mercurynews--2020-11-30--National agency proposes new uses of Santa Cruz County national monument

DAVENPORT — A federal management plan that promises to aid in wildfire recovery and promote access to coastal land in and around Davenport is in the final phases of public outreach .
The Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument , which has been through several public review phases since its introduction as a national monument in 2017 , has been reviewed and revamped through a plan going to the California Coastal Commission on Dec. 11 .
Before the U.S. Department of the Interior representatives present it to the commission , interested individuals can submit written comment by Thursday or log in to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The purpose of the plan , according to its letter to readers from the Bureau of Land Management division , is to increase the opportunity for outdoor recreation , address the impacts of wildland fires and establish long-term management of the property .
Currently , no part of the north county parkland is open to the public .
With the CZU August Lightning Complex fire fresh in the minds of residents , the Bureau ’ s plan pledges to promote ecological health to reduce the risk of wildfire through practices such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and detaching flammable underside vegetation while leaving “ fire-tolerant ” trees alone .
Years of work come to life The reorganization of the monument , which stretches from Molino Creek near unincorporated Swanton to just north of Laguna Creek in Santa Cruz , is 22 years in the making , according to BLM Central Office Field Manager Ben Blom .
What is envisioned to become 26.5 miles of trails for hikers , bikers and equestrians was set to be subdivided in the 1990s , Blom said .
But when a community outcry stalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public access to the land , the U.S. nonprofit Trust for Public Land purchased the acreage and committed time and money , in partnership with several entities , to keep the area from being developed .
These partnerships continued when Trust for Public Land transferred 5,843 acres to public ownership .
One entity involved is the Amah Mutsun Land Trust , a tribal organization representing Indigenous people that originally occupied the land .
The land trust is determined to bring that stewardship “ back to the California Coast , ” according to its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protected , it was always part of the plan that ( the monument ) would be accessible to the public , ” Blom said .
“ It ’ s really exciting that we are finally getting to a point where we are really close to getting the plan finalized and getting people out there because it is a spectacular place.
” Blom explained that the Bureau had worked with Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz , who are licensed contractors and have special expertise in designing trails .
Just this fall , the Bureau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a grant in order to be involved in the final plans .
“ We are taking the lines on the map in our plan and seeing how they would actually be built on the ground , ” he said .
“ We are making it a reality.
” Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz Executive Director Matt De Young said that the partnership is beneficial to the public as a whole .
Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz also designed trails for the San Vicente Redwoods , set to open within the next few years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dairies trail and create a continuous trail network .
In the opposite direction , the monument will connect to the North Coast Trail , or the rail trail , bringing what De Young estimates to be more than 50 % more legal trails for mountain bikers to the county .
“ The Bureau of Land Management ( plan ) really does strike a good balance between recreation and conservation , which is difficult to do , ” De Young said .
“ It does leave large sections of the property closed to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wildlife.
” Just as the idea of public access brought forth opposition more than 20 years ago , owners of abutting properties have concerns today that are understandable , both Blom and De Young said .
But De Young said he feels that though the plan isn ’ t perfect , it comes from a place of compromise that will continue once construction begins to mitigate effects like temporary construction obstructions and long-term increased tourist visits .
• ‘ World ’ s most beautiful duck ’ stands out in Southern California park • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waterfront park opens at Brooklyn Basin in Oakland • How one Bay Area state park benefited from this summer ’ s big fires “ Some local groups are worried about an increase in traffic and ( those ) sort of things but we are committed to working with the community as we implement ( the plan ) in order to minimize impacts to neighbors , ” Blom said .
After the Bureau and California Coastal Commission staff give a synopsis of the proposal , it is up to the commission to decide if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is called a “ federal consistency review , ” Blom explained .
The review ultimately examines whether the Bureau ’ s sight for the Cotoni-Coast Dairies land complies with the California Coastal Act .
If it is decided that the plans do meet the requirements , they will be signed this winter followed by a groundbreaking in the summer .
To learn about the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument , which falls under the California Coastal National Monument , visit blm.gov .

DAVENPORT — A federal management plan that promises to aid in wildfire recovery and promote access to coastal land in and around Davenport is in the final phases of public outreach.
The Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument, which has been through several public review phases since its introduction as a national monument in 2017, has been reviewed and revamped through a plan going to the California Coastal Commission on Dec. 11. Before the U.S. Department of the Interior representatives present it to the commission, interested individuals can submit written comment by Thursday or log in to the Zoom meeting that morning to speak.
The purpose of the plan, according to its letter to readers from the Bureau of Land Management division, is to increase the opportunity for outdoor recreation, address the impacts of wildland fires and establish long-term management of the property. Currently, no part of the north county parkland is open to the public.
With the CZU August Lightning Complex fire fresh in the minds of residents, the Bureau’s plan pledges to promote ecological health to reduce the risk of wildfire through practices such as shaded fuel breaks or selectively thinning out and detaching flammable underside vegetation while leaving “fire-tolerant” trees alone.
Years of work come to life
The reorganization of the monument, which stretches from Molino Creek near unincorporated Swanton to just north of Laguna Creek in Santa Cruz, is 22 years in the making, according to BLM Central Office Field Manager Ben Blom.
What is envisioned to become 26.5 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and equestrians was set to be subdivided in the 1990s, Blom said. But when a community outcry stalled the project from moving forward to allow public access to the land, the U.S. nonprofit Trust for Public Land purchased the acreage and committed time and money, in partnership with several entities, to keep the area from being developed. These partnerships continued when Trust for Public Land transferred 5,843 acres to public ownership. One entity involved is the Amah Mutsun Land Trust, a tribal organization representing Indigenous people that originally occupied the land. The land trust is determined to bring that stewardship “back to the California Coast,” according to its website.
“When it was being protected, it was always part of the plan that (the monument) would be accessible to the public,” Blom said. “It’s really exciting that we are finally getting to a point where we are really close to getting the plan finalized and getting people out there because it is a spectacular place.”
Blom explained that the Bureau had worked with Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz, who are licensed contractors and have special expertise in designing trails. Just this fall, the Bureau selected the local mountain biking crew for a grant in order to be involved in the final plans.
“We are taking the lines on the map in our plan and seeing how they would actually be built on the ground,” he said. “We are making it a reality.”
Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz Executive Director Matt De Young said that the partnership is beneficial to the public as a whole. Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz also designed trails for the San Vicente Redwoods, set to open within the next few years. This would connect to the Cotoni-Coast Dairies trail and create a continuous trail network. In the opposite direction, the monument will connect to the North Coast Trail, or the rail trail, bringing what De Young estimates to be more than 50% more legal trails for mountain bikers to the county.
“The Bureau of Land Management (plan) really does strike a good balance between recreation and conservation, which is difficult to do,” De Young said. “It does leave large sections of the property closed to the public so there is a habitat for wildlife.”
Just as the idea of public access brought forth opposition more than 20 years ago, owners of abutting properties have concerns today that are understandable, both Blom and De Young said. But De Young said he feels that though the plan isn’t perfect, it comes from a place of compromise that will continue once construction begins to mitigate effects like temporary construction obstructions and long-term increased tourist visits.
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Sonoma County seeks public advice on new park California News | BART, East Bay parks police investigating separate homicides in Oakland “Some local groups are worried about an increase in traffic and (those) sort of things but we are committed to working with the community as we implement (the plan) in order to minimize impacts to neighbors,” Blom said.
After the Bureau and California Coastal Commission staff give a synopsis of the proposal, it is up to the commission to decide if the plans are up to par in what is called a “federal consistency review,” Blom explained. The review ultimately examines whether the Bureau’s sight for the Cotoni-Coast Dairies land complies with the California Coastal Act. If it is decided that the plans do meet the requirements, they will be signed this winter followed by a groundbreaking in the summer.
To learn about the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument, which falls under the California Coastal National Monument, visit blm.gov.


mercurynews--2020-11-30--If you’re going to ski, here’s how to do it safely in the pandemic

Avid snowboarder Jenny Leveille doesn ’ t plan to rely on ski resorts ’ indoor facilities this season .
This decision , she believes , will give her a possible advantage when it comes to coronavirus and swirling concerns over indoor exposure .
Leveille , who ’ ll be heading to the mountains out West after Thanksgiving in Michigan , plans to return to her van — which includes a bathroom — when she needs a break for fuel or relief .
“ I ’ m hoping to have at least 50 days this year at as many resorts in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 30-year-old said .
Ski season is underway , and changes are afoot .
In Europe , Germany , hard hit by Covid-19 , is aiming for a coordinated European Union approach to keeping ski resorts shut in Alpine countries for the holiday season in order to limit the spread of coronavirus .
However , reaching an agreement with neighboring Austria is proving challenging , German Chancellor Angela Merkel indicated last Thursday , as CNN previously reported .
Meanwhile , some slopes have opened in Switzerland , which is not an EU member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter season looks bright , ” Mayor of Zermatt Romy Biner-Hauser told CNN on Thursday .
With its wide-open spaces , stashes of powder and even covering up to brave the elements , skiing might seem like the perfect pandemic sport — if the proper precautions are taken .
A face mask , a standard part of the skier ’ s uniform , is a requirement this year .
Resorts are implementing mask mandates except while guests are actively eating and drinking .
Ski destinations are also limiting indoor capacity , adding outdoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift lines and reconfiguring how chair lifts are filled .
Even with those enhanced safety protocols on the mountain and in the resorts , though , the question remains : Is it safe to ski during a pandemic ?
For Dr. Joshua Rosenberg , it ’ s not so black and white .
“ Every thing you do has a risk , a benefit and a potential hazard , ” said Rosenberg , an infectious disease specialist and chair of infection control at The Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York .
That includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a raging pandemic .
An avid skier himself , Rosenberg plans to hit the slopes this season .
Here ’ s what he recommends if you want to join him and stay safe .
While skiing is definitely an outdoor sport , skiers still like to head inside to resort lodges to eat , drink hot chocolate and adjust their ski boots .
And to be sure , après-ski hangouts around a warm , cozy fireplace are as much a part of the experience as enjoying the slopes .
This year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to head inside and a greater risk attached to doing so .
“ We certainly know that getting together indoors in large crowds does lead to viral spreading , and super-spreading , ” Rosenberg said .
Resorts around the world are responding accordingly .
Ski California , a trade association that represents resorts across California and in Nevada , reports that food and beverage offerings will be available this year , but they won ’ t look like years past , thanks to reduced indoor capacity .
Its member resorts will promote outdoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and drink , and recommend use of skiers ’ own personal vehicles instead of the lodge this season .
Some Colorado resorts are also encouraging using the car as a home base , according to Chris Linsmayer with Colorado Ski .
That ’ s where they recommend skiers eat lunch if they want to get out of the cold .
Given limited capacity indoors , many resorts are planning to upgrade their outdoor dining and lounging options — think fire pits and heat lamps .
Telluride in Colorado will be sprucing up old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family members and friend groups .
The popular restaurants Chez Vrony and Paradise in Zermatt , Switzerland , already have ample outdoor seating , but prior to the pandemic , they were typically crowded with throngs of people .
This year , fewer diners will be allowed on the charming terraces and patios , making hard-to-snag reservations even more coveted .
There is no après-ski in Switzerland ’ s resorts at the moment and currently dining is only happening in hotels , according to previous CNN reporting .
Restaurants may open up starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beer and wine to go , to perhaps be enjoyed by guests around one of the aforementioned fire pits .
Resort staff hope that will take some of the stress off of generally crowded lodges and cafeterias if and when they open up , where it ’ s not unusual to see people from different parties crowded together at the same table during peak lunch hours .
The resorts ’ outdoor offerings will make it easier to skip being inside for any prolonged period of time , Rosenberg said .
Since renting equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have moved to a reservation system .
That means visitors need to book rental appointments and reserve lift tickets in advance , with priority access going to passholders .
At Colorado ’ s Steamboat in Steamboat Springs , advance reservations will be required for ski and snowboard rental equipment with specific fitting times .
Sanitation efforts will be increased as well .
At Alta Badia in the Dolomites in Italy , protective screens have been put in place in the rental shops , and the resort guarantees daily sanitization of spaces and materials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Germany in the push to close resorts for the holiday season , but the determination by EU countries has yet to be resolved .
Rosenberg isn ’ t worried about rental equipment — except for the helmet .
If you plan to ski or ride this year , consider buying your own helmet , because the item ’ s proximity to the face may be reason enough to shell out $ 20 for a budget option .
Say no to the hot tub Many resorts will not be letting guests take advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot tub .
While there is no blanket ban on hot tubs throughout the town of Mammoth Lakes in California , Mammoth Mountain will not have communal hot tubs open at its lodging properties , a Mammoth spokesperson told CNN .
Rosenberg thinks this is a wise decision and admits he wouldn ’ t partake in the traditional post-ski hot tub soak even if it were available to him .
People tend to congregate there , and that ’ s not safe , he said .
While resorts are putting protocols in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guests to act responsibly .
That ’ s why you need to stay home if you wake up and are not feeling well , Rosenberg said .
• Tahoe : Skiing in the time of Covid ?
Bundle up and prepare for a wild ride As for getting your money back , refunds and rain checks are up to the individual resorts .
Maine passholders this season qualify for the Worry-Free Winter Assurance program , which guarantees 150 days of skiing at Sunday River and Sugarloaf , and the option to roll over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward next year ’ s pass if requested before December 10 .
Most purchases at Copper Mountain in Colorado are nonrefundable from the time of purchase .
But people who cancel on or before the originally scheduled arrival will be issued a voucher for the full value of their original reservation , good for one year .
Rosenberg hopes people looking for a cold-weather activity will play it safe .
“ We can ’ t lock ourselves in a bubble , ” he said , noting that skiing is “ one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter .

Avid snowboarder Jenny Leveille doesn’t plan to rely on ski resorts’ indoor facilities this season. This decision, she believes, will give her a possible advantage when it comes to coronavirus and swirling concerns over indoor exposure.
Leveille, who’ll be heading to the mountains out West after Thanksgiving in Michigan, plans to return to her van — which includes a bathroom — when she needs a break for fuel or relief.
“I’m hoping to have at least 50 days this year at as many resorts in the western US as possible,” the 30-year-old said.
Ski season is underway, and changes are afoot.
In Europe, Germany, hard hit by Covid-19, is aiming for a coordinated European Union approach to keeping ski resorts shut in Alpine countries for the holiday season in order to limit the spread of coronavirus. However, reaching an agreement with neighboring Austria is proving challenging, German Chancellor Angela Merkel indicated last Thursday, as CNN previously reported.
Meanwhile, some slopes have opened in Switzerland, which is not an EU member. The “future for the upcoming winter season looks bright,” Mayor of Zermatt Romy Biner-Hauser told CNN on Thursday.
With its wide-open spaces, stashes of powder and even covering up to brave the elements, skiing might seem like the perfect pandemic sport — if the proper precautions are taken.
A face mask, a standard part of the skier’s uniform, is a requirement this year. Resorts are implementing mask mandates except while guests are actively eating and drinking. Ski destinations are also limiting indoor capacity, adding outdoor capacity, adding hand-sanitizing stations on chair lift lines and reconfiguring how chair lifts are filled.
Even with those enhanced safety protocols on the mountain and in the resorts, though, the question remains: Is it safe to ski during a pandemic?
For Dr. Joshua Rosenberg, it’s not so black and white.
“Every thing you do has a risk, a benefit and a potential hazard,” said Rosenberg, an infectious disease specialist and chair of infection control at The Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York. That includes skiing, which is inherently risky even without a raging pandemic.
An avid skier himself, Rosenberg plans to hit the slopes this season. Here’s what he recommends if you want to join him and stay safe.
Indoor pit stops
While skiing is definitely an outdoor sport, skiers still like to head inside to resort lodges to eat, drink hot chocolate and adjust their ski boots. And to be sure, après-ski hangouts around a warm, cozy fireplace are as much a part of the experience as enjoying the slopes.
This year, however, there will be less opportunity to head inside and a greater risk attached to doing so. “We certainly know that getting together indoors in large crowds does lead to viral spreading, and super-spreading,” Rosenberg said.
Resorts around the world are responding accordingly.
Ski California, a trade association that represents resorts across California and in Nevada, reports that food and beverage offerings will be available this year, but they won’t look like years past, thanks to reduced indoor capacity.
Its member resorts will promote outdoor dining, offer “grab-and-go” food and drink, and recommend use of skiers’ own personal vehicles instead of the lodge this season.
Some Colorado resorts are also encouraging using the car as a home base, according to Chris Linsmayer with Colorado Ski. That’s where they recommend skiers eat lunch if they want to get out of the cold.
Hanging out outside
Given limited capacity indoors, many resorts are planning to upgrade their outdoor dining and lounging options — think fire pits and heat lamps.
Telluride in Colorado will be sprucing up old gondola cars and using them to seat family members and friend groups.
The popular restaurants Chez Vrony and Paradise in Zermatt, Switzerland, already have ample outdoor seating, but prior to the pandemic, they were typically crowded with throngs of people. This year, fewer diners will be allowed on the charming terraces and patios, making hard-to-snag reservations even more coveted.
There is no après-ski in Switzerland’s resorts at the moment and currently dining is only happening in hotels, according to previous CNN reporting. Restaurants may open up starting December 13. Instead resorts are selling beer and wine to go, to perhaps be enjoyed by guests around one of the aforementioned fire pits.
Resort staff hope that will take some of the stress off of generally crowded lodges and cafeterias if and when they open up, where it’s not unusual to see people from different parties crowded together at the same table during peak lunch hours.
The resorts’ outdoor offerings will make it easier to skip being inside for any prolonged period of time, Rosenberg said.
Rentals, lessons and lines
Since renting equipment typically takes place indoors, many resorts have moved to a reservation system. That means visitors need to book rental appointments and reserve lift tickets in advance, with priority access going to passholders.
At Colorado’s Steamboat in Steamboat Springs, advance reservations will be required for ski and snowboard rental equipment with specific fitting times.
Sanitation efforts will be increased as well.
At Alta Badia in the Dolomites in Italy, protective screens have been put in place in the rental shops, and the resort guarantees daily sanitization of spaces and materials. Italy, however, has sided with Germany in the push to close resorts for the holiday season, but the determination by EU countries has yet to be resolved.
Rosenberg isn’t worried about rental equipment — except for the helmet. If you plan to ski or ride this year, consider buying your own helmet, because the item’s proximity to the face may be reason enough to shell out $20 for a budget option.
Say no to the hot tub
Many resorts will not be letting guests take advantage of a popular cold-weather amenity: the hot tub.
While there is no blanket ban on hot tubs throughout the town of Mammoth Lakes in California, Mammoth Mountain will not have communal hot tubs open at its lodging properties, a Mammoth spokesperson told CNN.
Rosenberg thinks this is a wise decision and admits he wouldn’t partake in the traditional post-ski hot tub soak even if it were available to him.
People tend to congregate there, and that’s not safe, he said.
Personal responsibility
While resorts are putting protocols in place, they are also counting on individual guests to act responsibly. That’s why you need to stay home if you wake up and are not feeling well, Rosenberg said.
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Maine passholders this season qualify for the Worry-Free Winter Assurance program, which guarantees 150 days of skiing at Sunday River and Sugarloaf, and the option to roll over the value of their current season pass toward next year’s pass if requested before December 10.
Most purchases at Copper Mountain in Colorado are nonrefundable from the time of purchase. But people who cancel on or before the originally scheduled arrival will be issued a voucher for the full value of their original reservation, good for one year.
Rosenberg hopes people looking for a cold-weather activity will play it safe. “We can’t lock ourselves in a bubble,” he said, noting that skiing is “one of the few joys” some people get in winter.
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mercurynews--2020-11-30--5 years after San Bernardino terrorist attack, unfinished business in courts and capitols

Five years after the Dec. 2 , 2015 , terrorist attack in San Bernardino , the survivors and the families of the 14 people killed are finally receiving some measure of justice as the court cases borne out of the investigation wind down .
Meanwhile , lawmakers and victim advocates continue to pursue new laws and regulations designed to make sure the next set of victims are properly taken care of .
Here is an update : • Enrique Marquez Jr. was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on Oct. 23 , 2020 , after pleading guilty to conspiracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making false statements on a federal firearms purchase form .
Marquez , of Riverside , purchased and supplied the rifles and bomb-making materials to Syed Rizwan Farook that he and wife Tashfeen Malik used to wage their attack on the San Bernardino County Division of Environmental Health holiday party and training session at the Inland Regional Center .
Prosecutors say they believe that Marquez did not have advance knowledge of the plot .
• Syed Raheel Farook was sentenced to three years ’ probation on Nov. 9 , 2020 , after he pleaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his role in the immigration fraud scheme that attempted to help his sister-in-law , Russian-born Mariya Chernykh , gain legal U.S. residency after she overstayed her visa .
Chernykh married Marquez , and Farook , brother of Syed Rizwan Farook , conspired to help make it appear that Chernykh and Marquez lived together .
In fact , they lived apart , and Marquez was paid $ 200 a month to go along with the charade .
A conspiracy charge against Marquez was dropped in exchange for his guilty plea .
• Rafia Sultana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the mother of Syed Rizwan and Syed Raheel Farook , is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Dec. 4 , after pleading guilty to one count of destruction of evidence .
Shareef , who lived with Rizwan Farook and his wife in a Redlands townhome , discovered a map after learning of the IRC attack and shredded it because she believed the map was related to the planning of the siege , prosecutors say .
Investigators were able to reassemble the map .
Shareef faces 18 months in prison , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tatiana Farook , the wife of Syed Raheel Farook , is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Dec. 14 after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud in the marriage scheme .
She and her husband live in Corona .
• Mariya Chernykh is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on March 29 , 2021 , after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy , perjury and two counts of making false statements .
Her immigration status is pending .
Once these often-delayed sentencings are completed , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceeds of Syed Rizwan Farook ’ s $ 280,000 life insurance policy .
His mother was designated as the primary beneficiary , but the federal government has attempted to seize the money because it believes it was the fruit of a crime .
In the aftermath of the attack , lawmakers proposed a raft of legislation to take assault weapons out of shooters ’ hands , spur better reporting of suspected terrorist activity and reimburse first responders for their efforts .
Few were successful , though one bill to strengthen the law against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gregory Clayborn , whose daughter Sierra was killed in the attack , attended many of the hearings for Marquez and the immigration fraud defendants , even though she was not a direct victim of their crimes .
He proposed “ Sierra ’ s Law , ” which could have required individuals and social media platforms to report suspected terrorist activity and have agencies collaborate on post-attack reports that discuss how to prevent future attacks .
That legislation , which Clayborn said he hoped would be carried by Rep. Pete Aguilar , D-San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Aguilar is working on other related proposals , spokesman Parker Dorrough said .
The following bills were authored in the past few years but did not become law .
Aguilar plans to reintroduce them when Congress reconvenes : • The REPORT Act , which the House passed in 2017 but died in the Senate , required federal law enforcement officials to submit a report to Congress after an act of terrorism — about how it happened and how to prevent recurrences .
“ The REPORT Act makes sure Congress has all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for and prevent tragedies like the attack in San Bernardino .
This bill has passed the House once , and I intend to reintroduce it in the next Congress and working with members on both sides of the aisle and with the Biden Administration to see it signed into law , ” Aguilar said .
• The PREVENT Act would require the Department of Homeland Security to provide experts in law enforcement , psychology and social work to state and local governments to help them limit the threats of domestic terror and homegrown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would require Homeland Security to provide guidance to state and local agencies on how to prepare for mass shootings and increase the number of federal grants that can be used for such preparation .
Geraldine Ly is a lawyer who represented nine survivors of the attack in their attempts to have treatment for mental and physical wounds paid for through state workers ’ compensation claims .
Almost all of them have since received a lump sum of money that they can use to obtain treatment on their own , Ly said .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attack , Ly said her clients sometimes suffered at the hands of the bureaucracy .
When survivors ’ doctors submitted requests for treatment authorization to county risk management for approval , a claims adjuster sent the requests to outside “ utilization review ” doctors who would approve some requests but also deny , delay or modify others .
“ So you know what needs to be changed ?
The whole utilization review system , ” Ly said .
“ That is code for delay .
What needs to change is that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the employer ’ s medical provider network should have leeway in how to treat an injured worker and get them back to working.
” However , no meaningful changes have been made to workers ’ comp since the attack , Ly said .

Five years after the Dec. 2, 2015, terrorist attack in San Bernardino, the survivors and the families of the 14 people killed are finally receiving some measure of justice as the court cases borne out of the investigation wind down.
Meanwhile, lawmakers and victim advocates continue to pursue new laws and regulations designed to make sure the next set of victims are properly taken care of.
Here is an update:
COURT CASES
• Enrique Marquez Jr. was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on Oct. 23, 2020, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and making false statements on a federal firearms purchase form. Marquez, of Riverside, purchased and supplied the rifles and bomb-making materials to Syed Rizwan Farook that he and wife Tashfeen Malik used to wage their attack on the San Bernardino County Division of Environmental Health holiday party and training session at the Inland Regional Center. Prosecutors say they believe that Marquez did not have advance knowledge of the plot.
• Syed Raheel Farook was sentenced to three years’ probation on Nov. 9, 2020, after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy for his role in the immigration fraud scheme that attempted to help his sister-in-law, Russian-born Mariya Chernykh, gain legal U.S. residency after she overstayed her visa. Chernykh married Marquez, and Farook, brother of Syed Rizwan Farook, conspired to help make it appear that Chernykh and Marquez lived together. In fact, they lived apart, and Marquez was paid $200 a month to go along with the charade. A conspiracy charge against Marquez was dropped in exchange for his guilty plea.
• Rafia Sultana Shareef, also known as Rafia Farook, the mother of Syed Rizwan and Syed Raheel Farook, is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Dec. 4, after pleading guilty to one count of destruction of evidence. Shareef, who lived with Rizwan Farook and his wife in a Redlands townhome, discovered a map after learning of the IRC attack and shredded it because she believed the map was related to the planning of the siege, prosecutors say. Investigators were able to reassemble the map. Shareef faces 18 months in prison, according to the plea deal.
• Tatiana Farook, the wife of Syed Raheel Farook, is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Dec. 14 after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud in the marriage scheme. She and her husband live in Corona.
• Mariya Chernykh is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on March 29, 2021, after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy, perjury and two counts of making false statements. Her immigration status is pending.
Once these often-delayed sentencings are completed, the courts will resolve a fight over the proceeds of Syed Rizwan Farook’s $280,000 life insurance policy. His mother was designated as the primary beneficiary, but the federal government has attempted to seize the money because it believes it was the fruit of a crime.
LEGISLATION
In the aftermath of the attack, lawmakers proposed a raft of legislation to take assault weapons out of shooters’ hands, spur better reporting of suspected terrorist activity and reimburse first responders for their efforts. Few were successful, though one bill to strengthen the law against straw weapons purchasers such as Marquez passed.
Gregory Clayborn, whose daughter Sierra was killed in the attack, attended many of the hearings for Marquez and the immigration fraud defendants, even though she was not a direct victim of their crimes. He proposed “Sierra’s Law,” which could have required individuals and social media platforms to report suspected terrorist activity and have agencies collaborate on post-attack reports that discuss how to prevent future attacks.
That legislation, which Clayborn said he hoped would be carried by Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-San Bernardino, did not come to fruition. But Aguilar is working on other related proposals, spokesman Parker Dorrough said.
The following bills were authored in the past few years but did not become law. Aguilar plans to reintroduce them when Congress reconvenes:
• The REPORT Act, which the House passed in 2017 but died in the Senate, required federal law enforcement officials to submit a report to Congress after an act of terrorism — about how it happened and how to prevent recurrences.
“The REPORT Act makes sure Congress has all the information we need to better prepare for and prevent tragedies like the attack in San Bernardino. This bill has passed the House once, and I intend to reintroduce it in the next Congress and working with members on both sides of the aisle and with the Biden Administration to see it signed into law,” Aguilar said.
• The PREVENT Act would require the Department of Homeland Security to provide experts in law enforcement, psychology and social work to state and local governments to help them limit the threats of domestic terror and homegrown violent extremism.
• The PROTECT Act would require Homeland Security to provide guidance to state and local agencies on how to prepare for mass shootings and increase the number of federal grants that can be used for such preparation.
WORKERS’ COMP CLAIMS
Geraldine Ly is a lawyer who represented nine survivors of the attack in their attempts to have treatment for mental and physical wounds paid for through state workers’ compensation claims. Almost all of them have since received a lump sum of money that they can use to obtain treatment on their own, Ly said.
But in the first couple of years after the attack, Ly said her clients sometimes suffered at the hands of the bureaucracy.
When survivors’ doctors submitted requests for treatment authorization to county risk management for approval, a claims adjuster sent the requests to outside “utilization review” doctors who would approve some requests but also deny, delay or modify others.
“So you know what needs to be changed? The whole utilization review system,” Ly said. “That is code for delay. What needs to change is that a primary treating physician who is selected off the employer’s medical provider network should have leeway in how to treat an injured worker and get them back to working.”
However, no meaningful changes have been made to workers’ comp since the attack, Ly said.


mercurynews--2020-11-30--Moderna to apply today for FDA authorization for its Covid-19 vaccine

Pharmaceutical company Moderna intends to apply Monday to the US Food and Drug Administration for authorization of its Covid-19 vaccine .
The company will ask the FDA to review an expanded data set showing the vaccine is 94.1 % effective at preventing Covid-19 and 100 % effective at preventing severe cases of the disease .
“ This is striking , ” said Dr. Paul Offit , a member of the FDA ’ s vaccine advisory committee .
“ These are amazing data.
” Moderna ’ s chief medical officer said he became emotional when he saw the data Saturday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I allowed myself to cry , ” Dr. Tal Zaks said .
“ We have a full expectation to change the course of this pandemic.
” Moderna will become the second company to apply to the FDA for emergency use authorization for a coronavirus vaccine .
Pfizer applied on November 20 with data showing similarly high efficacy .
The FDA will meet with its advisory committee in December to review Pfizer ’ s and Moderna ’ s applications .
The first vaccinations in the United States are expected to take place “ towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases .
On Monday , Moderna released updated efficacy data for its Phase 3 clinical trial .
Starting in July , Moderna gave either its vaccine or a placebo — a shot of saline that does nothing — to some 30,000 people in the United States .
With high rates of coronavirus throughout the country over the next following months , many of those study subjects developed Covid-19 .
But there was a big difference between the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that got the placebo .
Among the approximately 15,000 people who received the vaccine , 11 developed Covid-19 .
Among the approximately 15,000 people who received the placebo , 185 developed Covid-19 .
That amounts to a 94.1 % efficacy for Moderna ’ s vaccine .
None of the 11 people who received the vaccine became severely ill , but 30 of the 185 who received the placebo became severely ill , and one of them died .
The vaccine had similar efficacy rates for elderly people and for people in racial minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Phase 3 clinical trial , the vaccine proved to be 95 % effective , and one study participant who received the vaccine developed a severe case of Covid-19 .
While the two vaccines are not identical , both Pfizer and Moderna use messenger RNA to illicit an immune response in the human body .
The vaccines are given in two doses a few weeks apart , and can cause side effects , such as a fever or body aches for a few days .
The FDA is scheduled to meet with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee on December 10 to review Pfizer ’ s application and on December 17 to review Moderna ’ s application .
Offit , who is a member of that panel , said it will be important to look and see why some people still got Covid-19 even after being vaccinated .
“ Were they more likely to be older ?
Were they more likely to be African-American or obese or have underlying medical problems like diabetes ?
” said Offit , a vaccine expert at the University of Pennsylvania .
If the FDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s expected that it will — within a day or two , an advisory committee to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will make a recommendation about who should get the shots first .
That group will likely include health care workers and nursing home residents .
• Where will Santa Clara County ’ s sports teams go ?
They ’ re scrambling to figure it out • 5 restaurants in Pasadena closed for failing to comply with coronavirus rules • Fauci : US may see ‘ surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead • COVID puts plans for test of new Michigan train line on hold After the CDC issues those recommendations , shots can go into arms .
Zaks said as the pandemic rages on , he looks forward to seeing the vaccines in action .
By the end of 2020 , Moderna expects to have approximately 20 million doses of its vaccine available in the United States , and it ’ s on track to manufacture 500 million to 1 billion doses globally next year , according to the company ’ s press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this achievement and the implications of what it means to what ’ s ahead of us in the context of what ’ s going on around us is — it ’ s just overwhelming emotionally , ” Zaks said .

Pharmaceutical company Moderna intends to apply Monday to the US Food and Drug Administration for authorization of its Covid-19 vaccine.
The company will ask the FDA to review an expanded data set showing the vaccine is 94.1% effective at preventing Covid-19 and 100% effective at preventing severe cases of the disease.
“This is striking,” said Dr. Paul Offit, a member of the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee. “These are amazing data.”
Moderna’s chief medical officer said he became emotional when he saw the data Saturday night.
“It was the first time I allowed myself to cry,” Dr. Tal Zaks said. “We have a full expectation to change the course of this pandemic.”
Moderna will become the second company to apply to the FDA for emergency use authorization for a coronavirus vaccine. Pfizer applied on November 20 with data showing similarly high efficacy.
The FDA will meet with its advisory committee in December to review Pfizer’s and Moderna’s applications.
The first vaccinations in the United States are expected to take place “towards the latter part of December,” according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Moderna said it also plans to apply for authorization from the European Medicines Agency on Monday.
[vemba-video id=”business/2020/11/16/moderna-coronavirus-vaccine-efficacy-cohen-newday-vpx.cnn”]
Moderna’s new data
On Monday, Moderna released updated efficacy data for its Phase 3 clinical trial.
Starting in July, Moderna gave either its vaccine or a placebo — a shot of saline that does nothing — to some 30,000 people in the United States. With high rates of coronavirus throughout the country over the next following months, many of those study subjects developed Covid-19.
But there was a big difference between the group that got the vaccine and the group that got the placebo.
Among the approximately 15,000 people who received the vaccine, 11 developed Covid-19.
Among the approximately 15,000 people who received the placebo, 185 developed Covid-19.
That amounts to a 94.1% efficacy for Moderna’s vaccine.
None of the 11 people who received the vaccine became severely ill, but 30 of the 185 who received the placebo became severely ill, and one of them died.
The vaccine had similar efficacy rates for elderly people and for people in racial minority groups, Zaks said.
In Pfizer’s Phase 3 clinical trial, the vaccine proved to be 95% effective, and one study participant who received the vaccine developed a severe case of Covid-19.
While the two vaccines are not identical, both Pfizer and Moderna use messenger RNA to illicit an immune response in the human body. The vaccines are given in two doses a few weeks apart, and can cause side effects, such as a fever or body aches for a few days.
Next steps
The FDA is scheduled to meet with its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee on December 10 to review Pfizer’s application and on December 17 to review Moderna’s application.
Offit, who is a member of that panel, said it will be important to look and see why some people still got Covid-19 even after being vaccinated.
“Were they more likely to be older? Were they more likely to be African-American or obese or have underlying medical problems like diabetes?” said Offit, a vaccine expert at the University of Pennsylvania.
If the FDA grants the vaccine emergency use authorization — and it’s expected that it will — within a day or two, an advisory committee to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will make a recommendation about who should get the shots first. That group will likely include health care workers and nursing home residents.
After the CDC issues those recommendations, shots can go into arms.
Zaks said as the pandemic rages on, he looks forward to seeing the vaccines in action.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge By the end of 2020, Moderna expects to have approximately 20 million doses of its vaccine available in the United States, and it’s on track to manufacture 500 million to 1 billion doses globally next year, according to the company’s press release Monday.
“The magnitude of this achievement and the implications of what it means to what’s ahead of us in the context of what’s going on around us is — it’s just overwhelming emotionally,” Zaks said.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
d.


mercurynews--2020-12-01--Gilroy man arrested on suspicion of assaulting officer

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO – A 37-year-old Gilroy man was arrested on suspicion of hitting a South San Francisco officer with a skateboard during a foot pursuit over the weekend , police said .
Officers were called to the 600 block of Gateway Boulevard at 11 a.m. Saturday for a report of fraudulent activity and contacted a man who was suspected of passing counterfeit bills , the South San Francisco Police Department said in a news release .
Police said the man ran from officers and , in the process , “ intentionally ” hit one in the leg with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the man escape by stopping her vehicle in front of officers , police said .
She later left the scene in a silver-colored Kia Soul , which police said was believed to be stolen .
Police said the man tripped while running and was taken into custody without further incident .
He suffered minor injuries in the fall and was medically cleared before being taken to the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City , where he was booked on charges including assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer , false impersonation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theft and resisting arrest .
The man was also booked for a parole violation and is being held without bail , according to jail records .
The officer who was hit was treated at a hospital for a complaint of pain to his leg and released , police said .

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO – A 37-year-old Gilroy man was arrested on suspicion of hitting a South San Francisco officer with a skateboard during a foot pursuit over the weekend, police said.
Officers were called to the 600 block of Gateway Boulevard at 11 a.m. Saturday for a report of fraudulent activity and contacted a man who was suspected of passing counterfeit bills, the South San Francisco Police Department said in a news release.
Police said the man ran from officers and, in the process, “intentionally” hit one in the leg with a skateboard.
A woman tried to help the man escape by stopping her vehicle in front of officers, police said. She later left the scene in a silver-colored Kia Soul, which police said was believed to be stolen.
Police said the man tripped while running and was taken into custody without further incident. He suffered minor injuries in the fall and was medically cleared before being taken to the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City, where he was booked on charges including assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, false impersonation, possession of counterfeit items, identity theft and resisting arrest.
The man was also booked for a parole violation and is being held without bail, according to jail records.
The officer who was hit was treated at a hospital for a complaint of pain to his leg and released, police said.


mercurynews--2020-12-01--Andrew Bogut, key cog in Warriors’ 2015 NBA championship run, officially retires

Former Warriors and Australian team center Andrew Bogut announced Tuesday morning from his homeland that he was retiring from all levels of professional basketball .
The 36-year-old Bogut had hoped to end his career in the Summer Olympics — first in 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic pushed the Tokyo Games back one year .
“ The decision hasn ’ t been an easy one , but I think it is the right decision , ” Bogut said on his Rogues Bogues podcast .
“ The decision that I made and where I will be signing for next season is absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professional basketball , effective immediately .
“ We are in late November now .
I would have made this decision earlier if it wasn ’ t for the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics .
I was hoping to get to the 2020 Olympics and call it the day after that , as it would have been a great accolade to get a fourth Olympics , but it ’ s just not meant to be.
” Bogut , part of a controversial trade at the time from Milwaukee to the Warriors for the popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of 2011–12 with an ankle injury .
But in the 2014-15 season , Bogut was a key defensive presence and passer from the center position as the Warriors went on to won the NBA championship in 2015 , the first of the team ’ s five consecutive trips to the Finals .
He helped the Warriors win an NBA-record 73 games in 2015–16 before they lost in the Finals .
He was then traded to the Dallas Mavericks , where he played briefly before other short stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he returned to his home country to play for the Sydney Kings .
After the end of the 2018–19 NBL season , Bogut signed back with the Warriors .
Bogut was the college player of the year at Utah for the 2004-05 season and chosen No .
1 overall in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks .
He played parts of 14 NBA seasons and had career averages of 9.6 points and 8.7 rebounds in 706 games ( 661 starts ) .
Bogut blocked 1,091 shots during his NBA career and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.6 average .
Bogut finished his career in Australia with the Sydney Kings and was named National Basketball League MVP in 2018 .
Bogut , who lives in Melbourne , said he could no longer handle the physical demands of playing basketball .
“ I ’ m really starting to value my health away from the court and my health when I ’ m 40 , 45 , and 50 , ” Bogut said .
“ Some people might say it ’ s only six months of training , but I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t do it.
” Bogut represented Australia in the 2004 , 2008 and 2016 Olympics .
He missed the 2012 Olympics due to a broken ankle .

Former Warriors and Australian team center Andrew Bogut announced Tuesday morning from his homeland that he was retiring from all levels of professional basketball.
The 36-year-old Bogut had hoped to end his career in the Summer Olympics — first in 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic pushed the Tokyo Games back one year.
“The decision hasn’t been an easy one, but I think it is the right decision,” Bogut said on his Rogues Bogues podcast. “The decision that I made and where I will be signing for next season is absolutely nowhere. I will be retiring from professional basketball, effective immediately.
“We are in late November now. I would have made this decision earlier if it wasn’t for the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics. I was hoping to get to the 2020 Olympics and call it the day after that, as it would have been a great accolade to get a fourth Olympics, but it’s just not meant to be.”
Bogut, part of a controversial trade at the time from Milwaukee to the Warriors for the popular Monta Ellis in March 2012, missed most of 2011–12 with an ankle injury.
But in the 2014-15 season, Bogut was a key defensive presence and passer from the center position as the Warriors went on to won the NBA championship in 2015, the first of the team’s five consecutive trips to the Finals. He helped the Warriors win an NBA-record 73 games in 2015–16 before they lost in the Finals.
He was then traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he played briefly before other short stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. In 2018, he returned to his home country to play for the Sydney Kings. After the end of the 2018–19 NBL season, Bogut signed back with the Warriors.
Bogut was the college player of the year at Utah for the 2004-05 season and chosen No. 1 overall in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks.
He played parts of 14 NBA seasons and had career averages of 9.6 points and 8.7 rebounds in 706 games (661 starts).
Bogut blocked 1,091 shots during his NBA career and led the league in 2010-11 with a 2.6 average.
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Bogut, who lives in Melbourne, said he could no longer handle the physical demands of playing basketball.
“I’m really starting to value my health away from the court and my health when I’m 40, 45, and 50,” Bogut said. “Some people might say it’s only six months of training, but I’m at a point where I just can’t do it.”
Bogut represented Australia in the 2004, 2008 and 2016 Olympics. He missed the 2012 Olympics due to a broken ankle.


mercurynews--2020-12-01--December TV calendar: Premiere dates for ‘SEAL Team,’ ‘MacGyver,’ ‘Shameless’ and more

And the shows just keep on coming .
Television may slow down a bit during December as many series take @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t mean we don ’ t have plenty of fresh fare to peruse @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , for example , delivers the season premieres of popular dramas like “ SEAL @ @ @ @ @ , ” “ Magnum P.I.
” and “ Blue Bloods.
” It also brings us @ @ @ @ @ in the limited crime series “ Your Honor , ” and producer Shonda Rhimes ’ @ @ @ @ @ — the period romance “ Bridgerton.
” Here ’ s a look at what December @ @ @ @

And the shows just keep on coming.
Television may slow down a bit during December as many series take winter breaks. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have plenty of fresh fare to peruse. The last month of 2020, for example, delivers the season premieres of popular dramas like “SEAL Team,” “MacGyver,” “Magnum P.I.” and “Blue Bloods.”
It also brings us the return of Bryan Cranston in the limited crime series “Your Honor,” and producer Shonda Rhimes’ first scripted series for Netflix — the period romance “Bridgerton.”
Here’s a look at what December has to offer:
Dec. 1
“The Great Gift Exchange” (YouTube)
Dec. 2
“SEAL Team” (9 p.m., CBS)
Dec. 3
“The Commons” (Sundance Now)
“Battlebots” (8 p.m., Discovery)
Dec. 4
“Stillwater” (Apple TV+)
“The Hardy Boys” (Hulu)
“Selena: The Series” (Netflix)
“Pokémon Journeys: The Series” (Netflix)
“Big Mouth” (Netflix)
“Earth at Night in Color” (Apple TV+)
“MacGyver ” (8 p.m., CBS)
“Magnum P.I.” (9 p.m., CBS)
“Blue Bloods” (10 p.m., CBS)
Dec. 5
“Detention” (Netflix)
“Baby Chimp Rescue” (8 p.m., BBC America)
Dec. 6
“The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (8 p.m., Bravo)
“Shameless” (9 p.m., Showtime)
“Euphoria” (9 p.m., HBO)
“Your Honor” (10 p.m., Showtime)
“Lazor Wulf (12 a.m., Adult Swim)
Dec. 7
“A Suitable Boy” (Acorn TV)
“Nurses” (10 p.m., NBC)
Dec. 8
“Mr. Iglesias” (Netflix)
Dec. 9
“Surgeon’s Cut” (Netflix)
Dec. 10
“Alice in Borderland” (Netflix)
“Summer Camp Island” (HBO Max)
Dec. 11
“Curious George” (Peacock)
“Madagascar: A Little Wild” (Hulu)
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” (Amazon)
“Victoria Small” (Amazon)
“Where’s Waldo?” (Peacock)
“The Wilds” (Amazon)
“The Mess You Leave Behind” (Netflix)
“High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special” (Disney+)
Dec. 13
Pennyworth (9 p.m., Epix)
Dec. 14
“Réunions” (Acorn TV)
“Tiny Pretty Things” (Netflix)
“Hilda” (Netflix)
“Song Exploder” (Netflix)
“Celebrity IOU” (9 p.m., HGTV)
Dec. 16
“The Expanse” (Amazon)
“Run On” (Netflix)
“How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding” (Netflix)
Dec. 17
“The Stand” (CBS All Access)
Dec. 18
“El Cid” (Amazon)
“On Pointe” (Disney+)
“A Creepshow Holiday Special” (Shudder)
“Home for Christmas” (Netflix)
“Sweet Home” (Netflix)
“Rhyme Time Town Singalongs” (Netflix)
Dec. 25
“Bridgerton” (Netflix)
Dec. 26
“Letterkenny” (Hulu)
“Fast & Furious Spy Racers” (Netflix)
“Go! Go! Cory Carson” (Netflix)
Dec. 29
“Streets of Dreams with Marcus Lemonis” (10 p.m., CNBC)
Dec. 30
“Transformers: War For Cybertron Trilogy: Chapter 2: Earthrise” (Netflix)
“Equinox” (Netflix)
Dec. 31
“Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” (Netflix)


mercurynews--2020-12-01--Stanford’s Dr. Scott Atlas resigns as Trump coronavirus adviser

Dr. Scott Atlas , Stanford University ’ s coronavirus contrarian , has resigned from his post as President Trump ’ s special adviser on the coronavirus pandemic , according to media reports .
His resignation letter , posted on Twitter Monday evening , did not offer details about his departure .
His 130-day role was set to expire this week .
It also did not describe any plans to return to his position as a senior fellow at Stanford University ’ s conservative Hoover Institution .
If he returns to campus , Atlas will likely face a chilly reception .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a resolution condemning his views , and leaders at Stanford University Medical School denounced Atlas for promoting what they called “ falsehoods and misrepresentations of science.
” Atlas retaliated against his former colleagues by threatening legal action , demanding that they withdraw their claims or face legal action .
In his resignation letter , dated Dec. 1 , Atlas commended his efforts as Special Advisor to the Trump administration ’ s work on the coronavirus pandemic , while wishing “ all the best ” to the incoming Biden administration .
“ I worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save lives and help Americans through this pandemic , ” Atlas wrote , adding that he “ always relied on the latest science and evidence , without any political consideration or influence.
” “ I sincerely wish the new team all the best as they guide the nation through these trying , polarized times , ” according to the letter .
A radiologist with no training in epidemiology or infectious disease , Atlas angered health experts while pushing a suite of controversial policy prescriptions .
He has made disputed statements about controlling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asserted that the science of mask wearing is uncertain and took a libertarian-style approach to disease management , urging the reopening of schools and businesses .
One of his roles was to help prepare President Trump with briefing materials .
“ If I hear the name again in 20 years it will be too soon , ” Andrew M. Slavitt , former Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under President Obama , wrote on Twitter .
Earlier this month , Atlas traded barbs with Dr. Anthony Fauci , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He criticized Fauci of being a “ political animal ” who made dire warnings about the pandemic to undermine the president .
Dr. Deborah Birx , who serves as the Coronavirus Response Coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force , reportedly emerged from a meeting at the White House in late summer and told a colleague that she would never again sit in a meeting with Atlas .
As a diagnostic radiologist , Atlas specializes in interpreting images taken by X-ray , MRIs and CT scans .
He served as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University Medical Center from 1998 to 2012 .
At the Hoover Institution , he has written about free-market care and economic policy .
His papers focus on the impact of government and the private sector on access , quality and pricing in health care .
Trump announced the Atlas appointment at a White House briefing in mid-August , saying Atlas has “ many good ideas ” and will take administration efforts to combat the pandemic to “ a new level .
”

Dr. Scott Atlas, Stanford University’s coronavirus contrarian, has resigned from his post as President Trump’s special adviser on the coronavirus pandemic, according to media reports.
His resignation letter, posted on Twitter Monday evening, did not offer details about his departure. His 130-day role was set to expire this week.
It also did not describe any plans to return to his position as a senior fellow at Stanford University’s conservative Hoover Institution.
If he returns to campus, Atlas will likely face a chilly reception. The university’s Faculty Senate passed a resolution condemning his views, and leaders at Stanford University Medical School denounced Atlas for promoting what they called “falsehoods and misrepresentations of science.”
Atlas retaliated against his former colleagues by threatening legal action, demanding that they withdraw their claims or face legal action.
In his resignation letter, dated Dec. 1, Atlas commended his efforts as Special Advisor to the Trump administration’s work on the coronavirus pandemic, while wishing “all the best” to the incoming Biden administration.
“I worked hard with a singular focus — to save lives and help Americans through this pandemic,” Atlas wrote, adding that he “always relied on the latest science and evidence, without any political consideration or influence.”
“I sincerely wish the new team all the best as they guide the nation through these trying, polarized times,” according to the letter.
A radiologist with no training in epidemiology or infectious disease, Atlas angered health experts while pushing a suite of controversial policy prescriptions.
He has made disputed statements about controlling the pandemic through “natural immunity.” He asserted that the science of mask wearing is uncertain and took a libertarian-style approach to disease management, urging the reopening of schools and businesses.
One of his roles was to help prepare President Trump with briefing materials.
“If I hear the name again in 20 years it will be too soon,” Andrew M. Slavitt, former Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under President Obama, wrote on Twitter.
Earlier this month, Atlas traded barbs with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert.
He criticized Fauci of being a “political animal” who made dire warnings about the pandemic to undermine the president.
Dr. Deborah Birx, who serves as the Coronavirus Response Coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force, reportedly emerged from a meeting at the White House in late summer and told a colleague that she would never again sit in a meeting with Atlas.
As a diagnostic radiologist, Atlas specializes in interpreting images taken by X-ray, MRIs and CT scans. He served as a professor and chief of neuroradiology at Stanford University Medical Center from 1998 to 2012.
At the Hoover Institution, he has written about free-market care and economic policy. His papers focus on the impact of government and the private sector on access, quality and pricing in health care.
Trump announced the Atlas appointment at a White House briefing in mid-August, saying Atlas has “many good ideas” and will take administration efforts to combat the pandemic to “a new level.”


mercurynews--2020-12-01--SJSU football, basketball teams still homeless after COVID-19 restrictions

SAN JOSE — San Jose State sports administrators spent Monday canceling basketball games and trying to find a place for the school ’ s undefeated football team to practice and finish the rest of the Mountain West Conference season .
Athletic director Marie Tuite said administrators would have a plan within the coming days for football and basketball in response to Santa Clara County ’ s tough new restrictions that limit sports team activities .
The San Francisco 49ers announced Monday they would play their next two games in Arizona .
The Spartans ( 4-0 ) , who were off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Hawaii ( 3-3 ) this weekend after having the past two games canceled because of COVID-19 issues .
Coach Brent Brennan said Hawaii presents “ an incredible challenge while we figure out where we are going to practice , where we are going to play .
So there is no shortage of challenges for us to face and overcome.
” Santa Clara County ’ s new COVID-19 restrictions went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday and will last until Dec. 21 .
The guidelines , announced Saturday , include a three-week ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school sports , a mandatory quarantine for those traveling into the region from more than 150 miles away and new capacity limits for indoor businesses .
On Monday , Gov .
Gavin Newsom suggested Californians could face a more restrictive stay-at-home order in the coming days .
SJSU officials canceled the season opener Wednesday night for the men ’ s basketball team because playing at Pepperdine in Malibu is beyond the 150-mile travel radius .
Tuite said the Spartans would have had to quarantine for 14 days if they made the trip .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Dec. 6 , Dec. 9 and Dec. 18 that need to be moved or canceled .
The women ’ s basketball team had five scheduled games set for the next three weeks , including four at home .
One has already been called off — Tuesday ’ s game against USF — and more cancellations or relocations could come soon .
The football team , off to its best start since 1955 , has faced one coronavirus-related obstacle after another .
It had its two most recent games canceled because of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State .
The Spartans did not learn about the cancellation until after arriving in Idaho .
The team also did not play Fresno State the previous week because the Bulldogs had to cancel .
San Jose State was scheduled to end the regular season at home against Nevada ( 5-1 ) on Dec. 11 .
Like the Hawaii game , that contest must be played outside Santa Clara County .
The Spartans also can not play host to the Mountain West Championship on Dec. 19 should they reach the finale .
Tuite said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the season started , is on her list .
But Hawaii currently is not , despite being home to the Spartans ’ next opponent .
She told the Bay Area News Group that the school is considering “ just about any stadium that can handle the media and TV requirements .
That ’ s the big challenge –.the infrastructure of the stadium.
” Santa Clara County Executive Jeff Smith offered a blunt assessment for South Bay teams trying to relocate to avoid the new restrictions : “ If leaders want to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not play anywhere until it is safe .
One might envision a reemergence of team-building if the teams spent their time building a COVID relief fund for the community rather than trying to put the community at more risk.
” Tuite did not address Smith ’ s remarks directly but said public health officials laid out what the Spartans needed to do to practice and play and “ that is what we ’ ve done.
” Brennan said he hoped the school could find a site where his players could “ keep a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However it works out , it works out .
People got to do what they ’ ve got to do.
” SJSU leaders have more experience at displacement than most Division I football schools .
Before the season began Oct. 24 , the Spartans relocated 320 miles to Humboldt State because county health officials would not permit contact drills on campus .
The team created a “ bubble ” environment for 10 days of preseason practices that officials from both state universities declared a success .
The move was not without controversy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said at the time , “ We would be very disappointed to see a football team going outside the county to circumvent a process that was put in place to ensure the safety of its players and staff.
” Humboldt County Public Health officials were equally frustrated by the move , saying they were not consulted in the decision .
Since then , Humboldt State leaders said they would welcome SJSU back for practice and/or games , contingent on country health ’ s approval .
A Humboldt County Public Health agency spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been approached by school officials about San Jose State ’ s possible return to Arcata .
She added that state guidelines mandate school officials discuss such a move with a county health officer before approving it .
• San Jose State moved to Humboldt State campus because it needed to practice , coach says • San Jose State moving to Humboldt to prepare for the 2020 football season • What it is costing San Jose State football to practice at Humboldt State Brennan said he hopes the Humboldt experience will make it easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land .
He added the stresses are not limited to his football team .
“ Everybody across America is dealing with different variations of adversity and complicated situations , ” Brennan said .
“ How people handle it gives them a chance to play good football or not.
” Before going to Humboldt State , San Jose State officials looked into practicing at Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont , as well as a field in Scotts Valley .

SAN JOSE — San Jose State sports administrators spent Monday canceling basketball games and trying to find a place for the school’s undefeated football team to practice and finish the rest of the Mountain West Conference season.
Athletic director Marie Tuite said administrators would have a plan within the coming days for football and basketball in response to Santa Clara County’s tough new restrictions that limit sports team activities. The San Francisco 49ers announced Monday they would play their next two games in Arizona.
The Spartans (4-0), who were off Monday, have little time to prepare for Hawaii (3-3) this weekend after having the past two games canceled because of COVID-19 issues. Coach Brent Brennan said Hawaii presents “an incredible challenge while we figure out where we are going to practice, where we are going to play. So there is no shortage of challenges for us to face and overcome.”
Santa Clara County’s new COVID-19 restrictions went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday and will last until Dec. 21. The guidelines, announced Saturday, include a three-week ban on all professional, collegiate and high school sports, a mandatory quarantine for those traveling into the region from more than 150 miles away and new capacity limits for indoor businesses. On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom suggested Californians could face a more restrictive stay-at-home order in the coming days.
SJSU officials canceled the season opener Wednesday night for the men’s basketball team because playing at Pepperdine in Malibu is beyond the 150-mile travel radius. Tuite said the Spartans would have had to quarantine for 14 days if they made the trip.
The team has three scheduled home games on Dec. 6, Dec. 9 and Dec. 18 that need to be moved or canceled.
The women’s basketball team had five scheduled games set for the next three weeks, including four at home. One has already been called off — Tuesday’s game against USF — and more cancellations or relocations could come soon.
The football team, off to its best start since 1955, has faced one coronavirus-related obstacle after another. It had its two most recent games canceled because of COVID-19 issues, including one Saturday at Boise State. The Spartans did not learn about the cancellation until after arriving in Idaho. The team also did not play Fresno State the previous week because the Bulldogs had to cancel.
San Jose State was scheduled to end the regular season at home against Nevada (5-1) on Dec. 11. Like the Hawaii game, that contest must be played outside Santa Clara County. The Spartans also cannot play host to the Mountain West Championship on Dec. 19 should they reach the finale.
Tuite said Humboldt State, the place SJSU trained before the season started, is on her list. But Hawaii currently is not, despite being home to the Spartans’ next opponent.
She told the Bay Area News Group that the school is considering “just about any stadium that can handle the media and TV requirements. That’s the big challenge –.the infrastructure of the stadium.”
Santa Clara County Executive Jeff Smith offered a blunt assessment for South Bay teams trying to relocate to avoid the new restrictions: “If leaders want to protect their teams and communities, they should not play anywhere until it is safe. One might envision a reemergence of team-building if the teams spent their time building a COVID relief fund for the community rather than trying to put the community at more risk.”
Tuite did not address Smith’s remarks directly but said public health officials laid out what the Spartans needed to do to practice and play and “that is what we’ve done.”
Brennan said he hoped the school could find a site where his players could “keep a little bit of their normal routine. However it works out, it works out. People got to do what they’ve got to do.”
SJSU leaders have more experience at displacement than most Division I football schools. Before the season began Oct. 24, the Spartans relocated 320 miles to Humboldt State because county health officials would not permit contact drills on campus. The team created a “bubble” environment for 10 days of preseason practices that officials from both state universities declared a success.
The move was not without controversy, however. Santa Clara County public health officials said at the time, “We would be very disappointed to see a football team going outside the county to circumvent a process that was put in place to ensure the safety of its players and staff.”
Humboldt County Public Health officials were equally frustrated by the move, saying they were not consulted in the decision. Since then, Humboldt State leaders said they would welcome SJSU back for practice and/or games, contingent on country health’s approval.
A Humboldt County Public Health agency spokeswoman said Monday morning her department had not been approached by school officials about San Jose State’s possible return to Arcata. She added that state guidelines mandate school officials discuss such a move with a county health officer before approving it.
Brennan said he hopes the Humboldt experience will make it easier for his players to adjust wherever they land. He added the stresses are not limited to his football team.
“Everybody across America is dealing with different variations of adversity and complicated situations,” Brennan said. “How people handle it gives them a chance to play good football or not.”
Before going to Humboldt State, San Jose State officials looked into practicing at Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont, as well as a field in Scotts Valley.


mercurynews--2020-12-01--Stanford expected to relocate football team to Pacific Northwest due to county sports ban

Stanford is expected to move its football team to the Pacific Northwest in response to Santa Clara County ’ s three-week ban on contact sports , a Pac-12 source told our Jon Wilner .
The exact location is not yet known , or possibly has not yet been determined .
Stanford ( 1-2 ) has three games remaining on its schedule , only two of which have known opponents at this time — both located in the Northwest .
Stanford is scheduled to play at Washington on Saturday and against Oregon State on Dec. 12 .
The game against Oregon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stanford .
Now it could become a home game for Oregon State , played in Corvallis , or it could be played at Stanford ’ s temporary home in the Pacific Northwest .
The Pac-12 also plans to have teams play Dec. 19 , though matchups have not been announced .
If the conference has Stanford and Washington State make up their canceled game from earlier this season , a relocation would shorten the travel for the visiting team .
Stanford is coming off a thrilling win in the Big Game sealed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen Cal tie the game in the final seconds .
Monday , Santa Clara County executive Jeff Smith reiterated frustrations with sports teams based in the county for making plans to relocate , including the San Francisco 49ers .
Smith added that he anticipated the three-week ban on contact sports will be extended .
“ Historically , sportsmanship has been about building a team and protecting that team , ” he said .
“ Coaches , managers and owners used to want to protect their players from harm .
Those values seem to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID pandemic .
If leaders want to protect their teams and communities , they should not play anywhere until it is safe .
One might envision a reemergence of team-building if the teams spent their time building a COVID relief fund for the community rather than trying to put the community at more risk.
” • With new health order , Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer ’ s quest for wins record hits speed bump • Santa Clara County COVID order : Where the 49ers , Sharks and college teams stand now • A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Try Tightwad Hill during the Big Game The jury ’ s still out on how and if other Stanford teams will continue their seasons .
The second-ranked Cardinal women ’ s basketball had its Monday afternoon game against San Diego canceled in response to the health order .
While neighbor university San Jose State fled to Humboldt County to practice free from Santa Clara County restrictions back in October , Stanford moved its practices just a few miles over the San Mateo County border to Woodside High School .
Santa Clara County rebuked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepare for their season .
Staff writers Jon Wilner and John Woolfolk contributed to this report .

Stanford is expected to move its football team to the Pacific Northwest in response to Santa Clara County’s three-week ban on contact sports, a Pac-12 source told our Jon Wilner.
The exact location is not yet known, or possibly has not yet been determined.
Stanford (1-2) has three games remaining on its schedule, only two of which have known opponents at this time — both located in the Northwest. Stanford is scheduled to play at Washington on Saturday and against Oregon State on Dec. 12.
The game against Oregon State was to have been played at Stanford. Now it could become a home game for Oregon State, played in Corvallis, or it could be played at Stanford’s temporary home in the Pacific Northwest.
The Pac-12 also plans to have teams play Dec. 19, though matchups have not been announced. If the conference has Stanford and Washington State make up their canceled game from earlier this season, a relocation would shorten the travel for the visiting team. Stanford is coming off a thrilling win in the Big Game sealed on a blocked point-after kick that would have seen Cal tie the game in the final seconds.
Monday, Santa Clara County executive Jeff Smith reiterated frustrations with sports teams based in the county for making plans to relocate, including the San Francisco 49ers. Smith added that he anticipated the three-week ban on contact sports will be extended.
“Historically, sportsmanship has been about building a team and protecting that team,” he said. “Coaches, managers and owners used to want to protect their players from harm. Those values seem to have been placed on hold during the COVID pandemic. If leaders want to protect their teams and communities, they should not play anywhere until it is safe. One might envision a reemergence of team-building if the teams spent their time building a COVID relief fund for the community rather than trying to put the community at more risk.”
The jury’s still out on how and if other Stanford teams will continue their seasons. The second-ranked Cardinal women’s basketball had its Monday afternoon game against San Diego canceled in response to the health order.
While neighbor university San Jose State fled to Humboldt County to practice free from Santa Clara County restrictions back in October, Stanford moved its practices just a few miles over the San Mateo County border to Woodside High School. Santa Clara County rebuked the Spartans for circumventing county orders to prepare for their season.
Staff writers Jon Wilner and John Woolfolk contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-12-01--Welcome to Silicon Valley, now stay home: Holiday travelers return to new COVID-19 quarantine rules

“ Welcome to Silicon Valley ” came with an asterisk Monday after a new quarantine order kicked in overnight requiring many visitors and residents to Santa Clara County to isolate 14 days to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
At Mineta San Jose International Airport on Monday morning , some travelers were understanding and changed their plans while others scoffed at the new mandate , which affects those who travel more than 150 miles and goes further than the state ’ s travel advisory and rules in neighboring Bay Area counties .
“ I have mixed feelings , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trucker who knew he was taking a chance visiting relatives in San Diego for the holiday weekend but didn ’ t expect to pay the price of having to miss work to isolate for two weeks .
“ To be safe , I get it , ” Salazar said .
“ But I don ’ t feel I should have to give up my work.
” As the implications started to become clear , the new rules — from tighter restrictions on retailers and public gatherings to stay-at-home orders on travelers — raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially on how Santa Clara County would possibly enforce the rigorous mandates .
Rex Hurley , 54 , who arrived from Long Beach on business , called the new county rule “ a joke ” and said he ’ s “ absolutely not ” going to isolate himself for two weeks even though he ’ s high-risk for COVID-19 , having had open heart surgery recently .
“ We shouldn ’ t be shutting down the country for people like me , ” said Hurley , pulling down his mask to smoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ What am I going to tell my company — ‘ I ’ m going to hang out here ?
’ No , I would find it pretty comical to do that.
” His defiance aside , his work installing medical equipment could potentially qualify as essential , warranting a quarantine exemption .
Kaitlyn Leahy , 19 , who flew in from Connecticut on her way to visit the majestic redwoods along California ’ s northernmost shores , had considered spending Monday night in San Jose but changed her plans to head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I was aware of the 14-day quarantine , ” said Leahy , who was outfitted in mask , face shield and gloves .
“ That ’ s why I ’ m not staying in Santa Clara County.
” Neither are the San Francisco 49ers who arrived from a Sunday game in Los Angeles against the Rams only to turn around for Arizona , where they will play their next two scheduled home games to escape county restrictions that also prohibit all contact sports .
For many travelers returning from Thanksgiving trips from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday morning as they gathered in the baggage claim area was the first time they learned of the new rules , which also require lodging facilities to be open only for essential travel and quarantine .
The order also further restricts indoor and outdoor gatherings .
Santa Clara announced the changes over the weekend as the county — along with San Francisco and San Mateo counties — recorded the highest number of new coronavirus infections since the start of the pandemic at the beginning of the year .
San Francisco and San Mateo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Area except for Marin County in the state ’ s most restrictive purple reopening tier for widespread outbreaks .
Other Bay Area counties signaled support for Santa Clara County ’ s quarantine rule and suggested it may soon be adopted region-wide , but they have held off for now saying they “ haven ’ t reached the same critical point ” yet .
Santa Clara County officials reached out to Mineta San Jose International Airport and other transit hubs to ensure that they are aware of the new requirements , and that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notice .
All arriving flights originate more than 150 miles from Santa Clara County , meaning every flier with a San Jose destination is affected .
At the airport , spokesman Scott Wintner said the airport is handing notices to all passengers as they exit the secure area beyond passenger screening .
“ That ’ s a central point where all arriving passengers have to funnel through , so we think it ’ s the most effective spot to reach them , ” Wintner said .
County officials said they were prepared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on expanding their existing enforcement teams — which spent the Thanksgiving holiday issuing fines to retailers for violations of social distancing protocols .
They said in a statement Monday that they will be “ working with local hotels to ensure that they are complying with the mandatory directive limiting hotel stays to essential travel and isolation/quarantine for COVID-19.
” But the county also said it “ will necessarily rely on every individual to comply with our orders and protect the health of the community , ” noting that violators are subject to penalties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are legal mandates , individuals are subject to fines for violation of the travel quarantine , ” the county statement said .
“ We expect and hope that individuals will recognize the seriousness of this surge and do their part.
” Craig Harris , general manager at San Jose ’ s Hotel De Anza , said it can be difficult to update guests — especially ones who book through third-party travel sites , about all the latest rules .
He said hotel staff can ’ t be expected to query their guests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Our responsibility is to pass that information along and to ensure people are safe , ” Harris said .
“ Most people acknowledge and said thanks for the heads-up .
But it ’ s going to be everyone ’ s own individual decision , everyone who ’ s traveling.
” Even some of those whose plans were upended took it in stride .
After all , it ’ s still 2020 .
Sarah Clark , holding her 19-month-old daughter , Emilia , and pulling a suitcase at San Jose International , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her sister in San Jose before heading to Seattle , where her husband is being relocated by the Navy from San Diego .
She now figures she ’ ll have to stay two weeks .
“ If it ’ s for the good of everybody , ” Clark said , “ I ’ d be happy to do it .
”

“Welcome to Silicon Valley” came with an asterisk Monday after a new quarantine order kicked in overnight requiring many visitors and residents to Santa Clara County to isolate 14 days to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
At Mineta San Jose International Airport on Monday morning, some travelers were understanding and changed their plans while others scoffed at the new mandate, which affects those who travel more than 150 miles and goes further than the state’s travel advisory and rules in neighboring Bay Area counties.
“I have mixed feelings,” said Ricky Salazar, 38, a long-haul trucker who knew he was taking a chance visiting relatives in San Diego for the holiday weekend but didn’t expect to pay the price of having to miss work to isolate for two weeks.
“To be safe, I get it,” Salazar said. “But I don’t feel I should have to give up my work.”
As the implications started to become clear, the new rules — from tighter restrictions on retailers and public gatherings to stay-at-home orders on travelers — raised a new round of questions on Monday, especially on how Santa Clara County would possibly enforce the rigorous mandates.
Rex Hurley, 54, who arrived from Long Beach on business, called the new county rule “a joke” and said he’s “absolutely not” going to isolate himself for two weeks even though he’s high-risk for COVID-19, having had open heart surgery recently.
“We shouldn’t be shutting down the country for people like me,” said Hurley, pulling down his mask to smoke a pipe outside the Southwest Airlines terminal. “What am I going to tell my company — ‘I’m going to hang out here?’ No, I would find it pretty comical to do that.”
His defiance aside, his work installing medical equipment could potentially qualify as essential, warranting a quarantine exemption.
Kaitlyn Leahy, 19, who flew in from Connecticut on her way to visit the majestic redwoods along California’s northernmost shores, had considered spending Monday night in San Jose but changed her plans to head directly north out of the county.
“I was aware of the 14-day quarantine,” said Leahy, who was outfitted in mask, face shield and gloves. “That’s why I’m not staying in Santa Clara County.”
SAN JOSE, CA - NOVEMBER 30: After picking up their luggage, travelers leave from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Travelers pick up their luggage at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
Neither are the San Francisco 49ers who arrived from a Sunday game in Los Angeles against the Rams only to turn around for Arizona, where they will play their next two scheduled home games to escape county restrictions that also prohibit all contact sports.
For many travelers returning from Thanksgiving trips from Southern California, a cell phone alert Monday morning as they gathered in the baggage claim area was the first time they learned of the new rules, which also require lodging facilities to be open only for essential travel and quarantine. The order also further restricts indoor and outdoor gatherings.
Santa Clara announced the changes over the weekend as the county — along with San Francisco and San Mateo counties — recorded the highest number of new coronavirus infections since the start of the pandemic at the beginning of the year. San Francisco and San Mateo also joined the rest of the Bay Area except for Marin County in the state’s most restrictive purple reopening tier for widespread outbreaks.
Other Bay Area counties signaled support for Santa Clara County’s quarantine rule and suggested it may soon be adopted region-wide, but they have held off for now saying they “haven’t reached the same critical point” yet.
Santa Clara County officials reached out to Mineta San Jose International Airport and other transit hubs to ensure that they are aware of the new requirements, and that all arriving travelers at the airport are given notice. All arriving flights originate more than 150 miles from Santa Clara County, meaning every flier with a San Jose destination is affected.
At the airport, spokesman Scott Wintner said the airport is handing notices to all passengers as they exit the secure area beyond passenger screening.
“That’s a central point where all arriving passengers have to funnel through, so we think it’s the most effective spot to reach them,” Wintner said.
County officials said they were prepared to police compliance, noting that they plan on expanding their existing enforcement teams — which spent the Thanksgiving holiday issuing fines to retailers for violations of social distancing protocols. They said in a statement Monday that they will be “working with local hotels to ensure that they are complying with the mandatory directive limiting hotel stays to essential travel and isolation/quarantine for COVID-19.”
But the county also said it “will necessarily rely on every individual to comply with our orders and protect the health of the community,” noting that violators are subject to penalties.
“Like all health orders, which are legal mandates, individuals are subject to fines for violation of the travel quarantine,” the county statement said. “We expect and hope that individuals will recognize the seriousness of this surge and do their part.”
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Craig Harris, general manager at San Jose’s Hotel De Anza, said it can be difficult to update guests — especially ones who book through third-party travel sites, about all the latest rules. He said hotel staff can’t be expected to query their guests about whether their travel is really essential.
“Our responsibility is to pass that information along and to ensure people are safe,” Harris said. “Most people acknowledge and said thanks for the heads-up. But it’s going to be everyone’s own individual decision, everyone who’s traveling.”
Even some of those whose plans were upended took it in stride. After all, it’s still 2020.
Sarah Clark, holding her 19-month-old daughter, Emilia, and pulling a suitcase at San Jose International, was planning on staying for five days with her sister in San Jose before heading to Seattle, where her husband is being relocated by the Navy from San Diego. She now figures she’ll have to stay two weeks.
“If it’s for the good of everybody,” Clark said, “I’d be happy to do it.”