mercurynews--2020-03-14--Ask Amy: I’m planning my wedding, and these relatives won’t pay their share

DEAR READERS : Every year I step away from my daily column to work on other creative projects .
I ’ ve gathered some topical “ Best Of ” columns from 10 years ago .
Today ’ s compilation deals with problems and complications related to weddings .
( Some content has been lightly edited . )
I ’ ll be back in two weeks with fresh columns .
DEAR AMY : I ’ m getting married in September and have been planning my wedding for quite a while .
My mom and I have been paying for everything related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stepmother haven ’ t offered any money .
They ’ ve been telling me about financial hardships that they ’ ve been having , but I notice they have been buying high-ticket items for their three girls .
How can I ask them to contribute when they claim to have “ no money ” ?
My fiance ’ s family also hasn ’ t offered to contribute .
• Ask Amy : We have 10 beds in the house , and he ’ s never in his own • Ask Amy : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have sex , there would be no abortions • Ask Amy : My husband dismisses his affairs as ‘ free booty in the elevator ’ • Ask Amy : Knowing 20th-century skill could have helped these kids • Ask Amy : She ’ s furious that I called 911 because of this odd phone call How do I broach that subject with them ?
I know his mom doesn ’ t like me , but I ’ d appreciate the support .
DEAR FED UP : You and your fiance ( not you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge of paying for and financing your wedding .
Consider this the first test of your marriage .
If you and your fiance tackle this together , you will have the benefit of each other ’ s assistance when trying to raise the money for your nuptials .
If your mother isn ’ t in the mix , your father may be more inclined to contribute , and if your future husband takes the lead in approaching his family , they may pony up .
The best way to do this is respectfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take your discomfort as a sign that you should be judicious and realistic when asking people to open their wallets .
You two should plan only the wedding you know you can afford .
DEAR AMY : I am a 33-year-old woman who has kept a secret since I was in junior high school .
A relative who is a few years older than me , “ Steve , ” did some sexually inappropriate things to me .
It didn ’ t involve nudity and I ’ d rather not get into detail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made me quite uncomfortable .
I never told anyone about this .
Our parents were close and I never wanted to cause any hardship between them .
It has not mattered before because we would see that part of the family so infrequently that I was able to avoid him .
I have mostly forgotten about the incident except for occasional flashbacks that I quickly repress .
We were recently sent a “ save the date ” announcement for Steve ’ s wedding .
I have no desire to celebrate him in any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to his wedding .
My mother takes these occasions very seriously and has not responded well to my initial attempts to tell her that I do not want to attend .
I don ’ t think any excuse ( except telling her the truth ) will get me out of this and still be in her good graces .
I don ’ t want to tell the truth now because our mothers are very close , and I don ’ t want to upset that relationship .
DEAR WORRIED : If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find a good reason for not revealing the truth — to protect your mother ’ s relationships , for instance .
Shedding light on this secret might be the best thing for you , and I could well imagine that your mother would want to know ( most loyal mothers would ) .
You should get used to the idea that your mother is going to be upset , regardless of what you choose to do .
You could try to hedge by saying , “ Mom , I really don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t liked him since we were kids .
I don ’ t want to go to his wedding.
” That might be enough of an explanation for your mother , but you should ask yourself if this is really right for you .
DEAR AMY : Responding to the question of what to do with your wedding gown ( after you ’ ve used it ) , I got married in a Jessica McClintock ensemble of white lace jodhpurs , a black silk jacket and a lace jabot .
This Halloween for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cat , Roscoe , a wedding dress and used my lace jabot as his veil .
Of course , my jabot went back in the cedar chest afterward .
DEAR PROUD : And people say that cat owners are a little eccentric !
I ’ m imagining your costumed cat , as well as the next use for your lace jabot .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

DEAR READERS: Every year I step away from my daily column to work on other creative projects. I’ve gathered some topical “Best Of” columns from 10 years ago. Today’s compilation deals with problems and complications related to weddings. (Some content has been lightly edited.) I’ll be back in two weeks with fresh columns.
DEAR AMY: I’m getting married in September and have been planning my wedding for quite a while. My mom and I have been paying for everything related to the wedding, and my father and stepmother haven’t offered any money.
They’ve been telling me about financial hardships that they’ve been having, but I notice they have been buying high-ticket items for their three girls.
How can I ask them to contribute when they claim to have “no money”?
My fiance’s family also hasn’t offered to contribute.
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Fed Up
DEAR FED UP: You and your fiance (not you and your mother) should be in charge of paying for and financing your wedding.
Consider this the first test of your marriage. If you and your fiance tackle this together, you will have the benefit of each other’s assistance when trying to raise the money for your nuptials. If your mother isn’t in the mix, your father may be more inclined to contribute, and if your future husband takes the lead in approaching his family, they may pony up. The best way to do this is respectfully — and in person.
You should take your discomfort as a sign that you should be judicious and realistic when asking people to open their wallets.
You two should plan only the wedding you know you can afford.
January 2010
DEAR AMY: I am a 33-year-old woman who has kept a secret since I was in junior high school.
A relative who is a few years older than me, “Steve,” did some sexually inappropriate things to me. It didn’t involve nudity and I’d rather not get into detail, but it was very inappropriate and made me quite uncomfortable.
I never told anyone about this. Our parents were close and I never wanted to cause any hardship between them.
It has not mattered before because we would see that part of the family so infrequently that I was able to avoid him. I have mostly forgotten about the incident except for occasional flashbacks that I quickly repress.
We were recently sent a “save the date” announcement for Steve’s wedding.
I have no desire to celebrate him in any way, much less be forced to go to his wedding.
My mother takes these occasions very seriously and has not responded well to my initial attempts to tell her that I do not want to attend.
I don’t think any excuse (except telling her the truth) will get me out of this and still be in her good graces.
I don’t want to tell the truth now because our mothers are very close, and I don’t want to upset that relationship.
Worried
DEAR WORRIED: If you try hard enough, you can always find a good reason for not revealing the truth — to protect your mother’s relationships, for instance.
Shedding light on this secret might be the best thing for you, and I could well imagine that your mother would want to know (most loyal mothers would).
You should get used to the idea that your mother is going to be upset, regardless of what you choose to do.
You could try to hedge by saying, “Mom, I really don’t like ‘Steve.’ I haven’t liked him since we were kids. I don’t want to go to his wedding.”
That might be enough of an explanation for your mother, but you should ask yourself if this is really right for you.
August 2020
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: Responding to the question of what to do with your wedding gown (after you’ve used it), I got married in a Jessica McClintock ensemble of white lace jodhpurs, a black silk jacket and a lace jabot.
This Halloween for our neighborhood pet costume contest I made my cat, Roscoe, a wedding dress and used my lace jabot as his veil.
Roscoe won best in show!
Of course, my jabot went back in the cedar chest afterward.
Proud Cat Owner
DEAR PROUD: And people say that cat owners are a little eccentric! I’m imagining your costumed cat, as well as the next use for your lace jabot.
November 2010
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--2020-03-14--Harriette Cole: She should give up her baby, and I’ve done the math to prove it

DEAR HARRIETTE : I just learned that my niece is having a baby .
She is my second niece to decide to have a baby without being married .
I guess I am old-fashioned , but I really do think it is going to be hard on her without the proper support .
The family will rally , but I ’ ve already seen with my other niece that such support goes only so far , especially in a family that doesn ’ t have much money .
I want to recommend that my niece give the baby up for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better off in a loving home where there are resources to take care of the child .
My family thinks I ’ m crazy to make such a suggestion .
When I do the math , I don ’ t see another way .
Should I do the breakdown on paper to show my niece what I mean , or should I leave it alone ?
DEAR ENCOURAGING ADOPTION : Tread carefully .
Unless your niece asks you directly what you think she should do , you should keep your thoughts to yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sister doesn ’ t have time for me • Harriette Cole : Can I tell our boss about my co-worker ’ s misdeed ?
• Harriette Cole : My husband hasn ’ t paid our taxes in years , and he scoffs when I worry • Harriette Cole : When he airs his obsession in front of our friends , I cringe If the opportunity presents itself , you can talk to her about the future .
You can recommend that she list specific ways she intends to align with her ideas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ if she has a plan .
Encourage proactivity in her life .
Be there to bolster that .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I know that people die all the time in life , but I feel like too many people I am connected to personally are dying right now .
From little kids to former colleagues to a neighbor to a friend ’ s elderly father , it feels like everybody is dying .
I ’ m scared to answer the phone these days because I ’ m afraid that it will be one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s overwhelming .
I am so worried that someone else I love is next .
How can I manage these anxious feelings that I have ?
I know I can ’ t control who lives or dies , but I need to get a handle on how I am dealing with it all .
DEAR STARING DOWN DEATH : First , I want to acknowledge the weight of your losses .
It can be extremely difficult to know that many people you love have left the world .
Since this is wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to seek grief counseling to help you process it .
There is no shame in getting support as you work through this .
Beyond professional counseling , you can also make conscious choices to engage in activities that stimulate you and bring you joy .
Exercise is a way to encourage good feelings and promote good health .
Participating in events with friends who are uplifting is wise .
Reading an engaging and positive book can help .
Write down aphorisms and post them in your home in strategic places .
When you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to one of them to brighten your day .
• Ask Amy : I ’ m planning my wedding , and these relatives won ’ t pay their share • Miss Manners : I ’ m tired of their demeaning comments about my chosen career • Dear Abby : This girl ’ s ‘ compliments ’ are scaring me • Ask Amy : We have 10 beds in the house , and he ’ s never in his own • Harriette Cole : My much-older sister doesn ’ t have time for me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about each of the people you have lost and offer prayers and blessings to them .
Remember the good things about them and what they contributed to you and the world .
Claim the positive .
This can help you release them in an uplifting way .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I just learned that my niece is having a baby. She is my second niece to decide to have a baby without being married.
I guess I am old-fashioned, but I really do think it is going to be hard on her without the proper support. The family will rally, but I’ve already seen with my other niece that such support goes only so far, especially in a family that doesn’t have much money.
I want to recommend that my niece give the baby up for adoption. I think it will be better off in a loving home where there are resources to take care of the child. My family thinks I’m crazy to make such a suggestion.
When I do the math, I don’t see another way. Should I do the breakdown on paper to show my niece what I mean, or should I leave it alone?
Encouraging Adoption
DEAR ENCOURAGING ADOPTION: Tread carefully. Unless your niece asks you directly what you think she should do, you should keep your thoughts to yourself.
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DEAR HARRIETTE: I know that people die all the time in life, but I feel like too many people I am connected to personally are dying right now. From little kids to former colleagues to a neighbor to a friend’s elderly father, it feels like everybody is dying.
I’m scared to answer the phone these days because I’m afraid that it will be one more of those awful calls. It’s overwhelming. I am so worried that someone else I love is next.
How can I manage these anxious feelings that I have? I know I can’t control who lives or dies, but I need to get a handle on how I am dealing with it all.
Staring Down Death
DEAR STARING DOWN DEATH: First, I want to acknowledge the weight of your losses. It can be extremely difficult to know that many people you love have left the world. Since this is wearing on your spirit, you may want to seek grief counseling to help you process it. There is no shame in getting support as you work through this.
Beyond professional counseling, you can also make conscious choices to engage in activities that stimulate you and bring you joy. Exercise is a way to encourage good feelings and promote good health. Participating in events with friends who are uplifting is wise. Reading an engaging and positive book can help. Write down aphorisms and post them in your home in strategic places. When you are feeling down, you can turn to one of them to brighten your day.
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Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-03-14--Miss Manners: I’m tired of their demeaning comments about my chosen career

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I received a bachelor ’ s degree in art history and am currently finishing up a master ’ s in another art-related field .
For many years , I have often had to put up with people ’ s rude comments regarding my career choice .
When I tell people what degree I am pursuing , I have received responses such as ( literally ) “ So , you want to live in a box for the rest of your life ?
” , “ So , you want to be poor ?
” , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Unfortunately , they are often not saying this in jest , and will continue to demean my profession for several minutes .
I try to make a joke out of it and direct the conversation elsewhere , but I am losing patience .
Any suggestions for how to avoid this ugly situation or deal with it appropriately are appreciated .
GENTLE READER : “ Yes , I suppose that ’ s a possibility , but at least I will live poor and starving in a beautifully decorated box.
” • Miss Manners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What should I do about it ?
• Miss Manners : It ’ s not suitable for workplace , but who ’ s going to tell them ?
• Miss Manners : Am I ‘ psycho ’ for telling her to stop flirting with my husband ?
• Miss Manners : Now that we know them , we don ’ t want to be their friends • Miss Manners : They saw me in a place I shouldn ’ t have been DEAR MISS MANNERS : During our weeklong visit , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their quirks I can ’ t abide by .
They issued each of us a cloth napkin to be used for the week .
Granted , we were not eating ribs , but it still just seemed unsanitary .
GENTLE READER : Why ?
What else were they being used for ?
Miss Manners is sorry to tell you , but saving a cloth napkin for up to a week is not only acceptable , it comes with accessories .
That is the purpose of those round silver things that are too small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rings .
For frequent guests , Miss Manners even gets them monogrammed — an honor , she assures you .
However , if you feel that yours is being overused to the point of being ineffective , graciously blame it on yourself .
“ I am afraid I over-enjoyed my dinner last night and sorely abused my napkin .
I wonder if I might have a fresh one tonight .
And I will try to take better care of it.
” DEAR MISS MANNERS : I have a toddler and an almost-1-year old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we eat out at restaurants , but the infant tends to spill a lot of food on the floor .
I don ’ t want people to think I am fine with letting my kids make a big mess for other people to clean up , so usually at the end of our meal , I get down on the floor and clean up the baby ’ s crumbs .
I have had times in which the restaurant owners seemed appalled that we are cleaning up after ourselves and I sort of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a good look to the other customers ) .
What is the most polite approach for handling kid messes in public ?
GENTLE READER : Small messes should be picked up as they happen .
For larger ones , a reasonable effort should be made .
But much like the wallet reach when one is fairly certain that one ’ s restaurant companion is paying , the intent is generally more appreciated than the result .
Similarly , Miss Manners suggests that the attempt to clean up should be genuine , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongly enough .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I received a bachelor’s degree in art history and am currently finishing up a master’s in another art-related field. For many years, I have often had to put up with people’s rude comments regarding my career choice.
When I tell people what degree I am pursuing, I have received responses such as (literally) “So, you want to live in a box for the rest of your life?”, “So, you want to be poor?”, “So, you want to starve?” Unfortunately, they are often not saying this in jest, and will continue to demean my profession for several minutes.
I try to make a joke out of it and direct the conversation elsewhere, but I am losing patience. Any suggestions for how to avoid this ugly situation or deal with it appropriately are appreciated.
GENTLE READER: “Yes, I suppose that’s a possibility, but at least I will live poor and starving in a beautifully decorated box.”
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Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third DEAR MISS MANNERS: During our weeklong visit, our dear hosts subjected us to one of their quirks I can’t abide by. They issued each of us a cloth napkin to be used for the week.
Granted, we were not eating ribs, but it still just seemed unsanitary.
GENTLE READER: Why? What else were they being used for?
Miss Manners is sorry to tell you, but saving a cloth napkin for up to a week is not only acceptable, it comes with accessories. That is the purpose of those round silver things that are too small to be bracelets. They are napkin rings. For frequent guests, Miss Manners even gets them monogrammed — an honor, she assures you.
However, if you feel that yours is being overused to the point of being ineffective, graciously blame it on yourself. “I am afraid I over-enjoyed my dinner last night and sorely abused my napkin. I wonder if I might have a fresh one tonight. And I will try to take better care of it.”
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a toddler and an almost-1-year old. The toddler does pretty well nowadays when we eat out at restaurants, but the infant tends to spill a lot of food on the floor.
I don’t want people to think I am fine with letting my kids make a big mess for other people to clean up, so usually at the end of our meal, I get down on the floor and clean up the baby’s crumbs. I have had times in which the restaurant owners seemed appalled that we are cleaning up after ourselves and I sort of understand that (it’s probably not a good look to the other customers).
What is the most polite approach for handling kid messes in public?
Want Miss Manners delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
GENTLE READER: Small messes should be picked up as they happen. For larger ones, a reasonable effort should be made.
But much like the wallet reach when one is fairly certain that one’s restaurant companion is paying, the intent is generally more appreciated than the result. Similarly, Miss Manners suggests that the attempt to clean up should be genuine, but graciously retractable if the other party objects strongly enough.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-03-14--Vail Resorts mountain closures include Heavenly in Lake Tahoe

All North American ski mountains owned by Vail Resorts will close on Sunday for at least a week — a dramatic move that comes just days after resorts vowed to remain open as the novel coronavirus continues to spread throughout the state .
“ We have made the difficult decision to suspend the operations of all our North American mountain resorts and retail stores beginning Sunday through March 22 , and will use that time to reassess our approach for the rest of the season , ” Rob Katz , Vail Resorts ’ CEO , said in a news release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations will remain open to service the guests we have on location or those with existing reservations , but we will not be taking new reservations for this upcoming week.
” All employees , both seasonal and year-round , will be paid during the eight-day period with needing to use vacation or sick time , Katz said in the statement .
Ski resorts under Vail ’ s ownership include Vail , Breckenridge , Keystone and Crested Butte in Colorado , along with other international destinations such as Park City in Utah , Heavenly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colombia , Canada .

All North American ski mountains owned by Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company, owners of Heavenly and Squaw Valley at Lake Tahoe respectively, will close Sunday.
Vail resorts said its ski areas, including Heavenly, will close on Sunday for at least a week — a dramatic move that comes just days after resorts vowed to remain open as the novel coronavirus continues to spread throughout the state.
“We have made the difficult decision to suspend the operations of all our North American mountain resorts and retail stores beginning Sunday through March 22, and will use that time to reassess our approach for the rest of the season,” Rob Katz, Vail Resorts’ CEO, said in a news release. “Our lodging and property management operations will remain open to service the guests we have on location or those with existing reservations, but we will not be taking new reservations for this upcoming week.”
All employees, both seasonal and year-round, will be paid during the eight-day period with needing to use vacation or sick time, Katz said in the statement.
Ski resorts under Vail’s ownership include Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone and Crested Butte in Colorado, along with other international destinations such as Park City in Utah, Heavenly in Lake Tahoe and Whistler in British Colombia, Canada.
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“Alterra Mountain Company will suspend operations at our 15 North American ski resorts, starting the morning of Sunday, March 15, until further notice. All lift operations, food and beverage, retail and rental services will be closed until further notice,” CEO Rusty Gregory said in a statement.
“Each resort will work directly with guests in canceling their visit and will provide refunds to those who have hotel and other bookings during this closure period,” he added. “We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries.”


mercurynews--2020-03-14--San Rafael halts city programs, classes; libraries remain open

SAN RAFAEL — San Rafael is closing city community centers and suspending all community classes , programs , recreation leagues , and events starting Saturday and continuing through the end of the month .
Library programs are also canceled , although branches will remain open .
City Hall will also remain open and provide regular services .
“ During these challenging times , everyone should prioritize personal and public health , ” Mayor Gary Phillips said in a statement .
“ We don ’ t take these decisions lightly , but believe these closures are the best way for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our most vulnerable residents.
” The city said the facility closures and event cancellations will be re-evaluated and that additional closures may be announced as the situation evolves .
A decision on April programming and facility closures is expected by March 27 .
The San Rafael City Council will hold its scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. Monday , but to encourage social distancing , the city is offering ways to submit public comments in advance such as letters or emails .
The city said it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ items through YouTube Live .
• Garamendi urges HHS to investigate concerns reported during quarantine at Travis AFB • Washington confronts coronavirus with new tools and angst • At the Vatican , even the Swiss Guard can ’ t protect against coronavirus “ During this pilot , city staff will attempt to read aloud every online comment , designated for the City Council , during the public comment portions of the meeting , ” officials said .

Bay City News
SAN RAFAEL — San Rafael is closing city community centers and suspending all community classes, programs, recreation leagues, and events starting Saturday and continuing through the end of the month.
Library programs are also canceled, although branches will remain open.
City Hall will also remain open and provide regular services.
“During these challenging times, everyone should prioritize personal and public health,” Mayor Gary Phillips said in a statement. “We don’t take these decisions lightly, but believe these closures are the best way for us to implement health department recommendations to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our most vulnerable residents.”
The city said the facility closures and event cancellations will be re-evaluated and that additional closures may be announced as the situation
evolves. A decision on April programming and facility closures is expected by March 27.
The San Rafael City Council will hold its scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, but to encourage social distancing, the city is offering ways to submit public comments in advance such as letters or emails. The city said it will also offer real-time online commenting on agenda items through YouTube Live.


mercurynews--2020-03-14--Garamendi urges HHS to investigate concerns reported during quarantine at Travis AFB

Rep. John Garamendi , D-Solano , sent a letter to federal government officials urging them to correct some of the health and safety hazards reported by patients during the COVID-19 quarantine process at Travis Air Force Base .
Following the outbreak of COVID-19 , also known as the coronavirus , Travis AFB was selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in February as a quarantine location for American travelers who were evacuated from the Wuhan region .
The patients who were asymptomatic were housed at the base ’ s Westwind Inn hotel for a 14-day quarantine process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their care .
Base personnel have been directed to not have any contact with evacuees .
Travis was also selected as a quarantine location following the Diamond Princess cruise ship outbreak in Japan and the Grand Princess cruise ship , where 22 passengers and crew members tested positive for the coronavirus .
Several hundred Californians who were aboard the ship arrived at Travis on March 10 after the ship docked at the Port of Oakland .
Garamendi , whose district includes Travis AFB , wrote in his letter Saturday letter that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had been expressed concerns about an alleged lack of social distancing measures and efforts to keep the environments sanitary during the quarantine and urged HHS to provide immediate solutions to ensure the health and safety of evacuees .
Garamendi addressed his letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar , while also sending copies to President Donald Trump , Vice President Mike Pence and Robert Redfield , the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
“ I ’ ve received troubling images of long lines without social distancing for communal meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ ve been told by individuals within the quarantine that evacuees touched serving utensils and other items with their bare hands , potentially exposing others to the virus .
I am glad to hear that meals are now delivered to individual rooms after I brought this issue to the attention of HHS staff .
However , I am troubled to hear that coffee is still served in communal areas , rather than brewed in existing coffee makers in the individuals ’ rooms.
” Garamendi said that he had heard from constituents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available on site were reportedly not satisfactory .
“ From what I have been told , the only hand washing available to individuals is a bar of soap in their rooms , ” he wrote .
“ While HHS has contracted with a cleaning service for the building , I have heard that it is understaffed to maintain the standard of cleaning required in a medical quarantine and the number of individuals staying in the hotel .
This negligence has left frequently touched surfaces improperly sanitized , and failed to provide cleaning services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that little communication was supposedly provided to evacuees with the quarantine .
“ Upon arriving at the hotel , they were given paperwork that provided scant details beyond the Center for Disease Control ’ s ( CDC ) legal authority to hold them in detention , ” he wrote .
“ Very little information was given on social distancing , frequent washing , and other procedures that evacuees could use to keep themselves healthy in this high risk environment .
CDC should be utilizing every resource possible to equip these individuals with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garamendi urged the HHS to investigate all the concerns mentioned and also work to ensure that testing is available to all passengers who were aboard the ship .
“ As public servants , there is no greater priority than the health and safety of the communities we represent , ” he wrote .
“ I urge you to address this matter immediately , and I look forward to your response .
”

Rep. John Garamendi, D-Solano, sent a letter to federal government officials urging them to correct some of the health and safety hazards reported by patients during the COVID-19 quarantine process at Travis Air Force Base.
Following the outbreak of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, Travis AFB was selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in February as a quarantine location for American travelers who were evacuated from the Wuhan region. The patients who were asymptomatic were housed at the base’s Westwind Inn hotel for a 14-day quarantine process, with HHS personnel being responsible for their care. Base personnel have been directed to not have any contact with evacuees.
Travis was also selected as a quarantine location following the Diamond Princess cruise ship outbreak in Japan and the Grand Princess cruise ship, where 22 passengers and crew members tested positive for the coronavirus. Several hundred Californians who were aboard the ship arrived at Travis on March 10 after the ship docked at the Port of Oakland.
Garamendi, whose district includes Travis AFB, wrote in his letter Saturday letter that he had heard from people in the quarantine that they had been expressed concerns about an alleged lack of social distancing measures and efforts to keep the environments sanitary during the quarantine and urged HHS to provide immediate solutions to ensure the health and safety of evacuees. Garamendi addressed his letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, while also sending copies to President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“I’ve received troubling images of long lines without social distancing for communal meals and beverages,” Garamendi wrote. “I’ve been told by individuals within the quarantine that evacuees touched serving utensils and other items with their bare hands, potentially exposing others to the virus. I am glad to hear that meals are now delivered to individual rooms after I brought this issue to the attention of HHS staff. However, I am troubled to hear that coffee is still served in communal areas, rather than brewed in existing coffee makers in the individuals’ rooms.”
Garamendi said that he had heard from constituents that the hand-washing and surface cleaning materials available on site were reportedly not satisfactory.
“From what I have been told, the only hand washing available to individuals is a bar of soap in their rooms,” he wrote. “While HHS has contracted with a cleaning service for the building, I have heard that it is understaffed to maintain the standard of cleaning required in a medical quarantine and the number of individuals staying in the hotel. This negligence has left frequently touched surfaces improperly sanitized, and failed to provide cleaning services for individual rooms.”
Garamendi also wrote that little communication was supposedly provided to evacuees with the quarantine.
“Upon arriving at the hotel, they were given paperwork that provided scant details beyond the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) legal authority to hold them in detention,” he wrote. “Very little information was given on social distancing, frequent washing, and other procedures that evacuees could use to keep themselves healthy in this high risk environment. CDC should be utilizing every resource possible to equip these individuals with the knowledge they need to stay healthy.”
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Politics | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Garamendi urged the HHS to investigate all the concerns mentioned and also work to ensure that testing is available to all passengers who were aboard the ship.
“As public servants, there is no greater priority than the health and safety of the communities we represent,” he wrote. “I urge you to address this matter immediately, and I look forward to your response.”


mercurynews--2020-03-14--Washington confronts coronavirus with new tools and angst

By Colleen Long , Michael Balsamo and Aamer Madhani | Associated Press WASHINGTON ( AP ) — President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States will expand its European travel restrictions to include Britain and Ireland as the U.S. , armed with new tools against the pandemic , braced for it to get worse before it gets better .
The government ’ s top infection expert warned that COVID-19 may surge within the nation in coming days .
Under the restrictions on European travel , American citizens , green card holders and others are still allowed to return home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 13 airports and be subjected to health screenings and quarantine orders .
“ If you don ’ t have to travel , I wouldn ’ t do it , ” Trump said .
After days of reluctance , he also said he had taken the coronavirus test following several interactions with people who are infected .
He is now awaiting the results .
The White House also began testing the temperatures of everyone who ’ s been close to Trump ; he said his own temperature was normal and he was feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House staff a memo on Saturday that they have a duty to take precautions — such as frequently washing their hands and staying home if sick — “ to protect the health of our Executive Branch and those working with us.
” Early Saturday the House approved legislation to provide direct relief to Americans suffering physically , financially and emotionally from the coronavirus pandemic .
The Senate still must vote on the package .
Trump supports it .
As well , he declared a national emergency Friday , unleashing as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments to respond to the crisis .
There was little hope of a quick turnaround .
“ We will see more cases and we will see more suffering and death , ” said Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health , “ particularly among the vulnerables.
” Yet he said “ we still have opportunities ” to lessen the severity of the pandemic .
The U.S. has recorded at least 51 deaths and nearly 2,500 confirmed infections .
For most people , COVID-19 causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to be over it .
The new travel restrictions come as Britain has seen its death toll from the virus nearly double from the day before to 21 , and the number of people infected rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous day .
Ireland had 90 confirmed cases and one death by Friday .
The U.S. said earlier in the week a 30-day restriction on flights covered only the 26-nation Schengen area , the European Union ’ s border-free travel zone , which excludes Britain and Ireland .
Pence said the restrictions on Britain and Ireland would go into effect midnight on Monday night .
Pence added that federal officials were “ considering a broad range of measures ” for potential domestic travel restrictions but no decisions have been made .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the facts , ” Pence said .
But a senior homeland security official , in a briefing held on condition that the official not be identified , said “ there ’ s no expectation of any domestic travel restrictions at this time ” by air or rail .
Britain has taken a different approach as countries across Europe and other afflicted areas have shut schools , scrapped large public events and shuttered bars and restaurants .
The British government hasn ’ t heavily restricted everyday activities , though there were indications it might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as usual but across the border in the Irish Republic , schools , colleges , daycare centers and cultural institutions were closed .
In the U.S. , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell canceled the coming week ’ s planned recess to deal with the matter .
Senate Democrats called on McConnell to reconvene now and pass the aid package .
“ Everyone is going to have new ideas but that will slow things down , ” said Sen. Chuck Schumer , the top Senate Democrat .
“ We have to act immediately.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robust Republican support from the House vote , passage appears likely .
While anxiety hangs over the nation , the president took a lighter tone at moments as he addressed the media .
He boasted that he was “ honored ” that the Dow Jones Industrial Average reacted with a huge one-day gain Friday after he announced the national emergency declaration .
“ I think we should do one of them every day perhaps , ” joked Trump , who wore a blue baseball cap emblazoned with “ USA.
” “ How about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president didn ’ t mention that despite Friday ’ s pickup , the market had its worst week since October 2008 .
In just a few weeks , U.S. stocks have lost all the gains made during 2019 .
The crush of activity capped a tumultuous week in Washington as the fast-moving virus left ordinary Americans suddenly navigating self-quarantines , school closures and a changed way of life .
Trump took a number of other actions to bolster energy markets , ease the financial burden for Americans with student loans and give medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public health crisis .
Central to the aid package from Congress , which builds on an emergency $ 8.3 billion measure approved earlier , are the free testing , sick pay and family leave provisions .
Providing sick pay for workers is a crucial element of federal efforts to stop the rapid spread of the infection .
Officials warn that the nation ’ s healthcare system could quickly become overwhelmed with gravely sick patients , as suddenly happened in Italy , one of the countries hardest hit by the virus .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — for people self-quarantining or caring for others — can help assure Americans they will not fall into financial hardship .
The legislation also offers three months of paid family and medical leave .
Small and mid-sized employers will be reimbursed through tax credits .
Both Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi promised a third coronavirus package will follow soon , with more aggressive steps to boost the U.S. economy , which economists fear has already slipped into recession .
Mnuchin said Saturday that lawmakers will have to fix a minor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which could create some hiccups in getting the measure to Trump ’ s desk by early in the week .
It involves a delicately negotiated provision about a tax credit for businesses to provide sick leave .
Trump on Friday also told people to expect the imminent rollout of a website “ facilitated ” by Google that would guide users through a series of questions to determine whether they should be screened for the virus .
If testing is recommended , users would be directed to a local testing location , which could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Walgreens and other chains .
But it quickly became apparent that such a fast track to testing was in early stages of development and would not be widely employed soon .
Meantime U.S. officials said most cruise companies had stopped new voyages and the few that hadn ’ t were ordered to .
Trump endorsed decisions some companies have taken to close their stores as the nation increasingly hunkers down .
• Garamendi urges HHS to investigate concerns reported during quarantine at Travis AFB • At the Vatican , even the Swiss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Pentagon and State Department announced new guidance aimed at limiting movement of its personnel and promoting social distancing in hopes of reducing the impact of the pandemic on the agencies .
As part of that , State Department employees were to engage in “ mission critical ” travel only .
Associated Press writers Jill Colvin , Lisa Mascaro , Lynn Berry , Andrew Taylor and Matt Lee contributed reporting to this article .

By Colleen Long, Michael Balsamo and Aamer Madhani | Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States will expand its European travel restrictions to include Britain and Ireland as the U.S., armed with new tools against the pandemic, braced for it to get worse before it gets better. The government’s top infection expert warned that COVID-19 may surge within the nation in coming days.
Under the restrictions on European travel, American citizens, green card holders and others are still allowed to return home to the U.S. but will be funneled to 13 airports and be subjected to health screenings and quarantine orders.
“If you don’t have to travel, I wouldn’t do it,” Trump said. After days of reluctance, he also said he had taken the coronavirus test following several interactions with people who are infected. He is now awaiting the results.
The White House also began testing the temperatures of everyone who’s been close to Trump; he said his own temperature was normal and he was feeling fine. Vice President Mike Pence wrote White House staff a memo on Saturday that they have a duty to take precautions — such as frequently washing their hands and staying home if sick — “to protect the health of our Executive Branch and those working with us.”
Early Saturday the House approved legislation to provide direct relief to Americans suffering physically, financially and emotionally from the coronavirus pandemic. The Senate still must vote on the package. Trump supports it. As well, he declared a national emergency Friday, unleashing as much as $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the crisis.
There was little hope of a quick turnaround.
“We will see more cases and we will see more suffering and death,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, “particularly among the vulnerables.” Yet he said “we still have opportunities” to lessen the severity of the pandemic. The U.S. has recorded at least 51 deaths and nearly 2,500 confirmed infections.
For most people, COVID-19 causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to be over it.
The new travel restrictions come as Britain has seen its death toll from the virus nearly double from the day before to 21, and the number of people infected rise to over 1,100 from about 800 the previous day. Ireland had 90 confirmed cases and one death by Friday.
The U.S. said earlier in the week a 30-day restriction on flights covered only the 26-nation Schengen area, the European Union’s border-free travel zone, which excludes Britain and Ireland. Pence said the restrictions on Britain and Ireland would go into effect midnight on Monday night.
Pence added that federal officials were “considering a broad range of measures” for potential domestic travel restrictions but no decisions have been made. “We’re going to continue to follow the facts,” Pence said.
But a senior homeland security official, in a briefing held on condition that the official not be identified, said “there’s no expectation of any domestic travel restrictions at this time” by air or rail.
Britain has taken a different approach as countries across Europe and other afflicted areas have shut schools, scrapped large public events and shuttered bars and restaurants. The British government hasn’t heavily restricted everyday activities, though there were indications it might.
Schools in Northern Ireland were operating as usual but across the border in the Irish Republic, schools, colleges, daycare centers and cultural institutions were closed.
In the U.S., Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell canceled the coming week’s planned recess to deal with the matter. Senate Democrats called on McConnell to reconvene now and pass the aid package.
“Everyone is going to have new ideas but that will slow things down,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer, the top Senate Democrat. “We have to act immediately.” With the president’s backing and robust Republican support from the House vote, passage appears likely.
While anxiety hangs over the nation, the president took a lighter tone at moments as he addressed the media. He boasted that he was “honored” that the Dow Jones Industrial Average reacted with a huge one-day gain Friday after he announced the national emergency declaration.
“I think we should do one of them every day perhaps,” joked Trump, who wore a blue baseball cap emblazoned with “USA.” “How about five times a day?”
The president didn’t mention that despite Friday’s pickup, the market had its worst week since October 2008. In just a few weeks, U.S. stocks have lost all the gains made during 2019.
The crush of activity capped a tumultuous week in Washington as the fast-moving virus left ordinary Americans suddenly navigating self-quarantines, school closures and a changed way of life.
Trump took a number of other actions to bolster energy markets, ease the financial burden for Americans with student loans and give medical professionals additional flexibility in treating patients during the public health crisis.
Central to the aid package from Congress, which builds on an emergency $8.3 billion measure approved earlier, are the free testing, sick pay and family leave provisions.
Providing sick pay for workers is a crucial element of federal efforts to stop the rapid spread of the infection. Officials warn that the nation’s healthcare system could quickly become overwhelmed with gravely sick patients, as suddenly happened in Italy, one of the countries hardest hit by the virus.
The ability to ensure paychecks will keep flowing — for people self-quarantining or caring for others — can help assure Americans they will not fall into financial hardship. The legislation also offers three months of paid family and medical leave. Small and mid-sized employers will be reimbursed through tax credits.
Both Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi promised a third coronavirus package will follow soon, with more aggressive steps to boost the U.S. economy, which economists fear has already slipped into recession.
Mnuchin said Saturday that lawmakers will have to fix a minor error in the approved House bill, which could create some hiccups in getting the measure to Trump’s desk by early in the week. It involves a delicately negotiated provision about a tax credit for businesses to provide sick leave.
Trump on Friday also told people to expect the imminent rollout of a website “facilitated” by Google that would guide users through a series of questions to determine whether they should be screened for the virus. If testing is recommended, users would be directed to a local testing location, which could include parking lots at Walmart, Target, Walgreens and other chains.
But it quickly became apparent that such a fast track to testing was in early stages of development and would not be widely employed soon.
Meantime U.S. officials said most cruise companies had stopped new voyages and the few that hadn’t were ordered to. Trump endorsed decisions some companies have taken to close their stores as the nation increasingly hunkers down.
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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 The Pentagon and State Department announced new guidance aimed at limiting movement of its personnel and promoting social distancing in hopes of reducing the impact of the pandemic on the agencies. As part of that, State Department employees were to engage in “mission critical” travel only.
Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Lisa Mascaro, Lynn Berry, Andrew Taylor and Matt Lee contributed reporting to this article.


mercurynews--2020-03-14--Lauren Daigle reschedules numerous tour dates due to coronavirus

CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device .
Lauren Daigle is postponing most of her tour dates through April due to concerns over the coronavirus .
The includes all three of her upcoming California shows .
The multiplatinum-selling Christian music star , who has one of the finest voices in the entire music industry , is now scheduled to perform Oct. 13 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento , Oct. 17 at Pechanga Arena in San Diego and Oct. 19 at Oakland Arena .
All three of those gigs were originally scheduled for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows will be honored at the new dates .
Daigle is also set to perform at Southern California ’ s mammoth Coachella music festival , which , as previously announced , has been moved back from April to October .
Daigle performs at Coachella on both Oct. 11 and 18 .
See www.laurendaigle.com/tour for the more information about tour dates .
This is Daigle ’ s first-ever headlining arena tour and it “ features an all new stage production , design and set list that will be highlighted by Daigle ’ s raw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will “ feature some of her hits , including her latest single ‘ Rescue ’ and the double-Platinum selling # 1 single ‘ You Say , ’ as well as tracks from her previous platinum-selling album , ‘ How Can It Be.
’ ” according to a earlier news release .
Daigle made two performances in Northern California in 2019 .
Read our review of Daigle ’ s show at the Warfield in San Francisco .
Read our coverage of Daigle ’ s performance at Outside Lands music festival .

CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device.
Lauren Daigle is postponing most of her tour dates through April due to concerns over the coronavirus.
The includes all three of her upcoming California shows.
The multiplatinum-selling Christian music star, who has one of the finest voices in the entire music industry, is now scheduled to perform Oct. 13 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Oct. 17 at Pechanga Arena in San Diego and Oct. 19 at Oakland Arena. All three of those gigs were originally scheduled for April.
Johnnyswim opens all shows.
Tickets purchased for the original shows will be honored at the new dates.
Daigle is also set to perform at Southern California’s mammoth Coachella music festival, which, as previously announced, has been moved back from April to October. Daigle performs at Coachella on both Oct. 11 and 18.
See www.laurendaigle.com/tour for the more information about tour dates.
This is Daigle’s first-ever headlining arena tour and it “features an all new stage production, design and set list that will be highlighted by Daigle’s raw vocal power and stage presence” and will “feature some of her hits, including her latest single ‘Rescue’ and the double-Platinum selling #1 single ‘You Say,’ as well as tracks from her previous platinum-selling album, ‘How Can It Be.’” according to a earlier news release.
Daigle made two performances in Northern California in 2019.
Read our review of Daigle’s show at the Warfield in San Francisco.
Read our coverage of Daigle’s performance at Outside Lands music festival.


mercurynews--2020-03-14--The Warriors will have to make key roster decisions with limited information

These final weeks of the Warriors season were going to be an opportunity for the front office to evaluate its team ahead of a pivotal offseason , and for several players to audition for a spot on the 2020-21 roster .
Instead , with the NBA suspending its season because of the coronavirus pandemic , the Warriors will have to make key roster decisions with only a small sample size of information .
Somehow , they will need to determine who can fill out the roster as the team aims to vault back into contention .
Even if the league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playoffs , the Warriors ( 15-50 ) have already been eliminated .
At best , they would have three games to wrap up the season if the NBA ’ s hiatus ends after 30 days — an option that appears increasingly unlikely by the day .
So the Warriors will most likely have to make do with what they saw in the 13 games since they revamped the team at the trade deadline .
In that time , Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins played just 27 minutes together , and zero alongside Draymond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evaluate the on-court fit , but the Warriors remain bullish on Wiggins ’ ability to play off Curry , Green and Klay Thompson ( who should return healthy next season from an ACL tear ) .
Those four will account for roughly $ 130 million in salary , more than the projected $ 115 million salary cap .
However , as general manager Bob Myers pointed out during a press conference on Wednesday , the league ’ s financial hit from the coronavirus will impact the cap .
It ’ s hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it ’ s safe to say it will be reduced by several million .
Golden State was already projected to be a tax-paying team next season , but a reduced cap also brings down the luxury tax apron , which would increase the organization ’ s total tax bill .
With the $ 6 million tax-payer mid-level exception and the $ 17.2 million traded player exception , the Warriors have the means to add two meaningful contributors next season .
They ’ ll also have a draft pick that has a 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a 52.1 % chance of landing in the top four .
Those three additions could cost up to $ 34 million , increasing payroll to $ 174 million before filling out the rest of the roster .
All of that will give the Warriors 12 players — Curry , Thompson , Wiggins , Green , Kevon Looney , Jordan Poole , Alen Smailagic , Eric Paschall , a first-round draft pick and two players acquired via exception — under guaranteed contracts next season .
Add that Marquese Chriss and Damion Lee are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s team , and that leaves one spot up for grabs among four players on this year ’ s team , two draft picks and whoever else the front office invites to training camp .
The other non-guaranteed players are Ky Bowman , Juan Toscano-Anderson and Mychal Mulder .
Dragan Bender ’ s 10-day contract expired Saturday , but the team remains intrigued with his potential as a stretch-big .
“ It ’ s a great place to be so far , ” Bender said after his last game against the Clippers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting .
“ Obviously a great organization , a winning organization .
… It ’ s a place where every young guy like me or pretty much every player in the NBA wants to be.
” After a strong start to his rookie season , Bowman ’ s shooting percentages have regressed and his turnovers have increased since January , and he ’ s lost ground to Poole as a trusted ball-handler .
“ I think the biggest thing is still me maintaining a role , not just here but in the NBA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the rest of the season before play was suspended .
Going into the league ’ s hiatus , Mulder was playing about as well as anyone on the team and earned a multi-year , non-guaranteed deal .
The Warriors like his shot-making ability and commitment to playing defense .
His 3-and-D role projects easily onto next year ’ s team .
“ Mike is fantastic , a really good player , ” head coach Steve Kerr said .
“ Good defensively as well .
We are lucky to have him.
” • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movies to watch at home • Steph and Ayesha Curry pledge to help Oakland kids affected by school closures , ask others to join in • Warriors ’ Draymond Green on Utah Jazz players : ‘ It doesn ’ t hit home until it hits home ’ • Warriors grapple with big questions after NBA shutdown due to the coronavirus By returning everyone under contract , here ’ s the Warriors ’ depth chart — with an asterisk denoting players on non-guaranteed deals — before accounting for the two exceptions and the draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an eye on is Glenn Robinson III .
Golden State saw him for a substantial 48 games before trading him in February , and he has not closed to the door on a potential return .
If he were to sign to the mid-level exception , he could slot in as Wiggins ’ backup .
That would fill a need on the wing , while the team is also expected to add another center in free agency .
If the Warriors are inclined to open up another roster spot , they could combine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exception in a trade to acquire a contributor .
That would also reduce payroll by about $ 10 million .
Still , the Warriors believe they can contend next season if they have a successful offseason , so the fear of paying a steeper tax bill should not sway them from exhausting all of their assets .
If the season does not resume in time to play any more games , the Warriors will have to determine how to construct next season ’ s roster off only a baker ’ s dozen worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what will so far be the most important offseason of Myers ’ tenure .

These final weeks of the Warriors season were going to be an opportunity for the front office to evaluate its team ahead of a pivotal offseason, and for several players to audition for a spot on the 2020-21 roster.
Instead, with the NBA suspending its season because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Warriors will have to make key roster decisions with only a small sample size of information. Somehow, they will need to determine who can fill out the roster as the team aims to vault back into contention.
After the league initially said the hiatus would last at least 30 days, now a mid-to-late-June return is looking like a best-case scenario, according to ESPN.
Even if the league were to resume regular-season play, the Warriors (15-50) have already been eliminated from the playoffs. So they will most likely have to make do with what they saw in the 13 games since they revamped the team at the trade deadline.
In that time, Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins played just 27 minutes together, and zero alongside Draymond Green. That makes it hard to evaluate the on-court fit, but the Warriors remain bullish on Wiggins’ ability to play off Curry, Green and Klay Thompson (who should return healthy next season from an ACL tear).
Those four will account for roughly $130 million in salary, more than the projected $115 million salary cap. However, as general manager Bob Myers pointed out during a press conference on Wednesday, the league’s financial hit from the coronavirus will impact the cap. It’s hard to project by how much, exactly, but it’s safe to say it will be reduced by several million.
Golden State was already projected to be a tax-paying team next season, but a reduced cap also brings down the luxury tax apron, which would increase the organization’s total tax bill.
With the $6 million tax-payer mid-level exception and the $17.2 million traded player exception, the Warriors have the means to add two meaningful contributors next season. They’ll also have a draft pick that has a 14% chance of being No. 1 and a 52.1% chance of landing in the top four. Those three additions could cost up to $34 million, increasing payroll to $174 million before filling out the rest of the roster.
All of that will give the Warriors 12 players — Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, Green, Kevon Looney, Jordan Poole, Alen Smailagic, Eric Paschall, a first-round draft pick and two players acquired via exception — under guaranteed contracts next season.
Add that Marquese Chriss and Damion Lee are virtually guaranteed to make next season’s team, and that leaves one spot up for grabs among four players on this year’s team, two draft picks and whoever else the front office invites to training camp.
The other non-guaranteed players are Ky Bowman, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Mychal Mulder. Dragan Bender’s 10-day contract expired Saturday, but the team remains intrigued with his potential as a stretch-big.
“It’s a great place to be so far,” Bender said after his last game against the Clippers, when he had 23 points on 8-for-12 shooting. “Obviously a great organization, a winning organization. … It’s a place where every young guy like me or pretty much every player in the NBA wants to be.”
After a strong start to his rookie season, Bowman’s shooting percentages have regressed and his turnovers have increased since January, and he’s lost ground to Poole as a trusted ball-handler.
“I think the biggest thing is still me maintaining a role, not just here but in the NBA,” Bowman said of his goals for the rest of the season before play was suspended.
Going into the league’s hiatus, Mulder was playing about as well as anyone on the team and earned a multi-year, non-guaranteed deal. The Warriors like his shot-making ability and commitment to playing defense. His 3-and-D role projects easily onto next year’s team.
“Mike is fantastic, a really good player,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “Good defensively as well. We are lucky to have him.” Related Articles Golden State Warriors | Here’s the Warriors’ schedule for NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament
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By returning everyone under contract, here’s the Warriors’ depth chart — with an asterisk denoting players on non-guaranteed deals — before accounting for the two exceptions and the draft pick:
PG: Curry / Poole / Bowman*
SG: Thompson / Lee* / Mulder*
SF: Wiggins / Toscano-Anderson*
PF: Green / Paschall
C: Chriss* / Looney / Smailagic
One free agent worth keeping an eye on is Glenn Robinson III. Golden State saw him for a substantial 48 games before trading him in February, and he has not closed to the door on a potential return. If he were to sign to the mid-level exception, he could slot in as Wiggins’ backup.
That would fill a need on the wing, while the team is also expected to add another center in free agency.
If the Warriors are inclined to open up another roster spot, they could combine their top pick with the traded player exception in a trade to acquire a contributor. That would also reduce payroll by about $10 million.
Still, the Warriors believe they can contend next season if they have a successful offseason, so the fear of paying a steeper tax bill should not sway them from exhausting all of their assets.
If the season does not resume in time to play any more games, the Warriors will have to determine how to construct next season’s roster off only a baker’s dozen worth of games — an added challenge during what will so far be the most important offseason of Myers’ tenure.


mercurynews--2020-03-14--El Cerrito: Man shoots, kills person trying to break into home, police say

An El Cerrito resident who said he awoke to find a man trying to break into his home early Saturday morning fatally shot the alleged burglar , according to police .
Authorities have not made any arrests in the shooting , which will be reviewed by the Contra Costa District Attorney ’ s Office , said El Cerrito Police Capt .
Robert De La Campa .
Police went to the home on Cutting Boulevard around 1 a.m. Saturday , after a woman who lived there called 911 reporting that there was an intruder in her garage .
The woman had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her daughter , while her husband , who was armed , went to investigate , according to police .
The man told authorities he saw a person who “ appeared to be trying to enter the home ” through its glass back door , De La Campa wrote in a news release .
“ The male resident shouted at the intruder , who did not leave , ” De La Campa wrote .
“ The resident felt threatened that the intruder was going to enter the home and he felt he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , so he shot at the intruder.
” The man who was shot ran from the house , but officers who arrived found him dead in the street .
Police have not publicly identified the man , saying only that he was in his 20s .
The department is continuing its investigation into the incident , and it will be up to the district attorney ’ s office to decide whether the homeowner acted legally in self-defense when he shot the man .
Although the processes for investigating police and civilian shootings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some ways the laws governing them can be “ very similar .
”

An El Cerrito resident who said he awoke to find a man trying to break into his home early Saturday morning fatally shot the alleged burglar, according to police.
Authorities have not made any arrests in the shooting, which will be reviewed by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, said El Cerrito Police Capt. Robert De La Campa.
Police went to the home on Cutting Boulevard around 1 a.m. Saturday, after a woman who lived there called 911 reporting that there was an intruder in her garage. The woman had stayed in a bedroom of the home with her daughter, while her husband, who was armed, went to investigate, according to police.
The man told authorities he saw a person who “appeared to be trying to enter the home” through its glass back door, De La Campa wrote in a news release.
“The male resident shouted at the intruder, who did not leave,” De La Campa wrote. “The resident felt threatened that the intruder was going to enter the home and he felt he was acting in defense of himself and his family, so he shot at the intruder.”
The man who was shot ran from the house, but officers who arrived found him dead in the street.
Police have not publicly identified the man, saying only that he was in his 20s.
The department is continuing its investigation into the incident, and it will be up to the district attorney’s office to decide whether the homeowner acted legally in self-defense when he shot the man.
Although the processes for investigating police and civilian shootings are distinct, De La Campa said in some ways the laws governing them can be “very similar.”


mercurynews--2020-03-14--At the Vatican, even the Swiss Guard can’t protect against coronavirus

The walls around the Vatican have protected the tiny city-state from invaders for centuries and today insulate its rolling gardens and hushed offices from the cacophony of Rome ’ s traffic outside .
But neither the walls nor the Vatican ’ s army of Swiss Guards have been able to stop a modern-day plague from creeping in .
The coronavirus has forced 60 million people into lockdown across Italy , claiming more than 1,400 lives and infecting nearly 20,000 people .
It has also upended centuries of tradition at the Vatican and in churches around the country , prompting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deliver blessings from the back of moving trucks .
The first coronavirus case at the Vatican was reported on March 6 , when a prospective employee taking a medical test at the Vatican ’ s health clinic was found to be infected .
Five others who that person had been in contact with were placed under quarantine , but officials also soon realized that the victim had attended a Feb. 26-28 Vatican conference on artificial intelligence .
As a result , warnings were issued to fellow attendees , including senior staffers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as Italy initiated its first major lockdown , in the northern region of Lombardy , the Vatican had swung into action , shutting its museum and the Sistine Chapel , which massive crowds pack daily to catch a glimpse of Michelangelo ’ s depiction of God giving life to man .
At this point , the attractions are closed to the public until April 3 .
Meanwhile , Pope Francis ’ Angelus address was live-streamed on big screens in St. Peter ’ s Square in the hope that his physical absence would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the library of the Vatican ’ s apostolic palace , Francis said in his address that he felt “ a little bit caged.
” But he was not the only one in the 108-acre city-state facing inconvenience .
Scholars who had arrived from all over the world for the long-awaited opening of the Vatican ’ s wartime archives were asked to pack up and leave .
Moreover , a crackdown on visitors from outside the walls was announced , meaning the public has been temporarily shut out of Masses that Francis holds each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residence .
Staffers were asked to avoid congregating at the Vatican ’ s coffee machines , stay a yard apart and use the stairs instead of elevators .
Later in the week , plans were launched to keep the Vatican ’ s departments open while encouraging work-from-home arrangements by staff , except those whose work was covered by “ Pontifical secrecy.
” Outside the walls , the Italian bishops ’ conference announced the suspension of all public Masses — although churches remained open .
Also postponed were religious weddings and funerals , matching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close all museums , cinemas and theaters .
In Bergamo , in northern Italy , the chapel at the city cemetery was converted into a morgue to handle the dead .
In Bibione , near Venice , local priest Andrea Vena figured out a way to get around the ban on Mass in church .
Loading a statue of Mary on the back of an open-bed truck , he climbed on board and preached as his improvised Madonna-mobile toured neighborhoods .
“ People were in tears when they saw me , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte ordered the lockdown of the north extended nationwide , allowing people to travel only to essential jobs , and warning others to stay at home .
In Rome , church historian Alberto Bartola said the only time he knows of that Masses have been suspended in the city was in 1155 during a revolt against the papacy .
He then added , “ I would like to confirm if that was the last time , but due to the lockdown I can not get to my university library to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tightened the screws , closing St. Peter ’ s Square and barring tourists from St. Peter ’ s Basilica while allowing worshippers in .
Wednesday ’ s weekly papal audience was live-streamed .
The department in charge of the Vatican ’ s vast real estate portfolio announced it would allow people in its properties across Italy to delay rent payments .
Inside the Vatican , officials closed the department store , which is housed in a former train station .
The Pontifical North American College in Rome , which trains seminarians for priestly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States and elsewhere , half the seminarians have returned home .
The Vatican ’ s pharmacy and supermarket stayed open but “ entry is controlled to keep a limit on the number of people inside , ” said Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni .
On Tuesday , Francis appeared to violate Italy ’ s “ stay at home ” policy .
In his live-streamed early morning Mass , he told priests to visit parishioners to offer comfort .
“ May priests have the courage to get out , ” he said , “ going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comfort of God , [ and ] to bring them the Eucharist.
” The move appeared to be a sign that Francis was not totally convinced that contact between priests and their flocks should be shut down altogether .
But on Thursday , Cardinal Angelo De Donatis , who administers Rome ’ s 900 churches , ordered all of them to shut their doors altogether , a decision he said he took after meeting Francis .
“ Let ’ s remember that this rule is for the common good , ” he wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words of Jesus , ‘ When two or three people come together in my name , I am among them.
’ At this time , more than ever , our houses are domestic churches.
” Then , on Friday morning , Francis appeared to have a change of heart .
Before his Mass , he warned , “ Drastic measures are not always good , ” declaring that priests should not leave the “ people of God alone.
” The same day , after another meeting with Francis , Cardinal De Donatis partly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ churches , allowing many to stay open .
Father Gregory S. Apparcel , the Los Angeles-born rector of St. Patrick ’ s Church in Rome , said the suspension of public Masses had been “ trying and frustrating , ” but he was now transmitting his Masses on Facebook and Twitter .
“ It ’ s been a difficult challenge to reach out to everyone , ” said the priest , who is chaplain to the U.S. community in Rome .
Even though his church is still open , he said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he did not want them to use public transport .
“ Myself and a fellow priest are doing two-hour shifts in the church , ” he said .
At dusk on Saturday , an army checkpoint on Via della Conciliazione , the broad avenue leading up to St. Peter ’ s Square , was turning away traffic , while beyond , the atmosphere in the square was surreal .
Instead of the usual bustling crowd of tourists and pilgrims , a police car was parked in the center of the deserted piazza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s famed colonnade .
The only noise was the sound of the fountains and the screech of parrots in the trees beside the square .
Around the edges of the piazza , dozens of homeless men and women were the only spectators .
Drawn to the square by the showers set up by Pope Francis and usually invisible among the crowds , many were hoping for a hot meal .
“ I ’ m waiting to see if they are still serving at the soup kitchen here , ” said Faouzi Herni @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Rome for 30 years .
“ I ’ ve never seen this place so empty , ” he added .
“ We need to accept this lockdown , it ’ s for our own good , ” said Sister Beatrice , an Indian nun who was hurrying across the square to get home .
Giorgio , a 73-year-old local man who declined to give his full name , sat on a marble bench on Via della Conciliazione with his wife , both wearing face masks .
“ We have come out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Having all this beauty to ourselves would be very special if it wasn ’ t due to such a tragedy , ” he added .
Inside the Vatican , the pope could soon have far trickier problems on worshiping .
Italy ’ s lockdown measures are due to end on April 3 , but only if infection rates fall by then .
That ’ s just two days before Palm Sunday , noted Robert Mickens , editor of Le Croix International .
“ Then we go into Holy Week and Easter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point of the year with the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday , the Easter vigil on Saturday , and the Urbi et Orbi address on Sunday , ” he said .
“ You can ’ t cancel Easter.
” • Garamendi urges HHS to investigate concerns reported during quarantine at Travis AFB • Washington confronts coronavirus with new tools and angst “ Will they allow crowds ?
Will it go ahead if over 200 a day continue to die of the virus in Italy ?
Soon the Vatican will need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added , “ and it won ’ t be an easy decision .
”

Tom Kington
The walls around the Vatican have protected the tiny city-state from invaders for centuries and today insulate its rolling gardens and hushed offices from the cacophony of Rome’s traffic outside.
But neither the walls nor the Vatican’s army of Swiss Guards have been able to stop a modern-day plague from creeping in.
The coronavirus has forced 60 million people into lockdown across Italy, claiming more than 1,400 lives and infecting nearly 20,000 people.
It has also upended centuries of tradition at the Vatican and in churches around the country, prompting the Vatican to experiment with teleworking and priests to deliver blessings from the back of moving trucks.
The first coronavirus case at the Vatican was reported on March 6, when a prospective employee taking a medical test at the Vatican’s health clinic was found to be infected.
Five others who that person had been in contact with were placed under quarantine, but officials also soon realized that the victim had attended a Feb. 26-28 Vatican conference on artificial intelligence. As a result, warnings were issued to fellow attendees, including senior staffers of IBM and Microsoft.
By last Sunday, as Italy initiated its first major lockdown, in the northern region of Lombardy, the Vatican had swung into action, shutting its museum and the Sistine Chapel, which massive crowds pack daily to catch a glimpse of Michelangelo’s depiction of God giving life to man. At this point, the attractions are closed to the public until April 3.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis’ Angelus address was live-streamed on big screens in St. Peter’s Square in the hope that his physical absence would deter crowds from gathering.
Speaking from the library of the Vatican’s apostolic palace, Francis said in his address that he felt “a little bit caged.”
But he was not the only one in the 108-acre city-state facing inconvenience.
Scholars who had arrived from all over the world for the long-awaited opening of the Vatican’s wartime archives were asked to pack up and leave. Moreover, a crackdown on visitors from outside the walls was announced, meaning the public has been temporarily shut out of Masses that Francis holds each morning at the chapel in his Vatican residence.
Staffers were asked to avoid congregating at the Vatican’s coffee machines, stay a yard apart and use the stairs instead of elevators. Later in the week, plans were launched to keep the Vatican’s departments open while encouraging work-from-home arrangements by staff, except those whose work was covered by “Pontifical secrecy.”
Outside the walls, the Italian bishops’ conference announced the suspension of all public Masses — although churches remained open. Also postponed were religious weddings and funerals, matching the Italian government’s decision to close all museums, cinemas and theaters.
In Bergamo, in northern Italy, the chapel at the city cemetery was converted into a morgue to handle the dead. In Bibione, near Venice, local priest Andrea Vena figured out a way to get around the ban on Mass in church. Loading a statue of Mary on the back of an open-bed truck, he climbed on board and preached as his improvised Madonna-mobile toured neighborhoods.
“People were in tears when they saw me,” he said.
By Monday night, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte ordered the lockdown of the north extended nationwide, allowing people to travel only to
essential jobs, and warning others to stay at home.
In Rome, church historian Alberto Bartola said the only time he knows of that Masses have been suspended in the city was in 1155 during a revolt against the papacy. He then added, “I would like to confirm if that was the last time, but due to the lockdown I cannot get to my university library to check.”
On Tuesday, the Vatican tightened the screws, closing St. Peter’s Square and barring tourists from St. Peter’s Basilica while allowing worshippers in. Wednesday’s weekly papal audience was live-streamed.
The department in charge of the Vatican’s vast real estate portfolio announced it would allow people in its properties across Italy to delay rent payments. Inside the Vatican, officials closed the department store, which is housed in a former train station.
The Pontifical North American College in Rome, which trains seminarians for priestly ministry in the dioceses of the United States and elsewhere, half the seminarians have returned home.
The Vatican’s pharmacy and supermarket stayed open but “entry is controlled to keep a limit on the number of people inside,” said Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.
On Tuesday, Francis appeared to violate Italy’s “stay at home” policy. In his live-streamed early morning Mass, he told priests to visit parishioners to offer comfort.
“May priests have the courage to get out,” he said, “going to the sick to bring them the comfort of God, [and] to bring them the Eucharist.”
The move appeared to be a sign that Francis was not totally convinced that contact between priests and their flocks should be shut down altogether.
But on Thursday, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, who administers Rome’s 900 churches, ordered all of them to shut their doors altogether, a decision he said he took after meeting Francis.
“Let’s remember that this rule is for the common good,” he wrote, adding, “We recall the words of Jesus, ‘When two or three people come together in my name, I am among them.’ At this time, more than ever, our houses are domestic churches.”
Then, on Friday morning, Francis appeared to have a change of heart. Before his Mass, he warned, “Drastic measures are not always good,” declaring that priests should not leave the “people of God alone.”
The same day, after another meeting with Francis, Cardinal De Donatis partly overturned his closure of Rome’s churches, allowing many to stay open.
Father Gregory S. Apparcel, the Los Angeles-born rector of St. Patrick’s Church in Rome, said the suspension of public Masses had been “trying and frustrating,” but he was now transmitting his Masses on Facebook and Twitter.
“It’s been a difficult challenge to reach out to everyone,” said the priest, who is chaplain to the U.S. community in Rome.
Even though his church is still open, he said he was not allowing employees to come to work because he did not want them to use public transport. “Myself and a fellow priest are doing two-hour shifts in the church,” he said.
At dusk on Saturday, an army checkpoint on Via della Conciliazione, the broad avenue leading up to St. Peter’s Square, was turning away traffic, while beyond, the atmosphere in the square was surreal.
Instead of the usual bustling crowd of tourists and pilgrims, a police car was parked in the center of the deserted piazza, its blue lights reflecting off Bernini’s famed colonnade. The only noise was the sound of the fountains and the screech of parrots in the trees beside the square.
Around the edges of the piazza, dozens of homeless men and women were the only spectators. Drawn to the square by the showers set up by Pope Francis and usually invisible among the crowds, many were hoping for a hot meal.
“I’m waiting to see if they are still serving at the soup kitchen here,” said Faouzi Herni, a Tunisian man who has lived in Rome for 30 years. “I’ve never seen this place so empty,” he added.
“We need to accept this lockdown, it’s for our own good,” said Sister Beatrice, an Indian nun who was hurrying across the square to get home.
Giorgio, a 73-year-old local man who declined to give his full name, sat on a marble bench on Via della Conciliazione with his wife, both wearing face masks.
“We have come out to watch the dusk,” he said. “Having all this beauty to ourselves would be very special if it wasn’t due to such a tragedy,” he added.
Inside the Vatican, the pope could soon have far trickier problems on worshiping. Italy’s lockdown measures are due to end on April 3, but only if infection rates fall by then.
That’s just two days before Palm Sunday, noted Robert Mickens, editor of Le Croix International.
“Then we go into Holy Week and Easter, it’s the liturgical high point of the year with the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, the Easter vigil on Saturday, and the Urbi et Orbi address on Sunday,” he said. “You can’t cancel Easter.”
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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 “Will they allow crowds? Will it go ahead if over 200 a day continue to die of the virus in Italy? Soon the Vatican will need to say whether it will happen,” he added, “and it won’t be an easy decision.”
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Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.