mercurynews--2020-09-03--The Rock says he and his family are recovering from COVID-19

Dwayne Johnson said he ’ s won a fight against Covid-19 , but is warning others that the virus was a formidable foe even for him .
Luckily , the actor and former wrestling star said in an Instagram video that he and his family are now on the other side of their illness after they all tested positive about three weeks ago .
“ I can tell you that this has been one of the most challenging and difficult things we have ever had to endure as a family , ” he said .
“ And for me personally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve gone through some doozies in the past.
” Johnson said his two young daughters exhibited mild symptoms , but he and his wife , Lauren Hashian , were a different story .
“ But I am happy to tell you guys that we as a family are good .
We are on the other end of it .
We are on the other side .
We are no longer contagious .
And we are — thank god — we are healthy , ” he said .
Johnson said he believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He encouraged others to exercise extreme caution when meeting with friends or family and taking measures — like getting tested for coronavirus before meeting up — to prevent the spread .
“ I ’ ve gotten knocked about and gotten my a– kicked a little bit in the past with some challenges , but testing positive for Covid-19 is much different than overcoming nasty injuries or being evicted or even being broke , which I have been more than a few times , ” he said .
“ The reason why I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number one priority is to always protect my family and protect my children , my loved ones .
”

By Sandra Gonzalez | CNN
Dwayne Johnson said he’s won a fight against Covid-19, but is warning others that the virus was a formidable foe even for him.
Luckily, the actor and former wrestling star said in an Instagram video that he and his family are now on the other side of their illness after they all tested positive about three weeks ago.
“I can tell you that this has been one of the most challenging and difficult things we have ever had to endure as a family,” he said. “And for me personally, too, as well, and I’ve gone through some doozies in the past.”
[vemba-video id=”entertainment/2020/09/03/dwayne-johnson-the-rock-covid-family-instagram-cpt-sot-vpx.cnn”]
Video: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson tests positive for Covid-19
Johnson said his two young daughters exhibited mild symptoms, but he and his wife, Lauren Hashian, were a different story.
“But I am happy to tell you guys that we as a family are good. We are on the other end of it. We are on the other side. We are no longer contagious. And we are — thank god — we are healthy,” he said.
Related Articles Entertainment | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Entertainment | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds Entertainment | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Entertainment | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Entertainment | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Johnson said he believes they contracted it from close family friends.
He encouraged others to exercise extreme caution when meeting with friends or family and taking measures — like getting tested for coronavirus before meeting up — to prevent the spread.
“I’ve gotten knocked about and gotten my a– kicked a little bit in the past with some challenges, but testing positive for Covid-19 is much different than overcoming nasty injuries or being evicted or even being broke, which I have been more than a few times,” he said. “The reason why I feel this is different is because my number one priority is to always protect my family and protect my children, my loved ones.”


mercurynews--2020-09-03--Former Mets star pitcher Tom Seaver dead at 75

NEW YORK — Tom Seaver , the galvanizing leader of the Miracle Mets 1969 championship team and a pitcher who personified the rise of expansion teams during an era of radical change for baseball , has died .
He was 75 .
The Hall of Fame said Wednesday night that Seaver died Monday from complications of Lewy body dementia and COVID-19 .
Seaver spent his final years in Calistoga .
Seaver ’ s family announced in March 2019 he had been diagnosed with dementia and had retired from public life .
He continued working at Seaver Vineyards , founded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his wife , Nancy , in 2002 on 116 acres at Diamond Mountain in the Calistoga region of Northern California .
Seaver was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 1991 , and it reoccurred in 2012 and led to Bell ’ s Palsy and memory loss , the Daily News of New York reported in 2013 .
“ He will always be the heart and soul of the Mets , the standard which all Mets aspire to , ” Mike Piazza , a former Mets catcher and Hall of Famer , tweeted when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nicknamed Tom Terrific and The Franchise , Seaver was a five-time 20-game winner and the 1967 NL Rookie of the Year .
For his career , from 1967-86 , he had a 311-205 record with a 2.86 ERA , 3,640 strikeouts and 61 shutouts .
He became a constant on magazine covers and a media presence , calling postseason games on NBC and ABC even while still an active player .
He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992 when he appeared on 425 of 430 ballots for a then-record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 by Ken Griffey Jr. , again in 2019 when Mariano Rivera became the first unanimous selection by baseball writers , and in 2020 when Derek Jeter fell one vote short of a clean sweep .
His plaque in Cooperstown lauds him as a “ power pitcher who helped change the New York Mets from lovable losers into formidable foes.
” He changed not only their place in the standings but the team ’ s stature in people ’ s minds .
Seaver pitched for the Mets from 1967 until 1977 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public spat with chairman M. Donald Grant over Seaver ’ s desire for a new contract .
It was a clash that inflamed baseball fans in New York .
“ My biggest disappointment ?
Leaving the Mets the first time and the difficulties I had with the same people that led up to it , ” Seaver told The Associated Press ahead of his Hall induction in 1992 .
“ But I look back at it in a positive way now .
It gave me the opportunity to work in different areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only no-hitter for the Reds in June 1978 against St. Louis and was traded back to New York after the 1982 season .
But Mets general manager Frank Cashen blundered by leaving Seaver off his list of 26 protected players , and in January 1984 he was claimed by the Chicago White Sox as free agent compensation for losing pitcher Dennis Lamp to Toronto .
While pitching for the White Sox , Seaver got his 300th win at Yankee Stadium and did it in style with a six-hitter in a 4-1 victory .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boston Red Sox team that lost to the Mets in the World Series .
Supremely confident — and not necessarily modest about his extraordinary acumen on the mound — Seaver was a 12-time All-Star who led the major leagues with a 25-7 record in 1969 and a 1.76 ERA in 1971 .
A classic power pitcher with a drop-and-drive delivery that often dirtied the right knee of his uniform pants , he won Cy Young Awards with New York in 1969 , 1973 and 1975 .
The club retired his No .
41 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given the honor .
“ From a team standpoint , winning the ’ 69 world championship is something I ’ ll remember most , ” Seaver said in 1992 .
“ From an individual standpoint , my 300th win brought me the most joy.
” Seaver limited his public appearances in recent years .
He did not attend the Baseball Writers ’ Association of America dinner in 2019 , where members of the 1969 Mets were honored on the 50th anniversary of what still ranks among baseball ’ s most unexpected championships .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a celebration of that team , the Mets announced plans for a statue of Seaver outside Citi Field , and the ballpark ’ s address was officially changed to 41 Seaver Way in a nod to his uniform number .
Seaver did not attend those ceremonies , either , but daughter Sarah Seaver did and said her parents were honored .
“ This is so very appropriate because he made the New York Mets the team that it is , ” said Ron Swoboda , the right fielder whose sprawling catch helped Seaver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Game 4 of the ’ 69 Series .
“ He gave them credibility.
” When the Mets closed their previous home , Shea Stadium , on the final day of the 2008 regular season , Seaver put the finishing touches on the nostalgic ceremonies with a last pitch to Piazza , and the two walked off together waving goodbye to fans .
George Thomas Seaver was born in Fresno , California , on Nov. 17 , 1944 , a son of Charles Seaver , a top amateur golfer who won both his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1932 Walker Cup .
Tom Seaver was a star at the University of Southern California and was drafted by Atlanta in 1966 .
He signed with the Braves for $ 51,500 only for Commissioner William Eckert to void the deal .
The Trojans already had played exhibition games that year , and baseball rules at the time prohibited a club from signing a college player whose season had started .
Any team willing to match the Braves ’ signing bonus could enter a lottery , and Eckert picked the Mets out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philadelphia .
Among baseball ’ s worst teams from their expansion season in 1962 , the Mets lost more than 100 games in five of their first six seasons and had never won more than 73 in any of their first seven years .
With cherished Brooklyn Dodgers star Gil Hodges as their manager , a young corps of pitchers led by Seaver , Jerry Koosman , Gary Gentry and a still-wild Nolan Ryan , and an offense that included Cleon Jones and Tommie Agee , the Mets overtook the Chicago Cubs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record in 1969 .
They swept Hank Aaron and the Atlanta Braves in the first NL Championship Series to reach the World Series against highly favored Baltimore , which had gone 109-53 .
Seaver lost the opener 4-1 in a matchup with Mike Cuellar , then pitched a 10-inning six-hitter to win Game 4 , and the Mets won the title the following afternoon .
• Lute Olson , the Hall of Fame coach who turned Arizona into a college basketball powerhouse , has died at the age of 85 .
• Honored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his death still a mystery Perhaps his most memorable moment on the mound was at Shea Stadium on July 9 , 1969 , when he retired his first 25 batters against the Chicago Cubs .
Pinch-hitter Jimmy Qualls looped a one-out single to left-center in the ninth inning before Seaver retired Willie Smith on a foulout and Don Kessinger on a flyout .
“ I had every hitter doing what I wanted , ” Seaver recalled in 1992 .
“ Afterward , my wife was in tears and I remember saying to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts .
What more could I ask for ? '
”

By Ronald Blum | Associated Press
NEW YORK — Tom Seaver, the galvanizing leader of the Miracle Mets 1969 championship team and a pitcher who personified the rise of expansion teams during an era of radical change for baseball, has died. He was 75.
The Hall of Fame said Wednesday night that Seaver died Monday from complications of Lewy body dementia and COVID-19. Seaver spent his final years in Calistoga.
Seaver’s family announced in March 2019 he had been diagnosed with dementia and had retired from public life.
He continued working at Seaver Vineyards, founded by the three-time NL Cy Young Award winner and his wife, Nancy, in 2002 on 116 acres at Diamond Mountain in the Calistoga region of Northern California.
Seaver was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 1991, and it reoccurred in 2012 and led to Bell’s Palsy and memory loss, the Daily News of New York reported in 2013.
“He will always be the heart and soul of the Mets, the standard which all Mets aspire to,” Mike Piazza, a former Mets catcher and Hall of Famer, tweeted when Seaver’s dementia diagnosis was announced.
Nicknamed Tom Terrific and The Franchise, Seaver was a five-time 20-game winner and the 1967 NL Rookie of the Year. For his career, from 1967-86, he had a 311-205 record with a 2.86 ERA, 3,640 strikeouts and 61 shutouts. He became a constant on magazine covers and a media presence, calling postseason games on NBC and ABC even while still an active player.
He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992 when he appeared on 425 of 430 ballots for a then-record 98.84%. His mark was surpassed in 2016 by Ken Griffey Jr., again in 2019 when Mariano Rivera became the first unanimous selection by baseball writers, and in 2020 when Derek Jeter fell one vote short of a clean sweep.
His plaque in Cooperstown lauds him as a “power pitcher who helped change the New York Mets from lovable losers into formidable foes.” He changed not only their place in the standings but the team’s stature in people’s minds.
Seaver pitched for the Mets from 1967 until 1977, when he was traded to Cincinnati after a public spat with chairman M. Donald Grant over Seaver’s desire for a new contract. It was a clash that inflamed baseball fans in New York.
“My biggest disappointment? Leaving the Mets the first time and the difficulties I had with the same people that led up to it,” Seaver told The Associated Press ahead of his Hall induction in 1992. “But I look back at it in a positive way now. It gave me the opportunity to work in different areas of the country.”
He threw his only no-hitter for the Reds in June 1978 against St. Louis and was traded back to New York after the 1982 season. But Mets general manager Frank Cashen blundered by leaving Seaver off his list of 26 protected players, and in January 1984 he was claimed by the Chicago White Sox as free agent compensation for losing pitcher Dennis Lamp to Toronto.
While pitching for the White Sox, Seaver got his 300th win at Yankee Stadium and did it in style with a six-hitter in a 4-1 victory. He finished his career with the 1986 Boston Red Sox team that lost to the Mets in the World Series.
Supremely confident — and not necessarily modest about his extraordinary acumen on the mound — Seaver was a 12-time All-Star who led the major leagues with a 25-7 record in 1969 and a 1.76 ERA in 1971. A classic power pitcher with a drop-and-drive delivery that often dirtied the right knee of his uniform pants, he won Cy Young Awards with New York in 1969, 1973 and 1975. The club retired his No. 41 in 1988, the first Mets player given the honor.
“From a team standpoint, winning the ’69 world championship is something I’ll remember most,” Seaver said in 1992. “From an individual standpoint, my 300th win brought me the most joy.”
Seaver limited his public appearances in recent years. He did not attend the Baseball Writers’ Association of America dinner in 2019, where members of the 1969 Mets were honored on the 50th anniversary of what still ranks among baseball’s most unexpected championships.
Five months later, as part of a celebration of that team, the Mets announced plans for a statue of Seaver outside Citi Field, and the ballpark’s address was officially changed to 41 Seaver Way in a nod to his uniform number.
Seaver did not attend those ceremonies, either, but daughter Sarah Seaver did and said her parents were honored.
“This is so very appropriate because he made the New York Mets the team that it is,” said Ron Swoboda, the right fielder whose sprawling catch helped Seaver pitch the Mets to a 10-inning win in Game 4 of the ’69 Series. “He gave them credibility.”
When the Mets closed their previous home, Shea Stadium, on the final day of the 2008 regular season, Seaver put the finishing touches on the nostalgic ceremonies with a last pitch to Piazza, and the two walked off together waving goodbye to fans.
George Thomas Seaver was born in Fresno, California, on Nov. 17, 1944, a son of Charles Seaver, a top amateur golfer who won both his matches for the U.S. over Britain at the 1932 Walker Cup.
Tom Seaver was a star at the University of Southern California and was drafted by Atlanta in 1966. He signed with the Braves for $51,500 only for Commissioner William Eckert to void the deal. The Trojans already had played exhibition games that year, and baseball rules at the time prohibited a club from signing a college player whose season had started. Any team willing to match the Braves’ signing bonus could enter a lottery, and Eckert picked the Mets out of a hat that also included Cleveland and Philadelphia.
Among baseball’s worst teams from their expansion season in 1962, the Mets lost more than 100 games in five of their first six seasons and had never won more than 73 in any of their first seven years. With cherished Brooklyn Dodgers star Gil Hodges as their manager, a young corps of pitchers led by Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Gary Gentry and a still-wild Nolan Ryan, and an offense that included Cleon Jones and Tommie Agee, the Mets overtook the Chicago Cubs to win the NL East with a 100-62 record in 1969.
They swept Hank Aaron and the Atlanta Braves in the first NL Championship Series to reach the World Series against highly favored Baltimore, which had gone 109-53. Seaver lost the opener 4-1 in a matchup with Mike Cuellar, then pitched a 10-inning six-hitter to win Game 4, and the Mets won the title the following afternoon.
Perhaps his most memorable moment on the mound was at Shea Stadium on July 9, 1969, when he retired his first 25 batters against the Chicago Cubs. Pinch-hitter Jimmy Qualls looped a one-out single to left-center in the ninth inning before Seaver retired Willie Smith on a foulout and Don Kessinger on a flyout.
“I had every hitter doing what I wanted,” Seaver recalled in 1992. “Afterward, my wife was in tears and I remember saying to her: ‘Hey, I pitched a one-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts. What more could I ask for?'”


mercurynews--2020-09-03--Appeals court: Parole board is holding CA prisoner to an impossible standard

In a strongly-worded decision that takes issue with previous parole denials , a California Appellate Court has ordered that a man convicted of murdering his mother-in-law nearly 30 years ago be given a new shot at freedom .
The 40-page decision by the First District appeals court , issued in August , says that parole boards have held Fairfield resident Andrew Dave Shelton to an impossible standard by denying him parole based upon his lack of insight to his offense .
The appeals court judges noted that Shelton suffered a traumatic brain injury before his prison offense , and cited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brain damage was permanent .
“ The present case is particularly problematic because the record suggests Shelton ’ s cognitive condition will never allow him to achieve and demonstrate the kind of insight the panels have been demanding , ” the judges wrote .
On top of his brain damage , Shelton , 64 , is listed as “ permanently blind or vision impaired ” and has back and knee injuries that cause significant limited mobility , court records show .
In response to the decision , the state parole board has set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shelton was convicted and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for the 1991 murder of Carol Tueisme , Shelton ’ s mother-in-law .
According to court records , the shooting occurred after Shelton arrived at Tueisme ’ s apartment at the Santa Ana Fairfield complex .
Shelton ’ s wife , who was also present , escaped the attack by jumping out of a second-story window .
The year before the murder , Shelton suffered a traumatic brain injury when the tailgate of a five-ton truck fell onto his head , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ reported significant memory difficulties , had problems with getting lost , and suffered slurred speech , ” appellate court judges wrote .
He also served in combat as part of his 18-year stint with the U.S. Military , including a term in Congo where he reported witnessing atrocities , such as babies being murdered , court records show .
The parole board — which has denied freedom for Shelton eight times since his conviction — noted this when it denied Shelton parole in 2016 .
“ Let me tell you this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congo being killed and beheaded , then you can remember what happened in this commitment offense , ” the parole commissioner said in 2016 , according to the appeals court decision .
The appeals court judges , by contrast , wrote that it seems unlikely Shelton would reoffend .
“ Almost three decades later , Shelton has had years to adjust to his disabilities and their effect on his cognitive and physical condition ; his children are adults ; and he is no longer embroiled in tumultuous romantic or familial relationships , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learned strategies for dealing with stress and anger that he did not know at the time of the life offense and he no longer feels paranoid .
”

In a strongly-worded decision that takes issue with previous parole denials, a California Appellate Court has ordered that a man convicted of murdering his mother-in-law nearly 30 years ago be given a new shot at freedom.
The 40-page decision by the First District appeals court, issued in August, says that parole boards have held Fairfield resident Andrew Dave Shelton to an impossible standard by denying him parole based upon his lack of insight to his offense. The appeals court judges noted that Shelton suffered a traumatic brain injury before his prison offense, and cited a doctor’s report that his brain damage was permanent.
“The present case is particularly problematic because the record suggests Shelton’s cognitive condition will never allow him to achieve and demonstrate the kind of insight the panels have been demanding,” the judges wrote.
On top of his brain damage, Shelton, 64, is listed as “permanently blind or vision impaired” and has back and knee injuries that cause significant limited mobility, court records show. In response to the decision, the state parole board has set a near hearing date for October.
Shelton was convicted and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for the 1991 murder of Carol Tueisme, Shelton’s mother-in-law. According to court records, the shooting occurred after Shelton arrived at Tueisme’s apartment at the Santa Ana Fairfield complex. Shelton’s wife, who was also present, escaped the attack by jumping out of a second-story window.
The year before the murder, Shelton suffered a traumatic brain injury when the tailgate of a five-ton truck fell onto his head, according to court records. He suffered “reported significant memory difficulties, had problems with getting lost, and suffered slurred speech,” appellate court judges wrote.
He also served in combat as part of his 18-year stint with the U.S. Military, including a term in Congo where he reported witnessing atrocities, such as babies being murdered, court records show. The parole board — which has denied freedom for Shelton eight times since his conviction — noted this when it denied Shelton parole in 2016.
“Let me tell you this. If you can remember the children in Congo being killed and beheaded, then you can remember what happened in this commitment offense,” the parole commissioner said in 2016, according to the appeals court decision.
The appeals court judges, by contrast, wrote that it seems unlikely Shelton would reoffend.
“Almost three decades later, Shelton has had years to adjust to his disabilities and their effect on his cognitive and physical condition; his children are adults; and he is no longer embroiled in tumultuous romantic or familial relationships,” the judges wrote. “He has learned strategies for dealing with stress and anger that he did not know at the time of the life offense and he no longer feels paranoid.”


mercurynews--2020-09-03--Authorities ID woman killed in San Mateo County cliff crash

SAN MATEO COUNTY – A woman who died after her car went over a cliff on Highway 1 near Gray @ @ @ @ @ been identified as 54-year-old San Francisco resident Yuri Kim , according to the San Mateo @ @ @ @ @ .
The crash was first reported about 7:50 a.m. , and by 9:30 a.m. , @ @ @ @ @ injured woman .
Kim ’ s silver Toyota sedan went over a barrier and tumbled @ @ @ @ @ cliff side , a California Highway Patrol spokesman said earlier this week .
Kim was @ @ @ @ @ Hospital , where she was pronounced dead a short time later .
According to witnesses @ @ @ @ @ the wrecked car , but then fell further down the cliff .
No other vehicles @ @ @ @ @ , the cause of which remains under investigation .

SAN MATEO COUNTY – A woman who died after her car went over a cliff on Highway 1 near Gray Whale Cove on Monday has been identified as 54-year-old San Francisco resident Yuri Kim, according to the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office.
The crash was first reported about 7:50 a.m., and by 9:30 a.m., firefighters had rescued the critically injured woman. Kim’s silver Toyota sedan went over a barrier and tumbled about 200 feet down the cliff side, a California Highway Patrol spokesman said earlier this week.
Kim was taken to San Francisco General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
According to witnesses, Kim got out of the wrecked car, but then fell further down the cliff.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash, the cause of which remains under investigation.


mercurynews--2020-09-03--Could California’s Legislature return for special session on coronavirus, housing or police?

After the state Legislature ’ s coronavirus-shortened session came to a chaotic end this week , Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Wednesday left the door open to calling lawmakers back for a special session .
But while they have plenty of unfinished business , the likelihood of legislators returning to Sacramento this fall is unclear .
Bills meant to ease the state ’ s housing crisis , overhaul policing and provide help to people affected by COVID-19 ’ s economic downtown never made it out of the Legislature by its deadline of midnight Tuesday , leaving a broad sense of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposals failed painfully close to the finish line .
Bills that would have allowed duplexes to be built on single-family lots , and expanded public access to police misconduct records , passed both houses of the Legislature but died because they couldn ’ t get the final votes they needed following late amendments .
Combine that dissatisfaction with what advocates say is an urgent need for relief for people struggling amid the pandemic , and there have been rumblings for weeks about whether the governor should order another session .
“ We had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have a lot more work to do , ” said Sen. Scott Wiener , D-San Francisco , a joint author of the duplex bill .
“ I would like to have a focused special session on housing and criminal justice and police reform.
” Asked during a press conference Wednesday about the potential for an extraordinary session , Newsom said , “ If necessary I ’ m open to that.
” Still , it wasn ’ t clear what the governor would consider “ necessary , ” and he stopped well short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Working with legislative leaders , we ’ ve had many discussions over the course of the last number of months — there were some procedural issues ” at the end of the session , Newsom said .
But he also noted that an extraordinary session would have to focus on a specific topic — Jerry Brown , for instance , called them while he was in office for health care and transportation bills .
“ I ’ m always open to ( a special session ) , but that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific criteria , and necessity , as it relates to any of those ideas , ” Newsom said .
Some lawmakers are clamoring for more time in Sacramento this fall — 20 Republican Assembly members and senators signed on to a letter Monday from Asm .
Kevin Kiley , R-Granite Bay , requesting a special session to cover , among other topics , an audit of the state ’ s Employment Development Department and “ tax and regulatory relief for small businesses .
Interest groups are asking for a special session as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxes on the wealthy , which they argued in a CalMatters opinion column would fund “ an equitable recovery ” from the pandemic ; several large police unions are seeking one so they can work with lawmakers to craft a “ decertification ” process that would revoke the badges of officers who commit crimes or other serious misconduct .
But it ’ s not clear that Democratic leaders who control the Legislature share their desire .
“ I am not holding my breath , but anything is possible , ” Wiener said of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ At this point in my office , we are working toward 2021.
” Requests for comment Wednesday to leadership as well as several other Bay Area lawmakers asking whether they want to have a special session were greeted with radio silence .
One reason they may be lukewarm : The session would take lawmakers off the campaign trail at the height of election season , when they might be working for re-election or pitching in on party campaigns .
Also , legislation like the police records and duplex bills would be back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , needing hearings and committee and floor votes all over again to advance to Newsom ’ s desk .

After the state Legislature’s coronavirus-shortened session came to a chaotic end this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday left the door open to calling lawmakers back for a special session. But while they have plenty of unfinished business, the likelihood of legislators returning to Sacramento this fall is unclear.
Bills meant to ease the state’s housing crisis, overhaul policing and provide help to people affected by COVID-19’s economic downtown never made it out of the Legislature by its deadline of midnight Tuesday, leaving a broad sense of disappointment from lawmakers and advocates.
Some proposals failed painfully close to the finish line. Bills that would have allowed duplexes to be built on single-family lots, and expanded public access to police misconduct records, passed both houses of the Legislature but died because they couldn’t get the final votes they needed following late amendments.
Combine that dissatisfaction with what advocates say is an urgent need for relief for people struggling amid the pandemic, and there have been rumblings for weeks about whether the governor should order another session.
“We had some real wins this session, but we have a lot more work to do,” said Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, a joint author of the duplex bill. “I would like to have a focused special session on housing and criminal justice and police reform.”
Asked during a press conference Wednesday about the potential for an extraordinary session, Newsom said, “If necessary I’m open to that.”
Still, it wasn’t clear what the governor would consider “necessary,” and he stopped well short of saying he wanted such a session.
“Working with legislative leaders, we’ve had many discussions over the course of the last number of months — there were some procedural issues” at the end of the session, Newsom said.
But he also noted that an extraordinary session would have to focus on a specific topic — Jerry Brown, for instance, called them while he was in office for health care and transportation bills.
“I’m always open to (a special session), but that’s based upon a specific agenda, a specific criteria, and necessity, as it relates to any of those ideas,” Newsom said.
Some lawmakers are clamoring for more time in Sacramento this fall — 20 Republican Assembly members and senators signed on to a letter Monday from Asm. Kevin Kiley, R-Granite Bay, requesting a special session to cover, among other topics, an audit of the state’s Employment Development Department and “tax and regulatory relief for small businesses.
Interest groups are asking for a special session as well. Labor leaders want one to pass taxes on the wealthy, which they argued in a CalMatters opinion column would fund “an equitable recovery” from the pandemic; several large police unions are seeking one so they can work with lawmakers to craft a “decertification” process that would revoke the badges of officers who commit crimes or other serious misconduct.
But it’s not clear that Democratic leaders who control the Legislature share their desire.
“I am not holding my breath, but anything is possible,” Wiener said of the prospects for a special session. “At this point in my office, we are working toward 2021.”
Related Articles Politics | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Politics | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds Politics | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Politics | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Politics | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Requests for comment Wednesday to leadership as well as several other Bay Area lawmakers asking whether they want to have a special session were greeted with radio silence.
One reason they may be lukewarm: The session would take lawmakers off the campaign trail at the height of election season, when they might be working for re-election or pitching in on party campaigns. Also, legislation like the police records and duplex bills would be back to square one in a special session, needing hearings and committee and floor votes all over again to advance to Newsom’s desk.


mercurynews--2020-09-03--Brian Copeland revives solo show ‘Waiting Period’ at just the right time

Acclaimed Bay Area comedian , writer and performer Brian Copeland ’ s solo show “ The Waiting Period ” seems particularly suited the coronavirus era .
At a time when officials and health experts are concerned that the prolonged pandemic is exacerbating the mental health struggles being endured by many , Copeland ’ s show recounts his long battle with depression .
The title refers to the time California gun buyers must wait to take possession of their purchase .
Copeland , as he relates in his show , had purchased a gun with the intention of taking his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including “ Not a Genuine Black Man , ” Copeland ’ s work unfolds with a blend of sharp insight and humor .
The man is a terrific storyteller .
Beginning this weekend , Copeland is live-streaming “ The Waiting Period ” for a mini-run as part of the ongoing Marsh Streaming offerings from The Marsh theater .
Each show will be followed by a Q & A with the performer .
Details : 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 ; 5 p.m. Sept. 13 and 27 , Oct. 11 and Oct. 25 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are encouraged ; themarsh.org .
Meanwhile , other virtual plays are available to Bay Area fans .
Here are three you should know about .
“ In Love and Warcraft ” : American Conservatory Theater presents Madhuri Shekar ’ s cosplay-fueled romantic comedy about a young woman who is crushing it in the gaming world and makes a living ghost-writing love letters for the romantically ill at ease .
Then she falls in love for real and things get difficult .
The show is directed by Peter J. Kuo and features students from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program .
“ Elliot : A Soldier ’ s Fugue ” : Quiara Alegria Hudes ’ drama about three generations of a Puerto Rican family with a history of military service is being streamed by Mountain View ’ s Pear Theatre through Sept. 13 .
“ An Act of God ” : Palo Alto Players present a live-streamed production of this David Javerbaum comedy , described as the “ first Broadway play based on a Twitter feed , ” with the three-person cast performing live from their living rooms .
Bay Area comedian @ @ @ @

Acclaimed Bay Area comedian, writer and performer Brian Copeland’s solo show “The Waiting Period” seems particularly suited the coronavirus era.
At a time when officials and health experts are concerned that the prolonged pandemic is exacerbating the mental health struggles being endured by many, Copeland’s show recounts his long battle with depression. The title refers to the time California gun buyers must wait to take possession of their purchase. Copeland, as he relates in his show, had purchased a gun with the intention of taking his own life.
Like his other popular shows, including “Not a Genuine Black Man,” Copeland’s work unfolds with a blend of sharp insight and humor. The man is a terrific storyteller.
Beginning this weekend, Copeland is live-streaming “The Waiting Period” for a mini-run as part of the ongoing Marsh Streaming offerings from The Marsh theater. Each show will be followed by a Q&A with the performer.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5; 5 p.m. Sept. 13 and 27, Oct. 11 and Oct. 25 and Nov. 8; free, but donations are encouraged; themarsh.org.
Meanwhile, other virtual plays are available to Bay Area fans. Here are three you should know about.
“In Love and Warcraft”: American Conservatory Theater presents Madhuri Shekar’s cosplay-fueled romantic comedy about a young woman who is crushing it in the gaming world and makes a living ghost-writing love letters for the romantically ill at ease. Then she falls in love for real and things get difficult. The show is directed by Peter J. Kuo and features students from ACT’s Master of Fine Arts program.
Details: Live-streamed Friday through Sept. 12, offered in video on-demand format Sept. 18–25; $20-$25; www.act-sf.org.
“Elliot: A Soldier’s Fugue”: Quiara Alegria Hudes’ drama about three generations of a Puerto Rican family with a history of military service is being streamed by Mountain View’s Pear Theatre through Sept. 13.
Details: $30; www.thepear.org.
“An Act of God”: Palo Alto Players present a live-streamed production of this David Javerbaum comedy, described as the “first Broadway play based on a Twitter feed,” with the three-person cast performing live from their living rooms. Bay Area comedian Debi Durst directs.
Details: Friday though Sept. 20; $15-$40; www.paplayers.org.


mercurynews--2020-09-03--AG Barr: ‘I don’t think there are two justice systems’

Attorney General William Barr , in an exclusive interview on CNN , broadly defended the actions of police , saying shootings of Black Americans often weren ’ t racially motivated and weren ’ t as common as public demonstrations have made them seem .
“ I don ’ t think there are two justice systems , ” Barr said in a sometimes contentious interview on CNN ’ s “ The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.
” “ I think the narrative that the police are in some epidemic of shooting unarmed black men is simply a false narrative and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race.
” Barr acknowledged , however , that at times it created different situations for Black and White Americans .
“ I think there are some situations where statistics would suggest that they are treated differently .
But I don ’ t think that that ’ s necessarily racism , ” Barr said .
“ Didn ’ t Jesse Jackson say that when he looks behind him and he sees a group of young Black males walking behind him , he ’ s more scared than when he sees a group of white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
“ Does that make him a racist ?
” Antifa and Trump ’ s claims of ‘ thugs ’ on airplanes Barr also addressed President Donald Trump ’ s assertion of “ thugs ” intimidating a passenger on a plane , when asked about Antifa , a left-wing group the Justice Department has claimed stirs protests toward violence .
He said authorities were tracking people who had flown from city to city to stir up violence , but did not give examples and said he didn ’ t know specifically what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flying around the country , we know people who are flying around the country , we know where they ’ re going , we see some of the purchases they ’ re making before the riots of weapons to use in those riots , ” Barr said .
Regarding Trump ’ s comments about a specific instance of black-clad Antifa members on a plane , Barr said , “ I don ’ t know what the President is referring to.
” Barr said that some of the 300 people who have been hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest this summer belong to the Antifa movement , although he again did not provide specifics .
Barr and Trump have regularly blamed much of the violence on the left-wing anarchist movement , and Barr has created a task force to study the group ’ s infrastructure , but prosecutors haven ’ t specifically tied charges to the movement .
Barr also described how followers of the Antifa movement are working in an organized manner .
“ I ’ ve talked to every police chief in every city where there ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antifa as the ramrod for the violence , ” Barr said .
Obama and Biden not under investigation In the wide-ranging interview , Barr also said that neither former President Barack Obama nor former Vice President Joe Biden were under investigation .
Asked whether it was appropriate for Trump to be asking the attorney general to launch criminal investigation against his political opponents , Barr replied , “ I didn ’ t take that as launching a criminal investigation .
We ’ re reviewing the Russiagate thing , and I think he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Barr refused to answer whether he wanted to stay on as attorney general should Trump get re-elected .
But when asked whether he was enjoying the role , Barr replied with a laugh , “ I wouldn ’ t use the word ‘ enjoy , ’ but it ’ s satisfying.
” • Mississippi ’ s replacement flag now goes to the governor • Trump goes to Kenosha , places blame on ‘ domestic terror ’ • Red rope with a noose hanged from tree at home of Black family in Southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote ?
’ Black voters organize after DC march Barr has been near the center of a political storm around civil unrest , especially in Wisconsin and Oregon , in recent weeks where civil rights protests over police killings of Black Americans have at times turned violent .
It ’ s also nearly 60 days until the 2020 election , and Trump has publicly and repeatedly leaned on his attorney general , one of his most trusted Cabinet members , to prosecute former officials he dislikes and give leniency toward his allies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he commissioned to re-examine investigators ’ work in the early days of the Russia probe , an effort Barr ’ s critics have alleged is driven by a political attempt to help the President during his reelection bid .

By Katelyn Polantz, Caroline Kelly and Christina Carrega | CNN
Attorney General William Barr, in an exclusive interview on CNN, broadly defended the actions of police, saying shootings of Black Americans often weren’t racially motivated and weren’t as common as public demonstrations have made them seem.
“I don’t think there are two justice systems,” Barr said in a sometimes contentious interview on CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” “I think the narrative that the police are in some epidemic of shooting unarmed black men is simply a false narrative and also the narrative that’s based on race.”
Barr acknowledged, however, that at times it created different situations for Black and White Americans.
“I think there are some situations where statistics would suggest that they are treated differently. But I don’t think that that’s necessarily racism,” Barr said.
“Didn’t Jesse Jackson say that when he looks behind him and he sees a group of young Black males walking behind him, he’s more scared than when he sees a group of white youths walking behind him,” Barr added. “Does that make him a racist?”
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/09/02/china-russia-election-threat-attorney-general-bill-barr-blitzer-tsr-vpx.cnn”]
Video: Barr says Russia isn’t the biggest threat to US elections
Antifa and Trump’s claims of ‘thugs’ on airplanes
Barr also addressed President Donald Trump’s assertion of “thugs” intimidating a passenger on a plane, when asked about Antifa, a left-wing group the Justice Department has claimed stirs protests toward violence.
He said authorities were tracking people who had flown from city to city to stir up violence, but did not give examples and said he didn’t know specifically what Trump was describing.
“They are flying around the country, we know people who are flying around the country, we know where they’re going, we see some of the purchases they’re making before the riots of weapons to use in those riots,” Barr said.
Regarding Trump’s comments about a specific instance of black-clad Antifa members on a plane, Barr said, “I don’t know what the President is referring to.”
Barr said that some of the 300 people who have been hit with federal charges stemming from the nationwide arrest this summer belong to the Antifa movement, although he again did not provide specifics.
Barr and Trump have regularly blamed much of the violence on the left-wing anarchist movement, and Barr has created a task force to study the group’s infrastructure, but prosecutors haven’t specifically tied charges to the movement.
Barr also described how followers of the Antifa movement are working in an organized manner.
“I’ve talked to every police chief in every city where there’s been major violence and they all have identified Antifa as the ramrod for the violence,” Barr said.
Obama and Biden not under investigation
In the wide-ranging interview, Barr also said that neither former President Barack Obama nor former Vice President Joe Biden were under investigation.
Asked whether it was appropriate for Trump to be asking the attorney general to launch criminal investigation against his political opponents, Barr replied, “I didn’t take that as launching a criminal investigation. We’re reviewing the Russiagate thing, and I think he’s interested in the results of it.”
Barr refused to answer whether he wanted to stay on as attorney general should Trump get re-elected. But when asked whether he was enjoying the role, Barr replied with a laugh, “I wouldn’t use the word ‘enjoy,’ but it’s satisfying.”
Related Articles Politics | ‘Black Godfather’ of music dies at 92
‘Black Godfather’ of music dies at 92 Politics | Sandra Bullock’s ‘The Blind Side’ long criticized for its ‘White savior’ view of a Black athlete
Sandra Bullock’s ‘The Blind Side’ long criticized for its ‘White savior’ view of a Black athlete Politics | Ex-Mississippi police officers plead guilty to torturing Black men
Ex-Mississippi police officers plead guilty to torturing Black men Politics | Hair relaxers have been linked to cancer among Black women, litigation says. ‘Nobody cares except us.’
Hair relaxers have been linked to cancer among Black women, litigation says. ‘Nobody cares except us.’ Politics | Contra Costa DA attempts to block publicization of new racist texts by Antioch cops Barr has been near the center of a political storm around civil unrest, especially in Wisconsin and Oregon, in recent weeks where civil rights protests over police killings of Black Americans have at times turned violent.
It’s also nearly 60 days until the 2020 election, and Trump has publicly and repeatedly leaned on his attorney general, one of his most trusted Cabinet members, to prosecute former officials he dislikes and give leniency toward his allies. Barr has for months touted an investigation he commissioned to re-examine investigators’ work in the early days of the Russia probe, an effort Barr’s critics have alleged is driven by a political attempt to help the President during his reelection bid.


mercurynews--2020-09-02--Authorities link Bay Bridge freeway killing, cemetery shootings to SF ‘gang feud’

Authorities have formally linked at least five 2020 shootings in San Francisco and Alameda counties , including at least two homicides , to a “ feud ” between two rival Bay Area gangs , according to federal court records .
The shootings include homicides on consecutive days in late April , involving alleged members of the San Francisco gangs known as Tre-4 and Down Below Gang , or DBG .
Authorities revealed the suspected connection between the shooting in court records detailing alleged probation violations by a Tre-4 member who is facing federal gun charges .
In three of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired , prosecutors wrote in court records .
The records allege that the April 28 killing of 23-year-old Henry Texada , of Oakland , was linked to the rivalry .
Texada was shot on the 2900 block of 68th Avenue , and is identified in court records as an alleged DBG member .
The following day , at the west end of the Bay Bridge near Fremont Street , a car containing at least two alleged Tre-4 members was fired upon .
Reno Fiapoto , 20 , was struck by gunfire and killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s brother , were injured , the records say .
The April 29 shooting was one of at least seven that occurred on Bay Area freeways in April and May , according to published reports .
• AG Barr : ‘ I don ’ t think there are two justice systems ’ • San Ramon defense contractors admit to insurance fraud scheme , will serve year of house arrest , pay $ 500,000 • DA : Officers cleared in fatal shooting of man who ran over San Jose cop last year In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gravesite at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma became a target for violence , the records say , adding that Colma police investigated “ several shootings and other criminal behavior ” there in June and July .
This includes the discovery of a pistol stashed in a bush that was loaded with a 30-round magazine , and had been reported stolen out of Oregon , according to prosecutors .

Authorities have formally linked at least five 2020 shootings in San Francisco and Alameda counties, including at least two homicides, to a “feud” between two rival Bay Area gangs, according to federal court records.
The shootings include homicides on consecutive days in late April, involving alleged members of the San Francisco gangs known as Tre-4 and Down Below Gang, or DBG. Authorities revealed the suspected connection between the shooting in court records detailing alleged probation violations by a Tre-4 member who is facing federal gun charges.
In three of the shootings, more than 100 rounds were fired, prosecutors wrote in court records.
The records allege that the April 28 killing of 23-year-old Henry Texada, of Oakland, was linked to the rivalry. Texada was shot on the 2900 block of 68th Avenue, and is identified in court records as an alleged DBG member.
The following day, at the west end of the Bay Bridge near Fremont Street, a car containing at least two alleged Tre-4 members was fired upon. Reno Fiapoto, 20, was struck by gunfire and killed. Two others, including Fiapoto’s brother, were injured, the records say.
The April 29 shooting was one of at least seven that occurred on Bay Area freeways in April and May, according to published reports.
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Why a San Mateo County police department faces potential dissolution
Why a San Mateo County police department faces potential dissolution Crime and Public Safety | Texas sheriff’s corporal arrested on suspicion of fatal hit-and-run crash on California freeway
Texas sheriff’s corporal arrested on suspicion of fatal hit-and-run crash on California freeway Crime and Public Safety | Mar-a-Lago property manager De Oliveira pleads not guilty
Mar-a-Lago property manager De Oliveira pleads not guilty Crime and Public Safety | Giuliani: Legal quagmires have left him broke
Giuliani: Legal quagmires have left him broke Crime and Public Safety | Oakland nonfatal shooting suspect hit with federal gun possession charges In the weeks after Fiapoto was killed, his gravesite at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma became a target for violence, the records say, adding that Colma police investigated “several shootings and other criminal behavior” there in June and July.
This includes the discovery of a pistol stashed in a bush that was loaded with a 30-round magazine, and had been reported stolen out of Oregon, according to prosecutors.


mercurynews--2020-09-02--Popular Kings Mountain Art Fair goes online for 2020

The Kings Mountain Fair has been a popular part of the Bay Area ’ s Labor Day weekend for more than 50 years , and organizers hope it can be again this year .
With a few changes .
For one thing , the event has moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
That means visitors won ’ t be able to take in ( and breathe in ) the lovely redwoods setting that helps make the event such a delight to the senses .
But the acclaimed artwork will still be on hand .
The event is once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Bay Area independent artists — it ’ s just that they will be on virtual display .
On Sept. 5-7 , art lovers can access the fair ’ s art works online .
And visitors will be able to chat live with artists on the fair ’ s platform and link to artists ’ websites if they want to make a purchase .
One thing hasn ’ t changed — the event is still an important fundraiser for the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and the Kings Mountain Elementary School , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the pandemic ’ s safety requirements .
Details : 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 5 , 6 and 7 ; logging in is free ; register and find more information at kingsmountainartfair.org .

The Kings Mountain Fair has been a popular part of the Bay Area’s Labor Day weekend for more than 50 years, and organizers hope it can be again this year.
With a few changes.
For one thing, the event has moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That means visitors won’t be able to take in (and breathe in) the lovely redwoods setting that helps make the event such a delight to the senses.
But the acclaimed artwork will still be on hand. The event is once again offering a wide range of works from Bay Area independent artists — it’s just that they will be on virtual display.
On Sept. 5-7, art lovers can access the fair’s art works online. And visitors will be able to chat live with artists on the fair’s platform and link to artists’ websites if they want to make a purchase.
One thing hasn’t changed — the event is still an important fundraiser for the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and the Kings Mountain Elementary School, and a potential book to area artists struggling from the pandemic’s safety requirements.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 5, 6 and 7; logging in is free; register and find more information at kingsmountainartfair.org.


mercurynews--2020-09-02--Federal budget deficit is projected to be $3.3 trillion

WASHINGTON — The federal budget deficit is projected to hit a record $ 3.3 trillion as huge government expenditures to fight the coronavirus and to prop up the economy have added more than $ 2 trillion to the federal ledger , the Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday .
The spike in the deficit means that federal debt will exceed annual gross domestic product next year — a milestone that would put the U.S. where it was in the aftermath of World War II , when accumulated debt exceeded the size of the economy .
The $ 3.3 trillion figure is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than double the levels experienced after the market meltdown and Great Recession of 2008-09 .
Government spending , fueled by four coronavirus response measures , would register at $ 6.6 trillion , $ 2 trillion-plus more than 2019 .
The recession has caused a drop in tax revenues have fallen , but the changes are not as dramatic as seen on the spending side , with individual income tax collections running 11 % behind last year .
Corporate tax collections are down 34 % .
The economy shut down in the spring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a failed national attempt to defeat the pandemic .
That shutdown led lawmakers and President Donald Trump to pump money into business subsidies , larger unemployment benefits , $ 1,200 direct payments and other stimulus steps that have helped the economy in the short term .
Most economists are untroubled by such huge borrowing when the economy is in peril , and the debt was barely a concern when a cornerstone $ 2 trillion coronavirus relief bill passed almost unanimously in March .
But now that lawmakers and the White House are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fifth virus relief bill , Republicans are growing skittish at the enormous costs of battling the pandemic .
The Democratic-controlled House passed a $ 3.5 trillion measure in May , though House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , says she is willing to cut that figure to $ 2.2 trillion .
Caseloads remain unacceptably elevated , however , as the virus exacts a painful , lingering toll on the economy and sentiment remains high for a fifth virus rescue package that would include money to reopen schools , patch state budgets and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families afloat .
Among Republicans , there seems to be less ardor for a deal — at least at what they see as unfavorable terms .
GOP leaders had been pressing for a package in the $ 1 trillion range , but party talks during August have focused on a smaller package .
The enormous deficit is bringing the federal debt , as measured by the size of the economy , near levels not experienced since the end of World War II , when explosive borrowing to finance the war effort caused a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receded during the postwar boom — something that won ’ t happen now , since federal spending is now dominated by retirement programs like Medicare and Social Security , whose costs increase automatically with inflation and the ongoing retirement of the Baby Boom generation .
Deficit scolds have long warned that rising levels of debt will serve as a drag on the economy in the coming years .
If interest rates rise too high , servicing the debt will put significant strain on the budget .
The Federal Reserve has stepped in to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low for years as debt levels have risen .
“ At a certain point , Washington ’ s insatiable borrowing needs will crowd out other investments and harm growth , ” said Brian Riedl , a senior fellow at the conservative Manhatten Institute .
“ Washington should help end the pandemic and rescue the economy , yet must also address these unsustainable long-term deficits.
” By year ’ s end , the publicly held national debt will total 98 % of the U.S. gross domestic product , the total output of goods and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of GDP at the end of 2019 and 35 % back in 2007 .
The CBO projected that the debt would exceed 100 % of GDP in 2021 and set a new record high of 107 % in 2021 .
CBO , the nonpartisan economic and research arm of Congress , predicts that deficit will total $ 13 trillion over the coming decade .

By Andrew Taylor | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The federal budget deficit is projected to hit a record $3.3 trillion as huge government expenditures to fight the coronavirus and to prop up the economy have added more than $2 trillion to the federal ledger, the Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday.
The spike in the deficit means that federal debt will exceed annual gross domestic product next year — a milestone that would put the U.S. where it was in the aftermath of World War II, when accumulated debt exceeded the size of the economy.
The $3.3 trillion figure is more than triple the 2019 shortfall and more than double the levels experienced after the market meltdown and Great Recession of 2008-09. Government spending, fueled by four coronavirus response measures, would register at $6.6 trillion, $2 trillion-plus more than 2019.
The recession has caused a drop in tax revenues have fallen, but the changes are not as dramatic as seen on the spending side, with individual income tax collections running 11% behind last year. Corporate tax collections are down 34%.
The economy shut down in the spring so people could be in isolation, in a failed national attempt to defeat the pandemic. That shutdown led lawmakers and President Donald Trump to pump money into business subsidies, larger unemployment benefits, $1,200 direct payments and other stimulus steps that have helped the economy in the short term.
Most economists are untroubled by such huge borrowing when the economy is in peril, and the debt was barely a concern when a cornerstone $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill passed almost unanimously in March.
But now that lawmakers and the White House are quarreling over the size and scope of a fifth virus relief bill, Republicans are growing skittish at the enormous costs of battling the pandemic. The Democratic-controlled House passed a $3.5 trillion measure in May, though House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., says she is willing to cut that figure to $2.2 trillion.
Caseloads remain unacceptably elevated, however, as the virus exacts a painful, lingering toll on the economy and sentiment remains high for a fifth virus rescue package that would include money to reopen schools, patch state budgets and continue enhanced jobless benefits that have kept families afloat.
Among Republicans, there seems to be less ardor for a deal — at least at what they see as unfavorable terms. GOP leaders had been pressing for a package in the $1 trillion range, but party talks during August have focused on a smaller package.
The enormous deficit is bringing the federal debt, as measured by the size of the economy, near levels not experienced since the end of World War II, when explosive borrowing to finance the war effort caused a historic spike. But those levels quickly receded during the postwar boom — something that won’t happen now, since federal spending is now dominated by retirement programs like Medicare and Social Security, whose costs increase automatically with inflation and the ongoing retirement of the Baby Boom generation.
Deficit scolds have long warned that rising levels of debt will serve as a drag on the economy in the coming years. If interest rates rise too high, servicing the debt will put significant strain on the budget. The Federal Reserve has stepped in to keep credit markets stable and interest rates low for years as debt levels have risen.
“At a certain point, Washington’s insatiable borrowing needs will crowd out other investments and harm growth,” said Brian Riedl, a senior fellow at the conservative Manhatten Institute. “Washington should help end the pandemic and rescue the economy, yet must also address these unsustainable long-term deficits.”
By year’s end, the publicly held national debt will total 98% of the U.S. gross domestic product, the total output of goods and services. That compares with 79% of GDP at the end of 2019 and 35% back in 2007.
The CBO projected that the debt would exceed 100% of GDP in 2021 and set a new record high of 107% in 2021.
CBO, the nonpartisan economic and research arm of Congress, predicts that deficit will total $13 trillion over the coming decade.


mercurynews--2020-09-03--Dolan Fire in Big Sur continues to grow even as containment increases

BIG SUR — The Monterey County Sheriff ’ s Office reduced an evacuation order to a warning for one zone Wednesday as the Dolan Fire continued to grow and containment increased to 35 % .
“ The fire held on the coast and on the north and the south quite well , but it is still moving to the east and southeast , ” U.S. Forest Service spokesperson Lynn Olson said Wednesday afternoon .
The Dolan Fire stood at 31,005 acres Wednesday .
Fire activity was calm overnight into Wednesday , allowing crews to enhance containment lines and hold previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and constructing an indirect line in the Partington area , allowing the downgrade to an evacuation warning for the area down to Highway 1 at Anderson Canyon , north to Highway 1 at Torre Canyon , west of Highway 1 to the Pacific Ocean and east of Highway 1 to North Coast Ridge Road to include Partington Ridge Road .
Firefighters and resources previously assigned to the north end of the fire are being shifted to the southern end as the operations in the McWay Ridge area are secured .
A total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most of the fire growth is occurring in the Ventana Wilderness and the area around Cone Peak .
The Forest Service planned on dropping hotshot crews into the wilderness to build direct line but an inversion effect held smoke over the fire area Tuesday and Wednesday , causing challenges for air support .
“ There ’ s a challenge in getting the hotshot crews into the wilderness to figure out a plan for the eastern movement of the fire , ” Olson said .
“ They were going to be helicoptered into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air quality wasn ’ t good enough for that.
” Hotshots are elite crews that work the hottest parts of a wildfire .
The steep , rugged terrain and a lack of roads in the Ventana Wilderness leave helicopters as one of few ways for firefighters to reach the front lines of that part of the fire .
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch , which will go into effect Saturday at 11 a.m .
While fire activity is expected to pick up as the temperature goes up , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crews .
Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s along the coast and low 100s inland from Friday through Monday afternoon .
Winds are forecast to remain mild .
The Dolan Fire started Aug. 18 about 10 miles south of Big Sur along Highway 1 north of Limekiln State Park .
The Sheriff ’ s Office arrested a Fresno man on arson charges in connection to the fire last month .
The fire has destroyed eight structures .
Firefighters put a priority on protecting structures and have put in fire lines near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living is secure , and that ’ s the most important thing , ” Olson said .
• California wildfires : LNU , SCU fires now more than 75 percent contained • Maps : California wildfire outlook for the rest of 2020 • Grim milestone in Santa Cruz County : CZU fire more destructive than Loma Prieta earthquake The Carmel Fire began Aug. 18 in the area of Cachagua and Carmel Valley roads in Carmel Valley .
It has burned 6,905 acres and is 98 % contained .
Firefighters continue to patrol and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire with no new fire growth being observed .
The River Fire started Aug. 16 from a lightning strike near Pine Canyon and River roads outside Salinas .
It has charred 48,088 acres and is 97 % contained as firefighting crews continue to patrol and mop-up operations .
Visit the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services Virtual Local Assistance Center to get recovery information for the Dolan , Carmel and River wildfires .

BIG SUR — The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office reduced an evacuation order to a warning for one zone Wednesday as the Dolan Fire continued to grow and containment increased to 35%.
“The fire held on the coast and on the north and the south quite well, but it is still moving to the east and southeast,” U.S. Forest Service spokesperson Lynn Olson said Wednesday afternoon.
The Dolan Fire stood at 31,005 acres Wednesday. Fire activity was calm overnight into Wednesday, allowing crews to enhance containment lines and hold previous work. Firefighters finished clearing around infrastructure and constructing an indirect line in the Partington area, allowing the downgrade to an evacuation warning for the area down to Highway 1 at Anderson Canyon, north to Highway 1 at Torre Canyon, west of Highway 1 to the Pacific Ocean and east of Highway 1 to North Coast Ridge Road to include Partington Ridge Road.
Firefighters and resources previously assigned to the north end of the fire are being shifted to the southern end as the operations in the McWay Ridge area are secured. A total of 904 personnel are working the Dolan Fire.
Most of the fire growth is occurring in the Ventana Wilderness and the area around Cone Peak. The Forest Service planned on dropping hotshot crews into the wilderness to build direct line but an inversion effect held smoke over the fire area Tuesday and Wednesday, causing challenges for air support.
“There’s a challenge in getting the hotshot crews into the wilderness to figure out a plan for the eastern movement of the fire,” Olson said. “They were going to be helicoptered into a heli-spot (Tuesday) and the air quality wasn’t good enough for that.”
Hotshots are elite crews that work the hottest parts of a wildfire. The steep, rugged terrain and a lack of roads in the Ventana Wilderness leave helicopters as one of few ways for firefighters to reach the front lines of that part of the fire.
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch, which will go into effect Saturday at 11 a.m. While fire activity is expected to pick up as the temperature goes up, the change in weather may aid air support crews.
“It might provide clearer skies,” Olson said.
Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s along the coast and low 100s inland from Friday through Monday afternoon. Winds are forecast to remain mild.
The Dolan Fire started Aug. 18 about 10 miles south of Big Sur along Highway 1 north of Limekiln State Park. The Sheriff’s Office arrested a Fresno man on arson charges in connection to the fire last month. The fire has destroyed eight structures. Firefighters put a priority on protecting structures and have put in fire lines near populated areas.
“Where people are living is secure, and that’s the most important thing,” Olson said.
Related Articles Crashes and Disasters | Map: Lightning fires prompt evacuation order west of Yreka
Map: Lightning fires prompt evacuation order west of Yreka Crashes and Disasters | Evacuations ordered as Northern California fire roars through forest near site of 2022 deadly blaze
Evacuations ordered as Northern California fire roars through forest near site of 2022 deadly blaze Crashes and Disasters | Did powerlines cause Maui fire?
Did powerlines cause Maui fire? Crashes and Disasters | Living with air pollution, especially from wildfires or agriculture, raises risk of dementia, US study finds
Living with air pollution, especially from wildfires or agriculture, raises risk of dementia, US study finds Crashes and Disasters | Cadaver dogs are in Maui to help find the dead. Here’s how it works and why it’s difficult The Carmel Fire began Aug. 18 in the area of Cachagua and Carmel Valley roads in Carmel Valley. It has burned 6,905 acres and is 98% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol and mop up inside the perimeter of the fire with no new fire growth being observed.
The River Fire started Aug. 16 from a lightning strike near Pine Canyon and River roads outside Salinas. It has charred 48,088 acres and is 97% contained as firefighting crews continue to patrol and mop-up operations.
Visit the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services Virtual Local Assistance Center to get recovery information for the Dolan, Carmel and River wildfires.


mercurynews--2020-09-03--Pebble Beach’s 17-Mile Drive joins other cities in Labor Day beach closures

MONTEREY — With temperatures expected to hit triple digits in interior areas over Labor Day weekend , it ’ s expected people will flock to the Central Coast for relief .
But what they will find are closed beaches , limited parking and even the storied 17-Mile Drive will be closed to non-local traffic .
On Tuesday officials with the Pebble Beach Co. said 17-Mile Drive will be closed to tourist traffic and all beaches , beach parking and turnouts within the Del Monte Forest will be closed from Friday through Monday .
This decision was made in concert with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the cities of Carmel , Pacific Grove and Monterey .
“ Closing our beaches and 17-Mile Drive for the Labor Day weekend is the right thing to do for our community , ” said Bill Perocchi , chief executive of Pebble Beach Co. “ This decision follows an effective closure over the 4th of July weekend and the recognition that , together with our neighboring coastal jurisdictions , doing so over Labor Day weekend will help reduce opportunities for social gathering and the spread of the virus.
” Only residents and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clubs , and those with confirmed hotel , dining or golf reservations will be allowed access through the security gates .
Visitors to the Peninsula will also find all nonessential businesses closed .
Monterey City Manager Hans Uslar in a Tuesday update for City Council members explained that in the eyes of the state , Monterey County ’ s COVID-19 infection rate is “ widespread.
” Any county with the number of new cases exceeding seven per 100,000 population is considered high risk .
With a population of a little over 434,000 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be roughly 30 cases or less .
On Tuesday , the Monterey County Health Department reported 88 new cases .
Last week a group of Monterey Bay coastal communities and state parks announced the closure of beaches all along the bay , beginning in Santa Cruz and working down to Carmel .
Pacific Grove City Manager Ben Harvey said Lovers Point Park and beaches , and related parking , as well as the Ocean View Boulevard parking turnouts , would be closed starting Saturday in an attempt to “ reinforce social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and would remain closed through the Tuesday after Labor Day .
The joint announcement was issued by the city managers for Monterey , Pacific Grove , Carmel , Sand City , Capitola and Santa Cruz , as well as the state parks superintendent , and the Santa Cruz County administrative officer .
A joint statement released by officials from all the affected communities stressed that they are “ deeply concerned about public safety and the impacts the coronavirus has sustained in our communities .
“ We know that we must take action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents , and help our communities get past the pandemic-caused shelter in place so we can all get back to work , school , and a more normal way of life .
The more stringent measures we take now will reduce more COVID-19 positive cases and hasten our economic recovery , thus relieving devastating stress , worry and heartache for so many , ” the statement read .
Because of the Dolan fire in the Big Sur area , which as of Wednesday morning was 35 % contained , Highway 1 at Julia @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MONTEREY — With temperatures expected to hit triple digits in interior areas over Labor Day weekend, it’s expected people will flock to the Central Coast for relief. But what they will find are closed beaches, limited parking and even the storied 17-Mile Drive will be closed to non-local traffic.
On Tuesday officials with the Pebble Beach Co. said 17-Mile Drive will be closed to tourist traffic and all beaches, beach parking and turnouts within the Del Monte Forest will be closed from Friday through Monday. This decision was made in concert with the Monterey County, State Parks Department and the cities of Carmel, Pacific Grove and Monterey.
“Closing our beaches and 17-Mile Drive for the Labor Day weekend is the right thing to do for our community,” said Bill Perocchi, chief executive of Pebble Beach Co. “This decision follows an effective closure over the 4th of July weekend and the recognition that, together with our neighboring coastal jurisdictions, doing so over Labor Day weekend will help reduce opportunities for social gathering and the spread of the virus.”
Only residents and their guests, members and guests of private clubs, and those with confirmed hotel, dining or golf reservations will be allowed access through the security gates.
Visitors to the Peninsula will also find all nonessential businesses closed. Monterey City Manager Hans Uslar in a Tuesday update for City Council members explained that in the eyes of the state, Monterey County’s COVID-19 infection rate is “widespread.” Any county with the number of new cases exceeding seven per 100,000 population is considered high risk.
With a population of a little over 434,000, the number of new cases daily would need to be roughly 30 cases or less. On Tuesday, the Monterey County Health Department reported 88 new cases.
Last week a group of Monterey Bay coastal communities and state parks announced the closure of beaches all along the bay, beginning in Santa Cruz and working down to Carmel.
Pacific Grove City Manager Ben Harvey said Lovers Point Park and beaches, and related parking, as well as the Ocean View Boulevard parking turnouts, would be closed starting Saturday in an attempt to “reinforce social distancing and reduce large public gatherings,” and would remain closed through the Tuesday after Labor Day.
The joint announcement was issued by the city managers for Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Sand City, Capitola and Santa Cruz, as well as the state parks superintendent, and the Santa Cruz County administrative officer.
A joint statement released by officials from all the affected communities stressed that they are “deeply concerned about public safety and the impacts the coronavirus has sustained in our communities.
“We know that we must take action this Labor Day holiday to protect our residents, and help our communities get past the pandemic-caused shelter in place so we can all get back to work, school, and a more normal way of life. The more stringent measures we take now will reduce more COVID-19 positive cases and hasten our economic recovery, thus relieving devastating stress, worry and heartache for so many,” the statement read.
Because of the Dolan fire in the Big Sur area, which as of Wednesday morning was 35% contained, Highway 1 at Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park is closed.


mercurynews--2020-09-03--SF Giants Gameday mailbag podcast: Examining the Giants’ chances in the NL playoff hunt

It was easy to buy into the Giants ’ playoff chances after they dismantled the Rockies in a 23-5 blowout win on Tuesday at Coors Field .
It was even easier when the club jumped out to a 4-0 first inning lead against Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland in Wednesday ’ s series finale .
Yet every time the Giants look like they ’ re about to turn a corner , they find new adversity .
Two of the cardinal rules of winning baseball games at Coors Field are scoring early and scoring often and while the Giants picked up where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game , they didn ’ t do enough to add on .
Recently acquired Rockies center fielder Kevin Pillar helped turn the tide of the game against his former club , bashing into the center field wall to rob good friend Evan Longoria of extra bases in the top of the seventh before driving in the go-ahead run with a two-run triple in the bottom of the inning against reliever Tyler Rogers .
The Giants ended up losing their five-run lead in Wednesday ’ s game and fell 9-6 to drop to 18-20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left to play , the Giants need to start winning series to improve their chances of securing a playoff spot and they ’ ll have a great opportunity with a four-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks that begins at Oracle Park on Friday .
In this episode of the SF Giants Gameday podcast , beat writer Kerry Crowley is joined by longtime Giants fan and youth baseball coach Chris Romeo to provide different perspectives on questions from readers .
Crowley gives his point of view from covering the team while Romeo dissects the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach and fan .
SF Giants Gameday : Listen to the Bay Area News Group ’ s daily San Francisco Giants podcast , hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley .
We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season .
We Need Your Support !
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I ’ ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my coverage you ’ ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com .
Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer .
Thank you !
— Kerry Crowley

It was easy to buy into the Giants’ playoff chances after they dismantled the Rockies in a 23-5 blowout win on Tuesday at Coors Field.
It was even easier when the club jumped out to a 4-0 first inning lead against Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland in Wednesday’s series finale. Yet every time the Giants look like they’re about to turn a corner, they find new adversity.
Two of the cardinal rules of winning baseball games at Coors Field are scoring early and scoring often and while the Giants picked up where they left off in Tuesday’s game, they didn’t do enough to add on.
Recently acquired Rockies center fielder Kevin Pillar helped turn the tide of the game against his former club, bashing into the center field wall to rob good friend Evan Longoria of extra bases in the top of the seventh before driving in the go-ahead run with a two-run triple in the bottom of the inning against reliever Tyler Rogers.
The Giants ended up losing their five-run lead in Wednesday’s game and fell 9-6 to drop to 18-20 on the season. With 22 games left to play, the Giants need to start winning series to improve their chances of securing a playoff spot and they’ll have a great opportunity with a four-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks that begins at Oracle Park on Friday.
In this episode of the SF Giants Gameday podcast, beat writer Kerry Crowley is joined by longtime Giants fan and youth baseball coach Chris Romeo to provide different perspectives on questions from readers. Crowley gives his point of view from covering the team while Romeo dissects the game from a technical standpoint as a coach and fan.
SF Giants Gameday: Listen to the Bay Area News Group’s daily San Francisco Giants podcast, hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley. We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season.
We Need Your Support!
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I’ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you’ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com. Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer. Thank you! — Kerry Crowley


mercurynews--2020-09-03--Bubble Notes: More 3-pointers and a re-imagined All-Star Weekend

Over the next few weeks , Warriors beat reporter Wes Goldberg will provide his thoughts and observations about what is happening in the NBA ’ s Disney World bubble .
The Warriors aren ’ t in the playoffs but general manager Bob Myers recently took a trip to the Florida bubble to scout those teams that are .
One thing he must have noticed is the outsized importance of 3-point shooting — and how much his team needs to catch up .
By the numbers : The Warriors this season averaged 31.3 3-point attempts per game — 2.8 attempts fewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warriors , meanwhile , were tops in the league at 31.6 3-point attempts per game — roughly the same average half a decade later , but light years ahead at 7.5 attempts more than the league average that season .
• Since leading the league in 3-point attempts in 2015-16 , the Warriors ranked fifth in 2016-17 ( 31.2 3-point attempts per game ) , 17th in 2017-18 ( 28.9 ) , eighth in 2018-19 ( 34.4 ) and 25th in 2019-20 ( 31.3 ) .
• Compare that to their rank in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016-17 , first in 2017-18 , second in 2018-19 and 28th in 2019-20 .
• Having Kevin Durant from 2017 to 2019 helped float an elite offense but , without Durant , the Warriors will need to return to their 73-win , 2015-16 season ways .
The big picture : Golden State ’ s 3-point shooting has remained relatively stable during the Steve Kerr era , but the rest of the league has passed it by .
• The Rockets are averaging an off-the-charts 51.3 3-point attempts per game this postseason .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach that level of chucking , but they should be more in line with efficient offenses like the Raptors and Celtics , both of which have hovered around 40 3-point attempts per game this postseason .
Up next : Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson returning next season alone won ’ t create enough of a lift in 3-point attempts .
Even when the two were healthy , the Warriors have never approached 40 3-point attempts per game .
To improve from the worst offense in the NBA to a top offense next season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their rate of 3-point shooting .
• Curry and Thompson should contribute about 20 3-point attempts per game .
• That means the Warriors need another 20 3-point attempts per game — converted at a league-average rate of 35 % , or better — from the rest of the roster .
• Two other Warriors players averaged around five attempts per game near the league-average rate : Damion Lee ( 35.6 % on 4.9 3-pointers per game ) and Andrew Wiggins ( 33.9 % on 4.9 3-pointers per game . )
• If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that leaves 10 3-point attempts for the rest of the roster .
The bottom line : The Warriors will need Draymond Green , Eric Paschall and whatever bodies man the center position next season to contribute at least three 3-point attempts each , and make them at a near-league average percentage .
That ’ s a tall task for both Green ( 27.9 % 3-point shooter ) and Paschall ( 28.7 % 3-point shooter ) .
Acquiring a floor-spacing center could make all the difference next season .
2 .
Use the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milwaukee Bucks inspired a two-day walkout among the remaining NBA teams in the bubble last week , the league and the media covering it have revitalized their efforts to bring awareness to social issues championed by the players .
That energy was showcased when teams first arrived to the Disney World bubble a more than a month ago .
Reporters asked questions , and players often used that platform to discuss the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and other concerns pertaining to race and injustice .
It was that inspiration ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) that resulted in spirited competition , even in exhibitions preceding the seeding games .
Now , imagine that level of competition and purpose during the NBA ’ s All-Star Game .
For years , the league has struggled with ways to generate consistent effort and energy in the annual All-Star Game .
This season , they introduced a new fourth-quarter scoring system and the award of a donation to charity and the results were encouraging .
Next season , the NBA can take that a step further by using the event as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest stars to bring awareness to social issues like they have in the bubble .
Just like in the bubble , the league can emblazon the All-Star court with “ BLACK LIVES MATTER ” and allow players and coaches the opportunity to display social messages on their uniforms .
But ( hopefully ) without the need to adhere to pandemic-era protocols , the league can invite other characters .
Influential speakers and entertainers can perform , meaningful interviews can be conducted and fans can be involved with a “ black out ” for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the players to play for something “ bigger than basketball ” — resulting in a more entertaining product — it would also perpetuate the league ’ s progressive message to a wider base of fans .
Every postseason has a breakout star .
Last year , it was Toronto ’ s Pascal Siakam .
But familiar names still dotted the playoffs high-scoring list : Durant , James Harden , Kawhi Leonard , Paul Geroge , Curry and Damian Lillard .
Among the players to average more than 25 points per game , only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 28 years old .
This year , there are several new names on that list , and many young , breakout stars .
Donovan Mitchell ( 23 years old ) , Jamal Murray ( 23 ) , Luka Doncic ( 21 ) and Jayson Tatum ( 22 ) all averaged more than 27 points per game in the postseason and led their teams to inspired performances .
In the case of Tatum and Murray , they led their teams to the second round .
This postseason may be remembered for more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may also be a transitional point for the league as a new crop of stars emerges .
Here ’ s an exploratory list of the league ’ s top 15 players and their ages : Four of the top 15 players are 25 years old or younger .
Expand this list and there would be Siakam , Mitchell , Devin Booker , Karl-Anthony Towns and Zion Williamson , none of whom has yet reached his prime .
In other words , the future of the league is here .
Could be something to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picking high in the upcoming NBA draft .

Over the next few weeks, Warriors beat reporter Wes Goldberg will provide his thoughts and observations about what is happening in the NBA’s Disney World bubble.
1. Behind the line 🏀
The Warriors aren’t in the playoffs but general manager Bob Myers recently took a trip to the Florida bubble to scout those teams that are. One thing he must have noticed is the outsized importance of 3-point shooting — and how much his team needs to catch up.
By the numbers: The Warriors this season averaged 31.3 3-point attempts per game — 2.8 attempts fewer than the league average. The 2015-16 Warriors, meanwhile, were tops in the league at 31.6 3-point attempts per game — roughly the same average half a decade later, but light years ahead at 7.5 attempts more than the league average that season.
Since leading the league in 3-point attempts in 2015-16, the Warriors ranked fifth in 2016-17 (31.2 3-point attempts per game), 17th in 2017-18 (28.9), eighth in 2018-19 (34.4) and 25th in 2019-20 (31.3).
Compare that to their rank in scoring: First in 2015-16, first in 2016-17, first in 2017-18, second in 2018-19 and 28th in 2019-20.
Having Kevin Durant from 2017 to 2019 helped float an elite offense but, without Durant, the Warriors will need to return to their 73-win, 2015-16 season ways.
The big picture: Golden State’s 3-point shooting has remained relatively stable during the Steve Kerr era, but the rest of the league has passed it by.
The Rockets are averaging an off-the-charts 51.3 3-point attempts per game this postseason. The Warriors don’t need to approach that level of chucking, but they should be more in line with efficient offenses like the Raptors and Celtics, both of which have hovered around 40 3-point attempts per game this postseason.
Going forward: Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson returning next season alone won’t create enough of a lift in 3-point attempts. Even when the two were healthy, the Warriors have never approached 40 3-point attempts per game. To improve from the worst offense in the NBA to a top offense next season, the other Warriors need to increase their rate of 3-point shooting.
Curry and Thompson should contribute about 20 3-point attempts per game.
That means the Warriors need another 20 3-point attempts per game — converted at a league-average rate of 35%, or better — from the rest of the roster.
Two other Warriors players averaged around five attempts per game near the league-average rate: Damion Lee (35.6% on 4.9 3-pointers per game) and Andrew Wiggins (33.9% on 4.9 3-pointers per game.)
If both Lee and Wiggins maintain those clips, that leaves 10 3-point attempts for the rest of the roster.
The bottom line: The Warriors will need Draymond Green, Eric Paschall and whatever bodies man the center position next season to contribute at least three 3-point attempts each, and make them at a near-league average percentage. That’s a tall task for both Green (27.9% 3-point shooter) and Paschall (28.7% 3-point shooter). Acquiring a floor-spacing center could make all the difference next season.
Poll: What is the bigger need for the #Warriors this offseason? — Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) September 1, 2020
2. Use the All-Star Game for good ✊🏿
Since the Milwaukee Bucks inspired a two-day walkout among the remaining NBA teams in the bubble last week, the league and the media covering it have revitalized their efforts to bring awareness to social issues championed by the players.
That energy was showcased when teams first arrived to the Disney World bubble more than a month ago. Reporters asked questions, and players often used that platform to discuss the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and other concerns pertaining to race and injustice. It was that inspiration (no doubt combined with a long layoff) that resulted in spirited competition, even in exhibitions preceding the seeding games.
In those games that didn’t count, players still dove for loose balls, chased rebounds, argued with referees and, overall, took the scrimmage seriously.
Now, imagine that level of competition and purpose during the NBA’s All-Star Game.
For years, the league has struggled with ways to generate consistent effort and energy in the annual All-Star Game. This season, they introduced a new fourth-quarter scoring system and awarded the winning team with a donation to a charity of choice, and the results were encouraging.
Next season, the NBA can take that a step further by using the event as a showcase for the league’s biggest stars to bring awareness to social issues like they have in the bubble. Just like in the bubble, the league can emblazon the All-Star court with “BLACK LIVES MATTER” and allow players and coaches the opportunity to display social messages on their uniforms.
But (hopefully) without the need to adhere to pandemic-era protocols, the league can invite other characters. Influential speakers and entertainers can perform, meaningful interviews can be conducted and fans can be involved with a “black out” for solidarity.
Not only would this inspire the players to play for something “bigger than basketball” — resulting in a more entertaining product — it would also perpetuate the league’s progressive message to a wider base of fans.
3. The next generation 🔜
Every postseason has a breakout star. Last year, it was Toronto’s Pascal Siakam. But familiar names still dotted the playoffs high-scoring list: Durant, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Curry and Damian Lillard. Among the players to average more than 25 points per game, only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic were younger than 28 years old.
This year, there are several new names on that list, and many young, breakout stars.
Donovan Mitchell (23 years old), Jamal Murray (23), Luka Doncic (21) and Jayson Tatum (22) all averaged more than 27 points per game in the postseason and led their teams to inspired performances. In the case of Tatum and Murray, they led their teams to the second round.
This postseason may be remembered for more than taking place in a bubble during a pandemic. It may also be a transitional point for the league as a new crop of stars emerges.
Here’s an exploratory list of the league’s top 15 players and their ages:
LeBron James (35) Kawhi Leonard (29) Giannis Antetokounmpo (25) Stephen Curry (32) James Harden (30) Anthony Davis (27) Kevin Durant (31) Damian Lillard (29) Luka Doncic (21) Joel Embiid (26) Nikola Jokic (25) Jimmy Butler (30) Jayson Tatum (22) Bradley Beal (27) Chris Paul (35)
Four of the top 15 players are 25 years old or younger. Expand this list and there would be Siakam, Mitchell, Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zion Williamson, none of whom has yet reached his prime.
In other words, the future of the league is here. Could be something to monitor if you’re a team picking high in the upcoming NBA draft.


mercurynews--2020-09-03--Fantasy Football 101: Cam Inman’s advice on drafting a QB

Fantasy football drafts are in full swing , and here is a pandemic-relief plan for those too busy with real-world @ @ @ @ @ sleeper picks .
In this post , let ’ s size up the signal-callers : @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t draft a QB high , not when Jimmy Garoppolo was 22 yards @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 12th 4,000-yard passer last season .
Go with the big-arm , pass-happy , @ @ @ @ @ showman , unless it ’ s the half-billionaire , Super Bowl champ .
49ers ’ @ @ @ @ @ t be stunning if Garoppolo eclipses 4,278 yards for a 49ers single-season record , so @ @ @ @ @ on his interceptions ( 13 last season ) and inflates his touchdown throws ( 27 @ @ @ @ @ Mullens , if summoned , would get just as much of a chance to air @ @ @ @ @ , in a run-oriented system .

Fantasy football drafts are in full swing, and here is a pandemic-relief plan for those too busy with real-world problems to study up on sleeper picks. In this post, let’s size up the signal-callers:
Be sure to go check out Cam’s take on all Fantasy Draft categories: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends, Kickers and Defense/Special Teams.
Cam’s credo: Don’t draft a QB high, not when Jimmy Garoppolo was 22 yards shy of becoming the NFL’s 12th 4,000-yard passer last season. Go with the big-arm, pass-happy, bad-defense-compensating QB over the dual-threat showman, unless it’s the half-billionaire, Super Bowl champ.
49ers’ outlook: It wouldn’t be stunning if Garoppolo eclipses 4,278 yards for a 49ers single-season record, so long as he cuts down on his interceptions (13 last season) and inflates his touchdown throws (27 in 2019). Nick Mullens, if summoned, would get just as much of a chance to air it out, as needed, in a run-oriented system.
Rankings:
1. Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)
2. Russell Wilson (Seahawks)
3. Drew Brees (Saints)
4. Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
5. Deshaun Watson (Texans)
6. Matt Ryan (Falcons)
7. Tom Brady (Bucs)
8. Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
9. Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers)
10. Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
11. Kyler Murray (Cardinals)
12. Jared Goff (Rams)
13. Matthew Stafford (Lions)
14. Josh Allen (Bills)
15. Philip Rivers (Colts)
16. Derek Carr (Raiders)
17. Baker Mayfield (Browns)
18. Carson Wentz (Eagles)
19. Kirk Cousins (Vikings)
T-20. Drew Lock (Broncos)
T-20. Teddy Bridgewater (Panthers)