Word Game: Feb. 13, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — CREAMERY ( CREAMERY : KREEM-uh-ree : An establishment where milk and cream are prepared or @ @ @ @ @ find 33 or more words in CREAMERY ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
@ @ @ @ @ book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last @ @ @ @ @ be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by @ @ @ @ @ , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed @ @ @ @ @ made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be @ @ @ @ @ if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are @ @ @ @ @ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang @ @ @ @ @ sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — CREAMERY (CREAMERY: KREEM-uh-ree: An establishment where milk and cream are prepared or sold.)
Average mark 26 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 33 or more words in CREAMERY? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — PROPHECY pepo perch pope porch pore prep
prey prop pyre pyrope recopy rope ropy ocher hero hoer hope per hopper
hypo echo epoch cero chop chopper choppy chore cope coper copper
coppery copy core coyer crop yore
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


Bridge: Feb. 13, 2020

Cy the Cynic says that arguing about politics is like trying to convince new parents that their baby isn ’ t the cutest one in the nursery .
Arguing questions of bridge can be the same way .
Today ’ s West led a low heart against 3NT : deuce , ten , queen .
Declarer led a club to dummy and returned a diamond : three , jack , queen .
West , reluctant to lead a second heart , exited with a spade .
South took dummy ’ s ace and led another diamond to his king .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whereupon South took three diamonds , a heart , two spades and four clubs .
“ You didn ’ t want to beat the contract ?
” East asked his partner .
“ Set up your hearts while you still have the ace of diamonds.
” “ Presenting declarer with a second heart trick couldn ’ t be right , ” West argued .
West loses the argument .
Given time to set up his diamonds , South is almost sure to have nine winners .
When West takes the queen of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a low heart .
South will go down .
You hold : S 9 8 7 H A J 9 6 5 D A Q 6 C 8 5 .
Your partner opens one diamond , you respond one heart and he bids one spade .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : This problem is tough .
You have the values to invite game , though not to force to game , but no invitational action appeals .
No heart rebid is right .
Bid three diamonds if that call would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , underbid with two diamonds or , if your system permits , bid two clubs as a stalling “ fourth-suit ” call .

Cy the Cynic says that arguing about politics is like trying to convince new parents that their baby isn’t the cutest one in the nursery. Arguing questions of bridge can be the same way.
Today’s West led a low heart against 3NT: deuce, ten, queen. Declarer led a club to dummy and returned a diamond: three, jack, queen. West, reluctant to lead a second heart, exited with a spade.
South took dummy’s ace and led another diamond to his king. West won and persisted with another spade, whereupon South took three diamonds, a heart, two spades and four clubs.
HEARTS
“You didn’t want to beat the contract?” East asked his partner. “Set up your hearts while you still have the ace of diamonds.”
“Presenting declarer with a second heart trick couldn’t be right,” West argued.
West loses the argument. Given time to set up his diamonds, South is almost sure to have nine winners. When West takes the queen of diamonds, he must lead the ace and a low heart. South will go down.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 9 8 7 H A J 9 6 5 D A Q 6 C 8 5. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids one spade. What do you say?
ANSWER: This problem is tough. You have the values to invite game, though not to force to game, but no invitational action appeals. No heart rebid is right. Bid three diamonds if that call would invite. If it would be forcing, underbid with two diamonds or, if your system permits, bid two clubs as a stalling “fourth-suit” call.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S A K 5 3
H 8 3 2
D 7 2
C K Q 10 6
WEST
S 9 8 7
H A J 9 6 5
D A Q 6
C 8 5
EAST
S Q J 10 2
H 10 4
D 8 5 3
C 9 4 3 2
SOUTH
S 6 4
H K Q 7
D K J 10 9 4
C A J 7
South West North East
1 D 1 H Dbl Pass
1 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — H 6
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-02-13--Ask Amy: She texted hearts to my husband, and he won’t address it

DEAR AMY : Recently my husband received a text from a co-worker , who is also married , and she attached little hearts at the end of the text .
I feel that this is not only unprofessional , but a personal breach as well .
I asked him to please address it and he said he would .
He has not .
Your thoughts ?
DEAR WONDERING : Here ’ s a little story : Years ago , my husband ( a builder who spends his days working out of his pickup truck ) ended a telephone call with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , honey.
” Oops .
He had just gotten off the phone with me and … it just flew out .
• Ask Amy : I like dogs more than babies .
What is wrong with me ?
• Ask Amy : I feel such rage when I see her picture on Facebook • Ask Amy : We can ’ t afford more daycare , and my mom won ’ t help us • Ask Amy : He turns every conversation into a lecture , and it ’ s infuriating • Ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring their own water to the restaurant , like I do ?
My point is that if someone texts a lot , it is possible that the little heart emojis basically flew out .
Or , if this colleague was asking your husband for a work-related favor , the heart emojis might have been her ( clumsy ) way of saying either “ please ” or “ thank you.
” I agree that this is not business-like .
One way your husband might have of “ addressing it ” would be to not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basically ignore it and kick the emojis down the road , deciding to only address this if it recurs or seems to evolve into an inappropriate flirtation .
Is this what he has decided to do ?
You could ask him .
In the meantime , I don ’ t think you should worry about it .
DEAR AMY : My dear friend of almost 40 years is getting ready to enter into a green-card marriage with a young man he met on the internet !
My friend , “ Frederick , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has never been lucky in love .
His longest relationship was 25 years ago and lasted only three months .
He has never lived with anyone .
After building a successful salon , he is now nearing retirement , owns his own home , and has a nice nest egg .
Unfortunately , he is lonely and vulnerable .
Frederick recently shared with a few of his closest friends that he had met a 26-year-old young man , “ Juan , ” on a dating site .
Juan is from an impoverished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They have met in person only twice , at a resort in Florida , and apparently “ clicked , ” sexually and otherwise .
Now Frederick is in a fantasy world of romance .
He plans to sponsor Juan , bring him to the U.S. next month , and move him into his home where they will share a bedroom .
I persuaded Frederick to get a background check on Juan , which revealed that he had been essentially truthful in describing his background , but the report strongly cautioned that his poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. citizens for green-card marriages .
On one level Frederick acknowledges that he is almost literally courting disaster and heartache , but he is giddy talking about his upcoming wedding and honeymoon with this virtual stranger ( who is young enough to be his grandson ) .
Frederick is very sensitive , and has asked for my advice , but then clearly doesn ’ t want to hear it .
He has a “ yes , but ” for every concern raised by me or others .
Do we just watch this ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can do ?
DEAR FRIEND : Yes , you will watch this ship hit the iceberg , but you should do so from your own lifeboat , bobbing patiently and at the ready for a rescue , if necessary .
“ Frederick ” trusted your advice enough to follow through on a background check , so he is actually listening to you .
You should accept his romantic choices — as disastrous as they seem to be — and confine your counsel to practical matters .
This is the equivalent of tossing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legally safeguard his financial assets , business and property , as a hedge against his somewhat uncertain romantic future .
Stay close to Frederick and get to know his new partner .
His friendships offer an important emotional support system .
DEAR AMY : “ Anonymous ” wrote to you , complaining about her boyfriend , who didn ’ t want his photo posted on her Instagram account .
Every single thing about this letter screamed “ narcissist.
” Thank you for calling her out about her need to violate his privacy for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UP : What “ Anonymous ” didn ’ t seem to realize is that she can actually have this both ways .
She can enjoy her curated Instagram life , and she can enjoy the relationship with her boyfriend .
She just can ’ t do both things on the same channel .
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 .

DEAR AMY: Recently my husband received a text from a co-worker, who is also married, and she attached little hearts at the end of the text.
I feel that this is not only unprofessional, but a personal breach as well.
I asked him to please address it and he said he would. He has not. Your thoughts?
Wondering Wife
DEAR WONDERING: Here’s a little story: Years ago, my husband (a builder who spends his days working out of his pickup truck) ended a telephone call with a subcontractor by saying, “Love you, honey.” Oops. He had just gotten off the phone with me and … it just flew out.
Related Articles Advice | Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments
Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments Advice | Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt?
Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt? Advice | Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment!
Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment! Advice | Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now?
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 My point is that if someone texts a lot, it is possible that the little heart emojis basically flew out. Or, if this colleague was asking your husband for a work-related favor, the heart emojis might have been her (clumsy) way of saying either “please” or “thank you.” I agree that this is not business-like.
One way your husband might have of “addressing it” would be to not address it at all, but to basically ignore it and kick the emojis down the road, deciding to only address this if it recurs or seems to evolve into an inappropriate flirtation. Is this what he has decided to do? You could ask him.
In the meantime, I don’t think you should worry about it.
DEAR AMY: My dear friend of almost 40 years is getting ready to enter into a green-card marriage with a young man he met on the internet!
My friend, “Frederick,” is a hairstylist in his mid-60s, who has never been lucky in love. His longest relationship was 25 years ago and lasted only three months. He has never lived with anyone. After building a successful salon, he is now nearing retirement, owns his own home, and has a nice nest egg.
Unfortunately, he is lonely and vulnerable.
Frederick recently shared with a few of his closest friends that he had met a 26-year-old young man, “Juan,” on a dating site. Juan is from an impoverished country renowned for its violent culture. They have met in person only twice, at a resort in Florida, and apparently “clicked,” sexually and otherwise.
Now Frederick is in a fantasy world of romance. He plans to sponsor Juan, bring him to the U.S. next month, and move him into his home where they will share a bedroom.
I persuaded Frederick to get a background check on Juan, which revealed that he had been essentially truthful in describing his background, but the report strongly cautioned that his poor country has a cottage industry of seeking U.S. citizens for green-card marriages.
On one level Frederick acknowledges that he is almost literally courting disaster and heartache, but he is giddy talking about his upcoming wedding and honeymoon with this virtual stranger (who is young enough to be his grandson).
Frederick is very sensitive, and has asked for my advice, but then clearly doesn’t want to hear it. He has a “yes, but” for every concern raised by me or others.
Do we just watch this ship hit the iceberg? Is there nothing we can do?
Caring Friend
DEAR FRIEND: Yes, you will watch this ship hit the iceberg, but you should do so from your own lifeboat, bobbing patiently and at the ready for a rescue, if necessary.
“Frederick” trusted your advice enough to follow through on a background check, so he is actually listening to you.
You should accept his romantic choices — as disastrous as they seem to be — and confine your counsel to practical matters. This is the equivalent of tossing him a lifesaving buoy. He should legally safeguard his financial assets, business and property, as a hedge against his somewhat uncertain romantic future.
Stay close to Frederick and get to know his new partner. His friendships offer an important emotional support system.
DEAR AMY: “Anonymous” wrote to you, complaining about her boyfriend, who didn’t want his photo posted on her Instagram account.
Every single thing about this letter screamed “narcissist.” Thank you for calling her out about her need to violate his privacy for her own bragging rights.
Fed Up
DEAR FED UP: What “Anonymous” didn’t seem to realize is that she can actually have this both ways. She can enjoy her curated Instagram life, and she can enjoy the relationship with her boyfriend. She just can’t do both things on the same channel.
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--2020-02-14--Nikki Medoro to host new morning show on KGO radio

Nikki Medoro is getting a promotion — along with an earlier wakeup call — at Bay Area radio station KGO ( 810 AM ) .
Medoro , who had been part of KGO ’ s “ The Chip Franklin Show ” in the afternoons , will host her own program — “ The Morning Show with Nikki Medoro ” — effective March 2 .
She ’ ll be joined by veteran newsman Bret Burkhart .
The new , locally produced show will air from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays .
It is replacing the nationally syndicated “ Armstrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift over to Cumulus-owned sibling KSFO ( 560 AM ) and will run from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays .
The morning slot at KSFO opened up when previous occupant Brian Sussman retired from the station last month .
“ Nikki has done a tremendous job working with Chip Franklin in afternoon drive , and she ’ s earned this opportunity to host mornings on KGO , ” said KGO/KSFO Program Director Lee Hammer in a statement .
“ Nikki and Bret will bring a fresh approach to the day ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ ll also invite the Bay Area ’ s listeners to join the conversation and share their opinions.
” Here ’ s the new , KGO lineup , as announced by Hammer : 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. — “ The Morning Show with Nikki Medoro ”

Nikki Medoro is getting a promotion — along with an earlier wakeup call — at Bay Area radio station KGO-AM 810.
Medoro, who had been part of KGO’s “The Chip Franklin Show” in the afternoons, will host her own program — “The Morning Show with Nikki Medoro” — effective March 2. She’ll be joined by veteran newsman Bret Burkhart.
Related Articles Entertainment | KTVU reporter Allison Rodriguez leaving the Bay Area
KTVU reporter Allison Rodriguez leaving the Bay Area Entertainment | Brian Sussman, talk show host, stepping down at KSFO
Brian Sussman, talk show host, stepping down at KSFO Entertainment | Vic Lee, KGO-TV and Bay Area fixture, retires The new, locally produced show will air from 6 to 10 a.m. on weekdays. It is replacing the nationally syndicated “Armstrong and Getty Show,” which will shift over to Cumulus-owned sibling KSFO-AM 560 and will run from 6 to 9 a.m. on weekdays.
The morning slot at KSFO opened up when previous occupant Brian Sussman retired from the station last month.
“Nikki has done a tremendous job working with Chip Franklin in afternoon drive, and she’s earned this opportunity to host mornings on KGO,” said KGO/KSFO Program Director Lee Hammer in a statement. “Nikki and Bret will bring a fresh approach to the day’s news, both locally and nationally. They’ll also invite the Bay Area’s listeners to join the conversation and share their opinions.”
Medoro was born and raised in the Bay Area. She started her radio career as an anchor at San Jose’s KLIV and, after a stint in Sacramento, was hired at KGO in 2011 as a general assignment reporter.
Here’s the new, KGO lineup, as announced by Hammer:
6 a.m. – 10 a.m. — “The Morning Show with Nikki Medoro”
10 a.m. – Noon — “The Mark Thompson Show”
Noon – 3 p.m. — “The Pat Thurston Show”
3 p.m.- 6 p.m. — “The Chip Franklin Show”
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. — “The John Rothman Show”
9 p.m.- Midnight — “The John Batchelor Show”


mercurynews--2020-02-14--‘I’m gonna carve your (expletive) heart out’: Bay Area man sentenced for racist threats to VA center

‘I’m gonna carve your (expletive) heart out’: Bay Area man sentenced for racist threats to VA centers, days after Yountville mass shooting

SAN FRANCISCO — Just days after a veteran receiving PTSD treatment walked into the Yountville Veterans Home with a rifle and opened fire , killing three women and taking his own life , threats started pouring in to other Veterans Assistance centers around the Bay Area .
In addition to threatening shootings , the calls and voice mails contained hundreds of racial , anti-semitic , and homophobic slurs .
“ I got denied services at VA , remember the only good n—– is a dead n—– , ” one of the voice mails said .
Another , “ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and f— your dead corpse…I ’ m gon na carve your f—– ‘ heart out .
Go to the VA police .
I catch you , I ’ m gon na gut you , you little f—– ‘ h—.
” The caller threatened to show up at a VA center in the Bay Area armed with an assault rifle and randomly shoot people .
For a while , workers at VA centers across the region were concerned that a Yountville copycat shooting could be around the corner , according to court records .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a man named Ronald Joseph Lafaye , a U.S. Navy veteran who prosecutors say has a 20-year history — including multiple convictions — of threatening people .
As prosecutors were bringing a federal case against Lafaye for the VA threats , there was a simultaneous state case against him for making threats to kill staffers at U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier ’ s office , authorities say .
Last week , Lafaye was sentenced to two years and four months in prison for the VA threats .
Combined with his state prison sentence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 years .
Last year , he was sentenced to seven years and eight months in state prison for the threats on Speier ’ s staffers , court records show .
In a sentencing memo asking for 41 months , assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Shepard wrote that Lafaye had , “ threatened a mass shooting , at a time when society can longer safely assume that these are idle threats.
” The threats were made in person and on the phone , Shepard wrote .
“ He threatened to assault and kill three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spit in one of their faces , and cautioned them to practice their active shooter drills because he was going to come back to a VA facility with an assault rifle and kill people , ” Shepard wrote .
“ Lafaye ’ s threats affected one of the victims enough that they declined to speak at the hearing or even submit a written Victim Impact Statement , out of concern that it would aggravate Lafaye even further.
” Lafaye ’ s attorney , assistant federal public defender Candis Mitchell , wrote that Lafaye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” childhood that included extreme levels of abuse .
Mitchell said Lafaye ’ s intent was to speak out on behalf of veterans who he felt were ignored or neglected by the VA system .
“ These statements and his actions were not the actions of a rational man guided by rational thoughts—but rather reflect the sum totals of a lifetime of trauma coupled with an ill-conceived attempt to make the lives of others better , ” Mitchell wrote , adding that Lafaye has battled alcoholism since he was a teenager .
Mitchell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Lafaye has a “ delusional disorder , ” and included a brief statement from Lafaye where he admitted to sometimes having poor impulse control .
“ I get on a roll , I can ’ t shake it .
All the inhibitions go because of my background .
I have to retrain myself , ” Lafaye said , according to Mitchell ’ s sentencing memo .

SAN FRANCISCO — Just days after a veteran receiving PTSD treatment walked into the Yountville Veterans Home with a rifle and opened fire, killing three women and taking his own life, threats started pouring in to other Veterans Assistance centers around the Bay Area.
In addition to threatening shootings, the calls and voice mails contained hundreds of racial, anti-semitic, and homophobic slurs. In recorded messages, the man told staffers he would “carve your (expletive) heart out,” using slurs against African-Americans, Jewish people and others.
The caller threatened to show up at a VA center in the Bay Area armed with an assault rifle and randomly shoot people. For a while, workers at VA centers across the region were concerned that a Yountville copycat shooting could be around the corner, according to court records.
Eventually, the threats were traced back to a man named Ronald Joseph Lafaye, a U.S. Navy veteran who prosecutors say has a 20-year history — including multiple convictions — of threatening people. As prosecutors were bringing a federal case against Lafaye for the VA threats, there was a simultaneous state case against him for making threats to kill staffers at U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier’s office, authorities say.
Last week, Lafaye was sentenced to two years and four months in prison for the VA threats. Combined with his state prison sentence, he will serve a total of 10 years. Last year, he was sentenced to seven years and eight months in state prison for the threats on Speier’s staffers, court records show.
In a sentencing memo asking for 41 months, assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Shepard wrote that Lafaye had, “threatened a mass shooting, at a time when society can longer safely assume that these are idle threats.” The threats were made in person and on the phone, Shepard wrote.
“He threatened to assault and kill three VA officials, threatened their children, spit in one of their faces, and cautioned them to practice their active shooter drills because he was going to come back to a VA facility with an assault rifle and kill people,” Shepard wrote. “Lafaye’s threats affected one of the victims enough that they declined to speak at the hearing or even submit a written Victim Impact Statement, out of concern that it would aggravate Lafaye even further.”
Lafaye’s attorney, assistant federal public defender Candis Mitchell, wrote that Lafaye was the product of a “horrific” childhood that included extreme levels of abuse. Mitchell said Lafaye’s intent was to speak out on behalf of veterans who he felt were ignored or neglected by the VA system.
“These statements and his actions were not the actions of a rational man guided by rational thoughts—but rather reflect the sum totals of a lifetime of trauma coupled with an ill-conceived attempt to make the lives of others better,” Mitchell wrote, adding that Lafaye has battled alcoholism since he was a teenager.
Mitchell also quoted a medical professional who wrote that Lafaye has a “delusional disorder,” and included a brief statement from Lafaye where he admitted to sometimes having poor impulse control.
“I get on a roll, I can’t shake it. All the inhibitions go because of my background. I have to retrain myself,” Lafaye said, according to Mitchell’s sentencing memo.


mercurynews--2020-02-13--Ex-Raider coach Tom Flores ‘disgusted’ by Hall of Fame process

It ’ s been nearly two weeks since former Raiders coach Tom Flores again fell short of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and he admitted in an ESPN interview he ’ s still “ kind of disgusted ” about it .
For Flores to express that kind of outrage is significant .
The two-time Super Bowl winning coach is one of the classiest men in the NFL and someone who isn ’ t prone to boosting his own cause .
But he told ESPN ’ s Paul Gutierrez he felt misled heading into the voting for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Class .
Flores was one of 15 modern-era finalists last year but there was more than a strong belief he would get in this year with the special class designed to break a logjam of deserving candidates .
In fact , Flores was told by the most reliable of sources to expect to be inducted into Canton , Ohio ’ s museum this year .
Hall of Fame president David Baker let Flores know he ’ d be “ almost a shoo-in ” to be one of the two coaches selected .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell both former Steelers coach Bill Cowher and former Cowboys and Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson on television that they were on their way to the Hall , thanks to the voting by the special 25-man Blue Ribbon committee .
What was shocking to many is that Flores and ex-Chargers coach Don Coryell were finalists in the regular vote last year , not Cowher or Johnson .
The 82-year-old Flores was also very disappointed that one of his former players , receiver Cliff Branch , was among the others who fell short .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fresh start : ‘ When ’ s it going to end ?
’ • Antonio Brown open to Raiders return after talking with Gruden • QB Shuffle : Carr , Brady to stay put — others on the move An NFL trailblazer who was its first Latino head coach and first to win Super Bowls as a player , an assistant coach and a head coach , Flores will just keep waiting for the call he hoped to receive this year .
“ It happened .
What can I do about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice , ” Flores said .
“ My fans are still my fans — they ’ re still going to make a lot of noise .
A lot of people are really pissed off about this whole thing .
A lot of people are pissed off for other guys that didn ’ t make it , either .
I can ’ t say I ’ m exclusive in that respect.
” According to ESPN , there could be a renewed sense of optimism for Flores ’ chances next year because the Hall may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot just for coaches .
Flores , though , could be forgiven is his hopes were tempered .

It’s been nearly two weeks since former Raiders coach Tom Flores again fell short of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and he admitted in an ESPN interview he’s still “kind of disgusted” about it.
For Flores to express that kind of outrage is significant. The two-time Super Bowl winning coach is one of the classiest men in the NFL and someone who isn’t prone to boosting his own cause. But he told ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez he felt misled heading into the voting for the Hall’s special 20-man Centennial Class.
Flores was one of 15 modern-era finalists last year but there was more than a strong belief he would get in this year with the special class designed to break a logjam of deserving candidates. In fact, Flores was told by the most reliable of sources to expect to be inducted into Canton, Ohio’s museum this year. Hall of Fame president David Baker let Flores know he’d be “almost a shoo-in” to be one of the two coaches selected.
But Flores was floored when he saw Baker tell both former Steelers coach Bill Cowher and former Cowboys and Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson on television that they were on their way to the Hall, thanks to the voting by the special 25-man Blue Ribbon committee. What was shocking to many is that Flores and ex-Chargers coach Don Coryell were finalists in the regular vote last year, not Cowher or Johnson.
The 82-year-old Flores was also very disappointed that one of his former players, receiver Cliff Branch, was among the others who fell short.
An NFL trailblazer who was its first Latino head coach and first to win Super Bowls as a player, an assistant coach and a head coach, Flores will just keep waiting for the call he hoped to receive this year.
“It happened. What can I do about it? I don’t have a choice,” Flores said. “My fans are still my fans — they’re still going to make a lot of noise. A lot of people are really pissed off about this whole thing. A lot of people are pissed off for other guys that didn’t make it, either. I can’t say I’m exclusive in that respect.”
According to ESPN, there could be a renewed sense of optimism for Flores’ chances next year because the Hall may be adding a new category on the ballot just for coaches. Given what happened this time, Flores could be forgiven if his hopes were tempered, though.


mercurynews--2020-02-13--BART’s latest plan to tackle crime: Post officers at troubled stations

OAKLAND — The BART Police department wants to further ramp up its presence on trains and in stations by assigning beat officers to specific high-crime stops , as the transit system works to reassure riders who have fled amid worries about their safety .
BART Police Chief Ed Alvarez said his department ’ s efforts to hire more officers and launch regular train patrols have been paying off , pointing to an 18-percent drop in crime in January compared to the first month of 2018 .
Still , crime in the BART system rose for a sixth straight year in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent and all crimes up 11 percent compared to 2018 .
And another violent attack in the system Tuesday , in which a man beat another passenger with a chain in an apparently unprovoked assault aboard a rush-hour train in Oakland , grabbed headlines and rattled nerves for riders nervous about crime .
That attack remains under investigation , with no suspect in custody .
“ We need to listen to our riders and own their concern , ” Alvarez told BART ’ s board during a presentation at its annual retreat Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declining ridership and how a public transit agency primarily tasked with taking passengers around the Bay Area ought to handle a regional homelessness crisis that often plays out on its trains and platforms .
“ Our riders are telling us that they are frustrated and don ’ t feel safe in our system , ” Alvarez added .
Transit ridership has been down across the country and throughout the Bay Area .
But BART officials have been particularly concerned about data showing steep declines in night and weekend ridership , when many passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds die down , or infrequent service makes taking transit less attractive .
That ’ s a big problem for BART because the agency relies on passengers ’ fare revenue for roughly half of its operating budget .
BART ’ s board has at times been conflicted about how to confront rising crime , with some directors wary of a heavy-handed response to problems such as homelessness that they worry could amount to criminalizing poverty .
On top of the historically fraught relationships between communities of color and law enforcement generally , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the large racial disparities in the department ’ s arrests and citations , and have spent more than a decade seeking to regain community trust following the 2009 killing of Oscar Grant by a BART officer .
“ All communities want safety , and they want law enforcement , ” BART Board President Lateefah Simon said Thursday .
“ They don ’ t want law enforcement that is not fair.
” Despite those reservations , BART ’ s directors have so far signed off on many of the police department ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more officers .
Alvarez said he planned to request funding in BART ’ s budget for another 19 police officers , in addition to the 19-officer increase the board approved last year .
So far this year , BART police have assigned 22 employees to new positions patrolling trains and stations on nights and weekends .
A dozen traditional police officers were assigned to train teams in January , while 10 unarmed ambassadors from among the department ’ s community service officers began a six-month pilot program patrolling trains on Monday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push to assign a handful officers to patrol single stations , rather than having them bounce between several stops as they are typically assigned to do .
By keeping those officers in one place , Alvarez said , they can build relationships with station agents and regular riders , while being close by in an emergency .
Director Liz Ames welcomed the idea , saying it recalls “ the days of having a beat cop.
” Which stations will have an assigned officer isn ’ t clear yet .
Following a trial run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Balboa Park station following a rash of cellphone thefts , Alvarez said he would work with the department ’ s newly hired crime analyst to determine five stations in the system with the biggest need for a fixed officer .
“ We ’ re putting more officers on the trains , we ’ re putting ambassadors on the trains , we have a plan in place to continue to make BART safe , ” Alvarez said in an interview , adding that the department is working to “ get that angst out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BART is not safe.
” He acknowledged , though , “ We have to prove it to them .
”

OAKLAND — The BART Police department wants to further ramp up its presence on trains and in stations by assigning beat officers to specific high-crime stops, as the transit system works to reassure riders who have fled amid worries about their safety.
BART Police Chief Ed Alvarez said his department’s efforts to hire more officers and launch regular train patrols have been paying off, pointing to an 18-percent drop in crime in January compared to the first month of 2019.
Still, crime in the BART system rose for a sixth straight year in 2019, with violent crimes up 4 percent and all crimes up 11 percent compared to 2018.
And another violent attack in the system Tuesday, in which a man beat another passenger with a chain in an apparently unprovoked assault aboard a rush-hour train in Oakland, grabbed headlines and rattled nerves for riders nervous about crime. That attack remains under investigation, with no suspect in custody.
“We need to listen to our riders and own their concern,” Alvarez told BART’s board during a presentation at its annual retreat Thursday, where members debated how to stem declining ridership and how a public transit agency primarily tasked with taking passengers around the Bay Area ought to handle a regional homelessness crisis that often plays out on its trains and platforms.
“Our riders are telling us that they are frustrated and don’t feel safe in our system,” Alvarez added.
Transit ridership has been down across the country and throughout the Bay Area. But BART officials have been particularly concerned about data showing steep declines in night and weekend ridership, when many passengers complain that they feel unsafe once rush-hour crowds die down, or infrequent service makes taking transit less attractive. That’s a big problem for BART because the agency relies on passengers’ fare revenue for roughly half of its operating budget.
BART’s board has at times been conflicted about how to confront rising crime, with some directors wary of a heavy-handed response to problems such as homelessness that they worry could amount to criminalizing poverty. On top of the historically fraught relationships between communities of color and law enforcement generally, the agency’s police have faced criticism for the large racial disparities in the department’s arrests and citations, and have spent more than a decade seeking to regain community trust following the 2009 killing of Oscar Grant by a BART officer.
“All communities want safety, and they want law enforcement,” BART Board President Lateefah Simon said Thursday. “They don’t want law enforcement that is not fair.”
Despite those reservations, BART’s directors have so far signed off on many of the police department’s new initiatives and its efforts to hire more officers.
Alvarez said he planned to request funding in BART’s budget for another 19 police officers, in addition to the 19-officer increase the board approved last year.
So far this year, BART police have assigned 22 employees to new positions patrolling trains and stations on nights and weekends. A dozen traditional police officers were assigned to train teams in January, while 10 unarmed ambassadors from among the department’s community service officers began a six-month pilot program patrolling trains on Monday.
The department’s latest initiative is a push to assign a handful officers to patrol single stations, rather than having them bounce between several stops as they are typically assigned to do. By keeping those officers in one place, Alvarez said, they can build relationships with station agents and regular riders, while being close by in an emergency.
Director Liz Ames welcomed the idea, saying it recalls “the days of having a beat cop.”
Related Articles Transportation | Man arrested after deadly shooting at Lake Merritt BART station
Man arrested after deadly shooting at Lake Merritt BART station Transportation | Borenstein: Even Bay Area congressional reps question BART’s fiscal folly
Borenstein: Even Bay Area congressional reps question BART’s fiscal folly Transportation | BART crossbow-wielder pleads no contest to criminal threat charge, sentenced to one year in jail
BART crossbow-wielder pleads no contest to criminal threat charge, sentenced to one year in jail Transportation | BART, East Bay parks police investigating separate homicides in Oakland
BART, East Bay parks police investigating separate homicides in Oakland Transportation | Search map: California commutes among longest in nation. How does your area rank? Which stations will have an assigned officer isn’t clear yet. Following a trial run in which an officer was stationed at the Balboa Park station following a rash of cellphone thefts, Alvarez said he would work with the department’s newly hired crime analyst to determine five stations in the system with the biggest need for a fixed officer.
“We’re putting more officers on the trains, we’re putting ambassadors on the trains, we have a plan in place to continue to make BART safe,” Alvarez said in an interview, adding that the department is working to “get that angst out of people that makes them think that BART is not safe.”
He acknowledged, though, “We have to prove it to them.”


mercurynews--2020-02-13--A’s spring training notes: Astros sign-stealing talk hovers and a bullpen session

MESA , Ariz. — Pitchers and catchers — and some position players anxious to kick some baseball dirt — arrived at Fitch Park for another round .
Here are some notes : The draw this Thursday afternoon : a good chunk of the future , and some key bullpen arms , would be lining up on the bullpen lines together .
“ Luzardo couldn ’ t wait to get on the mound , ” manager Bob Melvin said after .
Bear with is as we discuss Luzardo ad nauseam this spring and beyond , but the elite arm ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Remember that he had a 1.50 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 12 innings last September , out of the bullpen and out of his typical routine .
“ I think it was huge for him , and to not only perform at the level he did , but perform at the level he did with as much that was at stake for us in a role that he wasn ’ t accustomed to , ” Melvin said , noting that his innate ability to calm nerves and adjust in those situations bode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll hit the ground running pretty good .
Melvin , after the workouts , made a point of noting Manaea ’ s slider — an important element in garnering swings and misses for him .
He ’ s clearly spun the negativity he felt after the Wild Card loss and managed to take an objective moment to build off the low points .
“ Very rarely do you see guys pitch at 91 and look like power pitchers , because there ’ s such deception in his delivery and there ’ s such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Melvin said .
“ He gets a ton of swings and misses .
Doesn ’ t necessarily have to be at 95 mph.
” The real draw and the new rule Forget the big guns , Melvin was far more interested in the last round of pitchers set to take the faux mounds — Non-roster invites Jaime Schultz , Jordan Weems , Ian Gardeck and Lucas Luetge .
“ Noah Syndergaard over here on the left , he looks like he ’ s throwing about 100 and has a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , referring to Weems and his long blonde hair .
Melvin said he liked what he saw from Gardeck , “ good arm , good movement and velocity.
” Melvin and his team of coaches will have a somewhat different approach to identifying productive relievers this year with news that MLB passed the three-batter rule , a stipulation that “ require the starting or any relief pitcher to pitch to a minimum of three batters , including the batter then at bat ( or any substitute batter ) , until such batters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or until the offensive team is put out , ” per MLB .
“ I knew it was coming , I just didn ’ t know it was coming in spring training , ” Melvin said .
“ You worry that a guy who doesn ’ t have command , throwing ‘ X ’ amount of pitches .
I ’ m a little bit more concerned about that than I am during the season.
” • A ’ s react to Houston Astros ’ remarks on sign-stealing scandal : Rivals were ‘ short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complained to MLB about Astros before Mike Fiers outed Houston • A ’ s spring training notes : Luzardo , Puk not on strict innings limit , Mengden out 6-10 weeks • Five questions for A ’ s fans to consider heading into spring training The A ’ s , like many teams , like the option to utilize a bullpen matchup by matchup .
This rule should shave minutes off games , but now relievers ’ value who can get both left-handed and right-handed hitters out will rise in stock — it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coaches will be prioritizing ( and a big reason Diekman was re-signed ) .
And on the new rule that limits teams ’ replay review decision window to 20 seconds ?
— Melvin shrugs .
“ Cut down on the umpire times , not us.
” We ’ re looking a little far ahead now .
The A ’ s play the Houston Astros in their second series of the regular season .
At home .
There ’ s a good chance Mike Fiers will pitch in that three-game series from March 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still looming large over spring training .
On both coasts .
The Astros gave a clumsy apology in West Palm Beach , and a few A ’ s gave their response .
Safe to say , a lot of eyeballs will be watching and tensions may well be heightened on Rickey Henderson Field .

MESA, Ariz. — Pitchers and catchers — and some position players anxious to kick some baseball dirt — arrived at Fitch Park for another round. Here are some notes:
Thursday’s draw
The draw this Thursday afternoon: a good chunk of the future, and some key bullpen arms, would be lining up on the bullpen lines together.
Jesús Luzardo, Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, Liam Hendriks and Jake Diekman threw bullpen sessions.
“Luzardo couldn’t wait to get on the mound,” manager Bob Melvin said after. Bear with is as we discuss Luzardo ad nauseam this spring and beyond, but the elite arm’s progress and quick maturity must be noted. Remember that he had a 1.50 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 12 innings last September, out of the bullpen and out of his typical routine.
“I think it was huge for him, and to not only perform at the level he did, but perform at the level he did with as much that was at stake for us in a role that he wasn’t accustomed to,” Melvin said, noting that his innate ability to calm nerves and adjust in those situations bode well for him. “He’ll hit the ground running pretty good.
Melvin, after the workouts, made a point of noting Manaea’s slider — an important element in garnering swings and misses for him. He’s clearly spun the negativity he felt after the Wild Card loss and managed to take an objective moment to build off the low points.
“Very rarely do you see guys pitch at 91 and look like power pitchers, because there’s such deception in his delivery and there’s such a gap between his fastball and changeup,” Melvin said. “He gets a ton of swings and misses. Doesn’t necessarily have to be at 95 mph.”
The real draw and the new rule
Forget the big guns, Melvin was far more interested in the last round of pitchers set to take the faux mounds — Non-roster invites Jaime Schultz, Jordan Weems, Ian Gardeck and Lucas Luetge.
“Noah Syndergaard over here on the left, he looks like he’s throwing about 100 and has a lot of plane to it too,” Melvin said, referring to Weems and his long blonde hair.
Melvin said he liked what he saw from Gardeck, “good arm, good movement and velocity.”
Melvin and his team of coaches will have a somewhat different approach to identifying productive relievers this year with news that MLB passed the three-batter rule, a stipulation that “require the starting or any relief pitcher to pitch to a minimum of three batters, including the batter then at bat (or any substitute batter), until such batters are put out or reach base, or until the offensive team is put out,” per MLB.
“I knew it was coming, I just didn’t know it was coming in spring training,” Melvin said. “You worry that a guy who doesn’t have command, throwing ‘X’ amount of pitches. I’m a little bit more concerned about that than I am during the season.”
Related Articles Oakland Athletics | Rookie outfielder hits first homer but Oakland’s road losing streak reaches nine
Rookie outfielder hits first homer but Oakland’s road losing streak reaches nine Oakland Athletics | Oakland A’s outfielder could miss rest of season with knee injury
Oakland A’s outfielder could miss rest of season with knee injury Oakland Athletics | Oakland A’s fail to hold another lead as road woes continue
Oakland A’s fail to hold another lead as road woes continue Oakland Athletics | A’s suffer historic ninth-inning collapse while getting swept in Washington
A’s suffer historic ninth-inning collapse while getting swept in Washington Oakland Athletics | A’s fall again as Nationals win on Ruiz’s walkoff home run The A’s, like many teams, like the option to utilize a bullpen matchup by matchup. This rule should shave minutes off games, but now relievers’ value who can get both left-handed and right-handed hitters out will rise in stock — it’s certainly what Melvin and the coaches will be prioritizing (and a big reason Diekman was re-signed).
And on the new rule that limits teams’ replay review decision window to 20 seconds? — Melvin shrugs. “Cut down on the umpire times, not us.”
More Astros talk and a big opening weekend
We’re looking a little far ahead now. The A’s play the Houston Astros in their second series of the regular season. At home. There’s a good chance Mike Fiers will pitch in that three-game series from March 30 to April 1.
That cloud is still looming large over spring training. On both coasts. The Astros gave a clumsy apology in West Palm Beach, and a few A’s gave their response.
Safe to say, a lot of eyeballs will be watching and tensions may well be heightened on Rickey Henderson Field.


mercurynews--2020-02-13--Photos: Oakland Athletics continue spring training work in Arizona

While much of the national media ’ s focus was on the Houston Astros ’ news conference in Florida at @ @ @ @ @ Arizona the Oakland Athletics continued practice as usual .
Pitchers and catchers ran a series @ @ @ @ @ work behind the mound .
Some of the catchers on the team and other hopefuls @ @ @ @ @ team will continue a similar regiment until the full squad reports to spring training on @ @ @ @ @ A ’ s play their first spring game versus the Chicago Cubs at 12:05 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ in Mesa , Ariz .
The first game of the season will be at home @ @ @ @ @ Twins .

Randy Vazquez has been a visual journalist with The Mercury News and East Bay Times since 2017. Formerly he worked for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he also interned. Vazquez is a proud alumnus of the New York Times Student Journalism Institute and San Jose State University.


mercurynews--2020-02-13--Judge grants Amazon’s request for a pause in Pentagon deal

WASHINGTON – A U.S. judge on Thursday granted Amazon.com Inc ’ s request to temporarily halt the U.S. Department of Defense and Microsoft Corp from moving forward on an up-to- $ 10 billion cloud computing deal that Amazon says reflected undue influence by President Donald Trump .
Amazon , which had been seen as a front-runner to win the contract , filed a lawsuit in November just weeks after the contract was awarded to Microsoft .
Trump has publicly derided Amazon head Jeff Bezos and repeatedly criticized the company .
Judge Patricia Campbell-Smith issued a preliminary injunction but did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered Amazon to post $ 42 million in the event the injunction was issued wrongfully .
The Amazon lawsuit said the Defense Department ’ s decision was full of “ egregious errors , ” which were a result of “ improper pressure from President Donald Trump , who launched repeated public and behind-the-scenes attacks ” to steer the contract away from Amazon “ to harm his perceived political enemy ” Bezos .
Bezos also owns the Washington Post , whose coverage has been critical of Trump and which has frequently been a target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .
The Pentagon , which had planned to start work on the contract on Friday , said it was disappointed in the ruling .
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Carver , a Defense Department spokesman , said the Pentagon believed “ the actions taken in this litigation have unnecessarily delayed implementing DoD ’ s modernization strategy and deprived our warfighters of a set of capabilities they urgently need.
” It added it remained “ confident in our award of the JEDI Cloud contract to Microsoft.
” Defense Secretary Mark Esper previously denied there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice fairly and freely without external influence .
Alexander Major , a partner at McCarter & English , said : “ The court has confirmed through the injunction that Amazon ’ s challenges with respect to this procurement are not trivial .
It ’ s not guaranteed that they will prevail but the fact that they got it at all is a big deal.
” Amazon shares closed down 0.4 % , while Microsoft was down 0.5 % .
As part of the lawsuit , Amazon asked the court in January to pause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure Cloud , or JEDI .
The contract is intended to give the military better access to data and technology from remote locations .
Microsoft said in a statement : “ We have confidence in the Department of Defense , and we believe the facts will show they ran a detailed , thorough and fair process.
” Amazon did not immediately respond to requests for comment .
The White House declined comment .
Earlier this week , Amazon ’ s cloud computing unit , Amazon Web Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump and Esper in its lawsuit over whether the president was trying “ to screw Amazon ” over the contract .
• Bay Area tech boom leads a jobs surge like no other • Study : We ’ re streaming more TV , and Netflix remains the king • Amazon wants to depose Trump over Pentagon contract Amazon also seeks to question other officials involved in the decision and alleged that Trump had a history of inappropriately intervening in governmental decisions .
Amazon called the process “ fatally flawed and highly unusual.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal complaints and conflict-of-interest allegations .
The judge told Amazon and the Pentagon to confer by Feb. 27 on what portions of the opinion can be released publicly .

By David Shepardson and Nandita Bose | Reuters
WASHINGTON – A U.S. judge on Thursday granted Amazon.com Inc’s request to temporarily halt the U.S. Department of Defense and Microsoft Corp from moving forward on an up-to-$10 billion cloud computing deal that Amazon says reflected undue influence by President Donald Trump.
Amazon, which had been seen as a front-runner to win the contract, filed a lawsuit in November just weeks after the contract was awarded to Microsoft. Trump has publicly derided Amazon head Jeff Bezos and repeatedly criticized the company.
Judge Patricia Campbell-Smith issued a preliminary injunction but did not release her written opinion. She also ordered Amazon to post $42 million in the event the injunction was issued wrongfully.
The Amazon lawsuit said the Defense Department’s decision was full of “egregious errors,” which were a result of “improper pressure from President Donald Trump, who launched repeated public and behind-the-scenes attacks” to steer the contract away from Amazon “to harm his perceived political enemy” Bezos.
Bezos also owns the Washington Post, whose coverage has been critical of Trump and which has frequently been a target of barbs by Trump about the news media.
The Pentagon, which had planned to start work on the contract on Friday, said it was disappointed in the ruling.
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Carver, a Defense Department spokesman, said the Pentagon believed “the actions taken in this litigation have unnecessarily delayed implementing DoD’s modernization strategy and deprived our warfighters of a set of capabilities they urgently need.”
It added it remained “confident in our award of the JEDI Cloud contract to Microsoft.”
Defense Secretary Mark Esper previously denied there was bias and said the Pentagon made its choice fairly and freely without external influence.
Alexander Major, a partner at McCarter & English, said: “The court has confirmed through the injunction that Amazon’s challenges with respect to this procurement are not trivial. It’s not guaranteed that they will prevail but the fact that they got it at all is a big deal.”
Amazon shares closed down 0.4%, while Microsoft was down 0.5%.
Testimony sought from Trump
As part of the lawsuit, Amazon asked the court in January to pause the execution of the contract, popularly known as the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure Cloud, or JEDI. The contract is intended to give the military better access to data and technology from remote locations.
Microsoft said in a statement: “We have confidence in the Department of Defense, and we believe the facts will show they ran a detailed, thorough and fair process.”
Amazon did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The White House declined comment.
Earlier this week, Amazon’s cloud computing unit, Amazon Web Services, said it was seeking to depose Trump and Esper in its lawsuit over whether the president was trying “to screw Amazon” over the contract.
Related Articles National News | California exodus: Top destination for Bay Area transplants isn’t in Texas or Florida. It’s … Seattle?
California exodus: Top destination for Bay Area transplants isn’t in Texas or Florida. It’s … Seattle? National News | ‘Hazardous by design’? After pandemic boom, Amazon faces safety reckoning
‘Hazardous by design’? After pandemic boom, Amazon faces safety reckoning National News | Dish Wireless just built a brand new cellular network. Now it needs customers — lots of them.
Dish Wireless just built a brand new cellular network. Now it needs customers — lots of them. National News | Amazon gives Dish Wireless a boost as it builds the country’s fourth cellular network
Amazon gives Dish Wireless a boost as it builds the country’s fourth cellular network National News | Exclusive: Kroger and Albertsons CEOs give details on controversial $25 billion merger Amazon also seeks to question other officials involved in the decision and alleged that Trump had a history of inappropriately intervening in governmental decisions. Amazon called the process “fatally flawed and highly unusual.”
The procurement process has been delayed by legal complaints and conflict-of-interest allegations.
The judge told Amazon and the Pentagon to confer by Feb. 27 on what portions of the opinion can be released publicly.


mercurynews--2020-02-13--African DNA study reveals mysterious human species

WASHINGTON – Scientists examining the genomes of West Africans have detected signs that a mysterious extinct human species interbred with our own species tens of thousands of years ago in Africa , the latest evidence of humankind ’ s complicated genetic ancestry .
The study indicated that present-day West Africans trace a substantial proportion , some 2 % to 19 % , of their genetic ancestry to an extinct human species – what the researchers called a “ ghost population.
” “ We estimate interbreeding occurred approximately 43,000 years ago , with large intervals of uncertainty , ” said University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) human genetics and computer science professor Sriram Sankararaman , who led the study published this week in the journal Science Advances .
Homo sapiens first appeared a bit more than 300,000 years ago in Africa and later spread worldwide , encountering other human species in Eurasia that have since gone extinct including the Neanderthals and the lesser-known Denisovans .
Previous genetic research showed that our species interbred with both the Neanderthals and Denisovans , with modern human populations outside of Africa still carrying DNA from both .
But while there is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few fossils of Denisovans , the newly identified “ ghost population ” is more enigmatic .
Asked what details are known about this population , Sankararaman said , “ Not much at this stage.
” “ We don ’ t know where this population might have lived , whether it corresponds to known fossils , and what its ultimate fate was , ” Sankararaman added .
Sankararaman said this extinct species seems to have diverged roughly 650,000 years ago from the evolutionary line that led to Homo sapiens , before the evolutionary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our species and to the Neanderthals .
The researchers examined genomic data from hundreds of West Africans including the Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin and the Mende people of Sierra Leone , and then compared that with Neanderthal and Denisovan genomes .
They found DNA segments in the West Africans that could best be explained by ancestral interbreeding with an unknown member of the human family tree that led to what is called genetic “ introgression.
” It is unclear if West Africans derived any genetic benefits from this long-ago gene flow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of global race to patent a remedy • Coronavirus : The 8 big questions that scientists are asking “ We are beginning to learn more about the impact of DNA from archaic hominins on human biology , ” Sankararaman said , using a term referring to extinct human species .
“ We now know that both Neanderthal and Denisovan DNA was deleterious in general but there were some genes where this DNA had an adaptive impact .
For example , altitude adaptation in Tibetans was likely facilitated by a Denisovan introgressed gene .
@

By Will Dunham | Reuters
WASHINGTON – Scientists examining the genomes of West Africans have detected signs that a mysterious extinct human species interbred with our own species tens of thousands of years ago in Africa, the latest evidence of humankind’s complicated genetic ancestry.
The study indicated that present-day West Africans trace a substantial proportion, some 2% to 19%, of their genetic ancestry to an extinct human species – what the researchers called a “ghost population.”
“We estimate interbreeding occurred approximately 43,000 years ago, with large intervals of uncertainty,” said University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) human genetics and computer science professor Sriram Sankararaman, who led the study published this week in the journal Science Advances.
Homo sapiens first appeared a bit more than 300,000 years ago in Africa and later spread worldwide, encountering other human species in Eurasia that have since gone extinct including the Neanderthals and the lesser-known Denisovans.
Previous genetic research showed that our species interbred with both the Neanderthals and Denisovans, with modern human populations outside of Africa still carrying DNA from both. But while there is an ample fossil record of the Neanderthals and a few fossils of Denisovans, the newly identified “ghost population” is more enigmatic.
Asked what details are known about this population, Sankararaman said, “Not much at this stage.”
“We don’t know where this population might have lived, whether it corresponds to known fossils, and what its ultimate fate was,” Sankararaman added.
Sankararaman said this extinct species seems to have diverged roughly 650,000 years ago from the evolutionary line that led to Homo sapiens, before the evolutionary split between the lineages that led to our species and to the Neanderthals.
The researchers examined genomic data from hundreds of West Africans including the Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin and the Mende people of Sierra Leone, and then compared that with Neanderthal and Denisovan genomes. They found DNA segments in the West Africans that could best be explained by ancestral interbreeding with an unknown member of the human family tree that led to what is called genetic “introgression.”
It is unclear if West Africans derived any genetic benefits from this long-ago gene flow.
“We are beginning to learn more about the impact of DNA from archaic hominins on human biology,” Sankararaman said, using a term referring to extinct human species. “We now know that both Neanderthal and Denisovan DNA was deleterious in general but there were some genes where this DNA had an adaptive impact. For example, altitude adaptation in Tibetans was likely facilitated by a Denisovan introgressed gene.”


mercurynews--2020-02-13--Sharks’ Bob Boughner explains his goalie rotation for this weekend

SAN JOSE — Sharks interim coach Bob Boughner will have Aaron Dell in net for Friday ’ s game with the Winnipeg Jets and plans to give Martin Jones his first start in over two weeks Saturday in Minnesota .
Dell and the Sharks are coming off a 6-2 loss to the Calgary Flames on Monday .
Dell faced 37 shots in the game , including 29 in the first two periods when the Sharks were shorthanded three times and the Flames built a 4-2 lead .
“ I don ’ t put any of that game on ( Dell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We were not detailed and structured , and I thought we left him out to dry a little bit .
They ’ re both going to see a game this weekend regardless .
I just thought Dell , playing more often than Jones , gives Jones another day to skate in Winnipeg and be ready for an afternoon game in Minnesota.
” Jones ’ last start was Jan. 29 , as he stopped 20 shots in a 5-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks .
Since the beginning of January , Jones has started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an .857 save percentage and a 4.32 goals against average .
In those three games , the Sharks were outscored 13-6 .
Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news , commentary and conversation .
With so much time between starts , Jones has had the chance work extensively with goalie coach Evgeni Nabokov and Boughner said he ’ s looked better in practices .
Jones will also see action on the road when the Sharks play back-to-back games on Feb. 22 and 23 against the New York Rangers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season and has a 1-9-1 record since the start of December .
“ He knows he ’ s going to see a little bit of a workload here in the next 10 days , which is good , ” Boughner said of Jones .
“ I think he ’ s had a chance to sort of reflect .
The Vancouver game , he played well until the third period and he probably wanted one of those back .
“ It ’ s tough to go that long between starts , where you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redeem yourself .
But he ’ s going to get some hockey here in the next week.
” Kellman returns : Joel Kellman , who missed the last three games with a lower body injury , will start Friday ’ s game as the Sharks ’ third line center , playing in between wingers Stefan Noesen and Melker Karlsson .
It ’ s the same spot Kellman was briefly in after Tomas Hertl suffered season-ending ligament damage in his left knee in the Jan. 29 game with Vancouver .
For complete Sharks coverage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved up from the fourth line to the third line for the Sharks ’ Feb. 1 game with the Tampa Bay Lightning , but Kellman was hurt early in that game and didn ’ t get much of a chance to show what he could do with a larger role .
With Logan Couture still recovering from an ankle injury , Kellman will get another look in that spot .
• Mario Ferraro discusses the valuable advice he received from Brent Burns “ It ’ s a chance for him to sort of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Before he got hurt , he was playing well .
That whole line was playing well , so I ’ m anxious to see them back together .
It ’ s a good chance for him .
He ’ s going to get a few more minutes and we ’ re going to have to use him on some kills.
” Comings and goings : The Sharks recalled both center Antti Suomela and winger Noah Gregor for the road trip and reassigned Maxim Letunov , who played three games with the Sharks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 against the Oilers .
Suomela and Gregor are not expected to play Friday , as it appears the Sharks fourth line will have Marcus Sorensen , Alexander True and Dylan Gambrell .

SAN JOSE — Sharks interim coach Bob Boughner will have Aaron Dell in net for Friday’s game with the Winnipeg Jets and plans to give Martin Jones his first start in over two weeks Saturday in Minnesota.
Dell and the Sharks are coming off a 6-2 loss to the Calgary Flames on Monday. Dell faced 37 shots in the game, including 29 in the first two periods when the Sharks were shorthanded three times and the Flames built a 4-2 lead.
“I don’t put any of that game on (Dell),” Boughner said. “We were not detailed and structured, and I thought we left him out to dry a little bit. They’re both going to see a game this weekend regardless. I just thought Dell, playing more often than Jones, gives Jones another day to skate in Winnipeg and be ready for an afternoon game in Minnesota.”
Jones’ last start was Jan. 29, as he stopped 20 shots in a 5-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks.
Since the beginning of January, Jones has started just three games, going 0-2-1 with an .857 save percentage and a 4.32 goals against average. In those three games, the Sharks were outscored 13-6.
Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news, commentary and conversation.
With so much time between starts, Jones has had the chance work extensively with goalie coach Evgeni Nabokov and Boughner said he’s looked better in practices.
Jones will also see action on the road when the Sharks play back-to-back games on Feb. 22 and 23 against the New York Rangers and Islanders, respectively. He is 13-17-2 this season and has a 1-9-1 record since the start of December.
“He knows he’s going to see a little bit of a workload here in the next 10 days, which is good,” Boughner said of Jones. “I think he’s had a chance to sort of reflect. The Vancouver game, he played well until the third period and he probably wanted one of those back.
“It’s tough to go that long between starts, where you don’t get a chance to redeem yourself. But he’s going to get some hockey here in the next week.”
Kellman returns: Joel Kellman, who missed the last three games with a lower body injury, will start Friday’s game as the Sharks’ third line center, playing in between wingers Stefan Noesen and Melker Karlsson.
It’s the same spot Kellman was briefly in after Tomas Hertl suffered season-ending ligament damage in his left knee in the Jan. 29 game with Vancouver.
For complete Sharks coverage
follow us on Flipboard.
Kellman was moved up from the fourth line to the third line for the Sharks’ Feb. 1 game with the Tampa Bay Lightning, but Kellman was hurt early in that game and didn’t get much of a chance to show what he could do with a larger role.
With Logan Couture still recovering from an ankle injury, Kellman will get another look in that spot.
Related Articles San Jose Sharks | Projecting the (Karlsson-less) Sharks’ 23-man roster: Better team or better lottery odds?
Projecting the (Karlsson-less) Sharks’ 23-man roster: Better team or better lottery odds? San Jose Sharks | New San Jose Sharks saw changes coming to Pittsburgh Penguins
New San Jose Sharks saw changes coming to Pittsburgh Penguins San Jose Sharks | Erik Karlsson trade analysis: On the Sharks’ return, filling the void, and how does this affect the prospects?
Erik Karlsson trade analysis: On the Sharks’ return, filling the void, and how does this affect the prospects? San Jose Sharks | Karlsson traded to Penguins, ending uneven era with San Jose Sharks
Karlsson traded to Penguins, ending uneven era with San Jose Sharks San Jose Sharks | Why the Sharks’ ongoing Erik Karlsson situation could be clarified soon “It’s a chance for him to sort of solidify that,” Boughner said. “Before he got hurt, he was playing well. That whole line was playing well, so I’m anxious to see them back together. It’s a good chance for him. He’s going to get a few more minutes and we’re going to have to use him on some kills.”
Comings and goings: The Sharks recalled both center Antti Suomela and winger Noah Gregor for the road trip and reassigned Maxim Letunov, who played three games with the Sharks and scored his first NHL on Feb. 6 against the Oilers.
Suomela and Gregor are not expected to play Friday, as it appears the Sharks fourth line will have Marcus Sorensen, Alexander True and Dylan Gambrell.


mercurynews--2020-02-13--Barr: Trump’s tweets make it ‘impossible to do my job’

Attorney General William Barr on Thursday criticized President Donald Trump for tweeting about Justice Department cases in an extraordinary defense of rank-and-file prosecutors in an interview with ABC News .
“ To have public statements and tweets made about the department , about people in the department , our men and women here , about cases pending in the department and about judges before whom we have cases , make it impossible for me to do my job , ” Barr said , “ and to assure the courts and the prosecutors in the department that we ’ re doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come amid scrutiny over Trump ’ s influence on the Department of Justice after he criticized a recommended sentence for former Trump adviser Roger Stone .
The Department of Justice then backed off Stone ’ s recommended sentence of seven to nine years behind bars and Trump thanked Barr for taking control of the case .
The Department of Justice has traditionally been independent of presidential influence in the decades since the Watergate scandal , in which President Richard Nixon used the powers of the Justice Department for his own political gain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Stone case , and the Justice Department ’ s subsequent decision to undercut them with a lighter sentence recommendation , led to all four prosecutors who worked on the case to resign from their positions .
Barr said Trump ’ s tweets on the Stone case fed criticisms that the department is working on the President ’ s behalf .
“ The fact that the tweets are out there and correspond to things we ’ re doing at the department sort of give grist to the mill and that ’ s why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop the tweeting about the Department of Justice criminal cases , ” Barr said .

By David Shortell | CNN
Attorney General William Barr on Thursday criticized President Donald Trump for tweeting about Justice Department cases in an extraordinary defense of rank-and-file prosecutors in an interview with ABC News.
“To have public statements and tweets made about the department, about people in the department, our men and women here, about cases pending in the department and about judges before whom we have cases, make it impossible for me to do my job,” Barr said, “and to assure the courts and the prosecutors in the department that we’re doing our work with integrity.”
The comments come amid scrutiny over Trump’s influence on the Department of Justice after he criticized a recommended sentence for former Trump adviser Roger Stone. The Department of Justice then backed off Stone’s recommended sentence of seven to nine years behind bars and Trump thanked Barr for taking control of the case.
The Department of Justice has traditionally been independent of presidential influence in the decades since the Watergate scandal, in which President Richard Nixon used the powers of the Justice Department for his own political gain. Trump’s tweet criticizing prosecutors in the Stone case, and the Justice Department’s subsequent decision to undercut them with a lighter sentence recommendation, led to all four prosecutors who worked on the case to resign from their positions.
Barr said Trump’s tweets on the Stone case fed criticisms that the department is working on the President’s behalf.
“The fact that the tweets are out there and correspond to things we’re doing at the department sort of give grist to the mill and that’s why I think it’s time to stop the tweeting about the Department of Justice criminal cases,” Barr said.


mercurynews--2020-02-14--Disneyland has a new 5-tier price system: Here’s how much you’ll pay

Not all Disneyland tickets are created equal now that the Anaheim theme park has raised admission prices and instituted a new 5-tier pricing system .
Data analysis of Disneyland ’ s daily single-park ticket prices through June found that the park plans to sell three times as many $ 154 top-tier tickets as the $ 104 lowest-priced tickets .
Disneyland raised prices Tuesday , Feb. 11 on some single- and multi-park tickets and all annual passes ahead of the grand opening of the Marvel-themed Avengers Campus this summer .
With the latest round of price increases , Disneyland introduced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-park tickets : $ 104 ( Tier 1 ) , $ 114 ( Tier 2 ) , $ 124 ( Tier 3 ) , $ 139 ( Tier 4 ) and $ 154 ( Tier 5 ) .
Disneyland will employ the Tier 1 pricing on the slowest days of the year and Tier 5 pricing on the busiest days .
“ A visit to our parks is the best value in entertainment bar none , and we offer flexible ticket choices to enable families to choose what ’ s best for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
SEE ALSO : Think Disneyland ticket prices are high ?
Here ’ s why the theme park is underpriced With the latest round of hikes , Disneyland and Disney California Adventure kept the lowest-priced one-park ticket at $ 104 while bumping the highest-priced parkhopper ticket above $ 200 for the first time .
Disneyland ’ s new 5-tier pricing system doesn ’ t divvy up ticket prices equally with each tier claiming 20 % of the calendar days .
Nearly two-thirds of Disneyland ’ s daily one-park tickets through June fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The $ 154 Tier 5 and $ 139 Tier 4 tickets fill 64 % of the calendar through the middle of the year .
The lowest tier $ 104 tickets are available 11 % of the time during the same period .
What can you expect to pay ?
The average Disneyland daily single-park ticket price through June is $ 136 .
A review of ticket prices from mid-February through June shows what you might expect — Disneyland is more expensive on the weekends than mid-week .
The average daily single-park ticket price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , Tuesday ( $ 122 ) , Wednesday ( $ 120 ) , Thursday ( $ 131 ) , Friday ( $ 146 ) , Saturday ( $ 154 ) and Sunday ( $ 144 ) .
Visiting Disneyland on a Saturday will cost you the top Tier 5 price of $ 154 .
Fridays will run you $ 139 ( Tier 4 ) or $ 154 ( Tier 5 ) .
Looking for a $ 104 Tier 1 ticket ?
Don ’ t even think about visiting the park Thursday through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any $ 104 tickets .
In fact , you won ’ t find any Tier 1 ( $ 104 ) , Tier 2 ( $ 114 ) or Tier 3 ( $ 124 ) on Fridays or Saturdays .
You ’ re best bet for a $ 104 Tier 1 ticket : Tuesday or Wednesday .
But a mid-week trip to Disneyland is no guarantee of snagging a low-priced ticket .
The top tier $ 154 ticket price can be found every day of the week .
Every month through June offers at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The remainder of February doesn ’ t have any $ 114 Tier 2 tickets .
March doesn ’ t have any $ 124 Tier 3 tickets .
June doesn ’ t have any $ 104 Tier 1 tickets .
April and May offer all five pricing tiers .
The average daily single-park price by month : Feb. 12-29 ( $ 134 ) , March and April ( $ 140 ) , May ( $ 129 ) and June ( $ 135 ) .
Savvy shoppers can find Disneyland deals if they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We calculated the estimated cost per hour of visiting Disneyland based on the operating hours posted by the park for the next 6 weeks .
The shortest operating days at Disneyland tend to bring the lowest prices while the longest days typically have the highest prices .
Ticket prices on days that Disneyland is open 12 or 13 hours fall into the Tier 1 to 3 range ( $ 104 to $ 124 ) .
Conversely , the park ’ s longest 16-hour days command the highest prices in the Tier 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 154 ) .
The cost per hour at Disneyland varies depending on the ticket price you pay and the length of the park ’ s operating day .
The hourly cost through June can range from less than $ 7 per hour to more than $ 10 per hour .
The best values : Feb. 24 ( Monday ) , March 10 ( Tuesday ) and March 11 ( Wednesday ) when you can get into Disneyland for the $ 104 Tier 1 price .
One of the worst values : Valentine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top tier price is in effect .
The lowest priced days tend to present the best hourly value at the park while the highest priced days typically offer the worst hourly value .
Disneyland ’ s $ 104 Tier 1 days will run you anywhere from $ 6.93 to $ 8.67 per hour .
The $ 154 Tier 5 days will cost you $ 9.63 to $ 10.27 per hour .
Most theme parks use variable pricing and many offer discounts on the regular or front gate rates .
Disneyland and Disney California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 ticket .
Universal Studios Hollywood has a $ 139 Anytime Admission .
Legoland California ( $ 95 ) , SeaWorld San Diego ( $ 94 ) and Six Flags Magic Mountain ( $ 93 ) all list similar front gate rates while Knott ’ s Berry Farm ’ s is lower at $ 84 .
Disneyland offers discounts for Southern California residents during the off season .
SoCal locals can currently purchase $ 199 three-day single-park tickets that allow access to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure or $ 254 three-day parkhopper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parks on a single day .
The discount tickets bring the single-park price down to $ 67 per day and the parkhoppers to $ 85 per day .
The SoCal discount tickets can be purchased through May 18 .

Not all Disneyland tickets are created equal now that the Anaheim theme park has raised admission prices and instituted a new 5-tier pricing system.
Data analysis of Disneyland’s daily single-park ticket prices through June found that the park plans to sell three times as many $154 top-tier tickets as the $104 lowest-priced tickets.
Disneyland raised prices Tuesday, Feb. 11 on some single- and multi-park tickets and all annual passes ahead of the grand opening of the Marvel-themed Avengers Campus this summer.
With the latest round of price increases, Disneyland introduced a new five-tier pricing plan for one-day, one-park tickets: $104 (Tier 1), $114 (Tier 2), $124 (Tier 3), $139 (Tier 4) and $154 (Tier 5). Disneyland will employ the Tier 1 pricing on the slowest days of the year and Tier 5 pricing on the busiest days.
“A visit to our parks is the best value in entertainment bar none, and we offer flexible ticket choices to enable families to choose what’s best for them,” Disneyland officials said in a statement.
SEE ALSO: Think Disneyland ticket prices are high? Here’s why the theme park is underpriced
With the latest round of hikes, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure kept the lowest-priced one-park ticket at $104 while bumping the highest-priced parkhopper ticket above $200 for the first time.
Disneyland’s new 5-tier pricing system doesn’t divvy up ticket prices equally with each tier claiming 20% of the calendar days.
Nearly two-thirds of Disneyland’s daily one-park tickets through June fall into the top two highest-priced tiers. The $154 Tier 5 and $139 Tier 4 tickets fill 64% of the calendar through the middle of the year. The lowest tier $104 tickets are available 11% of the time during the same period.
What can you expect to pay? The average Disneyland daily single-park ticket price through June is $136.
A review of ticket prices from mid-February through June shows what you might expect — Disneyland is more expensive on the weekends than mid-week.
The average daily single-park ticket price by day: Monday ($133), Tuesday ($122), Wednesday ($120), Thursday ($131), Friday ($146), Saturday ($154) and Sunday ($144).
Visiting Disneyland on a Saturday will cost you the top Tier 5 price of $154. Fridays will run you $139 (Tier 4) or $154 (Tier 5).
Looking for a $104 Tier 1 ticket? Don’t even think about visiting the park Thursday through Sunday. You won’t find any $104 tickets. In fact, you won’t find any Tier 1 ($104), Tier 2 ($114) or Tier 3 ($124) on Fridays or Saturdays.
You’re best bet for a $104 Tier 1 ticket: Tuesday or Wednesday. But a mid-week trip to Disneyland is no guarantee of snagging a low-priced ticket. The top tier $154 ticket price can be found every day of the week.
Every month through June offers at least four of the five pricing tiers. The remainder of February doesn’t have any $114 Tier 2 tickets. March doesn’t have any $124 Tier 3 tickets. June doesn’t have any $104 Tier 1 tickets. April and May offer all five pricing tiers.
The average daily single-park price by month: Feb. 12-29 ($134), March and April ($140), May ($129) and June ($135).
Savvy shoppers can find Disneyland deals if they are willing to hunt and have flexible schedules. We calculated the estimated cost per hour of visiting Disneyland based on the operating hours posted by the park for the next 6 weeks.
The shortest operating days at Disneyland tend to bring the lowest prices while the longest days typically have the highest prices. Ticket prices on days that Disneyland is open 12 or 13 hours fall into the Tier 1 to 3 range ($104 to $124). Conversely, the park’s longest 16-hour days command the highest prices in the Tier 4 and 5 range ($139 to $154).
The cost per hour at Disneyland varies depending on the ticket price you pay and the length of the park’s operating day. The hourly cost through June can range from less than $7 per hour to more than $10 per hour. The best values: Feb. 24 (Monday), March 10 (Tuesday) and March 11 (Wednesday) when you can get into Disneyland for the $104 Tier 1 price. One of the worst values: Valentine’s Day when the $154 top tier price is in effect.
The lowest priced days tend to present the best hourly value at the park while the highest priced days typically offer the worst hourly value. Disneyland’s $104 Tier 1 days will run you anywhere from $6.93 to $8.67 per hour. The $154 Tier 5 days will cost you $9.63 to $10.27 per hour.
Most theme parks use variable pricing and many offer discounts on the regular or front gate rates. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure offer a mid-priced $124 Tier 3 ticket. Universal Studios Hollywood has a $139 Anytime Admission. Legoland California ($95), SeaWorld San Diego ($94) and Six Flags Magic Mountain ($93) all list similar front gate rates while Knott’s Berry Farm’s is lower at $84.
Disneyland offers discounts for Southern California residents during the off season. SoCal locals can currently purchase $199 three-day single-park tickets that allow access to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure or $254 three-day parkhopper tickets that will get them into both parks on a single day. The discount tickets bring the single-park price down to $67 per day and the parkhoppers to $85 per day. The SoCal discount tickets can be purchased through May 18.


mercurynews--2020-02-14--Letter: Oakland shouldn’t assess parcel taxes regressively

I agree completely with your comments on Oakland elected officials ’ “ insatiable appetite for taxes.
” Beyond that is Oakland ’ s unconscionable preference for a regressive parcel tax that places the heaviest burden on owners of the smallest and least valuable properties and on seniors on fixed incomes .
( The exemptions for low-income seniors don ’ t apply unless you ’ re already very poor . )
Most of our neighboring cities and school districts , including Berkeley , Piedmont and Alameda , also put parcel taxes on the ballot , but they are assessed by square @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Letter : The Senate should also do some work for the people • Letter : WCCUSD school board wants more , more , more • Letter : My husband ’ s in tech support — I see why Iowa ’ s system failed If other local cities can assess parcel taxes by size or value , why does Oakland refuse to do so ?
Until they figure it out , I ’ ll be voting “ no ” on all Oakland parcel taxes .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form @ @ @ @ @ @

Oakland shouldn’t assess parcel taxes regressively
Re: “Curb Oakland Mayor Schaaf’s insatiable tax appetite” (Editorial, Eastbaytimes.com, Feb. 12):
I agree completely with your comments on Oakland elected officials’ “insatiable appetite for taxes.” Beyond that is Oakland’s unconscionable preference for a regressive parcel tax that places the heaviest burden on owners of the smallest and least valuable properties and on seniors on fixed incomes. (The exemptions for low-income seniors don’t apply unless you’re already very poor.)
Most of our neighboring cities and school districts, including Berkeley, Piedmont and Alameda, also put parcel taxes on the ballot, but they are assessed by square footage or property assessed value.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives Letters to the Editor | Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances
Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps If other local cities can assess parcel taxes by size or value, why does Oakland refuse to do so? Until they figure it out, I’ll be voting “no” on all Oakland parcel taxes.
Beth Weinberger
Oakland
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor