mercurynews--2020-04-30--Anti-lockdown protesters gather at the Michigan statehouse

DETROIT – Hundreds of protesters , some armed , gathered at Michigan ’ s state Capitol in Lansing on Thursday objecting to Governor Gretchen Whitmer ’ s request to extend emergency powers to combat COVID-19 , an appeal Republican lawmakers ignored .
The protest appeared to be the largest in the state since April 15 , when supporters of President Donald Trump organized thousands of people for “ Operation Gridlock , ” jamming the streets of Lansing with their cars to call out what they said was the overreach of Whitmer ’ s strict stay-at-home order .
The slow reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken on political overtones , as Republican politicians and individuals affiliated with Trump ’ s re-election promoted such protests in electoral swing states , such as Michigan .
Many people at Thursday ’ s “ American Patriot Rally , ” including militia group members carrying firearms and people with pro-Trump signs , appeared to be ignoring state social-distancing guidelines as they clustered together within 6 feet of each other .
“ Governor Whitmer , and our state legislature , it ’ s over with .
Open this state , ” Mike Detmer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s 8th District spot held by Democrat Elissa Slotkin , told the crowd .
“ Let ’ s get businesses back open again .
Let ’ s make sure there are jobs to go back to.
” Police allowed more than a hundred protesters to peacefully enter the Capitol building around 1 p.m. , where they crammed shoulder-to-shoulder and sought access to legislative chambers , some carrying long guns , few wearing face masks .
People had their temperature taken by police as they entered .
Inside , they sang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let us work.
” Other speakers at the event , which had different organizers than the mid-April protest , questioned the deadliness of COVID-19 , the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus .
They also said Whitmer ’ s stay-at-home order violated constitutional rights , and urged people to open their businesses on May 1 in disregard of her order .
State authorities have warned that protesters could be ticketed for violating social-distancing rules .
The mayor of Lansing , Andy Schor , said in a statement on Wednesday that he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others at risk , but recognized that Whitmer ’ s order still allowed people to “ exercise their First Amendment right to freedom of speech.
” State legislative approval of Whitmer ’ s state of emergency declaration , which gives her special executive powers , is set to expire after Thursday .
She had asked for a 28-day extension , though Republican lawmakers in control of the statehouse instead voted on bills to replace the state of emergency and her executive orders with “ a normal democratic process , ” according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chatfield .
Whitmer is likely to veto moves to limit her authority , and state Democrats denounced the Republican efforts as political theater .
Whitmer contends that her emergency powers will remain in place regardless under other state laws .
The stay-at-home order is set to continue through May 15 , though she has said she could loosen restrictions as health experts determine new cases of COVID-19 are being successfully controlled .
• Coronavirus : Apple CEO Tim Cook says company is in its ‘ most challenging ’ economic environment ever Whitmer has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country , but she defended it as necessary as Michigan became one of the states hardest hit by the virus , having already claimed 3,789 lives there .
Protesters , many from more rural , Trump-leaning parts of Michigan , have argued it has crippled the economy statewide even as the majority of deaths from the virus are centered on the southeastern Detroit metro area .
Many states , including Georgia , Oklahoma , South Carolina and Ohio , have already moved to restart parts of their economies following weeks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in six American workers out of their jobs .

[vemba-video id=”van/ns-acc/2020/04/30/NE-012TH_CNNA-ST1-1000000005c43563″]
By Michael Martina and Seth Herald | Reuters
DETROIT – Hundreds of protesters, some armed, gathered at Michigan’s state Capitol in Lansing on Thursday objecting to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request to extend emergency powers to combat COVID-19, an appeal Republican lawmakers ignored.
The protest appeared to be the largest in the state since April 15, when supporters of President Donald Trump organized thousands of people for “Operation Gridlock,” jamming the streets of Lansing with their cars to call out what they said was the overreach of Whitmer’s strict stay-at-home order.
The slow reopening of state economies around the country has taken on political overtones, as Republican politicians and individuals affiliated with Trump’s re-election promoted such protests in electoral swing states, such as Michigan.
Many people at Thursday’s “American Patriot Rally,” including militia group members carrying firearms and people with pro-Trump signs, appeared to be ignoring state social-distancing guidelines as they clustered together within 6 feet of each other.
“Governor Whitmer, and our state legislature, it’s over with. Open this state,” Mike Detmer, a Republican U.S. congressional candidate running for the state’s 8th District spot held by Democrat Elissa Slotkin, told the crowd. “Let’s get businesses back open again. Let’s make sure there are jobs to go back to.”
Police allowed more than a hundred protesters to peacefully enter the Capitol building around 1 p.m., where they crammed shoulder-to-shoulder and sought access to legislative chambers, some carrying long guns, few wearing face masks.
People had their temperature taken by police as they entered. Inside, they sang the national anthem and chanted: “Let us work.”
Other speakers at the event, which had different organizers than the mid-April protest, questioned the deadliness of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus.
They also said Whitmer’s stay-at-home order violated constitutional rights, and urged people to open their businesses on May 1 in disregard of her order.
‘Freedom of speech’
State authorities have warned that protesters could be ticketed for violating social-distancing rules. The mayor of Lansing, Andy Schor, said in a statement on Wednesday that he was “disappointed” protesters would put themselves and others at risk, but recognized that Whitmer’s order still allowed people to “exercise their First Amendment right to freedom of speech.”
State legislative approval of Whitmer’s state of emergency declaration, which gives her special executive powers, is set to expire after Thursday.
She had asked for a 28-day extension, though Republican lawmakers in control of the statehouse instead voted on bills to replace the state of emergency and her executive orders with “a normal democratic process,” according to a statement from Republican House Speaker Lee Chatfield.
Whitmer is likely to veto moves to limit her authority, and state Democrats denounced the Republican efforts as political theater.
Whitmer contends that her emergency powers will remain in place regardless under other state laws. The stay-at-home order is set to continue through May 15, though she has said she could loosen restrictions as health experts determine new cases of COVID-19 are being successfully controlled.
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Protesters, many from more rural, Trump-leaning parts of Michigan, have argued it has crippled the economy statewide even as the majority of deaths from the virus are centered on the southeastern Detroit metro area.
Many states, including Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Ohio, have already moved to restart parts of their economies following weeks of mandatory lockdowns that have thrown nearly one in six American workers out of their jobs.


mercurynews--2020-05-01--Borrowers risk losing their homes as unpaid mortgage bills pile up

No one should be worried about losing their home , Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark Calabria said on Monday , April 27 .
“ No lump sum is required at the end of a borrower ’ s forbearance plan for enterprise-backed ( Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac ) mortgages , ” read his statement .
That reminds me something Forrest Gump said : “ Stupid is as stupid does.
” It is utterly irresponsible for Fan and Fred ’ s regulator and conservator to provide such a baseless reassurance to homeowners .
The Cares Act allows a maximum of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the missed mortgage payments are not forgiven .
Somehow , someway , repayment is still required , job or no job .
And Fannie and Freddie only accounted for about 43 % of all mortgages in 2019 .
For mortgages not covered by Calabria ’ s forbearance lump sum payment exclusion , there are three ways to make up forbearance balances , according to real estate attorney Dennis Doss .
• A balloon payment at the end of the forbearance period ; • Spreading the forbearance balance over time ; or • Paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortgage term .
“ It ’ s the luck of the draw , ” said Doss .
“ I ’ d beg , borrow or steal to keep my mortgage current.
” Even if you were lucky enough to get a Fan or Fred forbearance , you may have a shock you simply can not afford once your house payments resume .
And , who knows when you will recapture the income stream you lost ?
In the seven short weeks since President Trump declared the coronavirus emergency , 3.5 million homeowners ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borrowers ) are already in forbearance , according to this week ’ s Mortgage Bankers Association lender survey .
Homeowners have accrued $ 754 billion of unpaid principal , according to Black Knight .
Add in the unpaid mortgage interest not counted .
Well , you get the picture .
And what about home prices ?
National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says prices will hold up just fine in most markets , with price drops likely only at the upper end .
“ I project the national median home price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Great news !
But that is the same Lawrence Yun who said in July 2007 , “ Essentially , we see that the existing-home market is stabilizing in a broad cyclical trough and moving in the right direction.
” According to Black Knight , U.S. property values totaled nearly $ 15 trillion as of December 2012 ( $ 4.6 trillion in California ) , with nearly $ 4 trillion in equity .
Fast forward to December 2019 .
U.S. property values were worth over $ 21.6 trillion ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and home equity was just over $ 10.2 trillion .
What is that old saying about the bigger they are , the harder they fall ?
In many corners , folks are comparing this pandemic calamity not to the Great Recession , but to the Great Depression , with 30 million new job losses ( so far ) .
How far and how fast will property values fall ?
And how many more families will lose their homes with the additional weight of the forbearance , negative equity and unpaid , uncalculated mortgage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , twice torched by arsonists , to be donated to UC Berkeley for student housing • Choice downtown San Jose site is scooped up by big developer Director Calabria , what do you mean there ’ s nothing to worry about ?
That ’ s almost as bad as President Trump ’ s Lysol moment .
Next week : Ways to borrow time if you are approaching the mortgage financial edge .
Freddie Mac rate news : The 30-year fixed-rate averaged 3.23 % , down 10 basis points to the lowest level on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % , down 9 basis points from last week .
The Mortgage Bankers Association reported volume for purchase loan applications increased 12 % from a week earlier , but refinance applications decreased 7 % , for an overall decline of 3.3 % .
Bottom line : Assuming a borrower gets the average 30-year fixed rate on a conforming $ 510,400 loan , last year ’ s payment was $ 262 more than this week ’ s payment of $ 2,216 .
Eye catcher loan of the week : A 30-year fixed rate at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a mortgage broker and adjunct professor at Saddleback College .
He can be reached at 949-334-2424 or jlazerson @ mortgagegrader.com .
His website is www.mortgagegrader.com .

No one should be worried about losing their home, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark Calabria said on Monday, April 27.
“No lump sum is required at the end of a borrower’s forbearance plan for enterprise-backed (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) mortgages,” read his statement.
That reminds me something Forrest Gump said: “Stupid is as stupid does.”
It is utterly irresponsible for Fan and Fred’s regulator and conservator to provide such a baseless reassurance to homeowners.
The Cares Act allows a maximum of 12 months of payment skipping. But the missed mortgage payments are not forgiven. Somehow, someway, repayment is still required, job or no job.
And Fannie and Freddie only accounted for about 43% of all mortgages in 2019.
For mortgages not covered by Calabria’s forbearance lump sum payment exclusion, there are three ways to make up forbearance balances, according to real estate attorney Dennis Doss.
A balloon payment at the end of the forbearance period; Spreading the forbearance balance over time; or Paying the balance at the conclusion of the mortgage term.
“It’s the luck of the draw,” said Doss. “I’d beg, borrow or steal to keep my mortgage current.”
Even if you were lucky enough to get a Fan or Fred forbearance, you may have a shock you simply cannot afford once your house payments resume. And, who knows when you will recapture the income stream you lost?
In the seven short weeks since President Trump declared the coronavirus emergency, 3.5 million homeowners (7% of approximately 50 million total borrowers) are already in forbearance, according to this week’s Mortgage Bankers Association lender survey.
Homeowners have accrued $754 billion of unpaid principal, according to Black Knight. Add in the unpaid mortgage interest not counted. Well, you get the picture.
And what about home prices?
National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says prices will hold up just fine in most markets, with price drops likely only at the upper end.
“I project the national median home price to increase 1.3% for the year,” he said.
Great news! But that is the same Lawrence Yun who said in July 2007, “Essentially, we see that the existing-home market is stabilizing in a broad cyclical trough and moving in the right direction.”
Chief Realtor cheerleader for sure.
According to Black Knight, U.S. property values totaled nearly $15 trillion as of December 2012 ($4.6 trillion in California), with nearly $4 trillion in equity.
Fast forward to December 2019. U.S. property values were worth over $21.6 trillion ($6.5 trillion in California), and home equity was just over $10.2 trillion.
Property values increased 44% and equity increased by 155%.
What is that old saying about the bigger they are, the harder they fall?
In many corners, folks are comparing this pandemic calamity not to the Great Recession, but to the Great Depression, with 30 million new job losses (so far).
How far and how fast will property values fall? And how many more families will lose their homes with the additional weight of the forbearance, negative equity and unpaid, uncalculated mortgage interest?
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Next week: Ways to borrow time if you are approaching the mortgage financial edge.
Freddie Mac rate news: The 30-year fixed-rate averaged 3.23%, down 10 basis points to the lowest level on record. The 15-year fixed-rate averaged 2.77%, down 9 basis points from last week.
The Mortgage Bankers Association reported volume for purchase loan applications increased 12% from a week earlier, but refinance applications decreased 7%, for an overall decline of 3.3%.
Bottom line: Assuming a borrower gets the average 30-year fixed rate on a conforming $510,400 loan, last year’s payment was $262 more than this week’s payment of $2,216.
Eye catcher loan of the week: A 30-year fixed rate at 3.375% without cost.
Jeff Lazerson is a mortgage broker and adjunct professor at Saddleback College. He can be reached at 949-334-2424 or jlazerson@mortgagegrader.com. His website is www.mortgagegrader.com.


mercurynews--2020-05-01--Bad surprise: Many student loan borrowers don’t qualify for coronavirus relief

Emily Talcott breathed a sigh of relief last month when she heard that federal student loan borrowers would get some relief under the $ 2 trillion CARES Act , which President Donald Trump signed March 27 to help Americans financially affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
But that relief soon turned to panic when Talcott learned that she ’ s one of millions of Americans whose student loans aren ’ t addressed by the current federal relief program .
Since graduating from veterinary school 12 years ago , Talcott , 43 , has been paying almost $ 2,000 a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a brief forbearance seven years ago when she was put on bed rest while pregnant with her twin boys .
And she wants to keep paying on the debt she incurred to pay for the education that led to her dream job at an animal clinic in Placentia .
But when the coronavirus hit , Talcott lost side work with a nonprofit animal group .
Then she started hearing of colleagues who were laid off or saw their salaries reduced as clinics cut back .
She feared her full-time job was in jeopardy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home in Fullerton .
So the federal government ’ s promise that borrowers could defer student loan payments for six months without accumulating interest felt like a lifeline .
When the bill was passed , Talcott started logging into her account with her loan service provider Navient , hoping to see the “ balance due ” drop to $ 0 .
But a few weeks passed without a change .
That ’ s when she called Navient and got the news : Talcott was one of the 7.2 million borrowers across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t covered by the federal relief act .
While Talcott had taken out the only federal student loans her veterinary school offered , she learned her loans weren ’ t direct from the U.S. Treasury .
Instead , her loans were part of the decades-old Federal Family Education Loan ( FFEL ) program , where the federal government guaranteed loans that were actually owned by private banks .
Though President Barack Obama ended the FFEL program in 2010 , Taclott and the other 7.2 million FFEL borrowers who still owe a collective $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the same boat as some 2 million other borrowers who have private student loans and also don ’ t qualify for help under the CARES Act .
“ The majority of people who went to school and borrowed money before 2010 more likely than not don ’ t qualify for anything , ” said Travis Hornsby , founder of Student Loan Planner , a company that helps people figure out how to pay down debt .
When she got the news , Talcott wept .
“ I just couldn ’ t believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CARES Act did offer relief for some 35 million Americans who owe a combined $ 1.3 trillion million in direct federal student loan debt .
“ It sounds too good to be true , but it is true , ” said Betsy Mayotte , president of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors , a nonprofit that offers free advice and advocacy for borrowers .
“ Congress simply moved fast and created relief that I ’ ve never seen before.
” Alonso Ramirez , 32 , of Montclair still owes $ 62,000 after getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in organizational studies in 2019 .
And his wife has $ 56,000 in student loans from earning her bachelors and masters in school psychology .
Both qualified for the six-month , interest-free deferral program .
“ We are putting the money we would typically use to pay our student loans into savings , ” Ramirez said , estimating they ’ ll save roughly $ 2,700 with payments on hold through Sept. 30 .
Ramirez and his wife both completed graduate school in the past decade — after the FFEL program had been phased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1965 .
It wasn ’ t until 1990 , when President George H. W. Bush changed how those loans were accounted for in the federal budget , that it became clear that taxpayers spent more on the FFEL program than on direct student loans .
President Bill Clinton pushed to phase out FFEL , but Congress opted to let universities keep picking which type of federal loans they would offer .
And since commercial lenders could woo schools in ways the federal government could not , the FFEL program ballooned for the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced plans to stop FFEL lending , which he said amounted to taxpayers “ paying banks a premium to act as middlemen.
” When the program officially ended , in 2010 , the Congressional Budget Office estimated its demise would save taxpayers $ 68.7 billion over the next decade .
It ’ s likely that many FFEL borrowers didn ’ t realize their loans weren ’ t owned by the federal government .
The loans are labeled as federal Stafford subsidized or unsubsidized loans , just like direct loans .
Interest rates are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re eligible for an income-based repayment program that ’ s only open to federal borrowers .
Some borrowers learned the distinction in recent years when they tried to participate in the public service loan forgiveness program , where people who work in specific service jobs , such as teaching or firefighting , can have their debt forgiven after 10 years of payments .
Turns out , FFEL borrowers aren ’ t eligible for that program , either .
With the CARES Act , Hornsby said Congress was pressed to pass a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been more complicated — and taken some time — to incorporate relief for borrowers with federal loans that are owned by commercial banks , he said .
So Congress pushed forward , even though it meant about one in five borrowers would not get help .
Options for those left out There are still some relief options for those with FFEL debt , including direct consolidation loans , interest-based repayment plans , and unemployment deferral programs .
Mayotte encouraged borrowers to do background research on sites such as studentaid.gov or her nonprofit ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loan service provider to discuss options .
Many lenders , including those holding private loans , are also offering 90-day disaster forbearance for anyone who needs it .
The downside is that interest still accrues during that term .
Talcott was able to put her loans into a disaster forbearance program for three months , but it ’ s a band-aid , not a fix .
In one month , she said , the interest has raised her total due by $ 1,000 .
“ I am very worried about what will happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest has piled up and I have to start paying again with a smaller amount of income coming in , ” she said .
Scammers also are coming out of the woodwork , Mayotte said .
She noted that none of the above relief options should cost money and that loan providers should be able to walk you through the process .
Push for more relief and reform More help could be coming .
On April 22 , a bipartisan group of legislators introduced the Equity in Student Loan Relief Act , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borrowers .
Under the bill , the education department would pay private lenders to cover interest on the loans while payments are deferred until Sept. 30 .
But many consumer advocates worry federal leaders assume they ’ ve already taken care of student loan borrowers and will focus upcoming relief plans on other issues .
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Ramirez hopes the federal government will extend the payment break on direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Even if the economy experiences a U-shape recovery , many people will have gone without jobs for months , ” he said .
“ For those of us who were able to keep our jobs during the outbreak , it ’ ll help us to save in case a second wave does eliminate our jobs , or help us to re-invest the money back into the economy to help boost the recovery.
” Talcott isn ’ t optimistic that FFEL borrowers will see any relief or more meaningful student loan reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest rates — anytime soon .
If anything , she said the handling of student loans during the pandemic only highlighted how complex the system is and how few people really understand it .
Still , despite the burden she sometimes feels because of her student loan debt , Talcott said she ’ s grateful for her education .
That ’ s why , when the coronavirus pandemic reached the United States and she started to fear the worst , she wrote a letter to her 7-year-old twins encouraging them not to rack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you love your career as much as I do , I wouldn ’ t change anything , ” she said .
“ Do what you believe in .
”

Emily Talcott breathed a sigh of relief last month when she heard that federal student loan borrowers would get some relief under the $2 trillion CARES Act, which President Donald Trump signed March 27 to help Americans financially affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
But that relief soon turned to panic when Talcott learned that she’s one of millions of Americans whose student loans aren’t addressed by the current federal relief program.
Since graduating from veterinary school 12 years ago, Talcott, 43, has been paying almost $2,000 a month toward her federal loans, only taking a brief forbearance seven years ago when she was put on bed rest while pregnant with her twin boys. And she wants to keep paying on the debt she incurred to pay for the education that led to her dream job at an animal clinic in Placentia.
But when the coronavirus hit, Talcott lost side work with a nonprofit animal group. Then she started hearing of colleagues who were laid off or saw their salaries reduced as clinics cut back. She feared her full-time job was in jeopardy and that she might lose her small home in Fullerton. So the federal government’s promise that borrowers could defer student loan payments for six months without accumulating interest felt like a lifeline.
When the bill was passed, Talcott started logging into her account with her loan service provider Navient, hoping to see the “balance due” drop to $0. But a few weeks passed without a change. That’s when she called Navient and got the news:
Talcott was one of the 7.2 million borrowers across the country whose federal student loan debt isn’t covered by the federal relief act.
While Talcott had taken out the only federal student loans her veterinary school offered, she learned her loans weren’t direct from the U.S. Treasury. Instead, her loans were part of the decades-old Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, where the federal government guaranteed loans that were actually owned by private banks.
Though President Barack Obama ended the FFEL program in 2010, Taclott and the other 7.2 million FFEL borrowers who still owe a collective $169 billion from pre-2010 loans were left in the same boat as some 2 million other borrowers who have private student loans and also don’t qualify for help under the CARES Act.
“The majority of people who went to school and borrowed money before 2010 more likely than not don’t qualify for anything,” said Travis Hornsby, founder of Student Loan Planner, a company that helps people figure out how to pay down debt.
When she got the news, Talcott wept.
“I just couldn’t believe we were so glaringly overlooked.”
Relief for some
The CARES Act did offer relief for some 35 million Americans who owe a combined $1.3 trillion million in direct federal student loan debt.
“It sounds too good to be true, but it is true,” said Betsy Mayotte, president of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, a nonprofit that offers free advice and advocacy for borrowers. “Congress simply moved fast and created relief that I’ve never seen before.”
Alonso Ramirez, 32, of Montclair still owes $62,000 after getting his bachelors in political science and masters in organizational studies in 2019. And his wife has $56,000 in student loans from earning her bachelors and masters in school psychology. Both qualified for the six-month, interest-free deferral program.
“We are putting the money we would typically use to pay our student loans into savings,” Ramirez said, estimating they’ll save roughly $2,700 with payments on hold through Sept. 30.
Millions left out
Ramirez and his wife both completed graduate school in the past decade — after the FFEL program had been phased out.
The program got started in 1965. It wasn’t until 1990, when President George H. W. Bush changed how those loans were accounted for in the federal budget, that it became clear that taxpayers spent more on the FFEL program than on direct student loans. President Bill Clinton pushed to phase out FFEL, but Congress opted to let universities keep picking which type of federal loans they would offer. And since commercial lenders could woo schools in ways the federal government could not, the FFEL program ballooned for the next two decades.
In 2009, Obama announced plans to stop FFEL lending, which he said amounted to taxpayers “paying banks a premium to act as middlemen.” When the program officially ended, in 2010, the Congressional Budget Office estimated its demise would save taxpayers $68.7 billion over the next decade.
It’s likely that many FFEL borrowers didn’t realize their loans weren’t owned by the federal government. The loans are labeled as federal Stafford subsidized or unsubsidized loans, just like direct loans. Interest rates are fixed at the same levels, and they’re eligible for an income-based repayment program that’s only open to federal borrowers.
Some borrowers learned the distinction in recent years when they tried to participate in the public service loan forgiveness program, where people who work in specific service jobs, such as teaching or firefighting, can have their debt forgiven after 10 years of payments. Turns out, FFEL borrowers aren’t eligible for that program, either.
With the CARES Act, Hornsby said Congress was pressed to pass a relief bill quickly. It would have been more complicated — and taken some time — to incorporate relief for borrowers with federal loans that are owned by commercial banks, he said. So Congress pushed forward, even though it meant about one in five borrowers would not get help.
Options for those left out
There are still some relief options for those with FFEL debt, including direct consolidation loans, interest-based repayment plans, and unemployment deferral programs. Mayotte encouraged borrowers to do background research on sites such as studentaid.gov or her nonprofit’s studentaidpandemic.org, then to call their loan service provider to discuss options.
Many lenders, including those holding private loans, are also offering 90-day disaster forbearance for anyone who needs it. The downside is that interest still accrues during that term.
Talcott was able to put her loans into a disaster forbearance program for three months, but it’s a band-aid, not a fix. In one month, she said, the interest has raised her total due by $1,000.
“I am very worried about what will happen when the disaster forbearance ends and the interest has piled up and I have to start paying again with a smaller amount of income coming in,” she said.
Scammers also are coming out of the woodwork, Mayotte said. She noted that none of the above relief options should cost money and that loan providers should be able to walk you through the process.
Push for more relief and reform
More help could be coming.
On April 22, a bipartisan group of legislators introduced the Equity in Student Loan Relief Act, which would extend federal loan relief to FFEL borrowers. Under the bill, the education department would pay private lenders to cover interest on the loans while payments are deferred until Sept. 30.
But many consumer advocates worry federal leaders assume they’ve already taken care of student loan borrowers and will focus upcoming relief plans on other issues.
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“Even if the economy experiences a U-shape recovery, many people will have gone without jobs for months,” he said. “For those of us who were able to keep our jobs during the outbreak, it’ll help us to save in case a second wave does eliminate our jobs, or help us to re-invest the money back into the economy to help boost the recovery.”
Talcott isn’t optimistic that FFEL borrowers will see any relief or more meaningful student loan reform — such as an end to predatory interest rates — anytime soon. If anything, she said the handling of student loans during the pandemic only highlighted how complex the system is and how few people really understand it.
Still, despite the burden she sometimes feels because of her student loan debt, Talcott said she’s grateful for her education. That’s why, when the coronavirus pandemic reached the United States and she started to fear the worst, she wrote a letter to her 7-year-old twins encouraging them not to rack up student loans.
“But if you love your career as much as I do, I wouldn’t change anything,” she said. “Do what you believe in.”


mercurynews--2020-05-01--Confused about all those coronavirus testing options? Here’s a consumer’s guide

One test promises to detect coronavirus in your saliva from the comfort of your own home .
Another do-it-yourself kit instructs folks on how to insert a Q-tip like swab into each nostril , swish around several times , then FedEx to a lab for analysis .
Blood tests are offered in mall parking lots , in alleys behind doctors ’ offices , by myriad companies pitching a quick answer to the all-consuming question : Have I been infected with COVID-19 ?
Concerned coronavirus consumers find themselves in a medical house of mirrors as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market during a pandemic .
“ We really worry about this , ” said Dr. Paul Simon , chief science officer with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health .
“ There ’ s not a lot of oversight and , given the urgency , the FDA has allowed some loosening of procedures .
Testing is being done with materials that haven ’ t been formally approved or are in the pipeline to be approved.
” As Simon points out , there are several different types of tests — molecular , serologic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those that have to be done in a lab .
“ It is not a well-regulated space , which is why there ’ s a need to proceed with caution , particularly with the serologic tests , ” he said .
More than 100 serologic , or blood , tests are on the market .
The U.S. now has more than 1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 — about one-third of all reported cases in the world , and more than any other nation .
Testing will be key to deciding when and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a mini-consumer guide to the confusing universe of COVID-19 testing : What are the tests and what do they do ?
There are two common tests aiming to detect coronavirus .
The one offered in hospitals and public health clinics finds active disease .
It ’ s a molecular test called the polymerase chain reaction , or PCR , test , and it uses a cotton swab to penetrate high into the nose and throat to collect gunk .
That gunk is then examined for the virus ’ genetic markers .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can ’ t detect if someone once had COVID-19 and then recovered .
The other is the serology , or blood , test that finds antibodies to past infections .
A positive result means your body mounted an immune response to the virus in recent weeks or months .
You may have been sick and thought it was a cold or the flu , or you may not have had any symptoms at all .
Knowing who has antibodies to COVID-19 allows health officials to understand the breadth of infection in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some kind of immunity — how much and for how long is still a giant scientific question mark — and guide public policy on lifting restrictions .
Normally , companies trying to bring health-care tests to market must jump through a set of hoops with the FDA .
Those hoops are designed to ensure the tests work as intended and aren ’ t plagued by false positives or false negatives , which might unwittingly lead to the spread of disease .
But global pandemics mess with the best-laid plans .
“ As of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviewed by the FDA , and yet there ’ s been an onslaught of tests being offered by many companies , ” said Rekha Murthy , an infectious disease specialist and associate chief medical officer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , in a Q & A .
“ Some of these non-validated tests are being promoted as being able to capture COVID-19 antibodies when they may actually be picking up other standard coronaviruses that cause the common cold.
” The government loosened requirements to provide flexibility , attempting to strike a balance “ between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , wanting to make sure these are accurate , reliable , reproduceable tests , ” Stephen Hahn , the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration , told NPR .
It happened like this : On Feb. 4 , the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — the FDA ’ s parent agency — announced “ emergency use authorization ” for COVID-19 tests and medical devices .
That means tests and devices could be offered for sale based on manufacturer-reported data , without the formal FDA clearance .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market , but you must validate , ’ ” FDA Commissioner Hahn said .
To date , the FDA has granted emergency use authorization for 50 tests .
Most of them are molecular tests , designed to detect active infections via nasal/throat swab , but eight are serology tests , designed to detect antibodies in the blood .
What does ‘ validate ’ mean ?
Validation is proving that the test works .
It involves collecting samples from people who ’ ve had confirmed cases of coronavirus on molecular tests , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative on molecular tests , and from people who ’ ve had a different coronavirus like the flu .
If the blood tests find COVID-19 antibodies in the blood of people who ’ ve had confirmed COVID-19 cases , that ’ s good .
If they find antibodies in the blood of people who ’ ve had the flu , that ’ s not good .
If they fail to find antibodies in the blood of people who ’ ve had confirmed cases within the last couple of weeks , that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been much in the way of independent verification of any of that , so researchers sprang into action .
Enter Patrick Hsu from UC Berkeley and Alexander Marson from UC San Francisco , who assembled an army of researchers across institutions to step into this “ Wild Wild West ” to help sort things out .
They ordered a dozen serology tests and set them “ head to head ” on a common set of blood samples .
The goal : “ To provide well-controlled performance data to highlight potentially useful serological assays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and deployment.
” Testing , testing , one two three Their results , which are preliminary and have not yet been peer-reviewed , suggest caution is needed but hope is in order .
Sensitivity — think of that as the probability of detecting a known infection — was more than 98 percent for three of the tests , with one hitting 100 percent if enough time had passed between infection and testing .
But four produced false positives more than 10 % of the time , and several others produced false positives some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could lead to people assume that they have antibodies , are immune and can resume normal life .
“ We can not say these people have an ‘ immunity passport , ’ ” he said .
“ We can not conclude that a positive test result means a person has protective immunity .
There ’ s a lot of active and intense research to get at this question , but that ’ s beyond the scope of this project.
” The effort , called the Covid Testing Project , simply seeks to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and figuring out which ones really work .
“ There are many out there , more than 100 , and more will pop up , ” Hsu said .
“ Our goal is not to evaluate every single test out there , but to try to enable the supply of reliable antibody testing .
Our goal isn ’ t to make recommendations to individuals about which tests to get and how , but rather to … inform the development and implementation of serology tests .
We look to authorities to take our work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new molecular tests require people to stick the swab up their own noses , and inspire worries of their own .
“ That has to be done properly , ” said Iman Bar , a Newport Beach doctor who ’ s been doing house calls to administer molecular tests for weeks , and has tested first-responders for some Southern California cities as well .
“ Not getting a proper sample can lead to a negative result , ” she said .
“ Technique is so important .
When I test these firefighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve got tears in their eyes .
Asking patients to swab themselves ?
It ’ s really like a brain biopsy .
I ’ m sad that they ’ re doing this.
” So what ’ s a concerned COVID consumer to do ?
Ask lots of questions — and be patient , said Murthy of Cedars Sinai .
“ It ’ s extremely inspiring to see all the great work going on to respond so rapidly to develop tests and science around COVID-19 , ” she said .
“ But at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some caution .
We need to allow science to to establish what these tests are able to tell us .
Allow studies to occur and peer-reviewed data to be published and shared .
That requires patience .
Be excited and encouraged , but be cautious.
” Always consult your medical provider before trusting a test you see on the market .
Don ’ t assume that tests offered by people or groups that aren ’ t licensed health-care professionals are validated and reliable .
Seek updates from credible sources such as the Centers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re sick and need a molecular test , ask the doctor which test it is , whether it ’ s validated , which lab will be processing the results .
If you ’ re curious and want a serology test , it ’ s wise to ask those same questions , and more .
What company made the test ?
What was the methodology ?
Is it looking for antibodies produced shortly after infection ?
Antibodies produced weeks after infection ?
Both ?
Did the test mistake other coronavirus antibodies for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to get accurate tests , ” said Bar , the Newport Beach doctor .
“ There are tons of people trying to sell these online and prey on people ’ s anxiety.
” These eight serology tests have emergency use authorization from the FDA as of April 29 :

One test promises to detect coronavirus in your saliva from the comfort of your own home.
Another do-it-yourself kit instructs folks on how to insert a Q-tip like swab into each nostril, swish around several times, then FedEx to a lab for analysis.
Blood tests are offered in mall parking lots, in alleys behind doctors’ offices, by myriad companies pitching a quick answer to the all-consuming question: Have I been infected with COVID-19?
Concerned coronavirus consumers find themselves in a medical house of mirrors as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration loosens requirements on what can hit the market during a pandemic.
“We really worry about this,” said Dr. Paul Simon, chief science officer with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “There’s not a lot of oversight and, given the urgency, the FDA has allowed some loosening of procedures. Testing is being done with materials that haven’t been formally approved or are in the pipeline to be approved.”
As Simon points out, there are several different types of tests — molecular, serologic and point-of-care tests with rapid results versus those that have to be done in a lab.
“It is not a well-regulated space, which is why there’s a need to proceed with caution, particularly with the serologic tests,” he said.
More than 100 serologic, or blood, tests are on the market. The U.S. now has more than 1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 — about one-third of all reported cases in the world, and more than any other nation. Testing will be key to deciding when and how to reopen the economy.
Here is a mini-consumer guide to the confusing universe of COVID-19 testing:
What are the tests and what do they do?
There are two common tests aiming to detect coronavirus.
The one offered in hospitals and public health clinics finds active disease. It’s a molecular test called the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test, and it uses a cotton swab to penetrate high into the nose and throat to collect gunk. That gunk is then examined for the virus’ genetic markers. While PCR tests can identify the sick, they can’t detect if someone once had COVID-19 and then recovered.
The other is the serology, or blood, test that finds antibodies to past infections. A positive result means your body mounted an immune response to the virus in recent weeks or months. You may have been sick and thought it was a cold or the flu, or you may not have had any symptoms at all. Knowing who has antibodies to COVID-19 allows health officials to understand the breadth of infection in the wider community, establish who might have some kind of immunity — how much and for how long is still a giant scientific question mark — and guide public policy on lifting restrictions.
So what’s the problem?
Normally, companies trying to bring health-care tests to market must jump through a set of hoops with the FDA. Those hoops are designed to ensure the tests work as intended and aren’t plagued by false positives or false negatives, which might unwittingly lead to the spread of disease.
But global pandemics mess with the best-laid plans.
“As of today, very few tests have been reviewed by the FDA, and yet there’s been an onslaught of tests being offered by many companies,” said Rekha Murthy, an infectious disease specialist and associate chief medical officer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in a Q&A.
“Some of these non-validated tests are being promoted as being able to capture COVID-19 antibodies when they may actually be picking up other standard coronaviruses that cause the common cold.”
The government loosened requirements to provide flexibility, attempting to strike a balance “between making sure resources are there with, of course, wanting to make sure these are accurate, reliable, reproduceable tests,” Stephen Hahn, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, told NPR.
It happened like this: On Feb. 4, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — the FDA’s parent agency — announced “emergency use authorization” for COVID-19 tests and medical devices. That means tests and devices could be offered for sale based on manufacturer-reported data, without the formal FDA clearance.
“We said, ‘You can come to market, but you must validate,’ ” FDA Commissioner Hahn said.
To date, the FDA has granted emergency use authorization for 50 tests. Most of them are molecular tests, designed to detect active infections via nasal/throat swab, but eight are serology tests, designed to detect antibodies in the blood.
What does ‘validate’ mean?
Validation is proving that the test works. It involves collecting samples from people who’ve had confirmed cases of coronavirus on molecular tests, as well as from people who’ve tested negative on molecular tests, and from people who’ve had a different coronavirus like the flu.
If the blood tests find COVID-19 antibodies in the blood of people who’ve had confirmed COVID-19 cases, that’s good. If they find antibodies in the blood of people who’ve had the flu, that’s not good. If they fail to find antibodies in the blood of people who’ve had confirmed cases within the last couple of weeks, that’s of concern.
There hadn’t been much in the way of independent verification of any of that, so researchers sprang into action.
Enter Patrick Hsu from UC Berkeley and Alexander Marson from UC San Francisco, who assembled an army of researchers across institutions to step into this “Wild Wild West” to help sort things out.
They ordered a dozen serology tests and set them “head to head” on a common set of blood samples. The goal: “To provide well-controlled performance data to highlight potentially useful serological assays, and to help guide their development and deployment.”
Testing, testing, one two three
Their results, which are preliminary and have not yet been peer-reviewed, suggest caution is needed but hope is in order.
Sensitivity — think of that as the probability of detecting a known infection — was more than 98 percent for three of the tests, with one hitting 100 percent if enough time had passed between infection and testing.
But four produced false positives more than 10% of the time, and several others produced false positives some 5% of the time. That could lead to people assume that they have antibodies, are immune and can resume normal life.
Hsu cautioned strongly against that get-out-of-jail-free idea.
“We cannot say these people have an ‘immunity passport,’ ” he said. “We cannot conclude that a positive test result means a person has protective immunity. There’s a lot of active and intense research to get at this question, but that’s beyond the scope of this project.”
The effort, called the Covid Testing Project, simply seeks to provide a public service by systematically validating tests and figuring out which ones really work.
“There are many out there, more than 100, and more will pop up,” Hsu said. “Our goal is not to evaluate every single test out there, but to try to enable the supply of reliable antibody testing. Our goal isn’t to make recommendations to individuals about which tests to get and how, but rather to … inform the development and implementation of serology tests. We look to authorities to take our work and make policy determinations.”
At home?
Some of the new molecular tests require people to stick the swab up their own noses, and inspire worries of their own.
“That has to be done properly,” said Iman Bar, a Newport Beach doctor who’s been doing house calls to administer molecular tests for weeks, and has tested first-responders for some Southern California cities as well.
“Not getting a proper sample can lead to a negative result,” she said. “Technique is so important. When I test these firefighters — guys double my height — they’ve got tears in their eyes. Asking patients to swab themselves? It’s really like a brain biopsy. I’m sad that they’re doing this.”
The bottom line
So what’s a concerned COVID consumer to do? Ask lots of questions — and be patient, said Murthy of Cedars Sinai.
“It’s extremely inspiring to see all the great work going on to respond so rapidly to develop tests and science around COVID-19,” she said. “But at same time, there needs to be some caution. We need to allow science to to establish what these tests are able to tell us. Allow studies to occur and peer-reviewed data to be published and shared. That requires patience. Be excited and encouraged, but be cautious.”
Always consult your medical provider before trusting a test you see on the market. Don’t assume that tests offered by people or groups that aren’t licensed health-care professionals are validated and reliable. Seek updates from credible sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you’re sick and need a molecular test, ask the doctor which test it is, whether it’s validated, which lab will be processing the results.
If you’re curious and want a serology test, it’s wise to ask those same questions, and more. What company made the test? What was the methodology? Is it looking for antibodies produced shortly after infection? Antibodies produced weeks after infection? Both? Did the test mistake other coronavirus antibodies for COVID-19 antibodies?
“It’s important to get accurate tests,” said Bar, the Newport Beach doctor. “There are tons of people trying to sell these online and prey on people’s anxiety.”
————————————————————
These eight serology tests have emergency use authorization from the FDA as of April 29:


mercurynews--2020-05-01--Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin land contracts to build NASA’s astronaut moon lander

NASA on Thursday selected space firms SpaceX , Blue Origin and Dynetics to build lunar landing systems that can carry astronauts to the moon by 2024 , the White House ’ s accelerated deadline under the space agency ’ s moon-to-Mars campaign .
The three companies , which include firms of tech billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos , will share $ 967 million from NASA , though specific amounts each company will receive were not immediately known .
Boeing Co proposed a lander concept last year but was not selected .
“ This is the last piece that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moon , ” NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine told reporters on Thursday , calling the agency ’ s first lunar lander procurement since 1972 “ historic.
” Unlike the Apollo program that put astronauts on the moon nearly 50 years ago , NASA is gearing up for a long-term presence on Earth ’ s satellite that the agency says will eventually enable humans to reach Mars , leaning heavily on private companies built around shared visions for space exploration .
Picking three providers allows NASA to have redundancy in case one company falls behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s human landing system program manager , told reporters on Thursday .
“ I think we ’ ve got the potential for an incredibly exciting future in space with a base on the moon , and ultimately sending people and having a self-sustaining city on Mars , ” Musk , who also leads electric car firm Tesla , said Thursday .
Last year , Bezos unveiled Blue Origin ’ s design for the lunar lander , Blue Moon , it intends to build as a prime contractor with Lockheed Martin , Northrop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to launch its landing system using its own heavy-lift rocket , New Glenn .
Musk ’ s SpaceX , which is on the cusp of launching its first manned mission for NASA next month , will develop its Starship landing system to send crew and up to 100 pounds of cargo to the moon .
Dynetics , a unit of Leidos Holdings Inc , develops human landing system , which the Boeing-Lockheed joint venture , United Launch Alliance , will launch on its Vulcan system .
Cutting Boeing out of a key NASA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aerospace giant ’ s space wing , which for decades has been a key International Space Station contractor and more recently a secondary provider in NASA ’ s efforts to launch humans to the station under its Commercial Crew Program .
NASA said it removed Boeing and another company as bidders for the lunar lander award early on in the selection process , though a specific reason was not immediately clear .
Last month , Boeing lost to competitor SpaceX in a separate competition for cargo delivery services to a lunar space station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Boeing ’ s proposal was the highest priced and the lowest rated under the Mission Suitability factor.
” NASA in recent months has been quicker to call out Boeing for its fumbles on various agency programs , such as delays in its heavy-lift rocket Space Launch System that remains years behind schedule , billions over budget and has suffered dozens of engineering setbacks .
The Space Launch System , which has not yet flown , is currently NASA ’ s ride for transporting humans off Earth and to the moon by 2024 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mission has already slipped back a year into 2021 .

By Joey Rouelette | Reuters
NASA on Thursday selected space firms SpaceX, Blue Origin and Dynetics to build lunar landing systems that can carry astronauts to the moon by 2024, the White House’s accelerated deadline under the space agency’s moon-to-Mars campaign.
The three companies, which include firms of tech billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, will share $967 million from NASA, though specific amounts each company will receive were not immediately known.
Boeing Co proposed a lander concept last year but was not selected.
“This is the last piece that we need in order to get to the moon,” NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine told reporters on Thursday, calling the agency’s first lunar lander procurement since 1972 “historic.”
Unlike the Apollo program that put astronauts on the moon nearly 50 years ago, NASA is gearing up for a long-term presence on Earth’s satellite that the agency says will eventually enable humans to reach Mars, leaning heavily on private companies built around shared visions for space exploration.
Picking three providers allows NASA to have redundancy in case one company falls behind in development, Lisa Watson-Morgan, NASA’s human landing system program manager, told reporters on Thursday.
“I think we’ve got the potential for an incredibly exciting future in space with a base on the moon, and ultimately sending people and having a self-sustaining city on Mars,” Musk, who also leads electric car firm Tesla, said Thursday.
Last year, Bezos unveiled Blue Origin’s design for the lunar lander, Blue Moon, it intends to build as a prime contractor
with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Draper. Blue Origin plans to launch its landing system using its own heavy-lift rocket, New Glenn.
Musk’s SpaceX, which is on the cusp of launching its first manned mission for NASA next month, will develop its Starship landing system to send crew and up to 100 pounds of cargo to the moon.
Dynetics, a unit of Leidos Holdings Inc, develops human landing system, which the Boeing-Lockheed joint venture, United Launch Alliance, will launch on its Vulcan system.
BOEING NOT PICKED
Cutting Boeing out of a key NASA spaceflight effort deals a blow to the aerospace giant’s space wing, which for decades has
been a key International Space Station contractor and more recently a secondary provider in NASA’s efforts to launch humans
to the station under its Commercial Crew Program.
NASA said it removed Boeing and another company as bidders for the lunar lander award early on in the selection process,
though a specific reason was not immediately clear.
Last month, Boeing lost to competitor SpaceX in a separate competition for cargo delivery services to a lunar space
station, with NASA saying in a memo “Boeing’s proposal was the highest priced and the lowest rated under the Mission
Suitability factor.”
NASA in recent months has been quicker to call out Boeing for its fumbles on various agency programs, such as delays in
its heavy-lift rocket Space Launch System that remains years behind schedule, billions over budget and has suffered dozens of engineering setbacks.
The Space Launch System, which has not yet flown, is currently NASA’s ride for transporting humans off Earth and to
the moon by 2024, but the rocket’s debut mission has already slipped back a year into 2021.
Additional reporting by Munsif Vengattil


mercurynews--2020-05-01--Letter: Congress must ensure safe voting in November

Congress must act now to ensure that people can safely exercise their right to vote in November 2020 , in light of the COVID-19 pandemic .
This year ’ s voter suppression tactics will include ruling out common-sense voting measures .
We have already heard members of the Republican Party cast aspersions on voting by mail , a method we know firsthand here in California to be secure and inclusive .
There are plenty of smart policy proposals to ensure a safe election , and they all need clear and persistent public support .
Congress must : • Expand early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all states • Require that all states provide envelopes with prepaid postage to all voters • And provide emergency funding to the U.S .
Postal Service , a lifeline to our communities • Letter : Embarrassed we don ’ t back our president in eyes of the world • Letter : Iran ’ s behavior is better handled with diplomacy • Letter : Too bad Trump didn ’ t work his way up the corporate ladder • Letter : Biden is actually pushing an advancement of the ACA I am a member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re calling and writing our congressional representatives to ask them to support Elizabeth Warren ’ s election protection plan .
We encourage you to do so as well .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Congress must act now to ensure that people can safely exercise their right to vote in November 2020, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s voter suppression tactics will include ruling out common-sense voting measures. We have already heard members of the Republican Party cast aspersions on voting by mail, a method we know firsthand here in California to be secure and inclusive.
There are plenty of smart policy proposals to ensure a safe election, and they all need clear and persistent public support. Congress must:
Expand early in-person voting and no-excuse absentee vote-by-mail to all states
Require that all states provide envelopes with prepaid postage to all voters
And provide emergency funding to the U.S. Postal Service, a lifeline to our communities
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps I am a member of the Indivisible Berkeley Steering Team and we’re calling and writing our congressional representatives to ask them to support Elizabeth Warren’s election protection plan. We encourage you to do so as well.
Daron Sharps
Berkeley
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-05-01--Who would fit on the 49ers’ ‘dirty dozen’ leadership council?

Strong voices remain inside the 49ers locker room .
Some will get stronger .
“ We ’ re all going to have an opportunity to step up and fill the shoes that Joe left behind , ” tight end George Kittle said this week .
“ There ’ s not any one person that can do it , but we have a great group of guys that can come together to fill that role.
” Contrary to recent speculation , the 49ers still have leaders , and more will emerge this season .
They just won ’ t be former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all due respect to those model pros , with Staley now adrift in retirement and Buckner part of the Indianapolis Colts ’ generous payroll .
Kittle is one of three captains returning from last season .
Cornerback Richard Sherman and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo are the others .
The best ones leaders will set the tone on the field , in the meeting rooms , and , for now , when they ’ re off mute on video conferences in the virtual offseason program .
When the 49ers rebuilt themselves from a 2-14 laughingstock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure one player was not responsible for leading them .
It took a village , and inside each position group ’ s hut was a veteran ’ s guidance .
It also helps to have is a stable , harmonious hierarchy in coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch .
This is not a young , inexperienced team on the come .
This is a Super Bowl-caliber roster in which each player must hold each other accountable .
Mimicking Steve Mariucci ’ s method 20 years ago to have a “ dirty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates with leadership traits , starting with the incumbent captains : He ’ s had an especially quiet offseason , aside from others speculating whether he ’ d be replaced by Tom Brady .
The quarterback , by definition , must be a team leader , and Garoppolo served as a captain last season for the first time since his Eastern Illinois ’ days .
Garoppolo ’ s calm demeanor will need to ramp up for Revenge Tour 2020 .
He ’ ll be as fired up as anyone to make amends for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed from his Seattle Seahawks tenure , Sherman has been the locker room ’ s strongest advocate when it comes to player rights and the NFL ’ s beguiling rulebook .
He is only signed through this coming season .
The 49ers know how to get a hold of his agent – he represents himself .
He ’ s been a captain since returning from his 2017 rookie year , bringing reliable intensity and entertainment on and off the field .
He also made a heartfelt video in the wake of Staley ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Staley ’ s leadership script , Kittle said : “ Joe did a great job talking and inspiring guys .
He ’ s going to improve our team for multiple years to come even though he ’ s retired.
” He is the defense ’ s leading tackler and its circuit board , connecting all the different elements with the proper instructions .
His primal scream to start each practice last year was just one example how he ’ s more comfortable in a vocal role .
Staley groomed him , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a leadership role from the day he arrived as the 49ers ’ top draft pick in 2018 .
As an example of what he learned from Staley , McGlinchey said : “ He knows his teammates and where to push buttons , and where not to push buttons.
” Staley prided his leadership style on simply doing his job , and perhaps no 49er is better at their job than Bosa , the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year .
He is a media magnet , and while he doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s come through with blunt responses and timely humor .
This Harvard-educated , four-time Pro Bowler leads the way for the NFC ’ s most potent rushing attack , and his veteran standing commands respect throughout the team .
While running back Raheem Mostert most benefits from Juszczyk ’ s blocking , Mostert is also blossoming as a team-wide leader .
It ’ s hard to separate this tandem that ’ s been together since high school in Mobile , Alabama .
Ward is the longest-tenured 49er , as he returns for Year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal .
Aside from his hard-hitting ways and field awareness , Ward must now become more of a mentor .
Tartt ’ s influence on the secondary showed when the 49ers missed his communication skills throughout their December games , which he sat out with a rib injury .
He ’ s a low-key leader , which sometimes are the best .
Staley ’ s replacement at left tackle , Williams ’ work ethic and force is sure to open eyes .
His first four seasons in Washington were with Shanahan , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coaches , and his 10 years in the league will make him an apt enforcer .
“ It is a new locker room but there are a lot of familiar faces .
It won ’ t take any time getting comfortable , ” Williams said .
“ I just want to come in , lead by example , be the guy working .
Hopefully guys will work hard enough , take to it and believe in it.
” Another quiet , lead-by-working leader .
The 49ers chose to pay him , not Buckner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping fill that leadership void .
Imploring everyone to be “ legendary , ” no 49er can match his energy and enthusiasm , except perhaps Kendall Bourne , who himself can emerge as a leader .
Bosa called Alexander “ probably the MVP of our team ” as the linebacker returned from a pectoral tear for the playoffs .
If Alexander is healthy and leading both on and off the field , the 49ers will get their money ’ s worth from a pricey investment .
He was a 2018 captain , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t forget about the impact of this 16th-year veteran .
• Joe Staley on 49ers exit : ‘ Oh man , I ’ m going to miss football a lot ’

Strong voices remain inside the 49ers locker room. Some will get stronger.
“We’re all going to have an opportunity to step up and fill the shoes that Joe left behind,” tight end George Kittle said this week. “There’s not any one person that can do it, but we have a great group of guys that can come together to fill that role.”
Contrary to recent speculation, the 49ers still have leaders, and more will emerge this season. They just won’t be former captains Joe Staley and DeForest Buckner, all due respect to those model pros, with Staley now adrift in retirement and Buckner part of the Indianapolis Colts’ generous payroll.
Kittle is one of three captains returning from last season. Cornerback Richard Sherman and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo are the others.
The best leaders set the tone on the field, in the meeting rooms, and, for now, when they’re off mute on video conferences in the virtual offseason program.
When the 49ers rebuilt themselves from a 2-14 laughingstock to a NFC champion, they made sure one player alone was not responsible for leading them. It took a village, and inside each position group’s hut was a veteran’s guidance.
It also helps to have is a stable, harmonious hierarchy in coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch.
This is not a young, inexperienced team on the rise. This is a Super Bowl-caliber roster in which each player must hold each other accountable.
Mimicking Steve Mariucci’s method 20 years ago to have a “dirty dozen” leadership group, here are candidates with leadership traits, starting with the incumbent captains:
1. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo
He’s had an especially quiet offseason, aside from speculation whether he’d be replaced by Tom Brady. The quarterback, by definition, must be a team leader, and Garoppolo served as a captain last season for the first time since his Eastern Illinois’ days. Garoppolo’s calm demeanor will need to ramp up for Revenge Tour 2020. He’ll be as fired up as anyone to make amends for the Super Bowl loss.
2. Cornerback Richard Sherman
Two years removed from his Seattle Seahawks tenure, Sherman has been the locker room’s strongest advocate when it comes to player rights and the NFL’s beguiling rulebook. He is only signed through this coming season. The 49ers know how to get a hold of his agent – he represents himself.
3. Tight end George Kittle
He’s been a captain since returning from his 2017 rookie year, bringing reliable intensity and entertainment on and off the field. He also made a heartfelt video in the wake of Staley’s retirement announcement Sunday. Reflecting Tuesday on Staley’s leadership script, Kittle said: “Joe did a great job talking and inspiring guys. He’s going to improve our team for multiple years to come even though he’s retired.”
4. Linebacker Fred Warner
He is the defense’s leading tackler and its circuit board, connecting all the different elements with the proper instructions. His primal scream to start each practice last year was just one example how he’s more comfortable in a vocal role.
5. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey
Staley groomed him, but McGlinchey already looked comfortable and capable of a leadership role from the day he arrived as the 49ers’ top draft pick in 2018. As an example of what he learned from Staley, McGlinchey said: “He knows his teammates and where to push buttons, and where not to push buttons.”
6. Defensive end Nick Bosa
Staley prided his leadership style on simply doing his job, and perhaps no 49er is better at their job than Bosa, the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He is a media magnet, and while he doesn’t seek out the paparazzi, he’s come through with blunt responses and timely humor.
7. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk
This Harvard-educated, four-time Pro Bowler leads the way for the NFC’s most potent rushing attack, and his veteran standing commands respect throughout the team. While running back Raheem Mostert most benefits from Juszczyk’s blocking, Mostert is also blossoming as a team-wide leader.
8. Safeties Jaquiski Tartt and Jimmie Ward
It’s hard to separate this tandem that’s been together since high school in Mobile, Alabama. Ward is the longest-tenured 49er, as he returns for Year 7 after recently re-signing on a three-year deal. Aside from his hard-hitting ways and field awareness, Ward must now become more of a mentor. Tartt’s influence on the secondary showed when the 49ers missed his communication skills throughout their December games, which he sat out with a rib injury. He’s a low-key leader, which sometimes are the best.
9. Left tackle Trent Williams
Staley’s replacement at left tackle, Williams’ work ethic and force is sure to open eyes. His first four seasons in Washington were with Shanahan, so he knows what is demanded from the coaches, and his 10 years in the league will make him an apt enforcer.
“It is a new locker room but there are a lot of familiar faces. It won’t take any time getting comfortable,” Williams said. “I just want to come in, lead by example, be the guy working. Hopefully guys will work hard enough, take to it and believe in it.”
10. Defensive lineman Arik Armstead
Another quiet, lead-by-working leader. The 49ers chose to pay him, not Buckner, so Armstead will be tasked with helping fill that leadership void.
11. Linebacker Kwon Alexander
Imploring everyone to be “legendary,” no 49er can match his energy and enthusiasm, except perhaps Kendall Bourne, who himself can emerge as a leader. Bosa called Alexander “probably the MVP of our team” as the linebacker returned from a pectoral tear for the playoffs. If Alexander is healthy and leading both on and off the field, the 49ers will get their money’s worth from a pricey investment.
12. Kicker Robbie Gould
He was a 2018 captain, and he finished last season strong, so don’t forget about the impact of this 16th-year veteran.


mercurynews--2020-05-01--Disney unveils coronavirus masks with Mickey Mouse, Hulk and Baby Yoda characters

A new line of face masks with Disney , Pixar , Marvel and Star Wars characters will let Disneyland visitors add a little superhero , princess or intergalactic flair to their Disneybounding attire once the Anaheim theme park reopens following the COVID-19 pandemic .
Disney has unveiled 24 new cloth face coverings featuring Mickey Mouse , Hulk , Baby Yoda and other characters amid the continuing coronavirus outbreak .
Disney will donate masks and initial profits from the sales of the protective gear to a non-profit organization that collects and distributes donated medical supplies .
Disney ’ s two Anaheim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping mall remain closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Four-packs of the non-surgical , non-industrial grade face masks will be available for preorder in the United States for $ 19.99 on the ShopDisney online store .
“ We realize this is a challenging time for families and wearing any type of mask can be daunting , ” Disney store and shopDisney senior vice president Edward Park said in a statement .
“ Our hope is that Disney ’ s cloth face masks featuring some of our most beloved characters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans and communities that are so important to us.
” The new masks include designs featuring Minnie Mouse , Disney princesses , Little Mermaid , Anna and Elsa from Frozen , Forky from Toy Story , Woody and Buzz Lightyear , Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia , R2D2 and the Avengers , .
One series of masks features nose and mouth close-ups of Mickey Mouse , Winnie the Pooh and Marie from the Aristocats .
A Monsters Inc. mask features a close-up of Mike Wazowski ’ s lone eyeball .
The Baby Yoda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cup .
It ’ s not yet known whether the Disney , Pixar , Marvel and Star Wars masks will be sold at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure .
Disney is donating 1 million of the non-medical , reusable masks to MedShare , a non-profit humanitarian aid organization that collects and distributes donated medical supplies .
The donated masks will be distributed by MedShare to underserved communities and organizations working to limit the spread of COVID-19 in California , Florida and across the U.S. Up to $ 1 million in profits from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be donated to MedShare to support the medical community ’ s ongoing COVID-19 treatment efforts .
Disney has already donated more than 100,000 N95 masks to California , New York , Florida and Washington , D.C .

A new line of face masks with Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters will let Disneyland visitors add a little superhero, princess or intergalactic flair to their Disneybounding attire once the Anaheim theme park reopens following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disney has unveiled 24 new cloth face coverings featuring Mickey Mouse, Hulk, Baby Yoda and other characters amid the continuing coronavirus outbreak.
Disney will donate masks and initial profits from the sales of the protective gear to a non-profit organization that collects and distributes donated medical supplies.
Disney’s two Anaheim theme parks, three hotels and outdoor shopping mall remain closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Four-packs of the non-surgical, non-industrial grade face masks will be available for preorder in the United States for $19.99 on the ShopDisney online store.
“We realize this is a challenging time for families and wearing any type of mask can be daunting,” Disney store and shopDisney senior vice president Edward Park said in a statement. “Our hope is that Disney’s cloth face masks featuring some of our most beloved characters will provide comfort to the families, fans and communities that are so important to us.”
The new masks include designs featuring Minnie Mouse, Disney princesses, Little Mermaid, Anna and Elsa from Frozen, Forky from Toy Story, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, R2D2 and the Avengers,.
One series of masks features nose and mouth close-ups of Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Marie from the Aristocats. A Monsters Inc. mask features a close-up of Mike Wazowski’s lone eyeball. The Baby Yoda mask features The Child drinking from a cup.
It’s not yet known whether the Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars masks will be sold at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
Disney is donating 1 million of the non-medical, reusable masks to MedShare, a non-profit humanitarian aid organization that collects and distributes donated medical supplies. The donated masks will be distributed by MedShare to underserved communities and organizations working to limit the spread of COVID-19 in California, Florida and across the U.S.
Up to $1 million in profits from the U.S. sales of the Disney coronavirus masks will be donated to MedShare to support the medical community’s ongoing COVID-19 treatment efforts.
Disney has already donated more than 100,000 N95 masks to California, New York, Florida and Washington, D.C.


mercurynews--2020-05-01--Letter: Embarrassed we don’t back our president in eyes of the world

A letter titled “ Embarrassed by Trump ’ s comments and actions ” appeared in the April 28 edition of the East Bay Times letters to the editor .
This letter , though I ’ m sure well-meaning , carried the same message many others do with misinformation that is typical of what the media does in “ spinning facts ” to meet their agenda .
No question the majority of readers are anti-Trump , however , either fortunately or unfortunately , Donald Trump is our president until the end of the year and I ’ m embarrassed that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our elected president in the eyes of the world .
Yes , I get it that this will never happen , but I will try anyway .
• Letter : Iran ’ s behavior is better handled with diplomacy • Letter : Too bad Trump didn ’ t work his way up the corporate ladder • Letter : Biden is actually pushing an advancement of the ACA To all that hate Trump , I suggest you support him as your president until the next election and then vote him out of office .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ complain.
” Which are you ?
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

A letter titled “Embarrassed by Trump’s comments and actions” appeared in the April 28 edition of the East Bay Times letters to the editor.
This letter, though I’m sure well-meaning, carried the same message many others do with misinformation that is typical of what the media does in “spinning facts” to meet their agenda.
No question the majority of readers are anti-Trump, however, either fortunately or unfortunately, Donald Trump is our president until the end of the year and I’m embarrassed that we as a whole don’t support our elected president in the eyes of the world.
Yes, I get it that this will never happen, but I will try anyway.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps To all that hate Trump, I suggest you support him as your president until the next election and then vote him out of office. “Complainers never do and doers never complain.” Which are you?
William McGibbon
Benicia
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-05-01--Word Game: May 1, 2020

Word Game: May 1, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — RUTHLESS ( RUTHLESS : ROOTH-les : Having no compassion or pity . )
Can you @ @ @ @ @ in RUTHLESS ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the Word Game @ @ @ @ @ Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
Words must @ @ @ @ @ letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “ s @ @ @ @ @ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional words @ @ @ @ @ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For example , @ @ @ @ @ used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , but “ @ @ @ @ @ ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or vulgar or @ @ @ @ @ allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — RUTHLESS (RUTHLESS: ROOTH-les: Having no compassion or pity.)
Average mark 30 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 42 or more words in RUTHLESS? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — OINTMENT omen omit intent into intone item neon nine
none nonet note tenon tent time tine tint tome tone tote totem mention mien mine
mint mite mitt mitten monte mote motet emit
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


Bridge: May 1, 2020

Cy the Cynic says that if at first you don ’ t succeed , you and he have a lot in common .
Cy was today ’ s South .
When North raised to four hearts , Cy boldly cue-bid four spades to try for slam , and North was happy to cooperate .
( In a style where North ’ s two diamonds was forcing to game , North could have raised two hearts to three , forcing .
That style has advantages and drawbacks . )
Against six hearts , West led a diamond .
Cy took dummy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of trumps ride , but the finesse didn ’ t succeed .
West took the king and led a second diamond for down one .
“ Without that diamond lead , ” the Cynic grumbled , “ I ’ d have had time to finesse in clubs to try for a diamond discard when the trump finesse lost.
” Cy gave himself one chance when an extra chance was there .
At Trick Two , he leads the queen of trumps … to his ace .
When the king falls , Cy is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Cy could try a club to dummy ’ s queen , hoping to pitch his diamond loser on the ace .
You hold : S 9 7 H 5 4 2 D K Q 9 C K 10 8 3 2 .
Your partner opens one diamond , and the next player overcalls one spade .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : This is an uncomfortable position , but I suspect that a majority of experts would raise to two diamonds .
True , you would rather have four-card or better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening , but unless you show your support , such as it is , and some strength now , you may not have another chance .

Cy the Cynic says that if at first you don’t succeed, you and he have a lot in common.
Cy was today’s South. When North raised to four hearts, Cy boldly cue-bid four spades to try for slam, and North was happy to cooperate. (In a style where North’s two diamonds was forcing to game, North could have raised two hearts to three, forcing. That style has advantages and drawbacks.)
Against six hearts, West led a diamond. Cy took dummy’s ace and let the nine of trumps ride, but the finesse didn’t succeed. West took the king and led a second diamond for down one.
DISCARD
“Without that diamond lead,” the Cynic grumbled, “I’d have had time to finesse in clubs to try for a diamond discard when the trump finesse lost.”
Cy gave himself one chance when an extra chance was there. At Trick Two, he leads the queen of trumps … to his ace. When the king falls, Cy is home. If instead East-West played low, Cy could try a club to dummy’s queen, hoping to pitch his diamond loser on the ace.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 9 7 H 5 4 2 D K Q 9 C K 10 8 3 2. Your partner opens one diamond, and the next player overcalls one spade. What do you say?
ANSWER: This is an uncomfortable position, but I suspect that a majority of experts would raise to two diamonds. True, you would rather have four-card or better support to raise partner’s minor-suit opening, but unless you show your support, such as it is, and some strength now, you may not have another chance.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S Q 5
H Q 9 6 3
D A J 10 5 2
C A Q
WEST
S 8 6 4 2
H K
D 8 7 6
C J 9 6 5 4
EAST
S 9 7
H 5 4 2
D K Q 9
C K 10 8 3 2
SOUTH
S A K J 10 3
H A J 10 8 7
D 4 3
C 7
South West North East
1 S Pass 2 D Pass
2 H Pass 4 H Pass
4 S Pass 6 H All Pass
Opening lead — D 8
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--‘American Idol’: Danville’s Grace Leer on the night that changed her life

Some people can point to a particular moment — or event — that signaled a dramatic course correction in their lives .
For “ American Idol ” Top 20 contestant Grace Leer , it was what her mother calls the “ kitchen epiphany.
” Grace , a Danville native , was 24 at the time .
She had graduated from UC Berkeley , where she was a standout soccer player .
And now she was back living with her mom , Kristi , in San Ramon and earning money as a coach of two teams in the Mustang Soccer youth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side .
She also was the lead singer in a country band playing at wineries and bars around the Bay Area .
Music had long been Grace ’ s passion , but she didn ’ t know if it made sense as a career choice .
Should she keep at it , or give up ?
Should she attempt to get into nursing school — her “ backup plan ” — or try something else ?
Discouraged and confused , she was wracked with existential dread .
• ‘ American Idol ’ : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martin do enough to make the Top 10 ?
• ‘ American Idol ’ coming to you from San Ramon , Daly City and … all over the place • ‘ American Idol ’ Top 20 : Grace Leer vs. Lauren Mascitti — who made it ?
“ I was crying in the kitchen with my mom , ” recalls Grace , whose “ Idol ” journey continues Sunday night ( 8 p.m. , ABC ) .
“ What was I doing with my life ?
I really didn ’ t know .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m missing out on something.
” Frustrated by the scarcity of lucrative gigs in the Bay Area , Grace had often talked of moving to Nashville , the nation ’ s country music capital .
But talking about it and doing it were two different things .
“ There was always something holding her back , ” says Kristi , a physician assistant in general surgery for Kaiser in Walnut Creek .
“ She needed money to move out .
She needed money to buy a car … I finally had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s stopping you ?
You ’ re young .
You ’ ve got no ties.
’ … I just think it was the fear of the unknown .
The fear of leaving home.
” After hours of angsty discussion , Kristi threw down the gauntlet : She told her daughter that she couldn ’ t leave the kitchen until she booked a flight to Nashville — not to make a permanent move , but simply to check it out and get the lay of the land .
“ I said , ‘ Really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just go visit and see how you feel about it , ' ” Kristi recalls .
“ ‘ If it sucks , we don ’ t have to talk about it anymore .
You can shut up and move on to something else . '
” And so Grace flew to Nashville and was captivated by what she saw : The musicians and the passion and the whole dreamy , intoxicating scene .
Yes , it would be super competitive , but she had to take her shot .
Six months later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ packed up her Mazda and made the cross-country drive — with mom — to Tennessee , staying in “ dive motels ” along the way .
Soon afterward , she was joined there by Sonoma native Kyle Clouse , a songwriter and member of her band .
“ She gave me the kick in the butt that I needed to get me out of my comfort zone , ” Grace says of Kristi .
“ I ’ ve been growing and learning ever since.
” And ABC ’ s iconic singing competition has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After surviving several cuts and a Top 20 vote-off that pitted Grace against her friend and fellow Nashville resident Lauren Mascitti , she was back at her mom ’ s place in San Ramon last week as “ Idol , ” for the first time ever , staged a series of stay-at-home performances brought on by the coronavirus pandemic .
On Sunday , another big elimination looms as the field will be sliced in half to deliver a Top 10 to voting fans .
If Grace advances , the week leading up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel all the more special .
“ I ’ ve always known , that since she was a child , Grace was destined to sing , ” Kristi says .
“ I just didn ’ t know how , or when .
But now it ’ s really happening .
”

Some people can point to a particular moment — or event — that signaled a dramatic course correction in their lives. For “American Idol” Top 10 contestant Grace Leer, it was what her mother calls the “kitchen epiphany.”
Grace, a Danville native, was 24 at the time. She had graduated from UC Berkeley, where she was a standout soccer player. And now she was back living with her mom, Kristi, in San Ramon and earning money as a coach of two teams in the Mustang Soccer youth league while doing some babysitting on the side.
She also was the lead singer in a country band playing at wineries and bars around the Bay Area. Music had long been Grace’s passion, but she didn’t know if it made sense as a career choice.
Should she keep at it, or give up? Should she attempt to get into nursing school — her “backup plan” — or try something else?
Discouraged and confused, she was wracked with existential dread.
“I was crying in the kitchen with my mom,” recalls Grace, who moved into the “Idol” Top 10 last weekend with a rousing cover of “Over the Rainbow.”
“What was I doing with my life? I really didn’t know. I told her that I felt like I’m missing out on something.”
Frustrated by the scarcity of lucrative gigs in the Bay Area, Grace had often talked of moving to Nashville, the nation’s country music capital. But her mother knew that talking about it, and doing it, were very different things.
“There was always something holding her back,” says Kristi, a physician’s assistant in general surgery for Kaiser in Walnut Creek. “She needed money to move out. She needed money to buy a car … I finally had to tell her: ‘What’s stopping you? You’re young. You’ve got no ties.’ … I just think it was the fear of the unknown. The fear of leaving home.”
After hours of angsty discussion, Kristi threw down the gauntlet: She told her daughter that she couldn’t leave the kitchen until she booked a flight to Nashville — not to make a permanent move, but simply to check it out and get the lay of the land.
“I said, ‘Really, what’s the risk? Just go visit and see how you feel about it,'” Kristi recalls. “‘If it sucks, we don’t have to talk about it anymore. You can shut up and move on to something else.'”
And so Grace flew to Nashville and was captivated by what she saw: The musicians and the passion and the whole dreamy, intoxicating scene. Yes, she knew it would be super competitive, but she had to take her shot.
Six months later, in the spring of 2017, Grace packed up her Mazda and made the cross-country drive — with mom — to Tennessee, staying in “dive motels” along the way. Soon afterward, she was joined there by Sonoma native Kyle Clouse, a songwriter and member of her band.
“She gave me the kick in the butt that I needed to get me out of my comfort zone,” Grace says of Kristi. “I’ve been growing and learning ever since.”
And ABC’s iconic singing competition has been a big part of that growth. After surviving several cuts and a Top 20 vote-off that pitted Grace against her friend and fellow Nashville resident Lauren Mascitti, she was back at her mom’s place in San Ramon last week as “Idol” continued to stage stay-at-home performances brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
The journey so far has been an “opportunity of a lifetime and a career-changer,” claims Grace, who points to the massive exposure the show has afforded her.
“I’ve never had a fan base like this,” she says.
On Sunday, another big elimination looms as the field will be sliced to seven contestants. If Grace advances, Mother’s Day figures to feel all the more special for the woman who gave her talented daughter the push she needed.
“I’ve always known, that since she was a child, Grace was destined to sing,” Kristi says. “I just didn’t know how, or when. But now it’s really happening.”
Contact Chuck Barney at cbarney@bayareanewsgroup.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/chuckbarney and Facebook.com/bayareanewsgroup.chuckbarney.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--South Bay juvenile hall youth tests positive for COVID-19

SAN JOSE – Authorities on Friday confirmed a youth at Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall has tested positive for COVID-19 .
The youth was admitted to the facility about two weeks ago , the county probation department said in a statement .
“ Given the prevalence of COVID-19 in our community , the County of Santa Clara Probation Department had been planning for the possibility that a youth or staff member in Juvenile Hall might test positive , and had been following best practices for evaluating the youth following admission to our juvenile detention facilities , ” the department said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the youth with the general population , the department said .
After testing positive , the youth was moved to a medical clinic within the facility , the department said .
The department said all youths and staff members who had “ significant contact ” with the youth are being tested .
None of the tests completed so far have come back positive .
“ While we are saddened that a youth in our care tested positive for COVID-19 , we assure you that this youth and other youths are receiving excellent health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the department said .
Total cases in the county grew by 16 on Friday , bringing the total to 2,179 , according to data compiled by this news organization .
The death toll also increased to 113 , with two new deaths .

SAN JOSE – Authorities on Friday confirmed a youth at Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall has tested positive for COVID-19.
The youth was admitted to the facility about two weeks ago, the county probation department said in a statement.
“Given the prevalence of COVID-19 in our community, the County of Santa Clara Probation Department had been planning for the possibility that a youth or staff member in Juvenile Hall might test positive, and had been following best practices for evaluating the youth following admission to our juvenile detention facilities,” the department said.
Those best practices included not placing the youth with the general population, the department said.
After testing positive, the youth was moved to a medical clinic within the facility, the department said.
The department said all youths and staff members who had “significant contact” with the youth are being tested. None of the tests completed so far have come back positive.
“While we are saddened that a youth in our care tested positive for COVID-19, we assure you that this youth and other youths are receiving excellent health care and the youth is doing well,” the department said.
Total cases in the county grew by 16 on Friday, bringing the total to 2,179, according to data compiled by this news organization. The death toll also increased to 113, with two new deaths.