mercurynews--2020-04-02--Horoscopes April 2, 2020: Michael Fassbender, get rid of what you no longer need.

Happy Birthday : Get rid of what you no longer need .
A clean sweep will be good for the soul and clear the way for new beginnings .
Reevaluate what matters to you and the best way to go about getting what your heart desires .
A direction that allows you to use your attributes uniquely will lift your spirit .
Your numbers are 8 , 12 , 23 , 26 , 31 , 37 , 44 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Do what you can to help others , but not at your own expense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will offer you a point of view that will be insightful and encourage you to make a worthwhile change .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Your focus should be on beauty , comfort and relationships .
A shift in your surroundings or to the way you present yourself to others will give you the boost you need to follow through with your plans .
Success is within reach .
4 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : Be hesitant when it comes to helping others and giving in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your best interest .
Emotional manipulation will put you in a vulnerable position .
Focus on learning and being responsible and disciplined when it comes to health and welfare .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Share your thoughts , and the input offered will be enlightening .
An opportunity will arise that will allow you to make a change you ’ ve been thinking about for some time .
You can rely on someone who has always given you sound advice .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t cause a scene .
You are better off being low-key and secretive about what you plan to do .
Discipline and hard work will be in your best interest .
An emotional argument won ’ t solve anything .
Choose peace over discord .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : A change will be eye-opening .
Get involved in networking events and activities that will keep you well-informed and ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way .
Mix business with pleasure , and you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : A move , home improvements or better position can be yours if you are willing to wheel and deal .
Negotiate contracts , and put investments in place .
Don ’ t give in to anyone trying to take advantage of you .
4 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Speak up about what you want and how you plan to bring about change .
A creative project will give you the financial boost you need to take a step back and evaluate what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Expect to be confused by the choices you are offered .
Wise investments will lead to financial gain ; however , you must avoid letting your proceeds slip through your fingers by making unnecessary purchases .
Keep your plans a secret .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Get out and mingle .
The contacts you make will encourage you to get involved in something that you ’ ve always wanted to pursue .
Personal gains , love and romance will enhance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way you live is favored .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Emotional matters will lead to uncertainty .
Don ’ t feel you have to make a move or change if you aren ’ t ready .
Hang on to your cash , regardless of the temptation or pressure someone puts on you .
Sit tight , and avoid stress .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Your ideas will be prolific if you get out and socialize with peers or unique individuals .
Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from networking .
A moneymaking deal will change your life .
Romance and personal improvements should be priorities .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are smart , spontaneous and changeable .
You are unique and entertaining .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Michael Fassbender, 43; Christopher Meloni, 59; Emmylou Harris, 73; Linda Hunt, 75.
Happy Birthday: Get rid of what you no longer need. A clean sweep will be good for the soul and clear the way for new beginnings. Reevaluate what matters to you and the best way to go about getting what your heart desires. A direction that allows you to use your attributes uniquely will lift your spirit. Your numbers are 8, 12, 23, 26, 31, 37, 44.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Do what you can to help others, but not at your own expense. Someone with a significant age difference will offer you a point of view that will be insightful and encourage you to make a worthwhile change. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your focus should be on beauty, comfort and relationships. A shift in your surroundings or to the way you present yourself to others will give you the boost you need to follow through with your plans. Success is within reach. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Be hesitant when it comes to helping others and giving in to situations that aren’t in your best interest. Emotional manipulation will put you in a vulnerable position. Focus on learning and being responsible and disciplined when it comes to health and welfare. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Share your thoughts, and the input offered will be enlightening. An opportunity will arise that will allow you to make a change you’ve been thinking about for some time. You can rely on someone who has always given you sound advice. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Avoid melodrama. Don’t cause a scene. You are better off being low-key and secretive about what you plan to do. Discipline and hard work will be in your best interest. An emotional argument won’t solve anything. Choose peace over discord. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A change will be eye-opening. Get involved in networking events and activities that will keep you well-informed and ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. Mix business with pleasure, and you’ll get good results. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A move, home improvements or better position can be yours if you are willing to wheel and deal. Negotiate contracts, and put investments in place. Don’t give in to anyone trying to take advantage of you. 4 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Speak up about what you want and how you plan to bring about change. A creative project will give you the financial boost you need to take a step back and evaluate what you want to do next. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Expect to be confused by the choices you are offered. Wise investments will lead to financial gain; however, you must avoid letting your proceeds slip through your fingers by making unnecessary purchases. Keep your plans a secret. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Get out and mingle. The contacts you make will encourage you to get involved in something that you’ve always wanted to pursue. Personal gains, love and romance will enhance your life. An adjustment to the way you live is favored. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Emotional matters will lead to uncertainty. Don’t feel you have to make a move or change if you aren’t ready. Hang on to your cash, regardless of the temptation or pressure someone puts on you. Sit tight, and avoid stress. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your ideas will be prolific if you get out and socialize with peers or unique individuals. Don’t let problems at home stop you from networking. A moneymaking deal will change your life. Romance and personal improvements should be priorities. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are smart, spontaneous and changeable. You are unique and entertaining.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-04-02--Bridge: April 2, 2020

Bridge: April 2, 2020

“ Men are like hot-air balloons , ” Wendy , my club ’ s resident feminist , grumbled to me .
“ You have to light a fire under them to get them to do anything — and then there ’ s the hot-air component.
” “ I take it that you and Cy are still having trouble on defense , ” I sighed .
Cy the Cynic , a chauvinist , and Wendy are adversaries even when they cut as partners .
They were today ’ s East-West in a penny game , and Wendy led a club against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the ace and returned a club , and South won , drew trumps and forced out the ace of hearts .
“ All the Cynic could do was cash his ace of diamonds to hold declarer to no overtricks , ” Wendy growled .
“ The man doesn ’ t have a clue.
” Cy has 14 points , so South surely has the king of clubs for his bid of four spades .
The defense needs two diamond tricks to prevail — and must get them before South can discard on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cy must lead the four of diamonds .
South could succeed by playing his jack , but if he misguesses and plays low , down he goes .
You hold : S 7 5 H A 8 3 2 D A Q 4 C A 8 6 4 .
You open one club , your partner responds one spade , you bid 1NT and he jumps to three spades .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Most partnerships treat partner ’ s jump-rebid in his own suit as invitational .
( In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ geared to accurate game and slam bidding , such bids were forcing . )
Since partner promises a good six-card suit , a raise to four spades is better than a bid of 3NT .

“Men are like hot-air balloons,” Wendy, my club’s resident feminist, grumbled to me. “You have to light a fire under them to get them to do anything — and then there’s the hot-air component.”
“I take it that you and Cy are still having trouble on defense,” I sighed.
Cy the Cynic, a chauvinist, and Wendy are adversaries even when they cut as partners. They were today’s East-West in a penny game, and Wendy led a club against South’s four spades. Cy took the ace and returned a club, and South won, drew trumps and forced out the ace of hearts.
OVERTRICKS
“All the Cynic could do was cash his ace of diamonds to hold declarer to no overtricks,” Wendy growled. “The man doesn’t have a clue.”
Cy has 14 points, so South surely has the king of clubs for his bid of four spades. The defense needs two diamond tricks to prevail — and must get them before South can discard on the hearts. At Trick Two, Cy must lead the four of diamonds. South could succeed by playing his jack, but if he misguesses and plays low, down he goes.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 7 5 H A 8 3 2 D A Q 4 C A 8 6 4. You open one club, your partner responds one spade, you bid 1NT and he jumps to three spades. What do you say?
ANSWER: Most partnerships treat partner’s jump-rebid in his own suit as invitational. (In the old Goren style, which was geared to accurate game and slam bidding, such bids were forcing.) Since partner promises a good six-card suit, a raise to four spades is better than a bid of 3NT.
North dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S A J 9
H K Q 10 9 6
D K 9 3
C J 10
WEST
S 8 3
H 7 4
D 10 8 6 2
C Q 9 7 5 3
EAST
S 7 5
H A 8 3 2
D A Q 4
C A 8 6 4
SOUTH
S K Q 10 6 4 2
H J 5
D J 7 5
C K 2
North East South West
1 H Pass 1 S Pass
2 S Pass 4 S All Pass
Opening lead — C 5
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-04-02--Word Game: April 2, 2020

Word Game: April 2, 2020

Can you find 30 or more words in GRAPPLE ?
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 — GRAPPLE (GRAPPLE: GRAP-ul: Struggle; wrestle.)
Average mark 24 words
Time limit 35 minutes
Can you find 30 or more words in GRAPPLE? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — PALLIATE paella pail palate pale pall pallet pate patella
peal peat pelt petal pieta pile pill pita plait plat plate plea pleat plie alit lapel late
leap leapt lilt tail tale tall tapa tape teal tell tile till
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--2020-04-02--Ask Amy: How can I get her to be a vegan?

DEAR READERS : Because of syndication scheduling , I write and submit my columns two weeks in advance of publication .
Due to this time lag , the Q & A ’ s will not reflect the latest information about the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic we are currently facing .
DEAR AMY : My sister and I have disagreed about diet for years ; I am vegan , and she and her spouse eat meat ( only about twice a week , I believe ) .
We love one another , our relations are cordial , and we never argue about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I visit , she cheerfully accommodates us .
Although my central reason for not eating animals is that “ they don ’ t like it , ” health is also a major concern , and occasionally I send my sister a link with a scientific study pointing out the health-protective benefits of plant-based diets .
I try to be sparing with the links , because I know people who are always dispensing health advice can be annoying .
With the COVID-19 epidemic , my concern for my dear sister ’ s health is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 65 , she has had major health crises in the past , and I want her to be alive and well for many more years .
• Ask Amy : Flirting men need to know I stick to my own kind • Ask Amy : After my brother ’ s response to sick baby , I ’ m thinking he ’ s a jerk • Ask Amy : How the coronavirus pandemic looked two weeks ago • Ask Amy : Being a good Christian put me in a bad situation • Ask Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marry him but I want the ring I would like to send her some links showing that adopting a plant-based diet quickly fosters a healthy microbiome ( gut flora ) that boosts one ’ s immunity — without putting her off .
Amy , I know dispensing physical health recommendations isn ’ t your job .
But if you would consult some nutritionists and check this out for yourself , and — if you find it convincing — mention it in your column , it might help my sister decide to stop eating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the epidemic .
In fact , knowing there is something we can do to strengthen our immune systems now might help many , especially the elderly , to be less fearful .
Fear can do a lot of damage to society .
DEAR G : You seem to have advocated for your point of view , over and over .
Your sister has reacted politely by respecting your dietary choices .
I agree that fear can do a lot of damage .
And so maybe you should stop trying to scare your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the guests brought older siblings that we had never met before .
This would not have been an issue if this were a party at home or an outdoor park .
However , we were at a trampoline park where you have to pay $ 20 per participant .
Non-participants ( such as parents ) are free .
When we received the bill , it showed that we had 27 kids !
I felt it impolite to put on the invitation that only the named guest can participate .
Is there a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not paying for siblings we don ’ t even know when throwing a party at an amusement center ?
DEAR TAPPED OUT : I am assuming that parents also accompanied these very young kiddos — and brought their other children with them , perhaps assuming that you had a group rate .
I shared your question with Gay Cioffi , longtime director of the Little Folks preschool in Washington , DC , who publishes a helpful parenting newsletter , “ Little Folks , Big Questions ” ( littlefolksbigquestions.com ) .
Cioffi responds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to every possible size and shape of birthday party .
Everything from keeping the guest number in line with the age of the child — four years old equals four guests ( I love that ) — to an extravaganza with 300 people at the Four Seasons Hotel .
“ Because you are dealing with families and young children , you need to expect the unexpected , i.e.
, a “ bug ” is going around , and lots of people don ’ t show up , family members are visiting and join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is overwhelmed and cries the whole time ( most often ) .
Since young children are not always keen on being dropped off , or if parents are actually invited , you can assume siblings may come too .
I don ’ t think there is a polite way to say you are not paying for siblings .
If finances are a concern , next year , I would plan a smaller gathering with room for growth.
” DEAR AMY : “ Not Looking ” was a widower in an assisted-living facility .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to him .
In addition to your advice to him , I hope you will urge all sexually active seniors to use condoms !
DEAR CONCERNED : STDs are a growing problem within the elder population .
Yes , condoms !
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 READERS: Because of syndication scheduling, I write and submit my columns two weeks in advance of publication. Due to this time lag, the Q&A’s will not reflect the latest information about the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic we are currently facing.
DEAR AMY: My sister and I have disagreed about diet for years; I am vegan, and she and her spouse eat meat (only about twice a week, I believe).
We love one another, our relations are cordial, and we never argue about her diet. When my spouse and I visit, she cheerfully accommodates us.
Although my central reason for not eating animals is that “they don’t like it,” health is also a major concern, and occasionally I send my sister a link with a scientific study pointing out the health-protective benefits of plant-based diets.
I try to be sparing with the links, because I know people who are always dispensing health advice can be annoying.
With the COVID-19 epidemic, my concern for my dear sister’s health is mounting. We are both well past 65, she has had major health crises in the past, and I want her to be alive and well for many more years.
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Amy, I know dispensing physical health recommendations isn’t your job. But if you would consult some nutritionists and check this out for yourself, and — if you find it convincing — mention it in your column, it might help my sister decide to stop eating animals, at least for the duration of the epidemic.
In fact, knowing there is something we can do to strengthen our immune systems now might help many, especially the elderly, to be less fearful. Fear can do a lot of damage to society.
G
DEAR G: You seem to have advocated for your point of view, over and over. Your sister has reacted politely by respecting your dietary choices.
I agree that fear can do a lot of damage. And so maybe you should stop trying to scare your sister.
DEAR AMY: I recently hosted a birthday party for my preschool-aged son. I invited 20 classmates. Sixteen responded “yes.”
At the party, several of the guests brought older siblings that we had never met before. This would not have been an issue if this were a party at home or an outdoor park. However, we were at a trampoline park where you have to pay $20 per participant. Non-participants (such as parents) are free.
When we received the bill, it showed that we had 27 kids!
I felt it impolite to put on the invitation that only the named guest can participate. Is there a polite way to make sure we’re not paying for siblings we don’t even know when throwing a party at an amusement center?
Tapped Out
DEAR TAPPED OUT: I am assuming that parents also accompanied these very young kiddos — and brought their other children with them, perhaps assuming that you had a group rate.
I shared your question with Gay Cioffi, longtime director of the Little Folks preschool in Washington, DC, who publishes a helpful parenting newsletter, “Little Folks, Big Questions” (littlefolksbigquestions.com).
Cioffi responds: “I have been a witness to every possible size and shape of birthday party. Everything from keeping the guest number in line with the age of the child — four years old equals four guests (I love that) — to an extravaganza with 300 people at the Four Seasons Hotel.
“Because you are dealing with families and young children, you need to expect the unexpected, i.e., a “bug” is going around, and lots of people don’t show up, family members are visiting and join the invitee, or the birthday child is overwhelmed and cries the whole time (most often).
Since young children are not always keen on being dropped off, or if parents are actually invited, you can assume siblings may come too. I don’t think there is a polite way to say you are not paying for siblings. If finances are a concern, next year, I would plan a smaller gathering with room for growth.”
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: “Not Looking” was a widower in an assisted-living facility. He was shocked when female residents came on to him.
In addition to your advice to him, I hope you will urge all sexually active seniors to use condoms!
Concerned
DEAR CONCERNED: STDs are a growing problem within the elder population. Yes, condoms!
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--2020-04-02--Letter: Dead and sick people can’t buy goods and services

Re : “ Thiessen : Trump understands what his critics don ’ t : The toll of lockdown ” ( Opinion section , March 29 ) : I enjoyed reading this Trumpian sycophant alongside the column , “ Seattle is living your coronavirus future — if you and your area do the right thing ” ( Opinion section , March 29 ) from Tim Ryan of the New York Times , who pointed out that the Seattle public radio station has stopped airing Trump ’ s live briefings because they are so filled with misinformation .
Nothing further illustrates the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic than Mr. Thiessen ’ s argument that we need to protect the economy despite continuing evidence that without a flattening of the curve , the virus will spread and infect and kill more of us .
To use an antithetical of a statement coined by Bill Clinton campaign strategist James Carville , “ It ’ s not the economy , stupid.
” • Letter : This gives us critical time to reflect on our society • Letter : Should we thank Trump for making US No .
1 in cases ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to COVID-19 Dead and sick people can ’ t buy goods and services and work to restore the economy .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Dead, sick people can’t
buy goods and services
Re: “Thiessen: Trump understands what his critics don’t: The toll of lockdown” (Opinion section, March 29):
I enjoyed reading this Trumpian sycophant alongside the column, “Seattle is living your coronavirus future — if you and your area do the right thing” (Opinion section, March 29) from Tim Ryan of the New York Times, who pointed out that the Seattle public radio station has stopped airing Trump’s live briefings because they are so filled with misinformation.
Nothing further illustrates the failure of the response to the coronavirus pandemic than Mr. Thiessen’s argument that we need to protect the economy despite continuing evidence that without a flattening of the curve, the virus will spread and infect and kill more of us.
To use an antithetical of a statement coined by Bill Clinton campaign strategist James Carville, “It’s not the economy, stupid.”
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Roger Wood
Fremont
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-04-02--Harriette Cole: Should I tell them why I had to quit the cheer squad?

DEAR HARRIETTE : Back in my freshman year of college , I was a part of my university ’ s cheerleading squad .
I had to stay at school until late at night and get home close to midnight ( since I was a commuter ) .
Practice was not difficult , and I did pretty well with the intense three-hour workouts .
However , I had two major problems : my grades and transportation .
Due to the late hours , my grades began to plummet drastically .
I became incredibly depressed and had intense anxiety attacks .
Before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to my stomach and would faint sometimes from stress .
The breaking point was a game that ended in disaster .
It was horrible .
I decided to quit and cut all ties with the team .
Whenever I saw the girls in the halls or my classes , I could feel the awkward tension between us .
Leaving the team was the best decision I ever made , but I feel scared to confront the girls about my reason for quitting .
What should I do ?
DEAR FORMER CHEERLEADER : It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other cheerleaders ( even though you are not with them at school right now , given the fact that schools are shut down ) .
Since you will continue to have this situation on your heart , I recommend that you reach out to your teammates and tell them that you miss them .
Acknowledge that you are sorry you had to leave the team , but that you left because you were flunking school and getting home way too late .
Apologize for not talking to them about it before .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you , and you hope they understand .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I have lost my passion for reading .
When I was younger , I used to love reading .
I had a different book in my hands every day .
Lately , I have not been reading anything .
There are hundreds of new books at bookstores , and I just walk past them .
I love reading , but I never seem to finish a book anymore .
Additionally , whenever I do read , I never seem to comprehend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my eyes and never seem to reach my brain .
I miss reading books ; I was labeled the bookworm among my peers when I was younger .
I feel like I lost a part of myself , and I don ’ t know how to find it again .
Can I still go back ?
DEAR EX-BOOKWORM : It is natural that you are experiencing a shift in your priorities .
As your life changes and fills with other activities , your interest in books has taken a backseat to other things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change , take a step back and observe what you are spending your time on and whether you really want to divide your time in that way .
Ask yourself why you have lost interest in books .
Is there an underlying reason that you can identify ?
Consider another popular option — listening to audiobooks .
Hearing someone read a book in your area of interest may reignite your love of reading .
You can get lost in a book for hours by listening to someone read it to you .
Harriette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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: Back in my freshman year of college, I was a part of my university’s cheerleading squad. I had to stay at school until late at night and get home close to midnight (since I was a commuter). Practice was not difficult, and I did pretty well with the intense three-hour workouts. However, I had two major problems: my grades and transportation.
Due to the late hours, my grades began to plummet drastically. I became incredibly depressed and had intense anxiety attacks. Before and after practice, I felt sick to my stomach and would faint sometimes from stress.
The breaking point was a game that ended in disaster. It was horrible. I decided to quit and cut all ties with the team.
Whenever I saw the girls in the halls or my classes, I could feel the awkward tension between us. Leaving the team was the best decision I ever made, but I feel scared to confront the girls about my reason for quitting. What should I do?
Former Cheerleader
DEAR FORMER CHEERLEADER: It is worth it to create closure with the other cheerleaders (even though you are not with them at school right now, given the fact that schools are shut down).
Since you will continue to have this situation on your heart, I recommend that you reach out to your teammates and tell them that you miss them. Acknowledge that you are sorry you had to leave the team, but that you left because you were flunking school and getting home way too late.
Apologize for not talking to them about it before. Explain that this was a tough decision for you, and you hope they understand.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have lost my passion for reading. When I was younger, I used to love reading. I had a different book in my hands every day.
Lately, I have not been reading anything. There are hundreds of new books at bookstores, and I just walk past them.
I love reading, but I never seem to finish a book anymore. Additionally, whenever I do read, I never seem to comprehend the words; they just go in my eyes and never seem to reach my brain.
I miss reading books; I was labeled the bookworm among my peers when I was younger. I feel like I lost a part of myself, and I don’t know how to find it again. Can I still go back?
Ex-Bookworm
DEAR EX-BOOKWORM: It is natural that you are experiencing a shift in your priorities. As your life changes and fills with other activities, your interest in books has taken a backseat to other things. Since you do not like this change, take a step back and observe what you are spending your time on and whether you really want to divide your time in that way. Ask yourself why you have lost interest in books. Is there an underlying reason that you can identify?
Consider another popular option — listening to audiobooks. Hearing someone read a book in your area of interest may reignite your love of reading. You can get lost in a book for hours by listening to someone read it to you.
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--2020-04-02--Miss Manners: Did they deserve to be invited to our friend’s memorial?

DEAR MISS MANNERS : My partner lost a friend who was suffering from depression and mental health issues .
The family of the deceased decided to have a big celebration of life later in the year .
In the meantime , my partner , who was grieving , wanted to host a small dinner in remembrance of his friend .
Although the friend was not from the small town we live in , he was part of the community and was friends with many people .
In trying to keep the gathering intimate , my partner invited only close friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The people who attended had all worked together for many years and shared a common bond with one another and with the deceased .
This was very upsetting to a few people who expressed that they “ deserved ” to be there , and that it was “ mean to exclude them.
” What is the proper etiquette for a situation like this ?
• Miss Manners : When a wife starts talking about her next husband • Miss Manners : We told them no gifts , and I ’ m hurt by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invite me out , and then make me work too hard • Miss Manners : My husband says I shouldn ’ t park in spaces for pregnant women • Miss Manners : We ’ re appalled at the bride ’ s demands for her wedding GENTLE READER : Although it is rude to protest to a host for not being invited , Miss Manners believes that it is worth assuaging hurt feelings when possible .
The solution in this case is to invent an objective grouping .
Saying that your event was for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly since the family is doing a separate remembrance , and your partner and the deceased were not related — will answer anyone who was not a co-worker .
If necessary , you can further limit it to people who knew the deceased for some length of time , worked in close proximity to him , and so on .
The rule need not be an exact match for the guests , as those who are not invited will not be present to check .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : I frequently travel for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosts rather than in hotels .
I am a low-maintenance guest , and kind to my hosts .
I thank them in person , and also , when possible , by name at the events where I am a speaker .
I also send a personal and sincere message of thanks by email afterward .
But does that note of thanks afterward need to be handwritten ?
If so , can it be a card left in the bedroom where I ’ ve been staying , or must it be mailed ?
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my hosts ?
I ’ ve been trying to think of something appropriate for hosts I may not know , whose personal tastes are a mystery , and that ’ s small enough to fit into compact air luggage .
GENTLE READER : Your understandable confusion is caused by the melange of business and personal manners .
Were you visiting a friend , it would be reasonable to reciprocate your hosts ’ hospitality with more than a letter : inviting them out to dinner and sending a present .
Presumably , you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are working .
Your hosts — and Miss Manners does not mean to lessen their generosity — are making a donation to the cause .
Presents are not necessary , but a handwritten letter , sent after you return home — leaving it in the room suggests that you have a supply to hand out — would be extremely gracious .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My partner lost a friend who was suffering from depression and mental health issues. The family of the deceased decided to have a big celebration of life later in the year.
In the meantime, my partner, who was grieving, wanted to host a small dinner in remembrance of his friend. Although the friend was not from the small town we live in, he was part of the community and was friends with many people.
In trying to keep the gathering intimate, my partner invited only close friends of the person who had passed. The people who attended had all worked together for many years and shared a common bond with one another and with the deceased.
This was very upsetting to a few people who expressed that they “deserved” to be there, and that it was “mean to exclude them.” What is the proper etiquette for a situation like this?
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The solution in this case is to invent an objective grouping. Saying that your event was for people who worked with the deceased — particularly since the family is doing a separate remembrance, and your partner and the deceased were not related — will answer anyone who was not a co-worker.
If necessary, you can further limit it to people who knew the deceased for some length of time, worked in close proximity to him, and so on. The rule need not be an exact match for the guests, as those who are not invited will not be present to check.
Want Miss Manners delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I frequently travel for work, and often stay with local hosts rather than in hotels. I am a low-maintenance guest, and kind to my hosts. I thank them in person, and also, when possible, by name at the events where I am a speaker. I also send a personal and sincere message of thanks by email afterward.
But does that note of thanks afterward need to be handwritten? If so, can it be a card left in the bedroom where I’ve been staying, or must it be mailed?
Also, does etiquette require a gift for my hosts? I’ve been trying to think of something appropriate for hosts I may not know, whose personal tastes are a mystery, and that’s small enough to fit into compact air luggage.
GENTLE READER: Your understandable confusion is caused by the melange of business and personal manners. Were you visiting a friend, it would be reasonable to reciprocate your hosts’ hospitality with more than a letter: inviting them out to dinner and sending a present. Presumably, you can guess your friends’ tastes.
But you are working. Your hosts — and Miss Manners does not mean to lessen their generosity — are making a donation to the cause. Presents are not necessary, but a handwritten letter, sent after you return home — leaving it in the room suggests that you have a supply to hand out — would be extremely gracious.
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--2020-04-02--Dear Abby: He makes cruel comments about me when we’re in public

DEAR ABBY : Sometimes when my boyfriend and I go out with another couple and I ’ m talking , he abruptly says , “ I never get a word in , ” or , “ Can anyone else talk ?
” Abby , if I don ’ t talk , he just sits there like a lump on a log .
It ’ s embarrassing , and I have asked him not to say that in front of other people .
How should I respond when he makes cruel remarks in front of other people ?
DEAR AWKWARD : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Or is it that he has trouble making social conversation ?
If that ’ s the case , perhaps you should make more of an effort to draw the “ lump ” into the conversation .
However , if it ’ s not true , then what he ’ s doing may be an effort to appear to be the dominant partner in your relationship .
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That was hurtful and embarrassing .
If you have a complaint about my behavior , please be considerate and make it privately.
” DEAR ABBY : My boyfriend is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s house and spends the night , even though we live less than 15 minutes away .
He knows it upsets me , yet every time she asks him to spend the night , he goes .
He left our children home alone while I worked overnight , because it was her birthday .
His relationship with his mother is a large part of why we aren ’ t married , and the fact that he continues to spend the night there is leading to huge fights .
Is this normal or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your boyfriend would leave minor children alone and without supervision while he spends the night with his mother — birthday or not — is unusual .
It would have been more logical for him to have invited his mother to your house to celebrate the occasion .
That said , you can not control what your boyfriend does .
I suspect there ’ s a lot more wrong with your relationship than the fact that he hasn ’ t emotionally separated from his mother .
You two could benefit from couples counseling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mother , but also your relationship with each other .
If he won ’ t go , go alone to get clarity on how to proceed with your future .
DEAR ABBY : I have a good friend who has a frustratingly bad habit .
Every year , she makes a point of mentioning her upcoming birthday at least a couple of times a week , starting about four months before the day .
It is never mentioned the rest of the year .
If I want to buy someone a birthday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find out when their special day is and act accordingly .
If I don ’ t wish to provide a gift , then no amount of nagging will guilt me into it .
I do not want to end the friendship because she is an otherwise nice person and a good friend , but I ’ m sick of the nagging .
Any suggestions on how to tactfully but effectively deal with this ?
DEAR NAGGED : The next time your friend starts up , respond by saying , “ You have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the third time say , “ You know , this is getting old .
It looks like you are soliciting a gift.
” Then tell her if she keeps it up , you WON ’ T buy her one .
I ’ ll bet it works !
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: Sometimes when my boyfriend and I go out with another couple and I’m talking, he abruptly says, “I never get a word in,” or, “Can anyone else talk?” Abby, if I don’t talk, he just sits there like a lump on a log. It’s embarrassing, and I have asked him not to say that in front of other people.
How should I respond when he makes cruel remarks in front of other people?
AWKWARD SILENCE IN NEW YORK
DEAR AWKWARD: Is what your boyfriend says true? Or is it that he has trouble making social conversation? If that’s the case, perhaps you should make more of an effort to draw the “lump” into the conversation. However, if it’s not true, then what he’s doing may be an effort to appear to be the dominant partner in your relationship.
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DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend is 31 and still goes to his mother’s house and spends the night, even though we live less than 15 minutes away. He knows it upsets me, yet every time she asks him to spend the night, he goes. He left our children home alone while I worked overnight, because it was her birthday.
His relationship with his mother is a large part of why we aren’t married, and the fact that he continues to spend the night there is leading to huge fights. Is this normal or not?
FED UP IN OHIO
DEAR FED UP: That your boyfriend would leave minor children alone and without supervision while he spends the night with his mother — birthday or not — is unusual. It would have been more logical for him to have invited his mother to your house to celebrate the occasion.
That said, you cannot control what your boyfriend does. I suspect there’s a lot more wrong with your relationship than the fact that he hasn’t emotionally separated from his mother.
You two could benefit from couples counseling to sort out not only his relationship with his mother, but also your relationship with each other. If he won’t go, go alone to get clarity on how to proceed with your future.
DEAR ABBY: I have a good friend who has a frustratingly bad habit. Every year, she makes a point of mentioning her upcoming birthday at least a couple of times a week, starting about four months before the day. It is never mentioned the rest of the year.
If I want to buy someone a birthday gift, I make the effort to find out when their special day is and act accordingly. If I don’t wish to provide a gift, then no amount of nagging will guilt me into it. I do not want to end the friendship because she is an otherwise nice person and a good friend, but I’m sick of the nagging.
Any suggestions on how to tactfully but effectively deal with this?
NAGGED IN FLORIDA
DEAR NAGGED: The next time your friend starts up, respond by saying, “You have already told me.” When she does it for the third time say, “You know, this is getting old. It looks like you are soliciting a gift.” Then tell her if she keeps it up, you WON’T buy her one. I’ll bet it works!
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--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Bay Area health officials now recommend wearing face coverings

Bay Area health officials are now recommending people who must leave their homes for essential travel cover their nose and mouth , according to a press release issued by the County of San Mateo Joint Information Center .
“ In addition to shelter-in-place and social distancing requirements , wearing a mask in public is an important tool to stop the community spread of this disease , ” Scott Morrow , MD , San Mateo County health officer said in a statement .
“ People with no or mild symptoms may have coronavirus and not know it .
Wearing face coverings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 4:30 p.m. on Thursday , no other Bay Area counties had published new guidance regarding wearing face coverings as a way to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus .
The release issued by the County of San Mateo urged the public to avoid using medical masks such as N-95 or surgical masks , which are in short supply and must be preserved for healthcare workers .
Items such as bandanas , fabric masks and neck gaiters were deemed acceptable face coverings .
The recommendation comes a day after Los Angeles mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks any time they leave their homes .
“ We must protect folks that we come into contact with , ” Garcetti said .
On Wednesday , a spokesperson for the Santa Clara County Public Health Department said they are still relying on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control , which encourages people who are sick and those who are caring for the ill to wear masks .
According to the press release issued by San Mateo County on Thursday , “ circumstances have changed.
” Acceptable face coverings can be made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be improvised using apparel such as scarves , t-shirts or towels .
During daily press briefings this week , California Gov .
Gavin Newsom has resisted issuing statewide guidance on face coverings and instead reminded people that they are not a substitute for physical or social distancing .
“ ( Face coverings ) are not a substitute for a stay-at-home order , ” Newsom said .
“ They are not a call for people to get N ) -95 masks or surgical masks and pull them away from our first responders in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledged that face coverings may help decrease the risk of contracting COVID-19 , but has emphasized that face coverings should be emphasized in conjunction “ with evidence-based interventions such as staying at home , physical distancing when completing essential activities and washing hands.
” Covering the nose and mouth with cloth may also help serve as a reminder to keep physical distancing .
News of the recommendation from Bay Area health officials comes as the Trump administration is finalizing guidance to recommend that many people wear face coverings in public places such as @ @ @ @ @ @

Bay Area health officials are now recommending people who must leave their homes for essential travel cover their nose and mouth, according to press releases issued by three Bay Area county Public Health Departments Thursday.
“In addition to shelter-in-place and social distancing requirements, wearing a mask in public is an important tool to stop the community spread of this disease,” Scott Morrow, MD, San Mateo County health officer said in a statement. “People with no or mild symptoms may have coronavirus and not know it. Wearing face coverings helps protect others from exposure.”
San Mateo was the first Bay Area county to publish new guidance regarding wearing face coverings as a way to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Alameda County confirmed the guidance was “regional” with its own release at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.
“While there is no replacing the important role of physical distancing and handwashing, wearing face coverings is one more tool to prevent the spread of this virus in our community,” said Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan in a statement.
Here’s how to make your own face mask even if you don’t sew
Santa Clara County also released its own statement explaining the new guidance Thursday evening.
“Wearing a face covering is an additional strategy to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. We know that a person can spread the virus before they develop symptoms, or even if they never develop symptoms,” said Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara County Health Officer and Public Health Director.
Health officials are urging the public to avoid using medical masks such as N-95 or surgical masks, which are in short supply and must be preserved for healthcare workers.
Items such as bandanas, fabric masks and neck gaiters were deemed acceptable face coverings.
The recommendation comes a day after Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti told residents they should wear masks any time they leave their homes.
“We must protect folks that we come into contact with,” Garcetti said.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Santa Clara County Public Health Department said they are still relying on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, which encourages people who are sick and those who are caring for the ill to wear masks.
According to the press release issued by San Mateo County on Thursday, “circumstances have changed.”
Acceptable face coverings can be made of a variety of cloth materials and can be improvised using apparel such as scarves, t-shirts or towels.
During daily press briefings this week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has resisted issuing statewide guidance on face coverings and instead reminded people that they are not a substitute for physical or social distancing.
“(Face coverings) are not a substitute for a stay-at-home order,” Newsom said. “They are not a call for people to get N)-95 masks or surgical masks and pull them away from our first responders in our hospital system.”
The governor has acknowledged that face coverings may help decrease the risk of contracting COVID-19, but has emphasized that face coverings should be emphasized in conjunction “with evidence-based interventions such as staying at home, physical distancing when completing essential activities and washing hands.”
Covering the nose and mouth with cloth may also help serve as a reminder to keep physical distancing.
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As of 1 p.m. on Thursday, the state of California had recorded more than 10,000 positive tests for COVID-19. More than 200 people have died from COVID-19 in the state.
Gov. Newsom said Thursday nearly 2,000 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 around the state, including more than 800 patients in intensive care unit beds.


mercurynews--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Pelosi announces committee for pandemic oversight

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday announced the creation of a new bipartisan House select committee on the coronavirus crisis that will exercise oversight of the federal response to the pandemic and be chaired by Majority Whip Jim Clyburn .
The speaker told reporters on a conference call that the committee ’ s immediate focus will be on “ the here and now , ” not the Trump administration ’ s initial response to the pandemic , though she said there will come a time when such a review will be appropriate .
She said the committee will “ have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be empowered to examine all aspects of the federal response to coronavirus and to ensure that the taxpayers dollars are being wisely and efficiently spent to save lives , deliver relief , and benefit our economy.
” Pelosi said the committee will be able to exercise oversight and would have the authority to issue subpoenas .
“ It ’ s no use having a committee unless you have subpoena power , ” she said .
“ We would hope there would be cooperation , ” she added .
“ We want to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” While Pelosi has the power to propose the formation of such a select committee , the House must vote on a resolution to actually create it , according to the House rules .
But that ’ s unlikely to happen in the near term given that the House is not expected to have any votes before April 20 , and when exactly the House will return is still uncertain .
Pelosi also discussed her view that Congress will need to take further legislative action to deal with the crisis .
“ Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action , ” she said , adding , “ House Democrats have continued our work in daily conference calls with our frontline personnel and each other , ” she said .
House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy reiterated on Thursday that he disagrees with Pelosi ’ s push to craft a fourth coronavirus response bill , saying Congress should instead be focused on making sure the first three bills are implemented well .
A fourth stimulus bill “ is not appropriate at this time , ” he said during a phone call with reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the future , ” McCarthy said , but he wants to ensure it is “ targeted , that it works.
” Asked about President Donald Trump ’ s support for a large infrastructure package to boost the economy , McCarthy said Trump would also “ want it to be targeted and timely.
” McCarthy also criticized Pelosi ’ s decision to form a House select committee on the coronavirus crisis , arguing that such a committee would be “ redundant ” because existing House committees are able to exercise oversight , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus legislation that has been passed .
McCarthy also said he ’ s concerned that Clyburn will be heading the committee .
“ Congressman Clyburn is the one who thought that this crisis is an opportune time to restructure government .
That ’ s not what we should be doing , ” the California Republican said .
McCarthy cautioned that getting the select committee up and running would require a House vote .
“ I don ’ t know when we ’ d go back and vote on this .
I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I don ’ t know what the responsibility would be .
And I ’ m just wondering , does the speaker not trust the Oversight Committee ?
” he said .
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said later Thursday that he does not support the creation of a select committee either .
Asked during the White House press briefing whether he thought the committee was necessary , Mnuchin said , “ I don ’ t. ” “ Both parties wanted us to have oversight , wanted us to have transparency .
We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referring to the oversight panel created as part of the stimulus package .
“ And again , that committee will review the money that we ’ re spending , ” Mnuchin added .
President Donald Trump also criticized the formation of such a committee .
“ Here we go again , ” Trump griped at Thursday ’ s news conference as he bemoaned “ witch hunt after witch hunt after witch hunt.
” “ It ’ s time to get this enemy defeated .
Conducting these partisan investigations in a pandemic is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , attention , ” Trump said .
When asked if she would support a commission to investigate what unfolded in the onset of the crisis , Pelosi said she that is “ a big supporter of after-action review , ” and there is “ absolutely ” a need for one in this case .
She said it ’ s “ something that we should discuss ” and it would have to be bipartisan .
Anything that affects this many Americans , she added , needs an after-action review — “ not to point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t happen again in the manner in which it happened.
” “ Right now , we just have to work together to get through this .
But as we do , we don ’ t want to make more mistakes , ” she said .
The creation of the panel comes after Congress passed a massive and far-reaching stimulus package with an estimated price tag of roughly $ 2 trillion to respond to the economic and public health fallout from the rapid spread of the devastating disease .
• Coronavirus : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 cases , 26 more people to be tested • Coronavirus : Santa Clara is Bay Area ’ s first county with more than 1,000 COVID-19 cases • Exclusive : Oakland doc whose Fox News spot goes viral thinks he has COVID-19 • Coronavirus : Restaurants ’ donated meals for Bay Area hospitals keep cooks , others employed The legislation stands as the largest emergency aid package in US history and represents a massive financial injection into a struggling economy with provisions aimed at helping American workers , small businesses and industries grappling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on all Americans to take care of themselves amidst the ongoing crisis .
“ Take care , wash your hands , hydrate , and as I always say , you can never dance too much , especially when you ’ re home , ” she said .

By Clare Foran, Hayley Byrd and Manu Raju | CNN
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday announced the creation of a new bipartisan House select committee on the coronavirus crisis that will exercise oversight of the federal response to the pandemic and be chaired by Majority Whip Jim Clyburn.
The speaker told reporters on a conference call that the committee’s immediate focus will be on “the here and now,” not the Trump administration’s initial response to the pandemic, though she said there will come a time when such a review will be appropriate.
She said the committee will “have an expert staff and the committee will be empowered to examine all aspects of the federal response to coronavirus and to ensure that the taxpayers dollars are being wisely and efficiently spent to save lives, deliver relief, and benefit our economy.”
Pelosi said the committee will be able to exercise oversight and would have the authority to issue subpoenas.
“It’s no use having a committee unless you have subpoena power,” she said.
“We would hope there would be cooperation,” she added. “We want to make sure there are not exploiters out there.”
While Pelosi has the power to propose the formation of such a select committee, the House must vote on a resolution to actually create it, according to the House rules. But that’s unlikely to happen in the near term given that the House is not expected to have any votes before April 20, and when exactly the House will return is still uncertain.
Pelosi also discussed her view that Congress will need to take further legislative action to deal with the crisis.
“Every day we see the need for further action,” she said, adding, “House Democrats have continued our work in daily conference calls with our frontline personnel and each other,” she said.
House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy reiterated on Thursday that he disagrees with Pelosi’s push to craft a fourth coronavirus response bill, saying Congress should instead be focused on making sure the first three bills are implemented well.
A fourth stimulus bill “is not appropriate at this time,” he said during a phone call with reporters.
“I’m for infrastructure in the future,” McCarthy said, but he wants to ensure it is “targeted, that it works.” Asked about President Donald Trump’s support for a large infrastructure package to boost the economy, McCarthy said Trump would also “want it to be targeted and timely.”
McCarthy also criticized Pelosi’s decision to form a House select committee on the coronavirus crisis, arguing that such a committee would be “redundant” because existing House committees are able to exercise oversight, and there are other oversight provisions in the coronavirus legislation that has been passed.
McCarthy also said he’s concerned that Clyburn will be heading the committee.
“Congressman Clyburn is the one who thought that this crisis is an opportune time to restructure government. That’s not what we should be doing,” the California Republican said.
McCarthy cautioned that getting the select committee up and running would require a House vote.
“I don’t know when we’d go back and vote on this. I don’t know what the budget would be. I don’t know what the responsibility would be. And I’m just wondering, does the speaker not trust the Oversight Committee?” he said.
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said later Thursday that he does not support the creation of a select committee either. Asked during the White House press briefing whether he thought the committee was necessary, Mnuchin said, “I don’t.”
“Both parties wanted us to have oversight, wanted us to have transparency. We have full transparency,” he said, referring to the oversight panel created as part of the stimulus package. “And again, that committee will review the money that we’re spending,” Mnuchin added.
President Donald Trump also criticized the formation of such a committee. “Here we go again,” Trump griped at Thursday’s news conference as he bemoaned “witch hunt after witch hunt after witch hunt.”
“It’s time to get this enemy defeated. Conducting these partisan investigations in a pandemic is a big waste of vital resources, time, attention,” Trump said.
When asked if she would support a commission to investigate what unfolded in the onset of the crisis, Pelosi said she that is “a big supporter of after-action review,” and there is “absolutely” a need for one in this case.
She said it’s “something that we should discuss” and it would have to be bipartisan. Anything that affects this many Americans, she added, needs an after-action review — “not to point fingers, but to ensure that it doesn’t happen again in the manner in which it happened.”
“Right now, we just have to work together to get through this. But as we do, we don’t want to make more mistakes,” she said.
The creation of the panel comes after Congress passed a massive and far-reaching stimulus package with an estimated price tag of roughly $2 trillion to respond to the economic and public health fallout from the rapid spread of the devastating disease.
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Pelosi called on all Americans to take care of themselves amidst the ongoing crisis.
“Take care, wash your hands, hydrate, and as I always say, you can never dance too much, especially when you’re home,” she said.


mercurynews--2020-04-02--DA confirms juvenile murder case filed in 2018 North Richmond shooting; suspects had alleged gang ti

DA confirms juvenile murder case filed in 2018 North Richmond shooting; suspects had alleged gang ties

MARTINEZ — At least one teenager was charged in connection with the 2018 shooting death of a Castro Valley man in North Richmond , county prosecutors confirmed this week .
But the Contra Costa District Attorney won ’ t name the suspect ( s ) , or even say how many individuals were charged , or discuss the case beyond confirming that murder charges were filed .
The victim , Raymond Vasquez , 60 , was shot to death around 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 30 , 2018 , at Silver Avenue in North Richmond , during what police have described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , two teens boys , aged 15 and 17 , were arrested in connection with Vasquez ’ s death .
The case is currently being prosecuted in juvenile court , which means whoever is charged , if convicted , faces significantly less time in confinement than they would in adult court .
Under state law , those prosecuted as juveniles can not be imprisoned for longer than their 25th birthday , except in rare circumstances .
Court records on the case would normally be publicly available , but the emergency court shutdown over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from accessing files .
On the night he was killed , Vasquez had reportedly arranged to meet a 15-year-old boy to sell him six pounds of marijuana .
Vasquez brought his teen daughter , and her friend , who were both younger than 16 , police said .
But when the 15-year-old boy showed up — along with a 17-year-old boy — the suspects pulled guns on Vasquez .
According to witnesses , the 17-year-old fatally shot Vasquez and the two suspects ran off with the large bag of marijuana , police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of whom went to Richmond High School — were members or associates of a North Richmond-based Sureno gang .
When they arrested both teens in late 2018 , detectives set them up alone in a room and planted a recording device .
The 17-year-old was recorded chastising the younger teen for not wearing a mask during the robbery , according to investigators .
The case is markedly similar to the May 2017 killing of 20-year-old Allie Sweitzer , who was shot and killed in Richmond after being set up for a robbery by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s killers stole marijuana from her and friends after she was shot .
The shooter in that case turned out to be a 15-year-old boy who was sentenced to seven years in prison for killing her .
Under a 2019 state law , SB 1391 , anyone under 16 must be prosecuted as a juvenile , even for serious cases like murder or rape .
If prosecutors want to charge a 16 or 17-year-old as an adult , they can only do so with a judge ’ s approval .

MARTINEZ — At least one teenager was charged in connection with the 2018 shooting death of a Castro Valley man in North Richmond, county prosecutors confirmed this week.
But the Contra Costa District Attorney declined to name the suspect — or even say how many individuals were charged — or discuss the case beyond confirming that murder charges were filed.
Raymond Vasquez, 60, was killed around 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2018, at Silver Avenue in North Richmond, during what police have described as a marijuana-deal turned robbery. In late 2018, two teens boys, aged 15 and 17, were arrested in connection with Vasquez’s shooting death.
The case is being prosecuted in juvenile court, which means whoever is charged, if convicted, faces significantly less time in confinement than they would in adult court. Under state law, those prosecuted as juveniles cannot be imprisoned beyond their 25th birthday except in rare circumstances.
Court records on the case would normally be publicly available, but the emergency court shutdown over COVID-19 has restricted access to files.
On the night he was killed, Vasquez had reportedly arranged to meet a 15-year-old boy to sell him six pounds of marijuana. Vasquez brought his teen daughter, and her friend, who were both younger than 16, police said.
But when the 15-year-old boy showed up — along with a 17-year-old boy — the suspects reportedly pulled guns on Vasquez. According to witnesses, the 17-year-old fatally shot Vasquez and the two suspects ran off with the large bag of marijuana, police said.
Police determined the suspects — one of whom attended Richmond High School — were members or associates of a North Richmond-based Sureno gang. When they arrested both teens in late 2018, detectives set them up alone in a room and planted a recording device. The 17-year-old was recorded chastising the younger teen for not wearing a mask during the robbery, according to investigators.
The case is markedly similar to the May 2017 killing of 20-year-old Allie Sweitzer, who was shot and killed in Richmond after being set up for a robbery by two local gang members. Sweitzer’s killers stole marijuana from her and friends after she was shot. The shooter in that case turned out to be a 15-year-old boy who was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Under a 2019 state law, SB 1391, anyone under 16 must be prosecuted as a juvenile, even for serious cases like murder or rape. If prosecutors want to charge a 16 or 17-year-old as an adult, they can only do so with a judge’s approval.


mercurynews--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: San Jose care facility has six positive COVID-19 cases

SAN JOSE — A total of six people at an East San Jose skilled nursing facility have tested positive for COVID-19 , and the facility ’ s operators are working with county health experts to test and monitor another 26 people at the site .
The people who tested positive are in isolation from other residents and staff , according to a news release from Canyon Springs Post-Acute Care .
The news comes after facility administrator Benton Collins confirmed to the Bay Area News Group Wednesday that two residents and a staff member from the facility had contracted the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people at the facility who were “ identified with minor respiratory symptoms ” were awaiting test results which were confirmed positive Thursday .
“ This incident underscores the service and sacrifices made by our dedicated team every day .
We ’ re grateful for their continued efforts , ” Collins said in a written statement Thursday .
“ We have been vigilant and early for weeks in adopting the practices and protocols that have been directed by Centers for Disease Control , Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services , state and county guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entrusted to our care .
Our top priority remains the health and well-being of everyone in our facility.
” Already , the facility had been preparing isolation rooms , building up its supply of protective equipment and had banned visitor access , according to the news release .
Canyon Springs is located across the street from Regional Medical Center and abuts duplexes and multifamily homes .
The facility treats patients who need special care immediately after leaving the hospital , as well as long-term care for those with dementia , Alzheimer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average 160 patients on-site at any given time .
Early in the week , Collins in voicemail messages updated families of patients about the residents and a staffer who had tested positive for COVID-19 , and then urged the families to discharge them from the facility and bring them home to quarantine — a request that had some family members anxious .
Seniors and those with underlying medical conditions , like many of those receiving care and treatment at Canyon Springs , face the highest mortality rate from the virus .
People older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 30 deaths in Santa Clara County .
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Eighty of its 120 residents tested positive and more than 30 died from the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreaks at nursing homes have been made public .

SAN JOSE — While many in the Bay Area shelter in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, a new cluster is forming in a San Jose nursing home where cases continued to climb this week.
Eleven people — four staff and seven patients — at Canyon Springs Post-Acute Care in East San Jose have tested positive for COVID-19 as of Friday afternoon. The skilled nursing facility’s operators are working with county health experts to monitor the rest of the staff and patients and test those who have symptoms. The director is urging families to take their loved ones home.
Canyon Springs’ director first notified families that two patients and one staff member had tested positive for the potentially deadly coronavirus — with one patient hospitalized and another released before the tests came back. By Thursday, three more employees at the nursing home had tested positive. In addition to five positive patient test results released Friday afternoon, four other people being monitored overnight tested negative, a spokesman for the facility said.
The people who tested positive are in isolation from other residents and staff, according to representatives from Canyon Springs Post-Acute Care.
But that is likely not the end of it. Test results are pending for three more employees and 12 residents who have shown symptoms of the virus. It was unclear Friday when those test results would be back.
The Santa Clara County health department responded by email Friday, saying that it was working with facilities that have outbreaks to monitor cases and help with testing. It would not comment about the situation at Canyon Springs.
“The rapidly evolving situation is being closely monitored, and we are coordinating outreach and training for the affected long-term care facilities,” the statement said.
The surge in cases at Canyon Springs comes amid alarming outbreaks at several other Bay Area nursing homes and elder residences. Contra Costa County health officials on Friday announced an outbreak at a senior care facility in Orinda. So far, 27 patients have tested positive for the virus there.
Last week two residents of Atria Burlingame Assisted Living and Memory Care died after being hospitalized with the virus. At least three other residents there have also tested positive and have been hospitalized. This week, five residents at the Pacifica Nursing and Rehab Center have tested positive, and one died.
Two residents and nine workers at San Francisco’s Laguna Honda nursing home have caught the virus, and two residents at the Vi in Palo Alto have tested positive.
The saga at Canyon Springs began quietly last week, when administrator Benton Collins left messages for families about measures the facility was taking to protect patients from COVID-19. Then subsequent messages updated families about residents and staff who had tested positive for the virus. By Monday, the message had become more dire, urging families to discharge their loved ones from the facility and bring them home to quarantine if they could — a request that made some family members anxious.
“Any family is welcome to take their loved one home if they choose, provided they are not part of the COVID-19 quarantine unit,” Collins said Thursday. “We will continue to provide care to all residents.”
As of Friday, eight patients, all there for short-term health concerns, were discharged. Patients “are free to leave without being tested per County Health guidelines that direct who we test. We are not and cannot hold anyone here if they choose to leave,” he said.
Christopher Warren, an epidemiologist at Stanford’s Sean N Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, said it was difficult to say whether it was a good idea to send people home and cautioned against a “one size fits all” solution. If people have a safe place where they can be isolated from others, it’s probably safe, he said. But facilities that take proper precautions and provide protective clothing and gear for its employees can also help reduce spread.
Collins said the facility had already been following guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preparing isolation rooms, building up its supply of protective equipment and had banned visitor access.
“This incident underscores the service and sacrifices made by our dedicated team every day. We’re grateful for their continued efforts,” Collins said in a statement. “Our top priority remains the health and well-being of everyone in our facility.”
Canyon Springs is located across the street from Regional Medical Center and abuts duplexes and multifamily homes. The 182-bed facility treats patients who need special care immediately after leaving the hospital, as well as providing long-term care for those with dementia, Alzheimer’s or related conditions.
State business records show the nursing home is owned by Dragonfruit Holdings LLC, whose managers are Nicklas Anderson and Naveed Hakim, both of Carlsbad in San Diego County.
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In parts of California, a prescription will pay for your fresh fruits and veggies Health | Pioneering study links testicular cancer among military personnel to ‘forever chemicals’ Public records show that Canyon Spring received 54 relatively minor citations between 2016 and 2018 from the state Department of Health Services, which regulates nursing homes. The facility was fined $70,802 for infractions ranging from not having landing pads in place for patients prone to falling, improperly storing food, and serving items such as juice to patients in containers that lacked labels and expiration dates, according to investigative reporting by ProPublica.
Seniors and those with underlying medical conditions, like many of those receiving care and treatment at Canyon Springs, face the highest mortality rate from the virus. People older than 60 account for 75 percent of the 30 deaths in Santa Clara County.
Two people have died at a nursing home in Yucaipa, in Southern California, where 51 other residents and two employees have tested positive, according to the Desert Sun. And it was at a nursing home in Kirkland, Washington, where the first outbreak in the U.S. exploded. Eighty of its 120 residents tested positive, and more than 30 have died from the virus.
Staff writer Evan Webeck contributed reporting.
Please help us shed light on senior care by emailing seniorcareinquiries@bayareanewsgroup.com. Or you can leave a phone message at 510-208-6458. Thank you for your help.


mercurynews--2020-04-02--Doug Wilson says Bob Boughner has “upper hand” to be Sharks’ coach next season

General manager Doug Wilson on Thursday didn ’ t name Bob Boughner the Sharks ’ head coach for next season and beyond .
But he also made it clear he liked the job Boughner did after he took over for Pete DeBoer , who was fired Dec. 11 .
“ I was pleased to see some of the overall play improve over the last half of the year , ” Wilson said on a conference call with reporters .
“ There were times more often than not that we were playing the game the right way.
” The NHL paused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the spread of the coronavirus , which has killed thousands across the U.S .
There is no timeline yet for when or if the NHL might resume play .
Wilson said once the Sharks ’ season is complete , he will sit down with members of the coaching staff and the players to do a full review .
A number of high-profile coaches with more NHL experience behind the bench than Boughner are without work , including Mike Babcock , Peter Laviolette and Gerard Gallant , who were all let go by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , Wilson noted that Boughner , starting with his first stint with the Sharks as an assistant coach from 2015-2017 , is the one most familiar with the team ’ s personnel .
Boughner left the Sharks in 2017 to be the head coach of the Florida Panthers .
He was 80-62-22 in two playoff-less seasons and was fired in April 2019 .
He returned to the Sharks to be a part of DeBoer ’ s staff less than two months later .
“ We just have to be very thorough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time and opportunity , ” Wilson said .
“ Does Bob know our group and have the upper hand in the process ?
Absolutely .
But I think you have to be thorough in this process.
” After DeBoer and assistants Steve Spott , Dave Barr and Johan Hedberg were let go , Boughner ’ s staff was rounded out by Roy Sommer , Mike Ricci and Evgeni Nabokov .
“ I think ( Boughner ) and his staff did a lot of good things , ” Wilson said .
“ They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top players out at times and going with a patchwork lineup .
But the things we were looking for , I thought were addressed.
” The Sharks ( 29-36-5 ) had a 14-20-3 record this season under Boughner .
At the time of the stoppage , they were in 15th and last place in the Western Conference .
The Sharks were 4-4-2 with Boughner from Dec. 12 to Jan. 5 before injuries began to take their toll , as center Logan Couture suffered a fractured ankle Jan. 7 and Tomas Hertl ( knee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had season-ending injuries in late January and mid-February , respectively .
In that three-plus week stretch with their top players available , the Sharks allowed an average of 3.09 goals per game , which ranked 15th in the NHL .
Before the coaching change , the Sharks allowed 3.42 goals per game , 29th in the 31-team NHL .
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“ I think he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sharks agree to terms with former Arizona State defenseman “ ( We ’ ve ) talked a lot about how we want to play , and ultimately getting your team to commit to playing the right way for longer periods of time , irregardless of your talent level , ” Wilson said .
The injuries , and the arrival of the trade deadline that saw Brenden Dillon , Patrick Marleau and Barclay Goodrow all shipped out , mainly for draft picks , sealed the Sharks ’ fate as team that would miss the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he hopes he ’ s been able to lay enough groundwork to be able to start training camp — whenever that might be — on the right foot .
Before the coaching change , the Sharks were last in the league in allowing 5-on-5 goals against — 88 in just 33 games .
They were also , according to Boughner , 30th in the NHL is allowing odd man rushes .
In 37 games under Boughner , the Sharks allowed 74 goals at 5-on-5 — seventh best in the NHL in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ odd man rushes against , Boughner said .
“ You can ’ t constantly be 30th against the rush and 30th in the high scoring areas against .
I don ’ t care who you have in net , ” Boughner said Thursday .
“ Those were changes that needed to be made .
”

General manager Doug Wilson on Thursday didn’t name Bob Boughner the Sharks’ head coach for next season and beyond. But he also made it clear he liked the job Boughner did after he took over for Pete DeBoer, who was fired Dec. 11.
“I was pleased to see some of the overall play improve over the last half of the year,” Wilson said on a conference call with reporters. “There were times more often than not that we were playing the game the right way.”
The NHL paused it season March 12 over growing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed thousands across the U.S. There is no timeline yet for when or if the NHL might resume play.
Wilson said once the Sharks’ season is complete, he will sit down with members of the coaching staff and the players to do a full review.
A number of high-profile coaches with more NHL experience behind the bench than Boughner are without work, including Mike Babcock, Peter Laviolette and Gerard Gallant, who were all let go by their respective former teams earlier this season.
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However, Wilson noted that Boughner, starting with his first stint with the Sharks as an assistant coach from 2015-2017, is the one most familiar with the team’s personnel.
Boughner left the Sharks in 2017 to be the head coach of the Florida Panthers. He was 80-62-22 in two playoff-less seasons and was fired in April 2019. He returned to the Sharks to be a part of DeBoer’s staff less than two months later.
“We just have to be very thorough through the process because we have this time and opportunity,” Wilson said. “Does Bob know our group and have the upper hand in the process? Absolutely. But I think you have to be thorough in this process.”
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After DeBoer and assistants Steve Spott, Dave Barr and Johan Hedberg were let go, Boughner’s staff was rounded out by Roy Sommer, Mike Ricci and Evgeni Nabokov.
“I think (Boughner) and his staff did a lot of good things,” Wilson said. “They were certainly hamstrung with a lot of our top players out at times and going with a patchwork lineup. But the things we were looking for, I thought were addressed.”
The Sharks (29-36-5) had a 14-20-3 record this season under Boughner. At the time of the stoppage, they were in 15th and last place in the Western Conference.
The Sharks were 4-4-2 with Boughner from Dec. 12 to Jan. 5 before injuries began to take their toll, as center Logan Couture suffered a fractured ankle Jan. 7 and Tomas Hertl (knee) and Erik Karlsson (thumb) had their injuries in late January and mid-February, respectively.
In that three-plus week stretch with their top players available, the Sharks allowed an average of 3.09 goals per game, which ranked 15th in the NHL.
Before the coaching change, the Sharks allowed 3.42 goals per game, 29th in the 31-team NHL.
“(We’ve) talked a lot about how we want to play, and ultimately getting your team to commit to playing the right way for longer periods of time, irregardless of your talent level,” Wilson said.
The injuries, and the arrival of the trade deadline that saw Brenden Dillon, Patrick Marleau and Barclay Goodrow all shipped out, mainly for draft picks, sealed the Sharks’ fate as team that would miss the postseason. If Boughner returns, though, he hopes he’s been able to lay enough groundwork to be able to start training camp — whenever that might be — on the right foot.
Before the coaching change, the Sharks were last in the league in allowing 5-on-5 goals against — 88 in just 33 games. They were also, according to Boughner, 30th in the NHL is allowing odd man rushes.
In 37 games under Boughner, the Sharks allowed 74 goals at 5-on-5 — seventh best in the NHL in that time. They were also eighth in odd man rushes against, Boughner said.
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Injury updates
Wilson said Hertl is “well ahead of schedule” in his rehabilitation from torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee. “Everything is going extremely well,” Wilson said, “and there should be no doubts with him being ready when next season starts, too.”
Wilson said both Couture (concussion) and Karlsson are close to being fully healthy, leaving the door open for each of them to return should the NHL resume its regular season. Couture’s injury took place March 8 in a game against the Colorado Avalanche and Karlsson had surgery shortly after his Feb. 14 injury.
“Logan is feeling really good. I talked to him quite a few times the last little while. He’s used the time really well,’ Wilson said.


mercurynews--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Santa Clara is Bay Area’s first county with more than 1,000 COVID-19 cases

Santa Clara County is the first Bay Area county to record more than 1,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
According to updated data released by the Public Health Department Thursday , 1,019 people in Santa Clara County have tested positive for the novel coronavirus , an increase of 63 cases since Wednesday .
The county also reported four new deaths Thursday , bringing the countywide death toll to 36 , which accounts for nearly half of the 74 COVID-19-related deaths in the Bay Area .
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department released new dashboards Thursday that provide the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay Area county .
For the first time since the county began recording coronavirus cases , the Public Health Department is also making testing data available .
“ By sharing the data , in some ways , I think it will reassure people , ” said Jennifer Tong , the doctor leading the county ’ s planning for a potential surge in hospitalizations .
As of 5 p.m. on April 1 , 9,218 patients had been tested for COVID-19 in the county and the test positivity rate was 11.05 percent .
Testing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health lab as well as academic and commercial facilities .
The Public Health Department has not provided data on the number of patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 that have fully recovered .
Los Angeles County , which has more than 3,500 confirmed cases , is the only other county in the state with more than 1,000 cases of COVID-19 .
San Mateo ( 453 cases ) and San Francisco ( 450 ) have the second and third-highest case totals of any Bay Area county , but have smaller populations than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compiled by this news organization , the state of California topped 10,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus on Thursday as more than 1,700 confirmed cases have been reported since 5 p.m. on Wednesday .
Data provided by individual counties shows there have been more than 200 COVID-19-related deaths in the state .
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department says that because of limited testing capacity , the number of cases detected through testing likely represent only a small portion of the total number of cases in the county .

Santa Clara County is the first Bay Area county to record more than 1,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
According to updated data released by the Public Health Department Thursday, 1,019 people in Santa Clara County have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, an increase of 63 cases since Wednesday.
The county also reported four new deaths Thursday, bringing the countywide death toll to 36, which accounts for nearly half of the 74 COVID-19-related deaths in the Bay Area.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department released new dashboards Thursday that provide the most comprehensive COVID-19 patient data available of any Bay Area county. For the first time since the county began recording coronavirus cases, the Public Health Department is also making testing data available.
“By sharing the data, in some ways, I think it will reassure people,” said Jennifer Tong, the doctor leading the county’s planning for a potential surge in hospitalizations.
As of 5 p.m. on April 1, 9,218 patients had been tested for COVID-19 in the county and the test positivity rate was 11.05 percent. Testing is carried out by the Santa Clara County Public Health lab as well as academic and commercial facilities.
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Los Angeles County, which has more than 3,500 confirmed cases, is the only other county in the state with more than 1,000 cases of COVID-19. San Mateo (453 cases) and San Francisco (450) have the second and third-highest case totals of any Bay Area county, but have smaller populations than Santa Clara County.
According to data compiled by this news organization, the state of California topped 10,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus on Thursday as more than 1,700 confirmed cases have been reported since 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Data provided by individual counties shows there have been more than 200 COVID-19-related deaths in the state.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department says that because of limited testing capacity, the number of cases detected through testing likely represent only a small portion of the total number of cases in the county.