mercurynews--2020-03-24--As Coronavirus threatens general election, California could be example for states expanding vote-by-

As Coronavirus threatens general election, California could be example for states expanding vote-by-mail

The coronavirus cases spreading across the country have already overturned the 2020 presidential campaign , forcing multiple states to postpone their primaries and raising fears that the November general election could be marred by the pandemic .
Now states are rushing to expand the use of vote-by-mail , laying the groundwork for an unprecedented shift in voting procedures .
California , which has massively ramped up its use of mail-in voting over the last few decades , could be a model for others to follow .
In Congress , lawmakers are debating a proposal from House Democrats to require states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 billion to election officials to help expand the process as part of a larger coronavirus relief package .
But the idea has faced opposition from Republicans who argue that the bill should focus on economic relief , not voting rights .
California is ahead of the curve .
While less than 20 percent of voters in the 1992 general election cast their ballot by mail , nearly two-thirds did during the 2018 election , according to state data .
That ’ s likely to be even higher this year .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put in place to increase access to the ballot also make perfect sense for conducting elections during a health pandemic , ” Secretary of State Alex Padilla said in an interview .
“ We stand ready to assist any other states and share our experience with them on how best to do it.
” It ’ s possible that nearly every Californian will find a ballot in their mailbox this fall .
In California ’ s presidential primary earlier this month , about 75 percent of voters received a mail-in ballot , Padilla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles County to send every voter a ballot , after the county experienced huge lines and other disruptions at some vote centers during the primary .
While local officials haven ’ t committed to doing so , that would raise the statewide total to about 90 percent of voters statewide .
In the short term , Gov .
Gavin Newsom signed an executive order last week allowing vote-by-mail for three special elections coming up in the next few months and giving counties an additional 21 days to finish counting ballots from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special elections would help inform any future efforts to further expand mail-in voting in November .
Whatever happens over the next few months , it ’ s highly unlikely that the November general election will be postponed .
Federal law requires it to be held on “ the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November , ” and changing that would require the support of Democrats and Republicans in Congress .
The Constitution also says that President Trump ’ s term ends at noon on January 20 , 2021 , so there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to extend his term in the event the election is impacted .
Around the country , election officials are scrambling to figure out a safe way for voters to make their choice in the middle of a pandemic — and vote-by-mail is looking like an attractive way for people to cast their ballots even if they ’ re stuck in their homes .
Already , five western states — Colorado , Hawaii , Oregon , Utah and Washington — conduct all-mail elections , sending every voter a ballot .
Others like California are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t allow voters to cast ballots by mail unless they have an excuse for doing so , such as being out of town on Election Day .
Some states would even require a constitutional change to adopt vote-by-mail practices like California ’ s .
In the Senate , Sens .
Amy Klobuchar and Ron Wyden have introduced a bill to require all states to allow voters to cast their ballots by mail and expand in-person early voting , mirroring provisions in the House Democratic proposal .
“ No citizen in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their right to vote and protecting their health , ” said Klobuchar , whose husband has tested positive for the virus .
But Republicans have pushed back against those proposals .
“ What does forcing all states to have early voting have to do with coronavirus ?
” asked GOP Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland in a tweet .
Experts say that vote-by-mail can ’ t totally replace in-person voting , even during a dire health crisis .
Research has found younger and minority voters less likely to feel comfortable voting by mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more likely to have their mail-in ballots rejected for issues like their signature not matching one on record .
“ If all states were going to send all voters a vote-by-mail ballot , we have serious concerns about whether every state would be able to ramp up appropriately without leaving voters inadvertently disenfranchised , ” said Mindy Romero , the director of the UC Davis California Civic Engagement Project , who studies voting rights and turnout in California .
She recommended also expanding the availability of in-person early voting .
The clock is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vast amounts of ballots and envelopes would need to be printed months in advance if more states expand vote-by-mail procedures , and others would have to change their laws even while some state legislatures have already recessed because of the virus .
Huge voter education programs would also be necessary to teach voters who are used to casting their ballots in person about new procedures .
Another big complication : many of the volunteers who typically staff polling places are elderly retirees who would be at elevated risk for the virus , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retirement homes .
If the virus is still raging in November , California may have to “ recruit a new generation of poll workers , ” Padilla said .
Padilla said he ’ d already heard from multiple elections officials around the country asking for advice for improving their own vote-by-mail programs .
And California has enacted plenty of reforms in recent years that other states could follow .
Ballots are counted as long as they ’ re postmarked on election day , even if they arrive up to three days after election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ envelopes with prepaid postage , so voters don ’ t have to pay to send their ballots back .
And voters are given the opportunity to fix issues with their ballot like mismatched signatures that come up during the counting process .
California has also done a good job at making sure ballots are available in languages other than English , said Myrna Pérez , director of the Brennan Center ’ s Voting Rights and Elections Program .
“ California has a lot of features that other states should look at very carefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay Area , San Mateo and Santa Clara counties already send a ballot to every voter under procedures known as the Voter ’ s Choice Act .
The other counties aren ’ t that far behind .
“ Regardless of coronavirus , we ’ re seeing interest in our voters to move to permanent vote-by-mail , ” said Tim Dupuis , the registrar for Alameda County .
About 76 percent of voters in his county registered as permanent vote-by-mail voters , he said , adding that “ I expect the number to surge @ @ @ @ @

The coronavirus cases spreading across the country have already overturned the 2020 presidential campaign, forcing multiple states to postpone their primaries and raising fears that the November general election could be marred by the pandemic.
Now states are rushing to expand the use of vote-by-mail, laying the groundwork for an unprecedented shift in voting procedures. California, which has massively ramped up its use of mail-in voting over the last few decades, could be a model for others to follow.
In Congress, lawmakers are debating a proposal from House Democrats to require states to allow mail-in voting and send $2 billion to election officials to help expand the process as part of a larger coronavirus relief package. But the idea has faced opposition from Republicans who argue that the bill should focus on economic relief, not voting rights.
California is ahead of the curve. While less than 20 percent of voters in the 1992 general election cast their ballot by mail, nearly two-thirds did during the 2018 election, according to state data. That’s likely to be even higher this year.
“It turns out that the policies California has put in place to increase access to the ballot also make perfect sense for conducting elections during a health pandemic,” Secretary of State Alex Padilla said in an interview. “We stand ready to assist any other states and share our experience with them on how best to do it.”
It’s possible that nearly every Californian will find a ballot in their mailbox this fall. In California’s presidential primary earlier this month, about 75 percent of voters received a mail-in ballot, Padilla said.
Padilla has already called on Los Angeles County to send every voter a ballot, after the county experienced huge lines and other disruptions at some vote centers during the primary. While local officials haven’t committed to doing so, that would raise the statewide total to about 90 percent of voters statewide.
In the short term, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order last week allowing vote-by-mail for three special elections coming up in the next few months and giving counties an additional 21 days to finish counting ballots from the March 3 primary. Padilla said those special elections would help inform any future efforts to further expand mail-in voting in November.
Whatever happens over the next few months, it’s highly unlikely that the November general election will be postponed. Federal law requires it to be held on “the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November,” and changing that would require the support of Democrats and Republicans in Congress.
The Constitution also says that President Trump’s term ends at noon on January 20, 2021, so there’s no way for the president to extend his term in the event the election is impacted.
Around the country, election officials are scrambling to figure out a safe way for voters to make their choice in the middle of a pandemic — and vote-by-mail is looking like an attractive way for people to cast their ballots even if they’re stuck in their homes.
Already, five western states — Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington — conduct all-mail elections, sending every voter a ballot. Others like California are close behind.
But many other states don’t allow voters to cast ballots by mail unless they have an excuse for doing so, such as being out of town on Election Day. Some states would even require a constitutional change to adopt vote-by-mail practices like California’s.
In the Senate, Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Ron Wyden have introduced a bill to require all states to allow voters to cast their ballots by mail and expand in-person early voting, mirroring provisions in the House Democratic proposal.
“No citizen in this country should have to pick between exercising their right to vote and protecting their health,” said Klobuchar, whose husband has tested positive for the virus.
But Republicans have pushed back against those proposals.
“What does forcing all states to have early voting have to do with coronavirus?” asked GOP Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland in a tweet.
Experts say that vote-by-mail can’t totally replace in-person voting, even during a dire health crisis. Research has found younger and minority voters less likely to feel comfortable voting by mail. And voters of color have been more likely to have their mail-in ballots rejected for issues like their signature not matching one on record.
“If all states were going to send all voters a vote-by-mail ballot, we have serious concerns about whether every state would be able to ramp up appropriately without leaving voters inadvertently disenfranchised,” said Mindy Romero, the director of the UC Davis California Civic Engagement Project, who studies voting rights and turnout in California. She recommended also expanding the availability of in-person early voting.
The clock is ticking for states to make changes. Vast amounts of ballots and envelopes would need to be printed months in advance if more states expand vote-by-mail procedures, and others would have to change their laws even while some state legislatures have already recessed because of the virus.
Huge voter education programs would also be necessary to teach voters who are used to casting their ballots in person about new procedures.
Another big complication: many of the volunteers who typically staff polling places are elderly retirees who would be at elevated risk for the virus, and plenty of polling places are located inside retirement homes. If the virus is still raging in November, California may have to “recruit a new generation of poll workers,” Padilla said.
Padilla said he’d already heard from multiple elections officials around the country asking for advice for improving their own vote-by-mail programs.
And California has enacted plenty of reforms in recent years that other states could follow. Ballots are counted as long as they’re postmarked on election day, even if they arrive up to three days after election day. The state sends out return envelopes with prepaid postage, so voters don’t have to pay to send their ballots back. And voters are given the opportunity to fix issues with their ballot like mismatched signatures that come up during the counting process.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Politics | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge California has also done a good job at making sure ballots are available in languages other than English, said Myrna Pérez, director of the Brennan Center’s Voting Rights and Elections Program.
“California has a lot of features that other states should look at very carefully,” Pérez said.
In the Bay Area, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties already send a ballot to every voter under procedures known as the Voter’s Choice Act. The other counties aren’t that far behind.
“Regardless of coronavirus, we’re seeing interest in our voters to move to permanent vote-by-mail,” said Tim Dupuis, the registrar for Alameda County. About 76 percent of voters in his county registered as permanent vote-by-mail voters, he said, adding that “I expect the number to surge again in November.”


mercurynews--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: As BART slashes hours, SFO running ’emergency bus service’ to and from East Bay

San Francisco International Airport has begun operating late-night “ emergency bus service ” to and from the East Bay for airport personnel and fliers affected by BART ’ s decision to limit service .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , BART has cut its operating hours and has temporarily suspended service past 9 p.m .
In place of train service from SFO to the East Bay , the airport is providing shuttles that will depart the airport from Courtyard G at the International Terminal at 10:15 p.m. , 11:15 p.m. and 12:15 a.m .
The airport is also providing late-night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station that departs at 12:20 a.m. and stops at four other stations before arriving at the airport at 1:45 a.m .
The bus service is free , but passengers may be asked to show a SFO ID badge , tenant employee identification or proof of same-day air travel such as a boarding pass .
Bus service began on Monday evening and could be expanded or enhanced in the coming days , but BART and SFO say the current schedule will remain in place through at least Friday .
The bus is a large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parking Service ” branding , but a BART press release does not specify how many passengers the bus can accommodate and if multiple buses will be used to encourage social distancing .
Inbound and outbound buses will stop at three San Francisco stations — Balboa Park , Mission/Silver , Salesforce Transit Center– as well as at the 19th Street station in Oakland and the North Concord/Martinez station .
Buses leaving SFO for the East Bay will also stop at the El Cerrito Del Norte station , but the buses heading to SFO will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specify what time buses will stop at each station en route to the East Bay , but the bus bound for SFO will leave the North Martinez/Concord station at 12:20 a.m. and adhere to the following schedule .
-Arrive at SFO Courtyard G ( International Terminal ) at 1:45 a.m .

San Francisco International Airport has begun operating late-night “emergency bus service” to and from the East Bay for airport personnel and fliers affected by BART’s decision to limit service.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, BART has cut its operating hours and has temporarily suspended service past 9 p.m.
In place of train service from SFO to the East Bay, the airport is providing shuttles that will depart the airport from Courtyard G at the International Terminal at 10:15 p.m., 11:15 p.m. and 12:15 a.m.
The airport is also providing late-night bus service from the North Concord/Martinez BART station that departs at 12:20 a.m. and stops at four other stations before arriving at the airport at 1:45 a.m.
The bus service is free, but passengers may be asked to show a SFO ID badge, tenant employee identification or proof of same-day air travel such as a boarding pass.
Bus service began on Monday evening and could be expanded or enhanced in the coming days, but BART and SFO say the current schedule will remain in place through at least Friday.
The bus is a large blue two-door transit bus with “SFO Parking Service” branding, but a BART press release does not specify how many passengers the bus can accommodate and if multiple buses will be used to encourage social distancing.
Inbound and outbound buses will stop at three San Francisco stations — Balboa Park, Mission/Silver, Salesforce Transit Center– as well as at the 19th Street station in Oakland and the North Concord/Martinez station. Buses leaving SFO for the East Bay will also stop at the El Cerrito Del Norte station, but the buses heading to SFO will not stop there.
BART does not specify what time buses will stop at each station en route to the East Bay, but the bus bound for SFO will leave the North Martinez/Concord station at 12:20 a.m. and adhere to the following schedule.
Inbound to SFO
Departs North Martinez/Concord at 12:20 a.m.
-19th St. Oakland at 12:47 a.m.
-Salesforce Transit Center at 1:03 a.m.
-Mission/Silver at 1:18 a.m.
-Balboa Park at 1:26 a.m.
-Arrive at SFO Courtyard G (International Terminal) at 1:45 a.m.


mercurynews--2020-03-24--Photos: Nations have all hands on deck for influx of coronavirus patients

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the gallery and video on your mobile device The World Health Organization says the coronavirus pandemic is “ accelerating , ” according to NPR .
As of Tuesday afternoon , the John Hopkins University website found that 417,698 cases have been confirmed and 18,614 deaths have been reported .
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that it took 67 days for the virus to reach 100,000 reported cases , 11 days to hit the 200,000 mark and four days to reach 300,000 cases .
With that in mind , countries around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals and prepare beds in anticipation of the influx of patients .
Nations such as Spain , Sweden , Italy and Serbia have areas set up .
Meanwhile , France is running drills and preparing their own field hospitals .
In the United States , Navy hospital ships are being sent to Los Angeles and New York .
In Baltimore and the Empire State , convention centers are being converted to field hospitals .
The scenes are reminiscent of flu pandemics of the past .
In Los Angeles , Officials are opening emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to slow the spread of the illness .
Locally , the National Guard helped assemble food packages at Second Harvest Food Bank in San Jose .
The photo gallery above shows the efforts of Americans and nations abroad to prepare for COVID-19 patients .
For other images , follow us on Instagram .

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the gallery and video on your mobile device
The World Health Organization says the coronavirus pandemic is “accelerating,” according to NPR.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the John Hopkins University website found that 417,698 cases have been confirmed and 18,614 deaths have been reported. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that it took 67 days for the virus to reach 100,000 reported cases, 11 days to hit the 200,000 mark and four days to reach 300,000 cases. With that in mind, countries around the world have been working to create field hospitals and prepare beds in anticipation of the influx of patients. Nations such as Spain, Sweden, Italy and Serbia have areas set up. Meanwhile, France is running drills and preparing their own field hospitals.
In the United States, Navy hospital ships are being sent to Los Angeles and New York. In Baltimore and the Empire State, convention centers are being converted to field hospitals. The scenes are reminiscent of flu pandemics of the past. In Los Angeles, Officials are opening emergency shelters for the homeless in an effort to slow the spread of the illness. Locally, the National Guard helped assemble food packages at Second Harvest Food Bank in San Jose.
The photo gallery above shows the efforts of Americans and nations abroad to prepare for COVID-19 patients. For other images, follow us on Instagram.


mercurynews--2020-03-24--Bay Area sees nation’s biggest traffic drop in race to contain coronavirus

The Bay Area ’ s shelter in place order has slashed car traffic more dramatically than any other major urban area in the country , new research shows .
The disappearance of the Bay Area ’ s fearsome congestion has been cutting smog and could also be helping keep supply chains strong , because trucks and the goods they haul are moving much faster than normal through our typically traffic-choked region .
According to the transportation research firm INRIX , there were half as many cars on the road in the Bay Area last Wednesday , Thursday and Friday than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
While traffic fell nationwide last week amid efforts to contain the coronavirus , it hasn ’ t come close to matching drops in the Bay Area — there were 30 percent fewer cars on the road across the country on Thursday and Friday .
The Bay Area ’ s declines also outpaced those in other cities grappling with coronavirus outbreaks .
INRIX ’ s data showed Seattle ’ s traffic began falling earlier than the Bay Area ’ s a couple of weeks ago , but by last week was only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the second-biggest drop of the nation ’ s largest urban areas , with a 43-percent decline on Thursday and Friday .
INRIX researchers noted the Bay Area was the first region in the country to adopt strict shelter in place orders meant to stop the deadly virus ’ spread and has put some of the tightest restrictions on travel .
They also found that commercial traffic , such as service vehicles and local deliveries , has only fallen about 10 percent nationwide , and that long-haul truck traffic has stayed flat — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ store shelves stocked .
Another piece of research from the trucking industry found supplies are breezing through the busy freeways that usually slow them down in the Bay Area and nationwide , because so many other drivers are off the roads .
“ What we are seeing is an unprecedented level of truck movement , ” said Rebecca Brewster , president of the American Transportation Research Institute .
“ Not only are trucks continuing to move , but they are doing so at speeds well in excess of normal traffic patterns.
” Trucks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maze at average speeds of around 10 miles per hour during the afternoon rush , and pretty much never reached speeds above 35 miles per hour during daylight hours at the seemingly always-clogged interchange , according to the institute ’ s data from truck GPS systems .
Last week , though , trucks averaged over 50 miles per hour for much of the day and never dipped below 40 going through the area .
Around the interchange of Interstates 880 and 238 , trucks that normally slowed down to about 25 miles per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above 50 .

The Bay Area’s shelter in place order to contain the spread of COVID-19 has slashed car traffic more dramatically than any other major urban area in the country, new research shows.
The disappearance of the Bay Area’s fearsome congestion has been cutting smog and could also be helping keep supply chains strong: Trucks and the goods they haul are moving much faster than normal through our typically traffic-choked region.
According to the transportation research firm INRIX, there were half as many cars on the road in the Bay Area last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday than there would have been on a normal day.
The declines were nationwide, with 30 percent fewer cars on the road across the country on Thursday and Friday. But that didn’t come close to matching the Bay Area, which saw a 50 percent dip Wednesday, and 51 percent Thursday and Friday.
The Bay Area’s figures also outpaced other cities grappling with coronavirus outbreaks. INRIX’s data showed Seattle’s traffic began falling earlier than the Bay Area’s a couple of weeks ago, but by last week was only down 29 percent. New York City had the second-biggest drop among the nation’s largest urban areas, with a 43-percent decline on Thursday and Friday.
INRIX researchers noted the Bay Area was the first region in the country to adopt strict shelter in place orders meant to stop the deadly virus’ spread and has put some of the tightest restrictions on travel.
They also found that commercial traffic, such as service vehicles and local deliveries, has only fallen about 10 percent nationwide, and that long-haul truck traffic has stayed flat — which is good news for keeping grocery store shelves stocked.
Another piece of research from the trucking industry found supplies are breezing through the busy freeways that usually slow them down in the Bay Area and nationwide, because so many other drivers are off the roads.
“What we are seeing is an unprecedented level of truck movement,” said Rebecca Brewster, president of the American Transportation Research Institute. “Not only are trucks continuing to move, but they are doing so at speeds well in excess of normal traffic patterns.”
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Around the interchange of Interstates 880 and 238, trucks that normally slowed down to about 25 mph during peak times instead cruised by above 50 mph.


mercurynews--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: LA Sheriff orders gun stores to close

Gun shops in Los Angeles are nonessential businesses and will have to close their doors amid coronavirus restrictions , Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Tuesday .
“ There are hundreds of businesses which , through no fault of their own , do not fall under the Governor ’ s definition of critical infrastructure , ” Villanueva said during a press conference .
“ As a result , I have instructed my deputies to enforce closures of businesses which have disregarded the Governor ’ s order ( gun stores , strip clubs , and other non-designated businesses ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,300 deputies to beef up patrols .
Gun shops that remain open will be cited , he said .
The announcement comes one week after California Gov .
Gavin Newsom issued a shelter in place order directing the state ’ s nearly 40 million residents to stay home , beginning March 20 to help stop the spread of coronavirus .
Villanueva said the order is to help “ make sure ( nonessential businesses ) honor the social distancing and display some common sense.
” There are at least 52,381 cases of the novel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in the state of California , according to CNN Health ’ s tally of cases .
Gun stores in Los Angeles , and across the country , have reportedly seen increases in sales amid coronavirus concerns .
Last week , the California Rifle and Pistol Association issued a bulletin arguing that gun stores are essential businesses and should be allowed to continue operation .
“ CRPA firmly believes firearm retailers serve an essential purpose in California , especially given the unprecedented demand they currently face , ” the association wrote in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the CRPA did not immediately respond to CNN ’ s request for comment .

By Alexandra Meeks and Leah Asmelash | CNN
Gun shops in Los Angeles are nonessential businesses and will have to close their doors amid coronavirus restrictions, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Tuesday.
“There are hundreds of businesses which, through no fault of their own, do not fall under the Governor’s definition of critical infrastructure,” Villanueva said during a press conference. “As a result, I have instructed my deputies to enforce closures of businesses which have disregarded the Governor’s order (gun stores, strip clubs, and other non-designated businesses).”
Villanueva announced the department will add 1,300 deputies to beef up patrols. Gun shops that remain open will be cited, he said.
The announcement comes one week after California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a shelter in place order directing the state’s nearly 40 million residents to stay home, beginning March 20 to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Villanueva said the order is to help “make sure (nonessential businesses) honor the social distancing and display some common sense.”
There are at least 52,381 cases of the novel coronavirus in the US, including 2,102 cases in the state of California, according to CNN Health’s tally of cases.
Gun stores in Los Angeles, and across the country, have reportedly seen increases in sales amid coronavirus concerns.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Last week, the California Rifle and Pistol Association issued a bulletin arguing that gun stores are essential businesses and should be allowed to continue operation.
“CRPA firmly believes firearm retailers serve an essential purpose in California, especially given the unprecedented demand they currently face,” the association wrote in the bulletin addressing the pandemic.
A spokesperson for the CRPA did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.


mercurynews--2020-03-24--REAL ID deadline postponed amid coronavirus outbreak

The Oct.1 deadline for millions of California drivers to get a REAL ID has been indefinitely extended because of the spreading coronavirus , which should ease some of the pressure on the DMV , where it is taking up to three months to book appointments for a required office visit .
President Donald Trump ’ s announcement this week was greeted with relief by drivers and travel groups .
Trump did not say what the new deadline would be .
So far , 7.6 million state motorists have gotten a REAL ID .
But about 16 million do not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a valid passport would not be able to board domestic flights or enter other federal facilities beyond Oct. 1 .
“ I missed the notification about the REAL ID but as a senior citizen , I ’ ll not be venturing out to the DMV until this virus is well behind us , ” said Sharon Taylor of San Jose .
“ I ’ m guessing that will be a number of weeks.
” Last week , the National Governors Association called for a one-year extension .
On Monday , Airports Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s decision “ prudent , ” adding that “ in time of social distancing and requests for people to stay home , now is not the time to be sending more people to their local departments of motor vehicles .
“ Right now , a two-year postponement should provide time for the industry to fully recover while giving passengers , states , and the departments of motor vehicles time to prepare for a more efficient implementation of REAL ID.
” In a statement Monday , Steve Gordon , director of California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ encouraged ” by the president ’ s remarks indicating that the federal government will extend the enforcement date for REAL ID .
“ This would relieve the urgency for people to visit local DMV offices and bolster the state ’ s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 , ” he said .
“ We look forward to learning more about the president ’ s direction and sharing that information with the public.
” The DMV has stopped accepting walk-ins , reduced seating in lobbies , granted 60-day extensions for license renewals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus and reminding customers to maintain 6 feet distance from others .
Janis Fujitani of San Jose had an appointment for Saturday to get her REAL ID but read in this publication that Saturday hours have been suspended at field offices and assumed that her Saturday appointment no longer existed .
Then she received an automated phone call from the DMV “ reminding me of my appointment on Saturday .
Is the San Jose ( office ) going to be open for my appointment ?
I ’ ve tried calling the DMV but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can clarify my situation.
” The DMV said Tuesday it is updating its automated calling service so customers shouldn ’ t continue to receive calls about Saturday appointments .
When the DMV begins to reschedule canceled appointments , it will do so chronologically .
Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats .
Look for Gary at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow @ bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335 .

The Oct.1 deadline for millions of California drivers to get a REAL ID has been indefinitely extended because of the spreading coronavirus, which should ease some of the pressure on the DMV, where it is taking up to three months to book appointments for a required office visit.
President Donald Trump’s announcement this week was greeted with relief by drivers and travel groups. The new deadline is Sept. 1, 2021, according to a draft version of the Senate stimulus bill that CNN obtained.
So far, 7.6 million state motorists have gotten a REAL ID. But about 16 million do not have a REAL ID, and without it or a valid passport would not be able to board domestic flights or enter other federal facilities beyond Oct. 1.
“I missed the notification about the REAL ID but as a senior citizen, I’ll not be venturing out to the DMV until this virus is well behind us,” said Sharon Taylor of San Jose. “I’m guessing that will be a number of weeks.”
Last week, the National Governors Association called for a one-year extension.
On Monday, Airports Council International President and CEO Kevin Burke called Trump’s decision “prudent,” adding that “in time of social distancing and requests for people to stay home, now is not the time to be sending more people to their local departments of motor vehicles.
“Right now, a two-year postponement should provide time for the industry to fully recover while giving passengers, states, and the departments of motor vehicles time to prepare for a more efficient implementation of REAL ID.”
In a statement Monday, Steve Gordon, director of California’s DMV, said he was “encouraged” by the president’s remarks indicating that the federal government will extend the enforcement date for REAL ID. “This would relieve the urgency for people to visit local DMV offices and bolster the state’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” he said. “We look forward to learning more about the president’s direction and sharing that information with the public.”
The DMV has stopped accepting walk-ins, reduced seating in lobbies, granted 60-day extensions for license renewals and getting smog checks, reduced hours plus and reminding customers to maintain 6 feet distance from others.
But confusion remains.
Janis Fujitani of San Jose had an appointment for Saturday to get her REAL ID but read in this publication that Saturday hours have been suspended at field offices and assumed that her Saturday appointment no longer existed. Then she received an automated phone call from the DMV “reminding me of my appointment on Saturday. Is the San Jose (office) going to be open for my appointment? I’ve tried calling the DMV but cannot get through to anyone who can clarify my situation.”
The DMV said Tuesday it is updating its automated calling service so customers shouldn’t continue to receive calls about Saturday appointments. When the DMV begins to reschedule canceled appointments, it will do so chronologically.
Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats. Look for Gary at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335.


mercurynews--2020-03-24--Los Gatos community briefs for the week of April 3

Based on the Santa Clara County order for seniors to remain at home , a local ride-share service for elderly residents is curtailing its services while the “ shelter in place ” order is in effect .
During this time , RYDE will only be providing non-emergency medical transport and delivering food from West Valley Community Services ’ food pantry program .
The ride-share service will only sign up new clients who need non-emergency medical transport ; RYDE will follow up with all other applicants after COVID-19 has passed .
For more information , contact RYDE coordinator Joe Maddox at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to Santa Clara County ’ s mandate to shelter in place , Humane Society Silicon Valley March 17 temporarily suspended adoptions and other services that require direct contact with the public .
The Humane Society is moving shelter animals into foster homes to make space to support their rescue partners while the “ shelter in place ” order is in effect .
“ With the suspension of public adoptions , we urgently need more foster volunteers on an ongoing basis , ” the nonprofit said in a statement .
It is crucial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serving as a lifeline for other shelters in need.
” Those interested in fostering an adoptable animal should fill out the survey at https : //www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5508265/New-Foster-Interest .
For a full list of services the Humane Society has suspended , visit https : //www.hssv.org/blog/covid19update .

RYDE curtails rides
Based on the Santa Clara County order for seniors to remain at home, a local ride-share service for elderly residents is curtailing its services while the “shelter in place” order is in effect.
During this time, RYDE will only be providing non-emergency medical transport and delivering food from West Valley Community Services’ food pantry program. The ride-share service will only sign up new clients who need non-emergency medical transport; RYDE will follow up with all other applicants after COVID-19 has passed.
For more information, contact RYDE coordinator Joe Maddox at 408-892-9739 or RYDE@sascc.org.
Pet fosterers needed
In response to Santa Clara County’s mandate to shelter in place, Humane Society Silicon Valley March 17 temporarily suspended adoptions and other services that require direct contact with the public.
The Humane Society is moving shelter animals into foster homes to make space to support their rescue partners while the “shelter in place” order is in effect.
“With the suspension of public adoptions, we urgently need more foster volunteers on an ongoing basis,” the nonprofit said in a statement. It is crucial that we add enough capacity to continue serving as a lifeline for other shelters in need.”
Those interested in fostering an adoptable animal should fill out the survey at https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5508265/New-Foster-Interest.
For a full list of services the Humane Society has suspended, visit https://www.hssv.org/blog/covid19update.


mercurynews--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Doobie Brothers will have to wait longer to get in Rock Hall

CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device .
The Doobie Brothers will have to wait a bit longer before becoming the first San Jose act to be enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame .
That ’ s because the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony — originally scheduled for early May — was postponed , like pretty much everything else , due to concerns over the coronavirus .
But it ’ s now been rescheduled to take place Nov. 7 at Public Auditorium in Cleveland , Ohio .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ HBO beginning at 8 p.m. EST .
Besides the Doobies , the 2020 Rock Hall class also includes Depeche Mode , Whitney Houston , Nine Inch Nails , The Notorious B.I.G .
and T-Rex .
Also , the Ahmet Ertegun Award recipients are Irving Azoff and Jon Landau .
The six inductees come from an overall batch of 16 nominees , which were announced in October .
Those who didn ’ t make the cut , at least this time around , include Pat Benatar , Dave Matthews Band , Judas Priest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featuring Chaka Khan , Todd Rundgren , Soundgarden and Thin Lizzy .
Four of the six inductees — the Doobies , T-Rex , Houston and Biggie — were first-time nominees .
“ Important cultural events like the induction ceremony are what make Cleveland strong .
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a great asset for our State and Induction Week provides a significant economic benefit to our region , ” Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said in a news release .
Tickets for the original date will be honored at the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refunds can do so through their Ticketmaster account .
For more information about the ceremony , visit rockhall.com .
The induction will be a big day for the City of San Jose , as its most famous band its due .
Other Hall of Fame musicians have lived in or been associated with the city , including Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac fame .
But the Doobies are San Jose at their core , in the same way that Jefferson Airplane belongs to San Francisco and the Doors to Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start in a house on 12th street in downtown San Jose , just blocks from where members attended San Jose State University .
“ San Jose , for me , was just a really neat place to be , ” Johnston said in an interview with this publication last year .
“ I loved living there .
It was a cool time .
You could have a room for $ 40 a month .
I didn ’ t have a lot , but I didn ’ t care .
I was having a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was pursuing music , all day , everyday .
There were always people at the house playing .
I would come home from school and find guys down in the basement blasting away.
” The band is also celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2020 , with a major tour , which includes shows on Sept. 10 at Toyota Amphitheatre at Wheatland and Sept. 12 at Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View .
And , for the first time in nearly 25 years , the lineup for the tour will include Johnston , John McFee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During the interview , Johnston said he never could have predicted during the band ’ s formative years that the Doobies would still be going , let alone basking in the limelight of Rock Hall immortality a half century later .
And the band shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon .
“ We still love playing , ” Johnston said .
“ We still love interacting with the crowds .
”

CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device.
The Doobie Brothers will have to wait a bit longer before becoming the first San Jose act to be enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
That’s because the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony — originally scheduled for early May — was postponed, like pretty much everything else, due to concerns over the coronavirus.
But it’s now been rescheduled to take place Nov. 7 at Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio.
The show will be broadcast live on HBO beginning at 8 p.m. EST.
Besides the Doobies, the 2020 Rock Hall class also includes Depeche Mode, Whitney Houston, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G. and T-Rex. Also, the Ahmet Ertegun Award recipients are Irving Azoff and Jon Landau.
The six inductees come from an overall batch of 16 nominees, which were announced in October. Those who didn’t make the cut, at least this time around, include Pat Benatar, Dave Matthews Band, Judas Priest, Kraftwerk, MC5, Motörhead, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Todd Rundgren, Soundgarden and Thin Lizzy.
Four of the six inductees — the Doobies, T-Rex, Houston and Biggie — were first-time nominees.
Tickets for the original date will be honored at the new date. Those looking for refunds can do so through their Ticketmaster account.
For more information about the ceremony, visit rockhall.com.
Proudly representing the beautiful @CityofSanJose since 1970, @TheDoobieBros announce 50th anniversary tour at @ShorelineAmp @LiveNationSF. And Michael McDonald is joining the party. https://t.co/xm507ohp3A — Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) November 19, 2019
The induction will be a big day for the City of San Jose, as its most famous band its due. Other Hall of Fame musicians who have lived in or been associated with the city, including Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac fame. But the Doobies are San Jose at their core, in the same way that Jefferson Airplane belongs to San Francisco and the Doors to Los Angeles. The band actually got its start in a house on 12th street in downtown San Jose, just blocks from where members attended San Jose State University.
“San Jose, for me, was just a really neat place to be,” Johnston said in an interview with this publication last year. “I loved living there. It was a cool time. You could have a room for $40 a month. I didn’t have a lot, but I didn’t care. I was having a ball. At the time, I was pursuing music, all day, everyday. There were always people at the house playing. I would come home from school and find guys down in the basement blasting away.”
The band is also celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2020, with a major tour, which includes shows on Sept. 10 at Toyota Amphitheatre at Wheatland and Sept. 12 at Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View. And, for the first time in nearly 25 years, the lineup for the tour will include Johnston, John McFee, Pat Simmons and Michael McDonald.
During the interview, Johnston said he never could have predicted during the band’s formative years that the Doobies would still be going, let alone basking in the limelight of Rock Hall immortality a half century later. And the band shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
“We still love playing,” Johnston said. “We still love interacting with the crowds.”


mercurynews--2020-03-24--Ex-A’s World Series hero Dave Stewart says he doesn’t have coronavirus

Dave Stewart ’ s weeklong staredown with a sickness his family believed to be coronavirus is over .
Final score from his San Diego-area home : Oakland A ’ s World Series hero 1 , COVID-19 0 .
After spending seven days in self-isolation , bed-ridden and sick with coronavirus-like symptoms , the former A ’ s star pitcher announced Tuesday afternoon he does not have the virus .
The 63-year-old Stewart , who was the World Series MVP when the A ’ s last won a world championship 31 years ago , tweeted his gratitude that his coronavirus test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LONG DAYS FOR A VIRUS I DIDN ’ T HAVE !
# falseimprisonment # NEGATIVE # Covid 19 .
I really appreciate ALL the love & support !
PLEASE-PLEASE self isolate !
We can all protect each other !
” Stewart has been quarantined in a room at the Poway home he shares with his wife and sports agent business partner , Lonnie Murray .
Stewart ’ s wife insisted on him getting tested while keeping the four-time 20-game winner confined to a bedroom .
This led to a series of good-natured tweets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their wait for test results .
The no-nonsense ( on the field ) ace of three straight A ’ s World Series teams from 1988-90 , Stewart has remained involved in the game since his retirement in 1995 .
He ’ s served as the Diamondbacks general manager as well as a pitching coach for the Blue Jays , Padres and Brewers .
Most recently , Stewart has spent time mentoring A ’ s pitchers during spring training the past few years , including last month in Mesa , Ariz. Stewart and Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two American League pitchers over the last 35 years to throw a complete-game shutout in the World Series .
Stewart ’ s brilliant start against the Giants in Game 1 of the ’ 89 Series — he pitched a five-hitter in a 5-0 win over San Francisco as Oakland went on to a four-game sweep — helped him earn MVP honors during the earthquake-delayed series .
• On this day : Giants spring training phenom writes another chapter in his legend • ‘ I think we ’ re all still stunned a bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s grapple with uncertain future • Five unforgettable Bay Area sports wins over its Los Angeles rivals • “ I don ’ t believe I will have to drive DoorDash anymore : ” A ’ s minor leaguer reacts to MLB emergency pay plan The Oakland-born and socially conscious Stewart spent time during the 10-day break between Series games helping the rescue and clean-up efforts around his hometown , mainly near the collapsed Cypress Freeway .
The 6.9 earthquake killed 67 people and caused more than $ 5 billion in damages .

Dave Stewart’s weeklong staredown with a sickness his family believed to be coronavirus is over. Final score from his San Diego-area home: Oakland A’s World Series hero 1, COVID-19 0.
After spending seven days in self-isolation, bed-ridden and sick with coronavirus-like symptoms, the former A’s star pitcher announced Tuesday afternoon he does not have the virus.
The 63-year-old Stewart, who was the World Series MVP when the A’s last won a world championship 31 years ago, tweeted his gratitude that his coronavirus test finally came back negative.
SEVEN LONG DAYS FOR A VIRUS I DIDN’T HAVE! #falseimprisonment #NEGATIVE #Covid_19 I really appreciate ALL the love & support! PLEASE-PLEASE self isolate! We can all protect eachother! pic.twitter.com/7TDp09pFKg — Dave “Smoke” Stewart (@Dsmoke34) March 24, 2020
“SEVEN LONG DAYS FOR A VIRUS I DIDN’T HAVE! #falseimprisonment #NEGATIVE #Covid 19. I really appreciate ALL the love & support! PLEASE-PLEASE self isolate! We can all protect each other!”
Stewart has been quarantined in a room at the Poway home he shares with his wife and sports agent business partner, Lonnie Murray. Stewart’s wife insisted on him getting tested while keeping the four-time 20-game winner confined to a bedroom.
This led to a series of good-natured tweets about his wife’s care during their wait for test results.
I feel better but the woman outside my door with mask&gloves is like a full swat team! If I breathe too heavy I get yelled at to relax! Cough and she wants a temperature check! Then she @SMPLonnie tells the kids! @SymoneStewart1 @TarikW_34 @Goodloe_ #QuarantineLife #Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/KTMCIWpgqS — Dave “Smoke” Stewart (@Dsmoke34) March 20, 2020
The no-nonsense (on the field) ace of three straight A’s World Series teams from 1988-90, Stewart has remained involved in the game since his retirement in 1995. He’s served as the Diamondbacks general manager as well as a pitching coach for the Blue Jays, Padres and Brewers. Most recently, Stewart has spent time mentoring A’s pitchers during spring training the past few years, including last month in Mesa, Ariz.
Stewart and Minnesota’s Jack Morris remain the only two American League pitchers over the last 35 years to throw a complete-game shutout in the World Series. Stewart’s brilliant start against the Giants in Game 1 of the ’89 Series — he pitched a five-hitter in a 5-0 win over San Francisco as Oakland went on to a four-game sweep — helped him earn MVP honors during the earthquake-delayed series.
The Oakland-born and socially conscious Stewart spent time during the 10-day break between Series games helping the rescue and clean-up efforts around his hometown, mainly near the collapsed Cypress Freeway. The 6.9 earthquake killed 67 people and caused more than $5 billion in damages.


mercurynews--2020-03-25--Letter: I’m 78 — treat younger, healthier Americans first

I will be 78 soon .
As an older American , I believe we should treat younger , healthier Americans @ @ @ @ @ to make a choice .
Now it is time that we all step up as @ @ @ @ @ greater good .
• Letter : Trump can raise morale by skipping the briefings • @ @ @ @ @ Muir Health closing 3 of its urgent care centers ?
• Letter : Woman with @ @ @ @ @ homeless children • Letter : Will the next COVID-19 relief bill leave families behind ?
@ @ @ @ @ , we all come together and realize that the greatest treasure we have is our @ @ @ @ @ letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

I’m 78 — treat younger,
healthier Americans first
I will be 78 soon. As an older American, I believe we should treat younger, healthier Americans first if we are forced to make a choice.
Now it is time that we all step up as individuals and look to the greater good.
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Robert Mandell
Sonoma
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-03-25--Raiders’ Marcus Mariota: ‘This is Derek’s team. I understand that’

If you thought Marcus Mariota was going to throw down the gauntlet , then you know nothing about Marcus Mariota .
Mariota is not a guy who makes waves , as evidenced by the way he graciously supported Ryan Tannehill with the Tennesee Titans after being deposed as the starting quarterback .
So it came as no surprise Tuesday that in an interview with KHON2 television in his native Hawaii , the newest Raiders quarterback made it clear he understood the rank of Derek Carr in the pecking order at his position .
“ First and foremost , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand that , ” Mariota said .
“ I understand that going in .
My priority was to be part of a team I felt could bring out the best in me .
Whatever happens , whatever comes of that , I ’ m ready for.
” Mariota , the No .
2 overall pick in the 2015 draft and a Heisman Trophy winner at Oregon , signed a contract which reportedly will guarantee him $ 7.5 million in 2020 and contains provisions for incentives and esclators based on playing time which would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-year deal .
The Titans were 2-4 before Tannehill replaced Maroita .
Tennessee won seven of 10 games , reached the AFC championship game , and in the waning moments of a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs , cameras and NFL Films microphones caught an exchange between the two .
“ I ’ m excited for you , ” Mariota said while hugging Tannehill .
“ This is the start of something great brother .
I ’ m so excited for you.
” Tannehill signed a four-year , $ 118 million extension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mariota , meanwhile , is starting over after going 29-32 as a starter , completing 62.8 percent of his passes for 13,207 yards , 76 touchdowns and 44 interceptions in 63 games .
“ I do know to play starting quarteback in the NFL , to be in that spot is not an easy thing to do , ” Mariota told Rob DeMello of KHON2 .
“ When it comes down to it , a strong , stable quarteback room makes that job a whole lot easier and that ’ s what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m going to do my best to support Derek in every way I possibly can , try and be the best player I can can be and see where that takes me.
” Mariota outlined his priorities in choosing a new team , and determined a team with just two winning seasons over the past 17 years that pulled up stakes and moved to Las Vegas was the logical choice because of the presence of coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock .
“ There are two priorities that I had while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process , ” Mariota said .
“ No .
1 was to find stability .
I wanted to be part of an organization that had a stable head coach , to have stability in the front office .
Secondly , I wanted to be part of a coaching staff that could bring out the best of me , that could embrace my talents and just put my best foot forward.
” Mariota has 1,399 yards rushing , averages 5.8 yards per attempt and has 11 touchdowns .
Carr has played one more season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average and three scores .
Gruden will be able to expand his call sheet with Mariota , utlizing plays that fit his skill set as a runner and passer .
• On this date : Al Davis argues Raiders would make $ 47 million more if they played in L.A. • What Raiders free agent deals tell us about the roster • How the Raiders shape up on defense after first wave of free agency • How Raiders shape up on offense after first wave of free agency Mariota not only provides a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but could be utlilized as a change-of-pace to jump start the offense depending on game circumstance .
A native of Honolulu , Mariota also will get a chance to play a scant 2,689 miles from home in Las Vegas — which is at least one airport connection short of the 4,300-plus miles to get to Nashville .
“ For me , it ’ s almost been 10 years since I ’ ve played at home , to play in front of friends and family , ” Mariota said .
“ I think for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it gets .
I ’ m just so thrilled to have this opportunity , to be able to share in the moment , and I can ’ t wait .
I truly just can ’ t wait .
”

If you thought Marcus Mariota was going to throw down the gauntlet, then you know nothing about Marcus Mariota.
Mariota is not a guy who makes waves, as evidenced by the way he graciously supported Ryan Tannehill with the Tennessee Titans after being deposed as the starting quarterback.
So it came as no surprise Tuesday that in an interview with KHON2 television in his native Hawaii, the newest Raiders quarterback made it clear he understood the rank of Derek Carr in the pecking order at his position.
“First and foremost, this is Derek’s team, and I understand that,” Mariota said. “I understand that going in. My priority was to be part of a team I felt could bring out the best in me. Whatever happens, whatever comes of that, I’m ready for.”
Mariota, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft and a Heisman Trophy winner at Oregon, signed a contract which reportedly will guarantee him $7.5 million in 2020 and contains provisions for incentives and escalators based on playing time which would pay him as a starter in a two-year deal.
The Titans were 2-4 before Tannehill replaced Mariota. Tennessee won seven of 10 games, reached the AFC Championship game, and in the waning moments of a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, cameras and NFL Films microphones caught an exchange between the two.
“I’m excited for you,” Mariota said while hugging Tannehill. “This is the start of something great, brother. I’m so excited for you.”
Tannehill signed a four-year, $118 million extension with Tennessee just before free agency began.
Mariota, meanwhile, is starting over after going 29-32 as a starter, completing 62.8 percent of his passes for 13,207 yards, 76 touchdowns and 44 interceptions in 63 games.
“I do know to play starting quarterback in the NFL, to be in that spot is not an easy thing to do,” Mariota told Rob DeMello of KHON2. “When it comes down to it, a strong, stable quarterback room makes that job a whole lot easier and that’s what we have to do. I’m going to do my best to support Derek in every way I possibly can, try and be the best player I can can be and see where that takes me.”
Mariota outlined his priorities in choosing a new team, and determined a team with just two winning seasons over the past 17 years that pulled up stakes and moved to Las Vegas was the logical choice because of the presence of coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock.
“There are two priorities that I had while I was going through the free agent process,” Mariota said. “No. 1 was to find stability. I wanted to be part of an organization that had a stable head coach, to have stability in the front office. Secondly, I wanted to be part of a coaching staff that could bring out the best of me, that could embrace my talents and just put my best foot forward.”
Mariota has 1,399 yards rushing, averages 5.8 yards per attempt and has 11 touchdowns. Carr has played one more season but has 495 yards, a 2.8 average and three scores. Gruden will be able to expand his call sheet with Mariota, utilizing plays that fit his skill set as a runner and passer.
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A native of Honolulu, Mariota also will get a chance to play a scant 2,689 miles from home in Las Vegas — which is at least one airport connection short of the 4,300-plus miles to get to Nashville.
“For me, it’s almost been 10 years since I’ve played at home, to play in front of friends and family,” Mariota said. “I think for me, this is as close as it gets. I’m just so thrilled to have this opportunity, to be able to share in the moment, and I can’t wait. I truly just can’t wait.”


mercurynews--2020-03-25--Klay Thompson’s 37-point quarter was ‘like a religious experience’

Over the next few weeks , NBC Sports Bay Area and 95.7 The Game ( KGMZ-FM ) will be re-airing several classic Warriors games on nights they were scheduled to play before the NBA suspending it ’ s season indefinitely amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke with Bay Area News Group about his memories from those games .
Hand on his head and mouth wide , Stephen Curry had to stabilize himself with the scorer ’ s table to keep from falling down as his hot-handed teammate Klay Thompson made yet another shot .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Oracle Arena , and Thompson was in the midst of a 37-point scoring assault in an awe-inspiring third quarter to lead the Warriors to a 126-101 win over the Sacramento Kings .
While setting the NBA ’ s all-time scoring mark for a single quarter , Thompson went 13-for-13 from the field and 9-of-9 from 3-point range .
As Thompson poured it on , fans cheered “ ALL-STAR ” for the 24-year-old who , in a month , would be selected to the first of five-straight All-Star games .
In his first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watched Thompson rack up a career-high 52 points , on only 25 field-goal attempts and in just 32 minutes .
By the time Thompson checked out with 9:28 remaining , the fans gave him a standing ovation and then filed for the exits , content and unknowingly having witnessed a key game in the blossoming of a dynasty .
Kerr recently spoke with Bay Area News Group by phone about that game , played on Jan. 23 , 2015 .
Here ’ s what he said .
Going back and watching that quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans were going nuts by the end of the quarter .
What do you remember about your own reaction ?
“ It remains the most amazing experience I ’ ve had in my six years of coaching in terms of the connection between the player and the fans and what was happening on the floor .
I ’ m not kidding .
I hope this doesn ’ t sound like hyperbole , but it was like a religious experience .
“ It was so incredible to witness a player at the top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in front of 20,000 fans who were just experiencing it with him and almost willing him to it , and his teammates , too .
That one stands out for me above every experience I ’ ve ever felt as a coach and as a player .
I ’ ve never , ever been a part of anything like that.
” Do you remember being upset with your team for nearly blowing a double-digit lead at halftime ?
And what was the strategy in that third quarter .
Did you call things for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never had anything to do with that .
It was just Klay .
I didn ’ t call any extra plays for him at the beginning of the quarter .
We called a couple for him once he was hot but , for the most part , it was just Klay finding a groove .
I don ’ t even remember being upset with the team but we were a team that could get up big and give up a lead , and fall behind big and catch up just because of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that doesn ’ t surprise me.
” Looking back , Klay has had so many huge quarters or scoring surges .
How important of an element has that been to the success you ’ ve had over the last five years ?
“ Well , he ’ s one of the defining players of this era .
One of the guys who has really defined our team .
His two-way capability , his defensive ability that led to some of those transition 3s , it ’ s been one of the really fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total impact he makes on the game .
“ He ’ s not just a specialist coming off the bench to make a few 3s , the guy is a machine out there .
Playing 35 minutes and guarding the best player on the other team and switching onto power forwards and guarding guys down on the block and running down in transition and knocking down 30-footers in transition and running like Reggie Miller off of screens and knocking down shots .
“ It ’ s mind-boggling what Klay has meant to us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court.
” • Mailbag : Who should the Warriors draft ?
And why not Obi Toppin ?
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Over the next few weeks, NBC Sports Bay Area and 95.7 The Game (KGMZ-FM) will be re-airing several classic Warriors games on nights they were scheduled to play before the NBA suspending it’s season indefinitely amid the coronavirus pandemic. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke with Bay Area News Group about his memories from those games.
Hand on his head and mouth wide, Stephen Curry had to stabilize himself with the scorer’s table to keep from falling down as his hot-handed teammate Klay Thompson made yet another shot.
It was a late January evening in 2015 at Oracle Arena, and Thompson was in the midst of a 37-point scoring assault in an awe-inspiring third quarter to lead the Warriors to a 126-101 win over the Sacramento Kings.
While setting the NBA’s all-time scoring mark for a single quarter, Thompson went 13-for-13 from the field and 9-of-9 from 3-point range. As Thompson poured it on, fans cheered “ALL-STAR” for the 24-year-old who, in a month, would be selected to the first of five-straight All-Star games.
In his first year as head coach, Steve Kerr watched Thompson rack up a career-high 52 points, on only 25 field-goal attempts and in just 32 minutes.
By the time Thompson checked out with 9:28 remaining, the fans gave him a standing ovation and then filed for the exits, content and unknowingly having witnessed a key game in the blossoming of a dynasty.
Kerr recently spoke with Bay Area News Group by phone about that game, played on Jan. 23, 2015. Here’s what he said.
Going back and watching that quarter, Klay’s teammates and the fans were going nuts by the end of the quarter. What do you remember about your own reaction?
“It remains the most amazing experience I’ve had in my six years of coaching in terms of the connection between the player and the fans and what was happening on the floor. I’m not kidding. I hope this doesn’t sound like hyperbole, but it was like a religious experience.
“It was so incredible to witness a player at the top of his game but also to do it in front of 20,000 fans who were just experiencing it with him and almost willing him to it, and his teammates, too. That one stands out for me above every experience I’ve ever felt as a coach and as a player. I’ve never, ever been a part of anything like that.”
Do you remember being upset with your team for nearly blowing a double-digit lead at halftime? And what was the strategy in that third quarter. Did you call things for Klay?
“Oh no, I never had anything to do with that. It was just Klay. I didn’t call any extra plays for him at the beginning of the quarter. We called a couple for him once he was hot but, for the most part, it was just Klay finding a groove. I don’t even remember being upset with the team but we were a team that could get up big and give up a lead, and fall behind big and catch up just because of our 3-point ability. But, yeah, that doesn’t surprise me.”
Looking back, Klay has had so many huge quarters or scoring surges. How important of an element has that been to the success you’ve had over the last five years?
“Well, he’s one of the defining players of this era. One of the guys who has really defined our team. His two-way capability, his defensive ability that led to some of those transition 3s, it’s been one of the really fun things about coaching him, is the total impact he makes on the game.
“He’s not just a specialist coming off the bench to make a few 3s, the guy is a machine out there. Playing 35 minutes and guarding the best player on the other team and switching onto power forwards and guarding guys down on the block and running down in transition and knocking down 30-footers in transition and running like Reggie Miller off of screens and knocking down shots.
“It’s mind-boggling what Klay has meant to us and what he’s done on the court.”


mercurynews--2020-03-25--Letter: Trump can raise morale by skipping the briefings

Trump can raise morale by skipping the briefings In watching Donald Trump offering his “ expertise ” ( which he @ @ @ @ @ the last couple of coronavirus-update news conferences , I am sadly reminded of an inarticulate @ @ @ @ @ on a book he didn ’ t bother to read .
• Letter : Why @ @ @ @ @ 3 of its urgent care centers ?
• Letter : Woman with little money brings @ @ @ @ @ Letter : Will the next COVID-19 relief bill leave families behind ?
• Letter : @ @ @ @ @ people that are keeping us healthy Couldn ’ t he just stay away from the @ @ @ @ @ everyone ’ s morale ?
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read @ @ @ @ @

Trump can raise morale
by skipping the briefings
In watching Donald Trump offering his “expertise” (which he rates a 10) during the last couple of coronavirus-update news conferences, I am sadly reminded of an inarticulate seventh-grader giving a book report on a book he didn’t bother to read.
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Tim Farrell
Los Altos
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mercurynews--2020-03-25--Word Game: March 25, 2020

Word Game: March 25, 2020

Can you find 36 or more words in REFRACT ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — REFRACT (REFRACT: rih-FRAKT; To deflect, e.g. light, from a direct path.)
Average mark 25 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 36 or more words in REFRACT?The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — SPINOSE sine snip snipe spies spin spine peon peso
pine poise pone ponies pose posies posse ness noes noise nose open opine epos
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.


mercurynews--2020-03-25--Horoscopes March 25, 2020: Jenny Slate, change is within reach.

Happy Birthday : Sensitive issues will surface this year , leaving you no choice but to address them and carry on with your life .
Change is within reach , but it will require effort on your part if you want to have a say in the outcome .
There has never been a greater need for prudence , accountability and moderation .
Stick to a plan , and do your best .
Your numbers are 4 , 17 , 21 , 27 , 32 , 35 , 49 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Refuse to let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up what ’ s going on , consider your options and proceed with caution .
If you act in haste , you will make a costly mistake .
Find a positive way to deal with any opposition you encounter .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Size up situations quickly , and avoid resistance .
Consider what you can do to improve your life .
A personal change will strengthen your relationships with others .
Share an idea you have with someone who can help make your dream come true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 ) : Offer to help others .
Your response will lead to an encounter with someone who can shed light on a personal situation you face .
Personal gains are possible if you use discipline , honesty and personal sacrifices .
4 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Don ’ t wait ; make a decision .
It doesn ’ t matter what others do or think ; it ’ s up to you to do what ’ s best for yourself .
Finish what you start before you take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find it easier to move forward .
2 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Drama will attract attention .
Before you head down that path , consider what you want and how to go about getting it without looking bad .
Strive for equality , making stable connections and being productive , and you ’ ll project a positive image .
5 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Think twice before you get involved in someone ’ s pursuit .
Don ’ t take a risk or donate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Spend time with someone you love , and you ’ ll find it easier to put your professional life in perspective .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Take care of your emotional needs .
Spend time on self-improvement and honing your skills .
Confidence will help you reach your goals , and knowing what you are capable of doing will help you move forward with the finesse required to be successful .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Turn your talent into cash .
Modify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you reach your goal .
Invest in yourself and what you have to offer .
Your ability to set trends and adapt to whatever transpires will help you excel .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Look over your choices , and make a decision that will accommodate what you want to pursue .
The changes that take place may not be welcome at first , but once you settle in and work with the adjustments made , you will succeed .
5 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
Use your intelligence and foresight to create a scenario that will put you in the best position .
An insensitive remark from someone will get you back on track .
Don ’ t take offense ; learn from the experience .
2 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Personal aspects of your life will need an adjustment .
Make your feelings and your suggestions clear to anyone who may be affected by your plans .
Getting together with an old friend will impact your life .
Your sensitivity will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Look for a unique way to use your skills .
The change or diversity you implement into your everyday routine will be gratifying .
Share your feelings and reactions to the response respectfully , and you ’ ll find a positive solution .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are stylish , questioning and witty .
You are demonstrative and unique .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jenny Slate, 38; Sarah Jessica Parker, 55; Marcia Cross, 58; Elton John, 73.
Happy Birthday: Sensitive issues will surface this year, leaving you no choice but to address them and carry on with your life. Change is within reach, but it will require effort on your part if you want to have a say in the outcome. There has never been a greater need for prudence, accountability and moderation. Stick to a plan, and do your best. Your numbers are 4, 17, 21, 27, 32, 35, 49.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Refuse to let situations spin out of control. Size up what’s going on, consider your options and proceed with caution. If you act in haste, you will make a costly mistake. Find a positive way to deal with any opposition you encounter. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Size up situations quickly, and avoid resistance. Consider what you can do to improve your life. A personal change will strengthen your relationships with others. Share an idea you have with someone who can help make your dream come true. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Offer to help others. Your response will lead to an encounter with someone who can shed light on a personal situation you face. Personal gains are possible if you use discipline, honesty and personal sacrifices. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t wait; make a decision. It doesn’t matter what others do or think; it’s up to you to do what’s best for yourself. Finish what you start before you take on something new, and you will find it easier to move forward. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Drama will attract attention. Before you head down that path, consider what you want and how to go about getting it without looking bad. Strive for equality, making stable connections and being productive, and you’ll project a positive image. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Think twice before you get involved in someone’s pursuit. Don’t take a risk or donate to something that won’t benefit you. Spend time with someone you love, and you’ll find it easier to put your professional life in perspective. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take care of your emotional needs. Spend time on self-improvement and honing your skills. Confidence will help you reach your goals, and knowing what you are capable of doing will help you move forward with the finesse required to be successful. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Turn your talent into cash. Modify your space so that it will help you reach your goal. Invest in yourself and what you have to offer. Your ability to set trends and adapt to whatever transpires will help you excel. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Look over your choices, and make a decision that will accommodate what you want to pursue. The changes that take place may not be welcome at first, but once you settle in and work with the adjustments made, you will succeed. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Embrace change, and make it work. Use your intelligence and foresight to create a scenario that will put you in the best position. An insensitive remark from someone will get you back on track. Don’t take offense; learn from the experience. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Personal aspects of your life will need an adjustment. Make your feelings and your suggestions clear to anyone who may be affected by your plans. Getting together with an old friend will impact your life. Your sensitivity will bring positive results. 4 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Look for a unique way to use your skills. The change or diversity you implement into your everyday routine will be gratifying. Share your feelings and reactions to the response respectfully, and you’ll find a positive solution. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are stylish, questioning and witty. You are demonstrative and unique.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-03-25--Bridge: March 25, 2020

Bridge: March 25, 2020

Despite his travails , Unlucky Louie remains an optimist .
He says a pessimist may be right in the long run , but an optimist has a better time on the trip .
Cover today ’ s West and South cards .
Defend as East .
North-South reach four hearts with old-style bidding .
West leads a low spade : ten , ace , eight .
How will you beat the contract ?
In real life , East exited with a spade .
South lost a trump to West , won the diamond return with the jack , drew trumps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club honors .
He lost only to the three missing aces .
When East takes the ace of spades , the defense needs three more tricks .
They will get no diamonds .
If West has two trump tricks and the ace of clubs ( unlikely ) , East has no worries .
Otherwise , his only chance is to get a club ruff .
At Trick Two , East must lead the jack of clubs , and West wins and returns a club .
When he takes the ace of trumps , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one .
Were you enough of an optimist to beat four hearts ?
You hold : S J 9 7 5 4 H A 3 D 10 6 4 C A 9 2 .
The dealer , at your left , opens two hearts ( a weak two-bid ) .
Your partner doubles , and the next player bids three hearts .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your partner ’ s hand is worth an opening bid — most likely more — and he suggests support for the unbid suits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong hand with a suit he intends to show .
Bid four spades .
You will be a big favorite to win at least 10 tricks .

Despite his travails, Unlucky Louie remains an optimist. He says a pessimist may be right in the long run, but an optimist has a better time on the trip.
Cover today’s West and South cards. Defend as East. North-South reach four hearts with old-style bidding. West leads a low spade: ten, ace, eight. How will you beat the contract?
In real life, East exited with a spade. South lost a trump to West, won the diamond return with the jack, drew trumps and led twice toward dummy’s club honors. He lost only to the three missing aces.
ONLY CHANCE
When East takes the ace of spades, the defense needs three more tricks. They will get no diamonds. If West has two trump tricks and the ace of clubs (unlikely), East has no worries. Otherwise, his only chance is to get a club ruff.
At Trick Two, East must lead the jack of clubs, and West wins and returns a club. When he takes the ace of trumps, he gives East his ruff for down one.
Were you enough of an optimist to beat four hearts?
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S J 9 7 5 4 H A 3 D 10 6 4 C A 9 2. The dealer, at your left, opens two hearts (a weak two-bid). Your partner doubles, and the next player bids three hearts. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your partner’s hand is worth an opening bid — most likely more — and he suggests support for the unbid suits, especially the other major, or a strong hand with a suit he intends to show. Bid four spades. You will be a big favorite to win at least 10 tricks.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S K 10
H J 4 2
D A Q J
C K Q 7 6 5
WEST
S J 9 7 5 4
H A 3
D 10 6 4
C A 9 2
EAST
S A 6 3 2
H 9 8 5
D 9 8 7 5
C J 3
SOUTH
S Q 8
H K Q 10 7 6
D K 3 2
C 10 8 4
North East South West
1 NT Pass 3 H Pass
4 H All Pass
Opening lead — S 5
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-03-25--Ask Amy: Why would people smirk at our housemate arrangement?

DEAR AMY : Why is there a stigma about living with your parents ?
In many cultures around the world multi-generational households are considered the norm .
No stigma exists .
My home is in a very high-rent area where people pay as much as two-thirds of their income for housing .
I decided to rent out two bedrooms .
My renters each have their own area in the house , as do I .
My tenants are my adult children .
All expenses are split equally , as are household duties as defined in our tenant contract .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The advantages of this arrangement allow for each of us to pay far less than we would living on our own .
We all get to live in a well-maintained , nice home in a part of the country we love .
• Ask Amy : He terrorized my family , and still my friend hangs out with him • Ask Amy : My boyfriend thinks coronavirus is a joke , and it scares me • Ask Amy : Embarrassed advice columnist admits she was pranked • Ask Amy : My wife doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gym friend • Ask Amy : My friend suddenly ditched me for a mysterious daily meeting We take care of each other ’ s pets when someone is away .
We live with people we know and trust .
So far , this is working well for us .
DEAR LEA : This arrangement sounds ideal .
I agree with you that the North American concept of rugged individualism may have created a stigma about adults living with their folks , but this same concept also allows you to ignore the stigma , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AMY : My boyfriend and I are in our early 20s .
We have been in a long-distance relationship for 18 months .
He is my first major love and relationship .
Now our current ( yet tentative ) plan is to move in together after my Ph.D. is done and his business settles .
He is very supportive and I ’ m happy being with him .
However , I ’ m not sure if I ’ m ready .
I ’ ve lost myself as I put so much energy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of investing in myself .
I became emotional and I ’ m not as productive or disciplined as I was .
I don ’ t know how to balance myself , as this is my first relationship .
I ’ m not sure if a relationship is good for me or I ’ m ready to be in one .
I want to focus and invest in myself without his influence because I ’ m scared of losing myself even more .
My boyfriend wants to be supportive , but we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , or find a balance ?
Is there a way to be in a relationship and still be your most productive/career-driven self in your 20s ?
DEAR UNSURE : Regardless of the plans you two have made , you should dial in to that feeling in your gut .
Your early-20s is a time of emotional development and exploration , and in that sense , your concern about this demonstrates that you are right on track .
The ideal — for you , for your guy , and for everyone — is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your life and relationships .
It is not unusual to feel like you ’ ve “ lost ” yourself when you first fall in love .
It ’ s called “ falling ” for a reason .
That sensation of tumbling through space is thrilling , but it is frightening , too .
And yes , obsessively feeding one relationship will curtail your own personal and career progress .
Remember , the primary relationship in your life will always be the one you have with yourself .
You should choose to live wherever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to build a career in your field , and no — given how you are feeling , you should not cohabit until you are absolutely certain .
If you move to his city , renting a room in a group house ( instead of cohabiting ) might be a good idea for you .
DEAR AMY : Your advice to “ Hair Today , Gone Tomorrow ” was off base .
This girls ’ volleyball coach had insisted that she shave her arm pits and legs .
She wears a “ uniform ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his team to look “ uniform.
” If this young woman wants to play volleyball that badly , then she should follow the coaches ’ rules .
Sure , there is gender discrimination in the world , but this smacks of too much micro-feedback , and to call it discrimination goes way too far .
Instead of supporting the coach and his idea of how to be proud of his team , you rule in favor of a young teenager who now learns that she can go over his head to the school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : In my mind , demanding that this young athlete shave her body is the essence of “ micro-feedback.
” As I said in my response , unless male volleyball players are also asked to shave , I think this girl should be left alone .
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: Why is there a stigma about living with your parents?
In many cultures around the world multi-generational households are considered the norm. No stigma exists.
My home is in a very high-rent area where people pay as much as two-thirds of their income for housing. I decided to rent out two bedrooms. My renters each have their own area in the house, as do I.
My tenants are my adult children.
All expenses are split equally, as are household duties as defined in our tenant contract. We respect each other’s privacy.
The advantages of this arrangement allow for each of us to pay far less than we would living on our own. We all get to live in a well-maintained, nice home in a part of the country we love.
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So far, this is working well for us.
Lea, in Santa Cruz
DEAR LEA: This arrangement sounds ideal. I agree with you that the North American concept of rugged individualism may have created a stigma about adults living with their folks, but this same concept also allows you to ignore the stigma, and live as you please.
DEAR AMY: My boyfriend and I are in our early 20s. We have been in a long-distance relationship for 18 months.
He is my first major love and relationship. Now our current (yet tentative) plan is to move in together after my Ph.D. is done and his business settles. He is very supportive and I’m happy being with him. However, I’m not sure if I’m ready.
I’ve lost myself as I put so much energy, time and effort to our relationship, instead of investing in myself. I became emotional and I’m not as productive or disciplined as I was. I don’t know how to balance myself, as this is my first relationship. I’m not sure if a relationship is good for me or I’m ready to be in one. I want to focus and invest in myself without his influence because I’m scared of losing myself even more.
My boyfriend wants to be supportive, but we are both so clueless. Should we break up, or find a balance?
Is there a way to be in a relationship and still be your most productive/career-driven self in your 20s?
Unsure
DEAR UNSURE: Regardless of the plans you two have made, you should dial in to that feeling in your gut. Your early-20s is a time of emotional development and exploration, and in that sense, your concern about this demonstrates that you are right on track.
The ideal — for you, for your guy, and for everyone — is to find a healthy balance, in your life and relationships. It is not unusual to feel like you’ve “lost” yourself when you first fall in love. It’s called “falling” for a reason. That sensation of tumbling through space is thrilling, but it is frightening, too. And yes, obsessively feeding one relationship will curtail your own personal and career progress. Remember, the primary relationship in your life will always be the one you have with yourself.
You should choose to live wherever your Ph.D. takes you, in order to build a career in your field, and no — given how you are feeling, you should not cohabit until you are absolutely certain.
If you move to his city, renting a room in a group house (instead of cohabiting) might be a good idea for you.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: Your advice to “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow” was off base.
This girls’ volleyball coach had insisted that she shave her arm pits and legs.
She wears a “uniform” — as in, the coach wants his team to look “uniform.”
If this young woman wants to play volleyball that badly, then she should follow the coaches’ rules.
Sure, there is gender discrimination in the world, but this smacks of too much micro-feedback, and to call it discrimination goes way too far.
Instead of supporting the coach and his idea of how to be proud of his team, you rule in favor of a young teenager who now learns that she can go over his head to the school administrator for stupid stuff.
Margie
DEAR MARGIE: In my mind, demanding that this young athlete shave her body is the essence of “micro-feedback.” As I said in my response, unless male volleyball players are also asked to shave, I think this girl should be left alone.
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.