mercurynews--2020-08-16--Sunol: Firefighter crews battle Calaveras Fire near reservoir

Firefighters from multiple East Bay departments were at the scene of a vegetation fire Sunday afternoon outside Sunol , authorities @ @ @ @ @ p.m. , Alameda County Fire Department firefighters responded to Calaveras and Indian Creek roads for @ @ @ @ @ fires , and found about 10 acres on fire with a moderate rate of spread @ @ @ @ @ .
By 2:20 p.m. , crews requested a local-agency strike team , and two Oakland @ @ @ @ @ battalion chief headed over to help target the fire , according to a social-media post @ @ @ @ @ 6:15 p.m. , the fire was estimated at about 850 acres with zero-percent containment , @ @ @ @ @ Welch Creek Road were under mandatory evacuation .
Smoke from that fire could be seen @ @ @ @ @ , with fire resources there looping in residents via a social-media post .
There were @ @ @ @ @ structures or injuries .

Firefighters from multiple East Bay departments were at the scene of a vegetation fire Sunday afternoon outside Sunol, authorities said.
Shortly after 1 p.m., Alameda County Fire Department firefighters responded to Calaveras and Indian Creek roads for a report of multiple vegetation fires, and found about 10 acres on fire with a moderate rate of spread moving toward the Calaveras Reservoir.
By 2:20 p.m., crews requested a local-agency strike team, and two Oakland Fire Department engines and a battalion chief headed over to help target the fire, according to a social-media post around 2:55 p.m.
As of 6:15 p.m., the fire was estimated at about 850 acres with zero-percent containment, and about ten homes along Welch Creek Road were under mandatory evacuation.
Smoke from that fire could be seen as far away as Fremont, with fire resources there looping in residents via a social-media post.
There were no immediate reports of threatened structures or injuries.
Multiple vegetation fires being reported near the Calaveras Reservoir and Indian Creek in Sunol. #ALCOFIRE @calfireSCU pic.twitter.com/NF1RO6qREY — Alameda County Fire (@AlamedaCoFire) August 16, 2020
#oaklandfire Engines 317 & 324 with Battalion 5 as the Strike Team Leader assisting @AlamedaCoFire at the #calaverasfire in #Sunol pic.twitter.com/eJ21hIwc2g — Oakland Firefighters (@OaklandFireLive) August 16, 2020
There is currently a vegetation fire in the area of Calaveras Rd & Indian Creek Rd in Sunol, and smoke from the fire is visible in Fremont. This photo was taken at FFD Station 11. There are multiple active vegetation fire responses in Alameda County but none presently in Fremont. pic.twitter.com/E8ElhZde5d — Fremont Fire Department (@FremontFire) August 16, 2020
#marshcreekcomplex FF’s are on scene of 3 vegetation fires in the area of Calaveras Rd and Welch Creek Rd in Sunol. The fires are currently at approx 850 acres with 0% containment. Mandatory evacuations are taking place for residents on Welch creek road affecting approx 10 homes pic.twitter.com/TE80NTCXGh — Alameda County Fire (@AlamedaCoFire) August 17, 2020
Check back for updates.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-08-16--Map: 10 lightning-sparked fires in Bay Area

Lightning from the string of thunderstorms that passed over the Bay Area early Sunday sparked numerous fires .
The map above shows the approximate location of some of the larger ones .
1 & 2 : Point Reyes .
The national seashore said at 1 p.m. that two fires were under control , one near the Estero Trailhead and a second at an unspecified site in the Southern Olema Valley .
3 : Deer Complex .
Four fires near Dear Valley Road and Marsh Creek Road in Eastern Contra Costa County had burned about 200 acres by 1 p.m. ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest , the Round Fire , started in Round Valley Regional Park and prompted an evacuation warning .
4 : Arroyo Fire .
Off Arroyo Road near Lake Del Valle .
Burned 50 acres in a little more than an hour .
5 : Marsh Fire .
Near Arroyo Hondo and Oakridge roads , east of Calaveras Reservoir .
Had burned 120 acres by 2 p.m. 7 : Brush Fire .
Off Brush Road near Highway 17 .
Contained around 6 a.m .
The fires started during the storms that rolled through between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , indicating heightened risk of wildfire , remains in effect for the Bay Area through Monday morning .
A second wave of unsettled weather , likely to include more lightning , is expected overnight .

Lightning from the string of thunderstorms that passed over the Bay Area early Sunday sparked numerous fires. The map above shows the approximate location of some of the larger ones.
1 & 2: Point Reyes. The national seashore said at 1 p.m. Sunday that two fires were under control, one near the Estero Trailhead and a second at an unspecified site in the Southern Olema Valley.
3: Deer Zone Complex. Four fires near Dear Valley Road and Marsh Creek Road in eastern Contra Costa County had burned 1,450 acres as of 8:50 p.m. Monday; two of them were contained. The largest started in Round Valley Regional Park and prompted an evacuation order.
4: Arroyo Fire. Off Arroyo Road near Lake Del Valle. Burned 50 acres in a little more than an hour.
5: Marsh Fire. Near Arroyo Hondo and Oakridge roads, east of Calaveras Reservoir. Had burned 1,775 acres by 4:15 p.m. Monday.
6: Oropeza Court. A lightning-sparked structure fire in San Jose destroyed an apartment unit.
7: Brush Fire. Off Brush Road near Highway 17. Contained around 6 a.m. Sunday.
8: Warnella Fire. Along Highway 1 north of Davenport. The fire had consumed 120 acres as of 8:40 p.m. Monday and was 5 percent contained.
9, 10 & 11: 4-8, 5-14 and 5-15. On coast side of San Mateo County. The fires had burned a total of 1,000 acres by 7 p.m. Monday and were zero percent contained.
The fires started during the storms that rolled through between 3 and 8 a.m.
A red-flag warning, indicating heightened risk of wildfire, remains in effect for the Bay Area through Monday morning. A second wave of unsettled weather, likely to include more lightning, is expected overnight.


mercurynews--2020-08-16--Sunnyvale: Man dies after being stabbed at Bay Lands Park, police say

SUNNYVALE — A man was fatally stabbed Saturday afternoon at Bay Lands Park , the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety @ @ @ @ @ DPS officers responded to the park at about 4:45 p.m. on reports of an adult @ @ @ @ @ at 999 East Caribbean Drive .
Officers attempted to save the victim ’ s life @ @ @ @ @ Valley Medical Center , but he died there of his injuries .
• DA : @ @ @ @ @ woman after he fatally stabbed her mother Police did not release any information about possible @ @ @ @ @ arrests were announced .
Anyone with information regarding this homicide is asked to contact Sunnyvale @ @ @ @ @ Corinne Abernathy at 408-730-4501 .

SUNNYVALE — A man was fatally stabbed Saturday afternoon at Baylands Park, the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety said on Sunday.
Sunnyvale DPS officers responded to the park at about 4:45 p.m. on reports of an adult man suffering from stab wounds at 999 E. Caribbean Drive.
Officers attempted to save the victim’s life and he was transported to Valley Medical Center, but he died there of his injuries.
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Anyone with information regarding this homicide is asked to contact Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety Detective Corinne Abernathy at 408-730-4501.


mercurynews--2020-08-16--German food company to change racist name of popular sauce

BERLIN — One of Germany ’ s best-known food companies said it will rename a popular spicy dressing because of the racist connotations of its name .
Food company Knorr will change the name of its “ Zigeunersauce , ” or “ gypsy sauce ” to “ Paprika Sauce Hungarian Style , ” the German weekly Bild am Sonntag reported Sunday .
“ Since ‘ gypsy sauce ’ can be interpreted in a negative way , we have decided to give our Knorr sauce a new name , ” said Unilever , the international consumer goods group that owns Knorr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment on Sunday .
The popular spicy sauce , a staple in many German households , will within a few weeks show up with the new name in supermarkets across the country , Bild am Sonntag reported .
Civil rights groups have for years called for the renaming of the brand , but in 2013 , the company rejected the demand , the German news agency dpa reported .
The renaming of the brand follows recent international debates over racism , especially in the United States , where big national companies have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns about racial stereotyping .
“ Zigeuner ” is a derogative German expression for the Roma and Sinti minority groups who have lived in many European countries for centuries .
Roma and Sinti are still discriminated against in Europe .
They often live below the poverty line and on the margins of society without equal access to education , jobs , or the opportunity for upwards mobility .
The terms “ Zigeunersauce ” has been used in Germany for more than 100 years to describe a hot sauce based on tomatoes with small-chopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vinegar and spices like paprika .
It ’ s mostly served with meat .
A popular dish with the sauce that ’ s often served in traditional German restaurants is called “ Zigeunerschnitzel , ” or “ gypsy schnitzel.
” That name is also still used on many menus across the country nowadays — despite much criticism .
Roma and Sinti organizations in Germany have long pointed out that the sauce is not even part of their traditional cuisine and they have also demanded for years that the name be abolished .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sinti and Roma welcomed Knorr ’ s decision to no longer use the term .
“ It is good that Knorr reacts to the complaints of apparently a lot of people , ” Romani Rose told Bild am Sonntag .
However , he added that more than the discriminating nature of the sauce ’ s name , he was worried by the increasing racism against minorities in Germany .
He noted how some soccer fans in Germany chant the words “ Zigeuner ” or “ Jude ” — Jew — to insult players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In June , Germany ’ s official anti-discrimination watchdog said it received significantly more complaints about racism in 2019 than the year before .
The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency said it received 1,176 complaints about racism last year , an increase of 10 % compared to 2018 .
The number of complaints about racism has more than doubled since 2015 , the agency said .
• Task force to evaluate whether cops should be kicked off Fremont school campuses • COVID Sports Daily : Fans at MLS game boo kneeling , Nebraska recommits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There have also been a rising number of racists attacks in Germany recently , including the killing of nine immigrants in Hanau in February and the attack on a synagogue in Halle last year by far-right extremists .

By Kirsten Grieshaber | Associated Press
BERLIN — One of Germany’s best-known food companies said it will rename a popular spicy dressing because of the racist connotations of its name.
Food company Knorr will change the name of its “Zigeunersauce,” or “gypsy sauce” to “Paprika Sauce Hungarian Style,” the German weekly Bild am Sonntag reported Sunday.
“Since ‘gypsy sauce’ can be interpreted in a negative way, we have decided to give our Knorr sauce a new name,” said Unilever, the international consumer goods group that owns Knorr. Unilever could not independently be reached for comment on Sunday.
The popular spicy sauce, a staple in many German households, will within a few weeks show up with the new name in supermarkets across the country, Bild am Sonntag reported.
Civil rights groups have for years called for the renaming of the brand, but in 2013, the company rejected the demand, the German news agency dpa reported.
The renaming of the brand follows recent international debates over racism, especially in the United States, where big national companies have also renamed traditional brands in response to concerns about racial stereotyping.
“Zigeuner” is a derogative German expression for the Roma and Sinti minority groups who have lived in many European countries for centuries. Roma and Sinti are still discriminated against in Europe. They often live below the poverty line and on the margins of society without equal access to education, jobs, or the opportunity for upwards mobility.
The terms “Zigeunersauce” has been used in Germany for more than 100 years to describe a hot sauce based on tomatoes with small-chopped pieces of bell pepper, onions, vinegar and spices like paprika. It’s mostly served with meat.
A popular dish with the sauce that’s often served in traditional German restaurants is called “Zigeunerschnitzel,” or “gypsy schnitzel.” That name is also still used on many menus across the country nowadays — despite much criticism.
Roma and Sinti organizations in Germany have long pointed out that the sauce is not even part of their traditional cuisine and they have also demanded for years that the name be abolished.
The head of the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma welcomed Knorr’s decision to no longer use the term.
“It is good that Knorr reacts to the complaints of apparently a lot of people,” Romani Rose told Bild am Sonntag. However, he added that more than the discriminating nature of the sauce’s name, he was worried by the increasing racism against minorities in Germany.
He noted how some soccer fans in Germany chant the words “Zigeuner” or “Jude” — Jew — to insult players or fans of opposing teams during matches.
In June, Germany’s official anti-discrimination watchdog said it received significantly more complaints about racism in 2019 than the year before. The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency said it received 1,176 complaints about racism last year, an increase of 10% compared to 2018.
The number of complaints about racism has more than doubled since 2015, the agency said.


mercurynews--2020-08-17--Coronavirus economy: South Bay job market recovers faster than Bay Area, state, USA

Job markets in metro regions that opened up their economies earlier in the wake of coronavirus-linked business shutdowns have bounced back more quickly than those that kept the clamps on their economies — but Silicon Valley , bolstered by its robust tech sector , bucked the trend .
It ’ s a list straight out of the Sun Belt and early reopenings of the economy : Phoenix ; Dallas-Fort Worth ; Tampa-St. Petersburg , Florida ; Atlanta ; Austin , Texas ; Houston ; and Miami-Fort Lauderdale were the seven top-ranked communities in terms of the pace at which they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy tanked in March and April .
Silicon Valley has muscled up to land among the best-performing metro areas nationwide when it comes to recovering a big chunk of the jobs that vanished starting with the onset of coronavirus-linked business shutdowns in March .
Measured by the pace of aggregate job losses during March , April , May , and June , Santa Clara County was the 10th-best urban center , out of the 30 largest metro regions in the United States , for the fewest jobs lost over those four months .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though it is one of many metro areas in California that remained largely locked down under state and local mandates crafted to battle the coronavirus .
To be sure , all 30 of the major metro centers in the U.S. whose coronavirus job performance was analyzed by this news organization had fewer jobs in June than they had in February .
Nevertheless , the differences in job recovery between the top performers and the weakest regional economies over the four months are stark .
During the four months of business shutdowns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent decline in payroll employment , were 5.7 percent in Phoenix , 6.1 percent , in Dallas-Fort Worth , 6.7 percent in Tampa-St. Petersburg , 6.9 percent in Atlanta , 7.2 percent in Austin-Round Rock , 7.7 percent in Houston , 8 percent in Miami , 8.3 percent in Denver , 8.8 percent in St. Louis , and 8.9 percent in Santa Clara County .
Santa Clara County ’ s four-month job loss of 8.9 percent tops both California , down 10 percent , and the United States , down 9.6 percent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ urban centers in California .
Over the four months that ended in June , employment losses were 10 percent in Riverside-San Bernardino , 11.2 percent in the Bay Area , 11.3 percent in San Diego County , 11.6 percent in Los Angeles County , 12 percent in the East Bay , 12.1 percent in Orange County , and 12.4 percent in the San Francisco-San Mateo metro area .
At the bottom of the barrel as metro centers that have regained the smallest share of their lost jobs over the four months : New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boston , down 15.4 percent ; Orlando-Kissimmee , Florida , down 14.2 percent ; and Detroit , with a decline of 14.1 percent .
San Francisco-San Mateo ranked near the bottom , at 26th out of 30 metro areas .

Buoyed by its robust tech sector, Silicon Valley — despite being bludgeoned by coronavirus-linked business shutdowns — is nevertheless one of the top 10 metro areas in the United States to recover the jobs they lost since the closures began.
Job markets in metro regions that opened up their economies earlier following coronavirus-linked business shutdowns have bounced back more quickly than those that kept the clamps on their economies — yet Santa Clara County still managed to be one of the nation’s top performers for job recovery.
The fastest-recovering metro areas opened up their economies early and halted business shutdowns swiftly, a list that’s straight out of the Sun Belt.
Phoenix; Dallas-Fort Worth; Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida; Atlanta; Austin, Texas; Houston; and Miami-Fort Lauderdale were the seven top-ranked communities in terms of the pace at which they regained their lost jobs after the global economy tanked in March and April.
Santa Clara County managed to snap its economic shackles and muscled up to land among the best-performing metro areas nationwide in recovering a big chunk of the jobs that vanished starting with the onset of business shutdowns in March.
Measured by the pace of aggregate job losses during March, April, May, and June, Santa Clara County ranked 10th out of the 30 largest metro regions in the United States for the fewest jobs lost over those four months. The South Bay achieved that perch even though it’s one of many metro areas in California that remained largely locked down for months under state and local mandates to battle the coronavirus.
Despite that, all 30 of the major metro centers whose coronavirus job performance was analyzed by this news organization had fewer jobs in June than they had in February.
Nevertheless, the differences in job recovery between the top performers and the weakest regional economies are stark.
During the four months of business shutdowns, job losses — measured by a percent decline in payroll employment — were 5.7 percent in Phoenix, 6.1 percent in Dallas-Fort Worth, 6.7 percent in Tampa-St. Petersburg, 6.9 percent in Atlanta, 7.2 percent in Austin-Round Rock, 7.7 percent in Houston, 8 percent in Miami, 8.3 percent in Denver, 8.8 percent in St. Louis, and 8.9 percent in Santa Clara County.
Santa Clara County’s four-month job loss of 8.9 percent tops both California, which was down 10 percent, and the United States, down 9.6 percent.
The South Bay also tops all major urban centers in California.
Over the four months that ended in June, employment losses were 10 percent in Riverside-San Bernardino, 11.2 percent in the Bay Area, 11.3 percent in San Diego County, 11.6 percent in Los Angeles County, 12 percent in the East Bay, 12.1 percent in Orange County, and 12.4 percent in the San Francisco-San Mateo metro area.
At the bottom of the barrel as metro centers that have regained the smallest share of their lost jobs since March were New York City, down 17.5 percent; Boston, down 15.4 percent; Orlando-Kissimmee, Florida, down 14.2 percent; and Detroit, with a decline of 14.1 percent. San Francisco-San Mateo ranked near the bottom, at 26th out of 30 metro areas.


mercurynews--2020-08-17--SF Giants Gameday podcast: Why the bullpen is a multi-year project for Zaidi, Kapler

SAN FRANCISCO — When the San Francisco Giants dealt away Mark Melancon , Sam Dyson , Drew Pomeranz and Ray Black at last summer ’ s trade deadline , it was an acknowledgement that an overmatched 2019 roster didn ’ t have much use for a good bullpen .
The Giants hung onto left-handed relievers Will Smith and Tony Watson so they could retain a glimmer of hope and remain somewhat competitive in Bruce Bochy ’ s final season , but all of the deadline moves signaled the organization ’ s desire to completely overhaul the team ’ s bullpen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zaidi and first-year manager Gabe Kapler are in the beginning stages of a multi-year project to build a competent relief corps , so growing pains are expected .
The pains , of course , felt particularly sharp throughout a miserable three-game sweep against the Oakland A ’ s this weekend .
Giants relievers gave up seven home runs , coughed up a pair of ninth inning leads and watched the A ’ s add to their slugging percentage throughout a nine-run fifth inning in a 15-3 blowout on Sunday .
Giants relievers Dereck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the A ’ s feasted against in the series finale , but nearly every pitcher coming out of the bullpen this season has been forced to live through a nightmare at least once .
The Giants as a team seem to live through them daily .
In this episode of the SF Giants Gameday podcast , host Kerry Crowley looks back at an awful weekend for the club at Oracle Park and explains why the organization is only taking the first steps of building its future bullpen during the 2020 season .
SF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Area News Group ’ s daily San Francisco Giants podcast , hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley .
We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season .
We Need Your Support !
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I ’ ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer .
Thank you !
— Kerry Crowley

SAN FRANCISCO — When the San Francisco Giants dealt away Mark Melancon, Sam Dyson, Drew Pomeranz and Ray Black at last summer’s trade deadline, it was an acknowledgement that an overmatched 2019 roster didn’t have much use for a good bullpen.
The Giants hung onto left-handed relievers Will Smith and Tony Watson so they could retain a glimmer of hope and remain somewhat competitive in Bruce Bochy’s final season, but all of the deadline moves signaled the organization’s desire to completely overhaul the team’s bullpen.
Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and first-year manager Gabe Kapler are in the beginning stages of a multi-year project to build a competent relief corps, so growing pains are expected.
The pains, of course, felt particularly sharp throughout a miserable three-game sweep against the Oakland A’s this weekend.
Giants relievers gave up seven home runs, coughed up a pair of ninth inning leads and watched the A’s add to their slugging percentage throughout a nine-run fifth inning in a 15-3 blowout on Sunday.
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The Giants as a team seem to live through them daily.
In this episode of the SF Giants Gameday podcast, host Kerry Crowley looks back at an awful weekend for the club at Oracle Park and explains why the organization is only taking the first steps of building its future bullpen during the 2020 season.
SF Giants Gameday: Listen to the Bay Area News Group’s daily San Francisco Giants podcast, hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley. We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season.
We Need Your Support!
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I’ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you’ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com. Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer. Thank you! — Kerry Crowley


mercurynews--2020-08-17--49ers’ well-paid rusher Jerick McKinnon on his comeback: ‘I work like I’m broke’

Jerick McKinnon ’ s mindset for this season ’ s comeback is not what you might expect , not after he ’ s collected $ 15.5 million the past two years before even playing a snap for the 49ers .
“ I work like I ’ m broke , ” McKinnon said .
“ It ’ s hard to stop working.
” His career came to a sudden stop a week before the 2018 opener , when his right knee gave out on him and consequently turned Kyle Shanahan ’ s offense sideways .
Last August , McKinnon first comeback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A follow-up procedure was required for his reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament .
His 2019 season was over before it started , and it ended with him watching the 49ers reach the Super Bowl .
This August , look out for No .
28 .
He has a spring in his step .
He has a vocal cheering section : all the 49ers .
But you could indeed say he is “ broke ” in terms of on-field equity , and that is why he agreed to a restructured deal paying him $ 910,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , he arrived as a dual threat to produce 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving , and that potential cost the 49ers a four-year , $ 30 million contract .
“ Before I signed , there was something special about this organization and the momentum they had coming off that last season ( in 2017 ) , ” McKinnon said .
“ That ’ s why I came .
Younger guys , hungry guys who play hard The reasons I came here , it wasn ’ t really about the money .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of contract , it wasn ’ t a big deal to me .
It was about proving why I came here , getting back on the field and showcasing my talents.
” Monday marks the 49ers ’ first practice in full pads , and McKinnon is approaching the full-contact sessions with a game-like mentality , because no exhibitions will be played before the Sept. 13 opener .
Much has changed with the 49ers since McKinnon ’ s 2018 ACL tear .
Their lead rusher is Raheem Mostert , who was merely a special-teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tevin Coleman , last season ’ s starter , took snaps ahead of McKinnon in the first two practices of training camp this past weekend .
But McKinnon still offers a special trait to the 49ers ’ hyper-versatile offense : catching the football out of the backfield .
“ I do think I can open up a different element and my toolset that I bring , ” McKinnon said .
“ Kyle is a matchup guru at playing guys up to their strength.
” “ My only worry about Jet is sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s how hard he works , ” Shanahan said Saturday .
“ .
… But you can tell that it healed right and you can tell Jet ’ s put that work in and you feel all this that he ’ s gone through in the last two years .
“ I feel he ’ s finally in a position where he has a chance to have this comeback now and everyone ’ s pulling for him .
He ’ s as good of a guy there is on our team and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice.
” So , if healthy , McKinnon should be a roster lock .
If he ’ s not , the 49ers will be turning a reserve role over to likely Jeff Wilson Jr. or the early-camp hot shot JaMycal Hasty , an undrafted free agent .
McKinnon , too , hailed Hasty ’ s start , saying : “ Real good player .
Shifty .
Fluid in and out of cuts .
Smaller guy like myself .
Can catch out of the backfield .
We ’ re expecting lot out of him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spin move the other day that was pretty impressive .
A lot of guys got excited about that.
” Four weeks until the season opener .
A lot of excitement will build .
Will McKinnon make it to one in a 49ers uniform , finally ?
Heck , will the NFL make it there amid a pandemic ?
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Jerick McKinnon’s mindset for this season’s comeback is not what you might expect, not after he’s collected $15.5 million the past two years before even playing a snap for the 49ers.
“I work like I’m broke,” McKinnon said. “It’s hard to stop working.”
His career came to a sudden stop a week before the 2018 opener, when his right knee gave out on him and consequently turned Kyle Shanahan’s offense sideways.
Last August, McKinnon first comeback attempt came to a sudden stop. A follow-up procedure was required for his reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament. His 2019 season was over before it started, and it ended with him watching the 49ers reach the Super Bowl.
This August, look out for No. 28. He has a spring in his step. He has a vocal cheering section: all the 49ers.
But you could indeed say he is “broke” in terms of on-field equity, and that is why he agreed to a restructured deal paying him $910,000 in a prove-it season. Two years ago, he arrived as a dual threat to produce 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving, and that potential cost the 49ers a four-year, $30 million contract.
“Before I signed, there was something special about this organization and the momentum they had coming off that last season (in 2017),” McKinnon said. “That’s why I came. Younger guys, hungry guys who play hard The reasons I came here, it wasn’t really about the money.
“When it came up to reconstruction of contract, it wasn’t a big deal to me. It was about proving why I came here, getting back on the field and showcasing my talents.”
Monday marks the 49ers’ first practice in full pads, and McKinnon is approaching the full-contact sessions with a game-like mentality, because no exhibitions will be played before the Sept. 13 opener.
Much has changed with the 49ers since McKinnon’s 2018 ACL tear.
Their lead rusher is Raheem Mostert, who was merely a special-teams ace before last season’s emergence. Tevin Coleman, last season’s starter, took snaps ahead of McKinnon in the first two practices of training camp this past weekend.
But McKinnon still offers a special trait to the 49ers’ hyper-versatile offense: catching the football out of the backfield.
“I do think I can open up a different element and my toolset that I bring,” McKinnon said. “Kyle is a matchup guru at playing guys up to their strength.”
“My only worry about Jet is sometimes he might overdo it because that’s how hard he works,” Shanahan said Saturday. “… But you can tell that it healed right and you can tell Jet’s put that work in and you feel all this that he’s gone through in the last two years.
“I feel he’s finally in a position where he has a chance to have this comeback now and everyone’s pulling for him. He’s as good of a guy there is on our team and he had a real good first day of practice.”
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McKinnon, too, hailed Hasty’s start, saying: “Real good player. Shifty. Fluid in and out of cuts. Smaller guy like myself. Can catch out of the backfield. We’re expecting lot out of him out of this camp. He had a spin move the other day that was pretty impressive. A lot of guys got excited about that.”
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mercurynews--2020-08-17--Horoscopes Aug. 17, 2020: Donnie Wahlberg and Robert De Niro share advice

Happy Birthday : Take stock of what you ’ ve accomplished and how you want to move forward .
Having a plan in place will help you reach your goal with the least amount of struggle .
You ’ ll have added discipline this year , so put it to good use and pursue personal and professional goals that will boost your confidence and enhance your life .
Your numbers are 9 , 13 , 24 , 27 , 31 , 39 , 46 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Put pent-up energy to good use .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done , or you can stew over what everyone else is doing and achieve little .
Use intelligence and physical capabilities to make a difference in the way plans turn out .
5 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Choose what feels right .
Refuse to let your emotions take over or deter you from making the best decision .
An opportunity is heading your way , and being mentally prepared to take advantage of the situation will make a difference .
2 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and focus your energy and time on projects that will bring about change .
Home improvements , personal relationships and remaining rational when faced with emotional choices are favored .
Honesty is the best policy .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Look at your budget before you commit to a project or make a donation .
Take care of your needs before you extend a helping hand to others .
Being responsible as well as benevolent will help you maintain balance and integrity .
3 stars LEO ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiative to research and gather valuable information to ensure your pursuits are attainable .
Leave nothing to chance , update documents before they lapse and make decisions that will ease stress .
Keep life simple and projects doable .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Set the standard , do things your way and aim to reach your goal .
How you conduct your life and business will reflect the way others treat you .
Stand by your word , and compromise when necessary .
You will gain respect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) : An upbeat approach will deter negativity and disgruntled and demanding people .
Offering positive alternatives will encourage others to pick up the pace and help .
A partnership with someone who shares your enthusiasm looks promising .
4 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Be reasonable , and you ’ ll get your way .
Kick up a fuss , and you ’ ll end up working alone .
A change is in order .
Assess your life , attitude , the way you look and the changes you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a priority .
2 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : You are gaining leverage , so don ’ t stop pushing for what you want .
High energy , intelligence and working diligently to reach your goal will pay off .
Don ’ t let the past hold you back .
Discarding what no longer works for you is encouraged .
5 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Don ’ t start something you can ’ t finish .
An argument with a friend or relative will cause emotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on what you can do to keep the peace .
Including love and romance in your plans will enhance your life .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Strike up a conversation to help you resolve a sensitive issue .
Offer suggestions and compromise if necessary to keep your plans moving forward and avoid an emotional scene .
Get back to basics and what works best for you .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : A personal change will make you feel good .
Make unique plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , and good things will unfold .
Don ’ t let an outsider take advantage of your time or talk you into spending money .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are chatty , intelligent and generous .
You are kind and emotional .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Austin Butler, 29; Tammy Townsend, 50; Donnie Wahlberg, 51; Robert De Niro, 77.
Happy Birthday: Take stock of what you’ve accomplished and how you want to move forward. Having a plan in place will help you reach your goal with the least amount of struggle. You’ll have added discipline this year, so put it to good use and pursue personal and professional goals that will boost your confidence and enhance your life. Your numbers are 9, 13, 24, 27, 31, 39, 46.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Put pent-up energy to good use. You can take physical action and get things done, or you can stew over what everyone else is doing and achieve little. Use intelligence and physical capabilities to make a difference in the way plans turn out. 5 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Choose what feels right. Refuse to let your emotions take over or deter you from making the best decision. An opportunity is heading your way, and being mentally prepared to take advantage of the situation will make a difference. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Consider what’s important to you, and focus your energy and time on projects that will bring about change. Home improvements, personal relationships and remaining rational when faced with emotional choices are favored. Honesty is the best policy. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Look at your budget before you commit to a project or make a donation. Take care of your needs before you extend a helping hand to others. Being responsible as well as benevolent will help you maintain balance and integrity. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take the initiative to research and gather valuable information to ensure your pursuits are attainable. Leave nothing to chance, update documents before they lapse and make decisions that will ease stress. Keep life simple and projects doable. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Set the standard, do things your way and aim to reach your goal. How you conduct your life and business will reflect the way others treat you. Stand by your word, and compromise when necessary. You will gain respect. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): An upbeat approach will deter negativity and disgruntled and demanding people. Offering positive alternatives will encourage others to pick up the pace and help. A partnership with someone who shares your enthusiasm looks promising. 4 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Be reasonable, and you’ll get your way. Kick up a fuss, and you’ll end up working alone. A change is in order. Assess your life, attitude, the way you look and the changes you want to make. Make personal growth a priority. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You are gaining leverage, so don’t stop pushing for what you want. High energy, intelligence and working diligently to reach your goal will pay off. Don’t let the past hold you back. Discarding what no longer works for you is encouraged. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t start something you can’t finish. An argument with a friend or relative will cause emotional turmoil with someone you love. Focus on what you can do to keep the peace. Including love and romance in your plans will enhance your life. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Strike up a conversation to help you resolve a sensitive issue. Offer suggestions and compromise if necessary to keep your plans moving forward and avoid an emotional scene. Get back to basics and what works best for you. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A personal change will make you feel good. Make unique plans with someone who means the world to you, and good things will unfold. Don’t let an outsider take advantage of your time or talk you into spending money. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are chatty, intelligent and generous. You are kind and emotional.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-08-17--Harriette Cole: I regret my decision about the family dog

DEAR HARRIETTE : I recently had to euthanize my dog .
He was about 13 years old — very old for a dog .
When I would get home from work , he laid in the same spot and didn ’ t move .
He stopped eating and was soiling himself .
I tried to get him to stand up , but he would nip at me and cry out in pain .
My family and I managed to get him cleaned up and moved into our van to take him to the vet .
The vet said he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his legs and recommended putting him to sleep rather than spending thousands of dollars in surgery to try to repair the little muscle left .
We decided to put him to sleep , but now all I feel is guilt and regret , like I gave up on him .
How do you come to terms with having made a decision for your family pet like this ?
DEAR WE MISS HIM : Saying goodbye to a family pet can feel like saying goodbye to a family member , especially when the pet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so long .
It is natural for you to feel a range of emotions .
• Harriette Cole : My mom has an offensive person living on her driveway • Miss Manners : He won ’ t take my advice about not being a jerk • Harriette Cole : The worker I fired turned up at my kid ’ s day care • Harriette Cole : Years later , I ’ m ashamed of my racist mistake .
What can I do ?
• Harriette Cole : Strangers tell undecided student what to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many options to keep pets alive , it is understandable that you might think that you should have done more to extend your pet ’ s life .
But the reality is that sometimes you have to let your pet go .
Trust that your vet would not have suggested that it was time to euthanize your dog unless he was certain that there were no other viable options .
Now is the time for you to mourn your loss and to be grateful for the time you shared together .
DEAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ super close ; he is my best friend .
We want to get our own place together 200 miles away from home .
We never had arguments or issues growing up .
He is not messy , he works hard , he always does what he has to do , and I know that I can always count on him .
He is just as eager to move as I am .
Now that we are house hunting , it seems that I am doing all the work and he is dragging his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he and his girlfriend are discussing whether she will be coming with us , but I have a feeling he ’ s getting cold feet about moving because of her .
I have everything ready to go , and I found the perfect place , but I need to know if he is living with me .
Should I wait to see what he plans to do or just decide to find a different place fit for myself and move without him ?
DEAR PACKED AND READY : Consider your brother ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If his level of interest is waning because of the distraction of his girlfriend , you want to know that in advance .
Sit down with your brother and have a heart-to-heart discussion .
Ask him what he wants to do now .
Point out that you need to know if he is committed to sharing an apartment with you .
You also want to know if he intends for his girlfriend to move in .
If so , she should accept some of the financial responsibility for the apartment .
Get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You may need to move on .
Let your frank conversation with him guide you to next steps .
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 recently had to euthanize my dog. He was about 13 years old — very old for a dog.
When I would get home from work, he laid in the same spot and didn’t move. He stopped eating and was soiling himself. I tried to get him to stand up, but he would nip at me and cry out in pain.
My family and I managed to get him cleaned up and moved into our van to take him to the vet. The vet said he had lost a majority of muscle mass in his legs and recommended putting him to sleep rather than spending thousands of dollars in surgery to try to repair the little muscle left.
We decided to put him to sleep, but now all I feel is guilt and regret, like I gave up on him. How do you come to terms with having made a decision for your family pet like this?
We Miss Him
DEAR WE MISS HIM: Saying goodbye to a family pet can feel like saying goodbye to a family member, especially when the pet has been part of the family for so long. It is natural for you to feel a range of emotions.
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Now is the time for you to mourn your loss and to be grateful for the time you shared together.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My brother and I are super close; he is my best friend. We want to get our own place together 200 miles away from home. We never had arguments or issues growing up. He is not messy, he works hard, he always does what he has to do, and I know that I can always count on him. He is just as eager to move as I am.
Now that we are house hunting, it seems that I am doing all the work and he is dragging his feet with applications. I know that he and his girlfriend are discussing whether she will be coming with us, but I have a feeling he’s getting cold feet about moving because of her.
I have everything ready to go, and I found the perfect place, but I need to know if he is living with me. Should I wait to see what he plans to do or just decide to find a different place fit for myself and move without him?
Packed and Ready
DEAR PACKED AND READY: Consider your brother’s behavior to be a blessing in advance.
If his level of interest is waning because of the distraction of his girlfriend, you want to know that in advance. Sit down with your brother and have a heart-to-heart discussion. Ask him what he wants to do now. Point out that you need to know if he is committed to sharing an apartment with you. You also want to know if he intends for his girlfriend to move in. If so, she should accept some of the financial responsibility for the apartment.
Get crystal-clear about the plan with him. You may need to move on. Let your frank conversation with him guide you to next steps.
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--2020-08-17--Ask Amy: If I’m ‘lucky to have a job,’ why am I miserable?

Dear Amy : I am an essential worker .
I work with the public on a daily basis .
Times have been hard for everyone and my heart goes out to those who are suffering .
I am thankful that for the most part my family is happy and healthy .
At my job , which I love , I have been thanked for my service but also had an equal number of people say , “ Well , at least you ’ re working.
” I have seen society slowly decay .
At night as I drive home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the streets disregarding the cars driving by .
I have seen homeless camps pop up in parking lots of closed stores .
People don ’ t even try to hide their theft — they just take .
With all the closed places out there , the ones that have been open are being overrun .
We essential workers are tired and feel that we are also forgotten .
The unemployed have been getting more from the government than I make in a month .
I am struggling to pay my bills and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for family and friends .
• Ask Amy : My in-laws don ’ t realize how horrible they are • Ask Amy : There was no emergency , he was just being rude • Ask Amy : She makes me want to scream , but I can ’ t dump her • Ask Amy : My dying mother revealed a secret , and it ’ s weighing on me • Ask Amy : I can ’ t voice an opinion without risking my wife ’ s rage All I want is for someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too .
Thank you for listening .
One of the Forgotten Dear One : You don ’ t say what work you do , but whether you work in a store , a warehouse , a post office , hospital , precinct , school , coffee shop , cafe , or fast-food restaurant , you are valuable and yes , essential .
You are valuable as a person , as a worker , and as a provider for your family .
And yes , you are also lucky to be working .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that ’ s a bonus .
Those on unemployment are facing a financial cliff and a lot of uncertainty , as their government benefits run out .
They don ’ t have what you have : Steady employment doing work you love , and the ability to provide for yourself and your family in the longer term .
Many of the strangers you encounter each day wish they could say they were “ essential.
” You know that you are , and I hope you feel “ seen ” in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your experience and your perceptions of the current state of the world , I think it ’ s more important than ever for all of us to be gentle toward others , and with ourselves .
Please , don ’ t judge others in a way that you don ’ t want to be judged .
Dear Amy : I have recently had a lot of success selling some items on eBay .
My friend now wants me to sell some things for her .
I told her that I would be glad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her set up an account , take photos , help her write the descriptions , etc .
We are both in our 60s , so I thought I could show her what I have learned .
No , she wants me to do it all .
Her excuse is that she doesn ’ t have a computer now , but she has an iPad with Wi-Fi .
She tells me she doesn ’ t trust the internet .
What do you suggest I do ?
Dear Seller : It might be time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell your friend ’ s stuff and receive a percentage of the profit as compensation .
You could also buy her things from her outright and perhaps make a profit reselling them .
Otherwise , you have generously offered to assist her .
If you don ’ t want to do any more , you can just tell her , “ Well , you can do this yourself , and I ’ ve offered to show you how , but if you don ’ t want to , that ’ s up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things , and that might be the better choice for you.
” Dear Amy : “ Torn and Troubled in L.A. ” spoke to their sadness in losing a relationship with their son ’ s former girlfriend .
I too left a relationship after almost a decade with my ex .
Losing my ex ’ s parents was one of the hardest parts of that breakup and to this day , I miss those wonderful people dearly .
I still think of them often and still feel an ache from that loss … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your life and properly healing from a breakup unfortunately often means no contact with your second set of parents , but I will be forever thankful for their love and kindness .
Dear Ever-Grateful : I hope that at some point you will take the opportunity to send these people a note , acknowledging their impact on your life and expressing your gratitude .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Facebook .

Dear Amy: I am an essential worker. I work with the public on a daily basis. Times have been hard for everyone and my heart goes out to those who are suffering. I am thankful that for the most part my family is happy and healthy.
At my job, which I love, I have been thanked for my service but also had an equal number of people say, “Well, at least you’re working.”
I have seen society slowly decay. At night as I drive home, I have had people just walk out into the streets disregarding the cars driving by. I have seen homeless camps pop up in parking lots of closed stores. People don’t even try to hide their theft — they just take.
With all the closed places out there, the ones that have been open are being overrun. We essential workers are tired and feel that we are also forgotten. The unemployed have been getting more from the government than I make in a month. I am struggling to pay my bills and would be losing my house if not for family and friends.
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One of the Forgotten
Dear One: You don’t say what work you do, but whether you work in a store, a warehouse, a post office, hospital, precinct, school, coffee shop, cafe, or fast-food restaurant, you are valuable and yes, essential. You are valuable as a person, as a worker, and as a provider for your family. And yes, you are also lucky to be working. You say that you love your job, and that’s a bonus.
Those on unemployment are facing a financial cliff and a lot of uncertainty, as their government benefits run out. They don’t have what you have: Steady employment doing work you love, and the ability to provide for yourself and your family in the longer term. Many of the strangers you encounter each day wish they could say they were “essential.” You know that you are, and I hope you feel “seen” in the way you deserve to be.
Regarding your experience and your perceptions of the current state of the world, I think it’s more important than ever for all of us to be gentle toward others, and with ourselves. Please, don’t judge others in a way that you don’t want to be judged.
Dear Amy: I have recently had a lot of success selling some items on eBay. My friend now wants me to sell some things for her.
I told her that I would be glad to come to her home, help her set up an account, take photos, help her write the descriptions, etc.
We are both in our 60s, so I thought I could show her what I have learned. No, she wants me to do it all. Her excuse is that she doesn’t have a computer now, but she has an iPad with Wi-Fi. She tells me she doesn’t trust the internet.
What do you suggest I do?
eBay Seller
Dear Seller: It might be time to start your own business. You could sell your friend’s stuff and receive a percentage of the profit as compensation. You could also buy her things from her outright and perhaps make a profit reselling them.
Otherwise, you have generously offered to assist her. If you don’t want to do any more, you can just tell her, “Well, you can do this yourself, and I’ve offered to show you how, but if you don’t want to, that’s up to you. You can also donate your things, and that might be the better choice for you.”
Dear Amy: “Torn and Troubled in L.A.” spoke to their sadness in losing a relationship with their son’s former girlfriend.
I too left a relationship after almost a decade with my ex. Losing my ex’s parents was one of the hardest parts of that breakup and to this day, I miss those wonderful people dearly.
I still think of them often and still feel an ache from that loss … six years later. Moving on with your life and properly healing from a breakup unfortunately often means no contact with your second set of parents, but I will be forever thankful for their love and kindness.
Ever-Grateful
Dear Ever-Grateful: I hope that at some point you will take the opportunity to send these people a note, acknowledging their impact on your life and expressing your gratitude.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-08-17--Miss Manners: Why is my co-worker suddenly shunning me?

DEAR MISS MANNERS : My co-worker and I have been friends since she began working at our office several years ago .
Our office has no windows , so , historically , when she would go outside for a cigarette break , she would invite me to stand with her and get out of the office for a few moments .
( I do not smoke , so I stand upwind of her . )
We have been very close and our friendship was very meaningful to me .
I was out sick for nearly a month with what was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I tested negative for it ) .
That was probably the sickest I have ever been in my life .
I was out of work for three weeks , trying to recover — the longest I have ever been out of work due to sickness .
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I have been back to work for over a month now , but since my return , this co-worker has been very cold and will not speak to me .
She makes a point of asking someone else , within my hearing range , to walk outside with her for her smoke breaks .
She goes out of her way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea why !
She had made vague mention of my illness , so I assured her I was much better , and that my antibody testing indicated I had not been infected with COVID .
She continues to be chilly and nearly rude most of the time .
I have been as kind as possible and continue to speak nicely to her , and try to ignore the obvious slights at work .
How on earth do I handle this ?
I thought whatever she was upset about might blow over , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay .
GENTLE READER : The prudent habit of social distancing should not be confused with an older , uglier propensity to shun the unfortunate , out of the feeling that misfortune of any kind could be contagious .
Your co-worker is practicing the latter .
Were she seriously only afraid of contagion , she would be concerned about your health and anxious that you not interpret her distancing as callous .
As she has made no such moves , Miss Manners suggests that you cease imagining that this person is your friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extent necessary , in a formal and professional manner .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : When meeting a woman for the first time in social circumstances , is it appropriate to give a quick handshake , a crisp smile and say , “ Charmed ” ?
Or is such a phrase no longer considered charming ?
GENTLE READER : The smile is still necessary and the handshake is at least suspended until better days , when it may or may not be resumed .
But as for saying “ Charmed , ” that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is more flattering to declare a lady charming after you have begun to get to know her than to label her so automatically .
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: My co-worker and I have been friends since she began working at our office several years ago.
Our office has no windows, so, historically, when she would go outside for a cigarette break, she would invite me to stand with her and get out of the office for a few moments. (I do not smoke, so I stand upwind of her.) We have been very close and our friendship was very meaningful to me.
I was out sick for nearly a month with what was initially thought to be COVID (though I tested negative for it). That was probably the sickest I have ever been in my life. I was out of work for three weeks, trying to recover — the longest I have ever been out of work due to sickness.
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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 I have been back to work for over a month now, but since my return, this co-worker has been very cold and will not speak to me. She makes a point of asking someone else, within my hearing range, to walk outside with her for her smoke breaks. She goes out of her way to avoid me, and I have no idea why!
She had made vague mention of my illness, so I assured her I was much better, and that my antibody testing indicated I had not been infected with COVID.
She continues to be chilly and nearly rude most of the time. I have been as kind as possible and continue to speak nicely to her, and try to ignore the obvious slights at work.
How on earth do I handle this? I thought whatever she was upset about might blow over, but this behavior seems to be here to stay.
GENTLE READER: The prudent habit of social distancing should not be confused with an older, uglier propensity to shun the unfortunate, out of the feeling that misfortune of any kind could be contagious.
Your co-worker is practicing the latter. Were she seriously only afraid of contagion, she would be concerned about your health and anxious that you not interpret her distancing as callous.
As she has made no such moves, Miss Manners suggests that you cease imagining that this person is your friend and deal with her, to the extent necessary, in a formal and professional manner.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: When meeting a woman for the first time in social circumstances, is it appropriate to give a quick handshake, a crisp smile and say, “Charmed”? Or is such a phrase no longer considered charming?
GENTLE READER: The smile is still necessary and the handshake is at least suspended until better days, when it may or may not be resumed. But as for saying “Charmed,” that was never right.
Miss Manners assures you that it is more flattering to declare a lady charming after you have begun to get to know her than to label her so automatically.
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--2020-08-17--Dear Abby: I realized I might want him when he started dating her. What do I do now?

DEAR ABBY : I am a 21-year-old woman who hasn ’ t been very lucky when it comes to relationships .
My first real relationship wasn ’ t until I was 20 , and it didn ’ t last too long .
I have “ talked ” to quite a few guys , but they never went past the “ getting to know you ” stage .
I was able to figure out things I wanted and didn ’ t want in a relationship .
My best friend for the last eight years has always been there to help me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has all the qualities I ’ m looking for in someone .
He ’ s smart , funny , honest , caring and is literally a male version of me .
• Dear Abby : I wish I had known what my wife ’ s living will said • Dear Abby : I think about leaving my husband , but I ’ d lose this lifestyle • Dear Abby : How do we convince them that this woman ’ s behavior is not normal ?
• Dear Abby : My son ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friendship with her father • Dear Abby : They treat him like a hero because they believe his lies When we were younger , he told me he had feelings for me , but I only saw him as a friend .
Everyone would tell us we should be together , but I ignored it .
After years of knowing I didn ’ t feel the same way , he gave up trying to progress our friendship into something more .
I always told him I didn ’ t want to get romantically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much and I didn ’ t want to lose him .
He recently started a relationship with someone , and it made me realize I might have romantic feelings for him that I haven ’ t had before .
I don ’ t know what to do .
Please help .
DEAR TOO LATE : The longer you remain silent , the greater the chances that your friend ’ s new relationship could develop into something serious .
Tell him all the qualities you think are special about him ( minus the one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Then follow it up with the fact that it wasn ’ t until he started this new romantic relationship that you realized you have those kinds of feelings for him .
Better late than never DEAR ABBY : Last month , I found out a friend of mine was going to be living out of his van .
I couldn ’ t let him do that , so I offered him my second bedroom and put him on the lease .
He told me Uber doesn ’ t pay much , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,700-a-month rent , so we agreed he would pay what he could , roughly $ 200- $ 300 of the $ 1,700 .
I said it was OK because I didn ’ t take him in for money purposes .
I did it to help a friend in need , and I had spare space .
I quickly found out that he ’ s a hoarder .
His entire bedroom is full of his boxes of stuff ( manga , anime , books , etc.
, not furniture or a TV ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s been sleeping on my living room couch .
He also spends all his time at home and Ubered only the last two days of the month to make the $ 200 to pay me .
I guess my question is , our agreement was $ 200- $ 300 a month , which he paid , but does finding out he ’ s working only two days a month to make it change our agreement ?
TOOK IN A LOST PUPPY IN HAWAII DEAR TOOK : May I point out that when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it wasn ’ t so he ’ d be sleeping on your couch but in the spare room ?
He shouldn ’ t be using your living room or your couch for sleeping .
Because you put this freeloader on the lease — for what reason , I can not fathom — you may need an attorney to get him out of there .
Rather than working two days a month to pay that minuscule amount of rent to you , he should be driving enough hours to accumulate a down payment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that your kindness has been taken advantage of is an understatement .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: I am a 21-year-old woman who hasn’t been very lucky when it comes to relationships. My first real relationship wasn’t until I was 20, and it didn’t last too long. I have “talked” to quite a few guys, but they never went past the “getting to know you” stage.
I was able to figure out things I wanted and didn’t want in a relationship.
My best friend for the last eight years has always been there to help me get through some pretty hard times. He has all the qualities I’m looking for in someone. He’s smart, funny, honest, caring and is literally a male version of me.
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Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us Advice | Dear Abby: I was annoyed to discover why our friends picked this restaurant When we were younger, he told me he had feelings for me, but I only saw him as a friend. Everyone would tell us we should be together, but I ignored it. After years of knowing I didn’t feel the same way, he gave up trying to progress our friendship into something more. I always told him I didn’t want to get romantically involved because I value his friendship too much and I didn’t want to lose him.
He recently started a relationship with someone, and it made me realize I might have romantic feelings for him that I haven’t had before. I don’t know what to do. Please help.
TOO LATE IN TEXAS
DEAR TOO LATE: The longer you remain silent, the greater the chances that your friend’s new relationship could develop into something serious.
Tell him all the qualities you think are special about him (minus the one about being your “clone”). Then follow it up with the fact that it wasn’t until he started this new romantic relationship that you realized you have those kinds of feelings for him. Better late than never
DEAR ABBY: Last month, I found out a friend of mine was going to be living out of his van. I couldn’t let him do that, so I offered him my second bedroom and put him on the lease.
He told me Uber doesn’t pay much, and he couldn’t afford half the $1,700-a-month rent, so we agreed he would pay what he could, roughly $200-$300 of the $1,700. I said it was OK because I didn’t take him in for money purposes. I did it to help a friend in need, and I had spare space.
I quickly found out that he’s a hoarder. His entire bedroom is full of his boxes of stuff (manga, anime, books, etc., not furniture or a TV), so much so that he’s been sleeping on my living room couch. He also spends all his time at home and Ubered only the last two days of the month to make the $200 to pay me.
I guess my question is, our agreement was $200-$300 a month, which he paid, but does finding out he’s working only two days a month to make it change our agreement?
TOOK IN A LOST PUPPY IN HAWAII
DEAR TOOK: May I point out that when you took this “puppy” in, it wasn’t so he’d be sleeping on your couch but in the spare room? He shouldn’t be using your living room or your couch for sleeping.
Because you put this freeloader on the lease — for what reason, I cannot fathom — you may need an attorney to get him out of there. Rather than working two days a month to pay that minuscule amount of rent to you, he should be driving enough hours to accumulate a down payment on a place of his own. To say that your kindness has been taken advantage of is an understatement.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-08-17--Los Altos: One dead, six hurt in solo I-280 crash

LOS ALTOS — The cause of a weekend solo minivan crash that killed one person and left half a dozen with injuries was under investigation , authorities said .
Just after 4:55 p.m. Sunday , Santa Clara County Fire Department firefighters responded to reports of the crash in northbound Interstate 280 lanes at Magdalena Road just north of the Foothill Expressway on-ramp , fire officials said in a statement .
When firefighters arrived , they found a white Toyota Sienna that overturned , with seven people inside.Despite emergency life-saving measures provided by firefighters and paramedics , one person was pronounced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six injured , two people suffered major injuries , while two others sustained moderate injuries and the other two escaped with minor injuries .
All were taken to an area hospital for treatment .
Their conditions were not immediately available late Sunday .
California Highway Patrol officers also responded , calling a Sig-alert at 5:15 p.m. to alert drivers to seek alternate routes after three I-280 lanes were blocked .
All lanes reopened around 8:20 p.m .
Anyone with information about the crash may call the CHP ’ s San Jose office at @ @

LOS ALTOS — The cause of a weekend solo minivan crash that killed one person and left half a dozen with injuries was under investigation, authorities said.
Just after 4:55 p.m. Sunday, Santa Clara County Fire Department firefighters responded to reports of the crash in northbound Interstate 280 lanes at Magdalena Road just north of the Foothill Expressway on-ramp, fire officials said in a statement.
When firefighters arrived, they found a white Toyota Sienna that overturned, with seven people inside.Despite emergency life-saving measures provided by firefighters and paramedics, one person was pronounced dead at the scene.
Of the six injured, two people suffered major injuries, while two others sustained moderate injuries and the other two escaped with minor injuries. All were taken to an area hospital for treatment. Their conditions were not immediately available late Sunday.
California Highway Patrol officers also responded, calling a Sig-alert at 5:15 p.m. to alert drivers to seek alternate routes after three I-280 lanes were blocked. All lanes reopened around 8:20 p.m.
Anyone with information about the crash may call the CHP’s San Jose office at 408-467-5400.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-08-17--Map: Mandatory evacuations for Deer Complex Fire near Brentwood

In a turnabout Sunday night , East Contra Costa Fire Protection District firefighters said residents near the Deer Zone fire must evacuate .
The district said residents west of Brentwood along Morgan Territory and Marsh Creek roads from Round Valley northwest to Deer Valley Road should leave .
It gave as a reason a change in the fire ’ s behavior .
Evacuees were told to shelter at the City of Brentwood Community Center at 34 Oak Street or the Clayton LIbrary , 6125 Clayton Road .
CalFire had described the fire as three separate blazes that had grown during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday afternoon , and East County Fire staff had responded to social-media questions by saying evacuations weren ’ t expected at that time .
Firefighters ’ efforts had led to Marsh Creek ’ s closure between Morgan Territory Road and Camino Diablo , but county public-works crews had re-opened it to Deer Valley Road by noon and reopened all of Marsh Creek by 6:15 p.m .
But CalFire revised its estimate of the fire upward to 400 acres and four separate blazes by 8 p.m. , and weather conditions were not expected to @ @ @ @

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In a turnabout Sunday night, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District firefighters said residents near the Deer Zone fire must evacuate.
The district said residents west of Brentwood along Morgan Territory and Marsh Creek roads from Round Valley northwest to Deer Valley Road should leave. It gave as a reason a change in the fire’s behavior.
Evacuees were told to shelter at the City of Brentwood Community Center at 34 Oak Street or the Clayton LIbrary, 6125 Clayton Road.
CalFire had described the fire as three separate blazes that had grown during the day to about 325 acres late Sunday afternoon, and East County Fire staff had responded to social-media questions by saying evacuations weren’t expected at that time.
Firefighters’ efforts had led to Marsh Creek’s closure between Morgan Territory Road and Camino Diablo, but county public-works crews had re-opened it to Deer Valley Road by noon and reopened all of Marsh Creek by 6:15 p.m.
But CalFire revised its estimate of the fire upward to 400 acres and four separate blazes by 8 p.m., and weather conditions were not expected to assist firefighter efforts.
#DeerZone [update] in the Round Valley Area (Contra Costa County) is now four fires with a total of 400 acres.@calfireSCU @ContraCostaFire @ECCFPD pic.twitter.com/6TyDrp0pWW — CAL FIRE SCU (@calfireSCU) August 17, 2020
MANDATORY EVACUATIONS FOR MARSH CREEK RD AND MORGAN TERRITORY RD
All of Morgan Territory Rd and Marsh Creek Rd from Round Valley north west to Deer Valley
Due to a change in fire behavior please evacuate these areas now! Please share this post #deerzoneincident — ECCFPD (@ECCFPD) August 17, 2020
Immediate Evacuation on Marsh Creek Road near Deer Valley in Brentwood This is a message from Cal Fire. Due to fire, an immediate evacuation has been ordered for the residents along Marsh Creek Road between Bragdon Way and Deer Valley Road. — Contra Costa CWS (@CoCoCWS) August 17, 2020
Immediate Evacuation on Morgan Territory Road south of Marsh Creek Road in Brentwood This is a message from Cal Fire. Due to fire, an immediate evacuation has been ordered for the residents along Morgan Territory Road south of Marsh Creek Road. — Contra Costa CWS (@CoCoCWS) August 17, 2020
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-08-18--Democrats claim ‘big tent’ for first convention in pandemic

NEW YORK ( AP ) — Joe Biden introduced the breadth of his coalition to a divided America on Monday night , progressive Democrats joining conservative Republicans and a billionaire CEO to deliver an urgent appeal for voters to unite against President Donald Trump regardless of political ideology or party .
Former first lady Michelle Obama vouched for Biden ’ s empathy and experience , while the extraordinary ideological range of Biden ’ s many messengers on the opening night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention was perhaps best demonstrated by former presidential contenders from opposing parties : Vermont Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who championed a multi-trillion-dollar universal health care plan , and Ohio ’ s former Republican Gov .
John Kasich , an anti-abortion conservative who spent decades fighting to cut government spending .
“ My friends , I say to you , and to everyone who supported other candidates in this primary and to those who may have voted for Donald Trump in the last election : The future of our democracy is at stake .
The future of our economy is at stake .
The future of our planet is at stake , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status as a lifelong Republican “ holds second place to my responsibility to my country.
” “ In normal times , something like this would probably never happen , but these are not normal times , ” he said of his participation at the Democrats ’ convention .
He added : “ We can do better than what we ’ ve been seeing today , for sure.
” The unified message , outlined in excerpts of prerecorded speeches , came as Democrats launched the first presidential nominating convention of the coronavirus era .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a central meeting place or cheering throngs .
And there were real questions about whether the prime-time event would adequately energize the disparate factions Biden hopes to capture .
Trump sought to undermine the Democrats ’ big night by hosting a political rally in Wisconsin , where Biden ’ s party had originally planned this week ’ s convention .
He called the Democrats ’ event “ a snooze ” before it even began .
“ You know when you hear a speech is taped , it ’ s like there is nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the Republican president said .
Democrats abandoned their plans for an in-person gathering in Milwaukee because of the pandemic .
The unprecedented gathering is not only testing the bonds of the diverse Biden-Kamala Harris coalition but the practical challenges of running a presidential campaign in the midst of a pandemic .
Among a series of national crises , speakers planned to address bipartisan concerns that Postal Service changes will make it hard for voters to be sure their mail-in ballots are received in time and counted .
Ballot access is a particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities were disproportionately forced to wait in long lines to cast primary votes earlier in the year .
At this moment , Biden sits in a stronger political position than Trump , who has struggled to expand his political coalition under the weight of his turbulent leadership and prolonged health and economic crises .
But 78 days before votes are counted , history is not on the Democratic challenger ’ s side .
Just one incumbent president has been defeated in the last four decades .
Polls also suggest that Biden , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong end of an enthusiasm gap .
His supporters consistently say they ’ re motivated more by opposition to Trump , who is 74 , than excitement about Biden .
Democrats hope to shift that dynamic beginning with the convention .
Biden will accept the nomination Thursday night in a mostly empty ballroom in his home state of Delaware .
California Sen. Harris , the first Black woman on a national ticket , speaks Wednesday .
Michelle Obama , whom Gallup determined was the nation ’ s most admired woman last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man ” in a video excerpt of her remarks recorded at least six days earlier .
“ He was a terrific vice president , ” she said of the man who served for eight years as her husband ’ s No .
2 .
“ He knows what it takes to rescue an economy , beat back a pandemic and lead our country.
” The former first lady appeared in a video sitting alone in a quiet room with a sparsely decorated shelf , a burning candle and a small blue Biden sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any of the speakers , convention organizers were forced to get creative in their high-stakes quest to generate enthusiasm .
The campaign hosted drive-in viewing stations in six states , much like drive-in movies , where viewers could watch on a big screen from the safety of their vehicles .
There were also many online watch parties featuring celebrities and elected officials to make the experience more interactive .
The scheduled Monday speakers included plenty of Democratic politicians : Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina , who is the highest ranking African @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Andrew Cuomo ; Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ; Alabama Sen. Doug Jones ; Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and two former presidential contenders : Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sanders .
And beyond Kasich , there were three high-profile Republicans backing Biden who got speaking slots : California businesswoman Meg Whitman , former New Jersey Gov .
Christine Whitman and former New York Congresswoman Susan Molinari .
Biden ’ s team also shared the stage with several average Americans , including Kristin Urquiza , who lost her father to COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His only preexisting condition was trusting Donald Trump , and for that he paid with his life , ” she said in an excerpt released by the campaign .
It was impossible to fully gauge America ’ s interest in the all-virtual format on the first night .
Broadcast TV networks are showing the final hour each night live , cable news is showing both hours and many viewers plan to stream from the rivals ’ websites or on social media .
Trump , as he often does , was ensuring he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversation .
The Republican president made two swing-state campaign appearances on Monday , first in Minnesota and then in Wisconsin , which was to be the location for the Democrats ’ convention before the coronavirus outbreak .
Trump said he had “ no choice ” but to campaign during the convention in order to address voters in the face of what he described as hostile news media .
“ The only way we ’ re going to lose this election is if the election is rigged , ” Trump said in Wisconsin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of significant voting fraud .

By STEVE PEOPLES and MICHELLE L. PRICE
NEW YORK (AP) — Michelle Obama delivered a passionate condemnation of President Donald Trump during Monday’s opening night of the Democratic National Convention, declaring him “in over his head” and warning that the nation’s mounting crises would only get worse if he’s reelected over Joe Biden.
“Donald Trump is the wrong president for our country,” she said. “He cannot meet this moment. He simply cannot be who we need him to be for us.”
The former first lady, one of the nation’s most respected women, was the headliner at the first presidential nominating convention of the coronavirus era. There was no central meeting place or cheering throng during the all-virtual affair. But it was an opportunity for Democrats — and some Republicans — to rally behind Biden, the party’s presidential nominee.
Bernie Sanders, the progressive Vermont senator who was Biden’s last standing rival during the primary, encouraged his loyal supporters to vote for the former vice president in November, arguing the nation can’t survive another four years of Trump. He notably backed Biden’s plan for tackling health care, one of their most substantive differences in the past. Sanders backs a Medicare for All plan while Biden has called for expanding the current “Obamacare” law.”
But it was Michelle Obama, making her fourth convention appearance, who once again delivered an electrifying moment. Wearing a necklace that said “vote,” she tapped into her enduring popularity among Black voters and college educated suburban women — voters Biden will need to show up in force.
She issued a stark warning to a country already navigating health and economic crises along with a reckoning on racism.
“If you think things possibly can’t get worse, trust me, they can and they will if we don’t make a change in this election,” she said as she issued a call to action for the coalition of young and diverse voters who twice sent her family to the White House.
Biden will formally accept the nomination on Thursday near his home in Wilmington, Delaware. His running mate, California Sen. Kamala Harris, who is the first Black woman on a national ticket, speaks Wednesday night.
Leading up to that, Biden sought on opening night to demonstrate the broad ideological range of his supporters.
On the same night he was praised by Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist who championed a multi-trillion-dollar universal health care plan, Biden also won backing from Ohio’s former Republican Gov. John Kasich, an anti-abortion conservative who spent decades fighting to cut government spending.
“My friends, I say to you, and to everyone who supported other candidates in this primary and to those who may have voted for Donald Trump in the last election: The future of our democracy is at stake. The future of our economy is at stake. The future of our planet is at stake,” Sanders said as he endorsed Biden’s health care plan.
Still, there were real questions about whether the prime-time event would adequately energize the disparate factions Biden hopes to capture.
Republicans face a similar challenge next week.
Trump sought to undermine the Democrats’ big night by hosting a political rally in Wisconsin, where Biden’s party had originally planned this week’s convention. He called the Democrats’ event “a snooze” before it even began.
Monday’s speeches were framed by emotional appearances from average Americans touched by the crises that have exploded on Trump’s watch.
Philonise and Rodney Floyd led a moment of silence in honor of their brother, George Floyd, the Minnesota man whose death while in police custody sparked a national moment of awakening on racial injustice.
“George should be alive today,” Philonise Floyd said matter-of-factly.
Also speaking was Kristin Urquiza, an Arizona woman who lost her father to COVID-19, which has killed more than 170,000 Americans as of Monday evening.
“My dad was a healthy 65-year-old,” she said. “His only preexisting condition was trusting Donald Trump, and for that, he paid with his life.”
And Rick Telesz, a Pennsylvania farmer, warned that Trump’s trade war has had a “truly a devastating effect” on his farm before the coronavirus brought another blow with what he called “misinformation” coming from the country’s leadership.
“My biggest concern is that if these trends continue with this type of leadership, I will be the last generation farming this farm,” he said.
Democrats abandoned their plans for an in-person gathering in Milwaukee because of the pandemic. The unprecedented gathering is not only testing the bonds of the diverse Biden-Harris coalition but the practical challenges of running a presidential campaign in the midst of a pandemic.
At this moment, Biden sits in a stronger political position than Trump, who has struggled to expand his political coalition under the weight of his turbulent leadership and prolonged health and economic crises. But 78 days before votes are counted, history is not on the Democratic challenger’s side. Just one incumbent president has been defeated in the last four decades.
Polls also suggest that Biden, a 77-year-old lifelong politician, is on the wrong end of an enthusiasm gap. His supporters consistently say they’re motivated more by opposition to Trump, who is 74, than excitement about Biden. Democrats hope to shift that dynamic beginning with the convention.
The former first lady, whom Gallup determined was the nation’s most admired woman last year, wowed Democrats at the 2016 presidential convention by coining the phrase: “When they go low, we go high.” She insisted on Monday she was not abandoning that tack, explaining that taking the high road doesn’t mean staying silent.
With no live audience for any of the speakers, convention organizers were forced to get creative in their high-stakes quest to generate enthusiasm. There were live appearances from speakers in Texas, South Carolina, Wisconsin and Michigan, but many of the speeches that aired Monday night were prerecorded.
Seeking to inject some family fun into an otherwise serious two-hour video montage, the campaign hosted drive-in viewing stations in six states, much like drive-in movies, where viewers could watch on a big screen from the safety of their vehicles. There were also many online watch parties featuring celebrities and elected officials to make the experience more interactive.
It wasn’t clear how many people attended the parties. In most, only the speakers were visible on screen. In one watch party, Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren rallied progressives, many of whom had preferred Sanders over Biden.
“We must do everything we can to energize and excite our base about the choice before us,” Jayapal said
The Monday speakers included plenty of Democratic politicians: Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, who is the highest ranking African American in Congress; New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo; Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer; Alabama Sen. Doug Jones; Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and two former presidential contenders: Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sanders.
And beyond Kasich, there were three high-profile Republicans backing Biden who got speaking slots: California businesswoman Meg Whitman, former New Jersey Gov. Christine Whitman and former New York Congresswoman Susan Molinari.
It was impossible to fully gauge America’s interest in the all-virtual format on the first night. Broadcast TV networks are showing the final hour each night live, cable news is showing both hours and many viewers plan to stream from the rivals’ websites or on social media.
Trump, as he often does, was ensuring he’d be a part of the conversation.
The Republican president made two swing-state campaign appearances on Monday, first in Minnesota and then in Wisconsin, which was to be the location for the Democrats’ convention before the coronavirus outbreak.
Trump said he had “no choice” but to campaign during the convention in order to address voters in the face of what he described as hostile news media.
“The only way we’re going to lose this election is if the election is rigged,” Trump said in Wisconsin, raising anew with no evidence the specter of significant voting fraud.
___
AP writer Kathleen Ronayne in California contributed.