mercurynews--2020-06-28--The Latest: Mississippi legislators vote to retire flag

The Latest on protests over racial inequality ( all times local ) : JACKSON , Miss .
— Mississippi legislators have voted to raucous cheers and applause to remove a Confederate battle emblem from their state flag .
Mississippi ’ s House and Senate took historic votes Sunday to retire the flag adopted in 1894 .
It ’ s the last state flag that included a Confederate symbol that many people condemn as racist .
Republican Gov .
Tate Reeves has said he will sign the bill .
The change comes amid widespread protests over racial injustice .
Mississippi has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commission would design a new flag that can not include the Confederate symbol but must have the words “ In God We Trust.
” Voters will be asked to approve the new design in the Nov. 3 election .
DENVER — Police in Denver have arrested one person for suspected arson after a small group of protesters attempted to set fire to the pedestal of a Civil War statue toppled last week .
KUSA-TV reports that about 75 protesters had been demonstrating peacefully around the Capitol late Saturday when a small group broke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just before 11 p.m. a fire was set atop the mostly-concrete pedestal using wood and other materials .
The Denver Fire Department extinguished the blaze and damage was minimal .
The incident comes as protesters across the nation have defaced and torn down statues of historic figures during recent demonstrations against racial injustice .
SAN DIEGO — Police in San Diego shot and critically wounded a robbery suspect who they said took out a gun from his waistband and pointed it at an officer who tried to engage him .
The shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Saturday sparked immediate anger among protesters , who marched through the streets Sunday demanding police release footage of the encounter from officer body-worn cameras .
Police tweeted a photo of the gun and said they they were working to gather all video evidence for release .
PORTLAND , Ore. — Portland police have arrested eight people and fired crowd-control munitions to disperse protesters who threw rocks and bottles during demonstrations in front of law enforcement buildings on Saturday night and Sunday morning .
Police say the series of confrontations began outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used fencing and street barricades to block off a street .
Police say that lasers were shined into officers ’ eyes and rocks , and bottles and paint were thrown at them during the demonstration .
Saturday marked the 30th consecutive day of demonstrations in Portland since George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis .
JACKSON , Miss .
— The Mississippi House has passed a bill to remove a Confederate battle emblem broadly condemned as racist from its 126-year-old state flag .
The House passed a bill 91-23 with broad bipartisan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more debate .
Republican Gov .
Tate Reeves has said he will sign it .
The flag ’ s supporters resisted efforts to change it for decades , but rapid developments in recent weeks have changed dynamics on this issue in the tradition-bound state .
As protests against racial injustice recently spread across the U.S. , including Mississippi , leaders from business , religion , education and sports have spoken forcefully against the state flag .
They have urged legislators to ditch the banner for one that better reflects the diversity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population .
The bill being considered Sunday will remove the current flag from state law as soon as Reeves signs it .
A commission would design a new flag that can not include the Confederate symbol and that must have the words “ In God We Trust.
” It would be put before voters , and if they rejected it , the commission would come up with a new design .
In the meantime , Mississippi would not have a state flag .
LOUISVILLE , Ky. — Police in Kentucky say a suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a man who was fatally shot amid a protest over the killing of Breonna Taylor .
Interim Louisville Police Chief Robert Schroeder says the suspect is hospitalized and being interviewed by homicide investigators .
The suspect ’ s name was not released , and no charges were immediately filed .
The shooting occurred Saturday night at Jefferson Square Park in downtown Louisville .
The Jefferson County coroner ’ s office identified the victim as 27-year-old Tyler Charles Gerth of Louisville .
WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence says he doesn ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he doesn ’ t agree with what he believes is the political message behind it .
Pence says he stands against racism and that George Floyd ’ s death was inexcusable , but that “ all lives matter.
” He tells CBS : “ What I see in the leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement is a political agenda of the radical left that would defund the police , that would tear down monuments , that would press a radical left agenda.
” Pence added that he cherishes “ the progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect union for African Americans throughout our history.
” He said African American leaders have made clear to the Trump administration “ they want law and order ” and “ peace in our streets.
” BOSTON — Communities of color in Boston are disproportionately affected by evictions in the city , with some of the highest rates in Black communities , according to a new report released Sunday .
Seventy percent of market-rate eviction filings occur in neighborhoods where a majority of residents are people of color , though only about half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to three years of data by MIT researchers and a housing justice organization .
The problem has only been exasperated by the coronavirus , which saw a spike in eviction filings before the state issued a moratorium in April .
Almost 80 % of those suspended cases were in communities of color .
The racial disparity in Boston evictions is part of a nationwide trend and mirrors findings in cities across the country and in Washington state .
Much of the research has found that the racial composition of a neighborhood is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eviction rates , even more than poverty and other neighborhood characteristics .

The Associated Press
The Latest on protests over racial inequality (all times local):
6:20 p.m.
JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi legislators have voted to raucous cheers and applause to remove a Confederate battle emblem from their state flag.
Mississippi’s House and Senate took historic votes Sunday to retire the flag adopted in 1894. It’s the last state flag that included a Confederate symbol that many people condemn as racist.
Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has said he will sign the bill. The change comes amid widespread protests over racial injustice.
Mississippi has a 38% Black population. A commission would design a new flag that cannot include the Confederate symbol but must have the words “In God We Trust.”
Voters will be asked to approve the new design in the Nov. 3 election.
___
6:15 p.m
DENVER — Police in Denver have arrested one person for suspected arson after a small group of protesters attempted to set fire to the pedestal of a Civil War statue toppled last week.
KUSA-TV reports that about 75 protesters had been demonstrating peacefully around the Capitol late Saturday when a small group broke off and went to the statue site. Just before 11 p.m. a fire was set atop the mostly-concrete pedestal using wood and other materials.
The Denver Fire Department extinguished the blaze and damage was minimal.
The incident comes as protesters across the nation have defaced and torn down statues of historic figures during recent demonstrations against racial injustice.
___
5:50 p.m.
SAN DIEGO — Police in San Diego shot and critically wounded a robbery suspect who they said took out a gun from his waistband and pointed it at an officer who tried to engage him.
The shooting on a downtown sidewalk shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday sparked immediate anger among protesters, who marched through the streets Sunday demanding police release footage of the encounter from officer body-worn cameras.
Police tweeted a photo of the gun and said they they were working to gather all video evidence for release.
___
5:40 p.m.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland police have arrested eight people and fired crowd-control munitions to disperse protesters who threw rocks and bottles during demonstrations in front of law enforcement buildings on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Police say the series of confrontations began outside the Multnomah County Justice Center, where protesters used fencing and street barricades to block off a street.
Police say that lasers were shined into officers’ eyes and rocks, and bottles and paint were thrown at them during the demonstration. Saturday marked the 30th consecutive day of demonstrations in Portland since George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis.
___
3:30 p.m.
JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi House has passed a bill to remove a Confederate battle emblem broadly condemned as racist from its 126-year-old state flag.
The House passed a bill 91-23 with broad bipartisan support, sending it to the Senate for more debate. Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has said he will sign it.
The flag’s supporters resisted efforts to change it for decades, but rapid developments in recent weeks have changed dynamics on this issue in the tradition-bound state.
As protests against racial injustice recently spread across the U.S., including Mississippi, leaders from business, religion, education and sports have spoken forcefully against the state flag. They have urged legislators to ditch the banner for one that better reflects the diversity of a state with a 38% Black population.
The bill being considered Sunday will remove the current flag from state law as soon as Reeves signs it. A commission would design a new flag that cannot include the Confederate symbol and that must have the words “In God We Trust.” It would be put before voters, and if they rejected it, the commission would come up with a new design. In the meantime, Mississippi would not have a state flag.
___
3:15 p.m.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Police in Kentucky say a suspect is in custody in the death of a man who was fatally shot amid a protest over the killing of Breonna Taylor.
Interim Louisville Police Chief Robert Schroeder says the suspect is hospitalized and being interviewed by homicide investigators.
The suspect’s name was not released, and no charges were immediately filed. The shooting occurred Saturday night at Jefferson Square Park in downtown Louisville. The Jefferson County coroner’s office identified the victim as 27-year-old Tyler Charles Gerth of Louisville.
—-
12:30 p.m.
WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence says he doesn’t want to say “Black Lives Matter” because he doesn’t agree with what he believes is the political message behind it.
Pence says he stands against racism and that George Floyd’s death was inexcusable, but that “all lives matter.”
He tells CBS: “What I see in the leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement is a political agenda of the radical left that would defund the police, that would tear down monuments, that would press a radical left agenda.”
Pence added that he cherishes “the progress that we have made toward a more perfect union for African Americans throughout our history.”
He said African American leaders have made clear to the Trump administration “they want law and order” and “peace in our streets.”
___
10 a.m.
BOSTON — Communities of color in Boston are disproportionately affected by evictions in the city, with some of the highest rates in Black communities, according to a new report released Sunday.
Seventy percent of market-rate eviction filings occur in neighborhoods where a majority of residents are people of color, though only about half of rental housing is in these neighborhoods, according to three years of data by MIT researchers and a housing justice organization. The problem has only been exasperated by the coronavirus, which saw a spike in eviction filings before the state issued a moratorium in April. Almost 80% of those suspended cases were in communities of color.
The racial disparity in Boston evictions is part of a nationwide trend and mirrors findings in cities across the country and in Washington state. Much of the research has found that the racial composition of a neighborhood is the most important factor in predicting neighborhood eviction rates, even more than poverty and other neighborhood characteristics.


mercurynews--2020-06-28--Former Raiders coach Joe Bugel dead at 80

oe Bugel , whose 35-year career in the NFL included one season as the Raiders ’ head coach , died Sunday .
He was 80 .
The cause of death was not disclosed .
Best known for his work as an offensive line coach , especially with the Washington teams that won three Super Bowls , Bugel served as Raiders head coach in 1997 , their third season in Oakland after returning from Los Angeles .
After a 4-12 season , he was replaced by Jon Gruden , then a 36-year-old unknown .
Bugel had spent the previous two seasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike White .
Prior to that , Bugel had been head coach of the Phoenix ( now Arizona ) Cardinals , where he compiled a 20-44 record in four seasons ending with his firing in 1993 .
“ Saddened to hear of the passing of legendary coach Joe Bugel , ” Raiders Hall of Famer Tim Brown wrote on Twitter .
“ He was a passionate but soft hearted coach who cared about the players .
One of his favorite sayings was , “ men , this week ’ s game is gon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more Donnybrooks coach , RIP !
!
” Another former Raider , eight-time Pro Bowl guard Steve Wizniewski wrote : “ Joe Bugel was the finest line coach in the NFL for decades .
He genuinely loved his guys and had your back .
Such a great man with a huge heart .
Everyday was a workday .
100 % blue collar mentality .
We love you and miss you Joe !
We are better men because we played for you.
” Bugel ’ s years as an assistant coach , which began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were filled with glory .
With Washington , he was the architect of “ The Hogs , ” the dominant offensive lines that helped lead the team to three Super Bowls under Hall of Fame head coach Joe Gibbs .
Bugel was the team ’ s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach from 1981-82 and became the assistant head coach in 1983 , a role he had until 1989 before going to Phoenix .
He returned for a second stint with the team as assistant head coach-offense from 2004-09 .
• Raiders finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • On this date , 1995 : Al Davis agrees to deal returning Raiders to Oakland “ Joe had an incredible passion for the game of football .
He came to work every day with such great excitement and his players had tremendous respect for him .
The strength of our coaching staff on both sides of the ball was a key reason we had so much success , ” Gibbs said in a statement .
“ Bugel was such a big part of that and his impact was felt not only by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire league .
I will miss his friendship and I will always cherish our late-night arguments putting together the game plan each week .
Pat and I will be praying for his wife Brenda , his girls and their entire family.
” With players such as Jeff Bostic , Joe Jacoby and Hall of Famer Russ Grimm on the offensive line , Washington won the Super Bowl after the 1982 , 1987 and 1991 seasons with three different quarterbacks .
Joe Theismann , the QB for the team ’ s first Super Bowl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a friend as much as a coach .
For those of us who had the privilege to know him we were blessed .
He ’ ll have the best Oline in heaven .
RIP Joe.
” Bugel was promoted to assistant head coach in 1983 , the year the Redskins scored a then-NFL record 541 points .
That team reached the Super Bowl , where it lost to the Los Angeles Raiders .
In his first nine years in Washington , Bugel helped produce four 1,000-yard rushers , one 4,000-yard passer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive line for the then-San Diego Chargers from 1998-2001 .
After a two-year break from coaching , Bugel returned to Washington in 2004 as assistant head coach-offense under Gibbs , although his primary job was to work with the offensive line .
He stayed on as offensive line coach in 2008 and retired following the 2009 season .
“ I am absolutely devastated by the news of Joe ’ s passing .
Joe was a larger-than-life figure and a true legend of his profession , ” owner Dan Snyder said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he was a great friend.
” Bugel was born on March 10 , 1940 .
A Pittsburgh native , Bugel was a two-way star in football at Munhall High School .
In 2005 , he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame ( Western Chapter ) .
Bugel is survived by his wife , Brenda , and daughters Angie and Jennifer .
His daughter Holly Bugel died in 2008 .

Joe Bugel, whose 35-year career in the NFL included one season as the Raiders’ head coach, died Sunday. He was 80.
The cause of death was not disclosed.
Best known for his work as an offensive line coach, especially with the Washington teams that won three Super Bowls, Bugel served as Raiders head coach in 1997, their third season in Oakland after returning from Los Angeles. After a 4-12 season, he was replaced by Jon Gruden, then a 36-year-old unknown.
Bugel had spent the previous two seasons in Oakland as assistant head coach under Mike White. Prior to that, Bugel had been head coach of the Phoenix (now Arizona) Cardinals, where he compiled a 20-44 record in four seasons ending with his firing in 1993.
“Saddened to hear of the passing of legendary coach Joe Bugel,” Raiders Hall of Famer Tim Brown wrote on Twitter. “He was a passionate but soft hearted coach who cared about the players. One of his favorite sayings was, “men, this week’s game is gonna be a Donnybrook”! No more Donnybrooks coach, RIP!!”
Another former Raider, eight-time Pro Bowl guard Steve Wizniewski wrote: “Joe Bugel was the finest line coach in the NFL for decades. He genuinely loved his guys and had your back. Such a great man with a huge heart. Everyday was a workday. 100% blue collar mentality. We love you and miss you Joe! We are better men because we played for you.”
Bugel’s years as an assistant coach, which began in 1975 with the Detroit Lions, were filled with glory. With Washington, he was the architect of “The Hogs,” the dominant offensive lines that helped lead the team to three Super Bowls under Hall of Fame head coach Joe Gibbs.
Bugel was the team’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach from 1981-82 and became the assistant head coach in 1983, a role he had until 1989 before going to Phoenix. He returned for a second stint with the team as assistant head coach-offense from 2004-09. Related Articles Raiders | Sam Darnold’s ‘great’ debut, plus 10 observations from 49ers’ flop
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“Joe had an incredible passion for the game of football. He came to work every day with such great excitement and his players had tremendous respect for him. The strength of our coaching staff on both sides of the ball was a key reason we had so much success,” Gibbs said in a statement.
“Bugel was such a big part of that and his impact was felt not only by those teams, but truly across the entire league. I will miss his friendship and I will always cherish our late-night arguments putting together the game plan each week. Pat and I will be praying for his wife Brenda, his girls and their entire family.”
With players such as Jeff Bostic, Joe Jacoby and Hall of Famer Russ Grimm on the offensive line, Washington won the Super Bowl after the 1982, 1987 and 1991 seasons with three different quarterbacks.
Joe Theismann, the QB for the team’s first Super Bowl title, tweeted: “Joe Bugel was a friend as much as a coach. For those of us who had the privilege to know him we were blessed. He’ll have the best Oline in heaven. RIP Joe.”
Bugel was promoted to assistant head coach in 1983, the year the Redskins scored a then-NFL record 541 points. That team reached the Super Bowl, where it lost to the Los Angeles Raiders.
In his first nine years in Washington, Bugel helped produce four 1,000-yard rushers, one 4,000-yard passer and nine 1,000-yard receivers.
He coached the offensive line for the then-San Diego Chargers from 1998-2001.
After a two-year break from coaching, Bugel returned to Washington in 2004 as assistant head coach-offense under Gibbs, although his primary job was to work with the offensive line. He stayed on as offensive line coach in 2008 and retired following the 2009 season.
“I am absolutely devastated by the news of Joe’s passing. Joe was a larger-than-life figure and a true legend of his profession,” owner Dan Snyder said in a statement. “We shared a special bond and he was a great friend.”
Bugel was born on March 10, 1940. A Pittsburgh native, Bugel was a two-way star in football at Munhall High School.
In 2005, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (Western Chapter). Bugel is survived by his wife, Brenda, and daughters Angie and Jennifer. His daughter Holly Bugel died in 2008.


mercurynews--2020-06-28--Rolling Stones threaten to sue Trump over using their songs

LONDON — The Rolling Stones are threatening President Donald Trump with legal action for using their songs at his rallies despite cease-and-desist directives .
The Stones said in a statement Sunday that their legal team is working with music rights organization BMI to stop the use of their material in Trump ’ s re-election campaign .
“ The BMI have notified the Trump campaign on behalf of the Stones that the unauthorized use of their songs will constitute a breach of its licensing agreement , ” the Stones said .
“ If Donald Trump disregards the exclusion and persists , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaking the embargo and playing music that has not been licensed.
” The Trump campaign team didn ’ t immediately respond to an email seeking comment .
The Stones had complained during Trump ’ s 2016 campaign about the use of their music to fire up his conservative base at rallies .
The Rolling Stones ’ 1969 classic “ You Can ’ t Always Get What You Want ” was a popular song for his events .
It was played again at the close of Trump ’ s recent rally in Tulsa , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its potential to spread the coronavirus .
The music rights organization BMI provides licenses for venues to play a broad array of music and has a catalog of more than 15 million songs that can be played at political events .
Artists can opt out of having their music played at political events , and a BMI statement says the Stones have done that .
BMI has informed the Trump campaign that if it plays Stones music again at an event , it will be in breach of its licensing agreement , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complained about having their music associated with Trump ’ s events .
The family of the late rock musician Tom Petty said that it had issued a cease-and-desist order after Trump used the song “ I Won ’ t Back Down ” in Tulsa .
“ Trump was in no way authorized to use this song to further a campaign that leaves too many Americans and common sense behind , ” the statement said .
“ Both the late Tom Petty and his family firmly stand against racism and discrimination of any kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ song of his to be used in a campaign of hate .
He liked to bring people together.
” • Trump denies briefing on reported bounties against US troops • Rubin : What the potential European COVID-19 ban of U.S. travelers reveals • Mayor Libby Schaaf hits back when Trump compares Oakland to ‘ living in hell ’ Grammy Award-winning musician Neil Young lashed out at Trump in 2018 after hearing one of his songs played against his wishes during Trump ’ s pre-midterm campaign rallies .
The Canadian-born musician admonished Trump for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ in the Free World , ” in spite of earlier warnings .

By Danica Kirka | Associated Press
LONDON — The Rolling Stones are threatening President Donald Trump with legal action for using their songs at his rallies despite cease-and-desist directives.
The Stones said in a statement Sunday that their legal team is working with music rights organization BMI to stop the use of their material in Trump’s re-election campaign.
“The BMI have notified the Trump campaign on behalf of the Stones that the unauthorized use of their songs will constitute a breach of its licensing agreement,” the Stones said. “If Donald Trump disregards the exclusion and persists, then he would face a lawsuit for breaking the embargo and playing music that has not been licensed.”
The Trump campaign team didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
The Stones had complained during Trump’s 2016 campaign about the use of their music to fire up his conservative base at rallies.
The Rolling Stones’ 1969 classic “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” was a popular song for his events. It was played again at the close of Trump’s recent rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma — an indoor event criticized for its potential to spread the coronavirus.
The music rights organization BMI provides licenses for venues to play a broad array of music and has a catalog of more than 15 million songs that can be played at political events. Artists can opt out of having their music played at political events, and a BMI statement says the Stones have done that.
BMI has informed the Trump campaign that if it plays Stones music again at an event, it will be in breach of its licensing agreement, the statement said.
Other artists have also complained about having their music associated with Trump’s events.
The family of the late rock musician Tom Petty said that it had issued a cease-and-desist order after Trump used the song “I Won’t Back Down” in Tulsa.
“Trump was in no way authorized to use this song to further a campaign that leaves too many Americans and common sense behind,” the statement said. “Both the late Tom Petty and his family firmly stand against racism and discrimination of any kind. Tom Petty would never want a song of his to be used in a campaign of hate. He liked to bring people together.”


mercurynews--2020-06-28--Martinez: White supremacist fliers threatening BLM supporters found on downtown sidewalk

MARTINEZ — Racist fliers threatening harm to supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement were found by police in a downtown street Saturday night , authorities said Sunday .
Police responded at about 9:45 p.m. to reports of fliers containing hate speech from a white supremacist group left on a sidewalk near downtown , according to a news release .
Police said they do not have leads on who left them on the sidewalk .
The white supremacist group named on the fliers is designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center and is based in Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not tolerate hate related crimes and as a community we need to stand together to promote unity and acceptance for all people , ” Chief Manjit Sappal said in the statement .
“ This hateful , hurtful , and offensive act does not define our city and we must all do our part to identify those responsible , so they can be brought to justice.
” Anyone with information is asked to contact Martinez Police at 925-372-3440 .
Police said detective have been assigned to investigate this incidents as a hate crime and @ @ @ @ @

MARTINEZ — Racist fliers threatening harm to supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement were found by police in a downtown street Saturday night, authorities said Sunday.
Police responded at about 9:45 p.m. to reports of fliers containing hate speech from a white supremacist group left on a sidewalk near downtown, according to a news release. Police said they do not have leads on who left them on the sidewalk.
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“The City of Martinez does not tolerate hate related crimes and as a community we need to stand together to promote unity and acceptance for all people,” Chief Manjit Sappal said in the statement. “This hateful, hurtful, and offensive act does not define our city and we must all do our part to identify those responsible, so they can be brought to justice.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Martinez Police at 925-372-3440. Police said detective have been assigned to investigate this incidents as a hate crime and the investigation is ongoing.


mercurynews--2020-06-28--Trump denies briefing on reported bounties against US troops

By Lynn Berry and Zeke Miller | Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Sunday denied that he had been briefed on reported U.S. intelligence that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing American troops in Afghanistan , and he appeared to minimize the allegations against Moscow .
American intelligence officials concluded months ago that Russian officials offered rewards for successful attacks on American service-members last year , at a time when the U.S. and Taliban were holding talks to end the long-running war , according to The New York Times .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said “ Nobody briefed or told me ” or Vice President Mike Pence or chief of staff Mark Meadows about “ the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians.
” “ Everybody is denying it & there have not been many attacks on us , ” he said .
The White House had issued a statement Saturday denying that Trump or Pence had been briefed on such intelligence .
“ This does not speak to the merit of the alleged intelligence but to the inaccuracy of the New York Times story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this matter , ” press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said .
Trump ’ s director of national intelligence , John Ratcliffe , also said neither the president nor vice president was “ ever briefed on any intelligence alleged ” in the Times ’ report and he said the White House statement was “ accurate.
” Trump ’ s tweet came a day after presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said that the report , if accurate , was a “ truly shocking revelation ” about the commander in chief and his failure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to Russia .
“ This unsophisticated plant clearly illustrates the low intellectual abilities of the propagandists of American intelligence , who instead of inventing something more plausible have to make up this nonsense , ” the Russian Foreign Ministry said .
A Taliban spokesman said the militants “ strongly reject this allegation ” and are not “ indebted to the beneficence of any intelligence organ or foreign country.
” John Bolton , a former national security adviser who was forced out by Trump last September and has now written a tell-all book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Sunday that “ it is pretty remarkable the president ’ s going out of his way to say he hasn ’ t heard anything about it , one asks , why would he do something like that ?
” Bolton told NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press ” that he thinks the answer “ may be precisely because active Russian aggression like that against the American service members is a very , very serious matter and nothing ’ s been done about it , if it ’ s true , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so it may look like he was negligent .
But of course , he can disown everything if nobody ever told him about it.
” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , a member of the “ Gang of Eight ” congressional leaders briefed on sensitive intelligence matters , told ABC ’ s “ This Week ” that she had not been informed about the reported bounties and requested a report to Congress on the matter .
“ This is as bad as it gets , and yet the president will not confront the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefed .
Whether he is or not , his administration knows and our allies — some of our allies who work with us in Afghanistan had been briefed and accept this report , ” she said .
The Times , citing unnamed officials familiar with the intelligence , said the findings were presented to Trump and discussed by his National Security Council in late March .
Officials developed potential responses , starting with a diplomatic complaint to Russia , but the White House has yet to authorize any step , the report said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying “ Russia ate his and Obama ’ s lunch during their time in office ” But it was the Obama administration , along with international allies , that suspended Russia from the Group of Eight after its unilateral annexation of Crimea from Ukraine — a move that drew widespread condemnation .
• Rolling Stones threaten to sue Trump over using their songs • Rubin : What the potential European COVID-19 ban of U.S. travelers reveals • Mayor Libby Schaaf hits back when Trump compares Oakland to ‘ living in hell ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign of deference and debasing himself ” before Russian leader Vladimir Putin .
Trump tweeted that “ Nobody ’ s been tougher ” on Russia than his administration .

By Lynn Berry and Zeke Miller | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Sunday denied that he had been briefed on reported U.S. intelligence that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing American troops in Afghanistan, and he appeared to minimize the allegations against Moscow.
American intelligence officials concluded months ago that Russian officials offered rewards for successful attacks on American service-members last year, at a time when the U.S. and Taliban were holding talks to end the long-running war, according to The New York Times.
Trump, in a Sunday morning tweet, said “Nobody briefed or told me” or Vice President Mike Pence or chief of staff Mark Meadows about “the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians.”
“Everybody is denying it & there have not been many attacks on us,” he said.
The White House had issued a statement Saturday denying that Trump or Pence had been briefed on such intelligence. “This does not speak to the merit of the alleged intelligence but to the inaccuracy of the New York Times story erroneously suggesting that President Trump was briefed on this matter,” press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said.
Trump’s director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, also said neither the president nor vice president was “ever briefed on any intelligence alleged” in the Times’ report and he said the White House statement was “accurate.”
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/06/28/sotu-bolton-russia.cnn”]
Trump’s tweet came a day after presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said that the report, if accurate, was a “truly shocking revelation” about the commander in chief and his failure to protect U.S. troops in Afghanistan and stand up to Russia.
Russia called the report “nonsense.”
“This unsophisticated plant clearly illustrates the low intellectual abilities of the propagandists of American intelligence, who instead of inventing something more plausible have to make up this nonsense,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
A Taliban spokesman said the militants “strongly reject this allegation” and are not “indebted to the beneficence of any intelligence organ or foreign country.”
John Bolton, a former national security adviser who was forced out by Trump last September and has now written a tell-all book about his time at the White House, said Sunday that “it is pretty remarkable the president’s going out of his way to say he hasn’t heard anything about it, one asks, why would he do something like that?”
Bolton told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he thinks the answer “may be precisely because active Russian aggression like that against the American service members is a very, very serious matter and nothing’s been done about it, if it’s true, for these past four or five months, so it may look like he was negligent. But of course, he can disown everything if nobody ever told him about it.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a member of the “Gang of Eight” congressional leaders briefed on sensitive intelligence matters, told ABC’s “This Week” that she had not been informed about the reported bounties and requested a report to Congress on the matter.
“This is as bad as it gets, and yet the president will not confront the Russians on this score, denies being briefed. Whether he is or not, his administration knows and our allies — some of our allies who work with us in Afghanistan had been briefed and accept this report,” she said.
The Times, citing unnamed officials familiar with the intelligence, said the findings were presented to Trump and discussed by his National Security Council in late March. Officials developed potential responses, starting with a diplomatic complaint to Russia, but the White House has yet to authorize any step, the report said.
Trump responded to Biden on Twitter, saying “Russia ate his and Obama’s lunch during their time in office”
But it was the Obama administration, along with international allies, that suspended Russia from the Group of Eight after its unilateral annexation of Crimea from Ukraine — a move that drew widespread condemnation.


mercurynews--2020-06-28--In NYC, marking 50th anniversary of Pride, no matter what

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device .
By Deepti Hajela and Brian Mahoney | Associated Press NEW YORK — There were protests , rainbow flags and performances — it was LGBTQ Pride , after all .
But what was normally an outpouring on the streets of New York City looked a little different this year , thanks to social distancing rules required by the coronavirus .
With the city ’ s massive Pride parade canceled , Sunday ’ s performances were virtual , the flags flew in emptier than normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The disruption caused by the virus would be an aggravation in any year , but particularly in this one , the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in New York City .
“ It ’ s a great thing to see because the original Pride started with the civil rights movement , ” Matthew Fischer said as he passed out hand sanitizer Sunday at Foley Square .
“ So we ’ re really going back to the roots of that and making sure we encompass everything that empowers people to be who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important this year to show cooperation between the Black and LGBTQ communities , given the recent deaths of George Floyd and others that have sparked demonstrations against police brutality .
A number of people in the crowd at Foley Square held signs reading “ All Black Lives Matter , ” with a black fist surrounded by rainbow colors .
Most wore masks , though some scrapped social distancing in favor of hugging friends .
One man held a sign advertising free hugs .
The first Pride march , on June 28 , 1970 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uprisings of the year before in New York City ’ s West Village that helped propel a global LGBTQ movement .
Initially called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March , it looked much like the protests that have streamed through the streets of New York City daily in recent weeks over racial injustice .
Marchers trooped to Central Park , chanting “ Gay power !
” and “ Gay and proud !
” Cities around the world in subsequent years followed New York ’ s lead , hosting commemorative events .
The historic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the gay rights movement , furloughed its employees and has been shuttered more than three months amid the pandemic .
But it announced Sunday it will receive a $ 250,000 contribution from the Gill Foundation — money that will go toward several months of rent and utilities .
“ I don ’ t think things will really be back to normal for us until there ’ s a vaccine , so this is a much-needed lifeline , ” co-owner Stacy Lentz told The Associated Press .
“ It would be devastating to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing that building shuttered.
” Organizers of this year ’ s event in New York City were determined to showcase some of that spirit , with a TV broadcast honoring the front line workers who have been so necessary in the fight against the virus as well as people and institutions of the LGBTQ community .
The show featured several performers including Janelle Monáe , Deborah Cox and Billy Porter , and appearances from a number of other celebrities .
The Queer Liberation March for Black Lives and Against Police Brutality , meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Square Park .
The organizers are activists who held a protest march last year as an alternative to the main Pride parade , saying it had become too corporate .
Joseph Engargeau feared there might be no event this year because of the coronavirus restrictions .
Instead , he felt this scaled-down version better resembled the first Pride than the massive event the parade became .
Engargeau , wearing a rainbow mask , said he ’ s watched tourists through the years come to snap photos of the Stonewall , only to realize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special .
“ It ’ s just this nothing place , ” he said , “ but it meant everything.
” Other celebrations of the day were visual .
At Rockefeller Center , more than 100 rainbow flags were placed around the center rink , and the plaza was lit up in rainbow colors .
In the West Village , a rainbow light art installation next to the Stonewall Inn was expected to illuminate the sky in tribute to the uprising and the original march , as well as those who have marched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The feeling doesn ’ t go away because of the coronavirus , ” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in an interview with WABC-TV .
Gatherings of large groups of people are still barred in New York City as part of an effort to control the spread of the coronavirus .
Other parades canceled this spring included the St. Patrick ’ s Day parade and Puerto Rican Day parade .
• Marin ’ s LGBTQ+ community rallies after verbal attack on transgender teen at Black Lives Matter bake sale • Is new blood donor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or based on facts ?
• California bans state-paid travel to Idaho over new laws Still , people have gathered by the thousands since the late-May death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minnesota .
One of the largest demonstrations was a June 14 demonstration in Brooklyn , where thousands gathered for a Black Trans Lives Matter protest .
Associated Press writer Jim Mustian contributed to this report .

CLICK HERE if you’re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device.
By Deepti Hajela and Brian Mahoney | Associated Press
NEW YORK — There were protests, rainbow flags and performances — it was LGBTQ Pride, after all.
But what was normally an outpouring on the streets of New York City looked a little different this year, thanks to social distancing rules required by the coronavirus.
With the city’s massive Pride parade canceled, Sunday’s performances were virtual, the flags flew in emptier than normal spaces and the protesters were masked.
The disruption caused by the virus would be an aggravation in any year, but particularly in this one, the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in New York City.
“It’s a great thing to see because the original Pride started with the civil rights movement,” Matthew Fischer said as he passed out hand sanitizer Sunday at Foley Square. “So we’re really going back to the roots of that and making sure we encompass everything that empowers people to be who they are.”
Fischer said it was important this year to show cooperation between the Black and LGBTQ communities, given the recent deaths of George Floyd and others that have sparked demonstrations against police brutality.
A number of people in the crowd at Foley Square held signs reading “All Black Lives Matter,” with a black fist surrounded by rainbow colors. Most wore masks, though some scrapped social distancing in favor of hugging friends. One man held a sign advertising free hugs.
The first Pride march, on June 28, 1970, was a marker of the Stonewall uprisings of the year before in New York City’s West Village that helped propel a global LGBTQ movement.
[vemba-video id=”world/2020/06/19/exp-pride-2020-at-home-visible-and-conected-spc.cnn”]
Initially called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, it looked much like the protests that have streamed through the streets of New York City daily in recent weeks over racial injustice. Marchers trooped to Central Park, chanting “Gay power!” and “Gay and proud!”
Cities around the world in subsequent years followed New York’s lead, hosting commemorative events.
The historic Stonewall Inn, known as the birthplace of the gay rights movement, furloughed its employees and has been shuttered more than three months amid the pandemic. But it announced Sunday it will receive a $250,000 contribution from the Gill Foundation — money that will go toward several months of rent and utilities.
“I don’t think things will really be back to normal for us until there’s a vaccine, so this is a much-needed lifeline,” co-owner Stacy Lentz told The Associated Press. “It would be devastating to think about walking down Christopher Street and seeing that building shuttered.”
Organizers of this year’s event in New York City were determined to showcase some of that spirit, with a TV broadcast honoring the front line workers who have been so necessary in the fight against the virus as well as people and institutions of the LGBTQ community.
The show featured several performers including Janelle Monáe, Deborah Cox and Billy Porter, and appearances from a number of other celebrities.
The Queer Liberation March for Black Lives and Against Police Brutality, meanwhile, marched from Lower Manhattan toward Washington Square Park. The organizers are activists who held a protest march last year as an alternative to the main Pride parade, saying it had become too corporate.
Joseph Engargeau feared there might be no event this year because of the coronavirus restrictions. Instead, he felt this scaled-down version better resembled the first Pride than the massive event the parade became.
Engargeau, wearing a rainbow mask, said he’s watched tourists through the years come to snap photos of the Stonewall, only to realize it doesn’t look like anything special.
“It’s just this nothing place,” he said, “but it meant everything.”
Other celebrations of the day were visual. At Rockefeller Center, more than 100 rainbow flags were placed around the center rink, and the plaza was lit up in rainbow colors.
In the West Village, a rainbow light art installation next to the Stonewall Inn was expected to illuminate the sky in tribute to the uprising and the original march, as well as those who have marched and fought through the years.
“The feeling doesn’t go away because of the coronavirus,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in an interview with WABC-TV.
Gatherings of large groups of people are still barred in New York City as part of an effort to control the spread of the coronavirus. Other parades canceled this spring included the St. Patrick’s Day parade and Puerto Rican Day parade.
Related Articles News | Another California district may require schools to tell parents if their child is transgender
Another California district may require schools to tell parents if their child is transgender News | America’s educational culture wars hit Bay Area school district
America’s educational culture wars hit Bay Area school district News | Bay Area LGBTQ seniors aging without traditional families build their own
Bay Area LGBTQ seniors aging without traditional families build their own News | California teacher on leave after ‘Angels in America’ controversy hopes to return to class
California teacher on leave after ‘Angels in America’ controversy hopes to return to class News | Attorney General Rob Bonta ‘deeply disturbed’ by Murrieta Valley schools’ transgender policy Still, people have gathered by the thousands since the late-May death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minnesota. One of the largest demonstrations was a June 14 demonstration in Brooklyn, where thousands gathered for a Black Trans Lives Matter protest.
Associated Press writer Jim Mustian contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-06-28--High winds, dry conditions trigger red flag warning for North Bay

High winds and dry conditions have prompted a National Weather Service red flag warning for elevations 1,000 and above in the North Bay from 10 p.m. Sunday to 8 p.m. Monday .
The weather service says inland peaks in Napa and Sonoma counties are particular areas of concern , where north-northeast winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts of 30 to 50 mph are expected Sunday night .
While wind speed is expected to ease by Monday , conditions will be drier , with relative humidity will drop from 30 to 40 percent to 10 to 25 percent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ degrees are forecast overnight Sunday .
• Beyond coronavirus , what ’ s causing nearly 10 % spike in deaths in LA County ?
• Southern California hospitals gearing up for surge in coronavirus cases • Calls for councilman to resign mark 5th weekend of Southern California protests • Tracking a lifetime of exposures to better understand disease “ The combination of the offshore winds , lowering relative humidity values , and dry fuels will likely lead to critical fire weather conditions for the higher elevations of the North Bay , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @

By Bay City News Service
High winds and dry conditions have prompted a National Weather Service red flag warning for elevations 1,000 and above in the North Bay from 10 p.m. Sunday to 8 p.m. Monday.
The weather service says inland peaks in Napa and Sonoma counties are particular areas of concern, where north-northeast winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts of 30 to 50 mph are expected Sunday night.
While wind speed is expected to ease by Monday, conditions will be drier, with relative humidity will drop from 30 to 40 percent to 10 to 25
percent.
Mild mountain temperatures of 55 to 65 degrees are forecast overnight Sunday.
“The combination of the offshore winds, lowering relative humidity values, and dry fuels will likely lead to critical fire weather conditions for the higher elevations of the North Bay,” the NWS said in an advisory.


mercurynews--2020-06-29--Did you know California got its name from a romance novel?

California is the only state in the union whose name was derived from a book .
“ Las Sergas de Esplandia , ” written by Garci Ordóñez Rodrigues de Montalvo , was published in 1510 and soon became insanely popular , the trending novel of the day .
It was the fourth novel in a series and , similar to “ The Lord of the Rings ” or “ Harry Potter , ” every affluent Spaniard , who could read , read them all .
The book described a mythical island called “ California ” that was very close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong , beautiful Black women and ruled by Queen Califa , it had so much gold that they fashioned their tools and weapons from it .
Conquistadors and explorers were strongly influenced by ideas of chivalry and honor , and the book about California , skyrocketed to fame .
When Cortez landed on Baja , California , in 1535 , he thought he might have found the island .
The full title was “ Las Sergas del muy esforzado caballero Esplandian , hijo del excelente rey Amadis de Gaula , ” meaning “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Esplandian , son of the excellent king Amadis of Gaul.
” It was written during a time of chivalry and romance , of Arthurian legend and poetry , and it affected the hearts and minds of poets and writers , noblemen and queens .
This period of 200 years , from 1492 to 1691 , was considered the Golden Age of Spain .
In the book , California was populated with griffons , mythical lion-eagle hybrids that were kept as pets by the women who lived there .
Men , who found their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fed to the griffins .
But that all changed when the virgin queen fell in love with a king .
This was a period of expansion and liberal ideas .
The name Califa was from the Arabic word , khalifa ( religious state leader ) , also known as caliph in English and califa in Spanish .
The Moors lived in southern Spain and Montalvo was reminding 16th century readers of the reconquista , the struggle between Christians and Muslims that had finally ended .
The source of the Amadis of Gaul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spanish today would find it difficult to believe the story had French origins .
A poem by Charlemagne ’ s court poet , Chretien de Troyes , toward the end of the 12th century , was the author of five Arthurian romances , inspired by the Knights Templar .
Chivalry was strong in these tales .
It is good to know that even during the Dark Ages , there was an interest in a higher purpose to life .
The qualities expected of an ideal knight were courage , honor , courtesy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weak .
The Amadis of Gaul in four volumes were even mentioned in Chapter 6 of “ Don Quixote.
” Miguel de Cervantes was an avid reader and had read all of the books that he included in Don Quixote ’ s library .
Don Quixote , written in 1605 , is a book about books .
The adventures of a nobleman who wanted to become a knight-errant and revive chivalry was a reflection of the times .
It is often considered the first modern novel , emphasizing the impractical pursuit of idealistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ romance novels would be read by so many well-educated Spaniards back in the 16th century .
Evidently they weren ’ t embarrassed in the slightest that they had read them , but instead , glorified themselves because they had .
And because chivalry was popular , Montalvo , without knowing it , created a story that named a land , capable of such greatness .
His book is timely even now .
It speaks to us about what we can become .
We can change .
Black Lives Matter .
Powerful women leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevail over all religious struggles , even in America , even in this land , so divided right now that we have not remembered who we really are .
Myra Dutton is the founder of the Evolutionary Poets Theater , author of “ Healing Ground , ” and poetry curator of Idyllwild Life Magazine .
She lives in Idyllwild .

California is the only state in the union whose name was derived from a book.
“Las Sergas de Esplandia,” written by Garci Ordóñez Rodrigues de Montalvo, was published in 1510 and soon became insanely popular, the trending novel of the day.
It was the fourth novel in a series and, similar to “The Lord of the Rings” or “Harry Potter,” every affluent Spaniard, who could read, read them all.
The book described a mythical island called “California” that was very close to the Garden of Eden. Inhabited by strong, beautiful Black women and ruled by Queen Califa, it had so much gold that they fashioned their tools and weapons from it.
Conquistadors and explorers were strongly influenced by ideas of chivalry and honor, and the book about California, skyrocketed to fame. When Cortez landed on Baja, California, in 1535, he thought he might have found the island.
The full title was “Las Sergas del muy esforzado caballero Esplandian, hijo del excelente rey Amadis de Gaula,” meaning “The exploits of the very powerful cavalier Esplandian, son of the excellent king Amadis of Gaul.” It was written during a time of chivalry and romance, of Arthurian legend and poetry, and it affected the hearts and minds of poets and writers, noblemen and queens. This period of 200 years, from 1492 to 1691, was considered the Golden Age of Spain.
In the book, California was populated with griffons, mythical lion-eagle hybrids that were kept as pets by the women who lived there. Men, who found their way onto the island, were killed and fed to the griffins. But that all changed when the virgin queen fell in love with a king.
This was a period of expansion and liberal ideas. The name Califa was from the Arabic word, khalifa (religious state leader), also known as caliph in English and califa in Spanish. The Moors lived in southern Spain and Montalvo was reminding 16th century readers of the reconquista, the struggle between Christians and Muslims that had finally ended.
The source of the Amadis of Gaul volumes was Arthurian legend, though the Spanish today would find it difficult to believe the story had French origins. A poem by Charlemagne’s court poet, Chretien de Troyes, toward the end of the 12th century, was the author of five Arthurian romances, inspired by the Knights Templar.
Chivalry was strong in these tales. It is good to know that even during the Dark Ages, there was an interest in a higher purpose to life. The qualities expected of an ideal knight were courage, honor, courtesy, justice and a readiness to help the weak.
The Amadis of Gaul in four volumes were even mentioned in Chapter 6 of “Don Quixote.” Miguel de Cervantes was an avid reader and had read all of the books that he included in Don Quixote’s library.
Don Quixote, written in 1605, is a book about books. The adventures of a nobleman who wanted to become a knight-errant and revive chivalry was a reflection of the times. It is often considered the first modern novel, emphasizing the impractical pursuit of idealistic goals.
It surprised me that chivalric romance novels would be read by so many well-educated Spaniards back in the 16th century. Evidently they weren’t embarrassed in the slightest that they had read them, but instead, glorified themselves because they had. And because chivalry was popular, Montalvo, without knowing it, created a story that named a land, capable of such greatness.
His book is timely even now. It speaks to us about what we can become. We can change. Black Lives Matter. Powerful women leaders can save us. And peace can prevail over all religious struggles, even in America, even in this land, so divided right now that we have not remembered who we really are.
Myra Dutton is the founder of the Evolutionary Poets Theater, author of “Healing Ground,” and poetry curator of Idyllwild Life Magazine. She lives in Idyllwild.


mercurynews--2020-06-29--On this date, 1990: A’s Dave Stewart throws no-hitter in Toronto

TORONTO — Dave Stewart put up instead of shutting up when it came time Friday night , ascending another level in his quest for respect with his first no-hitter .
Stewart , 33 , who rebuilt a career on pride and dignity and a great arm , was angered when he thought the Chicago White Sox didn ’ t show enough regard for him Sunday .
He gave the Toronto Blue Jays little choice , commanding their respect and admiration with a stunning performance on a night when baseball history was made .
Stewart and the Los Angeles Dodgers ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1981-83 , became the first pitchers this century to throw complete-game no-hitters on the same night .
Valenzuela claimed his on a 6-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals about three hours after Stewart wrapped up his 5-0 win over the Blue Jays .
Stewart allowed three baserunners on walks , and his no-hitter came 18 days after the A ’ s were victimized by the Texas Rangers ’ Nolan Ryan , who threw his sixth no-hitter .
Friday ’ s no-hitters were the fourth and fifth in the majors this season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he calls the highlight of a career that includes three consecutive 20-win seasons and a Most Valuable Player award in last season ’ s World Series , Stewart was able to be gracious and humble .
“ I keep looking at the scoreboard .
It hasn ’ t sunk in yet .
I never thought that this would happen for me , ” Stewart said as he sat in the visitors ’ dugout , drenched in sweat and surrounded by reporters .
When it came time for Stewart to reach out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom of the ninth at the SkyDome , he realized it in a manner in step with his character .
He struck out Manny Lee and Mookie Wilson , walked Junior Felix , then thrust his right arm skyward when center fielder Dave Henderson tucked away Tony Fernandez ’ s flyball on an 0-and-1 count .
First baseman Mark McGwire and third baseman Carney Lansford reached him first , embracing him .
Stewart ’ s other teammates soon followed , but the celebration was understated .
He walked toward the dugout , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and glove in acknowledgment of the fans , then kissed the ball when Henderson ran it in to him .
The sellout crowd of 49,817 had dwindled by a few thousand as fans streamed to the exits after the eighth inning .
The noise began to build as the bottom of the ninth opened simply because a noise meter was flashing on a scoreboard .
But finally , the applause began building for Stewart , and he had the fans on their feet for the final two batters .
“ It took ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Stewart said with a wry grin .
Afterward , his teammates and his manager struggled to put his accomplishment in perspective .
“ I ’ m absolutely thrilled for him and I ’ m so proud of him , just to put that in his resume , ” said A ’ s Manager Tony La Russa , none of whose pitchers had previously thrown a no- hitter .
“ It ’ s another example of how great he is .
.
.
.
It has great meaning for him , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , it has a lot of meaning to me.
” The performance meant something to Stewart ( 10-6 ) on a practical level .
He entered the game on a three-game skid , and he ’ d lost five of his last six .
When he spoke out angrily about some bench jockeying the White Sox did in a 3-2 10th-inning loss Sunday , it appeared he simply might be venting his frustration .
“ It came at a good time .
.
.
.
He made some comments .
He sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s as good as there is pitching today in every respect , ” La Russa said .
Stewart certainly didn ’ t open Friday ’ s game auspiciously .
He walked Felix on a 3-and-1 count and caught a break when catcher Terry Steinbach threw out Felix attempting to steal .
Then , Stewart walked Fernandez on a full count .
But after that , he settled into a Ryan-like groove .
Well-equipped with both his forkball and fastball working well , Stewart threw 115 pitches — only 34 balls — and threw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 batters he faced .
“ I had to adjust to the mound .
The mound was a little bit different for me first , ” Stewart said .
“ So I had to adjust myself , figure out what I needed to do .
Once I found myself , I just started letting it fly.
” • Kurtenbach : Professional sports fear this more than COVID-19 • On this date , 2005 : A ’ s rip Giants in historic fashion • Baseball basics : The new rules in pandemic-shortened 2020 season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls .
McGwire tumbled for Fernandez ’ s grounder , throwing to Stewart at first .
And Fred McGriff , who homered twice Thursday , sent Henderson to the warning track to open the eighth .
Stewart appeared so strong that Toronto ’ s George Bell said , “ I thought it looked like he could probably pitch 15 or 16 innings.
” But Stewart gladly settled for the regulation nine-inning no-hitter , the second against the Blue Jays in their history .
“ It ’ s a fluke except for Nolan Ryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hitters that often , ” Stewart said .
“ I just feel fortunate I ’ ve been able to join a group of people that have been lucky at a certain point in their career to do it .
”

(This story was originally published in 1990)
TORONTO — Dave Stewart put up instead of shutting up when it came time Friday night, ascending another level in his quest for respect with his first no-hitter.
Stewart, 33, who rebuilt a career on pride and dignity and a great arm, was angered when he thought the Chicago White Sox didn’t show enough regard for him Sunday. He gave the Toronto Blue Jays little choice, commanding their respect and admiration with a stunning performance on a night when baseball history was made.
Stewart and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Fernando Valenzuela, teammates in L.A. from 1981-83, became the first pitchers this century to throw complete-game no-hitters on the same night. Valenzuela claimed his on a 6-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals about three hours after Stewart wrapped up his 5-0 win over the Blue Jays.
Stewart allowed three baserunners on walks, and his no-hitter came 18 days after the A’s were victimized by the Texas Rangers’ Nolan Ryan, who threw his sixth no-hitter. Friday’s no-hitters were the fourth and fifth in the majors this season.
From this vantage point, moments after what he calls the highlight of a career that includes three consecutive 20-win seasons and a Most Valuable Player award in last season’s World Series, Stewart was able to be gracious and humble.
“I keep looking at the scoreboard. It hasn’t sunk in yet. I never thought that this would happen for me,” Stewart said as he sat in the visitors’ dugout, drenched in sweat and surrounded by reporters.
When it came time for Stewart to reach out and grasp another one of his dreams in the bottom of the ninth at the SkyDome, he realized it in a manner in step with his character. He struck out Manny Lee and Mookie Wilson, walked Junior Felix, then thrust his right arm skyward when center fielder Dave Henderson tucked away Tony Fernandez’s flyball on an 0-and-1 count.
First baseman Mark McGwire and third baseman Carney Lansford reached him first, embracing him. Stewart’s other teammates soon followed, but the celebration was understated. He walked toward the dugout, raised the hand that held his hat and glove in acknowledgment of the fans, then kissed the ball when Henderson ran it in to him.
The sellout crowd of 49,817 had dwindled by a few thousand as fans streamed to the exits after the eighth inning. The noise began to build as the bottom of the ninth opened simply because a noise meter was flashing on a scoreboard.
But finally, the applause began building for Stewart, and he had the fans on their feet for the final two batters.
“It took ’em a long time to come around,” Stewart said with a wry grin.
Afterward, his teammates and his manager struggled to put his accomplishment in perspective.
“I’m absolutely thrilled for him and I’m so proud of him, just to put that in his resume,” said A’s Manager Tony La Russa, none of whose pitchers had previously thrown a no- hitter. “It’s another example of how great he is. . . . It has great meaning for him, and when anything has that much meaning to him, it has a lot of meaning to me.”
The performance meant something to Stewart (10-6) on a practical level. He entered the game on a three-game skid, and he’d lost five of his last six. When he spoke out angrily about some bench jockeying the White Sox did in a 3-2 10th-inning loss Sunday, it appeared he simply might be venting his frustration.
“It came at a good time. . . . He made some comments. He sent the right message. This guy’s as good as there is pitching today in every respect,” La Russa said.
Stewart certainly didn’t open Friday’s game auspiciously. He walked Felix on a 3-and-1 count and caught a break when catcher Terry Steinbach threw out Felix attempting to steal. Then, Stewart walked Fernandez on a full count.
But after that, he settled into a Ryan-like groove. Well-equipped with both his forkball and fastball working well, Stewart threw 115 pitches — only 34 balls — and threw first- pitch strikes to 22 of the 29 batters he faced.
“I had to adjust to the mound. The mound was a little bit different for me first,” Stewart said. “So I had to adjust myself, figure out what I needed to do. Once I found myself, I just started letting it fly.”
There were only a couple of close calls. McGwire tumbled for Fernandez’s grounder, throwing to Stewart at first. And Fred McGriff, who homered twice Thursday, sent Henderson to the warning track to open the eighth.
Stewart appeared so strong that Toronto’s George Bell said, “I thought it looked like he could probably pitch 15 or 16 innings.”
But Stewart gladly settled for the regulation nine-inning no-hitter, the second against the Blue Jays in their history.
“It’s a fluke except for Nolan Ryan. People don’t throw no- hitters that often,” Stewart said. “I just feel fortunate I’ve been able to join a group of people that have been lucky at a certain point in their career to do it.”


mercurynews--2020-06-29--Man convicted of stealing high tech trade secrets from San Jose company for China

SAN JOSE , Calif. ( AP ) — A federal judge has convicted a Chinese national of economic espionage , stealing trade secrets and engaging in a conspiracy for the benefit of his country ’ s government .
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila found Hao Zhang , 41 , guilty of the three counts Friday after a four-day trial .
The decision comes five years after Zhang was indicted on charges of conspiring to steal technology from two companies shortly after graduating from the University of Southern California .
The trade secrets were heisted from Zhang ’ s former employer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Avago Technlogies , a San Jose , California , company later acquired by chipmaker Broadcom .
The pilfered technology is used to help filter out unwanted signals to smartphones .
The conviction is part of efforts to crack down on China ’ s alleged theft of patented technology created in the U.S , a problem underlying the costly trade war between the two countries in recent years .
China ’ s government has consistently denied its involved in any effort to steal U.S. technology .
• Fremont ready to roll in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verdict “ is an important step in holding accountable an individual who robbed his U.S. employer of trade secrets and sought to replicate the company ’ s technology and replace its market share , ” said John Demers , the Justice Department ’ s assistant attorney general for national security .
Zhang ’ s attorney , Daniel Olmos , declined to comment on the verdict .
Zhang faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 to 15 years and fines of up to $ 250,000 for each of the three felony convictions .

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — A federal judge has convicted a Chinese national of economic espionage, stealing trade secrets and engaging in a conspiracy for the benefit of his country’s government.
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila found Hao Zhang, 41, guilty of the three counts Friday after a four-day trial.
The decision comes five years after Zhang was indicted on charges of conspiring to steal technology from two companies shortly after graduating from the University of Southern California. The trade secrets were heisted from Zhang’s former employer, Skyworks Solutions in Woburn, Massachusetts, and Avago Technlogies, a San Jose, California, company later acquired by chipmaker Broadcom.
The pilfered technology is used to help filter out unwanted signals to smartphones.
The conviction is part of efforts to crack down on China’s alleged theft of patented technology created in the U.S, a problem underlying the costly trade war between the two countries in recent years. China’s government has consistently denied its involved in any effort to steal U.S. technology.
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Giuliani: Legal quagmires have left him broke Crime and Public Safety | Oakland nonfatal shooting suspect hit with federal gun possession charges The verdict “is an important step in holding accountable an individual who robbed his U.S. employer of trade secrets and sought to replicate the company’s technology and replace its market share,” said John Demers, the Justice Department’s assistant attorney general for national security.
Zhang’s attorney, Daniel Olmos, declined to comment on the verdict. Zhang faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 to 15 years and fines of up to $250,000 for each of the three felony convictions.
The sentencing is scheduled Aug. 31.


mercurynews--2020-06-29--San Jose man arrested in suspected hate crime, assault in Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ — A Jamaican man was left seriously injured in what police said was a hate crime and physical assault in front of an Ocean Street motel in Santa Cruz early Sunday morning .
The suspected attacker , San Jose resident Cody Chavez , 32 , was arrested and booked for battery with serious bodily injury , violation of civil rights causing violent injury , and resisting arrest .
Police responded to a report of a fight in front of a motel on the 1400 block of Ocean Street shortly after 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning .
Officers investigating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported the assailant used racial epithets toward the victim , who police described as a native of Jamaica .
Police said the victim was seriously injured in the attack and was transported to a trauma center for treatment .
“ There is no place for this heinous behavior in our community , or our country , and we will not tolerate it , ” said Deputy Chief of Police Bernie Escalante in a prepared release .
“ The Santa Cruz Police Department will do everything within our ability and authority to hold this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our hearts go out to the victim and wish him a speedy recovery.
” • Trump tweets video with ‘ white power ’ chant , then deletes it Detectives continued to investigate to determine a motive for the attack Sunday .
Authorities did not immediately release a booking photo of Chavez , citing the need to show photographic lineups to witnesses .
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit at 831-420-5820 .

SANTA CRUZ — A Jamaican man was left seriously injured in what police said was a hate crime and physical assault in front of an Ocean Street motel in Santa Cruz early Sunday morning.
The suspected attacker, San Jose resident Cody Chavez, 32, was arrested and booked for battery with serious bodily injury, violation of civil rights causing violent injury, and resisting arrest.
Police responded to a report of a fight in front of a motel on the 1400 block of Ocean Street shortly after 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning.
Officers investigating the incident determined the attack was unprovoked and reported the assailant used racial epithets toward the victim, who police described as a native of Jamaica.
Police said the victim was seriously injured in the attack and was transported to a trauma center for treatment.
“There is no place for this heinous behavior in our community, or our country, and we will not tolerate it,” said Deputy Chief of Police Bernie Escalante in a prepared release. “The Santa Cruz Police Department will do everything within our ability and authority to hold this person accountable through the criminal justice system. Our hearts go out to the victim and wish him a speedy recovery.”
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Authorities did not immediately release a booking photo of Chavez, citing the need to show photographic lineups to witnesses.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit at 831-420-5820.


mercurynews--2020-06-29--Shopper at new California Trader Joe’s refuses to wear mask, and confrontation goes viral

A woman shopping without a face mask Friday at the new Trader Joe ’ s at NoHo West was asked @ @ @ @ @ employees , and after loudly refusing , the confrontation — which was captured on cellphone @ @ @ @ @ It was the opening day for the new Trader Joe ’ s located at the @ @ @ @ @ the site of the former Macy ’ s and Laurel Plaza mall near the 170 @ @ @ @ @ North Hollywood .

A woman shopping without a face mask Friday at the new Trader Joe’s at NoHo West was asked to do so by store employees, and after loudly refusing, the confrontation — which was captured on cellphone video — went viral.
This is a Trader Joe’s today. In Los Angeles. Cases are through the roof in California. Is there any way to reach these people? pic.twitter.com/q1hIQr6aCL — Joshua Potash (@JoshuaPotash) June 27, 2020
It was the opening day for the new Trader Joe’s located at the retail-residential complex being built on the site of the former Macy’s and Laurel Plaza mall near the 170 Freeway and Oxnard Street in North Hollywood.


mercurynews--2020-06-29--California’s alleged Golden State Killer set to plead guilty to avoid death penalty

By DON THOMPSON | The Associated Press SACRAMENTO — Forty years after a sadistic suburban rapist terrorized California in what investigators later realized were a series of linked assaults and slayings , a 74-year-old former police officer is expected to plead guilty Monday to being the elusive Golden State Killer .
The deal will spare Joseph James DeAngelo Jr. any chance of the death penalty for 13 murders and 13 kidnapping-related charges spanning six counties .
In partial return , survivors of the assaults that spanned the 1970s and 1980s expect him to admit to up to 62 rapes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because too much time has passed .
Yet nothing is certain until he actually speaks in a Sacramento State University ballroom pressed into use as a courtroom to provide for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ I ’ ve been on pins and needles because I just don ’ t like that our lives are tied to him , again , ” said Jennifer Carole , the daughter of Lyman Smith , a lawyer who was slain in 1980 at age 43 in Ventura County .
His wife , 33-year-old Charlene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Investigators early on connected certain crimes to an armed and masked rapist who would break into sleeping couples ’ suburban homes at night , binding the man and piling dishes on his back .
He would threaten to kill both victims if he heard the plates fall while he raped the woman .
Gay and Bob Hardwick were among the survivors .
They are now looking forward to DeAngelo admitting to that 1978 assault .
The death penalty was never realistic anyway , she said , given DeAngelo ’ s age and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on executions .
“ He certainly does deserve to die , in my view , so I am seeing that he is trading the death penalty for death in prison , ” she said .
“ It will be good to put the thing to rest .
I think he will never serve the sentence that we have served — we ’ ve served the sentence for 42 years.
” A guilty plea and life sentence avoids a trial or even the planned weeks-long preliminary hearing .
The victims expect to confront him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s expected to take several days to tell DeAngelo and Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Michael Bowman what they have suffered .
Ron Harrington ’ s younger brother , Keith , was married to Patty Harrington for just three months when they were bludgeoned to death in their Orange County home in 1980 by a killer then known as the Original Night Stalker .
All four brothers were successful , but “ Keith , the youngest of all of us , was the smartest , ” he said .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And every time this comes up I think of all the lives he would have saved as an emergency room doctor.
” Their father found the couple two days later .
“ It was so gruesome , ” Harrington said .
” My dad was never the same.
” The killer racked up a series of monikers for his crimes over the decades .
But it wasn ’ t until years later that investigators connected a series of assaults in central and Northern California to later slayings in Southern California and settled on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mysterious assailant whose crimes spanned 11 counties from 1974 through mid-1986 .
The mystery sparked worldwide interest , a best-selling book and a six-part HBO documentary , “ I ’ ll Be Gone in the Dark , ” that premiered Sunday .
It was only the pioneering use of new DNA techniques that two years ago led investigators to DeAngelo , who was fired from the Auburn Police Department northeast of Sacramento in 1979 after he was caught shoplifting dog repellent and a hammer .
He previously had worked as a police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Exeter from 1973 to 1976 , near where the Visalia Ransacker struck more than 100 homes south of Fresno .
Investigators painstakingly built a family tree by linking decades-old crime scene DNA to a distant relative through a popular online DNA database .
They eventually narrowed in on DeAngelo with a process that has since been used in other cases nationwide , but said they confirmed the link only after surreptitiously collecting his DNA from his car door and a discarded tissue .
His defense attorneys have publicly lobbied since then for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penalty , though they did not respond to repeated requests for comment before Monday ’ s hearing .
Prosecutors who had sought the death penalty cited the massively complicated case and the advancing age of many of the victims and witnesses in agreeing to consider the plea bargain .
“ Death doesn ’ t solve anything .
But him having to sit though a trial or preliminary hearing , that would have helped , ” said Carole , who said neither she nor her slain father believed in capital punishment .
She was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she temporarily moved from Santa Cruz to her adult daughter ’ s Sacramento home , where she has slept on an air mattress in a spare bedroom .
She has told the story of her father ’ s death and her own recent experiences through podcasts called The Lawyer ’ s Daughter .
But she said it “ absolutely ” makes sense for prosecutors to agree to a life sentence without parole , both to spare older victims and witnesses who are most vulnerable to the coronavirus from having to appear in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 20 million projected cost of a trial .
Harrington supports the death penalty , but also agreed with prosecutors ’ decision “ just to give some degree of closure.
” “ This will be a relief for all of us , to move on with our lives , ” said Hardwick .
“ We ’ ve dealt with the effects of the attack for 42 years.
” • California sheriff ’ s investigators smuggled boxes of evidence in Golden State Killer case to book author , attorney says • Hunt for Golden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ I ’ ll Be Gone in the Dark ’ • How Michelle McNamara ’ s obsession to catch a California serial killer led to HBO ’ s ‘ I ’ ll Be Gone in the Dark ’ • Golden State Killer suspect DeAngelo could plead guilty June 29 under new deal • Watch : Hunt for Golden State Killer recalled in trailer for riveting new series These are the charges faced by DeAngelo .
The charges linked to rapes were filed as kidnappings to commit robberies because the statute of limitations for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County : Four counts of kidnapping to commit robbery using a gun and knife between Oct. 7 , 1978 , and June 11 , 1979 , with the victims identified as Jane Does numbers 10-13 .
Orange County : Four counts of murder in the Aug. 21 , 1980 , slaying of Keith Harrington , 24 , and rape and slaying of Patrice Harrington , 27 , of Dana Point ; the Feb. 6 , 1981 , rape and slaying of Manuela Witthuhn , 28 , of Irvine ; and the May 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Janelle Cruz , 18 , of Irvine .
Sacramento County : Two counts of murder in the Feb. 2 , 1978 , shootings of Kate Maggoire , 20 , and Brian Maggoire , 21 , as they walked their dog in their Rancho Cordova neighborhood .
Nine counts of kidnapping to commit robbery using a gun and knife between Sept. 4 , 1976 , and Oct. 21 , 1977 , with the victims identified as Jane Does numbers 1-9 .
Santa Barbara County : Four counts of murder in the Dec. 30 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manning , 35 , and slaying of Robert Offerman , 44 , of Goleta , and in the July 27 , 1981 , slaying of Gregory Sanchez , 27 , and Cheri Domingo , 35 , of Goleta .
Tulare County : One count of murder in the Sept. 11 , 1975 , slaying of Claude Snelling , 45 , during an attempted kidnapping of the victim ’ s daughter from their home .
Ventura County : Two counts of murder in the rape and slaying of Charlene Smith , 33 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ventura between March 13 and March 16 , 1980 .

Joseph James DeAngelo, the former police officer charged with terrorizing residents throughout California as the notorious Golden State Killer, admitted in court Monday to a crime spree that includes 13 murders and hundreds of sexual offenses, and in so doing, avoided a possible death sentence.
DeAngelo, who was arrested in 2018 after authorities identified him through DNA as one of the worst serial killers in the United States, appeared before his surviving victims and the relatives of those he is accused of killing in order to accept a plea deal that will give him a sentence of life without parole.
At the court hearing Monday morning, prosecutors revealed for the first time that DeAngelo gave a partial confession during his initial police interview after his 2018 arrest, claiming that there was another person in his head who he couldn’t “push out” and confessing that he’d harmed numerous people.
He referred to his supposed alternate identity by his middle name, “James,” prosecutors said.
DeAngelo is pleading guilty, essentially, to being one of the most prolific serial killers in California history, though the sheer geographic spread of his alleged slayings meant that they wouldn’t be tied together until 2001. He was thought to be several people before authorities connected the dots.
In exchange for the plea deal, DeAngelo avoids the death penalty. He will be formally given 26 life sentences — 11 consecutive and 15 concurrent — in total.
Court was held inside the Sacramento State union ballroom, not a courtroom, due to the large crowd of victims, investigators, and media personnel who wanted to attend. DeAngelo, sometimes pausing for several seconds before responding, answered “yes” to Judge Michael Bowman’s questions in a strained, almost screeching voice.
Prosecutors say DeAngelo has a history of feigning incoherence and feebleness in order to skirt responsibility.
DeAngelo’s victims will be given a chance to address the court — as will DeAngelo — at his sentencing hearing, which has been tentatively set for August.
FILE – In this April 27, 2018, file photo, Joseph James DeAngelo makes his first appearance to face charges that include homicide and rape, in Sacramento County Superior Court in Sacramento, Calif. DeAngelo is expected to plead guilty to dozens of crimes Monday, June 29, 2020 in a court hearing in Sacramento. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)
Keith and Patty Harrington, a newlywed couple who lived in Dana Point in 1980, are believed to be victims of Joseph DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer.(Courtesy of the Harrington family)
Janelle Cruz was raped and bludgeoned to death in Irvine in 1987. She is believed to be a victim of Joseph DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer.
Manuela Witthuhn, 28, was bound, raped and bludgeoned to death in the bedroom of a single-story house on Columbus in Irvine. She was alone. Her husband, David, was being hospitalized for a viral infection. DNA taken at the scene was linked to the “East Area Rapist”. (File photo)
On April 25, 2018, Sacramento Sheriff Scott Jones talks with media after the press conference announcing the arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo as the “Golden State Killer” outside the Sacramento District Attorney’s office in Sacramento, CA. District attorneys from counties across the Bay Area joined the FBI and crime investigators in a press conference announcing the arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo, 72. (File: Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
In this April 27, 2018, file photo, Joseph James DeAngelo, accompanied by Sacramento County Public Defender Diane Howard, right, makes his first appearance to face charges that include homicide and rape, in Sacramento County Superior Court in Sacramento, Calif. Prosecutors have filed four additional murder charges against the former police officer who authorities suspect is the Golden State Killer. Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley announced the charges Thursday, May 10, 2018, against DeAngelo. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)
On April 25, 2018, Bruce Harrington, whose brother and sister-in-law were allegedly killed by the “Golden State Killer”, speaks at the press conference outside the Sacramento District Attorney’s office in Sacramento, CA. District Attorneys from counties across the Bay Area join the FBI and crime investigators in a press conference announcing the arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo, 72, believed to be the “Golden State Killer”. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
On March 12, 2020, Joseph James DeAngelo, charged with being the Golden State Killer, appears in Sacramento County Superior Court in Sacramento, CA. Superior Court Judge Steve White approved prosecutors’ request to take more DNA samples from DeAngelo, over the objections of his defense attorneys. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Ron Harrington, the brother of a victim of the Golden State Killer, shows his angry at California Governor Gavin Newsom as Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer looks on during the Orange County Victim’s Rally in Santa Ana, CA, on Monday, April 8, 2019. Harrington was upset by Newsom’s decision to put a moratorium on carrying out the death penalty on 737 people currently on Death Row. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Authorities in Sacramento, CA, announced they had arrested 72-year-old Joseph James DeAngelo in the so-called Golden State Killer case. (Photo courtesy Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department)
Law enforcement released drawings of a suspected serial killer, known as the Golden State killer, believed to have committed at least 12 murders across California in the 1970’s and 1980’s. (Courtesy of FBI)
The Golden State Killer – also known as the Visalia Ransacker, the Original Night Stalker and the East Area Rapist – is suspected of carrying out a dozen-year crime wave beginning in 1974 that included killing at least 13 people and raping more than 50 victims. He is believed to have begun the increasingly violent crimes in the Sacramento area before moving to the Central Valley, the Bay Area and, finally, to Southern California.
He is also suspected in hundreds of sexually motivated burglaries, prowling events and hang up/lewd phone calls throughout California in the 1970s and ’80s.
His crimes began Tulare County, in the mid-1970s, and included more than 100 burglaries, and the Sept. 11, 1975 of Sequoias journalism professor Claude Snelling in Visalia. He was nearly arrested after police caught him in the act of one home invasion, but he pulled a revolver and fired at a policeman while making his escape.
In the late 1970s, he moved to Sacramento and continued his crime spree. In 1979, he murdered Brian and Katie Maggiore, shot while walking their dog in Rancho Cordova. He then moved to the Bay Area, where he committed 11 break-ins and sexual assaults in Concord, Walnut Creek, Danville, San Ramon, Fremont and San Jose in 1978, before relocating to Southern California.
The Orange County killings began in August 1980, with the slaying of Keith and Patty Harrington, a newlywed couple who lived in Dana Point. The killer entered the couple’s unlocked home, tied them up, raped Patty, then covered the two with bedding and bludgeoned them to death.
In 1981, a killer broke into the Irvine home of Manuela Witthuhn while her husband was hospitalized with an illness. Investigators came to believe, they said, that the killer meant to target the couple and was surprised to find Witthuhn home alone, but killed her anyway.
In 1987, the same killer is suspected of attacking Janelle Cruz, alone at her parents’ Irvine home while they were on vacation, raping her and bludgeoning her to death. Investigators said they believe he attacked her shortly after her boyfriend left.
DNA tied the Orange County slayings to one assailant, then eventually to the other killings and rapes across the state.
For decades, the killer eluded authorities. Larry Pool, a former Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigator, later said he had a database of potential suspects that grew to more than 8,000 people.
Not included in that database was the balding, jowly, 72-year-old ex-cop who had spent years living in a one-story stucco house with a three-car garage in a quiet Sacramento suburb. A Navy veteran who served in Vietnam and as a police officer in Exeter and Auburn before being fired for shoplifting a hammer and dog repellent, DeAngelo hadn’t raised a hint of suspicion.
The case was solved thanks to the now-famous genealogy DNA method, where investigators used their suspect DNA and an open-source genealogy site to work backwards, identifying a relative of the DeAngelo before zeroing in on him. Authorities, working undercover, trailed DeAngelo to a Hobby Lobby and secured a piece of trash he threw into a garbage bin to obtain his DNA.
Before the plea deal, DeAngelo’s trial was shaping up to be a massive endeavor, with input from prosecutors across the state who had indicated they would seek the death penalty. Though Gov. Gavin Newsom has placed a moratorium on executions while he is in office, the death penalty still remains legal in California.
This is a developing story. Check back here for coverage of the court proceedings.