mercurynews--2020-08-15--Video shows San Jose police tasing, beating couple after hotel birthday party

A video has surfaced of a couple getting tased , beaten with batons and shot with a less-lethal riot gun after a noise complaint at a San Jose hotel last spring in an incident that ultimately led them to file a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and multiple police officers .
The incident unfolded in May 2019 , when San Jose Police Department officers responded to a noise complaint at a Holiday Inn on North First Street , according to the January lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court of Northern California .
Marissa Santa Cruz and Paea Tukuafu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa Cruz ’ s 22nd birthday and turned down their music after hotel staff knocked on their door .
One officer , identified in the city ’ s response as Officer Eugene Thompson , told the couple the hotel would allow them to stay as long as there were no more complaints , to which the couple agreed .
The video — which was first obtained and reported by ABC7 , this organization ’ s media partner — then shows Officer Saul Zepeda ask Tukuafu for his ID , saying they have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The couple argues over giving up their IDs , but eventually , Tukuafu goes back to his room for his ID and hands it to an officer .
More officers and a sergeant arrived , and the video then shows tensions escalating , with Thompson telling the couple they now have to pack up and leave the hotel because the couple had “ slammed the ( hotel room ) door in our face.
” At that point , according to the complaint , another officer — identified by ABC7 as Sgt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pack up while instructing an officer to retrieve a riot gun .
Such weapons fire foam rounds that can leave painful injuries and have caused long-lasting damage to people during recent nationwide demonstrations against police violence , including in San Jose .
Tukuafu and Pina continued arguing , with Tukuafu telling the sergeant he ’ s packing up .
Pina then is heard saying , “ Push up and tase this guy.
” Santa Cruz tried to get between the officers and Tukuafu , taking a taser hit just below her navel while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her legs , the complaint alleges .
Eventually , the couple ended up in the hallway where officers hit them with batons — at times with two-handed swings — tased them and shot them with the riot gun , according to the lawsuit .
Tukuafu was ultimately hit with the taser twice in the thighs , three times in the abdomen , once in the chest and once on his collarbone , the complaint alleges .
Minutes later , an ambulance crew arrived and took the couple directly to Santa Clara Valley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the jail and spent a night there .
In an April response to the lawsuit , the San Jose City Attorney ’ s Office admitted that officers responded to a noise complaint , that they sought the couple ’ s IDs and said they would return them after they left the hotel and entered the hotel room .
The response also admits that an officers use a “ sponge round ” weapon to “ obtain compliance ” — along with batons and tasers — claiming that the plaintiffs resisted arrest .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the incident , but when they filed a claim with the city in fall 2019 — the first step toward the federal lawsuit — they were accused of taking an officer ’ s weapon and resisting arrest , among other things , the suit says .
The complaint alleges that the beating constituted excessive force , and that the officers violated the defendants ’ right against unreasonable search and entry when they opened the hotel room door .
San Jose police deferred all questions to the city attorney ’ s office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request for comment Saturday .
“ It was brutal .
Definitely brutal , unfair , ” Tukuafu told ABC7 .
“ I don ’ t think we did anything to deserve the way how we were treated .
”

A video has surfaced of a couple getting tased, beaten with batons and shot with a less-lethal riot gun after a noise complaint at a San Jose hotel last spring in an incident that ultimately led them to file a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and multiple police officers.
The incident unfolded in May 2019, when San Jose Police Department officers responded to a noise complaint at a Holiday Inn on North First Street, according to the January lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court of Northern California. Marissa Santa Cruz and Paea Tukuafu were celebrating a few days ahead of Santa Cruz’s 22nd birthday and turned down their music after hotel staff knocked on their door.
One officer, identified in the city’s response as Officer Eugene Thompson, told the couple the hotel would allow them to stay as long as there were no more complaints, to which the couple agreed. The video — which was first obtained and reported by ABC7, this organization’s media partner — then shows Officer Saul Zepeda ask Tukuafu for his ID, saying they have to identify everyone they come into contact with.
The couple argues over giving up their IDs, but eventually, Tukuafu goes back to his room for his ID and hands it to an officer.
More officers and a sergeant arrived, and the video then shows tensions escalating, with Thompson telling the couple they now have to pack up and leave the hotel because the couple had “slammed the (hotel room) door in our face.”
At that point, according to the complaint, another officer — identified by ABC7 as Sgt. Michael Pina — urged the couple to pack up while instructing an officer to retrieve a riot gun. Such weapons fire foam rounds that can leave painful injuries and have caused long-lasting damage to people during recent nationwide demonstrations against police violence, including in San Jose.
Tukuafu and Pina continued arguing, with Tukuafu telling the sergeant he’s packing up. Pina then is heard saying, “Push up and tase this guy.” Santa Cruz tried to get between the officers and Tukuafu, taking a taser hit just below her navel while an officer beat her on the back of her legs, the complaint alleges.
Eventually, the couple ended up in the hallway where officers hit them with batons — at times with two-handed swings — tased them and shot them with the riot gun, according to the lawsuit. Tukuafu was ultimately hit with the taser twice in the thighs, three times in the abdomen, once in the chest and once on his collarbone, the complaint alleges.
Minutes later, an ambulance crew arrived and took the couple directly to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. They were then transported to the jail and spent a night there.
In an April response to the lawsuit, the San Jose City Attorney’s Office admitted that officers responded to a noise complaint, that they sought the couple’s IDs and said they would return them after they left the hotel and entered the hotel room. The response also admits that an officers use a “sponge round” weapon to “obtain compliance” — along with batons and tasers — claiming that the plaintiffs resisted arrest.
The couple was not charged with any crimes after the incident, but when they filed a claim with the city in fall 2019 — the first step toward the federal lawsuit — they were accused of taking an officer’s weapon and resisting arrest, among other things, the suit says.
The complaint alleges that the beating constituted excessive force, and that the officers violated the defendants’ right against unreasonable search and entry when they opened the hotel room door.
San Jose police deferred all questions to the city attorney’s office, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday.
“It was brutal. Definitely brutal, unfair,” Tukuafu told ABC7. “I don’t think we did anything to deserve the way how we were treated.”


mercurynews--2020-08-15--Pregnant woman with toddler daughter scrambling after losing ‘everything’ in Lake Fire

LAKE HUGHES — A couple who has a 1-year-old daughter and preparing to welcome a new infant say they ’ re scrambling to replace baby supplies after their Lake Hughes-area home was destroyed this week in the Lake Fire .
At 8 months pregnant , Brittny Daskey was forced to evacuate with her family Wednesday afternoon .
As she was scrambling to gather important belongings , a firefighting aircraft dumped a load of Phos-Chek fire retardant on her and her home , Daskey said .
“ Probably the scariest moment of my life was running , packing , hot — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter ) , the dog , all of our stuff , ” she told KTLA .
“ It felt like a war zone.
” Despite the upheaval , Daskey says she didn ’ t imagine it would be the last time she saw their house standing .
But Friday morning , they returned to find a burnt-out lot .
Cellphone video captured Daskey ’ s immediate reaction : “ Oh my God , that ’ s our f—ing house.
” The expectant mother says she “ lost everything.
” Daskey , her boyfriend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relatives in Saugus .
Their home is among at least three consumed by flames since the Lake Fire exploded Wednesday afternoon .
Fire officials have said they expect the tally of structures destroyed to increase once they can better survey the area .
The blaze was still threatening homes Friday after covering more than 11,600 acres .
Additional evacuations were ordered in the Fairmont area Friday evening .
Daskey was able to save some family photos and the baby chicks they ’ re raising .
But everything she ’ ll need to welcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We lost everything we had for the new baby .
We have practically nothing , ” she said .
“ We have maybe a couple outfits , [ a ] car seat covered in fire retardant.
” Daskey ’ s midwives started a GoFundMe campaign to help her replace the baby items she lost , which they said included everything she ’ d received at her baby shower .
But with another baby soon to arrive , Daskey says she is counting her blessings and realizing it could have been much worse .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ukiah ; $ 1 million bail for suspect “ We made it out safe , our animals made it out safe , so that ’ s the most important thing , ” she said .
“ But it ’ s really scary .
It ’ s really surreal .
We built that house .
Everything we worked for is gone.
” Daskey said her family plans on rebuilding .

LAKE HUGHES — A couple who has a 1-year-old daughter and preparing to welcome a new infant say they’re scrambling to replace baby supplies after their Lake Hughes-area home was destroyed this week in the Lake Fire.
At 8 months pregnant, Brittny Daskey was forced to evacuate with her family Wednesday afternoon. As she was scrambling to gather important belongings, a firefighting aircraft dumped a load of Phos-Chek fire retardant on her and her home, Daskey said.
“Probably the scariest moment of my life was running, packing, hot — the stuff covers me and (my daughter), the dog, all of our stuff,” she told KTLA. “It felt like a war zone.”
Despite the upheaval, Daskey says she didn’t imagine it would be the last time she saw their house standing.
But Friday morning, they returned to find a burnt-out lot. Cellphone video captured Daskey’s immediate reaction: “Oh my God, that’s our f—ing house.”
The expectant mother says she “lost everything.”
Daskey, her boyfriend and 1-year-old Victoria have been staying with relatives in Saugus.
Their home is among at least three consumed by flames since the Lake Fire exploded Wednesday afternoon. Fire officials have said they expect the tally of structures destroyed to increase once they can better survey the area.
The blaze was still threatening homes Friday after covering more than 11,600 acres. Additional evacuations were ordered in the Fairmont area Friday evening.
Daskey was able to save some family photos and the baby chicks they’re raising. But everything she’ll need to welcome her new child is gone.
“We lost everything we had for the new baby. We have practically nothing,” she said. “We have maybe a couple outfits, [a] car seat covered in fire retardant.”
Daskey’s midwives started a GoFundMe campaign to help her replace the baby items she lost, which they said included everything she’d received at her baby shower.
But with another baby soon to arrive, Daskey says she is counting her blessings and realizing it could have been much worse.
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Living with air pollution, especially from wildfires or agriculture, raises risk of dementia, US study finds Crashes and Disasters | Cadaver dogs are in Maui to help find the dead. Here’s how it works and why it’s difficult “We made it out safe, our animals made it out safe, so that’s the most important thing,” she said. “But it’s really scary. It’s really surreal. We built that house. Everything we worked for is gone.”
Daskey said her family plans on rebuilding.
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mercurynews--2020-08-15--Coronavirus: ‘Back to basics’ in reaching Fruitvale’s hard-hit Spanish and Mam speakers

OAKLAND — Gathering under a blistering summer sun in Oakland ’ s Fruitvale district , the roughly two dozen volunteers got their assignments on Saturday .
Some would walk International Boulevard , where restaurant workers and fruit vendors chatted with customers , not all wearing masks .
Others went to High Street , which connects a popular Cardenas Market where at least a dozen workers have tested positive for COVID-19 , with a homeless resident encampment where a similar outbreak was detected in May .
The volunteers were there to hand out masks , hand sanitizer and flyers with information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeting Fruitvale , in the 94601 ZIP , because it is the hardest-hit neighborhood in Alameda County , which in turn has more cases than any other Bay Area county .
The neighborhood has 306.5 cases per 10,000 residents , a rate 3.5 times higher than Alameda County as a whole .
The outreach event was organized by the Alameda County Public Health Department and the nonprofit Street Level Health Project , which has provided Mam translators for the nearby La Clinica de la Raza ’ s popup testing center .
Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their messages have been consistent — wear a mask , avoid gatherings , maintain social distance and regularly wash your hands — getting that information to Fruitvale ’ s Spanish and Mam speaking residents has been harder .
“ What we ’ re finding is that the technology we all depend on is not enough and we have to hit the streets , ” she said .
“ This is back to basics.
” About 36 percent of the 94601 ZIP code residents are of Mexican descent and about 7 percent are of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South and Central American ancestry , according to U.S. Census Bureau data .
Many of those residents need access to information in Spanish or Mam — a Mayan language common in Guatemala and parts of Mexico — according to experts and residents in the district .
Many of those residents are also essential workers , who live in crowded homes where contagion is almost inevitable .
The fear of infection , as well as job losses in the retail , hospitality and food service industry where many Fruitvale residents work , has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand for behavioral health services at a nearby clinic .
“ A lot of people in my community , they ’ ve arrived recently , they need to work , they need to go out to get food , ” said Norma Calmo , a Mam speaker helping pass out masks and educate her neighbors about the danger of COVID-19 .
“ I know people who ’ ve gotten infected , whole families … and they haven ’ t sought medical assistance because they don ’ t have MediCal.
” Calmo , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and works as an interpreter for legal cases , said many people in her community don ’ t take the virus seriously or are faced with misinformation that makes them skeptical of health advice .
Even if they ’ re worried about getting sick , many are too afraid seeking medical assistance could put them at risk of deportation , she said .
• Anxiety , tears and empty streets : How coronavirus exploded among Latinx residents in Oakland ’ s Fruitvale district “ Sometimes they get annoyed , ” she said of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know I have to insist to raise awareness.
” For Gabriela Galicia , executive director of Street Level Health Project , on-the-ground work is a natural continuation of what her nonprofit did before the pandemic , including helping organize day laborers .
She said even just having the volunteers walking around Fruitvale with their masks on , maintaining social distance , could be a powerful example .
“ It takes a community to protect ourselves , ” she said .
The outreach was welcome by Pedro Campos , a Fruitvale resident who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a parking lot off International Boulevard about how jobs had vanished in the neighborhood during the pandemic .
Most were wearing masks , and Campos gladly donned a disposable one a volunteer handed him .
He also got a reusable cloth mask and a flyer listing common symptoms of COVID-19 and the proper way to wear a mask — covering both the nose and the mouth — in Spanish .
Although he already knew many of the health directives , he said he appreciated the maks and the reminder .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ And we don ’ t want to infect our family .
”

OAKLAND — Gathering under a blistering summer sun in Oakland’s Fruitvale district, the roughly two dozen volunteers got their assignments on Saturday. Some would walk International Boulevard, where restaurant workers and fruit vendors chatted with customers, not all wearing masks.
Others went to High Street, which connects a popular Cardenas Market where at least a dozen workers have tested positive for COVID-19, with a homeless resident encampment where a similar outbreak was detected in May.
The volunteers were there to hand out masks, hand sanitizer and flyers with information in Spanish about coronavirus. They were targeting Fruitvale, in the 94601 ZIP, because it is the hardest-hit neighborhood in Alameda County, which in turn has more cases than any other Bay Area county. The neighborhood has 306.5 cases per 10,000 residents, a rate 3.5 times higher than Alameda County as a whole.
The outreach event was organized by the Alameda County Public Health Department and the nonprofit Street Level Health Project, which has provided Mam translators for the nearby La Clinica de la Raza’s popup testing center. Public Health Department Director Kimi Watkins-Tartt said that while their messages have been consistent — wear a mask, avoid gatherings, maintain social distance and regularly wash your hands — getting that information to Fruitvale’s Spanish and Mam speaking residents has been harder.
“What we’re finding is that the technology we all depend on is not enough and we have to hit the streets,” she said. “This is back to basics.”
About 36 percent of the 94601 ZIP code residents are of Mexican descent and about 7 percent are of Guatemalan descent, with many others of South and Central American ancestry, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Many of those residents need access to information in Spanish or Mam — a Mayan language common in Guatemala and parts of Mexico — according to experts and residents in the district.
Many of those residents are also essential workers, who live in crowded homes where contagion is almost inevitable. The fear of infection, as well as job losses in the retail, hospitality and food service industry where many Fruitvale residents work, has also caused anxiety and stress that has skyrocketed demand for behavioral health services at a nearby clinic.
“A lot of people in my community, they’ve arrived recently, they need to work, they need to go out to get food,” said Norma Calmo, a Mam speaker helping pass out masks and educate her neighbors about the danger of COVID-19. “I know people who’ve gotten infected, whole families … and they haven’t sought medical assistance because they don’t have MediCal.”
Calmo, who was born in Todos Santos, Guatemala and works as an interpreter for legal cases, said many people in her community don’t take the virus seriously or are faced with misinformation that makes them skeptical of health advice. Even if they’re worried about getting sick, many are too afraid seeking medical assistance could put them at risk of deportation, she said.
Related Articles Health | Anxiety, tears and empty streets: How coronavirus exploded among Latinx residents in Oakland’s Fruitvale district
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Coronavirus: 12 workers at Oakland Cardenas Markets test positive for COVID-19 Health | Coronavirus outbreak: 11 test positive at Oakland homeless camp “Sometimes they get annoyed,” she said of her outreach efforts, “but I know I have to insist to raise awareness.”
For Gabriela Galicia, executive director of Street Level Health Project, on-the-ground work is a natural continuation of what her nonprofit did before the pandemic, including helping organize day laborers. She said even just having the volunteers walking around Fruitvale with their masks on, maintaining social distance, could be a powerful example.
“It takes a community to protect ourselves,” she said.
The outreach was welcome by Pedro Campos, a Fruitvale resident who was chatting with a handful of other men in a parking lot off International Boulevard about how jobs had vanished in the neighborhood during the pandemic. Most were wearing masks, and Campos gladly donned a disposable one a volunteer handed him. He also got a reusable cloth mask and a flyer listing common symptoms of COVID-19 and the proper way to wear a mask — covering both the nose and the mouth — in Spanish.
Although he already knew many of the health directives, he said he appreciated the maks and the reminder.
“We don’t want to die,” he said. “And we don’t want to infect our family.”


mercurynews--2020-08-15--As the heat wave drags on, will blackouts continue?

As the state boils in a heat wave , California is reckoning with the biggest disruption to its power grid in nearly two decades — prompting fears that rolling blackouts may continue in the middle of a devastating global pandemic .
PG & E shut off power to 220,000 customers Friday , initiating rotating outages for the first time since the 2001 electricity crisis that cost then-Governor Gray Davis his job .
On Saturday , PG & E pleaded with customers to conserve power through Wednesday .
“ We really need everybody to pitch in and do their part to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said PG & E spokeswoman Angela Lombardi .
“ So that means adjusting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher , or turn it off when you ’ re away .
Draw the drapes…Avoid using electric appliances and devices and vacuuming until maybe 6 p.m. ” By Saturday , power had been restored to all PG & E customers impacted by the rolling outages , Lombardi said .
Although thousands of customers around the Bay Area were without power Saturday evening , Lombardi said those outages were unrelated , and could have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The nonprofit that runs the state ’ s power grid said things were looking up Saturday .
But the risk of additional blackouts may not be over .
“ Conditions remain challenging because of extremely hot weather .
The temperatures look slightly better today , but because overnight temperatures were still higher than normal , we anticipate demand to be high again , ” California Independent System Operator ( California ISO ) spokeswoman Anne Gonzales wrote in an email .
“ We are not planning to call for rotating power outages at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always subject to change.
” The organization later tweeted it “ expected to cover electrical demand.
” But Severin Borenstein , faculty director of The Energy Institute at UC Berkeley ’ s Haas School of Business , worried whether the state will have enough power to meet continued high demand in the coming week .
“ Monday is definitely looking like a real concern , ” he said .
Continued power outages — in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic — could be devastating to an economy already reeling .
The outages Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work from home , and as shelter-in-place orders have closed most libraries , coffee shops and other places with public outlets and wifi , they had few options to get back online .
And outages on hot days can pose health risks for elderly residents — particularly those in low-income households less likely to have AC .
Those are the same populations already disproportionately affected by COVID-19 .
Temperatures hit triple digits in several places around the Bay Area on Saturday , according to the National Weather Service .
Gilroy recorded a record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downtown Oakland — with highs of 100 and 93 , respectively — tied their previous records .
And there ’ s little relief in sight , as the hot weather is expected to continue into the coming week .
Power grid manager California ISO began planning for this heat wave , and the anticipated increase in energy demand due to AC units running in overdrive , on Thursday , Gonzales said .
The organization told power plants they must stay online and defer scheduled maintenance .
But despite those precautions , several events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Temperatures were hotter than expected , setting records in many places .
Cloud cover in the desert — where the state generates the majority of its solar power — reduced solar energy production .
Other Western states also suffered heat waves , meaning they had no extra power to divert to California .
And it didn ’ t get much cooler when the sun set , so AC units ran into the night , as solar plants shut down .
Then another problem was thrown into the mix : Two of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not online when we needed them .
A 750-megawatt plant had been out of service for several days .
Another 500-megawatt plant unexpectedly shut down just as the state approached peak demand around 5 p.m. California ISO did not identify the plants Saturday , or reveal why they went offline .
PG & E spokeswoman Lombardi said she didn ’ t know anything about the two plants shutting down .
“ We know that plants go off and online .
I don ’ t think there was anything nefarious about this , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it unexpectedly tripped .
Those things happen quite frequently in our business .
It ’ s just that it happened at a very poor time for us.
” Both of those plants were up and running again as of late Friday night , according to Gonzales .
Though demand Friday did not exceed levels California ISO has seen in the past , Gonzales said the outages Friday couldn ’ t be helped .
“ I don ’ t know what you do with triple-digit heat that doesn ’ t stop over several days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had done everything we could.
” Friday ’ s outages were a “ wakeup call ” for the state as it increasingly moves toward renewable energy , Borenstein said .
On a sunny day , California gets almost a third of its power from solar , he said .
But it can be a challenge to produce enough energy in the evening , as solar plants shut down , but demand stays strong .
“ There are some real concerns , ” Borenstein said .
“ We are shutting down a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we should be doing .
But we have to make sure we can maintain reliability while doing that.
” Paul Rogers and Jason Green contributed to this report .

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As the state boils in a heat wave, California is reckoning with the biggest disruption to its power grid in nearly two decades — with rolling blackouts continuing for a second day in the middle of a devastating global pandemic.
PG&E announced on Twitter shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday that the state’s power grid operator had ordered another round of rolling outages.
“We know how important it is to have access to reliable power during these times, and we are doing everything we can to limit the impacts,” Michael Lewis, interim president of PG&E, wrote in a news release. “Our team is working diligently to keep these rotating outages as short as possible, so that there is no further impact to the grid. We appreciate our customers’ patience as we work to restore power to everyone this evening. We urge all of our customers to take immediate steps to reduce their power usage.”
At direction of California’s Grid Operator- PG&E has initiated a rotating outage impacting approximately 200K – 250k customers. More information to come. Please conserve energy. Thank you for your patience. https://t.co/O213eqyJpF — PG&E (@PGE4Me) August 16, 2020
By 8 p.m., California Independent System Operator (California ISO), the nonprofit that manages the state’s power grid, announced power was being restored. An hour later, PG&E tweeted power was back on in most households.
PG&E estimated about 220,000 customers in the Central Coast and Central Valley, including Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Joaquin counties, were impacted.
PG&E’s announcement of shutoffs came just two hours after California ISO tweeted it “is expected to cover electrical demand.”
The #ISO is expected to cover electrical demand with no stage emergencies planned at this time. Follow grid conditions at Today's Outlook. https://t.co/3yNpeqLnOW — California ISO (@California_ISO) August 15, 2020
When it later acknowledged it could not meet demand, California ISO blamed the unexpected loss of a 470-megawatt power plant Saturday evening, as well as the loss of nearly 1,000 megawatts of wind power.
PG&E was trending on Twitter as customers fumed about outages.
The latest disruption comes after PG&E shut off power to 220,000 customers Friday, initiating state-mandated rotating outages for the first time since the 2001 electricity crisis that cost then-Governor Gray Davis his job. On Saturday, PG&E pleaded with customers to conserve power through Wednesday.
“We really need everybody to pitch in and do their part to adjust their use of energy,” said PG&E spokeswoman Angela Lombardi. “So that means adjusting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, or turn it off when you’re away. Draw the drapes…Avoid using electric appliances and devices and vacuuming until maybe 6 p.m.”
Severin Borenstein, faculty director of The Energy Institute at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and a member of the California ISO Board of Governors, worried whether the state will have enough power to meet continued high demand in the coming week.
“Monday is definitely looking like a real concern,” he said.
Continued power outages — in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic — could be devastating to an economy already reeling. The outages Friday disrupted many people’s ability to work from home, and as shelter-in-place orders have closed most libraries, coffee shops and other places with public outlets and wifi, they had few options to get back online. And outages on hot days can pose health risks for elderly residents — particularly those in low-income households less likely to have AC.
Those are the same populations already disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
Temperatures hit triple digits in several places around the Bay Area on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Gilroy recorded a record high of 108. Redwood City and downtown Oakland — with highs of 100 and 93, respectively — tied their previous records. And there’s little relief in sight, as the hot weather is expected to continue into the coming week.
California ISO began planning for this heat wave, and the anticipated increase in energy demand due to AC units running in overdrive, on Thursday, said spokeswoman Anne Gonzales. The organization told power plants they must stay online and defer scheduled maintenance.
But despite those precautions, several events unexpectedly converged Friday to overwhelm the power grid. Temperatures were hotter than expected, setting records in many places. Cloud cover in the desert — where the state generates the majority of its solar power — reduced solar energy production. Other Western states also suffered heat waves, meaning they had no extra power to divert to California. And it didn’t get much cooler when the sun set, so AC units ran into the night, as solar plants shut down.
Then another problem was thrown into the mix: Two of the state’s major power plants were not online when we needed them. A 750-megawatt plant had been out of service for several days. Another 500-megawatt plant unexpectedly shut down just as the state approached peak demand around 5 p.m. Friday.
California ISO did not identify the plants Saturday, or reveal why they went offline. PG&E spokeswoman Lombardi said she didn’t know anything about the two plants shutting down.
“We know that plants go off and online. I don’t think there was anything nefarious about this,” Gonzales said. “I just think it unexpectedly tripped. Those things happen quite frequently in our business. It’s just that it happened at a very poor time for us.”
Both of those plants were up and running again as of late Friday night, according to Gonzales.
Though demand Friday and Saturday did not exceed levels California ISO has seen in the past, Gonzales said the outages couldn’t be helped.
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‘This is hell’: Repeat outages mar PG&E’s wildfire safety shift from tree trimming to circuit breakers Weather | Editorial: New PG&E wildfire safety strategy requires scrutiny “I don’t know what you do with triple-digit heat that doesn’t stop over several days,” Gonzales said. “We had done everything we could.”
The outages are a “wakeup call” for the state as it increasingly moves toward renewable energy, Borenstein said. On a sunny day, California gets almost a third of its power from solar, he said. But it can be a challenge to produce enough energy in the evening, as solar plants shut down, but demand stays strong.
“There are some real concerns,” Borenstein said. “We are shutting down a lot of gas plants. And that’s what we should be doing. But we have to make sure we can maintain reliability while doing that.”
Paul Rogers and Jason Green contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-08-15--Right-wing group, counter-protesters clash in Michigan

KALAMAZOO , Mich. ( AP ) — Members of the far-right Proud Boys group and counter-protesters clashed violently Saturday afternoon in western Michigan , resulting in arrests , police said .
Assistant Chief Vernon Coakley of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said a few people were arrested , but didn ’ t know exactly how many .
“ A fight occurred , people were fighting , and that ’ s when we stepped in , ” Coakley said .
Counter-protesters staged their own event in the area at the same time as the rally that the Proud Boys had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When the Proud Boys arrived , the confrontation ensued .
Some fist fights occurred before police arrived and ordered the crowds to disperse .
A reporter for MLive.com , who was detained by police while recording live on Facebook , reported that some of the Proud Boys also used pepper spray on people .
The male-only Proud Boys has been called extremist by the Anti-Defamation League and described as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center .
The Proud Boys dispute those descriptions .
• Police move in after fights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of arrested Portland protesters won ’ t be prosecuted , DA says “ The Proud Boys , they not only have hatred for Jewish people and Muslim people , but they ’ re also very hateful of anybody who doesn ’ t look like them or act like them , ” said the Rev .
Nathan Dannison , pastor of the First Congregational Church , which hosted a vigil by counter-protesters .

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — Members of the far-right Proud Boys group and counter-protesters clashed violently Saturday afternoon in western Michigan, resulting in arrests, police said.
Assistant Chief Vernon Coakley of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said a few people were arrested, but didn’t know exactly how many.
“A fight occurred, people were fighting, and that’s when we stepped in,” Coakley said.
Counter-protesters staged their own event in the area at the same time as the rally that the Proud Boys had planned, according to local media reports. When the Proud Boys arrived, the confrontation ensued. Some fist fights occurred before police arrived and ordered the crowds to disperse. A reporter for MLive.com, who was detained by police while recording live on Facebook, reported that some of the Proud Boys also used pepper spray on people.
The male-only Proud Boys has been called extremist by the Anti-Defamation League and described as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The Proud Boys dispute those descriptions.


mercurynews--2020-08-15--After 20 years, Half Moon Bay ‘intentional community’ breaks ground

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device All of the families faced the same dilemma .
It was 1999 in Half Moon Bay , and the topic often came up among parents while sitting in the bleachers , watching their kids ’ Special Olympics basketball games .
Within a few years , many kids on the team would grow up to be adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities — but with few options in the Bay Area to live and work outside their parents ’ homes .
“ That is really the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s mind , ” recalled Jeff Peck , whose daughter was 11 at the time .
“ What is my child going to do after I die ?
” More than 20 years later , those conversations have come to fruition — almost .
As the Saturday morning heat rose , many of the same parents , kids and officials gathered on a parcel of land near the Half Moon Bay airport to celebrate the groundbreaking of a first-of-its-kind affordable housing community for people with disabilities in San Mateo County .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s nonprofit Big Wave — will house 33 adults with disabilities , with the potential to expand .
Commercial businesses , along with service provider One Step Beyond , will be built alongside the residential community to both subsidize the cost of the units and provide employment opportunities for residents .
Twenty-three of the spots are already accounted for , mostly to Half Moon Bay families who were part of the original discussions .
All units are uniquely affordable — about $ 60,000 for a unit as compared to about $ 300,000 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ve never wanted this to be a community for rich families , ” said Kim Gainza , an executive board member of Big Wave whose daughter will be a future resident .
“ This was the goal all along.
” The need for supportive housing for people with disabilities is acute in San Mateo County and more broadly , families say .
According to the San Mateo County Department of Housing , waiting lists for adults with disabilities in San Mateo run between one and five years long , with need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ searched for other options for years to no avail .
Emmy Gainza , 29 , has William ’ s syndrome , a genetic disorder that causes developmental delays .
She had been living in her own condo with a roommate for the past two years , but recently moved back home because of the pandemic .
By moving into the Big Wave project , Emmy Gainza will be able to get back some much-needed independence , she said — while surrounded by friends from the Special Olympics community .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been fighting this whole thing , and I want the fighting to stop , ” Emmy Gainza said .
When she thinks about her life at Big Wave , she imagines “ seeing my friends , being with them every day , doing new activities.
” Getting to this point didn ’ t come easy .
Big Wave went through more than 30 public hearings and multiple environmental reviews before officials signed off , Peck said , and faced some opposition from a “ small but vocal ” group of residents who opposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million project also proved complex .
Peck and a business partner bought and donated the parcel of land for the project , but otherwise relied on funding from the original group of families , plus grants and donations from philanthropists around the Bay Area .
“ It ’ s a remarkable accomplishment , ” said Supervisor Dave Pine .
“ The journey they had was so hard — I wish it had been easier.
” Once the project is completed — ideally about 18 months from now , Peck said — he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model for other supportive housing communities around California and the nation .
But first he ’ d like to take a breather .
“ I ’ m looking forward to getting out of that warrior mode and creating something that will last the rest of my daughter ’ s life , ” Peck said .

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device
All of the families faced the same dilemma.
It was 1999 in Half Moon Bay, and the topic often came up among parents while sitting in the bleachers, watching their kids’ Special Olympics basketball games. Within a few years, many kids on the team would grow up to be adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities — but with few options in the Bay Area to live and work outside their parents’ homes.
“That is really the worst thing that claws at a parent’s mind,” recalled Jeff Peck, whose daughter was 11 at the time. “What is my child going to do after I die?”
More than 20 years later, those conversations have come to fruition — almost. As the Saturday morning heat rose, many of the same parents, kids and officials gathered on a parcel of land near the Half Moon Bay airport to celebrate the groundbreaking of a first-of-its-kind affordable housing community for people with disabilities in San Mateo County.
The finished project — built under Peck’s nonprofit Big Wave — will house 33 adults with disabilities, with the potential to expand. Commercial businesses, along with service provider One Step Beyond, will be built alongside the residential community to both subsidize the cost of the units and provide employment opportunities for residents.
Twenty-three of the spots are already accounted for, mostly to Half Moon Bay families who were part of the original discussions. All units are uniquely affordable — about $60,000 for a unit as compared to about $300,000 at many similar residential living facilities.
“We’ve never wanted this to be a community for rich families,” said Kim Gainza, an executive board member of Big Wave whose daughter will be a future resident. “This was the goal all along.”
The need for supportive housing for people with disabilities is acute in San Mateo County and more broadly, families say. According to the San Mateo County Department of Housing, waiting lists for adults with disabilities in San Mateo run between one and five years long, with need far outstripping supply.
The Gainza family searched for other options for years to no avail. Emmy Gainza, 29, has William’s syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes developmental delays. She had been living in her own condo with a roommate for the past two years, but recently moved back home because of the pandemic.
By moving into the Big Wave project, Emmy Gainza will be able to get back some much-needed independence, she said — while surrounded by friends from the Special Olympics community.
“It’s been twenty years that we’ve been fighting this whole thing, and I want the fighting to stop,” Emmy Gainza said. When she thinks about her life at Big Wave, she imagines “seeing my friends, being with them every day, doing new activities.”
Getting to this point didn’t come easy. Big Wave went through more than 30 public hearings and multiple environmental reviews before officials signed off, Peck said, and faced some opposition from a “small but vocal” group of residents who opposed the project.
Funding the $23 million project also proved complex. Peck and a business partner bought and donated the parcel of land for the project, but otherwise relied on funding from the original group of families, plus grants and donations from philanthropists around the Bay Area.
“It’s a remarkable accomplishment,” said Supervisor Dave Pine. “The journey they had was so hard — I wish it had been easier.”
Once the project is completed — ideally about 18 months from now, Peck said — he’d like to see it become a model for other supportive housing communities around California and the nation. But first he’d like to take a breather.
“I’m looking forward to getting out of that warrior mode and creating something that will last the rest of my daughter’s life,” Peck said.


mercurynews--2020-08-16--McFeatters: Democrats shouldn’t count their chickens yet

The worst mistake Democrats could make now is overconfidence .
Four years ago , polls showed Hillary Clinton comfortably ahead .
She didn ’ t even campaign in Wisconsin or Michigan .
Certainly , her supporters thought , Pennsylvania ’ s Blacks and women overwhelmingly would support the first female standard-bearer for a major party .
But she lost all three states ; the polls were not picking up what was happening in America .
This year is different .
Donald Trump woefully and arrogantly has mismanaged the coronavirus pandemic , let the economy collapse and shown that he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , women , immigrants , the poor or children .
His biggest accomplishment is a $ 2 trillion tax cut for himself and his wealthy friends .
He scoffs at the rule of law .
He destroyed U.S. global leadership .
He was impeached but not convicted in the Republican-controlled Senate .
Also , a mighty wave of revulsion against 400 years of racial intolerance and cruelty is sweeping the nation .
Democratic elation is swelling for Joe Biden ’ s historic pick of a brilliant California senator and former attorney general , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asian heritage , as his running mate .
But Trump , a failed president without scruples , desperately is trying to hold on to power .
Authoritarians who have the full power of government to suppress opposition almost always succeed in being reelected .
The small percentage of swing voters who will be crucial in the Nov. 3 election will be called on to sort through mountains of conflicting ideas , lies , charges , bribes and promises .
Above all , U.S. intelligence agencies agree Russia is pulling out all the stops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is absolutely no doubt Russia interfered in 2016 to elect Trump and paid no price .
Trump has never denounced Russian illegalities .
Trump ’ s camp is trying to paint the moderate Biden-Harris team as far left , even socialistic .
That is not true , but many Americans will believe it .
Trump , one of the most inarticulate presidents in history , is using Biden ’ s past gaffes to portray him as stupid and halfway to senility .
Neither is true , but many Americans are programmed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using the attorney general to investigate Biden ’ s son on charges long ago proven to be false , despite Trump ’ s own nepotism in putting his daughter and unqualified son-in-law in positions of huge power in the White House .
With 75 % of Americans hoping to vote by mail during a highly contagious pandemic , Trump is working to eviscerate the U.S .
Postal Service by firing top managers and changing rules to slow delivery down so many ballots don ’ t get delivered , returned or properly postmarked .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have spent years passing voter suppression laws to keep Blacks from voting in the numbers they have in the past .
Big business has benefited enormously from the Trump administration ’ s focus on tax cuts and erasing regulations meant to level the playing field and protect workers and the environment .
He can count on their donations and support .
Trump will try to revive the “ law and order ” image that Richard Nixon cultivated as protesters push the defund police movement , which , incidentally , Biden and Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proven racist who constantly dog-whistles to white supremacists and those fearful of losing privileged white-majority status .
We know millions of Americans this summer have been appalled by the extent of systematic racism in this society ; we don ’ t know how deep the strain of racism runs .
The White House purposefully has blocked a second round of economic support for the millions of Americans whose lives have been uprooted by the virus and joblessness .
Trump hoped to push through executive actions to bring relief for which he could take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort was unconstitutional and the White House is full of incompetent staffers who have their jobs only because of personal loyalty to Trump .
Finally , millions of Americans , worried , literally , about the survival of their children and themselves , do not pay attention to Trump ’ s daily assaults on civility , truth and the American Way .
They will not recognize Biden ’ s insistence that this election is about the soul of America and the need for a large mandate to oust Trump .
They shrug their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They will not vote .
The cliche is true .
Our future depends on voter turnout , on passion , on whether one man ’ s self-interest wins out over the interests of 328 million .

The worst mistake Democrats could make now is overconfidence.
Four years ago, polls showed Hillary Clinton comfortably ahead. She didn’t even campaign in Wisconsin or Michigan. Certainly, her supporters thought, Pennsylvania’s Blacks and women overwhelmingly would support the first female standard-bearer for a major party. But she lost all three states; the polls were not picking up what was happening in America.
This year is different. Donald Trump woefully and arrogantly has mismanaged the coronavirus pandemic, let the economy collapse and shown that he has no empathy for the concerns of Blacks, women, immigrants, the poor or children. His biggest accomplishment is a $2 trillion tax cut for himself and his wealthy friends. He scoffs at the rule of law. He destroyed U.S. global leadership. He was impeached but not convicted in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Also, a mighty wave of revulsion against 400 years of racial intolerance and cruelty is sweeping the nation.
Democratic elation is swelling for Joe Biden’s historic pick of a brilliant California senator and former attorney general, Kamala Harris, a Black woman with Asian heritage, as his running mate.
But Trump, a failed president without scruples, desperately is trying to hold on to power. Authoritarians who have the full power of government to suppress opposition almost always succeed in being reelected.
The small percentage of swing voters who will be crucial in the Nov. 3 election will be called on to sort through mountains of conflicting ideas, lies, charges, bribes and promises.
Above all, U.S. intelligence agencies agree Russia is pulling out all the stops to reelect Trump and disparage Biden. There is absolutely no doubt Russia interfered in 2016 to elect Trump and paid no price. Trump has never denounced Russian illegalities.
Trump’s camp is trying to paint the moderate Biden-Harris team as far left, even socialistic. That is not true, but many Americans will believe it.
Trump, one of the most inarticulate presidents in history, is using Biden’s past gaffes to portray him as stupid and halfway to senility. Neither is true, but many Americans are programmed to believe such demagoguery.
Trump is wrongly using the attorney general to investigate Biden’s son on charges long ago proven to be false, despite Trump’s own nepotism in putting his daughter and unqualified son-in-law in positions of huge power in the White House.
With 75% of Americans hoping to vote by mail during a highly contagious pandemic, Trump is working to eviscerate the U.S. Postal Service by firing top managers and changing rules to slow delivery down so many ballots don’t get delivered, returned or properly postmarked.
Republicans, abetted by the Justice Department, have spent years passing voter suppression laws to keep Blacks from voting in the numbers they have in the past.
Big business has benefited enormously from the Trump administration’s focus on tax cuts and erasing regulations meant to level the playing field and protect workers and the environment. He can count on their donations and support.
Trump will try to revive the “law and order” image that Richard Nixon cultivated as protesters push the defund police movement, which, incidentally, Biden and Harris do not support.
Trump is a proven racist who constantly dog-whistles to white supremacists and those fearful of losing privileged white-majority status. We know millions of Americans this summer have been appalled by the extent of systematic racism in this society; we don’t know how deep the strain of racism runs.
The White House purposefully has blocked a second round of economic support for the millions of Americans whose lives have been uprooted by the virus and joblessness. Trump hoped to push through executive actions to bring relief for which he could take credit. But he failed because his effort was unconstitutional and the White House is full of incompetent staffers who have their jobs only because of personal loyalty to Trump.
Finally, millions of Americans, worried, literally, about the survival of their children and themselves, do not pay attention to Trump’s daily assaults on civility, truth and the American Way. They will not recognize Biden’s insistence that this election is about the soul of America and the need for a large mandate to oust Trump. They shrug their shoulders at Trump’s malfeasance. They will not vote.
The cliche is true. Our future depends on voter turnout, on passion, on whether one man’s self-interest wins out over the interests of 328 million.
Ann McFeatters is a Tribune News Service columnist. ©2020 Tribune Content Agency. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency.


mercurynews--2020-08-16--Walters:  California officials misusing taxpayer dollars for campaigns

Four of the 12 measures on California ’ s November ballot were placed there by the Legislature .
Let ’ s assume that legislators had also appropriated $ 100 million in taxpayers ’ money for campaigns to persuade voters to approve the four .
It would have been an outrageous and likely illegal misappropriation of public funds under several laws .
Using public funds to pass ballot measures is also illegal at the local level .
Government Code Section 54964 , for instance , forthrightly declares , “ An officer , employee , or consultant of a local agency may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of the funds of the local agency to support or oppose the approval or rejection of a ballot measure , or the election or defeat of a candidate , by the voters.
” Nevertheless , as California ’ s city , county and special district officials place measures on their local ballots , particularly bond issues and tax increases , they often spend countless millions of taxpayer dollars on lavish “ information ” campaigns that don ’ t even pretend to be neutral .
They hire professional campaign management firms to conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in positive terms and then generate radio and television spots , mail appeals and other forms of political propaganda to persuade voters to approve the measures .
These blatant uses of taxpayer money for political purposes draw criticism and formal complaints from those opposed to the targeted measures , but local prosecutors routinely refuse to go after their fellow politicians for violating Government Code Section 54964 and other laws .
The only agency that even expresses interest is the state Fair Political Practices Commission , because anyone who spends money on political campaigns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities .
Occasionally , the FPPC has penalized miscreant local agencies , the latest being Los Angeles County , which in 2017 spent a million dollars for an ill-disguised campaign to pass Measure H , a quarter-cent increase in the sales tax .
The campaign included broadcast commercials in English and Spanish that used the slogan “ Real help .
Lasting Change.
” The campaign was very successful , as Measure H passed with nearly 70 % of the vote .
It ’ s now raising an estimated $ 355 million a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county ’ s out-of-control homelessness crisis .
The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association complained about the use of public funds , but as usual , the county ’ s district attorney refused to investigate .
The organization filed a lawsuit and complained to the FPPC .
Last week , it was announced that county officials had agreed to a settlement — without admitting liability — and a $ 1.35 million penalty .
“ This has been an ongoing frustrating issue for taxpayers throughout the state of California , and that is seeing the brazen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Jon Coupal , president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association .
“ This is not a situation where they ’ re merely engaging in informational outreach , which is allowed , but blatantly taking sides and using taxpayer dollars to do so.
” In a statement , spokeswoman Lennie LaGuire said the county “ is pleased to resolve this matter so we can continue to focus on the health and safety of the people of Los Angeles County.
” The FPPC ’ s action reminds local officials that it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns , even for worthy causes .
However , when you get down to the bottom line , even a $ 1.35 million fine — paid from taxpayer dollars — is small potatoes in comparison to a tax that will raise more than $ 3.5 billion .
Therefore , the practice will likely continue unless prosecutors suddenly find their backbones and put some officials in jail for misappropriation of public funds .

Four of the 12 measures on California’s November ballot were placed there by the Legislature.
Let’s assume that legislators had also appropriated $100 million in taxpayers’ money for campaigns to persuade voters to approve the four. It would have been an outrageous and likely illegal misappropriation of public funds under several laws.
Using public funds to pass ballot measures is also illegal at the local level. Government Code Section 54964, for instance, forthrightly declares, “An officer, employee, or consultant of a local agency may not expend or authorize the expenditure of any of the funds of the local agency to support or oppose the approval or rejection of a ballot measure, or the election or defeat of a candidate, by the voters.”
Nevertheless, as California’s city, county and special district officials place measures on their local ballots, particularly bond issues and tax increases, they often spend countless millions of taxpayer dollars on lavish “information” campaigns that don’t even pretend to be neutral.
They hire professional campaign management firms to conduct advance polling, draft measures’ wording in positive terms and then generate radio and television spots, mail appeals and other forms of political propaganda to persuade voters to approve the measures.
These blatant uses of taxpayer money for political purposes draw criticism and formal complaints from those opposed to the targeted measures, but local prosecutors routinely refuse to go after their fellow politicians for violating Government Code Section 54964 and other laws.
The only agency that even expresses interest is the state Fair Political Practices Commission, because anyone who spends money on political campaigns is supposed to file reports on their activities.
Occasionally, the FPPC has penalized miscreant local agencies, the latest being Los Angeles County, which in 2017 spent a million dollars for an ill-disguised campaign to pass Measure H, a quarter-cent increase in the sales tax.
The campaign included broadcast commercials in English and Spanish that used the slogan “Real help. Lasting Change.”
The campaign was very successful, as Measure H passed with nearly 70% of the vote. It’s now raising an estimated $355 million a year for 10 years to deal with the county’s out-of-control homelessness crisis.
The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association complained about the use of public funds, but as usual, the county’s district attorney refused to investigate. The organization filed a lawsuit and complained to the FPPC.
Last week, it was announced that county officials had agreed to a settlement — without admitting liability — and a $1.35 million penalty.
“This has been an ongoing frustrating issue for taxpayers throughout the state of California, and that is seeing the brazen use of taxpayer dollars for political advocacy,” said Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. “This is not a situation where they’re merely engaging in informational outreach, which is allowed, but blatantly taking sides and using taxpayer dollars to do so.”
In a statement, spokeswoman Lennie LaGuire said the county “is pleased to resolve this matter so we can continue to focus on the health and safety of the people of Los Angeles County.”
The FPPC’s action reminds local officials that it’s illegal to use public funds for campaigns, even for worthy causes. However, when you get down to the bottom line, even a $1.35 million fine — paid from taxpayer dollars — is small potatoes in comparison to a tax that will raise more than $3.5 billion.
Therefore, the practice will likely continue unless prosecutors suddenly find their backbones and put some officials in jail for misappropriation of public funds.
Dan Walters is a CalMatters columnist.


mercurynews--2020-08-16--Would you vote for a Garoppolo-Kittle ticket in 2020? 49ers sure will

George Kittle showed off his new wardrobe Saturday as the 49ers ’ freshly minted , $ 75 million tight end : a T-shirt declaring “ Garoppolo-Kittle ’ 20.
” “ It ’ s one of those things I get in the mail and keep it in my locker for a good occasion , ” Kittle said after the first practice of training camp .
This being a presidential election year , Kittle certainly earned the 49ers ’ vote via his recent contract extension , but will Garoppolo indeed be the one targeting him for four more years or longer ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 49ers longer than Garoppolo , whose contract expires in three seasons .
So , what ’ s the staying power of a Garoppolo-Kittle winning ticket ?
General manager John Lynch , after considering Tom Brady over Garoppolo this past offseason , offered a strong endorsement Saturday for the Garoppolo-Kittle connection .
It goes beyond their work ethic and talents , he first noted .
“ They both love the game , ” Lynch said .
“ Jimmy brings a little bit of a linebacker approach to the position and George brings a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see eye to eye on how the game should be played .
“ Jimmy , like his first year with Trent Taylor ( in 2017 ) , they intuitively know what each other is thinking and that ’ s a great advantage for us.
” Kittle improved so much he made AP First Team All-Pro last season .
His passion for football is something Lynch compared from his playing days to a Hall of Famer .
“ Brett Favre was probably the guy I respected most , because he had so much damn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ You ’ re in an intense moment and you look over and he ’ s doing the Y.M.C.A .
in the huddle while you ’ re at Green Bay .
George is very reminiscent to me of that .
“ In the midst of intense , tough and tight situations , you just see an exuberance in him that ’ s special , and that ’ s contagious .
When you ’ re like that , you better be a really good player , and we ’ re very fortunate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Answering 10 burning questions after first practice of training camp • 49ers ’ George Kittle doles out the ‘ thank yous ’ in wake of newfound riches • Kurtenbach : The 49ers still have a glaring hole at wide receiver • 49ers expected to sign Tavon Austin , J.J. Nelson with Deebo Samuel ’ s status in question Kittle ’ s reward : a five-year , $ 75 million extension he signed Friday .
Garoppolo , meanwhile , is set to make $ 24 million annually over the remaining three years of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for only one touchdown in their first eight games together .
When Garoppolo rebounded last season from a September 2018 knee injury , he found Kittle for five touchdowns and 1,053 yards , highlighted best by a fourth-down conversion in a Dec. 8 win at New Orleans .
“ The thing with Jimmy , he ’ s always ready to go , he has such a quick release and he gets football , ” Kittle said .
“ We didn ’ t really miss much today .
We had a couple good connections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well all over the field .
It ’ s just fun to see .
Every day Jimmy gets better , we get better.
” Garoppolo is coming off only his first full season as a starter .
A high school linebacker , he threw last season for the fourth-most yards in the 49ers ’ quarterback-rich history , all while serving his first season as a captain .
“ Because so much is demanded at that position , they don ’ t get to be as much as one of the guys and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as other positions .
But Jimmy innately gets that , that ’ s who he is , ” Lynch added .
“ A lot goes to his family , but a lot is he loves the game , the physical part , even .
George , you watch him play , I love the way he plays the game .
”

CLICK HERE if you’re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device.
George Kittle showed off his new wardrobe Saturday as the 49ers’ freshly minted, $75 million tight end: a T-shirt declaring “Garoppolo-Kittle ’20.”
“It’s one of those things I get in the mail and keep it in my locker for a good occasion,” Kittle said after the first practice of training camp.
This being a presidential election year, Kittle certainly earned the 49ers’ vote via his recent contract extension, but will Garoppolo indeed be the one targeting him for four more years or longer?
Kittle is now contractually tied to the 49ers longer than Garoppolo, whose contract expires in three seasons. So, what’s the staying power of a Garoppolo-Kittle winning ticket?
General manager John Lynch, after considering Tom Brady over Garoppolo this past offseason, offered a strong endorsement Saturday for the Garoppolo-Kittle connection. It goes beyond their work ethic and talents, he first noted.
“They both love the game,” Lynch said. “Jimmy brings a little bit of a linebacker approach to the position and George brings a little linebacker approach to TE position. They see eye to eye on how the game should be played.
“Jimmy, like his first year with Trent Taylor (in 2017), they intuitively know what each other is thinking and that’s a great advantage for us.”
Kittle improved so much he made AP First Team All-Pro last season. His passion for football is something Lynch compared from his playing days to a Hall of Famer.
“Brett Favre was probably the guy I respected most, because he had so much damn fun playing the game,” Lynch said. “You’re in an intense moment and you look over and he’s doing the Y.M.C.A. in the huddle while you’re at Green Bay. George is very reminiscent to me of that.
“In the midst of intense, tough and tight situations, you just see an exuberance in him that’s special, and that’s contagious. When you’re like that, you better be a really good player, and we’re very fortunate he is.” Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: The 49ers aren’t worried about Nick Bosa’s holdout. They should be
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Kittle’s reward: a five-year, $75 million extension he signed Friday. Garoppolo, meanwhile, is set to make $24 million annually over the remaining three years of his contract.
Garoppolo and Kittle connected for only one touchdown in their first eight games together. When Garoppolo rebounded last season from a September 2018 knee injury, he found Kittle for five touchdowns and 1,053 yards, highlighted best by a fourth-down conversion in a Dec. 8 win at New Orleans.
“The thing with Jimmy, he’s always ready to go, he has such a quick release and he gets football,” Kittle said. “We didn’t really miss much today. We had a couple good connections and he was throwing the rock really well all over the field. It’s just fun to see. Every day Jimmy gets better, we get better.”
Garoppolo is coming off only his first full season as a starter. A high school linebacker, he threw last season for the fourth-most yards in the 49ers’ quarterback-rich history, all while serving his first season as a captain.
“Because so much is demanded at that position, they don’t get to be as much as one of the guys and it’s hard to connect as well as other positions. But Jimmy innately gets that, that’s who he is,” Lynch added. “A lot goes to his family, but a lot is he loves the game, the physical part, even. George, you watch him play, I love the way he plays the game.”


mercurynews--2020-08-16--Horoscopes Aug. 16, 2020: Steve Carell, pay attention to detail

Happy Birthday : Pay attention to detail .
Stay in control , and verify everything that is said or done .
Consider what ’ s important to you , and don ’ t veer off course due to decisions other people make .
Look for positive ways to use your energy , intelligence and skills .
Take care of medical , financial and legal matters quickly and efficiently .
Your numbers are 6 , 17 , 23 , 27 , 38 , 41 , 43 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : You ’ ll face uncertainty .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see what transpires .
Don ’ t let pressure or emotions dictate a decision you aren ’ t ready to make .
An intelligent discussion with someone you trust will be revealing .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : A window of opportunity is heading in your direction .
Hone your skills , gather information and be prepared to take advantage of whatever comes your way .
Say less , do more and reap the rewards you deserve .
Romance is featured .
4 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family and taking care of what ’ s important to you .
An idea you have can be put into play if you take the initiative and do the work yourself .
A joint venture will benefit someone other than you .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : A personal change will boost your morale .
Spending time sharing ideas and plans with someone you love will encourage a positive lifestyle change .
An opportunity to do something kind for someone in need will bring an unexpected return .
3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Take a moment to consider how best to get ahead .
A plan of attack should include a well-thought-out plan and an energetic display of enthusiasm .
Once you inspire others to help , the rest will be easy .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Reach out to people who put a smile on your face .
Don ’ t donate or purchase luxury items .
A conversation regarding lifestyle options will encourage you to make changes that ease stress and simplify the way you live .
Romance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Spend more time doing and less time arguing .
If someone pressures you or puts demands on you , know enough to walk away .
Use intelligence to conquer emotionally manipulative situations .
Your words matter , so choose them wisely .
Honor promises .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : A unique environment will encourage you to make a positive change .
Reach out to people who share your ideas , beliefs and pursuits , and an unusual opportunity will come your way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will change your life .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Live and learn .
The way your life unfolds will depend on who you trust .
Use common sense when sharing information .
Home improvements are favored as long as you don ’ t let someone talk you into doing something you can not afford .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : An opportunity will lead to a positive change that affects your home environment and your relationship with someone special .
Make a concerted effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love .
Romance will bring you closer to your objective .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Get back to basics .
Let the past enrich your life as you move forward .
Remember the high points , and use the negatives you endured to help you make better decisions .
A partnership looks promising .
Strive for equality .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : A positive change is heading your way .
Update your look , and prepare for what ’ s to come .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing most .
Don ’ t let the past hold you back .
Let go of influences that are bad for you .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are resourceful , kind and flexible .
You are smart and self-assured .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Cameron Monaghan, 27; Steve Carell, 58; Angela Bassett, 62; Madonna, 62.
Happy Birthday: Pay attention to detail. Stay in control, and verify everything that is said or done. Consider what’s important to you, and don’t veer off course due to decisions other people make. Look for positive ways to use your energy, intelligence and skills. Take care of medical, financial and legal matters quickly and efficiently. Your numbers are 6, 17, 23, 27, 38, 41, 43.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): You’ll face uncertainty. When in doubt, sit tight and wait to see what transpires. Don’t let pressure or emotions dictate a decision you aren’t ready to make. An intelligent discussion with someone you trust will be revealing. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A window of opportunity is heading in your direction. Hone your skills, gather information and be prepared to take advantage of whatever comes your way. Say less, do more and reap the rewards you deserve. Romance is featured. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Focus on home, family and taking care of what’s important to you. An idea you have can be put into play if you take the initiative and do the work yourself. A joint venture will benefit someone other than you. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): A personal change will boost your morale. Spending time sharing ideas and plans with someone you love will encourage a positive lifestyle change. An opportunity to do something kind for someone in need will bring an unexpected return. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take a moment to consider how best to get ahead. A plan of attack should include a well-thought-out plan and an energetic display of enthusiasm. Once you inspire others to help, the rest will be easy. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Reach out to people who put a smile on your face. Don’t donate or purchase luxury items. A conversation regarding lifestyle options will encourage you to make changes that ease stress and simplify the way you live. Romance is favored. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Spend more time doing and less time arguing. If someone pressures you or puts demands on you, know enough to walk away. Use intelligence to conquer emotionally manipulative situations. Your words matter, so choose them wisely. Honor promises. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A unique environment will encourage you to make a positive change. Reach out to people who share your ideas, beliefs and pursuits, and an unusual opportunity will come your way. Romance will lead to a commitment that will change your life. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Live and learn. The way your life unfolds will depend on who you trust. Use common sense when sharing information. Home improvements are favored as long as you don’t let someone talk you into doing something you cannot afford. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): An opportunity will lead to a positive change that affects your home environment and your relationship with someone special. Make a concerted effort to share your intentions with someone you love. Romance will bring you closer to your objective. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Get back to basics. Let the past enrich your life as you move forward. Remember the high points, and use the negatives you endured to help you make better decisions. A partnership looks promising. Strive for equality. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A positive change is heading your way. Update your look, and prepare for what’s to come. Combat stress by embracing what you enjoy doing most. Don’t let the past hold you back. Let go of influences that are bad for you. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are resourceful, kind and flexible. You are smart and self-assured.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-08-16--Ask Amy: My in-laws don’t realize how horrible they are

Dear Amy : My in-laws routinely trash spouses who have married into the family .
They spread gossip ( some of it truly vicious , and often completely untrue ) , always make insulting assumptions , and judge every move anyone makes in life .
How we raise kids , what we eat , or how we invest our money , everything is scrutinized , followed by snarky remarks .
The latest drama involved a very large neighborhood party for my father-in-law ’ s birthday .
I had told my wife that I could not attend because I must follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I told her that I ’ d prefer for her not to attend , as we know there would be no COVID precautions taken , but I left it up to her .
She decided not to attend .
Now I find out that the siblings thought I was controlling her .
• Ask Amy : There was no emergency , he was just being rude • Ask Amy : She makes me want to scream , but I can ’ t dump her • Ask Amy : My dying mother revealed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on me • Ask Amy : I can ’ t voice an opinion without risking my wife ’ s rage • Ask Amy : I know he has photos of me , but he won ’ t hand them over The in-laws ’ harsh and horrid judgment of everyone creates nonstop drama .
I try to avoid them , but leaving my wife to speak for our family causes just as much drama .
My in-laws want to have a better relationship with us , but they don ’ t seem to understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they act and react is a reflection of their true personas .
I am at a loss as to how I can deal being attached to this toxic family .
I do not want our children to pick up on the toxicity and stress that I feel .
Dear Out-law : The way to tamp down any dumpster fire is to deprive it of fuel and oxygen .
You are doing this by avoiding your in-laws .
Your wife can ’ t or doesn ’ t want to .
She should become more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She should then cut down on the oxygen , by shutting it down when the judgment and gossip starts .
Why do your in-laws know about your finances ?
How do they know the intricacies of your family ’ s decisions ?
They know because you or your wife told them .
And you know about their harsh assumptions because ( presumably ) your wife relayed all of this back to you .
I ’ m not blaming her , and you shouldn ’ t , either .
This was the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is what she knows about how people relate .
Branding your in-laws as “ truly horrible people ” is not helpful , even if it is true .
Couples counseling would provide you two with a helpful script , and techniques for establishing boundaries .
Dear Amy : When does the family ’ s house cease being the “ go to ” place for adult kids to flop in whenever they are in between jobs , relationships , or apartments , or , basically , whenever they feel like it ?
Honestly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have had it .
My husband and I are still both working very demanding full-time jobs , and as we near retirement , I wonder when I get to retire from hosting our kids .
The other day , I heard one of our daughters ( we have four ) tell her friend , “ Hey , no one is going to stop me from staying in my own house.
” This was right after she announced that she was coming home for two weeks — “ or longer … it depends on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own apartment 200 miles away !
I thought I would scream .
My husband feels the same way .
Three of her siblings had already flopped here for weeks on end because now that they are “ working from home , ” they have decided to work from our home .
What can I do ?
Dear Harried : I think it ’ s time to scream .
Each individual child might not have an awareness of the cumulative effect of these spontaneous and sequential home stays .
Tell them all , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
But we are done .
You can bunk with us only for invited holidays and in true emergencies .
Otherwise , you ’ ll have to find another place to flop.
” Dear Amy : Your response to “ Fifth Wheelin , ” to deny a person ’ s participation simply because he is male , is repulsive .
Take a moment and substitute the words “ black/gay/Hispanic/Asian/Jew ” for “ boyfriend/husband.
” Would it be OK with you to reject participation based on any of those criteria ?
Your response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” would be your answer .
Dear Repulsed : “ Fifth Wheelin ' ” planned occasional girls ’ nights out ( without her husband ) and didn ’ t like it that one friend always wanted to bring her boyfriend along .
I think it is completely fine for spouses to occasionally do things with their friends , without always including their other half , and without making — literally — a federal case of it .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: My in-laws routinely trash spouses who have married into the family.
They spread gossip (some of it truly vicious, and often completely untrue), always make insulting assumptions, and judge every move anyone makes in life. How we raise kids, what we eat, or how we invest our money, everything is scrutinized, followed by snarky remarks.
The latest drama involved a very large neighborhood party for my father-in-law’s birthday.
I had told my wife that I could not attend because I must follow emergency guidelines because of my job. I told her that I’d prefer for her not to attend, as we know there would be no COVID precautions taken, but I left it up to her. She decided not to attend. Now I find out that the siblings thought I was controlling her.
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy The in-laws’ harsh and horrid judgment of everyone creates nonstop drama. I try to avoid them, but leaving my wife to speak for our family causes just as much drama.
My in-laws want to have a better relationship with us, but they don’t seem to understand that they are horrible people and how they act and react is a reflection of their true personas.
I am at a loss as to how I can deal being attached to this toxic family. I do not want our children to pick up on the toxicity and stress that I feel.
Out-law in Oregon
Dear Out-law: The way to tamp down any dumpster fire is to deprive it of fuel and oxygen. You are doing this by avoiding your in-laws. Your wife can’t or doesn’t want to. She should become more discreet, because this fuels the gossip. She should then cut down on the oxygen, by shutting it down when the judgment and gossip starts.
Why do your in-laws know about your finances? How do they know the intricacies of your family’s decisions? They know because you or your wife told them. And you know about their harsh assumptions because (presumably) your wife relayed all of this back to you.
I’m not blaming her, and you shouldn’t, either. This was the family she grew up in, and this is what she knows about how people relate.
Branding your in-laws as “truly horrible people” is not helpful, even if it is true. Couples counseling would provide you two with a helpful script, and techniques for establishing boundaries.
Dear Amy: When does the family’s house cease being the “go to” place for adult kids to flop in whenever they are in between jobs, relationships, or apartments, or, basically, whenever they feel like it?
Honestly, I love my kids, but I have had it. My husband and I are still both working very demanding full-time jobs, and as we near retirement, I wonder when I get to retire from hosting our kids.
The other day, I heard one of our daughters (we have four) tell her friend, “Hey, no one is going to stop me from staying in my own house.” This was right after she announced that she was coming home for two weeks — “or longer … it depends on my work schedule.” She has her own apartment 200 miles away!
I thought I would scream. My husband feels the same way. Three of her siblings had already flopped here for weeks on end because now that they are “working from home,” they have decided to work from our home.
What can I do?
Harried
Dear Harried: I think it’s time to scream. Each individual child might not have an awareness of the cumulative effect of these spontaneous and sequential home stays. Tell them all, “We love you. We love seeing you. But we are done. You can bunk with us only for invited holidays and in true emergencies. Otherwise, you’ll have to find another place to flop.”
Dear Amy: Your response to “Fifth Wheelin,” to deny a person’s participation simply because he is male, is repulsive.
Take a moment and substitute the words “black/gay/Hispanic/Asian/Jew” for “boyfriend/husband.”
Would it be OK with you to reject participation based on any of those criteria?
Your response to Fifth Wheelin’ implies “yes” would be your answer.
Repulsed and Disgusted
Dear Repulsed: “Fifth Wheelin'” planned occasional girls’ nights out (without her husband) and didn’t like it that one friend always wanted to bring her boyfriend along.
I think it is completely fine for spouses to occasionally do things with their friends, without always including their other half, and without making — literally — a federal case of it.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-08-16--Dear Abby: I wish I had known what my wife’s living will said

DEAR ABBY : I would like to address a problem I ’ ve never seen in your column .
A lot of people have living wills but most don ’ t remember what ’ s in them .
My wife went to the hospital for a routine procedure that required anesthesia .
After three hours of what was supposed to be a one-hour procedure , a nurse came out , said there was “ a problem ” and took me back to the recovery room .
My wife was writhing on the bed and kept rasping , “ I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to put an oxygen mask over her face , but she kept fighting them , trying to rip it off .
I was in total shock .
• Dear Abby : I think about leaving my husband , but I ’ d lose this lifestyle • Dear Abby : How do we convince them that this woman ’ s behavior is not normal ?
• Dear Abby : My son ’ s wife is demanding I end my friendship with her father • Dear Abby : They treat him like a hero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abby : She ’ s sweet to all the men in the office except me , and I ’ m hurt I didn ’ t know how to help her , so I asked the anesthesiologist standing there to do something , and he said her living will was a DNR ( do not resuscitate ) .
She remained in cardiac and respiratory distress for eight hours before a pulmonologist was mercifully called and she was put on a ventilator .
I went home and pulled out our living wills .
Hers stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual so named must be terminally ill or permanently unconscious ” for its provisions to be in effect .
I had no idea .
She was neither of those things .
If I ’ d had a copy of the living will with me , I ’ m sure she would have immediately been put on a ventilator .
I lost her six months later , on Christmas morning .
I urge everyone who goes to the hospital for any procedure to make sure the person accompanying them has a copy of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Her outcome could have been so much different , and she might have lived much longer .
DEAR GRIEVING HUSBAND : Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your wife .
Suffering as much pain as you are over her death , please don ’ t torture yourself further over what you “ would have , could have , should have ” done .
I appreciate your taking the time to share this important information with me and my readers .
Your letter serves as a reminder that all end-of-life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure they reflect current thinking .
Thank you .
DEAR ABBY : I have a large extended family who all live a few states away .
I didn ’ t grow up with any of them , as I ’ ve never lived near them .
I see or speak to them maybe once a decade .
We don ’ t exchange emails , and we aren ’ t friends on Facebook .
This isn ’ t because I don ’ t like them ; they are pleasant strangers .
I get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tree is perceived as the affluent one , and I sometimes receive life-event announcements from cousins and their children I haven ’ t seen in years and don ’ t know .
In truth , I think I receive them only for the possibility of receiving something from me .
Am I obligated to send a gift just because I received an invitation to events they know I will never attend — such as graduations , baby showers , etc.
?
DEAR RELATIVE : You are not obligated to send a gift or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You are also not obligated to send gifts to people you haven ’ t had contact with in a decade .
The announcements should not , however , go unacknowledged .
Send a nice card with a congratulatory note , and you may find yourself receiving fewer of these invitations as postage becomes increasingly expensive .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , @ @ @ @ @ @

DEAR ABBY: I would like to address a problem I’ve never seen in your column. A lot of people have living wills but most don’t remember what’s in them.
My wife went to the hospital for a routine procedure that required anesthesia. After three hours of what was supposed to be a one-hour procedure, a nurse came out, said there was “a problem” and took me back to the recovery room.
My wife was writhing on the bed and kept rasping, “I can’t breathe!” Six nurses tried to put an oxygen mask over her face, but she kept fighting them, trying to rip it off. I was in total shock.
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I went home and pulled out our living wills. Hers stated, and I quote, “the individual so named must be terminally ill or permanently unconscious” for its provisions to be in effect. I had no idea. She was neither of those things. If I’d had a copy of the living will with me, I’m sure she would have immediately been put on a ventilator.
I lost her six months later, on Christmas morning.
I urge everyone who goes to the hospital for any procedure to make sure the person accompanying them has a copy of their advance directive. I still feel guilty. Her outcome could have been so much different, and she might have lived much longer.
GRIEVING HUSBAND
DEAR GRIEVING HUSBAND: Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your wife. Suffering as much pain as you are over her death, please don’t torture yourself further over what you “would have, could have, should have” done.
I appreciate your taking the time to share this important information with me and my readers. Your letter serves as a reminder that all end-of-life documents should be reviewed regularly to be sure they reflect current thinking. Thank you.
DEAR ABBY: I have a large extended family who all live a few states away. I didn’t grow up with any of them, as I’ve never lived near them. I see or speak to them maybe once a decade. We don’t exchange emails, and we aren’t friends on Facebook. This isn’t because I don’t like them; they are pleasant strangers.
I get the impression that my limb of the family tree is perceived as the affluent one, and I sometimes receive life-event announcements from cousins and their children I haven’t seen in years and don’t know. In truth, I think I receive them only for the possibility of receiving something from me.
Am I obligated to send a gift just because I received an invitation to events they know I will never attend — such as graduations, baby showers, etc.?
PURSUED RELATIVE
DEAR RELATIVE: You are not obligated to send a gift or money to people you have barely met. You are also not obligated to send gifts to people you haven’t had contact with in a decade.
The announcements should not, however, go unacknowledged. Send a nice card with a congratulatory note, and you may find yourself receiving fewer of these invitations as postage becomes increasingly expensive.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.