which is studying the feasibility of enacting a state-based single-payer system. He said the commission, with deep health policy expertise, also could be well poised to respond.
“All the lofty aspirations to do something that transformative turn to dust if the Affordable Care Act is blown up,” said Ross, president of the California Endowment, a foundation that focuses on expanding health care access among Californians. “We’d be having an entirely different, sobering conversation, and I’d hope our commission could put ideas in front of the governor for consideration.”
Samantha Young of California Healthline contributed to this report. This story was produced by KHN (Kaiser Health News), which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. KHN is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.


mercurynews--2020-11-10--49ers mailbag: Can return of COVID-list players spark upset in New Orleans?

SANTA CLARA — Week 10 could be the boom-or-bust point for the 49ers ( 4-5 ) .
Overmatched in losses to Seattle and Green Bay , next comes a visit to NFC-leading New Orleans .
But not before 49ers fans hit this week ’ s mailbag via my socially distant huddles on Instagram and Twitter : Is there enough healthy talent left for San Fran to even compete ?
We ’ d kill them if we were fully healthy but that ’ s not the reality of today ’ s situation .
( @ AzelBrody ) .
First rule of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fran.
” The 49ers won ’ t be as short-staffed as Thursday night ’ s 34-17 loss to the Packers , when COVID-19 precautions kept four offensive mainstays from helping Nick Mullens ’ re-entry to the starting quarterback role .
Kendrick Bourne returned to the COVID reserve list Monday , but last week ’ s high-risk contacts left tackle Trent Williams , and wide receivers Deebo Samuel , Brandon Aiyuk and Kendrick Bourne — all could be available Sunday in the Superdome .
The returns of Samuel ( hamstring ) , running back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richard Sherman ( calf ) could really boost the 9-point underdogs .
Any chance running backs Raheem Mostert or Tevin Coleman will be able to play ?
( @ ninerscentral_ ) Mostert is eligible to come off Injured Reserve after a high ankle sprain , but the 49ers did not open his practice window Monday like they did Sherman ’ s .
Check back Wednesday to see if Mostert and Samuel return to practice as Coach Kyle Shanahan originally hoped .
Coleman aggravated his Week 2 knee injury in a Week 8 return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would end his season , so he ’ ll rehab until he is OK or until his roster spot is needed .
Prediction : Mostert , if cleared , shares time with Jerick McKinnon and RB3 JaMycal Hasty , although artificial turf and next week ’ s bye could entice the 49ers to delay Mostert ’ s comeback .
With the team running low on healthy Quarterbacks , do you think the 49ers signing of Josh Johnson was solely for scout team purposes ?
Or is there something much greater here at play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson joins the practice squad mainly as insurance , in case Nick Mullens and/or C.J .
Beathard catch the injury bug while Jimmy Garoppolo ( ankle ) heals the next month .
Johnson ’ s arrival also could be timely in that he might make for a nice Taysom Hill doppelganger to mimic the Saints ’ multi-dimensional threat .
Could Shanahan be experimenting with Johnson for future considerations of bringing in a young , mobile QB ?
Now is not the time to waste practice reps on that .
Is Arik Armstead living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ darrenbn ) With only 1 1/2 sacks after a career-high 10 last season , the answer is obvious .
His supporting cast is also different , obviously .
His effort and once-question durability remain admirable , however .
He ’ s lining too much at edge on passing downs , out of necessity after injuries to Nick Bosa and Dee Ford .
The 49ers should bump him inside more against Drew Brees , who thrived in the pocket while Tampa Bay ’ s edge rushers lined up too wide to fluster him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to think about trading for Gardner Minshew if we move on from Jimmy ?
( @ elwhiskerbiscuit ) Pretty wild .
Minshew is an unconventional candidate amid the chatter we ’ re forever doomed to ponder with Garoppolo ’ s future .
A 2019 sixth-round pick , Minshew ’ s been more than a novelty act in Jacksonville , and his 92.3 career passer rating is a titch better than Mullens ( 92.2 ) .
But Minshew is too wild ( 62-percent completion rate ) , he ’ s been sacked 55 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out with a broken thumb .
Not worth trading for , and if he hits the 2021 waiver wire , the 49ers ’ QB room must be in dire shape to want him .
No .
As unhelpful as the 49ers ’ safeties have been this season , coaches are loyal to starters Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt , while keeping playmaker Tarvarius Moore idle in the wings .
Tartt ’ s latest injury ( toe ) could mean more coverage gaffes by Marcell Harris .
Sprinkling Johnathan Cyprien into the mix is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promoted off the practice squad Monday .
Thomas ?
No , the 49ers didn ’ t bite in 2019 , and he ’ s been noticeably adrift this season since the Ravens cut him in August .
Prediction for the Saints ’ game ?
I think the Niners will be competitive with some weapons back ?
( @ sergio_c ) The Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers tore into the 49ers the previous two games , and now comes the Saints ’ turn to exact revenge and dethrone the 49ers , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venue that ’ s featured some of their most memorable games .
Last season ’ s 48-46 thriller won ’ t be matched .
A 49ers ’ upset , however , could save the season , and their fans can attend for the first time this season if they pony up at least $ 300 on the resale-ticket market .
Check back Thursday for a predicted score .
• Richard Sherman cleared to practice with 49ers ahead of showdown with Saints • 49ers ’ Kendrick Bourne back on COVID-19 reserve list just 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Garoppolo recovery , but 49ers bring in another QB alongside Mullens , Beathard • Bourne tests negative again to clear 49ers ’ COVID list of 4 key players who missed Packers game • Report : Packers linebacker , who played vs. 49ers , tests positive for coronavirus

SANTA CLARA — Week 10 could be the boom-or-bust point for the 49ers (4-5). Overmatched in losses to Seattle and Green Bay, next comes a visit to NFC-leading New Orleans.
But not before 49ers fans hit this week’s mailbag via my socially distant huddles on Instagram and Twitter:
Is there enough healthy talent left for San Fran to even compete? We’d kill them if we were fully healthy but that’s not the reality of today’s situation. (@AzelBrody).
First rule of 49ers fandom: Never say “San Fran.” The 49ers won’t be as short-staffed as Thursday night’s 34-17 loss to the Packers, when COVID-19 precautions kept four offensive mainstays from helping Nick Mullens’ re-entry to the starting quarterback role. Kendrick Bourne returned to the COVID reserve list Monday, but last week’s high-risk contacts left tackle Trent Williams, and wide receivers Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Kendrick Bourne — all could be available Sunday in the Superdome.
The returns of Samuel (hamstring), running back Raheem Mostert (ankle) and cornerback Richard Sherman (calf) could really boost the 9-point underdogs.
Any chance running backs Raheem Mostert or Tevin Coleman will be able to play? (@ninerscentral_)
Mostert is eligible to come off Injured Reserve after a high ankle sprain, but the 49ers did not open his practice window Monday like they did Sherman’s. Check back Wednesday to see if Mostert and Samuel return to practice as Coach Kyle Shanahan originally hoped. Coleman aggravated his Week 2 knee injury in a Week 8 return, and putting him back on IR would end his season, so he’ll rehab until he is OK or until his roster spot is needed. Prediction: Mostert, if cleared, shares time with Jerick McKinnon and RB3 JaMycal Hasty, although artificial turf and next week’s bye could entice the 49ers to delay Mostert’s comeback.
With the team running low on healthy Quarterbacks, do you think the 49ers signing of Josh Johnson was solely for scout team purposes? Or is there something much greater here at play? (@_KRNA_)
Veteran Josh Johnson joins the practice squad mainly as insurance, in case Nick Mullens and/or C.J. Beathard catch the injury bug while Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) heals the next month. Johnson’s arrival also could be timely in that he might make for a nice Taysom Hill doppelganger to mimic the Saints’ multi-dimensional threat. Could Shanahan be experimenting with Johnson for future considerations of bringing in a young, mobile QB? Now is not the time to waste practice reps on that.
Is Arik Armstead living up to his new contract? (@darrenbn)
With only 1 1/2 sacks after a career-high 10 last season, the answer is obvious. His supporting cast is also different, obviously. His effort and once-question durability remain admirable, however. He’s lining too much at edge on passing downs, out of necessity after injuries to Nick Bosa and Dee Ford. The 49ers should bump him inside more against Drew Brees, who thrived in the pocket while Tampa Bay’s edge rushers lined up too wide to fluster him Sunday night.
How wild is it to think about trading for Gardner Minshew if we move on from Jimmy? (@elwhiskerbiscuit)
Pretty wild. Minshew is an unconventional candidate amid the chatter we’re forever doomed to ponder with Garoppolo’s future. A 2019 sixth-round pick, Minshew’s been more than a novelty act in Jacksonville, and his 92.3 career passer rating is a titch better than Mullens (92.2). But Minshew is too wild (62-percent completion rate), he’s been sacked 55 times in 21 games and he is currently out with a broken thumb. Not worth trading for, and if he hits the 2021 waiver wire, the 49ers’ QB room must be in dire shape to want him.
Should they sign Earl Thomas? (@tf_enzo)
No. As unhelpful as the 49ers’ safeties have been this season, coaches are loyal to starters Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt, while keeping playmaker Tarvarius Moore idle in the wings. Tartt’s latest injury (toe) could mean more coverage gaffes by Marcell Harris. Sprinkling Johnathan Cyprien into the mix is worth a shot, and he got promoted off the practice squad Monday. Thomas? No, the 49ers didn’t bite in 2019, and he’s been noticeably adrift this season since the Ravens cut him in August.
Prediction for the Saints’ game? I think the Niners will be competitive with some weapons back? (@sergio_c)
The Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers tore into the 49ers the previous two games, and now comes the Saints’ turn to exact revenge and dethrone the 49ers, who indeed should be more competitive in a venue that’s featured some of their most memorable games. Last season’s 48-46 thriller won’t be matched. A 49ers’ upset, however, could save the season, and their fans can attend for the first time this season if they pony up at least $300 on the resale-ticket market. Check back Thursday for a predicted score.


mercurynews--2020-11-10--Horoscopes Nov. 10, 2020: Miranda Lambert, protect against insult and injury

Happy Birthday : Protect against insult and injury .
Pace yourself , consider your objective and be secretive regarding your intentions .
Share with like-minded people and those you feel can contribute to your journey .
Change is in the air , but it ’ s up to you to take advantage of whatever opportunity comes your way .
Choose a unique path that encourages creativity , spirituality and peace of mind .
Your numbers are 9 , 16 , 20 , 23 , 32 , 36 , 47 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : You may crave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move , consider your motives as well as your options .
Patience will be required if you intend to reach your goal .
Settling for less will lead to dissatisfaction .
Concentrate on raising your profile .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Take the plunge .
Step into action .
Make a difference .
Stand up for your rights , go after your goal and engage in conversations that address sensitive issues .
A partnership will encourage personal growth and professional gains .
Set a high standard .
5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Do something that requires energy , agility and a competitive mindset .
A physical challenge will bring out the best in you and help you succeed in other areas of your life .
Aggressive action will deter anyone from taking you for granted .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Moderation is favored .
Speak up if you don ’ t like what someone is offering .
You may not relish making a change , but consider the alternative , and do what ’ s necessary to improve your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health .
4 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Take care of matters that require physical exertion .
A change will encourage you to strive for a better future .
Distance yourself from a movement that doesn ’ t share your point of view .
Be true to your beliefs , and concentrate on self-improvement .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Your emotions will push you in a positive direction .
Don ’ t put up with pressure tactics or people who aren ’ t abiding by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encourage you to try something new and incorporate what you learn into your everyday routine .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Take a deep breath and go about your business .
Don ’ t expect to get along or agree with the people you encounter today .
Consider your options , and put your energy into something that will bring you closer to your goal .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Don ’ t sit back when action is paramount in reaching your destination .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will help you move closer to your chosen goal .
Don ’ t count on others when it ’ s up to you to push through change .
4 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : An emotional situation will surface if you let someone meddle or interfere with your plans .
Rely on your ability to get things done instead of depending on promises someone makes .
Personal improvements will boost your morale .
Romance is in the stars .
2 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : You ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do things your way .
Go about your business , and finish what you start .
A change at home will save you money and improve your quality of life .
An unusual offer will entice you .
5 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Resolve money matters .
Consider a joint venture or shared expense .
How you delegate responsibilities will determine if you can move forward peacefully .
Don ’ t get involved in matters that don ’ t concern you .
Personal improvement is favored .
3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Share your ideas , and look for equality in every personal or professional interaction you encounter .
The people you associate with will make a difference in the outcome of something you want to pursue .
An unexpected change will work in your favor .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are insightful , engaging and thoughtful .
You are practical and resourceful .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Miranda Lambert, 37; Ellen Pompeo, 51; Tracy Morgan, 52; Michael Jai White, 53.
Happy Birthday: Protect against insult and injury. Pace yourself, consider your objective and be secretive regarding your intentions. Share with like-minded people and those you feel can contribute to your journey. Change is in the air, but it’s up to you to take advantage of whatever opportunity comes your way. Choose a unique path that encourages creativity, spirituality and peace of mind. Your numbers are 9, 16, 20, 23, 32, 36, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): You may crave change, but before you make a move, consider your motives as well as your options. Patience will be required if you intend to reach your goal. Settling for less will lead to dissatisfaction. Concentrate on raising your profile. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take the plunge. Step into action. Make a difference. Stand up for your rights, go after your goal and engage in conversations that address sensitive issues. A partnership will encourage personal growth and professional gains. Set a high standard. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Do something that requires energy, agility and a competitive mindset. A physical challenge will bring out the best in you and help you succeed in other areas of your life. Aggressive action will deter anyone from taking you for granted. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Moderation is favored. Speak up if you don’t like what someone is offering. You may not relish making a change, but consider the alternative, and do what’s necessary to improve your situation. Take better care of your health. 4 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take care of matters that require physical exertion. A change will encourage you to strive for a better future. Distance yourself from a movement that doesn’t share your point of view. Be true to your beliefs, and concentrate on self-improvement. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your emotions will push you in a positive direction. Don’t put up with pressure tactics or people who aren’t abiding by the rules. An unusual partnership will encourage you to try something new and incorporate what you learn into your everyday routine. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take a deep breath and go about your business. Don’t expect to get along or agree with the people you encounter today. Consider your options, and put your energy into something that will bring you closer to your goal. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t sit back when action is paramount in reaching your destination. Harness your energy, and implement whatever will help you move closer to your chosen goal. Don’t count on others when it’s up to you to push through change. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): An emotional situation will surface if you let someone meddle or interfere with your plans. Rely on your ability to get things done instead of depending on promises someone makes. Personal improvements will boost your morale. Romance is in the stars. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’ll face opposition if you pressure others to do things your way. Go about your business, and finish what you start. A change at home will save you money and improve your quality of life. An unusual offer will entice you. 5 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Resolve money matters. Consider a joint venture or shared expense. How you delegate responsibilities will determine if you can move forward peacefully. Don’t get involved in matters that don’t concern you. Personal improvement is favored. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Share your ideas, and look for equality in every personal or professional interaction you encounter. The people you associate with will make a difference in the outcome of something you want to pursue. An unexpected change will work in your favor. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are insightful, engaging and thoughtful. You are practical and resourceful.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Bridge: Nov. 10, 2020

“ Do you know much Greek mythology ?
” Cy the Cynic asked me .
“ There was a guy named Chiron who was half-man , half-horse , ” Cy said .
“ And he was a physician.
” “ Really , more than that , ” Cy said .
“ He was the Centaur for Disease Control.
” A common malady among declarers is hasty play to Trick One .
In today ’ s deal , West led a low heart against four spades .
( Since North showed a weak hand , such an aggressive lead was uncalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a free finesse , promptly put up dummy ’ s queen .
South next took the A-K of trumps .
When East discarded , South cashed his ace of hearts and led a third trump .
West won and exited with a diamond , and South eventually lost a diamond and two clubs .
Down one .
( Double-dummy play would succeed . )
South ’ s best chance is to win the first heart with the ace .
He takes his top trumps and leads his low heart .
As the cards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take the king and cash his high trump and ace of clubs to stop an overtrick .
You hold : S Q 10 8 H K 8 7 5 D J 4 3 C A 6 3 .
Your partner opens one spade , and the next player passes .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : This hand has 10 high-card points , but the distribution is as flat as can be , and the value of the jack of diamonds ( and the king of hearts ) is uncertain .
Raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the hand is not worth a stronger , game-invitational sequence .
Nothing is wrong with having a bit extra on occasion .

“Do you know much Greek mythology?” Cy the Cynic asked me.
“A little,” I admitted.
“There was a guy named Chiron who was half-man, half-horse,” Cy said. “And he was a physician.”
“A doctor?”
“Really, more than that,” Cy said. “He was the Centaur for Disease Control.”
A common malady among declarers is hasty play to Trick One. In today’s deal, West led a low heart against four spades. (Since North showed a weak hand, such an aggressive lead was uncalled for.) South, happy with a free finesse, promptly put up dummy’s queen.
THIRD TRUMP
South next took the A-K of trumps. When East discarded, South cashed his ace of hearts and led a third trump. West won and exited with a diamond, and South eventually lost a diamond and two clubs. Down one. (Double-dummy play would succeed.)
South’s best chance is to win the first heart with the ace. He takes his top trumps and leads his low heart. As the cards lie, all West can do is take the king and cash his high trump and ace of clubs to stop an overtrick.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S Q 10 8 H K 8 7 5 D J 4 3 C A 6 3. Your partner opens one spade, and the next player passes. What do you say?
ANSWER: This hand has 10 high-card points, but the distribution is as flat as can be, and the value of the jack of diamonds (and the king of hearts) is uncertain. Raise to two spades. In my judgment, the hand is not worth a stronger, game-invitational sequence. Nothing is wrong with having a bit extra on occasion.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S 5 3 2
H Q J 10 4 2
D K 9 5
C 10 9
WEST
S Q 10 8
H K 8 7 5
D J 4 3
C A 6 3
EAST
S J
H 9 6
D Q 10 7 6
C Q J 8 7 5 2
SOUTH
S A K 9 7 6 4
H A 3
D A 8 2
C K 4
South West North East
1 S Pass 2 S Pass
4 S All Pass
Opening lead — H 5
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-11-11--Postal worker reportedly recants allegations about ballots

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump ’ s campaign said on Tuesday it would file a lawsuit to stop the battleground state of Michigan from certifying its election results , as congressional Democrats said a witness who had raised accusations of ballot tampering in Pennsylvania recanted his allegations .
The Michigan lawsuit will request that election results in the state not be certified until it can be verified that votes were cast lawfully , Trump campaign attorney Matt Morgan told reporters on a conference call .
It was the latest in a string of lawsuits the Trump campaign has filed since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s victory in the Nov. 3 election was propelled by wins in Michigan and Pennsylvania .
Trump has repeatedly claimed , without evidence , that there was widespread voting fraud .
Judges have already tossed lawsuits in Michigan and Georgia brought by the campaign , and legal experts say Trump ’ s litigation has little chance of changing the outcome of the election .
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham , a Trump ally , said on Saturday that the Senate Judiciary Committee would investigate claims of voting irregularities in Pennsylvania after receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service worker , who alleged that illegal backdated postmarks may have been added to some late mail-in ballots .
Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania urged an audit of the election results .
“ We ’ ve just gotten a lot of allegations , ” state Representative Dawn Keefer told reporters on Tuesday .
Later in the day , Democrats on the House of Representatives Oversight Committee said postal worker Richard Hopkins had recanted his allegations , according to the Postal Service ’ s internal watchdog .
That office declined to comment .
The committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain why he made up the allegations .
The Trump campaign provided Hopkins ’ affidavit to Graham , who then sent a letter to the Justice Department and the FBI requesting they launch an investigation .
The campaign filed suit on Monday in federal court in Pennsylvania to halt certification of that state ’ s results , alleging lax oversight of mail-in voting .
Bob Bauer , a senior Biden adviser , on Tuesday dismissed the Trump campaign ’ s litigation as “ theatrics , not really lawsuits .
”

By Jan Wolfe and Jeff Mason | Reuters
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s campaign said on Tuesday it would file a lawsuit to stop the battleground state of Michigan from certifying its election results, as congressional Democrats said a witness who had raised accusations of ballot tampering in Pennsylvania recanted his allegations.
The Michigan lawsuit will request that election results in the state not be certified until it can be verified that votes were cast lawfully, Trump campaign attorney Matt Morgan told reporters on a conference call.
It was the latest in a string of lawsuits the Trump campaign has filed since Democrat Joe Biden captured the presidency. Biden’s victory in the Nov. 3 election was propelled by wins in Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Trump has repeatedly claimed, without evidence, that there was widespread voting fraud.
Judges have already tossed lawsuits in Michigan and Georgia brought by the campaign, and legal experts say Trump’s litigation has little chance of changing the outcome of the election.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, said on Saturday that the Senate Judiciary Committee would investigate claims of voting irregularities in Pennsylvania after receiving an affidavit from a United States Postal Service worker, who alleged that illegal backdated postmarks may have been added to some late mail-in ballots.
Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania urged an audit of the election results. “We’ve just gotten a lot of allegations,” state Representative Dawn Keefer told reporters on Tuesday.
Later in the day, Democrats on the House of Representatives Oversight Committee said postal worker Richard Hopkins had recanted his allegations, according to the Postal Service’s internal watchdog. That office declined to comment.
The committee said on Twitter that Hopkins did not explain why he made up the allegations.
The Trump campaign provided Hopkins’ affidavit to Graham, who then sent a letter to the Justice Department and the FBI requesting they launch an investigation.
The campaign filed suit on Monday in federal court in Pennsylvania to halt certification of that state’s results, alleging lax oversight of mail-in voting.
Bob Bauer, a senior Biden adviser, on Tuesday dismissed the Trump campaign’s litigation as “theatrics, not really lawsuits.”


mercurynews--2020-11-11--Poll: 79 percent of Americans say Biden won the election

NEW YORK – Nearly 80 % of Americans , including more than half of Republicans , recognize President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the Nov. 3 election after most media organizations called the race for the Democrat based on his leads in critical battleground states , according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll .
Biden – who needed 270 Electoral College votes to win – had 279 of those votes to 214 for Trump with results in three states not yet complete , according to Edison Research .
In the popular vote , Biden got 76.3 million , or 50.7 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or 47.6 % , for Trump .
The Reuters/Ipsos national opinion survey , which ran from Saturday afternoon to Tuesday , found that 79 % of U.S. adults believe Biden won the White House .
Another 13 % said the election has not yet been decided , 3 % said Trump won and 5 % said they do not know .
The results were somewhat split along party lines : about six in 10 Republicans and almost every Democrat said Biden won .
Edison Research , which conducts exit polling for Reuters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race for Biden on Saturday after he expanded his lead over Trump in Pennsylvania and appeared well on his way to amassing 270 electoral votes .
Trump has yet to recognize the result of the race .
He prematurely declared victory well before the votes had been counted and has repeatedly complained without evidence that he is the victim of widespread voter fraud .
His claims have been echoed by members of Trump ’ s cabinet .
U.S. Attorney General William Barr has authorized federal investigations of “ substantial ” allegations of voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo on Tuesday said he foresees “ a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.
” The Reuters/Ipsos poll was part of a broader survey that was conducted Friday to Tuesday and included responses before the presidential race was called .
• Joe Biden will soon fly on Air Force One ; last month , he used the Sharks ’ team plane • Letters : Call for transparency | The real problem | Voice for small states | Invest in renewables • AG Bill Barr authorizes prosecutors to look into vote allegations It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including 83 % of Democrats and 59 % of Republicans , trust their local election officials to “ do their job honestly.
” The poll also found that 72 % think the loser of the election must concede defeat , and 60 % think there will be a peaceful transition of power when Trump ’ s term ends in January .
The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online , in English , throughout the United States .
It gathered responses from 1,363 U.S. adults in all , including 469 respondents who took the poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll has a credibility interval , a measure of precision , of 5 percentage points .

By Chris Kahn | Reuters
NEW YORK – Nearly 80% of Americans, including more than half of Republicans, recognize President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the Nov. 3 election after most media organizations called the race for the Democrat based on his leads in critical battleground states, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
Biden – who needed 270 Electoral College votes to win – had 279 of those votes to 214 for Trump with results in three states not yet complete, according to Edison Research. In the popular vote, Biden got 76.3 million, or 50.7% of the total, to 71.6 million, or 47.6%, for Trump.
The Reuters/Ipsos national opinion survey, which ran from Saturday afternoon to Tuesday, found that 79% of U.S. adults believe Biden won the White House. Another 13% said the election has not yet been decided, 3% said Trump won and 5% said they do not know.
The results were somewhat split along party lines: about six in 10 Republicans and almost every Democrat said Biden won.
Edison Research, which conducts exit polling for Reuters and major media outlets, called the race for Biden on Saturday after he expanded his lead over Trump in Pennsylvania and appeared well on his way to amassing 270 electoral votes.
Trump has yet to recognize the result of the race. He prematurely declared victory well before the votes had been counted and has repeatedly complained without evidence that he is the victim of widespread voter fraud.
His claims have been echoed by members of Trump’s cabinet. U.S. Attorney General William Barr has authorized federal investigations of “substantial” allegations of voting irregularities, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday said he foresees “a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.”
The Reuters/Ipsos poll was part of a broader survey that was conducted Friday to Tuesday and included responses before the presidential race was called.
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The poll also found that 72% think the loser of the election must concede defeat, and 60% think there will be a peaceful transition of power when Trump’s term ends in January.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online, in English, throughout the United States. It gathered responses from 1,363 U.S. adults in all, including 469 respondents who took the poll between Saturday afternoon and Tuesday. The poll has a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of 5 percentage points.


mercurynews--2020-11-11--Video: With Disneyland closed, a Napa family makes the best of it

Many people have adopted new hobbies to help cope with spending more time at home during the pandemic , but few have taken it to the level of a California family , who built a 400-foot roller coaster in their parents ’ backyard .
Since their favorite theme park was closed due to Covid-19 , Sean LaRochelle , a graduate student pursuing his master ’ s in architecture at Clemson University , decided to bring a little bit of Disneyland right into their backyard .
LaRochelle , his wife and their three children were quarantining with his parents and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Napa Valley when he decided on a whim to try and build a coaster .
“ I went up to my dad and I was like , I think we ’ re going to build a roller coaster in the backyard .
And he ’ s like , “ Oh yeah , that ’ s fine .
No worries.
” I don ’ t think he realized how big it was going to be , but he was super supportive , ” LaRochelle told CNN .
The coaster ended up being approximately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rider goes at a time , but it takes 50 seconds to ride from start to finish .
LaRochelle utilized the talents of 30 friends to not only create the roller coaster itself , but to bring it to life .
It is based on the Matterhorn , a roller coaster at Disneyland in Anaheim .
The Matterhorn simulates an Alpine sled hurtling down a mountain while trying to avoid a yeti trying to capture the sled .
The ride is named after the 14,692-foot peak in the Alps near the border of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve got , you know , rock formations and waterfalls and an animatronic yeti .
And you do a couple of loops around the mountain and try to escape its clutches , ” he said .
LaRochelle has fond memories of the iconic ride and trips to the park with his family , so the attention to detail was key for him .
“ I wanted to do it really well .
I wanted to be very detailed .
I was like , imagine that I was an Imagineer and that I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality into the product .
And so for me , that was the most important thing , ” he said .
He started construction on it in March and finished in July .
LaRochelle said it was basically a full-time job for he and his brother Michael on top of the full-time jobs they already had .
“ Basically , it was after work every day , we ’ d work until it got dark .
And then we ’ d wake up early in the morning , we ’ d work until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And then on the weekends , it was 24/7 pretty much , ” he said .
“ We ’ re not , you know , mechanical engineers .
We ’ re not , you know , artisans , we ’ re just people .
And you know , I think it goes to show that anyone can do this stuff.
” LaRochelle said he and his brother used a lot of resources they found on the internet in addition to including their friends and family .
In the end , all of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have an estimate for how much it cost to build .
“ The joke was , it was the Trump stimulus check coaster .
We ended up spending a little bit more than that , ” LaRochelle said .
A lot of hard work to spread a little bit of joy “ Really , it ’ s only been positive feedback .
And I think , you know , we live in such a tumultuous time right now and having somebody , or just even seeing a collaborative group of people putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s trying to bring some joy to people , I think that that really only helps , especially because of everything that ’ s going on , ” he said .
Though the ride will survive for a while longer , LaRochelle said it is only meant to be temporary and they will eventually knock it down , but for now , the intent is to continue to spread just a little bit of joy .
“ I hope that the future of the ride is that people look at it as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know , and maybe we ’ ll make another ride , who knows , ” he said .

[vemba-video id=”us/2020/11/10/matterhorn-disney-backyard-roller-coaster-orig-jk.cnn”]
By Lauren M. Johnson and Jeffrey Kopp | CNN
Many people have adopted new hobbies to help cope with spending more time at home during the pandemic, but few have taken it to the level of a California family, who built a 400-foot roller coaster in their parents’ backyard.
Since their favorite theme park was closed due to Covid-19, Sean LaRochelle, a graduate student pursuing his master’s in architecture at Clemson University, decided to bring a little bit of Disneyland right into their backyard.
LaRochelle, his wife and their three children were quarantining with his parents and his siblings at their home in California’s Napa Valley when he decided on a whim to try and build a coaster.
“I went up to my dad and I was like, I think we’re going to build a roller coaster in the backyard. And he’s like, “Oh yeah, that’s fine. No worries.” I don’t think he realized how big it was going to be, but he was super supportive,” LaRochelle told CNN.
30 friends helped bring the vision to life
The coaster ended up being approximately 400 feet in length. Only one rider goes at a time, but it takes 50 seconds to ride from start to finish.
LaRochelle utilized the talents of 30 friends to not only create the roller coaster itself, but to bring it to life. It is based on the Matterhorn, a roller coaster at Disneyland in Anaheim.
The Matterhorn simulates an Alpine sled hurtling down a mountain while trying to avoid a yeti trying to capture the sled. The ride is named after the 14,692-foot peak in the Alps near the border of Italy and Switzerland.
“We’ve got, you know, rock formations and waterfalls and an animatronic yeti. And you do a couple of loops around the mountain and try to escape its clutches,” he said.
LaRochelle has fond memories of the iconic ride and trips to the park with his family, so the attention to detail was key for him.
“I wanted to do it really well. I wanted to be very detailed. I was like, imagine that I was an Imagineer and that I was trying to put the same care and quality into the product. And so for me, that was the most important thing,” he said.
He started construction on it in March and finished in July. LaRochelle said it was basically a full-time job for he and his brother Michael on top of the full-time jobs they already had.
“Basically, it was after work every day, we’d work until it got dark. And then we’d wake up early in the morning, we’d work until we had to go to work. And then on the weekends, it was 24/7 pretty much,” he said.
“We’re not, you know, mechanical engineers. We’re not, you know, artisans, we’re just people. And you know, I think it goes to show that anyone can do this stuff.”
LaRochelle said he and his brother used a lot of resources they found on the internet in addition to including their friends and family. In the end, all of the work paid off.
He didn’t have an estimate for how much it cost to build. “The joke was, it was the Trump stimulus check coaster. We ended up spending a little bit more than that,” LaRochelle said.
A lot of hard work to spread a little bit of joy
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Though the ride will survive for a while longer, LaRochelle said it is only meant to be temporary and they will eventually knock it down, but for now, the intent is to continue to spread just a little bit of joy.
“I hope that the future of the ride is that people look at it as something that inspired other people, you know, and maybe we’ll make another ride, who knows,” he said.


mercurynews--2020-11-11--SF Giants looking to strike gold with surprising free agent signing

San Francisco Giants executives Farhan Zaidi and Scott Harris believe that rebuilding the team ’ s starting rotation and finding experienced relievers to fill out their bullpen could put the team in position to contend for a playoff berth next year .
That ’ s one of the reasons their first offseason signing , infielder Jason Vosler , came as a mild surprise .
Vosler has never played in a major league game , but the Giants agreed to terms with the 27-year-old infielder on a major league contract Tuesday .
The former Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres prospect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in each of his past three minor league seasons and should enter spring training in 2021 with a legitimate chance to make the big league roster .
Vosler didn ’ t record any official statistics during a 2020 season in which the minor league schedule was wiped out due to the coronavirus pandemic , but was viewed as an attractive option by the Giants because he ’ s a left-handed hitter with the ability to play third base .
The Northeastern University product wasn ’ t included in the Padres ’ initial player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months of the season training at the team ’ s alternate site .
• Three scenarios for Kevin Gausman , the Giants and a big looming decision • Kurtenbach : The Giants shouldn ’ t go after Francisco Lindor… not yet , anyway • MLB won ’ t discipline Dodgers ’ Turner for celebrating World Series with team after testing positive Under Zaidi and Harris , the Giants are always looking for platoon options around the diamond and Vosler should slot into the third base depth chart behind the team ’ s right-handed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also has at least 17 games of minor league experience at all four infield positions , but with more time at third base and first base , the organization likely views him as capable of filling the role held by Pablo Sandoval in recent years .
The Giants acted quickly to sign Vosler as he joins the club one day before free agent starter Kevin Gausman must determine whether to accept or decline a one-year , $ 18.9 million qualifying offer from the team .
Gausman ’ s decision is expected to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s offseason outlook , but the Giants ’ front office didn ’ t let their focus on the rotation prevent them from crossing another box off of their checklist .
Without any major league experience , Vosler ’ s acquisition might seem like an underwhelming way to start the offseason , but Zaidi has a strong track record of scouting and signing valuable major league contributors who were overlooked elsewhere .
The Giants ’ best example under Zaidi is outfielder Mike Yastrzemski , who won the 2020 Willie Mac Award and could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MVP ballots , which will be revealed later this week .
Prior to joining the Giants , Yastrzemski had spent his entire professional career in the minor leagues in the Orioles organization .

San Francisco Giants executives Farhan Zaidi and Scott Harris believe that rebuilding the team’s starting rotation and finding experienced relievers to fill out their bullpen could put the organization in position to contend for a playoff berth next year.
That’s one of the reasons their first offseason signing, infielder Jason Vosler, came as a mild surprise.
Vosler has never played in a major league game, but the Giants agreed to terms with the 27-year-old infielder on a major league contract Tuesday. The former Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres prospect has hit at least 20 home runs in each of his past three minor league seasons and should enter spring training in 2021 with a legitimate chance to make the big league roster.
Vosler didn’t record any official statistics during a 2020 season in which the minor league schedule was wiped out due to the coronavirus pandemic, but was viewed as an attractive option by the Giants because he’s a left-handed hitter with the ability to play third base.
The Northeastern University product wasn’t included in the Padres’ initial player pool this season, but spent the final two months of the season training at the team’s alternate site. The Giants may not have scouted Vosler much over the last two years, but Harris is familiar with the former Cubs 16th round draft pick from his time working in Chicago’s front office.
Under Zaidi and Harris, the Giants are always looking for platoon options around the diamond and Vosler should slot into the third base depth chart behind the team’s right-handed hitting starter, Evan Longoria. Vosler also has at least 17 games of minor league experience at all four infield positions, but with more time at third base and first base, the organization likely views him as capable of filling the role held by Pablo Sandoval in recent years.
The Giants acted quickly to sign Vosler as he joins the club one day before free agent starter Kevin Gausman must determine whether to accept or decline a one-year, $18.9 million qualifying offer from the team. Gausman’s decision is expected to have a major impact on the franchise’s offseason outlook, but the Giants’ front office didn’t let their focus on the rotation prevent them from crossing another box off of their checklist.
Without any major league experience, Vosler’s acquisition might seem like an underwhelming way to start the offseason, but Zaidi has a strong track record of scouting and signing valuable major league contributors who were overlooked elsewhere.
The Giants’ best example under Zaidi is outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, who won the 2020 Willie Mac Award and could be listed on a majority of National League MVP ballots, which will be revealed later this week. Prior to joining the Giants, Yastrzemski had spent his entire professional career in the minor leagues in the Orioles organization.