mercurynews--2020-01-20--Super Bowl Cheat Sheet: 54 things to know about the 49ers-Chiefs matchup [Kurtenbach]

1 .
Let ’ s start with the concerns for San Francisco .
The 49ers have had problems with two things this season , and Kansas City presents both of those things in spades .
They , of course , are : — A mobile quarterback who can extend plays ( Patrick Mahomes ) — An A-gap star on the defense ( defensive tackle Chris Jones ) 2 .
In the games the 49ers faced a mobile quarterback ( Arizona , Seattle , Baltimore ) , they went 3-2 .
We also saw the Rams and Falcons ( a shootout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to turn their unathletic quarterbacks into runners .
It worked for six of the eight quarters the 49ers played against those teams .
3 .
Mobile quarterbacks don ’ t kill the 49ers because they run for first downs .
No , the big issue is that they extend plays to pass the ball against the 49ers ’ zone defense .
No one can defend receivers for five , six , seven seconds , but receivers can find the weak spot in the zone ( they all have them ) with that kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thanks to his Russell Wilson or mid-2010 ’ s Aaron Rodgers-like ability to extend plays with his feet , often finds himself with 10 yards of open space ahead of him to run .
He ’ ll take it on occasion , but there are also times where he ’ ll pass up the free first down because he can throw the ball — on the run and sometimes across his body — further .
5 .
Let ’ s take a second point to really hammer that point home… He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are massive plays he can take downfield with his throwing .
And he almost always makes the right call and delivers the ball in the right place at the right time ( even if he ’ s on the run and throwing across his body ) .
6 .
It shouldn ’ t surprise you that Mahomes is the single-best quarterback in the NFL at beating zone coverage .
No .
1 in Total QBR against zone , No .
2 in yards per drop back .
7 .
The 49ers ’ defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NFL — almost two-thirds of their snaps .
When they play zone , they allow the fewest yards per quarterback drop back .
8 .
This is the single most interesting part of the Super Bowl , and this is the most interesting Super Bowl in years .
Strength vs. strength .
Elite team scheme vs. elite quarterback talent .
It ’ s downright existential .
9 .
That said , the 49ers going to a man-to-man-heavy scheme is a dangerous proposition , because of Kansas City ’ s speed demons at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Next Gen Stats , the Chiefs average 15.4 miles per hour per reception this season .
They ’ re the only team in the NFL with three receivers to hit 21 miles per hour in a game this year .
It ’ s stupid fast .
11 .
Richard Sherman — who was roasted by Green Bay ’ s Davonte Adams in the NFC Championship Game for 60-plus yards and was then roasted again by former NFL corner and man-to-man savant Darrell Revis on Twitter for being a zone-only corner after the contest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
12 .
At the same time , the 49ers have arguably the most physical secondary in the league .
Does strength beat speed ?
• Super Bowl : Ex-49er Frank Gore shows he ’ s still in their corner • 49ers unveil Super Bowl fan travel packages to Miami ; other flight and hotel options available • 49ers Coleman not ruled out of Super Bowl despite dislocated shoulder • NFL TV ratings : Who drew more viewers — 49ers or Chiefs ?
13 .
Back to Mahomes : When I say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s not hyperbole .
When it comes to quarterbacks in the game today , it ’ s Mahomes , a gap , Wilson , a gap , and then everyone else .
( Yes , that includes Lamar Jackson . )
14 .
Simply put , Mahomes is the single greatest quarterback I ’ ve ever seen toss a pigskin around an NFL field .
He ’ s the position fully actualized .
No , he ’ s the equivalent of creating a player in Madden , sliding all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be kind and dropping his speed down to something like 80 because you want to make the game slightly interesting .
15 .
But that 80-speed rating reached 16 miles per hour on his memorable 27-yard touchdown run in the AFC Championship Game .
He ’ s unreal .
16 .
As for the Chiefs ’ A-gap star , defensive tackle Chris Jones : Outside of Aaron Donald , he might be the best pass rusher the league at that position ( and that ’ s an overloaded position ) .
17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Chiefs ( he had limited snaps because of a calf injury ) in the AFC Championship Game , Kansas City pressured Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill on 39 percent of drop-backs .
When he was off the field , that number dropped to 6 percent .
He ’ s expected to be fully healthy for the Super Bowl .
18 .
In the two weeks following starting center Weston Richburg going down for the season against the Saints , the 49ers played two games against elite defensive tackles .
They subsequently lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was immense in the contest ) and nearly lost to Donald and the Rams ( he , too , was awesome ) .
Now-starter Ben Garland has improved in pass protection since those trials by fire , but he ’ s still the weak link of the 49ers ’ dominant offensive line .
19 .
Garoppolo completed 73 percent of his passes this season between the numbers — aka in the middle of the field .
That ’ s the highest percentage in the NFL .
20 .
Shanahan is so good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he can consistently provide Garoppolo throwing lanes to a predetermined receiver over the middle .
To Garoppolo ’ s credit : Some of these throws are tough , and he has to throw it into tight windows .
But a disruptive pass rush up the middle makes it more difficult to make those throws — the backbone of the 49ers ’ passing game .
Stopping Jones needs to be priority No .
1 for San Francisco ’ s blockers .
• Super Bowl : Ex-49er Frank Gore shows he ’ s still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowl fan travel packages to Miami ; other flight and hotel options available • 49ers Coleman not ruled out of Super Bowl despite dislocated shoulder • NFL TV ratings : Who drew more viewers — 49ers or Chiefs ?
21 .
My impression of the Chiefs ’ offensive line : solid but beatable .
Especially for the 49ers ’ pass rushers .
22 .
The weaknesses lie up the middle for Kansas City — stunts could really give these guys problems .
The 49ers are really good at stunts .
23 .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz is as good a one-two as there is in the league .
24 .
So how do you beat those two ?
Well , it helps to have elite defensive ends .
The Niners have that .
To beat Fisher , I think you need power — his core injury from earlier this season doesn ’ t help him out there .
To beat Schwartz — a master technician — the Niners will probably need speed .
He can be a bit late out of the gate .
25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chiefs o-line , the more they reminded me of the Packers ’ big boys up front .
That bodes well for San Francisco , even if the quarterbacks behind those two offensive lines couldn ’ t be more different .
26 .
It ’ s critically important that the 49ers ’ defensive line has a big game .
Not only is it part of the team ’ s core identity , but it ’ s also the only path known to slowing down Mahomes ( to whatever degree you can do that ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterback in the NFL who had a positive DVOA while under pressure in 2018 .
But when he isn ’ t pressured , he has a career 117.4 passer rating .
28 .
In the AFC Championship Game , the Titans , who do not boast an elite pass rush , flustered Mahomes the few times they were able to reach him .
When pressured Sunday , he went 3-for-10 for nine yards .
Against the blitz , he only completed one of five passes .
But when he wasn ’ t pressured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards and three touchdowns .
29 .
If the 49ers can get to Mahomes , either with four up front or a blitz they stand a chance of slowing him down and keeping Kansas City under 30 points .
That said , they ’ ll be burned a fair amount too — no matter how much they mix up and disguise coverages .
That ’ s what happens when you play with fire .
30 .
Mahomes has thrown 18 interceptions in his career .
Per NFL Next Gen Stats , 16 have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 .
The Patriots did a great job of mixing up coverages in the teams ’ game at Foxborough this season — they didn ’ t that the pass rush to fully capitalize .
I expect the 49ers ’ staff to spend a lot of time with that game film .
32 .
I ’ m not sure if 49ers ’ defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will sleep this week .
33 .
The Chiefs ’ run game is unimpressive .
Their offense will come through the air or on scrambles .
• Super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s still in their corner • 49ers unveil Super Bowl fan travel packages to Miami ; other flight and hotel options available • 49ers Coleman not ruled out of Super Bowl despite dislocated shoulder • NFL TV ratings : Who drew more viewers — 49ers or Chiefs ?
34 .
The 49ers ’ offense is No .
1 in the NFL in using motion , moving guys before the snap on roughly 70 percent of their plays .
The Chiefs , at nearly 60 percent , are second .
In-snap motion is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both Kansas City and the 49ers love to run the ball with wide receivers .
35 .
The Chiefs ’ defense improved significantly over the course of the season .
Kansas City is pushing a narrative that they are now an elite run-stopping unit , but I don ’ t see that to be the case .
36 .
Unless the Chiefs overload the box , the 49ers should have no problem running on Kansas City in the Super Bowl .
The Chiefs allowed the fourth-most yards per rush after contact this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led the NFL in yards before contact ( 3.2 ) .
Combine the two and you have something impressive .
37 .
Garoppolo will have to throw , though .
In the modern NFL — with the rules they way they are — you can ’ t beat a prolific passing attack with a prolific running attack .
38 .
I know that Tennessee ’ s Derrick Henry only ran for 69 yards in the AFC Championship Game , but Kansas City sold out to stop him and Tennessee ’ s play-calling was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overrated .
( Sixty-one percent of Henry ’ s yardage in the Titans ’ first two playoff games came after contact . )
39 .
The Chiefs have been one of the NFL ’ s best defenses against play-action passes since Week 11 , when they started to implement more press coverage with their cornerbacks .
Going into the NFL Championship Game , they had allowed only a 38 Total QBR to opposing quarterbacks over that stretch .
40 .
In watching all those games , I think that strong performance had more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposing quarterbacks than anything the defense was doing .
• Super Bowl : Ex-49er Frank Gore shows he ’ s still in their corner • 49ers unveil Super Bowl fan travel packages to Miami ; other flight and hotel options available • 49ers Coleman not ruled out of Super Bowl despite dislocated shoulder • NFL TV ratings : Who drew more viewers — 49ers or Chiefs ?
41 .
The Chiefs dared Tennessee quarterback Ryan Tannehill to beat them Sunday .
He couldn ’ t do it because his coaches didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
( Though I ’ m not sure if that was the whole problem . )
Tennessee ran the ball for the sake of running the ball , not because it was the prudent thing to do based on the looks the Chiefs gave them .
42 .
Shanahan never makes that mistake .
Some would say that was his downfall the last time he coached in a Super Bowl .
43 .
Chiefs coach Andy Reid sometimes does .
He ’ s a brilliant play-caller , but he often calls plays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Kansas City ’ s questionable red-zone play .
44 .
Then again , when you have Mahomes and more speed than anyone else in the NFL out wide , what ’ s the incentive to try harder .
45 .
In selling out to stop the Titans run game Sunday , the creeping Chiefs ’ linebackers left wide-open portions of field between them and their safeties .
If they do the same in the Super Bowl , that ’ ll open up the 49ers ’ sweet spot .
( If they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chiefs cornerbacks don ’ t inspire fear .
Shanahan , with two weeks to prepare , should scheme up more than a few “ chunk ” plays in the passing game .
47 .
Tyrann Mathieu is a winner .
Rarely do you see a small guy finish so many tackles , so many plays .
The Honey Badger is everywhere .
48 .
The absence of rookie safety Juan Thornhill , who tore his ACL in Week 17 , looms large on the Chiefs defense .
Without him , Kansas City is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is often playing at the line of scrimmage .
For a team that plays with a single-high safety a good percentage of the time , not having a dedicated free safety is a big red flag .
Don ’ t be surprised if Shanahan makes that position the focal point of his offensive game plan .
49 .
The last time the Super Bowl was in South Florida , Devin Hester returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown .
Don ’ t be stunned if that happens again if Kansas City receives to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is probably the best kick returner in the game and has absolutely blazing speed .
Even a strong special teams unit , like the 49ers , can get got .
• Super Bowl : Ex-49er Frank Gore shows he ’ s still in their corner • 49ers unveil Super Bowl fan travel packages to Miami ; other flight and hotel options available • 49ers Coleman not ruled out of Super Bowl despite dislocated shoulder • NFL TV ratings : Who drew more viewers — 49ers or Chiefs ?
50 .
Chiefs kicker Harrison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for days , and while Kansas City rarely needs to test it because they can pick up yards at will , in this game , against this defense , it that could be the difference in this contest .
51 .
Super Bowl LIV is unquestionably the best tight-end showdown in the game ’ s history .
Eat it Super Bowl LII .
52 .
Tight ends average 26 yards per game when 49ers safety Jaquiski Tartt plays this season .
Travis Kelce is going to put that to the test .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards from the slot , including playoffs .
That ’ s the second-most yards of any player at any position .
53 .
Niners tight end George Kittle leads the NFL in yards after the catch since 2017 .
Not amongst tight ends , amongst all positions .
That ’ s the Shanahan over-the-middle passing game at its best .
54 .
I think this game is going to be a shootout .
I don ’ t know who should win it just yet .

1. Let’s start with the concerns for San Francisco. The 49ers have had problems with two things this season, and Kansas City presents both of those things in spades. They, of course, are:
— A mobile quarterback who can extend plays (Patrick Mahomes)
— An A-gap star on the defense (defensive tackle Chris Jones)
2. In the games the 49ers faced a mobile quarterback (Arizona, Seattle, Baltimore), they went 3-2. We also saw the Rams and Falcons (a shootout and a loss, respectively) try to turn their unathletic quarterbacks into runners. It worked for six of the eight quarters the 49ers played against those teams.
3. Mobile quarterbacks don’t kill the 49ers because they run for first downs. No, the big issue is that they extend plays to pass the ball against the 49ers’ zone defense. No one can defend receivers for five, six, seven seconds, but receivers can find the weak spot in the zone (they all have them) with that kind of time.
4. Mahomes, thanks to his Russell Wilson or mid-2010’s Aaron Rodgers-like ability to extend plays with his feet, often finds himself with 10 yards of open space ahead of him to run. He’ll take it on occasion, but there are also times where he’ll pass up the free first down because he can throw the ball — on the run and sometimes across his body — further.
5. Let’s take a second point to really hammer that point home… He’s passing up free first downs because there are massive plays he can take downfield with his throwing. And he almost always makes the right call and delivers the ball in the right place at the right time (even if he’s on the run and throwing across his body).
6. It shouldn’t surprise you that Mahomes is the single-best quarterback in the NFL at beating zone coverage. No. 1 in Total QBR against zone, No. 2 in yards per drop back.
7. The 49ers’ defense ran zone more than any team in the NFL — almost two-thirds of their snaps. When they play zone, they allow the fewest yards per quarterback drop back.
8. This is the single most interesting part of the Super Bowl, and this is the most interesting Super Bowl in years. Strength vs. strength. Elite team scheme vs. elite quarterback talent. It’s downright existential.
9. That said, the 49ers going to a man-to-man-heavy scheme is a dangerous proposition, because of Kansas City’s speed demons at wide receiver.
10. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, the Chiefs average 15.4 miles per hour per reception this season. They’re the only team in the NFL with three receivers to hit 21 miles per hour in a game this year. It’s stupid fast.
11. Richard Sherman — who was roasted by Green Bay’s Davante Adams in the NFC Championship Game for 60-plus yards and was then roasted again by former NFL corner and man-to-man savant Darrelle Revis on Twitter for being a zone-only corner after the contest — has his work cut out for him.
12. At the same time, the 49ers have arguably the most physical secondary in the league. Does strength beat speed?
13. Back to Mahomes: When I say he’s on a different level, it’s not hyperbole. When it comes to quarterbacks in the game today, it’s Mahomes, a gap, Wilson, a gap, and then everyone else. (Yes, that includes Lamar Jackson.)
14. Simply put, Mahomes is the single greatest quarterback I’ve ever seen toss a pigskin around an NFL field. He’s the position fully actualized. No, he’s the equivalent of creating a player in Madden, sliding all the ratings to 99, but then deciding to be kind and dropping his speed down to something like 80 because you want to make the game slightly interesting.
15. But that 80-speed rating reached 16 miles per hour on his memorable 27-yard touchdown run in the AFC Championship Game. He’s unreal.
16. As for the Chiefs’ A-gap star, defensive tackle Chris Jones: Outside of Aaron Donald, he might be the best pass rusher the league at that position (and that’s an overloaded position).
17. When Jones was on the field for the Chiefs (he had limited snaps because of a calf injury) in the AFC Championship Game, Kansas City pressured Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill on 39 percent of drop-backs. When he was off the field, that number dropped to 6 percent. He’s expected to be fully healthy for the Super Bowl.
18. In the two weeks following starting center Weston Richburg going down for the season against the Saints, the 49ers played two games against elite defensive tackles. They subsequently lost to Grady Jarrett and the Falcons (he was immense in the contest) and nearly lost to Donald and the Rams (he, too, was awesome). Now-starter Ben Garland has improved in pass protection since those trials by fire, but he’s still the weak link of the 49ers’ dominant offensive line.
19. Garoppolo completed 73 percent of his passes this season between the numbers — aka in the middle of the field. That’s the highest percentage in the NFL.
20. Shanahan is so good at drawing up plays and manipulating defenses that he can consistently provide Garoppolo throwing lanes to a predetermined receiver over the middle. To Garoppolo’s credit: Some of these throws are tough, and he has to throw it into tight windows. But a disruptive pass rush up the middle makes it more difficult to make those throws — the backbone of the 49ers’ passing game. Stopping Jones needs to be priority No. 1 for San Francisco’s blockers.
21. My impression of the Chiefs’ offensive line: solid but beatable. Especially for the 49ers’ pass rushers.
22. The weaknesses lie up the middle for Kansas City — stunts could really give these guys problems. The 49ers are really good at stunts.
23. That said, the tackle duo of Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz is as good a one-two as there is in the league.
24. So how do you beat those two? Well, it helps to have elite defensive ends. The Niners have that. To beat Fisher, I think you need power — his core injury from earlier this season doesn’t help him out there. To beat Schwartz — a master technician — the Niners will probably need speed. He can be a bit late out of the gate.
25. The more I watched of the Chiefs o-line, the more they reminded me of the Packers’ big boys up front. That bodes well for San Francisco, even if the quarterbacks behind those two offensive lines couldn’t be more different.
26. It’s critically important that the 49ers’ defensive line has a big game. Not only is it part of the team’s core identity, but it’s also the only path known to slowing down Mahomes (to whatever degree you can do that).
27. Mahomes was the only quarterback in the NFL who had a positive DVOA while under pressure in 2018. But when he isn’t pressured, he has a career 117.4 passer rating.
28. In the AFC Championship Game, the Titans, who do not boast an elite pass rush, flustered Mahomes the few times they were able to reach him. When pressured Sunday, he went 3-for-10 for nine yards. Against the blitz, he only completed one of five passes. But when he wasn’t pressured, he completed 20-of-25 throws for 285 yards and three touchdowns.
29. If the 49ers can get to Mahomes, either with four up front or a blitz they stand a chance of slowing him down and keeping Kansas City under 30 points. That said, they’ll be burned a fair amount too — no matter how much they mix up and disguise coverages. That’s what happens when you play with fire.
30. Mahomes has thrown 18 interceptions in his career. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, 16 have come against four or fewer rushers.
31. The Patriots did a great job of mixing up coverages in the teams’ game at Foxborough this season — they didn’t that the pass rush to fully capitalize. I expect the 49ers’ staff to spend a lot of time with that game film.
32. I’m not sure if 49ers’ defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will sleep this week.
33. The Chiefs’ run game is unimpressive. Their offense will come through the air or on scrambles.
34. The 49ers’ offense is No. 1 in the NFL in using motion, moving guys before the snap on roughly 70 percent of their plays. The Chiefs, at nearly 60 percent, are second. In-snap motion is also going to come in heavy doses. Both Kansas City and the 49ers love to run the ball with wide receivers.
35. The Chiefs’ defense improved significantly over the course of the season. Kansas City is pushing a narrative that they are now an elite run-stopping unit, but I don’t see that to be the case.
36. Unless the Chiefs overload the box, the 49ers should have no problem running on Kansas City in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs allowed the fourth-most yards per rush after contact this season (1.8). The 49ers led the NFL in yards before contact (3.2). Combine the two and you have something impressive.
37. Garoppolo will have to throw, though. In the modern NFL — with the rules they way they are — you can’t beat a prolific passing attack with a prolific running attack.
38. I know that Tennessee’s Derrick Henry only ran for 69 yards in the AFC Championship Game, but Kansas City sold out to stop him and Tennessee’s play-calling was predictable while their offensive line was dramatically overrated. (Sixty-one percent of Henry’s yardage in the Titans’ first two playoff games came after contact.)
39. The Chiefs have been one of the NFL’s best defenses against play-action passes since Week 11, when they started to implement more press coverage with their cornerbacks. Going into the NFL Championship Game, they had allowed only a 38 Total QBR to opposing quarterbacks over that stretch.
40. In watching all those games, I think that strong performance had more to do with Kansas City playing bad opposing quarterbacks than anything the defense was doing.
41. The Chiefs dared Tennessee quarterback Ryan Tannehill to beat them Sunday. He couldn’t do it because his coaches didn’t put him in a position to do it. (Though I’m not sure if that was the whole problem.) Tennessee ran the ball for the sake of running the ball, not because it was the prudent thing to do based on the looks the Chiefs gave them.
42. Shanahan never makes that mistake. Some would say that was his downfall the last time he coached in a Super Bowl.
43. Chiefs coach Andy Reid sometimes does. He’s a brilliant play-caller, but he often calls plays in a vacuum. This is evidenced by Kansas City’s questionable red-zone play.
44. Then again, when you have Mahomes and more speed than anyone else in the NFL out wide, what’s the incentive to try harder.
45. In selling out to stop the Titans run game Sunday, the creeping Chiefs’ linebackers left wide-open portions of field between them and their safeties. If they do the same in the Super Bowl, that’ll open up the 49ers’ sweet spot. (If they can stop Jones.)
46. The Chiefs cornerbacks don’t inspire fear. Shanahan, with two weeks to prepare, should scheme up more than a few “chunk” plays in the passing game.
47. Tyrann Mathieu is a winner. Rarely do you see a small guy finish so many tackles, so many plays. The Honey Badger is everywhere.
48. The absence of rookie safety Juan Thornhill, who tore his ACL in Week 17, looms large on the Chiefs defense. Without him, Kansas City is rotating defensive backs opposite Mathieu, who is often playing at the line of scrimmage. For a team that plays with a single-high safety a good percentage of the time, not having a dedicated free safety is a big red flag. Don’t be surprised if Shanahan makes that position the focal point of his offensive game plan.
49. In 2007, when the Super Bowl was in South Florida, Devin Hester returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Don’t be stunned if that happens again if Kansas City receives to start the game — rookie Mecole Hardman is probably the best kick returner in the game and has absolutely blazing speed. Even a strong special teams unit, like the 49ers, can get got.
50. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is elite. Dude has leg for days, and while Kansas City rarely needs to test it because they can pick up yards at will, in this game, against this defense, it that could be the difference in this contest.
51. Super Bowl LIV is unquestionably the best tight-end showdown in the game’s history. Eat it Super Bowl LII.
52. Tight ends average 26 yards per game when 49ers safety Jaquiski Tartt plays this season. Travis Kelce is going to put that to the test. Since 2018, Kelce has nearly 1,400 receiving yards from the slot, including playoffs. That’s the second-most yards of any player at any position.
53. Niners tight end George Kittle leads the NFL in yards after the catch since 2017. Not amongst tight ends, amongst all positions. That’s the Shanahan over-the-middle passing game at its best.
54. I think this game is going to be a shootout. I don’t know who should win it just yet.


mercurynews--2020-01-20--Pot sales on the Oregon-Idaho border are 420% higher than average

Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction .
Marijuana sales in Oregon along the state ’ s border with Idaho are booming , according to the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis ( OEA ) .
That ’ s to be expected , given that recreational marijuana isn ’ t legal in Idaho , but the numbers are still surprising — in more ways than one .
“ In things you can not make up , Oregon sales per adult along the Idaho border are 420 % the statewide average , ” Josh Lehner , an economist with the OEA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes , the very same number that happens to be code for smoking marijuana .
Cue the giggling .
Oregon ’ s uptick in marijuana sales along the Idaho border doesn ’ t necessarily mean that it ’ s all Idahoans who are lighting up , Lehner said .
The boost in sales could also be coming from other customers who are traveling from even farther away or from other Oregonians passing through the area , he said .
Washington is also seeing higher-than-average marijuana sales along its border with Idaho , Lehner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this pattern to a border effect , or a phenomenon observed when neighboring jurisdictions have different rules , regulations or tax rates for one industry or product .
Recreational marijuana is legal in both Oregon and Washington , while the substance remains illegal in Idaho for all purposes .
About 75 % of marijuana sales in Oregon and 35 % of sales in Washington in counties along the borders with Idaho appear to be due to the border effect , Lehner said , citing data from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Obviously recreational marijuana is not legal in Idaho , but even after throwing the data into a rough border tax model that accounts for incomes , number of retailers , tax rates and the like , there remains a huge border effect , ” he wrote .
Even though marijuana is legal in both Oregon and Washington , the counties on the border between the states are seeing a border effect of their own .
Overall , sales are 16 % higher per capita on the Oregon side of the border , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is likely because Washington has fewer retailers and Oregon has lower taxes , Lehner said .
• Jury convicts two in East Bay marijuana robbery/shooting death , including defendant who was miles away at the time • Gov .
Newsom ’ s budget calls for changing how California regulates its Marijuana industry “ This speaks to product availability and the final price to consumers being key driving factors in consumer spending patterns , which create much of the border effect , ” he wrote .
While the 420 % statistic is a fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to last long .
Recreational marijuana sales are expected to increase significantly in the decade ahead , according to the OEA analysis .
“ Our office ’ s forecast calls for sales to grow approximately 80 % over this time period as incomes grow , the state ’ s population increases , and marijuana becomes more socially acceptable and usage rates rise , ” Lehner wrote .

By Harmeet Kaur | CNN
Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction.
Marijuana sales in Oregon along the state’s border with Idaho are booming, according to the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA). That’s to be expected, given that recreational marijuana isn’t legal in Idaho, but the numbers are still surprising — in more ways than one.
“In things you cannot make up, Oregon sales per adult along the Idaho border are 420% the statewide average,” Josh Lehner, an economist with the OEA, wrote in a post on Friday.
Yes, the very same number that happens to be code for smoking marijuana. Cue the giggling.
Oregon’s uptick in marijuana sales along the Idaho border doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s all Idahoans who are lighting up, Lehner said. The boost in sales could also be coming from other customers who are traveling from even farther away or from other Oregonians passing through the area, he said.
Washington is also seeing higher-than-average marijuana sales along its border with Idaho, Lehner said in the post. He attributed this pattern to a border effect, or a phenomenon observed when neighboring jurisdictions have different rules, regulations or tax rates for one industry or product.
Recreational marijuana is legal in both Oregon and Washington, while the substance remains illegal in Idaho for all purposes.
About 75% of marijuana sales in Oregon and 35% of sales in Washington in counties along the borders with Idaho appear to be due to the border effect, Lehner said, citing data from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission and the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
“Obviously recreational marijuana is not legal in Idaho, but even after throwing the data into a rough border tax model that accounts for incomes, number of retailers, tax rates and the like, there remains a huge border effect,” he wrote.
Even though marijuana is legal in both Oregon and Washington, the counties on the border between the states are seeing a border effect of their own. Overall, sales are 16% higher per capita on the Oregon side of the border, according to the OEA analysis. This is likely because Washington has fewer retailers and Oregon has lower taxes, Lehner said.
“This speaks to product availability and the final price to consumers being key driving factors in consumer spending patterns, which create much of the border effect,” he wrote.
While the 420% statistic is a fun coincidence, don’t expect it to last long. Recreational marijuana sales are expected to increase significantly in the decade ahead, according to the OEA analysis.
“Our office’s forecast calls for sales to grow approximately 80% over this time period as incomes grow, the state’s population increases, and marijuana becomes more socially acceptable and usage rates rise,” Lehner wrote.


mercurynews--2020-01-20--Warriors mailbag: D’Angelo Russell trolling and contributors for next season

Thanks as always to everyone who asked questions .
You can send questions for future mailbags to wgoldberg @ bayareanewsgroup.com or on Twitter to @ wcgoldberg .
Q : I hope he gets traded PRONTO .
What an [ expletive ] , basically spitting in the face of Bay Area fans .
– @ niner_raccoon / Trade him NOW !
Hell no you wear that jersey unless you want out .
# HeGone – Funcis / Trade him immediately !
In an Aaron Rodgers jersey the night before the NFC Title game .
No thanks – Cliff Callero / Unacceptable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greek Freak – Rome ( And several other comments just like these . )
WG : No , these were not exactly submissions for the weekly mailbag , but they were replies to a video I tweeted of D ’ Angelo Russell , on the eve of the 49ers ’ win over the Packers to advance to the Super Bowl , wearing an Aaron Rodgers jersey to his postgame press conference following a win over the Magic .
I realize I ’ m about to step into a pit of snakes , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Full disclosure : I ’ m from South Florida .
My football team , the Dolphins , has made more headlines for stuff off the field — Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin , an assistant coach doing cocaine and taping it for his wife , Ricky Williams retiring , Ricky Williams un-retiring , Nick Saban cowardly abandoning the team after two seasons , Jeff Ireland ’ s prostitute questions , Kenny Stills ’ beef with the team owner , etc .
— than on the field .
What I ’ m saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what winning in the NFL is like , and so I can not fully understand the high-wire anxieties Niners fans were feeling Saturday night .
That said , simmer down .
Let ’ s forget the fact that Russell has been friends with Aaron Rodgers since the two worked out together in 2015 .
Let ’ s forget the fact that Russell hasn ’ t even lived in the Bay Area for six months and has been a Packers fan for years ( hey , his team was playing in that game , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let go of the remarkably naive and entitled sentiment that you think the Warriors can just trade Russell for Giannis .
Why so serious ?
If your answer is , “ Hey , that ’ s what Twitter is for , ” then I can ’ t argue with you .
Good point .
But I think even in the elevated echo chamber that is social media in 2020 , there are kernels of truth .
You folks were really upset .
I won ’ t talk you out of it .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part .
But , if you were upset , maybe think harder about why Russell ’ s decision to wear the jersey upset you .
Was it a troll move by Russell ?
Yes , 100 % .
When I asked him about it after the press conference , all he did was turn and point both thumbs at the name on the back .
He baited you , and you took the bait .
He ’ s 23 years old and social-media savvy enough to know that his outfit would become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tone deaf , as he ’ s been accused of .
If anything , it shows his awareness of where he is and , in a weird way , was an olive branch extended to the fanbase .
Chiefs by seven .
• 5 more things we learned about Klay Thompson • Jordan Poole ’ s career night , first victory of 2020 and 3 more thoughts from Warriors ’ win over Magic • How Jordan Poole ’ s passing helped get rookie season back on track Q : What is your level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paschall , Omari Spellman and Damion Lee can be real contributors to next year ’ s squad ?
– Boxcar Baz I ’ m confident they can all become key contributors , eventually .
Already , Paschall has shown signs of being a building block and Spellman ’ s floor-spacing gives Steve Kerr a nice change-of-pace big man .
Lee , 27 , is ready to take on a meaningful role for a contender and Poole has shown enough growth in the last week that the Warriors ’ should be bullish on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same basic team next season ( we won ’ t count the draft or the player they acquire with the trade exception right now ) , Paschall slots in as a combo forward off the bench , Spellman as a reserve 4 or 5 ( Kerr will tell you both positions are interchangeable at this point ) , and Lee and Poole as backup off-guards .
But then there ’ s the playoffs .
Are these guys — as Draymond Green says — “ 16 game players ?
” Poole is young and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ends and may only be able to play the 5 in postseason situations , Paschall can be a ball-stopper at times and has vacillating confidence in his outside jumper , and Lee needs to prove he can stay healthy .
Golden State will be all-in on a championship next season and won ’ t leave those things to chance .
Expect them to use their $ 17.2 million trade exception and mid-level exception to acquire players with playoff experience .
Q : Who are the Warriors probably looking to take in this draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the most interesting prospects that can get ?
– Adriel The sign-and-trade for Russell showed the Warriors are willing to choose talent over fit .
That said , this is considered a weak talent pool and they may see more value in trading down or out of the draft completely .
If they keep the pick , I expect them to prioritize a perimeter player with size and length who can play the Harrison Barnes/Kevin Durant role defensively as a small-ball 4 .
It ’ s worth keeping an eye on Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Obi Toppin and Memphis ’ Precious Achiuwa .
Q : Are the Warriors willing to trade Draymond ?
– @ JaeshMorant We know the Warriors like to take big swings when it comes to acquiring talent ( Durant , DeMarcus Cousins , Russell ) so I wouldn ’ t rule anything out , depending on how talented the presumably-available player is .
For someone like Giannis , the Warriors will explore all of their options .
Q : Baffled by the lack of explanation about Kevon Looney .
Disappeared from the spotlight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even mentioned by the team or media .
– misha1031 / Give an update on Looney ’ s injury and , if you don ’ t respond , I am blocking you .
– Marva cuffy Here ’ s your update , Marva : Looney , who will miss 14 straight games with an abdominal strain , has been doing some light on-court work with the team and playing in one-on-ones in recent practices .
He has worked closely with Dr. Rick Celebrini , the team ’ s director of sports medicine and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting a timetable on his return .
At the risk of dangerous speculation , I do wonder if any of this is related to the neuropathic condition that complicated his return from a hamstring strain earlier this season .
Based on conversations I ’ ve had with doctors , the condition isn ’ t something that goes away so much as something that is treated — and it ’ s something Looney has been dealing with for , at least , a couple of years .
But , after signing Looney to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer , I do know the Warriors will be careful with him , just as they will be careful with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson .

Thanks as always to everyone who asked questions. You can send questions for future mailbags to wgoldberg@bayareanewsgroup.com or on Twitter to @wcgoldberg.
Q: I hope he gets traded PRONTO. What an [expletive], basically spitting in the face of Bay Area fans. – @niner_raccoon / Trade him NOW! Hell no you wear that jersey unless you want out. #HeGone – Funcis / Trade him immediately! In an Aaron Rodgers jersey the night before the NFC Title game. No thanks – Cliff Callero / Unacceptable. Trade him to Milwaukee for the Greek Freak – Rome (And several other comments just like these.)
WG: No, these were not exactly submissions for the weekly mailbag, but they were replies to a video I tweeted of D’Angelo Russell, on the eve of the 49ers’ win over the Packers to advance to the Super Bowl, wearing an Aaron Rodgers jersey to his postgame press conference following a win over the Magic.
I realize I’m about to step into a pit of snakes, but you Bay Area fans are really sensitive.
Full disclosure: I’m from South Florida. My football team, the Dolphins, has made more headlines for stuff off the field — Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin, an assistant coach doing cocaine and taping it for his wife, Ricky Williams retiring, Ricky Williams un-retiring, Nick Saban cowardly abandoning the team after two seasons, Jeff Ireland’s prostitute questions, Kenny Stills’ beef with the team owner, etc. — than on the field.
What I’m saying is, I don’t know what winning in the NFL is like, and so I cannot fully understand the high-wire anxieties Niners fans were feeling Saturday night.
That said, simmer down. Let’s forget the fact that Russell has been friends with Aaron Rodgers since the two worked out together in 2015. Let’s forget the fact that Russell hasn’t even lived in the Bay Area for six months and has been a Packers fan for years (hey, his team was playing in that game, too). I’ll also let go of the remarkably naive and entitled sentiment that you think the Warriors can just trade Russell for Giannis.
Why so serious? If your answer is, “Hey, that’s what Twitter is for,” then I can’t argue with you. Good point.
But I think even in the elevated echo chamber that is social media in 2020, there are kernels of truth. You folks were really upset.
I won’t talk you out of it. It’s just an observation on my part. But, if you were upset, maybe think harder about why Russell’s decision to wear the jersey upset you.
Was it a troll move by Russell? Yes, 100%. When I asked him about it after the press conference, all he did was turn and point both thumbs at the name on the back. He baited you, and you took the bait.
He’s 23 years old and social-media savvy enough to know that his outfit would become a talking point. It wasn’t tone deaf, as he’s been accused of. If anything, it shows his awareness of where he is and, in a weird way, was an olive branch extended to the fanbase.
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Q: What is your level of confidence that Jordan Poole, Eric Paschall, Omari Spellman and Damion Lee can be real contributors to next year’s squad? – Boxcar Baz
I’m confident they can all become key contributors, eventually. Already, Paschall has shown signs of being a building block and Spellman’s floor-spacing gives Steve Kerr a nice change-of-pace big man. Lee, 27, is ready to take on a meaningful role for a contender and Poole has shown enough growth in the last week that the Warriors’ should be bullish on his upside.
If the Warriors return the same basic team next season (we won’t count the draft or the player they acquire with the trade exception right now), Paschall slots in as a combo forward off the bench, Spellman as a reserve 4 or 5 (Kerr will tell you both positions are interchangeable at this point), and Lee and Poole as backup off-guards.
But then there’s the playoffs. Are these guys — as Draymond Green says — “16 game players?”
Poole is young and erratic, Spellman is raw on both ends and may only be able to play the 5 in postseason situations, Paschall can be a ball-stopper at times and has vacillating confidence in his outside jumper, and Lee needs to prove he can stay healthy.
Golden State will be all-in on a championship next season and won’t leave those things to chance. Expect them to use their $17.2 million trade exception and mid-level exception to acquire players with playoff experience.
Q: Who are the Warriors probably looking to take in this draft? Wing or center? And who are the most interesting prospects that can get? – Adriel
The sign-and-trade for Russell showed the Warriors are willing to choose talent over fit. That said, this is considered a weak talent pool and they may see more value in trading down or out of the draft completely.
If they keep the pick, I expect them to prioritize a perimeter player with size and length who can play the Harrison Barnes/Kevin Durant role defensively as a small-ball 4.
It’s worth keeping an eye on Washington’s Jaden McDaniels, Dayton’s Obi Toppin and Memphis’ Precious Achiuwa.
Q: Are the Warriors willing to trade Draymond? – @JaeshMorant
We know the Warriors like to take big swings when it comes to acquiring talent (Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, Russell) so I wouldn’t rule anything out, depending on how talented the presumably-available player is. For someone like Giannis, the Warriors will explore all of their options.
Q: Baffled by the lack of explanation about Kevon Looney. Disappeared from the spotlight, now just plain disappeared. Not even mentioned by the team or media. – misha1031 / Give an update on Looney’s injury and, if you don’t respond, I am blocking you. – Marva cuffy
Here’s your update, Marva: Looney, who will miss 14 straight games with an abdominal strain, has been doing some light on-court work with the team and playing in one-on-ones in recent practices.
He has worked closely with Dr. Rick Celebrini, the team’s director of sports medicine and performance, though Golden State has avoided putting a timetable on his return.
At the risk of dangerous speculation, I do wonder if any of this is related to the neuropathic condition that complicated his return from a hamstring strain earlier this season. Based on conversations I’ve had with doctors, the condition isn’t something that goes away so much as something that is treated — and it’s something Looney has been dealing with for, at least, a couple of years.
But, after signing Looney to a three-year, $15 million contract last summer, I do know the Warriors will be careful with him, just as they will be careful with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.


mercurynews--2020-01-20--Parnas asks AG Barr to recuse himself from investigation

An attorney for indicted Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas on Monday filed a request for the recusal of Attorney General William Barr in connection with the prosecution of Parnas , alleging Barr has a conflict of interest and should be removed from the matter “ in an effort to preserve the public trust in the rule of law.
” In a letter sent to Barr and filed in New York federal court , where Parnas is facing trial for allegedly violating campaign finance laws , Parnas ’ s attorney said Barr ’ s involvement in the case has resulted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Mr. Parnas.
” The attorney , Joseph Bondy , asked for the appointment of a special prosecutor from outside the Justice Department to oversee the case .
The “ actual harm ” Bondy cited in the letter is what he describes as a delay in the production of discovery material in the Parnas prosecution , which Bondy says left his client unable to turn over documents in a timely manner to comply with a subpoena issued by the House of Representatives as part of its impeachment inquiry , and thus meant Parnas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a potential witness .
Bondy doesn ’ t specify how Barr ’ s purported conflict of interest might have contributed to any delay in discovery .
Bondy also suggests Barr ’ s oversight of the case is linked to what Bondy describes as the refusal by New York federal prosecutors to meet with his client , who Bondy says is willing to disclose information on President Donald Trump , Giuliani and lawyers Victoria Toensing and Joseph DiGenova , among others .
A spokesman for the Manhattan US Attorney ’ s office , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/01/16/lev-parnas-ukraine-quid-pro-quo-ac360-sot-vpx.cnn”]
By Erica Orden | CNN
An attorney for indicted Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas on Monday filed a request for the recusal of Attorney General William Barr in connection with the prosecution of Parnas, alleging Barr has a conflict of interest and should be removed from the matter “in an effort to preserve the public trust in the rule of law.”
In a letter sent to Barr and filed in New York federal court, where Parnas is facing trial for allegedly violating campaign finance laws, Parnas’s attorney said Barr’s involvement in the case has resulted in both harmful perceptions and “actual harm to Mr. Parnas.”
The attorney, Joseph Bondy, asked for the appointment of a special prosecutor from outside the Justice Department to oversee the case.
A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment.
The “actual harm” Bondy cited in the letter is what he describes as a delay in the production of discovery material in the Parnas prosecution, which Bondy says left his client unable to turn over documents in a timely manner to comply with a subpoena issued by the House of Representatives as part of its impeachment inquiry, and thus meant Parnas couldn’t be properly assessed as a potential witness.
Bondy doesn’t specify how Barr’s purported conflict of interest might have contributed to any delay in discovery.
Bondy also suggests Barr’s oversight of the case is linked to what Bondy describes as the refusal by New York federal prosecutors to meet with his client, who Bondy says is willing to disclose information on President Donald Trump, Giuliani and lawyers Victoria Toensing and Joseph DiGenova, among others.
A spokesman for the Manhattan US Attorney’s office, which is prosecuting Parnas, declined to comment.


mercurynews--2020-01-20--PHOTOS: People celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on NorCal Celebration Train to San Francisco

Some sang his name , others wore shirts with his image and some smaller passengers colored his face with crayons @ @ @ @ @ and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on a northbound train to San Francisco @ @ @ @ @ Caltrain NorcalMLK Celebration Train , riders who wanted to participate in Martin Luther King Day @ @ @ @ @ able to get free transit .
The train departed the Diridon Station in San Jose @ @ @ @ @ stops in Palo Alto and San Mateo on its way to San Francisco .
Riders @ @ @ @ @ to return to the South Bay anytime today after 1 p.m. Other agencies such as @ @ @ @ @ opportunities for people who wished to attend the events in the city .

(CLICK HERE, if you are unable to view this photo gallery on your mobile device.)
Some sang his name, others wore shirts with his image and some smaller passengers colored his face with crayons, all celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on a northbound train to San Francisco.
Members of the New Life Fellowship Church sing on the .@Caltrain NorcalMLK Celebration Train #MLK2020 pic.twitter.com/B8qlyHRAO9 — Randy Vazquez (@RandyVMedia) January 20, 2020
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California AG Rob Bonta apologizes for his office’s past role in Japanese American internment during WWII Transportation | San Jose’s lofty barbecue ranking cools off considerably Part of the 2020 Caltrain NorcalMLK Celebration Train, riders who wanted to participate in Martin Luther King Day events in San Francisco were able to get free transit.
The train departed the Diridon Station in San Jose at 9:35 a.m. and made stops in Palo Alto and San Mateo on its way to San Francisco. Riders can use the same ticket to return to the South Bay anytime today after 1 p.m.
Other agencies such as BART and MUNI had similar opportunities for people who wished to attend the events in the city.


mercurynews--2020-01-20--Hotline newsletter: On the bright side, the NFL exodus could have been worse

*** The Pac-12 Hotline newsletter is published each Monday-Wednesday-Friday during the college sports season and twice-a-week in the summer .
( Sign up here for a free subscription . )
This edition , from Jan. 20 , has been made available in archived form .
The list of Pac-12 players who declared for the NFL Draft would form the backbone of an impressive lineup .
So would the list of Pac-12 players who passed on the draft .
All things considered , the conference emerged from the early-entry process with its core reasonably intact .
According to preliminary report on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-seniors .
That ’ s only five more than LSU .
Oregon State lost more players to the pros than Oregon , the conference champion and Rose Bowl winner .
Stanford and USC both kept more top talents than they lost .
Only four lost more than one player .
All in all , it could have been significantly worse .
The deadline to withdraw is today , and the NFL will reveal the official list in the next 24 hours .
There are often a few surprises , but here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total compare to previous years ?
We have that for you , too : Oregon didn ’ t lose any of its draft-eligible defensive players , including honorable mention all-conference cornerbacks Thomas Graham and Deommodore Lenoir .
Stanford could have lost All-American left tackle Walker Little and two-time all-conference cornerback Paulson Adebo , but both are returning .
Oregon State edge rusher Hamilcar Rashed , who led the country in tackles-for-loss , is coming back .
USC lost Jackson , but that ’ s it : All-conference guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and receiver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modest attrition cuts two ways , of course : It reflects the collective lack of high-round talent that limited the Pac-12 ’ s ceiling in 2019 , but it brightens the outlook for next season .
The connection between draft decliners and team success the following fall isn ’ t airtight , but it exists .
This time last year , the big winners were Oregon and Utah — the eventual division champions .
— Jon Wilner • The ‘ Saturday Night Five ‘ reaction column began with Oregon ’ s Payton Pritchard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dagger and is playing as well as any Pac-12 point guard since … ?
( We attempted to fill in that blank . )
Also on the SN5 menu : Stanford ’ s collapse at USC , Washington State ’ s stellar 72 hours , and the contrasting financial commitments to football coaches in the states of Washington and Mississippi .
• Our latest Pac-12 basketball recap , published every Monday morning , focused on Arizona ’ s home/road calculation , USC ’ s rise — we ’ re not true believers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where Oregon trails Arizona and Stanford despite possessing a much stronger resume .
• ICYMI : The Friday newsletter examined the Pac-12 ’ s financial standing across six years of the College Football Playoff .
( Hint : It ’ s better than the conference ’ s on-field performance . )
Previous editions of the newsletter are available in archived form .
Support the Hotline : Several Hotline articles will remain free each month ( as will the newsletter ) , but for access to all content , you ’ ll need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of $ 1 per week for a full year or just 99 cents for the first month , with the option to cancel anytime .
Click here .
And thanks for your loyalty .
Jan. 20 : NFL Draft early-entry deadline Jan. 23 : USC at No .
12 Oregon ( ESPNU , 8 p.m. ) Jan. 25 : Senior Bowl ( NFL Network , 11:30 a.m. ) Jan. 25 : No .
22 Arizona at ASU ( Pac-12 Networks , 6:30 p.m. ) Feb. 5 : National Signing Day ( regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begins • Can ’ t help but love this : Nick Rolovich didn ’ t waste time ingratiating himself with Washington State fans , stopping by a Seattle bar for wings and beer with Cougars faithful .
( And yes , he reportedly picked up the tab . )
• Can ’ t help but chuckle at this : Ex-Arizona State tailback Eno Benjamin has started his own clothing line , and it includes “ Tucson ’ s Most Hated ” designs .
• Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith is getting a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of his revised contract , per Oregonlive ’ s Nick Daschel .
• Alijah Vera-Tucker ’ s return is significant for USC ’ s offensive line , but uncertainty remains , especially at left tackle .
• UCLA looks thin at tight end for next season .
The position had been considered a strength , until the transfer portal intervened .
• Arizona is adding bulk to the defensive line in the form of New Mexico grad transfer Aaron Blackwell .
• Cal starts spring ball March 4 .
All eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offense will determine if the Bears challenge for the division title or experience another mediocre season .
• A look at Mel Tucker ’ s recruiting class in Boulder — all of it .
“ Some of Tucker ’ s biggest wins in recruiting this winter have come from within.
” • Washington ’ s Ariel Ngata , a promising linebacker , is in the transfer portal .
• WSU quarterback Anthony Gordon and ASU receiver Brandon Aiyuk have plenty on the line this week at the Senior Bowl .
• We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pac-12 and across college football .
Welp , it seems the New Year ’ s Six bowls have a crowd problem , too .
• Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott chatted with The Athletic ’ s Nicole Auerbach in New Orleans last week about a variety of topics , including 9 a.m. kickoffs .
The latest on the early starts , from Scott : “ Yes , FOX is keenly interested .
We met with them as recently as early December in New York about it .
I don ’ t know if there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this upcoming season or 2021 .
But I ’ d like to see one of our teams try it .
Some of our schools — not the majority of them — some of our schools have expressed an interest.
” • Washington State is expected to hire Jake Dickert as its defensive coordinator .
His brief tenure at Wyoming offers insight into what we should expect from WSU on that side of the ball .
• After whiffing on several defensive coordinators , USC reportedly will hire Todd Orlando , the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All things considered , the Trojans could have done worse ( assuming it gets done ) .
• It appears offensive coordinator Graham Harrell will remain with USC after interviewing with the Eagles .
• UCLA has a new defensive assistant to replace Paul Rhoads , who left to become Arizona ’ s coordinator .
The new face : Brian Norwood , from Navy .
• Klay Thompson had his jersey retired by Washigton State on Saturday .
Also : guard Isaac Bonton scored a career-high 34 points as the Cougars beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Chandler Lawson replaced the injured N ’ Faly Dante and helped Oregon rally to beat Washington , with a little help from Payton Pritchard , of course • Arizona played like all things are possible in dismantling Colorado .
• Reserve guard Elijah Weaver made all the big baskets for USC in the stunning comeback over Stanford .
• Another blown lead , another close loss for Washington , which is rapidly falling off the NCAA bubble .
• UCLA hadn ’ t won at home in six weeks , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Pac-12 has five teams slotted for the NCAA Tournament in the latest projections from CBS Sports analytics guru Jerry Palm .
• The 2020 NCAA convention is this week , and it ’ s in California , land of the Name , Image , Likeness movement .
“ At the time Anaheim was chosen to host the convention in 2020 , ” writes USA Today ’ s Dan Wolken , “ no one could have envisioned the NCAA would be coming to Ground Zero for what has become the biggest existential challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Though the NCAA is not ready to vote this week on any rules proposals that address whether college athletes can profit … the topic is undoubtedly going to dominate the conversation .
Despite being in such close proximity to Disneyland , it ’ s not going to be the happiest place on Earth.
” • Speaking of NIL : Arizona is preparing to join California in the push for athletes to receive compensation , according to azcentral ’ s Jeff Metcalfe .
One bill has been introduced in the state legislature , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The former , from Rep. Anthony Kern , R-Glendale , “ would go into effect Sept. 1 , 2021 and prohibit any organization including the NCAA from enforcing ‘ any rule that prevents a student athlete from earning compensation as a result of the student athlete ’ s name , image or likeness.
” ’ • Wiretaps by the FBI shed light on Operation Varsity Blues , at least how it unfolded at USC .
The L.A. Times ’ Nathan Fenno takes us through the latest development : “ The transcript of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose name is redacted , was among almost 500 pages of wiretap transcripts , emails , text messages and other documents that prosecutors filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Boston.
” • Stanford , blown out at Oregon , rallied for a critical win at Oregon State and is currently tied with UCLA and Oregon for first place .
• Oregon State ’ s latest loss makes the looming Civil War that much more important .
• Arizona rallied from 19 down to beat Washington .
( The UW teams just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
• The momentum ASU built with that historic home sweep of the Oregon schools hasn ’ t dissolved : Five consecutive wins , and counting .
• Sabrina Ionescu tied the Pac-12 career assists record .
That would be Gary Payton ’ s career assists record .
• ESPN bracketology : Oregon ’ s back on the top line as the Pac-12 has six teams projected for the NCAA field .
• No superstars , no problem for Utah ’ s Red Rocks .
• Washington State coach Nick Rolovich is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downed beer and wings with fans in Seattle .
• Our 2020 Pac-12 football preview series gets underway this week with a look at the toughest schedules , the softest schedules and all the schedules in between .
• The basketball power ratings are slotted for their usual Wednesday morning window .
The next newsletter is scheduled for Wednesday .
Enjoy it ?
Please forward this email to friends ( sign up here ) .
If you don ’ t , or have other feedback , let me know : pac12hotline @ bayareanewsgroup.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference , and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference .

*** The Pac-12 Hotline newsletter is published each Monday-Wednesday-Friday during the college sports season and twice-a-week in the summer. (Sign up here for a free subscription.) This edition, from Jan. 20, has been made available in archived form.
Early-Entry Fallout: Limited
The list of Pac-12 players who declared for the NFL Draft would form the backbone of an impressive lineup.
So would the list of Pac-12 players who passed on the draft.
All things considered, the conference emerged from the early-entry process with its core reasonably intact.
According to preliminary report on NFL.com, the Pac-12 lost 14 draft-eligible non-seniors.
That’s only five more than LSU.
Oregon State lost more players to the pros than Oregon, the conference champion and Rose Bowl winner.
Stanford and USC both kept more top talents than they lost.
Three teams didn’t lose anybody.
Only four lost more than one player.
All in all, it could have been significantly worse.
— The known departures.
The deadline to withdraw is today, and the NFL will reveal the official list in the next 24 hours.
There are often a few surprises, but here’s what we know:
Arizona
TB J.J. Taylor
Arizona State
TB Eno Benjamin
P Michael Turk
Cal
none
Colorado
WR Laviska Shenault
Oregon
none
Oregon State
WR Isaiah Hodgins
Stanford
TE Colby Parkinson
UCLA
TE Devin Asiasi
CB Darnay Holmes
USC
OT Austin Jackson
Utah
CB Javelin Guidry
CB Jaylon Johnson
Washington
TB Savon Ahmed
TE Hunter Bryant
QB Jacob Eason
Washington State
none
— How does the total compare to previous years?
We have that for you, too:
2012: 11 early-entry departures
2013: 10
2014: 26
2015: 17
2016: 15
2017: 12
2018: 20
2019: 10
2020: 14
— Who’s coming back?
Oregon didn’t lose any of its draft-eligible defensive players, including honorable mention all-conference cornerbacks Thomas Graham and Deommodore Lenoir.
Stanford could have lost All-American left tackle Walker Little and two-time all-conference cornerback Paulson Adebo, but both are returning.
Oregon State edge rusher Hamilcar Rashed, who led the country in tackles-for-loss, is coming back.
Colorado receiver K.D. Nixon declared, then reversed course.
USC lost Jackson, but that’s it: All-conference guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and receiver Tyler Vaughns will be back.
Washington’s defense retained two first-team all-conference players: cornerback Elijah Molden and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzuike.
The modest attrition cuts two ways, of course: It reflects the collective lack of high-round talent that limited the Pac-12’s ceiling in 2019, but it brightens the outlook for next season.
The connection between draft decliners and team success the following fall isn’t airtight, but it exists.
This time last year, the big winners were Oregon and Utah — the eventual division champions. — Jon Wilner
Hot off the Hotline
• The ‘Saturday Night Five‘ reaction column began with Oregon’s Payton Pritchard, who beat Washington with a 30-foot dagger and is playing as well as any Pac-12 point guard since …? (We attempted to fill in that blank.) Also on the SN5 menu: Stanford’s collapse at USC, Washington State’s stellar 72 hours, and the contrasting financial commitments to football coaches in the states of Washington and Mississippi.
• Our latest Pac-12 basketball recap, published every Monday morning, focused on Arizona’s home/road calculation, USC’s rise — we’re not true believers, yet — and the NET ratings, where Oregon trails Arizona and Stanford despite possessing a much stronger resume.
• ICYMI: The Friday newsletter examined the Pac-12’s financial standing across six years of the College Football Playoff. (Hint: It’s better than the conference’s on-field performance.) Previous editions of the newsletter are available in archived form.
Support the Hotline: Several Hotline articles will remain free each month (as will the newsletter), but for access to all content, you’ll need to subscribe. I’ve secured a rate of $1 per week for a full year or just 99 cents for the first month, with the option to cancel anytime. Click here. And thanks for your loyalty.
Key Dates
Select men’s basketball games included. (All times Pacific.)
Jan. 20: NFL Draft early-entry deadline
Jan. 23: USC at No. 12 Oregon (ESPNU, 8 p.m.)
Jan. 25: Senior Bowl (NFL Network, 11:30 a.m.)
Jan. 25: No. 22 Arizona at ASU (Pac-12 Networks, 6:30 p.m.)
Feb. 5: National Signing Day (regular period)
Feb. 23: NFL Combine begins
Huddle Up
(Note: The Hotline newsletter includes links to sites that could require a subscription once the number of free views has been reached.)
• Can’t help but love this: Nick Rolovich didn’t waste time ingratiating himself with Washington State fans, stopping by a Seattle bar for wings and beer with Cougars faithful. (And yes, he reportedly picked up the tab.)
• Can’t help but chuckle at this: Ex-Arizona State tailback Eno Benjamin has started his own clothing line, and it includes “Tucson’s Most Hated” designs.
• Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith is getting a $500,000 pay hike for the upcoming season as part of his revised contract, per Oregonlive’s Nick Daschel.
• Alijah Vera-Tucker’s return is significant for USC’s offensive line, but uncertainty remains, especially at left tackle.
• UCLA looks thin at tight end for next season. The position had been considered a strength, until the transfer portal intervened.
• Arizona is adding bulk to the defensive line in the form of New Mexico grad transfer Aaron Blackwell.
• Cal starts spring ball March 4. All eyes will be on Bill Musgrave, whose offense will determine if the Bears challenge for the division title or experience another mediocre season.
• A look at Mel Tucker’s recruiting class in Boulder — all of it. “Some of Tucker’s biggest wins in recruiting this winter have come from within.”
• Washington’s Ariel Ngata, a promising linebacker, is in the transfer portal.
• WSU quarterback Anthony Gordon and ASU receiver Brandon Aiyuk have plenty on the line this week at the Senior Bowl.
• We’ve addressed the attendance issue in the Pac-12 and across college football. Welp, it seems the New Year’s Six bowls have a crowd problem, too.
State of Affairs
• Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott chatted with The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach in New Orleans last week about a variety of topics, including 9 a.m. kickoffs. The latest on the early starts, from Scott: “Yes, FOX is keenly interested. We met with them as recently as early December in New York about it. I don’t know if there’ll be any that make sense for this upcoming season or 2021. But I’d like to see one of our teams try it. Some of our schools — not the majority of them — some of our schools have expressed an interest.”
Coaching Carousel
• Washington State is expected to hire Jake Dickert as its defensive coordinator. His brief tenure at Wyoming offers insight into what we should expect from WSU on that side of the ball.
• After whiffing on several defensive coordinators, USC reportedly will hire Todd Orlando, the former Texas playcaller who was fired in December. All things considered, the Trojans could have done worse (assuming it gets done).
• It appears offensive coordinator Graham Harrell will remain with USC after interviewing with the Eagles.
• UCLA has a new defensive assistant to replace Paul Rhoads, who left to become Arizona’s coordinator. The new face: Brian Norwood, from Navy.
On the Hardwood
• Klay Thompson had his jersey retired by Washigton State on Saturday. Also: guard Isaac Bonton scored a career-high 34 points as the Cougars beat Oregon State to complete a weekend sweep.
• Chandler Lawson replaced the injured N’Faly Dante and helped Oregon rally to beat Washington, with a little help from Payton Pritchard, of course
• Arizona played like all things are possible in dismantling Colorado.
• Reserve guard Elijah Weaver made all the big baskets for USC in the stunning comeback over Stanford.
• Another blown lead, another close loss for Washington, which is rapidly falling off the NCAA bubble.
• UCLA hadn’t won at home in six weeks, and then Cal paid a visit.
• News flash: Utah is struggling.
• The Pac-12 has five teams slotted for the NCAA Tournament in the latest projections from CBS Sports analytics guru Jerry Palm.
Legal Affairs
• The 2020 NCAA convention is this week, and it’s in California, land of the Name, Image, Likeness movement. “At the time Anaheim was chosen to host the convention in 2020,” writes USA Today’s Dan Wolken, “no one could have envisioned the NCAA would be coming to Ground Zero for what has become the biggest existential challenge in the organization’s modern history. Though the NCAA is not ready to vote this week on any rules proposals that address whether college athletes can profit … the topic is undoubtedly going to dominate the conversation. Despite being in such close proximity to Disneyland, it’s not going to be the happiest place on Earth.”
• Speaking of NIL: Arizona is preparing to join California in the push for athletes to receive compensation, according to azcentral’s Jeff Metcalfe. One bill has been introduced in the state legislature, and another is on the way. The former, from Rep. Anthony Kern, R-Glendale, “would go into effect Sept. 1, 2021 and prohibit any organization including the NCAA from enforcing ‘any rule that prevents a student athlete from earning compensation as a result of the student athlete’s name, image or likeness.”’
• Wiretaps by the FBI shed light on Operation Varsity Blues, at least how it unfolded at USC. The L.A. Times’ Nathan Fenno takes us through the latest development: “The transcript of the conversation between Singer and the potential client, whose name is redacted, was among almost 500 pages of wiretap transcripts, emails, text messages and other documents that prosecutors filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Boston.”
Medal Stand
A section devoted to content on Pac-12 Olympic sports.
• Stanford, blown out at Oregon, rallied for a critical win at Oregon State and is currently tied with UCLA and Oregon for first place.
• Oregon State’s latest loss makes the looming Civil War that much more important.
• Arizona rallied from 19 down to beat Washington. (The UW teams just can’t seem to hold leads.)
• The momentum ASU built with that historic home sweep of the Oregon schools hasn’t dissolved: Five consecutive wins, and counting.
• Sabrina Ionescu tied the Pac-12 career assists record. That would be Gary Payton’s career assists record.
• ESPN bracketology: Oregon’s back on the top line as the Pac-12 has six teams projected for the NCAA field.
• No superstars, no problem for Utah’s Red Rocks.
Looking Ahead
What’s coming on the Pac-12 Hotline:
• Washington State coach Nick Rolovich is different, and not just because he downed beer and wings with fans in Seattle.
• Our 2020 Pac-12 football preview series gets underway this week with a look at the toughest schedules, the softest schedules and all the schedules in between.
• The basketball power ratings are slotted for their usual Wednesday morning window.
The next newsletter is scheduled for Wednesday. Enjoy it? Please forward this email to friends (sign up here). If you don’t, or have other feedback, let me know: pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com.
*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.


mercurynews--2020-01-21--Mountain lion attacks, injures 3-year-old boy at California park

A mountain lion attacked and injured a 3-year-old boy at a wilderness park in Lake Forest on Monday , prompting evacuation of the popular hiking area , officials said .
Authorities shot the animal to death about an hour after the attack .
The boy suffered minor injuries in the incident at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park at about 4:20 p.m. , Orange CountySheriff ’ s Department spokeswoman Carrie Braun said .
Deputies assisted in the evacuation of the park after the attack .
A family of six had been walking along a trail when a mountain lion came out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s neck , Orange County Fire Authority Capt .
Tony Bommarito said .
The animal took hold of the child with its mouth and dragged it a short distance .
The child ’ s father threw a backpack at the wild animal , which prompted it to let go .
The animal took the backpack and fled up a tree , Bommarito said .
California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials gave sheriff ’ s deputies permission to euthanize the mountain lion , and it was shot and killed at about 5:20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was riding a mountain bike up the Borrego Springs Trail when he came across the bitten boy and his family .
He said the child ’ s mother was carrying him in his arms , and told Wright to watch out for the animal that attacked her son as they were leaving the park .
“ She was pretty shaken up , but she was at least able to warn me , ” Wright said .
“ She scurried off down the trail , and I was curious.
” Wright said he found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trail , still sitting on a branch about 15 feet up a tree with a backpack in its mouth .
It was not easily visible from the trail , so he remained nearby to inform those who passed .
Some people remained in the area out of curiosity , and the mountain lion appeared hesitant to move from its spot as the crowd grew , Wright said .
He waited until armed deputies arrived to deal with the animal , then left to continue his bike ride .
He heard a gunshot while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and knew at that point that the lion had been killed .
Wright lives in the area , and hikes or bikes up the Borrego Springs Trail almost every day .
He said the attack on Monday did concern him and would probably be on his mind for the next few days .
However , it hasn ’ t shaken his love of nature and passion for cycling ; he plans to ride through the area again on Tuesday .
The park will remain closed as authorities work to ensure that the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not immediately clear when it would be reopened to the public .
• Is Atherton home ’ s soiled kitty litter strong enough to repel rats and mice ?
• Watch : California house cat holds off three coyotes at once While cougar attacks are considered rare , a fatal such attack happened at the Lake Forest park in 2004 .
The park was closed after that incident , and later reopened after DNA belonging to off-road bicycle racer Mark Reynolds was found in the belly of the animal believed to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time of his death , and a resident of Foothill Ranch .
Separately , a mountain lion was found dead earlier on Monday morning in Laguna Beach , Caltrans spokesman David Matza said .
It was struck by a vehicle along the 73 Toll Road , near Highway 133 .
No human injuries were reported in that collision .

A mountain lion attacked and injured a 3-year-old boy at a wilderness park in Lake Forest on Monday, prompting evacuation of the popular hiking area, officials said. Authorities shot the animal to death about an hour after the attack.
A mountain lion attacked a 3-year-old child Monday, January 20, in the afternoon at Whiting Ranch park in Lake Forest. The mountain lion was holed up in a tree and later killed because the lion posed a public threat. (Photo by Landon Wright)
Park closed signs mark the entrance to the Borrego Canyon Trail at Whiting Ranch in Lake Forest, CA on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. A 3-year-old boy was attacked by a mountain lion the previous day. The trailhead off Portola Parkway near Bake Parkway in Lake Forest, CA. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A mountain lion attacked a 3-year-old child Monday, January 20, in the afternoon at Whiting Ranch park in Lake Forest. The mountain lion was holed up in a tree and later killed because the lion posed a public threat. (Photo by Landon Wright)
Park closed signs mark the entrance to the Borrego Canyon Trail at Whiting Ranch in Lake Forest, CA on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. A 3-year-old boy was attacked by a mountain lion the previous day. The trailhead off Portola Parkway near Bake Parkway in Lake Forest, CA. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The boy suffered minor injuries in the incident at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park at about 4:20 p.m., Orange CountySheriff’s Department spokeswoman Carrie Braun said. Deputies assisted in the evacuation of the park after the attack.
A family of six had been walking along a trail when a mountain lion came out of the wilderness and bit the 3-year-old boy’s neck, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Tony Bommarito said. The animal took hold of the child with its mouth and dragged it a short distance. The child’s father threw a backpack at the wild animal, which prompted it to let go.
The animal took the backpack and fled up a tree, Bommarito said. California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials gave sheriff’s deputies permission to euthanize the mountain lion, and it was shot and killed at about 5:20 p.m., Braun said.
Landon Wright was riding a mountain bike up the Borrego Springs Trail when he came across the bitten boy and his family. He said the child’s mother was carrying him in her arms, and told Wright to watch out for the animal that attacked her son as they were leaving the park.
“She was pretty shaken up, but she was at least able to warn me,” Wright said. “She scurried off down the trail, and I was curious.”
Wright said he found the cougar a short distance up the trail, still sitting on a branch about 15 feet up a tree with a backpack in its mouth. It was not easily visible from the trail, so he remained nearby to inform those who passed.
Some people remained in the area out of curiosity, and the mountain lion appeared hesitant to move from its spot as the crowd grew, Wright said. He waited until armed deputies arrived to deal with the animal, then left to continue his bike ride. He heard a gunshot while pedaling away a few moments later, and knew at that point that the lion had been killed.
Wright lives in the area, and hikes or bikes up the Borrego Springs Trail almost every day. He said the attack on Monday did concern him and would probably be on his mind for the next few days. However, it hasn’t shaken his love of nature and passion for cycling; he plans to ride through the area again on Tuesday.
The park will remain closed as authorities work to ensure that the area is safe, Bommarito said. It was not immediately clear when it would be reopened to the public.
Mountain lion supposedly attacked a 3 year old today and I found it. Dude has a backpack in his mouth. @OCParks @GregLeeKTVU @OCSheriff @ABC7 pic.twitter.com/ViXKee0xhy — West Coast Bag Man (@ExcessDepth) January 21, 2020
While cougar attacks are considered rare, a fatal such attack happened at the Lake Forest park in 2004. The park was closed after that incident, and later reopened after DNA belonging to off-road bicycle racer Mark Reynolds was found in the belly of the animal believed to have killed him. He was 35 at the time of his death, and a resident of Foothill Ranch.
Separately, a mountain lion was found dead earlier on Monday morning in Laguna Beach, Caltrans spokesman David Matza said. It was struck by a vehicle along the 73 Toll Road, near Highway 133. No human injuries were reported in that collision.


mercurynews--2020-01-21--Letter: Trump’s school prayer move raises concerns

Contrary to popular opinion , prayer is perfectly legal in any public school .
I would wager that in any @ @ @ @ @ student oral presentations or athletic competitions , prayers are offered up by the hundreds every @ @ @ @ @ prohibited on school grounds .
In my decades of teaching science in a California public @ @ @ @ @ up religion in class .
As any student of history knows , religion has both @ @ @ @ @ of science .
• Letter : What if Moms 4 Housing backers find squatters in @ @ @ @ @ : Good idea for helping foster kids , especially in Silicon Valley • Letter : @ @ @ @ @ our best through our jobs ?
What is prohibited on public school campuses is the @ @ @ @ @ over another and school-sponsored prayer .
I think a much more serious issue is the @ @ @ @ @ trying to establish a state religion..
Submit your letter to the editor via this form @ @ @ @ @ Editor

Trump’s school prayer
move raises concerns
Re: “Trump boosts school prayer, faith groups as he rallies base” (Page A4, Jan. 17):
Contrary to popular opinion, prayer is perfectly legal in any public school.
I would wager that in any school that has testing, student oral presentations or athletic competitions, prayers are offered up by the hundreds every day.
Religion is not prohibited on school grounds. In my decades of teaching science in a California public school, I often brought up religion in class. As any student of history knows, religion has both hindered and helped the advancement of science.
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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 What is prohibited on public school campuses is the proselytizing of any one religion over another and school-sponsored prayer. I think a much more serious issue is the danger of the religious right trying to establish a state religion..
Raymond Jones
San Jose
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Bridge: Jan. 21, 2020

Unlucky Louie told me he had shopped at a vintage record store that was going out of business .
Louie was declarer at today ’ s 3NT , and when West led the six of spades , Louie finessed with dummy ’ s queen .
Finis .
East produced the king and returned a spade .
Louie took dummy ’ s ace and finessed in diamonds , but West won and cashed his jack , ten and seven of spades for down one .
Louie made the final error at Trick One .
He must make the counterintuitive play of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of finessing .
The contract is at risk only if West has a five-card spade suit plus an entry .
But East surely has a spade honor : West would have led the jack from K-J-10-8-x and probably from K-J-10-x-x .
On the actual deal , Louie blocks the spades if he plays the ace .
Even if West held K-J-8-6-4 , he could cash only two spades when he took the king of diamonds .
You hold : S 9 5 3 2 H A K D A J 10 8 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your right , opens one heart .
You double , and your partner bids two clubs .
The opponents pass .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : You must be careful since partner ’ s response was forced .
For all you know , he has no points and poor clubs .
Bid two diamonds , suggesting substantial extra strength .
If you have a game , partner will get you there ; if he can only rebid three clubs , you will pass .

Unlucky Louie told me he had shopped at a vintage record store that was going out of business.
“All sales were vinyl,” Louie said blandly.
Louie was declarer at today’s 3NT, and when West led the six of spades, Louie finessed with dummy’s queen. Finis. East produced the king and returned a spade. Louie took dummy’s ace and finessed in diamonds, but West won and cashed his jack, ten and seven of spades for down one.
“More bad luck,” Louie grumbled.
“I think not,” North observed.
AT RISK
Louie made the final error at Trick One. He must make the counterintuitive play of putting up the ace of spades instead of finessing. The contract is at risk only if West has a five-card spade suit plus an entry. But East surely has a spade honor: West would have led the jack from K-J-10-8-x and probably from K-J-10-x-x.
On the actual deal, Louie blocks the spades if he plays the ace. Even if West held K-J-8-6-4, he could cash only two spades when he took the king of diamonds.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 9 5 3 2 H A K D A J 10 8 6 C A K. The dealer, at your right, opens one heart. You double, and your partner bids two clubs. The opponents pass. What do you say?
ANSWER: You must be careful since partner’s response was forced. For all you know, he has no points and poor clubs. Bid two diamonds, suggesting substantial extra strength. If you have a game, partner will get you there; if he can only rebid three clubs, you will pass.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S A Q
H J 7 5 4 2
D Q 9 2
C J 6 4
WEST
S J 10 7 6 4
H Q 8 3
D K 4
C 10 8 2
EAST
S K 8
H 10 9 6
D 7 5 3
C Q 9 7 5 3
SOUTH
S 9 5 3 2
H A K
D A J 10 8 6
C A K
South West North East
1 D Pass 1 H Pass
2 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — S 6
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-01-21--Horoscopes Jan. 21, 2020: Geena Davis, keep an open mind.

Happy Birthday : Put everything in order , free up time and prepare to concentrate on what you want to achieve this year .
Refuse to get wrapped up in other people ’ s business , leaving you no time to pursue your dreams .
Keep an open mind , but don ’ t be gullible or let someone manipulate you .
Be the driving force , not the minion .
Your numbers are 2 , 16 , 24 , 27 , 31 , 46 , 49 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Take demonstrative action , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be shy or too proud to ask for help .
Concentrate on the result , and enjoy the process of seeing your plans through from start to finish .
Simplicity is encouraged .
5 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Address any financial issues that surface .
Keeping on top of debt and monitoring what you spend will help ease stress and encourage you to live within your means .
Don ’ t let someone take advantage of you .
You can ’ t buy love .
Offer kindness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( May 21-June 20 ) : Procrastinate , and you will end up missing out on an excellent opportunity .
Look to someone you respect for guidance , and partner with whoever can contribute at least as much as you , if not more .
Don ’ t give in to emotional manipulation .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Visit someone or a place that motivates and inspires you .
Take a different approach to how you use your skills .
Change your mind or your direction if that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your goal .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Take on a challenge .
You have the money to outsmart and outdo any competition you face , so don ’ t hold back when you have so much to gain .
Change begins within , so stop waiting for someone to do things for you .
5 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Show kindness and compassion , but don ’ t let anyone take advantage of you or what you have to offer .
Size up situations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone who is pushy , manipulative or excessive .
Personal growth will bring the highest return .
2 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Share your ideas , listen to the suggestions made and move forward on your own .
Maintaining control of the outcome will be in your best interest .
If you join forces with someone , you can expect him or her to take over .
4 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Dig in and get the facts .
Knowing what you are up against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the results you want .
What you do will have a more significant impact on others than what you say .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : A staunch attitude will help you achieve things , and innovation will lead to advancement .
Make a move , start a new adventure and redesign how you want to live .
Revenge and anger are wastes of time .
Embrace new beginnings .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Observe what others do , and you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A disciplined attitude will help you ward off temptation and those trying to get you to move in a risky direction .
Choose stability over chaos .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Stick close to home , and sort through any personal paperwork you left undone .
An unexpected move someone makes will leave you in a quandary .
Rethink your strategy , and rearrange your plans .
Avoid an unnecessary dispute .
Focus on personal gain .
4 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Uncertainty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persuade you to get involved in something that isn ’ t beneficial .
Look for other options that will encourage good health and much better mental and financial stability .
Let go of what is no longer working for you .
2 stars Birthday Baby : You are sensitive , playful and passionate .
You are intelligent and unpredictable .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Booboo Stewart, 26; Ashton Eaton, 32; Emma Bunton, 44; Geena Davis, 64.
Happy Birthday: Put everything in order, free up time and prepare to concentrate on what you want to achieve this year. Refuse to get wrapped up in other people’s business, leaving you no time to pursue your dreams. Keep an open mind, but don’t be gullible or let someone manipulate you. Be the driving force, not the minion. Your numbers are 2, 16, 24, 27, 31, 46, 49.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take demonstrative action, and you will capture the spotlight. Don’t be shy or too proud to ask for help. Concentrate on the result, and enjoy the process of seeing your plans through from start to finish. Simplicity is encouraged. 5 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Address any financial issues that surface. Keeping on top of debt and monitoring what you spend will help ease stress and encourage you to live within your means. Don’t let someone take advantage of you. You can’t buy love. Offer kindness, not cash. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Procrastinate, and you will end up missing out on an excellent opportunity. Look to someone you respect for guidance, and partner with whoever can contribute at least as much as you, if not more. Don’t give in to emotional manipulation. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Visit someone or a place that motivates and inspires you. Take a different approach to how you use your skills. Change your mind or your direction if that’s what will help you reach your goal. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take on a challenge. You have the money to outsmart and outdo any competition you face, so don’t hold back when you have so much to gain. Change begins within, so stop waiting for someone to do things for you. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Show kindness and compassion, but don’t let anyone take advantage of you or what you have to offer. Size up situations, and set boundaries when dealing with anyone who is pushy, manipulative or excessive. Personal growth will bring the highest return. 2 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Share your ideas, listen to the suggestions made and move forward on your own. Maintaining control of the outcome will be in your best interest. If you join forces with someone, you can expect him or her to take over. 4 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Dig in and get the facts. Knowing what you are up against will make life easier and help you get the results you want. What you do will have a more significant impact on others than what you say. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A staunch attitude will help you achieve things, and innovation will lead to advancement. Make a move, start a new adventure and redesign how you want to live. Revenge and anger are wastes of time. Embrace new beginnings. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Observe what others do, and you’ll recognize who you want to stand beside. A disciplined attitude will help you ward off temptation and those trying to get you to move in a risky direction. Choose stability over chaos. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Stick close to home, and sort through any personal paperwork you left undone. An unexpected move someone makes will leave you in a quandary. Rethink your strategy, and rearrange your plans. Avoid an unnecessary dispute. Focus on personal gain. 4 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Uncertainty is growing. Refuse to let someone persuade you to get involved in something that isn’t beneficial. Look for other options that will encourage good health and much better mental and financial stability. Let go of what is no longer working for you. 2 stars
Birthday Baby: You are sensitive, playful and passionate. You are intelligent and unpredictable.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Word Game: Jan. 21, 2020

Can you find 23 or more words in HEADLAND ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — HEADLAND (HEADLAND: HED-land: A promontory.)
Average mark 19 words
Time limit 25 minutes
Can you find 23 or more words in HEADLAND? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — USURPED used user usurp sped spud spur
sued suer super surd sure rude rued ruse prude pure purse pursue
drupe dues Dupe
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.