mercurynews--2020-05-14--Mask shaming erupts as latest public battle over coronavirus restrictions

As a culture war rages across the nation over whether to wear protective masks , closer to home the battle is spilling over into store aisles and shopping center parking lots with alarming frequency — and at times violent consequences .
Los Angeles police this week announced the arrest of two brothers who allegedly assaulted store employees and a security guard who attempted to escort them from a Target in Van Nuys for refusing to wear masks .
The guard sustained a broken arm in the brawl captured on video that has since gone viral .
Elsewhere in Southern California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete strangers over face coverings — the latest line of demarcation in the polarizing debate over stay-at-home orders and moves to reopen the economy .
And the dispute has exposed the confusion that exists over the effectiveness of masks to combat the spread of coronavirus and the patchwork of government and retail requirements over their usage .
For 17-year-old Mia Walls , a resident of Spring Valley Lake near Victorville , that boundary was crossed during a frightening incident on May 7 .
Walls , who didn ’ t have a mask because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had just parked her pink 1994 Ford Probe and was entering a local post office to pick up a package containing the cap and gown she intended to wear for her senior class portrait .
Walls , who is white , said she opened the door for a middle-age African American man who was wearing a head covering , a protective mask , sunglasses and black gloves .
She added that after entering the post office the man walked behind her and murmured that “ white people don ’ t wear masks.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brushed it off , ” Walls said .
But they soon met up again on the way out of the post office .
Walls said the man ’ s disparaging racial comments intensified as he followed her halfway to her parked car .
Mortified and shaken , she got inside the vehicle and broke down .
“ I was hysterical , ” said Walls , who immediately phoned her mom and best friend .
“ It was scary .
I am the last person to be racist toward anyone .
It was heartbreaking.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Huntington Beach was also heckled in a parking lot late last month .
She pulled her Toyota RAV4 into a space at Stater Bros. grocery store in Huntington Beach , put on a mask , pulled on a pair of pink gloves honoring breast cancer survivors , and got out her car .
Gaulin had only walked a few feet when a woman standing nearby suddenly began shouting at her .
“ What are you afraid of ?
The virus ?
” the woman asked , sarcastically .
“ She was laughing at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freak.
” Beverly Young , an 63-year-old Anaheim Hills resident , was shopping at a Costco last week in Yorba Linda when a customer tried to enter the store without a mask before she was stopped by an employee .
When the woman acknowledged she didn ’ t have a covering , the worker handed her one .
“ The woman put it on , took a few steps and then pulled it down around her neck , ” said Young , who was stunned .
“ She did it on purpose .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear it.
” Mixed messages from government leaders about the extent of the health threat from coronavirus , misinformation gleaned from social media and anxiety are likely factors fueling the bad behavior , said Vaile Wright , a clinical psychologist and senior director of health care innovation for the American Psychological Association .
“ This is an incredible situation that none of us ever expected to have to deal with , ” she said .
Some people resist authority because of “ control aversion , ” defined as the urge to rebel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions , Wright said .
“ People who are angry and frustrated tend to act out , ” she added .
COVID-19 masks provide a level of anonymity for bad actors and inconsistent messaging about the virus , perpetuated by social media , fuels anxiety and distrust , according to Wright .
“ For example , two months ago we were saying the masks don ’ t help and now we are saying they can help , ” she said , adding those on both side of the COVID-19 debate tend to gravitate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Research from the SARS outbreak of 2003 and Ebola epidemic of 2013 has shown there is a much better mental health outcome when messaging from leaders is consistent , clear and based in science , Wright said .
Contributing to the confusion and anxiety felt by some are Southern California ’ s hodgepodge of COVID-19 policies and regulations governing face masks that vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and store to store .
Los Angeles County requires all employees at essential businesses as well as their customers to wear face coverings .
Long Beach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health departments , and the city of Los Angeles have adopted similar orders .
Those who visit Los Angeles County beaches as they reopen also have to wear face coverings .
In Riverside County , rules governing COVID-19 masks have changed several times .
On March 31 , Dr. Cameron Kaiser , the county ’ s public health officer , merely requested that residents cover their faces in public .
Then just four days later , he ordered everyone in the sprawling county — from Corona to the Colorado River — to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or neck gaiters whenever they leave home .
Under pressure from a growing chorus of residents who had developed a distaste for the coverings , the Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously requested that the mandate be rescinded .
As a result , wearing a mask in public is now a recommendation , not a requirement .
After initially recommending face coverings in early April , Dr. Erin Gustafson , the county ’ s acting health officer , formally ordered all residents to wear them outside of their residence .
But that order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only recommends that residents wear masks .
The changes in Riverside and San Bernardino came after the sheriffs of both counties made it clear they had no intention of enforcing face-mask mandates .
Orange County requires face coverings for all essential business employees and recommends that people wear them in public .
Fullerton , Buena Park , Costa Mesa , Seal Beach and Laguna Beach all require essential business employees and customers to wear masks .
To further complicate matters , some businesses have adopted stringent face mask rules that supersede orders imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giant Costco , in a bold move that has drawn praise from some and the threat of a boycott from others , took a hard-line approach , requiring customers to wear face coverings at stores nationwide .
“ We know some members may find this inconvenient or objectionable , but under the circumstances we believe the added safety is worth any inconvenience , ” Costco President Craig Jelinek said in a statement .
“ This is not simply a matter of personal choice ; a face covering protects not just the wearer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we believe this is the right thing to do under the current circumstances.
” Target , another major retailer , complies with all local regulations governing the use of protective masks by its employees and customers , according to spokesman Konnor Schmaltz .
“ We ’ re providing team members with high-quality , disposable face masks and gloves to wear at work and encouraging healthy hygiene habits as guided by the Centers for Disease Control , ” he said in an email .
“ If a guest doesn ’ t have one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be reminded of the policies from our team members.
” Officials with 7-Eleven said many of its stores in Southern California , particularly those in Orange County , are operated by franchisees who are obligated to comply with all federal , state and local laws .
“ 7-Eleven Inc. is closely monitoring state and local regulations in relation to COVID-19 , ” the company said in a statement .
“ We will continue to remind franchisees of the importance of ensuring their employees are following all state and local regulations and respectfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walmart said it also encourages customers to wear face coverings , and ostensibly requires them in cities where local orders are in effect .
To get a glimpse of the frustration and consternation many in Southern California are feeling regarding COVID-19 face masks , one only has to turn to Facebook .
A post earlier this week from the Southern California News Group on several community group pages in Orange , Riverside , and San Bernardino counties aimed at gauging public sentiment about masks generated more than 900 replies .
“ I believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” one person replied .
“ And I don ’ t wear one unless I ’ m in a situation that I feel is necessary .
I won ’ t be bullied or shamed into it.
” Another replied with similar sentiments : “ Should we all stop driving cars because cars kill ?
Should we ban cigarettes and alcohol ?
Fatty foods ?
” the person asked .
“ There are dangers of participating in this thing we call life .
I am not responsible for yours .
You are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ user offered a competing thought .
“ Yes to wearing a mask out in public , ” the individual wrote .
“ The science supports it.
” Regardless of the debate , face masks , social distancing , hand washing and other safeguards remain as the best defense against COVID-19 , according to Dr. Graciela Faiad , an infectious disease physician at Kaiser Permanente Riverside and Moreno Valley Medical Centers .
“ Cloth masks might be a little inconvenient , ” she added .
“ In the big scheme … wearing a mask @ @ @ @

As a culture war rages across the nation over whether to wear protective masks, closer to home the battle is spilling over into store aisles and shopping center parking lots with alarming frequency — and at times violent consequences.
Los Angeles police this week announced the arrest of two brothers who allegedly assaulted store employees and a security guard who attempted to escort them from a Target in Van Nuys for refusing to wear masks. The guard sustained a broken arm in the brawl captured on video that has since gone viral.
Elsewhere in Southern California, many are reporting hostile encounters with complete strangers over face coverings — the latest line of demarcation in the polarizing debate over stay-at-home orders and moves to reopen the economy. And the dispute has exposed the confusion that exists over the effectiveness of masks to combat the spread of coronavirus and the patchwork of government and retail requirements over their usage.
For 17-year-old Mia Walls, a resident of Spring Valley Lake near Victorville, that boundary was crossed during a frightening incident on May 7.
Walls, who didn’t have a mask because hers was at home being laundered, had just parked her pink 1994 Ford Probe and was entering a local post office to pick up a package containing the cap and gown she intended to wear for her senior class portrait.
Walls, who is white, said she opened the door for a middle-age African American man who was wearing a head covering, a protective mask, sunglasses and black gloves.
She added that after entering the post office the man walked behind her and murmured that “white people don’t wear masks.” “We then both separated and I brushed it off,” Walls said.
But they soon met up again on the way out of the post office.
Walls said the man’s disparaging racial comments intensified as he followed her halfway to her parked car. Mortified and shaken, she got inside the vehicle and broke down.
“I was hysterical,” said Walls, who immediately phoned her mom and best friend. “It was scary. I am the last person to be racist toward anyone. It was heartbreaking.”
Coincidentally, 55-year-old Stephanie Gaulin of Huntington Beach was also heckled in a parking lot late last month. She pulled her Toyota RAV4 into a space at Stater Bros. grocery store in Huntington Beach, put on a mask, pulled on a pair of pink gloves honoring breast cancer survivors, and got out her car.
Gaulin had only walked a few feet when a woman standing nearby suddenly began shouting at her. “What are you afraid of? The virus?” the woman asked, sarcastically. “She was laughing at me like I was some sort of freak.”
Beverly Young, an 63-year-old Anaheim Hills resident, was shopping at a Costco last week in Yorba Linda when a customer tried to enter the store without a mask before she was stopped by an employee. When the woman acknowledged she didn’t have a covering, the worker handed her one.
“The woman put it on, took a few steps and then pulled it down around her neck,” said Young, who was stunned. “She did it on purpose. It wouldn’t have hurt her to wear it.”
Psychology and the pandemic
Mixed messages from government leaders about the extent of the health threat from coronavirus, misinformation gleaned from social media and anxiety are likely factors fueling the bad behavior, said Vaile Wright, a clinical psychologist and senior director of health care innovation for the American Psychological Association.
“This is an incredible situation that none of us ever expected to have to deal with,” she said.
Some people resist authority because of “control aversion,” defined as the urge to rebel against control of one’s own decisions, Wright said. “People who are angry and frustrated tend to act out,” she added.
COVID-19 masks provide a level of anonymity for bad actors and inconsistent messaging about the virus, perpetuated by social media, fuels anxiety and distrust, according to Wright.
“For example, two months ago we were saying the masks don’t help and now we are saying they can help,” she said, adding those on both side of the COVID-19 debate tend to gravitate to information that reinforces their beliefs.
Research from the SARS outbreak of 2003 and Ebola epidemic of 2013 has shown there is a much better mental health outcome when messaging from leaders is consistent, clear and based in science, Wright said.
Conflicting rules
Contributing to the confusion and anxiety felt by some are Southern California’s hodgepodge of COVID-19 policies and regulations governing face masks that vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and store to store.
Los Angeles County requires all employees at essential businesses as well as their customers to wear face coverings. Long Beach and Pasadena, which have their own health departments, and the city of Los Angeles have adopted similar orders. Those who visit Los Angeles County beaches as they reopen also have to wear face coverings.
In Riverside County, rules governing COVID-19 masks have changed several times.
On March 31, Dr. Cameron Kaiser, the county’s public health officer, merely requested that residents cover their faces in public. Then just four days later, he ordered everyone in the sprawling county — from Corona to the Colorado River — to wear coverings that could include bandannas, scarves or neck gaiters whenever they leave home.
Under pressure from a growing chorus of residents who had developed a distaste for the coverings, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously requested that the mandate be rescinded. As a result, wearing a mask in public is now a recommendation, not a requirement.
San Bernardino County has seen a similar evolution.
After initially recommending face coverings in early April, Dr. Erin Gustafson, the county’s acting health officer, formally ordered all residents to wear them outside of their residence. But that order was amended earlier this month and presently only recommends that residents wear masks.
The changes in Riverside and San Bernardino came after the sheriffs of both counties made it clear they had no intention of enforcing face-mask mandates.
Orange County requires face coverings for all essential business employees and recommends that people wear them in public.
Fullerton, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Seal Beach and Laguna Beach all require essential business employees and customers to wear masks.
Some stores more restrictive
To further complicate matters, some businesses have adopted stringent face mask rules that supersede orders imposed by municipalities.
Last week, retail giant Costco, in a bold move that has drawn praise from some and the threat of a boycott from others, took a hard-line approach, requiring customers to wear face coverings at stores nationwide.
“We know some members may find this inconvenient or objectionable, but under the circumstances we believe the added safety is worth any inconvenience,” Costco President Craig Jelinek said in a statement. “This is not simply a matter of personal choice; a face covering protects not just the wearer, but others, too. In short, we believe this is the right thing to do under the current circumstances.”
Target, another major retailer, complies with all local regulations governing the use of protective masks by its employees and customers, according to spokesman Konnor Schmaltz.
“We’re providing team members with high-quality, disposable face masks and gloves to wear at work and encouraging healthy hygiene habits as guided by the Centers for Disease Control,” he said in an email. “If a guest doesn’t have one where they’re required, they will be reminded of the policies from our team members.”
Officials with 7-Eleven said many of its stores in Southern California, particularly those in Orange County, are operated by franchisees who are obligated to comply with all federal, state and local laws.
“7-Eleven Inc. is closely monitoring state and local regulations in relation to COVID-19,” the company said in a statement. “We will continue to remind franchisees of the importance of ensuring their employees are following all state and local regulations and respectfully ask that customers do the same.”
Walmart said it also encourages customers to wear face coverings, and ostensibly requires them in cities where local orders are in effect.
Many frustrated, angry
To get a glimpse of the frustration and consternation many in Southern California are feeling regarding COVID-19 face masks, one only has to turn to Facebook.
A post earlier this week from the Southern California News Group on several community group pages in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties aimed at gauging public sentiment about masks generated more than 900 replies.
“I believe that wearing a mask is my choice,” one person replied. “And I don’t wear one unless I’m in a situation that I feel is necessary. I won’t be bullied or shamed into it.”
Another replied with similar sentiments: “Should we all stop driving cars because cars kill? Should we ban cigarettes and alcohol? Fatty foods?” the person asked. “There are dangers of participating in this thing we call life. I am not responsible for yours. You are not responsible for mine.”
Still another Facebook user offered a competing thought. “Yes to wearing a mask out in public,” the individual wrote. “The science supports it.”
Regardless of the debate, face masks, social distancing, hand washing and other safeguards remain as the best defense against COVID-19, according to Dr. Graciela Faiad, an infectious disease physician at Kaiser Permanente Riverside and Moreno Valley Medical Centers.
“Cloth masks might be a little inconvenient,” she added. “In the big scheme … wearing a mask prevents infection.”


mercurynews--2020-05-14--Letter: I ride BART twice a year; I’m shocked at tally of COVID deaths

Only 67 COVID-19 deaths in SF and CC counties ?
I use BART twice a year to travel from Concord to Millbrae .
My return trip puts me in the afternoon commute crowd .
I have always been appalled by the number of riders boarding the trains , with standing room only , packed like sardines , yet leaving hundreds behind for the next trains .
My last trip was on January 23 .
About that time the coronavirus was already “ alive and well ” in our country , spreading through our cities and counties .
All those sardines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yet , according to the East Bay Times stats of May 12 , only 67 people have died from the virus in San Francisco and Contra Costa counties .
• Letter : Before Steve Jobs died , he told me his biggest fear for Apple • Letter : Easy way to reduce risk dangerously overlooked by Uber • Letter : Trump rebooted the U.S. economy after his election in 2016 • Letter : Idea to give service jobs to grads is a win-win-win Tell me again why the entire country has been shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Only 67 COVID-19 deaths
in SF and CC counties?
I use BART twice a year to travel from Concord to Millbrae. My return trip puts me in the afternoon commute crowd.
I have always been appalled by the number of riders boarding the trains, with standing room only, packed like sardines, yet leaving hundreds behind for the next trains.
My last trip was on January 23. About that time the coronavirus was already “alive and well” in our country, spreading through our cities and counties. All those sardines packed in and ripe for infection.
Yet, according to the East Bay Times stats of May 12, only 67 people have died from the virus in San Francisco and Contra Costa counties.
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mercurynews--2020-05-14--8th inmate dies of coronavirus at California federal prison

An eighth inmate at Terminal Island died on Wednesday of coronavirus , almost one month after he was placed on a ventilator , according to federal prison officials .
James Lino , a 65-year-old man , was sent to the hospital on April 16 .
He was placed on a ventilator just two days later , prison officials said .
His death comes less than a week after the seventh inmate at Terminal Island died of coronavirus .
Nearly 70 percent of inmates at the prison have tested positive for the coronavirus , officials have said .
Officials said Lino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was hospitalized .
Lino was serving a 34-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute and possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine .
He was sentenced in Hawaii , and had been at Terminal Island in San Pedro since Feb. 14 , 2019 .
Rep. Nanette Barragan , D-Carson , and Rep. Ted Lieu , D-Manhattan Beach , sent a letter to Michael Carvajal , the federal Bureau of Prisons director , requesting that he take steps to place all inmates on home confinement or exercise compassionate release .
Prision officials said Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home confinement are continually being reviewed for referral and placement .
”

An eighth inmate at Terminal Island died on Wednesday of coronavirus, almost one month after he was placed on a ventilator, according to federal prison officials.
James Lino, a 65-year-old man, was sent to the hospital on April 16. He was placed on a ventilator just two days later, prison officials said. His death comes less than a week after the seventh inmate at Terminal Island died of coronavirus.
Nearly 70 percent of inmates at the prison have tested positive for the coronavirus, officials have said.
Officials said Lino had longterm, pre-existing medical conditions before he was hospitalized. Lino was serving a 34-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute and possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He was sentenced in Hawaii, and had been at Terminal Island in San Pedro since Feb. 14, 2019.
Rep. Nanette Barragan, D-Carson, and Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Manhattan Beach, sent a letter to Michael Carvajal, the federal Bureau of Prisons director, requesting that he take steps to place all inmates on home confinement or exercise compassionate release.
Prision officials said Tuesday that inmates “meeting the criteria for home confinement are continually being reviewed for referral and placement.”


mercurynews--2020-05-14--49ers Deebo Samuel gearing up for an exciting encore

Year 2 for 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is starting as impressive as the strong finish to his rookie year .
Perhaps make that twice as impressive .
“ I ’ m trying to double what I did last year , and keep getting better and better every day , ” Samuel said Wednesday on a video conference with reporters .
That drive for success is imperative .
The 49ers ’ receiving corps is undergoing its annual transformation , most notably with first-round pick Brandon Aiyuk arriving to offset Emmanuel Sanders ’ exit in free agency .
Unlike a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his talking , Samuel is making an effort to become more of a vocal leader for the reigning NFC champions .
He weaved between Wednesday ’ s talking points as carefree as he shuffled through defenders as a rookie .
Take a look how with these five topics : Samuel revealed that Garoppolo reached out to the receivers Wednesday regarding potential throwing sessions , wherever that might be possible outside of Santa Clara County ’ s shelter-in-place protocol and the 49ers ’ virtual offseason program .
“ You see the things that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at practice , he coaches very hard and is very technique sound , ” said Sanders , who ’ s currently training in Houston with teammates Jerick McKinnon and Trent Williams .
Garoppolo targeted Samuel a game-high nine times in the Super Bowl , and while Samuel caught five passes for 39 yards , he added three carries for 53 yards .
That capped a rookie year filled with production .
His regular-season stats : 57 receptions for 802 yards ( second-most ever by a 49ers rookie ) and 14 carries for 159 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground and in the air .
“ In the beginning of the year , I was still learning and figuring things out , ” Samuel added .
“ As the season goes on , you become better at listening to the verbiage , knowing where to line up , getting lined up faster and not thinking as much.
” Once the 49ers traded up to draft Aiyuk , Samuel had advice to offer and tracked down his phone number through receivers coach Wes Welker .
“ I gave him call and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I just want you to know it will take time , ’ ” Samuel said .
“ He has it harder than I do now .
I was around the coaches and able to use them as much as possible .
“ With him , it ’ s just a Zoom call , and it ’ s hard to listen to a guy tell you what you want to do and not be able to go on the field .
I told him , ‘ Hey , man , lock in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hard .
If you need anything , feel free to call me , ( Kendrick Bourne ) , even Wes.
’ ” If Aiyuk proves a quick study , then Samuel believes he can help confuse defenses .
“ Aiyuk has got a little finesse to his game , which I like .
We ’ re similar in a lot of ways , ” Samuel added .
“ It ’ ll give defenses a problem , like , say the jet sweep motions , they ’ re so used to seeing me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy , it will give them defenses something to think about.
” Samuel says “ anybody ” inside the 49ers ’ receiver room could emerge as a breakout player from the hodgepodge .
“ It ’ s going to be a real competition and push everybody in the room to be the best they can , ” Samuel said .
While Samuel and Bourne return with the most experienced from last season ’ s NFC champions , they have other help .
Trent Taylor and Jalen Hurd are major factors if healthy after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Benjamin arrived .
Dante Pettis and Richie James Jr. are back to fight for spots .
As for seventh-round pick Jauan Jennings from Tennessee , Samuel recalled playing against him while at South Carolina , adding : “ You could tell he ’ s a very physical guy , loves to get after it and doesn ’ t care about getting dirty.
” Samuel ’ s last two seasons at South Carolina were enough to get a read on defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw , the 49ers ’ top draft pick .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy , ” Samuel said .
“ He ’ s very chill when it comes off the field .
He ’ s one of the best dudes when he ’ s on the field , and you can look at him and see he ’ s a dog out there.
” The 49ers selected Kinlaw with the No .
15 overall pick as a turnkey replacement to DeForest Buckner , who they traded in March to Indianapolis .
“ I told him he ’ s got big shoes to fill , ” Samuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than ready to get out there and show coaches what he ’ s capable of .
I saw it first hand when I was ( at South Carolina ) .
” Once the 49ers traded last October for Sanders , “ he brought the the leader mentality , the vet mentality that we needed in the room , ” Sanders said .
With Sanders signing with New Orleans and Marquise Goodwin getting dealt to Philadelphia , Samuel is aware he may need to mature quickly as a leader , a step that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He said , ‘ Bro , you don ’ t know you ’ re a leader just by how you play .
Just imagine how big of a leader you can be by being more verbal and able to coach players on certain things , ’ ” Samuel recalled .
“ I ’ m not a very talkative guy .
I like to lead more by example .
Being more verbal is something I ’ ve been working on lately.
” You want one more example of saying the right thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when asked about the season ’ s uncertain path amid the COVID-19 pandemic , such as whether fans will be allowed at games .
“ I never in life played the game without fans so I don ’ t know how it ’ d feel , ” Samuel said .
“ It ’ d feel like a scrimmage , which would be weird .
If that happens , we have to make the best of every opportunity to play , with ( fans ) or without.
” • Jimmy G speaks !
49ers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowl , appears in video honoring skilled-trade profession

Year 2 for 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is starting as impressive as the strong finish to his rookie year.
Perhaps make that twice as impressive.
“I’m trying to double what I did last year, and keep getting better and better every day,” Samuel said Wednesday on a video conference with reporters.
That drive for success is imperative. The 49ers’ receiving corps is undergoing its annual transformation, most notably with first-round pick Brandon Aiyuk arriving to offset Emmanuel Sanders’ exit in free agency.
Unlike a year ago when his on-field exploits did most of his talking, Samuel is making an effort to become more of a vocal leader for the reigning NFC champions. He weaved between Wednesday’s talking points as carefree as he shuffled through defenders as a rookie. Take a look how with these five topics:
1. Jimmy Garoppolo’s chemistry
Samuel revealed that Garoppolo reached out to the receivers Wednesday regarding potential throwing sessions, wherever that might be possible outside of Santa Clara County’s shelter-in-place protocol and the 49ers’ virtual offseason program.
“You see the things that Jimmy does on the field, but at practice, he coaches very hard and is very technique sound,” said Sanders, who’s currently training in Houston with teammates Jerick McKinnon and Trent Williams.
Garoppolo targeted Samuel a game-high nine times in the Super Bowl, and while Samuel caught five passes for 39 yards, he added three carries for 53 yards. That capped a rookie year filled with production. His regular-season stats: 57 receptions for 802 yards (second-most ever by a 49ers rookie) and 14 carries for 159 yards, with three touchdowns both on the ground and in the air.
“In the beginning of the year, I was still learning and figuring things out,” Samuel added. “As the season goes on, you become better at listening to the verbiage, knowing where to line up, getting lined up faster and not thinking as much.”
2. Reaching out to Aiyuk
Once the 49ers traded up to draft Aiyuk, Samuel had advice to offer and tracked down his phone number through receivers coach Wes Welker.
“I gave him call and I was like, ‘Hey, man, I just want you to know it will take time,’ ” Samuel said. “He has it harder than I do now. I was around the coaches and able to use them as much as possible.
“With him, it’s just a Zoom call, and it’s hard to listen to a guy tell you what you want to do and not be able to go on the field. I told him, ‘Hey, man, lock in, pay attention. I know it’s hard. If you need anything, feel free to call me, (Kendrick Bourne), even Wes.’ ”
If Aiyuk proves a quick study, then Samuel believes he can help confuse defenses.
“Aiyuk has got a little finesse to his game, which I like. We’re similar in a lot of ways,” Samuel added. “It’ll give defenses a problem, like, say the jet sweep motions, they’re so used to seeing me, and if they see a different guy, it will give them defenses something to think about.”
3. The receiver room
Samuel says “anybody” inside the 49ers’ receiver room could emerge as a breakout player from the hodgepodge.
“It’s going to be a real competition and push everybody in the room to be the best they can,” Samuel said.
While Samuel and Bourne return with the most experienced from last season’s NFC champions, they have other help. Trent Taylor and Jalen Hurd are major factors if healthy after sitting out 2019. Speed receiver Travis Benjamin arrived. Dante Pettis and Richie James Jr. are back to fight for spots.
As for seventh-round pick Jauan Jennings from Tennessee, Samuel recalled playing against him while at South Carolina, adding: “You could tell he’s a very physical guy, loves to get after it and doesn’t care about getting dirty.”
4. Insight on Kinlaw
Samuel’s last two seasons at South Carolina were enough to get a read on defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, the 49ers’ top draft pick.
“He’s a very humble, hard-working guy,” Samuel said. “He’s very chill when it comes off the field. He’s one of the best dudes when he’s on the field, and you can look at him and see he’s a dog out there.”
The 49ers selected Kinlaw with the No. 15 overall pick as a turnkey replacement to DeForest Buckner, who they traded in March to Indianapolis. “I told him he’s got big shoes to fill,” Samuel said, “and he’s more than ready to get out there and show coaches what he’s capable of. I saw it first hand when I was (at South Carolina).”
5. Leadership strides
Once the 49ers traded last October for Sanders, “he brought the the leader mentality, the vet mentality that we needed in the room,” Sanders said.
With Sanders signing with New Orleans and Marquise Goodwin getting dealt to Philadelphia, Samuel is aware he may need to mature quickly as a leader, a step that Sanders convinced him last year to take.
“He said, ‘Bro, you don’t know you’re a leader just by how you play. Just imagine how big of a leader you can be by being more verbal and able to coach players on certain things,’ ” Samuel recalled. “I’m not a very talkative guy. I like to lead more by example. Being more verbal is something I’ve been working on lately.”
You want one more example of saying the right thing? Well, Samuel did just that when asked about the season’s uncertain path amid the COVID-19 pandemic, such as whether fans will be allowed at games.


mercurynews--2020-05-14--A look at what the Raiders are up to in a ‘virtual’ offseason

The NFL has done all it can to provide continuity in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic , holding its draft , schedule release and off-season as scheduled although not without major tweaks because of shelter-in-place restrictions .
The Raiders have been more under the radar than most .
Coach Jon Gruden has let general manager Mike Mayock do almost all the talking save for a couple of brief responses on the club web site and one syndicated radio appearence with a club employee .
Although draft picks were made available via conference call after being selected , free agent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Raiders.com without press releases or press conferences .
With relative silence as a backdrop , here ’ s an attempt to answer some questions as to how the Raiders are going about their virtual offseason : What are the Raiders doing now ?
The Raiders are in to their third week of their voluntary virtual offseason which consistents of teleconference meetings between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday .
Players log in for a team session and then are dispatched to smaller gatherings with their position groups with the appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tablet computers , which have information about the systems of offense and defense including video of plays .
Players are quizzed and can ask questions , much the same as a regular position group meeting .
What about the rookies ?
Rookies had a “ virtual ” minicamp May 1-3 in place of their usual on-field camp .
They weren ’ t allowed to participate with the full group until this week and on Wednesday had a session of media training as part of their player engagement program .
What are players missing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point of the off-season ?
All on-field activities .
Although at this point rules wouldn ’ t have allowed any offense vs. defense or padded practicing , in normal years players would have been able to work on the field with their offensive or defensive unit and in position groups .
There has been little in the way of face-to-face relationships other than players that live near each other who have managed to get in some work together .
In other words , the Raiders are like most everyone else .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the third grade teachers and everyone around the coutnry trying to put their best foot forward and teach people from home , ” Mayock said at the conclusion of the draft .
“ That ’ s what I stress with all the veterans and to every single rookie we drafted .
Once we get them integrated into our virtual program , we expect 100 percent attention .
They better be ready to hit the ground running whenever we ’ re allowed to.
” When might that occur ?
The NFL on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through May 29 for all teams .
The Raiders organized team activity practice sessions were scheduled for the weeks of May 26 , June 2 and June 9 .
The first one will be virtual , and the other two could be as well .
Who is presently at the club facility in Alameda ?
Athletic trainers and medical staff are there to work with players coming back from surgery or major injury .
There is an information technology presence in Alameda and Las Vegas and a smaller security detail .
Everyone else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , front office — is working remotely as per NFL shelter in place guidelines .
What is the likelihood of the Raiders being able to have their training camp in Napa in late July as scheduled ?
The Napa Valley Marriott , which has housed the Raiders since 1996 , is closed .
A representative said the tentative plan is for the hotel to open on June 1 and that they are “ hopeful ” the Raiders will be there as planned in July .
What if restrictions put in place by California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The likely option will be for the Raiders to train at their new facility in Henderson , Nevada , if cleared in their new home state The club had already tentatively scheduled their full-squad mandatory minicamp at the site from June 16-18 , and that remains in play as well .
If California restrictions are more severe than Nevada , what is the effect on the Raiders ?
• Raiders zero in on veteran corner Prince Amukamara • Photos : Son of Raiders coach Jon Gruden buys condo in Las Vegas for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stadium , could begin the year as the home site for the Rams and Chargers if those franchises aren ’ t allowed to start the season at SoFI Stadium , the home site for both teams .
Is there any way to know how a lost off-season would impact NFL teams ?
If NFL teams can start training camp on time , they ’ d still be better off than in 2011 if you are of the belief that virtual practices are better than nothing at all .
That year , an 18-week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept players away from their teams from March 11 to July 25 until a collective bargaining agreement was reached .
Some players organized workouts with teammates on their own to get ready during that time .
There really wasn ’ t anything dramatic about the way the season went that suggested the loss of the off-season was a big problem .
Teams with first-year head coaches went 40-40 , including the 49ers going 13-3 under Jim Harbaugh and the Raiders 8-8 under Hue Jackson .
A rookie quarterback ( Cam Newton ) was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What if shelter-in-place restrictions make it impossible for training camp and the regular season to start on time ?
Then it ’ s uncharted territory , to be determined at the appropriate time with cooperation between managemenet and the NFL player ’ s association to work out an abbreviated regular-season and a shorter training camp .

The NFL has done all it can to provide continuity in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, holding its draft, schedule release and off-season as scheduled although not without major tweaks because of shelter-in-place restrictions.
The Raiders have been more under the radar than most. Coach Jon Gruden has let general manager Mike Mayock do almost all the talking save for a couple of brief responses on the club web site and one syndicated radio appearence with a club employee.
Although draft picks were made available via conference call after being selected, free agent signings have been simply listed as transactions on Raiders.com without press releases or press conferences.
With relative silence as a backdrop, here’s an attempt to answer some questions as to how the Raiders are going about their virtual offseason:
What are the Raiders doing now?
The Raiders are in to their third week of their voluntary virtual offseason which consistents of teleconference meetings between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Players log in for a team session and then are dispatched to smaller gatherings with their position groups with the appropriate position coaches.
Work is done on tablet computers, which have information about the systems of offense and defense including video of plays. Players are quizzed and can ask questions, much the same as a regular position group meeting.
What about the rookies?
Rookies had a “virtual” minicamp May 1-3 in place of their usual on-field camp. They weren’t allowed to participate with the full group until this week and on Wednesday had a session of media training as part of their player engagement program.
What are players missing that they normally would be doing at this point of the off-season?
All on-field activities. Although at this point rules wouldn’t have allowed any offense vs. defense or padded practicing, in normal years players would have been able to work on the field with their offensive or defensive unit and in position groups. There has been little in the way of face-to-face relationships other than players that live near each other who have managed to get in some work together.
In other words, the Raiders are like most everyone else.
“It’s not unlike kindergarten teachers and the third grade teachers and everyone around the coutnry trying to put their best foot forward and teach people from home,” Mayock said at the conclusion of the draft. “That’s what I stress with all the veterans and to every single rookie we drafted. Once we get them integrated into our virtual program, we expect 100 percent attention. They better be ready to hit the ground running whenever we’re allowed to.”
When might that occur?
The NFL on Wednesday announced that the virtual off-season would continue through May 29 for all teams. The Raiders organized team activity practice sessions were scheduled for the weeks of May 26, June 2 and June 9. The first one will be virtual, and the other two could be as well.
Who is presently at the club facility in Alameda?
Athletic trainers and medical staff are there to work with players coming back from surgery or major injury. There is an information technology presence in Alameda and Las Vegas and a smaller security detail. Everyone else — players, coaches, media relations, front office — is working remotely as per NFL shelter in place guidelines.
Meanwhile, the NFL provided an update for teams today on their virtual offseason, extending them another few weeks through May 29. Here is the memo: pic.twitter.com/Vy8Khxu1Od — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 13, 2020
What is the likelihood of the Raiders being able to have their training camp in Napa in late July as scheduled?
The Napa Valley Marriott, which has housed the Raiders since 1996, is closed. A representative said the tentative plan is for the hotel to open on June 1 and that they are “hopeful” the Raiders will be there as planned in July.
What if restrictions put in place by California Gov. Gavin Newsom make that impossible?
The likely option will be for the Raiders to train at their new facility in Henderson, Nevada, if cleared in their new home state The club had already tentatively scheduled their full-squad mandatory minicamp at the site from June 16-18, and that remains in play as well.
If California restrictions are more severe than Nevada, what is the effect on the Raiders?
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49ers-Raiders practice: ‘Bang-bang’ defense takes out Davante Adams Raiders | Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers get sentimental at Vegas reunion — to an extent Their new home, Allegiant Stadium, could begin the year as the home site for the Rams and Chargers if those franchises aren’t allowed to start the season at SoFI Stadium, the home site for both teams.
Is there any way to know how a lost off-season would impact NFL teams?
If NFL teams can start training camp on time, they’d still be better off than in 2011 if you are of the belief that virtual practices are better than nothing at all. That year, an 18-week lockout from March 11 to July 25 kept players away from their teams from March 11 to July 25 until a collective bargaining agreement was reached. Some players organized workouts with teammates on their own to get ready during that time. There really wasn’t anything dramatic about the way the season went that suggested the loss of the off-season was a big problem. Teams with first-year head coaches went 40-40, including the 49ers going 13-3 under Jim Harbaugh and the Raiders 8-8 under Hue Jackson. A rookie quarterback (Cam Newton) was the NFL Rookie of the Year.
What if shelter-in-place restrictions make it impossible for training camp and the regular season to start on time?
Then it’s uncharted territory, to be determined at the appropriate time with cooperation between managemenet and the NFL player’s association to work out an abbreviated regular-season and a shorter training camp.


mercurynews--2020-05-15--Senator Burr steps aside as Senate intelligence chair as FBI investigates coronavirus insider-tradin

Senator Burr steps aside as Senate intelligence chair as FBI investigates coronavirus insider-trading allegation

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — A Republican senator with access to some of the nation ’ s top secrets became further entangled in a deepening FBI investigation as agents examining a well-timed sale of stocks during the coronavirus outbreak showed up at his home with a warrant to search his cellphone .
Hours later , Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina stepped aside Thursday as chairman of the powerful Senate Intelligence Committee , calling it the “ best thing to do.
” Burr has denied wrongdoing .
“ This is a distraction to the hard work of the committee and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the security of the country is too important to have a distraction , ” Burr said .
He said he would serve out the remainder of his term , which ends in 2023 .
He is not running for reelection .
The search warrant marked a dramatic escalation in the Justice Department ’ s investigation into whether Burr exploited advance information when he unloaded as much as $ 1.7 million in stocks in the days before the coronavirus caused markets to plummet .
Such warrants require investigators to establish to a judge that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has occurred .
The warrant was confirmed by two people familiar with the matter , including a senior department official .
They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss an ongoing investigation .
Burr faces no public accusations by the government that he exploited inside information received during briefings .
But the search warrant immediately affected the standing inside Congress of the influential Republican , who has earned bipartisan support for leading a congressional investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign — work that sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
News of the warrant also underscored the public scrutiny surrounding the stock market activities of multiple senators and their families around the same time .
On Thursday , a spokesman for Sen. Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif. , said she was asked “ some basic questions ” by law enforcement about sales her husband made and had voluntarily answered questions .
Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler , a new lawmaker from Georgia , and her husband dumped substantial portions of their portfolio and purchased new stocks around the time Congress was receiving briefings on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said she had no involvement in the trades and said they were managed by third-party advisers .
A spokesperson said Loeffler has forwarded documents to the Justice Department , the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Senate Ethics Committee “ establishing that she and her husband acted entirely appropriately and observed both the letter and the spirit of the law.
” In Burr ’ s case , the search warrant was served on a lawyer for him , and FBI agents went to the senator ’ s home in the Washington area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department official said .
The decision to obtain the warrant was approved at the highest levels of the department , the official said .
Alice Fisher , a lawyer for Burr , noted that Burr called for an ethics inquiry into the stock sales once they were disclosed .
She said the senator has “ been actively cooperating with the government ’ s inquiry , as he said he would.
” “ From the outset , Senator Burr has been focused on an appropriate and thorough review of the facts in this matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were appropriate , ” Fisher said in a statement .
Trump , speaking to reporters at the White House before traveling to Pennsylvania on Thursday , said he was unaware that Burr was leaving his intelligence post .
“ I know nothing about it — never discussed it with anybody , ” Trump said .
“ That ’ s too bad.
” Senate records show Burr and his wife sold between roughly $ 600,000 and $ 1.7 million in more than 30 transactions in late January and mid-February , just before the market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began to sound alarms about the virus .
Several of the stocks were in companies that own hotels .
Burr has acknowledged selling the stocks because of the coronavirus but said he relied “ solely on public news reports , ” specifically CNBC ’ s daily health and science reporting out of Asia , to make the financial decisions .
Senators did receive a closed-door briefing on the virus on Jan. 24 , which was public knowledge .
A separate briefing was held Feb. 12 by the Senate Health , Education , Labor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a member .
It ’ s unclear if he attended either session .
He was first elected to the Senate in 2004 and chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee as it conducted its own investigation into Russian election interference in the 2016 presidential election .
The committee last month issued a report supporting the conclusion by U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia had interfered on Trump ’ s behalf .
As chairman , Burr has access to the most sensitive classified information that is provided to Congress .
Along with Republican and Democratic leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Intelligence Committee , Burr is part of the group of eight lawmakers in Congress who receive the highest level classified briefings .
His decision to leave the chairman position surprised fellow committee members .
Sen. John Cornyn , R-Texas , said he respected Burr ’ s decision , adding that “ he ’ s entitled to a presumption of innocence just like anybody else.
” “ The best I can tell , he is trying to do the right thing by the Senate , and I appreciate it , ” Cornyn said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burr ’ s place .
The next several Republican members in seniority are already chairmen of other committees , though they could choose to switch .
Next in seniority is Idaho Sen. James Risch , who told reporters on Thursday that he didn ’ t know whether he would keep his current perch as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee or move to the intelligence panel .
Following him is Florida Sen. Marco Rubio , who heads the Senate Small Business Committee .
He said that he wasn ’ t aware that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision on who takes over was up to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. Maine Sen. Susan Collins , chairwoman of the Senate Aging Committee , is third in line .
The Los Angeles Times first reported the search warrant .
Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro , Colleen Long and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report .

By ERIC TUCKER, MICHAEL BALSAMO and MARY CLARE JALONICK
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Republican senator with access to some of the nation’s top secrets became further entangled in a deepening FBI investigation as agents examining a well-timed sale of stocks during the coronavirus outbreak showed up at his home with a warrant to search his cellphone.
Hours later, Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina stepped aside Thursday as chairman of the powerful Senate Intelligence Committee, calling it the “best thing to do.” Burr has denied wrongdoing.
“This is a distraction to the hard work of the committee and the members, and I think that the security of the country is too important to have a distraction,” Burr said. He said he would serve out the remainder of his term, which ends in 2023. He is not running for reelection.
The search warrant marked a dramatic escalation in the Justice Department’s investigation into whether Burr exploited advance information when he unloaded as much as $1.7 million in stocks in the days before the coronavirus caused markets to plummet. Such warrants require investigators to establish to a judge that probable cause exists to believe a crime has occurred.
The warrant was confirmed by two people familiar with the matter, including a senior department official. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss an ongoing investigation.
Burr faces no public accusations by the government that he exploited inside information received during briefings. But the search warrant immediately affected the standing inside Congress of the influential Republican, who has earned bipartisan support for leading a congressional investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign — work that sometimes rankled President Donald Trump and his supporters.
News of the warrant also underscored the public scrutiny surrounding the stock market activities of multiple senators and their families around the same time.
On Thursday, a spokesman for Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said she was asked “some basic questions” by law enforcement about sales her husband made and had voluntarily answered questions.
Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler, a new lawmaker from Georgia, and her husband dumped substantial portions of their portfolio and purchased new stocks around the time Congress was receiving briefings on the seriousness of the pandemic. Loeffler has said she had no involvement in the trades and said they were managed by third-party advisers.
A spokesperson said Loeffler has forwarded documents to the Justice Department, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Senate Ethics Committee “establishing that she and her husband acted entirely appropriately and observed both the letter and the spirit of the law.”
In Burr’s case, the search warrant was served on a lawyer for him, and FBI agents went to the senator’s home in the Washington area to retrieve the cellphone, the Justice Department official said. The decision to obtain the warrant was approved at the highest levels of the department, the official said.
Alice Fisher, a lawyer for Burr, noted that Burr called for an ethics inquiry into the stock sales once they were disclosed. She said the senator has “been actively cooperating with the government’s inquiry, as he said he would.”
“From the outset, Senator Burr has been focused on an appropriate and thorough review of the facts in this matter, which will establish that his actions were appropriate,” Fisher said in a statement.
Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House before traveling to Pennsylvania on Thursday, said he was unaware that Burr was leaving his intelligence post.
“I know nothing about it — never discussed it with anybody,” Trump said. “That’s too bad.”
Senate records show Burr and his wife sold between roughly $600,000 and $1.7 million in more than 30 transactions in late January and mid-February, just before the market began to dive and government health officials began to sound alarms about the virus. Several of the stocks were in companies that own hotels.
Burr has acknowledged selling the stocks because of the coronavirus but said he relied “solely on public news reports,” specifically CNBC’s daily health and science reporting out of Asia, to make the financial decisions.
Senators did receive a closed-door briefing on the virus on Jan. 24, which was public knowledge. A separate briefing was held Feb. 12 by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, of which Burr is a member. It’s unclear if he attended either session.
He was first elected to the Senate in 2004 and chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee as it conducted its own investigation into Russian election interference in the 2016 presidential election. The committee last month issued a report supporting the conclusion by U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia had interfered on Trump’s behalf.
As chairman, Burr has access to the most sensitive classified information that is provided to Congress. Along with Republican and Democratic leadership and the top lawmakers on the House Intelligence Committee, Burr is part of the group of eight lawmakers in Congress who receive the highest level classified briefings.
His decision to leave the chairman position surprised fellow committee members.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said he respected Burr’s decision, adding that “he’s entitled to a presumption of innocence just like anybody else.”
“The best I can tell, he is trying to do the right thing by the Senate, and I appreciate it,” Cornyn said.
It’s unclear who will take Burr’s place. The next several Republican members in seniority are already chairmen of other committees, though they could choose to switch.
Next in seniority is Idaho Sen. James Risch, who told reporters on Thursday that he didn’t know whether he would keep his current perch as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee or move to the intelligence panel.
Following him is Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who heads the Senate Small Business Committee. He said that he wasn’t aware that Burr was stepping aside and that the decision on who takes over was up to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
Maine Sen. Susan Collins, chairwoman of the Senate Aging Committee, is third in line.
The Los Angeles Times first reported the search warrant.
___
Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro, Colleen Long and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-05-15--Some California churches to reopen May 31, with or without state approval

OAKLAND — Bishop Bob Jackson of Acts Full Gospel Church is vowing to open his 4,000-seat sanctuary to worshipers on May 31 , with or without the state government ’ s blessing .
Bishop Jackson and pastors from up and down California on Thursday questioned why religious gatherings were excluded from Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s early plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions .
Relaxing rules against large gatherings , such as church services , is not in the first two phases of reopening California .
Those pastors , some who oversee megachurches , said they will abide by all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We will do everything the restaurants and every other place is doing .
I don ’ t see why we are being looked over and judged to be non-essential in a time like this .
It ’ s foolish , ” Bishop Jackson said outside his East Oakland church .
Churches and places of worship haven ’ t been able hold-in person services since coronavirus shelter-in-place orders were issued two months ago and may not be able to do so for weeks , without violating health ordinances .
Pastors representing Bay Area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday to apply pressure on the state to allow them to open their pews .
Southern California-based attorney , Robert H. Tyler said more than 1,000 pastors have signed a declaration to resume services on May 31 .
May 31 is symbolic because it is a Christian holiday known as the Pentecost , marking 50 days after Easter Sunday and the Holy Spirit ’ s descent upon the Apostles .
Tyler has sued the state in federal court on behalf of a congregation in Lodi .
So far , however , any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been unsuccessful .
A federal judge this month ruled the state had authority to prohibit in-person services during a state of emergency and denied three Southern California churches a temporary restraining order against the state restrictions .
Tyler on Thursday said the courts and state government have not provided justification for how a large retail store or grocery store is less dangerous than a church service .
“ It ’ s unlawful to treat religious organizations differently than how you would treat ‘ essential business , ’ ” Tyler said .
“ What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 31 ] is an old-fashioned showdown.
” Jackson said he is prepared to provide masks , gloves and limit the number of worshipers who come into his East Oakland church , and that he would follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines in reopening his church to its congregation .
“ The drug stores are open , the liquor stores are open , ” the bishop said .
“ We can do the math and make sure we have social distancing .
I don ’ t know why our governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IQ to be able to do the same things , that we are not interested in the health of our people.
” Gov .
Newsom on Monday brought most of California into the initial stages of Phase 2 of his reopening plan , allowing for nonessential business to reopen for operations like curbside retail , and has said that some places can move further , achieving certain state health department criteria .
Business has swung open to include in-person shopping and dining in 18 counties in the state , all of them largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low .
San Benito County is the nearest county to the Bay Area .
Four Bay Area counties — San Francisco , San Mateo , Alameda , and Contra Costa — which have been under stricter shelter-in-place orders than the rest of the state , have said that they will begin to move into Phase 2 beginning as soon as this coming Monday .
In New Mexico , a county sheriff sidestepped Gov .
Michelle Lujan earlier this month by deputizing about 20 church members at an in-person church service , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Costa County Sheriff ’ s Office cited a North Richmond pastor for holding a service on Easter Sunday .
Rev .
Matt McDermott of Saint Mark ’ s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto said his congregation will not be holding in-person services .
The reverend said Episcopalian leaders will meet at a retreat this weekend will discuss a variety of safety topics .
“ It ’ s too soon to have a definitive timeline [ on re-opening ] , ” McDermott said .
They are discussing , “ how do you have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and willing to show up ?
There will be a range of responses to that , based on their situation and comfort level .
“ There ’ s not going to be this grand reopening , ” he said .
“ I certainly empathize with the desire to gather again , we really miss it .
We really miss the face to face .
”

OAKLAND — Bishop Bob Jackson of Acts Full Gospel Church is vowing to open his 4,000-seat sanctuary to worshipers on May 31, with or without the state government’s blessing.
Bishop Jackson and pastors from up and down California on Thursday questioned why religious gatherings were excluded from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s early plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions. Relaxing rules against large gatherings, such as church services, is not in the first two phases of reopening California.
Those pastors, some who oversee megachurches, said they will abide by all social distancing and infection control rules.
“We will do everything the restaurants and every other place is doing. I don’t see why we are being looked over and judged to be nonessential in a time like this. It’s foolish,” Bishop Jackson said outside his East Oakland church.
Churches and places of worship haven’t been able hold in-person services since coronavirus shelter-in-place orders were issued two months ago and may not be able to do so for weeks, without violating health ordinances.
Pastors representing Bay Area and Southern California churches came to Oakland on Thursday to apply pressure on the state to allow them to open their pews. Southern California-based attorney Robert H. Tyler said more than 1,000 pastors have signed a declaration to resume services on May 31.
May 31 is symbolic because it is a Christian holiday known as the Pentecost, marking 50 days after Easter Sunday and the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the Apostles. Tyler has sued the state in federal court on behalf of a congregation in Lodi. So far, however, any legal attempts brought against the state have been unsuccessful. A federal judge this month ruled the state had the authority to prohibit in-person services during a state of emergency and denied three Southern California churches a temporary restraining order against the state restrictions.
Tyler on Thursday said the courts and state government have not provided justification for how a large retail store or grocery store is less dangerous than a church service.
“It’s unlawful to treat religious organizations differently than how you would treat ‘essential business,’ ” Tyler said. “What we are going to see (on May 31) is an old-fashioned showdown.”
Jackson said he is prepared to provide masks, gloves and limit the number of worshipers who come into his East Oakland church, and that he would follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines in reopening his church to its congregation.
“The drug stores are open, the liquor stores are open,” the bishop said. “We can do the math and make sure we have social distancing. I don’t know why our governor doesn’t think we have the IQ to be able to do the same things, that we are not interested in the health of our people.”
Gov. Newsom on Monday brought most of California into the initial stages of Phase 2 of his reopening plan, allowing for nonessential business to reopen for operations such as curbside retail and has said that some places can move further, achieving certain state health department criteria. Business has swung open to include in-person shopping and dining in 18 counties in the state, all of them largely rural areas, where risk is considered low. San Benito County is the nearest county to the Bay Area. Four Bay Area counties — San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, and Contra Costa — which have been under stricter shelter-in-place orders than the rest of the state, have said that they will begin to move into Phase 2 beginning as soon as Monday.
In New Mexico, a county sheriff sidestepped Gov. Michelle Lujan earlier this month by deputizing about 20 church members at an in-person church service, according to news reports. Locally, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office cited a North Richmond pastor for holding a service on Easter Sunday.
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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 Rev. Matt McDermott of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto said his congregation will not be holding in-person services. The reverend said Episcopalian leaders will meet at a retreat this weekend and discuss a variety of safety topics.
“It’s too soon to have a definitive timeline (on reopening),” McDermott said. They are discussing, “how do you have a safe environment, when are people ready and willing to show up? There will be a range of responses to that, based on their situation and comfort level.
“There’s not going to be this grand reopening,” he said. “I certainly empathize with the desire to gather again, we really miss it. We really miss the face to face.”


mercurynews--2020-05-15--Photos: Alameda County firefighters and sheriff’s deputies salute Covid-19 health care workers at Ed

Photos: Alameda County firefighters and sheriff’s deputies salute Covid-19 health care workers at Eden Medical Center

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device .
Alameda County firefighters and sheriff ’ s deputies saluted Covid-19 health care workers at Eden Medical Center during a drive-by parade on Thursday afternoon .
Medical personnel held signs and shouted their thanks to the first responders in a mutual show of support .
Several sheriff ’ s deputies rode on horseback , and a vintage fire truck was also part of the procession .
This was one of many such events that have transpired in the Bay Area the past few weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll .
Alameda County was the only Bay Area County among the 10 largest gainers of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in California on Wednesday , while the region accounted for 7 % new cases statewide .
The county , which reported 45 new cases Wednesday , the most in the Bay Area , said it too planned to “ allow additional approved activities for local businesses ” beginning Monday .
As of Thursday , Alameda County had 2,234 cases and 79 deaths .
It had 132 cases per 100,000 residents , third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Alameda County firefighters and sheriff’s deputies saluted Covid-19 health care workers at Eden Medical Center during a drive-by parade on Thursday afternoon.
Medical personnel held signs and shouted their thanks to the first responders in a mutual show of support. Several sheriff’s deputies rode on horseback, and a vintage fire truck was also part of the procession. This was one of many such events that have transpired in the Bay Area the past few weeks as the coronavirus pandemic began taking its toll.
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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 Alameda County was the only Bay Area County among the 10 largest gainers of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in California on Wednesday, while the region accounted for 7% new cases statewide. The county, which reported 45 new cases Wednesday, the most in the Bay Area, said it too planned to “allow additional approved activities for local businesses” beginning Monday.
As of Thursday, Alameda County had 2,234 cases and 79 deaths. It had 132 cases per 100,000 residents, third behind San Francisco and San Mateo Counties.


mercurynews--2020-05-15--Letter: Is Elon Musk a king?

Letter: Is Elon Musk a king?

Elon Musk has no right to jeopardize people ’ s health Is Elon Musk a king ?
Musk ’ s @ @ @ @ @ faced by our country is only surpassed by President Donald Trump asking us to drink @ @ @ @ @ hyper-capitalism topped by rabid nationalism was created by our society .
Hustlers like Musk manipulate @ @ @ @ @ aggrandize themselves and the politicians at the cost of public funds .
Who can afford @ @ @ @ @ ?
Who goes into space but the rich ?
Who uses the solar but the @ @ @ @ @ factory remains open , as Elon Musk continues his standoff over shelter-in-place orders Being branded @ @ @ @ @ backs of taxpayers is a hustler ’ s game .
And now Musk wants to @ @ @ @ @ people by threatening to sue and shut down the Fremont factory and move .
Musk @ @ @ @ @ people ’ s health .
He is not a king .
Goodbye , Musk .
@ @ @ @ @ editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Elon Musk has no right to
jeopardize people’s health
Is Elon Musk a king? Musk’s antics in this calamity being faced by our country is only surpassed by President Donald Trump asking us to drink bleach. This problem of hyper-capitalism topped by rabid nationalism was created by our society.
Hustlers like Musk manipulate governments and create cartels that aggrandize themselves and the politicians at the cost of public funds.
Who can afford electric cars but the rich? Who goes into space but the rich? Who uses the solar but the rich?
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Kohli Singh
San Jose
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mercurynews--2020-05-15--East Bay man arrested after showing up at San Leandro sheriff’s substation with AK-47 in his Mercede

East Bay man arrested after showing up at San Leandro sheriff’s substation with AK-47 in his Mercedes

SAN LEANDRO — A Bay Area man was arrested by Alameda County sheriff ’ s deputies Wednesday morning when he drove to the Eden Township Substation to inquire about a backpack deputies had seized days earlier and during the exchange was found to have a loaded assault rifle , a metal baton and ammunition in his Mercedes , authorities said Thursday .
The suspect , Rico Thomas , 32 , who listed his occupation as security guard on jail records , was being held Thursday in lieu of $ 155,000 bail .
He claimed to be a transient , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 2017 , the sheriff ’ s office said .
Thomas was inquiring about a backpack that had been seized by deputies three nights earlier as part of a different investigation .
Sheriff ’ s deputies had been called to a home to investigate a report of domestic violence and child endangerment involving Thomas after Alameda County firefighters initially responded around 9 p.m. Sunday .
Deputies said Thomas had fled the scene before they arrived and could not be found , but took possession of the backpack .
About 8 a.m. Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his Mercedes to inquire about the backpack .
When deputies attempted to detain him in the parking lot in front of the station , he was uncooperative and got into a physical struggle with deputies causing them to use force to overcome his combative behavior , authorities said .
Deputies said Thomas has a prior felony conviction for assault with a deadly weapon and is on searchable probation .
The Mercedes , which is registered to him , was subsequently searched .
Inside the vehicle , deputies found a loaded AK-47 assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loaded high capacity magazines and additional ammunition .
Alameda County Sheriff ’ s Sgt .
Tya Modeste said the department is actively directing residents to online resources in the wake of signs that the pandemic may have increased vulnerability to violence or other crimes .
“ We ’ re trying to get it out , to collaborate with our partners on messaging that victims come in various forms , and may be women , children or men , ” said Modeste , who added that the department was starting to see increases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ People can text 911 if they are unable to call , they can still obtain orders .
If they call 911 , they can leave a line open and active , and that helps us with location .
We don ’ t want people to feel helpless because of the pandemic.
” On the issue of the zero-bail policy instituted by the state judicial council and intended to limit COVID-19 exposure for low-level offenders , Modeste said law enforcement leaders were continuing a conversation .
“ Sheriffs and chiefs of police are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to encourage them in situations where people have histories of violence that may make them bad candidates for bail , ” Modeste said .
“ We encourage judges to do that so we aren ’ t seeing individuals get out whose charges may be for brandishing a weapon but who may have previous jail time for assault with a deadly weapon.
” Thomas was arrested and booked into Santa Rita Jail on a number of felony weapons charges , felony domestic violence , child endangerment , willful cruelty to a child and resisting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arraigned in court Friday .

SAN LEANDRO —A domestic violence suspect has been charged with six crimes after his arrest last week at a sheriff’s station — where he came to ask about a seized backpack, but deputies found a loaded assault rifle, a metal baton and ammunition in his car.
The suspect, Rico Thomas, 32, allegedly threw his pregnant wife to the floor and choked her while at least one of their young children was in the room, according to court records. He has been charged with felony counts of corporal injury to a relationship partner, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of an assault rifle, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person and misdemeanor counts of resisting a peace officer and possession of a leaded cane or billy club.
Thomas, who listed his occupation as security guard on jail records, is being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail. He was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday. He claimed to be a a transient, but had listed addresses in Vallejo and Oakland up to 2017, the sheriff’s office said.
Thomas was arrested at the Alameda County Sheriff’s Eden Township Substation after driving there to inquire about a backpack that had been seized by deputies as part of a domestic violence investigation at a home in unincorporated Hayward.
According to court documents, deputies were called to the home on May 10 by Thomas’ wife, who has two children with him and is pregnant. The two had argued and Thomas had left but came back about 9 p.m. and entered through an open window.
The court documents allege that Thomas picked his wife up by her neck and slammed her on the floor, causing her to briefly lose consciousness. Their 3-year-old child was near where the woman landed on the floor, the documents say.
Thomas choked the woman while she was still on the floor, according to the documents, and Thomas prevented her from using her phone to call for help. He eventually helped the woman into a bedroom, then fled the home. Deputies responding to the scene called paramedics to take the woman to a hospital, and seized the backpack.
About 8 a.m. on May 13, Thomas showed up at the substation to inquire about the backpack.
When deputies attempted to detain him in the parking lot in front of the station, he was uncooperative and got into a physical struggle with deputies, causing them to use force to overcome his combative behavior, authorities said.
Deputies said Thomas has a prior 2017 felony conviction for assault with a deadly weapon and is on searchable probation.
Sheriff’s officials searched Thomas’ Mercedes, which is registered to him. Inside the vehicle, deputies found a loaded AK-47 assault rifle, an expandable metal baton, loaded high-capacity magazines and additional ammunition.
Alameda County Sheriff’s Sgt. Tya Modeste said the department is actively directing residents to online resources in the wake of signs that the pandemic may have increased vulnerability to violence or other crimes.
“We’re trying to get (the word) out, to collaborate with our partners on messaging that victims come in various forms, and may be women, children or men,” said Modeste. She added that the department was starting to see increases in domestic-violence incidents under the shelter-in-place order.
“People can text 9-1-1 if they are unable to call, they can still obtain (protective) orders. If they call 9-1-1, they can leave a line open and active, and that helps us with location. We don’t want people to feel helpless because of the pandemic.”
Modeste said law enforcement leaders were continuing a conversation on the zero-bail policy instituted by the state judicial council and intended to limit COVID-19 exposure for low-level offenders.
“Sheriffs and chiefs of police are talking to judicial partners, and trying to encourage them in situations where people have histories of violence that may make them bad candidates for bail,” Modeste said. “We encourage judges to do that so we aren’t seeing individuals get out whose charges may be for brandishing a weapon but who may have previous jail time for assault with a deadly weapon.”


mercurynews--2020-05-14--San Pablo man who shot wife in front of 4-year-old son loses bid for new trial

SAN FRANCISCO — A San Pablo resident who fatally shot his wife in front of their 4-year-old son lost his appeal and bid for a new trial this week , court records show .
Jose Claudio Munoz , 30 , argued in his 2018 trial that while he killed his wife , Yvonne Hernandez , he should be found guilty of manslaughter , not murder .
On appeal , he argued that the prosecutor had misled jurors about the proper legal definition of manslaughter , which can apply in cases where the killer is in an extreme emotional state .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy district attorney Rachel Piersig shouldn ’ t have told jurors that an example of manslaughter would be a mother attacking someone who ran over her kid .
The appeals court , though , ruled that the remark had not “ inflamed the jury ’ s passions.
” “ Defendant does not dispute the example constituted voluntary manslaughter , but argues the example presented an extreme situation , ” the appeals court judges wrote .
“ He cites no authority for the proposition that only ambiguous examples of voluntary manslaughter may be presented…There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or applied the prosecutor ’ s example in an objectionable manner.
” Munoz shot and killed Hernandez inside their San Pablo home in September 2015 , believing that she was unfaithful to him .
Their 4-year-old boy witnessed the shooting , and can be heard in the 9-1-1 call Munoz made shortly after , in which he admitted to the killing .
Munoz was also convicted of felony child abuse .
He is serving a life sentence at California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility , Corcoran , but will be eligible for a parole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ records .

SAN FRANCISCO — A San Pablo resident who fatally shot his wife in front of their 4-year-old son lost his appeal and bid for a new trial this week, court records show.
Jose Claudio Munoz, 30, argued in his 2018 trial that while he killed his wife, Yvonne Hernandez, he should be found guilty of manslaughter, not murder. On appeal, he argued that the prosecutor had misled jurors about the proper legal definition of manslaughter, which can apply in cases where the killer is in an extreme emotional state.
Among Munoz’s arguments was that deputy district attorney Rachel Piersig shouldn’t have told jurors that an example of manslaughter would be a mother attacking someone who ran over her kid. The appeals court, though, ruled that the remark had not “inflamed the jury’s passions.”
“Defendant does not dispute the example constituted voluntary manslaughter, but argues the example presented an extreme situation,” the appeals court judges wrote. “He cites no authority for the proposition that only ambiguous examples of voluntary manslaughter may be presented. … There is no reasonable possibility the jury construed or applied the prosecutor’s example in an objectionable manner.”
Munoz shot and killed Hernandez inside their San Pablo home in September 2015, believing that she was unfaithful to him. Their 4-year-old boy witnessed the shooting and can be heard in the 9-1-1 call Munoz made shortly after, in which he admitted to the killing.
“You killed mommy,” the boy told him.
Munoz was also convicted of felony child abuse. He is serving a life sentence at California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, Corcoran, but will be eligible for a parole hearing in 2039, according to state records.


mercurynews--2020-05-14--Roundup:  ‘Ghost of Tsushima’ details, new ‘Paper Mario’ and Evo Online

Mark July 17 on your calendars because it ’ s going to be a busy .
It will feel a little like Christmas in the summer with two big titles scheduled for release on that day .
The more anticipated project is “ Ghost of Tsushima ” on the PlayStation 4 , a title that has been in the works for years .
Sucker Punch Productions offered a deeper dive into the exploration , combat and customization options in the game during a PlayStation State of Play presentation .
Overall , the game looks to be a violent and gorgeous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sakai ’ s battle against a Mongol invasion force on Tsushima Island in 1274 .
The video delved into the exploration , which is aided by the wind .
That part of nature helps guide players through a rich world , but they can use visual cues and even animals to discover other key locations .
The combat appears to be divided into two parts .
The first is the upfront samurai style that relies on sword fighting and likely heavy armor .
Meanwhile , the other end of that coin is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and uses stealth .
From the looks of it , this part of “ Ghost of Tsushima ” has an “ Assassin ’ s Creed ” vibe with distractions and silent kills .
The more interesting part of the presentation was the introduction of robust customization options so players can make their version of Jin unique .
The team also showed off improvements to a Photo Mode .
Players can change the particle effects and even add motion to the images .
The most important part though is the confirmation of Japanese voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game in the setting ’ s native language with English subtitles .
To enhance the samurai movie feel of the game , “ Ghost of Tsushima ” can also be played in a black and white film grain filter .
This could lead to some interesting livestreams .
The other big title coming that day is “ Paper Mario : The Origami King , ” a new entry to the role-playing game spin-off .
Expect plenty of paper puns in the Nintendo Switch game that unfolds as Mario discovers something is wrong with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trailer above for details ) “ King Olly , who claims to be the ruler of the Origanmi Kingdom , ” has hatched a plot that can tear apart everything Mario holds dear , a news release stated .
The upcoming RPG features new mechanics such as Mario ’ s 1000-Fold Arms ability that lets him interact with the landscape by stretching , pulling and peeling parts of the world .
It appears to reveal new pathways in this papercraft environment .
Along with the new powers , Mario will also recruit allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Olivia , and even his longtime nemesis Bowser .
In addition to the updated look , “ Origami King ” will have a new ring-based battle system that relies heavily on puzzle-solving .
It ’ s going to be turn-based and it will require players to maximize damage by lining up enemies , according to Nintendo .
As usual to the series , the game plays around with the paper motif and it looks to do more with the space .
The Evo Championship Series 2020 may be canceled this year because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spirit of the fighting game competition will continue via Evo Online .
The event takes place over five weekends and will feature special exhibition matches and content that was planned for Evo 2020 .
In addition , Evo Online will have four open online tournaments .
The sign-ups for that will be announced at a later date , but for right now , block off July 4 and 5 , July 11 and 12 , July 18 and 19 , July 25 and 26 , and July 31 to Aug. 2 on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game fan .
It ’ s not going to be exactly the same , but perhaps , fans will get to see some high-level play despite the inherent lag in an online tournament .

Mark July 17 on your calendars because it’s going to be busy. It will feel a little like Christmas in the summer with two big titles scheduled for release on that day.
The more anticipated project is “Ghost of Tsushima” on the PlayStation 4, a title that has been in the works for years. Sucker Punch Productions offered a deeper dive into the exploration, combat and customization options in the game during a PlayStation State of Play presentation. Overall, the game looks to be a violent and gorgeous samurai epic that focuses on protagonist Jin Sakai’s battle against a Mongol invasion force on Tsushima Island in 1274.
The video delved into the exploration, which is aided by the wind. That part of nature helps guide players through a rich world, but they can use visual cues and even animals to discover other key locations. The combat appears to be divided into two parts. The first is the upfront samurai style that relies on sword fighting and likely heavy armor. Meanwhile, the other end of that coin is the dishonorable ghost-style which lets Jin attack in shadows and uses stealth. From the looks of it, this part of “Ghost of Tsushima” has an “Assassin’s Creed” vibe with distractions and silent kills.
The more interesting part of the presentation was the introduction of robust customization options so players can make their version of Jin unique. The team also showed off improvements to a Photo Mode. Players can change the particle effects and even add motion to the images. The most important part, though, is the confirmation of the Japanese voice track that will let players experience the game in the setting’s native language with English subtitles. To enhance the samurai movie feel of the game, “Ghost of Tsushima” can also be played in a black and white film grain filter. This could lead to some interesting livestreams.
The other big title coming that day is “Paper Mario: The Origami King,” a new entry to the role-playing game spin-off. Expect plenty of paper puns in the Nintendo Switch game that unfolds as Mario discovers something is wrong with Princess Peach. (Check out the trailer above for details.) “King Olly, who claims to be the ruler of the Origami Kingdom,” has hatched a plot that can tear apart everything Mario holds dear, a news release stated. The upcoming RPG features new mechanics such as Mario’s 1000-Fold Arms ability that let him interact with the landscape by stretching, pulling and peeling parts of the world. It appears to reveal new pathways in this papercraft environment.
Along with the new powers, Mario will also recruit allies such as King Olly’s sister, Olivia, and even his longtime nemesis Bowser.
In addition to the updated look, “Origami King” will have a new ring-based battle system that relies heavily on puzzle-solving. It’s going to be turn-based and will require players to maximize damage by lining up enemies, according to Nintendo. As usual in the series, the game plays around with the paper motif and looks to do more with the space.
EVO LIVES
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It’s not going to be exactly the same, but perhaps fans will get to see some high-level play despite the inherent lag in an online tournament.


mercurynews--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: Ex-A’s manager Art Howe in ICU in Houston after testing positive

Former A ’ s manager Art Howe , who led Oakland to three consecutive postseason appearances in the early 2000s , is in intensive care in a Houston hospital with coronavirus .
The 73-year-old Howe confirmed to Houston ’ s KPRC-TV on Thursday he is still hospitalized while receiving treatment .
“ Never experienced anything like it before , ” said Howe , who managed the A ’ s to a pair of American League West titles during his seven-year run as Oakland ’ s manager .
Howe told KPRC-TV he ’ s feeling better than he did two days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital by ambulance when his symptoms grew worse — he felt chills and “ total fatigue.
” Howe had been self-isolating since he tested positive for COVID-19 on May 5 .
While Howe said he ’ s been improving , he said he still hasn ’ t reached the threshold of being fever-free for 24 hours in order to be released from the hospital .
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After a 12-year major league career , Howe began his managerial career in 1989 with the Astros .
He joined the A ’ s in 1996 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Howe also managed the Mets from 2003-04 , leading New York to two postseason appearances .

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Former A’s manager Art Howe, who led Oakland to three consecutive postseason appearances in the early 2000s, is in intensive care in a Houston hospital with coronavirus.
The 73-year-old Howe confirmed to Houston’s KPRC-TV on Thursday he is still hospitalized while receiving treatment.
“Never experienced anything like it before,” said Howe, who managed the A’s to a pair of American League West titles during his seven-year run as Oakland’s manager.
Just got a text from Art Howe in ICU in Houston with Corona he sends his love….one of the best I have ever known in or out of baseball..my love to Art and Betty and the whole family..Art and Betty love the Bay Area and all the fans — Marty Lurie (@baseballmarty) May 14, 2020
Howe told KPRC-TV he’s feeling better than he did two days ago when he was taken to the hospital by ambulance when his symptoms grew worse — he felt chills and “total fatigue.” Howe had been self-isolating since he tested positive for COVID-19 on May 5.
While Howe said he’s been improving, he said he still hasn’t reached the threshold of being fever-free for 24 hours in order to be released from the hospital.
Howe, who led the A’s to their best regular season record in 32 years with 103 wins in 2002, last appeared in the major leagues as a coach with the Rangers in 2008.
After a 12-year major league career, Howe began his managerial career in 1989 with the Astros. He joined the A’s in 1996 after a five-year run with the Astros. Howe also managed the Mets from 2003-04, leading New York to two postseason appearances.