mercurynews--2020-05-16--Obstacles loom for fed relief Newsom wants to fill coronavirus budget gap

As California stares down a coronavirus-fueled $ 54 billion deficit , the life preserver Gov .
Gavin Newsom needs to help keep his state budget afloat is encountering choppy waters .
Under Newsom ’ s May budget revision released Thursday , about $ 14 billion of the shortfall would be handled with “ trigger cuts ” that would slash funding to state-funded schools and colleges , parks , courts , environmental conservation programs , and an array of safety-net services for children and seniors .
But those cuts could be avoided through a trigger : A hoped-for federal windfall for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has no guarantee of passage .
In a move that punctuates the urgency of the situation , Newsom on Friday took the rare step of dispensing with his daily weekday press briefing — heavily relied on across California for the latest news in the state ’ s fight against the virus and the gradual re-opening of the economy — to discuss with state legislative leaders how to have a balanced budget by the end of June .
Figures compiled by the Bay Area News Group showed that more than 76,000 people have contracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a one-day increase of more than 1,500 .
The numbers of deaths from the virus have now topped 3,100 .
As Newsom pitched his revised budget to state lawmakers , the House of Representatives took up a Democrat-fashioned coronavirus relief package totaling some $ 3 trillion in aid , including $ 500 billion to state governments .
“ A crisis of this magnitude requires bold legislative actions , and this bill will provide relief for American workers , families , students , small businesses , and healthcare systems , ” Rep. Zoe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
But the White House Office of Management and Budget raised a number of concerns about the “ Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions ” or “ HEROES Act , ” and said it would recommend a veto of the bill as drafted .
“ This legislation , ” the office said in a memorandum , “ is more concerned with delivering on longstanding partisan and ideological wishlists than with enhancing the ability of our Nation to deal with the public health and economic challenges we face.
” Among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill “ would provide a windfall to wealthy taxpayers in high-tax states ” and “ raise taxes on struggling small businesses by limiting deductibility of losses.
” The White House also objected to a proposed $ 25 billion “ bailout ” of the U.S .
Postal Service without requiring “ much-needed long-term reforms , ” and criticized vote-by-mail “ election mandates ” it said would encroach upon state election authority and “ invite voter fraud.
” One thing the administration did not balk at was the $ 3 trillion price tag , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trillion in aid approved in March as part of the CARES Act .
Many economists agree that austerity should be shelved to ensure there ’ s an economy left to rebuild .
Alan J. Auerbach , an economics professor at UC Berkeley and director of its Burch Center for Tax Policy and Public Finance , said global investors still see the U.S. dollar as sound .
He noted that Japan has an even higher debt level than the U.S. and has shown similar resiliency , while countries like Venezuela whose economies do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflation .
“ In the world of economists , I ’ m someone who ’ s pretty concerned about government debt and fiscal trajectory .
But this is not the time to be focused on that , ” Auerbach said .
“ If we destroy the economy , then dealing with the federal budget is going to be the least of our concerns.
” That next round of federal aid can ’ t come soon enough , especially for the state agencies facing drastic cuts if no help comes from Washington .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems , and the California Community Colleges — already struggling with how to continue instruction amid the pandemic — are each set to absorb 10 % funding reductions that can be “ triggered off ” with federal relief dollars .
The same goes for much of the K-12 system .
Some areas were left relatively unscathed : State corrections got a 0.7 % haircut from its $ 13.4 billion budget from last year .
But Newsom did announce intentions to close one state prison in the 2021-22 fiscal year , and begin the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , drawing wide praise from criminal-justice reform advocates .
Newsom also outlined plans for the state to cease housing new juvenile inmates , as part of a broader goal to shift responsibility for juvenile detention and rehabilitation to state health services and county probation departments .
But that plan may be in doubt .
“ This structure and the resources provided are simply not enough to make this work , ” Brian Richart , president of the Chief Probation Officers of California , said in a statement .
Amid the budgetary pain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some sighs of relief , if only because things weren ’ t as bad as some thought they were going to be .
The new budget proposal eliminated the ambitious $ 750 million state fund for homeless housing and services the governor had proposed in January , but articulated plans to replace it dollar-for-dollar with existing federal funds to buy hotels and motels across California that are being used as temporary homeless housing during the pandemic .
Newsom also retained his plan to finance affordable housing construction with $ 500 million in low-income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cut of $ 565 million for mixed-income developments , infill infrastructure grants and other housing programs .
Staff writers Marisa Kendall , Julia Prodis Sulek and Joseph Geha contributed to this report .

As California stares down a coronavirus-fueled $54 billion deficit, the life preserver Gov. Gavin Newsom needs to help keep his state budget afloat is encountering choppy waters.
Under Newsom’s May budget revision released Thursday, about $14 billion of the shortfall would be handled with “trigger cuts” that would slash funding to state-funded schools and colleges, parks, courts, environmental conservation programs and an array of safety-net services for children and seniors. But those cuts could be avoided through another trigger: A hoped-for federal windfall for states that the House of Representatives passed 208-199 Friday night but that still has imposing obstacles to overcome before anyone gets any money.
In a move that punctuates the urgency of the situation, Newsom on Friday took the rare step of dispensing with his daily weekday press briefing — heavily relied on across California for the latest news in the state’s fight against the virus and the gradual re-opening of the economy — to discuss with state legislative leaders how to have a balanced budget by the end of June.
Figures compiled by the Bay Area News Group showed that more than 76,000 people have contracted the novel coronavirus in California through Friday, a one-day increase of more than 1,500. The numbers of deaths from the virus have now topped 3,100.
As Newsom pitched his revised budget to state lawmakers, the House took up a Democrat-fashioned coronavirus relief package totaling some $3 trillion in aid, including $500 billion to state governments.
“A crisis of this magnitude requires bold legislative actions, and this bill will provide relief for American workers, families, students, small businesses, and healthcare systems,” Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, said in a statement.
But the White House Office of Management and Budget raised a number of concerns about the “Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions” or “HEROES Act,” and said it would recommend a veto of the bill as drafted.
“This legislation,” the office said in a memorandum, “is more concerned with delivering on longstanding partisan and ideological wishlists than with enhancing the ability of our Nation to deal with the public health and economic challenges we face.”
Among the concerns the White House outlined were that the bill “would provide a windfall to wealthy taxpayers in high-tax states” and “raise taxes on struggling small businesses by limiting deductibility of losses.”
The White House also objected to a proposed $25 billion “bailout” of the U.S. Postal Service without requiring “much-needed long-term reforms” and criticized vote-by-mail “election mandates” it said would encroach upon state election authority and “invite voter fraud.”
One thing the administration did not balk at was the $3 trillion price tag, coming on the heels of $2.5 trillion in aid approved in March as part of the CARES Act. Many economists agree that austerity should be shelved to ensure there’s an economy left to rebuild.
Alan J. Auerbach, an economics professor at UC Berkeley and director of its Burch Center for Tax Policy and Public Finance, said global investors still see the U.S. dollar as sound. He noted that Japan has an even higher debt level than the U.S. and has shown similar resiliency, while countries such as Venezuela whose economies do not inspire confidence have been rocked with runaway inflation.
“In the world of economists, I’m someone who’s pretty concerned about government debt and fiscal trajectory. But this is not the time to be focused on that,” Auerbach said. “If we destroy the economy, then dealing with the federal budget is going to be the least of our concerns.”
That next round of federal aid can’t come soon enough, especially for the state agencies facing drastic cuts if no help comes from Washington.
The University of California and California State University systems, and the California Community Colleges — already struggling with how to continue instruction amid the pandemic — are each set to absorb 10% funding reductions that can be “triggered off” with federal relief dollars. The same goes for much of the K-12 system.
Some areas were left relatively unscathed: State corrections got a 0.7% haircut from its $13.4 billion budget from last year. But Newsom did announce intentions to close one state prison in the 2021-22 fiscal year and begin the closure of another prison the following year, drawing wide praise from criminal-justice reform advocates.
“The governor’s revised budget proposal reflects what California voters have known for a long time — that continued wasteful spending on failed prisons is bad for safety and our budgets,” Jay Jordan, executive director of Californians for Safety and Justice, said in a statement. “Hospitals, schools, housing, trauma recovery services, reentry support, and jobs are the things that will help California get back on track, not prisons.”
Newsom also outlined plans for the state to cease housing new juvenile inmates as part of a broader goal to shift responsibility for juvenile detention and rehabilitation to state health services and county probation departments. But that plan has its doubters.
“This structure and the resources provided are simply not enough to make this work,” Brian Richart, president of the Chief Probation Officers of California, said in a statement.
Amid the budgetary pain, Newsom’s spending plan did elicit some sighs of relief, if only because things weren’t as bad as some thought they were going to be.
The new budget proposal eliminated the ambitious $750 million state fund for homeless housing and services the governor had proposed in January but articulated plans to replace it dollar-for-dollar with existing federal funds to buy hotels and motels across California that are being used as temporary homeless housing during the pandemic.
Newsom also retained his plan to finance affordable housing construction with $500 million in low-income housing tax credits. But he proposed a cut of $565 million for mixed-income developments, infill infrastructure grants and other housing programs.
Staff writers Marisa Kendall, Julia Prodis Sulek and Joseph Geha contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-05-16--Review: ‘Scoob!’ is everything we could want in a Scooby-Doo reboot

If you ’ ve been getting the munchies for a new Scooby-Doo caper — one that isn ’ t jacked up on adult weed references and such — — Warner Bros. is dishing out one tasty snack for your family .
Originally set for a May 15 theatrical release but now cast into the streaming ocean due to the coronavirus pandemic , “ Scoob !
” is a goofy and bright surprise — an imaginative reboot that respects its shaggy dog TV roots but is smart enough to add dashes , not shovelfuls , of wry pop-culture and movie references @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trolls : World Tour ” generated the most advanced buzz — heralded as the first big-budget film to abandon its theatrical release and embrace the streaming route in the COVID-19 era — “ Scoob !
” is a better film , with its eye-candy animation , sly script and , best of all , a hilarious vocal performance from Lafayette native Will Forte as the boy-man Shaggy .
Forte even rivals Matthew Lillard ’ s scene-stealing take of dog ’ s best friend in the 2002 live action “ Scooby-Doo ” dud .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice .
“ Scoob !
” reunites us with the Mystery Machine crew , including the courageous but rather dim Fred ( Zac Efron ) , the charming but not very street-smart Daphne ( Amanda Seyfried ) and the brainy outsider Velma ( Gina Rodriguez ) .
Here , they part ways with Shaggy and Scooby ( Frank Welker ) due to a harsh business consultation with Simon Cowell .
Yes , that Simon ( voiced by the real Simon Cowell , no less ) ; the coy animated team even give him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dejected , Shaggy and Scooby wind up at a bowling alley where they contend with evil minions of bowling balls ( you have to see it to understand it ) commanded under the mustachioed Dick Dastardly ( Jason Isaacs , having a heyday ) .
The McGuffin here is a collection of statues of the mythical three-headed dog Cerberus .
Dastardly is out to gather those noggins for a no-good reason .
Trying to muzzle those plans and help the Mystery Machine crew are the vain , Instagramming superhero Blue Falcon ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dynomutt ( Ken Jeong ) and his brainy sidekick Dee Dee Skyes ( Kiersey Clemons ) .
OK , it sounds as if a doobie or six might have been shared while the four screenwriters — Matt Lieberman , Adam Sztykiel , Jack Donaldson and Derek Elliott — concocted this plot , but there are clever lines to spare and director Tony Cervone understands how to balance the irreverence and the reverence .
That means he accommodates “ Scooby-Doo ” purists by delivering all the things they expect — including the surprise “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but with tongue firmly in cheek .
This knack for toying with Scooby-Doo fans while giving them exactly what they want , while staying affectionately true to the original characters , is what makes “ Scoob !
” a cut above the “ Scooby !
” movies that came before it .
You could say it ’ s the pick of the litter .
Where : Available on Amazon Prime and Google Play

If you’ve been getting the munchies for a new Scooby-Doo caper — one that isn’t jacked up on adult weed references and such — — Warner Bros. is dishing out one tasty snack for your family.
Originally set for a May 15 theatrical release but now cast into the streaming ocean due to the coronavirus pandemic, “Scoob!” is a goofy and bright surprise — an imaginative reboot that respects its shaggy dog TV roots but is smart enough to add dashes, not shovelfuls, of wry pop-culture and movie references.
While DreamWorks Animation’s “Trolls: World Tour” generated the most advanced buzz — heralded as the first big-budget film to abandon its theatrical release and embrace the streaming route in the COVID-19 era — “Scoob!” is a better film, with its eye-candy animation, sly script and, best of all, a hilarious vocal performance from Lafayette native Will Forte as the boy-man Shaggy. Forte even rivals Matthew Lillard’s scene-stealing take of dog’s best friend in the 2002 live action “Scooby-Doo” dud. Forte perfects Shaggy’s crackly puberty voice.
“Scoob!” reunites us with the Mystery Machine crew, including the courageous but rather dim Fred (Zac Efron), the charming but not very street-smart Daphne (Amanda Seyfried) and the brainy outsider Velma (Gina Rodriguez). Here, they part ways with Shaggy and Scooby (Frank Welker) due to a harsh business consultation with Simon Cowell. Yes, that Simon (voiced by the real Simon Cowell, no less); the coy animated team even give him an unbuttoned white shirt and chest hair.
Dejected, Shaggy and Scooby wind up at a bowling alley where they contend with evil minions of bowling balls (you have to see it to understand it) commanded under the mustachioed Dick Dastardly (Jason Isaacs, having a heyday). The McGuffin here is a collection of statues of the mythical three-headed dog Cerberus. Dastardly is out to gather those noggins for a no-good reason. Trying to muzzle those plans and help the Mystery Machine crew are the vain, Instagramming superhero Blue Falcon (Mark Wahlberg), his robotic dog Dynomutt (Ken Jeong) and his brainy sidekick Dee Dee Skyes (Kiersey Clemons).
OK, it sounds as if a doobie or six might have been shared while the four screenwriters — Matt Lieberman, Adam Sztykiel, Jack Donaldson and Derek Elliott — concocted this plot, but there are clever lines to spare and director Tony Cervone understands how to balance the irreverence and the reverence. That means he accommodates “Scooby-Doo” purists by delivering all the things they expect — including the surprise “bad guy” at the end — but with tongue firmly in cheek.
This knack for toying with Scooby-Doo fans while giving them exactly what they want, while staying affectionately true to the original characters, is what makes “Scoob!” a cut above the “Scooby!” movies that came before it. You could say it’s the pick of the litter.
Contact Randy Myers at soitsrandy@gmail.com.
‘SCOOB!’
3 stars out of 4
Rating: PG (some action, language and rude/suggestive humor)
Voice cast: Will Forte, Mark Wahlberg, Jason Isaacs, Gina Rodriguez, Zac Efron, Amanda Seyfried, Kiersey Clemons, Ken Jeong, Tracy Morgan, Simon Cowell
Director: Tony Cervone
Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes
Where: Available on Amazon Prime and Google Play


mercurynews--2020-05-16--Photos: Gavin Newsom’s first meeting appearance with a coronavirus mask

It ’ s the first time we ’ ve seen Newsom wearing a mask in a meeting during the coronavirus pandemic .
He has been pictured with a mask briefly during a press conference and at a photo opportunity before , but not in a natural setting .
He wore a dark blue cloth mask to the meeting Friday , one day after he released a revised budget proposal that includes plans to fill a $ 54 billion hole left by the coronavirus pandemic .
Newsom met with Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins , Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting in Sacramento .
The photos clearly show all attendees wearing masks , sitting apart at a boardroom table .
Atkins was pictured with what looked to be a normal-grade surgical mask .
Mitchell and Rendon wore cloth masks , and Ting appeared to be wearing a disposable mask , though the photos were taken from behind him .
• Report : Coronavirus crisis could leave tens of thousands of Californians homeless • San Jose ’ s Chromatic Coffee to reopen as Paper Moon Coffee Co. • One restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apart Asked last month about his choice not to wear a mask during video briefings , Newsom said the state operations center , where the briefings are filmed , is secure enough not to necessitate one .
“ If you saw the protocols to get in this room , you would understand how secure and protected this room is , ” he said April 17 .
“ We practice physical distancing .
I haven ’ t been in public , we ’ ve been here for these press conferences.
” It appears he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new level with the addition of a mask .

Gov. Gavin Newsom was spotted Friday donning a face covering in a budget meeting.
It’s the first time we’ve seen Newsom wearing a mask in a meeting during the coronavirus pandemic. He has been pictured with a mask briefly during a press conference and at a photo opportunity before, but not in a natural setting.
He wore a dark blue cloth mask to the meeting Friday, one day after he released a revised budget proposal that includes plans to fill a $54 billion hole left by the coronavirus pandemic.
Newsom met with Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Senate Budget Chair Holly Mitchell, and Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting in Sacramento. The photos clearly show all attendees wearing masks, sitting apart at a boardroom table.
Atkins was pictured with what looked to be a normal-grade surgical mask. Mitchell and Rendon wore cloth masks, and Ting appeared to be wearing a disposable mask, though the photos were taken from behind him.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Asked last month about his choice not to wear a mask during video briefings, Newsom said the state operations center, where the briefings are filmed, is secure enough not to necessitate one.
“If you saw the protocols to get in this room, you would understand how secure and protected this room is,” he said April 17. “We practice physical distancing. I haven’t been in public, we’ve been here for these press conferences.”
It appears he has now taken his care to a new level with the addition of a mask.


mercurynews--2020-05-16--NFL teams can reopen facilities Tuesday – if government rules allow it

NFL teams can begin reopening their facilities Tuesday , but only if state and local governments will allow it .
That means the 49ers and the two other California teams — the Rams and the Chargers — remain in limbo .
In a memo sent to the 32 teams Friday by Commissioner Roger Goodell and obtained by The Associated Press , he stressed that the clubs must be “ in compliance with any additional public health requirements in their jurisdiction , and have implemented the protocols that were developed by ( league medical officer ) Dr. ( Allen ) Sills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6.
” Facilities have been closed since late March due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Each team was required to submit a plan to the league for reopening its training/practice facility this week .
“ Clubs unable to meet these criteria on May 19 may reopen their facilities on the earliest date thereafter on which they are able to meet the criteria , ” Goodell added .
Sills will conduct a training program for club infection control officers ( ICO ) on Monday night that is required .
Already established in the openings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the NFL , teams may have no more than 50 % of their staff in the facility , not to exceed 75 people .
If a club wants to deploy staff to more than one location , all locations must implement the same health and safety protocols , and the combined number of employees at all locations can ’ t exceed 75 .
—No members of the coaching staff can return to the facility under the first phase of reopening .
“ This is important to ensure equity among all 32 clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be in the facility other than those undergoing medical treatment or rehab .
Strength and conditioning coaches participating in player rehab may continue that work in the facility .
Otherwise , they are barred until the rest of the coaching staff is allowed to return .
—Members of the personnel , football operations/football administration staff , equipment staff , medical staff , and nutritionists can attend .
Naturally , any incidence of Covid-19 in the facility must be reported immediately to Sills and the team ’ s ICO .
Clubs also must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the league .
“ After we implement this first phase , ” Goodell told the teams , “ and as more states and localities enact policies that allow more club facilities to reopen , I expect that additional staff , likely including coaching staff , will be allowed to return to club facilities in a relatively short time .
“ In the meantime , we are continuing to work with the NFLPA and our medical teams on developing protocols that could permit a certain number of players to return to club facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams normally would be holding organized team activities ( OTAs ) during May , followed by June minicamps .
Due to the pandemic , such activities have been done remotely .
Coaching and training staffs have worked with the players by conducting classroom instruction and on-field activities through digital applications instead of at team facilities .
Those virtual meetings can occur for four hours per day , four days per week .
The NFL has held the scouting combine , free agency and the draft in the last two months .
It released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expects to play it as planned , beginning Sept. 10 with Houston at Super Bowl champion Kansas City .
But it is also making contingency plans for everything from a shortened season to moving the dates of games to playing in empty stadiums .

By BARRY WILNER
NFL teams can begin reopening their facilities Tuesday, but only if state and local governments will allow it. That means the 49ers and the two other California teams — the Rams and the Chargers — remain in limbo.
In a memo sent to the 32 teams Friday by Commissioner Roger Goodell and obtained by The Associated Press, he stressed that the clubs must be “in compliance with any additional public health requirements in their jurisdiction, and have implemented the protocols that were developed by (league medical officer) Dr. (Allen) Sills and distributed to all clubs on May 6.”
Facilities have been closed since late March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Each team was required to submit a plan to the league for reopening its training/practice facility this week.
“Clubs unable to meet these criteria on May 19 may reopen their facilities on the earliest date thereafter on which they are able to meet the criteria,” Goodell added.
Sills will conduct a training program for club infection control officers (ICO) on Monday night that is required.
Already established in the openings were these protocols:
—Until further notice from the NFL, teams may have no more than 50% of their staff in the facility, not to exceed 75 people. If a club wants to deploy staff to more than one location, all locations must implement the same health and safety protocols, and the combined number of employees at all locations can’t exceed 75.
—No members of the coaching staff can return to the facility under the first phase of reopening. “This is important to ensure equity among all 32 clubs,” Goodell wrote.
—No players may be in the facility other than those undergoing medical treatment or rehab. Strength and conditioning coaches participating in player rehab may continue that work in the facility. Otherwise, they are barred until the rest of the coaching staff is allowed to return.
—Members of the personnel, football operations/football administration staff, equipment staff, medical staff, and nutritionists can attend.
Naturally, any incidence of Covid-19 in the facility must be reported immediately to Sills and the team’s ICO. Clubs also must promptly report any change in government regulations to the league.
“After we implement this first phase,” Goodell told the teams, “and as more states and localities enact policies that allow more club facilities to reopen, I expect that additional staff, likely including coaching staff, will be allowed to return to club facilities in a relatively short time.
“In the meantime, we are continuing to work with the NFLPA and our medical teams on developing protocols that could permit a certain number of players to return to club facilities as early as next month.”
NFL teams normally would be holding organized team activities (OTAs) during May, followed by June minicamps. Due to the pandemic, such activities have been done remotely.
Coaching and training staffs have worked with the players by conducting classroom instruction and on-field activities through digital applications instead of at team facilities. Those virtual meetings can occur for four hours per day, four days per week.
The NFL has held the scouting combine, free agency and the draft in the last two months. It released the regular-season schedule and has said it expects to play it as planned, beginning Sept. 10 with Houston at Super Bowl champion Kansas City.
But it is also making contingency plans for everything from a shortened season to moving the dates of games to playing in empty stadiums.
—
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


mercurynews--2020-05-15--Report: Coronavirus crisis could leave tens of thousands of Californians homeless

Nearly 30,000 Californians could end up homeless in the midst of the unprecedented COVID-19 economic crisis , according to a new report — a potentially catastrophic spike for a state that already was grappling with massive numbers of people living on the streets and in shelters .
That would mean an increase in the state ’ s homeless population of about 19 % over last year , according to calculations by Columbia University economics professor Brendan O ’ Flaherty , which were published online by nonprofit Community Solutions .
Across the country , homelessness could surge by as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way they have in the past , it will be a big increase , ” said O ’ Flaherty , who based his projections on an analysis of increases in homelessness during the last recession .
An estimated 4.6 million Californians have filed for unemployment as the state ’ s shelter-in-place order has kept hem home from work .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom expects the state ’ s unemployment rate to peak at around 25 % — about twice what it was during the Great Recession .
For weeks , homeless service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worrying about a coronavirus-spurred surge in homelessness overwhelming resources that are already stretched thin .
It ’ s not a matter of if such a surge will happen , they agree — but when , and how bad it will be .
San Francisco already has reported a massive increase in the number of people without shelter .
During its most recent quarterly tent count , conducted in April , the city reported a 71 % increase in the number of tents and make-shift structures on its streets .
In the beleaguered Tenderloin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase .
Activists in other cities say they haven ’ t been able to quantify such a spike yet , but they ’ re worried .
Bay Area cities , particularly Oakland , San Jose and San Francisco , have seen their homeless populations increase dramatically in recent years .
Statewide , about 151,000 people had nowhere to call home as of last year , according to the most recent data available .
“ I think we ’ re going to see a huge rise in displacement , homelessness , evictions — people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are going to be stretched to the limit , ” said Andrea Henson , lead organizer with the homeless outreach group Where do we go ?
Berkeley .
She ’ s already seeing the signs .
People living in shared housing situations are having to move out over fears of spreading COVID-19 within the household , and are resorting to couch surfing .
Inmates getting released from jail early to prevent overcrowding and reduce the chance of a coronavirus outbreak are ending up in the homeless encampments she serves .
To make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to end up out of work during the pandemic are low-wage workers in the service and hospitality industries who can least afford to miss paychecks , according to reporting by the Kaiser Family Foundation .
Many of those families were one financial emergency away from homelessness even before the coronavirus crisis began .
In a region like the Bay Area , with punishingly high housing prices , it can be impossible for families to get back on their feet once they stumble .
Cities around the Bay Area have enacted eviction moratoriums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the street .
But when the protections expire , tenants will be on the hook for what could be months of back rent — an insurmountable financial hurdle for many .
California legislators have proposed relief plans to help renters stuck in that impossible situation , including allowing tenants to pay back rent payments to the state over a period of 10 years , but the measures have yet to be approved .
The federal government also has beefed up unemployment benefits , but not all out-of-work workers qualify .
And once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t have jobs to return to , as experts predict many businesses closed during the pandemic will never reopen .
Despite the dire projections , there ’ s a lot that can be done to prevent Californians from ending up on the streets , including providing flexible rental assistance and holding landlords accountable for violating eviction moratoriums , said Jennifer Friedenbach , executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness .
“ If we fail in this endeavor , ” she said , “ we ’ re going to see a disaster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t think many of us can even begin to imagine at this point.
” • San Jose ’ s Chromatic Coffee to reopen as Paper Moon Coffee Co. • One restaurant ’ s awesome way of keeping diners apart O ’ Flaherty based his projections on an analysis of what happened during the last recession .
Between 2007 and 2009 , for every 1 % increase in the country ’ s unemployment rate , another 0.65 people out of every 10,000 became homeless .
His analysis doesn ’ t take into account the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states and the federal government have put in place during the pandemic .
But , the economist pointed out , relief programs also were enacted during the Great Recession — and any impact those had has been baked into his calculations .
The local , state and federal governments need to do more to help those at risk of becoming homeless , said Andrea Urton , CEO of HomeFirst , which runs homeless shelters throughout Santa Clara County .
The county reported more than 9,700 homeless residents as of January 2019 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are trying to prepare for this , ” she said , “ but I think we are woefully unprepared for an event like this .
”

Nearly 30,000 Californians could end up homeless in the midst of the unprecedented COVID-19 economic crisis, according to a new report — a potentially catastrophic spike for a state that already was grappling with massive numbers of people living on the streets and in shelters.
That would mean an increase in the state’s homeless population of about 19% over last year, according to calculations by Columbia University economics professor Brendan O’Flaherty, which were published online by the nonprofit Community Solutions.
Across the country, homelessness could surge by as much as 45%.
“If things go the way they have in the past, it will be a big increase,” said O’Flaherty, who based his projections on an analysis of increases in homelessness during the last recession.
An estimated 4.6 million Californians have filed for unemployment as the state’s shelter-in-place order has kept hem home from work. Gov. Gavin Newsom expects the state’s unemployment rate to peak at around 25% — about twice what it was during the Great Recession.
For weeks, homeless service providers throughout the Bay Area have been worrying about a coronavirus-spurred surge in homelessness overwhelming resources that are already stretched thin. It’s not a matter of if such a surge will happen, they agree — but when, and how bad it will be.
San Francisco already has reported a massive increase in the number of people without shelter. During its most recent quarterly tent count, conducted in April, the city reported a 71% increase in the number of tents and make-shift structures on its streets. In the beleaguered Tenderloin neighborhood, there was a 285% increase.
Activists in other cities say they haven’t been able to quantify such a spike yet, but they’re worried.
Bay Area cities, particularly Oakland, San Jose and San Francisco, have seen their homeless populations increase dramatically in recent years. Statewide, about 151,000 people had nowhere to call home as of last year, according to the most recent data available.
“I think we’re going to see a huge rise in displacement, homelessness, evictions — people who are already on the border, who are going to be stretched to the limit,” said Andrea Henson, lead organizer with the homeless outreach group Where do we go? Berkeley.
She’s already seeing the signs. People living in shared housing situations are having to move out over fears of spreading COVID-19 within the household, and are resorting to couch surfing. Inmates getting released from jail early to prevent overcrowding and reduce the chance of a coronavirus outbreak are ending up in the homeless encampments she serves.
To make matters worse, those who are most likely to end up out of work during the pandemic are low-wage workers in the service and hospitality industries who can least afford to miss paychecks, according to reporting by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Many of those families were one financial emergency away from homelessness even before the coronavirus crisis began. In a region like the Bay Area, with punishingly high housing prices, it can be impossible for families to get back on their feet once they stumble.
Cities around the Bay Area have enacted eviction moratoriums to prevent those families from ending up on the street. But when the protections expire, tenants will be on the hook for what could be months of back rent — an insurmountable financial hurdle for many.
California legislators have proposed relief plans to help renters stuck in that impossible situation, including allowing tenants to pay back rent payments to the state over a period of 10 years, but the measures have yet to be approved. The federal government also has beefed up unemployment benefits, but not all out-of-work workers qualify. And once those protections dry up, some workers won’t have jobs to return to, as experts predict many businesses closed during the pandemic will never reopen.
Despite the dire projections, there’s a lot that can be done to prevent Californians from ending up on the streets, including providing flexible rental assistance and holding landlords accountable for violating eviction moratoriums, said Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness.
“If we fail in this endeavor,” she said, “we’re going to see a disaster around this issue that I don’t think many of us can even begin to imagine at this point.”
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge O’Flaherty based his projections on an analysis of what happened during the last recession. Between 2007 and 2009, for every 1% increase in the country’s unemployment rate, another 0.65 people out of every 10,000 became homeless.
His analysis doesn’t take into account the various relief programs cities, counties, states and the federal government have put in place during the pandemic. But, the economist pointed out, relief programs also were enacted during the Great Recession — and any impact those had has been baked into his calculations.
The local, state and federal governments need to do more to help those at risk of becoming homeless, said Andrea Urton, CEO of HomeFirst, which runs homeless shelters throughout Santa Clara County. The county reported more than 9,700 homeless residents as of January 2019.
“I know the city and the county are trying to prepare for this,” she said, “but I think we are woefully unprepared for an event like this.”


mercurynews--2020-05-15--California undocumented immigrants can apply for COVID-19 relief starting Monday

California is home to more than 2 million undocumented immigrants who aren ’ t eligible to receive unemployment or stimulus checks from the government .
But the state has set up funding to help support them during the coronavirus crisis , providing $ 125 million through a public-private partnership .
It ’ s been touted as the first fund of its kind to support undocumented immigrants .
The state will contribute $ 75 million to the fund , with the remaining $ 50 million coming from private philanthropic partners .
A group of 12 immigrant-focused nonprofits across the state will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus apply for the funds .
The application period begins Monday and runs through June 30 .
The one-time payments will be $ 500 per adult , with a cap of $ 1,000 per household .
Applicants will be considered on a first-come , first-served basis and must reach out to the organization that is serving their county .
They must : • be at least 18 years old and undocumented • be ineligible for federal COVID-19 relief like the CARES Act • have experienced a hardship due to the virus Catholic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties of the Bay Area .
The hotline for residents of Alameda , Contra Costa , Marin , San Francisco , San Mateo and Santa Clara residents is 1-866-490-3899 .
You can find hotline numbers for other counties on the state ’ s website .
Beginning at 8 a.m. Monday , hotline operators will begin assisting applicants with the process .
The program will run through June 30 or until the funding is totally spent .
• Report : Coronavirus crisis could leave tens of thousands of Californians homeless • San Jose ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moon Coffee Co. • One restaurant ’ s awesome way of keeping diners apart Nearly one tenth of California ’ s workforce is undocumented , and Gov .
Gavin Newsom noted in announcing the program that the group is overrepresented in sectors deemed essential in the pandemic , such as healthcare , agriculture and food services and manufacturing .
He added that undocumented immigrants contributed $ 2.5 billion in state and local taxes last year , but they can not benefit directly from state taxes because of their status .
Conservative groups have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public funds to undocumented immigrants , arguing it is barred by both state and federal law .
But it appears the fund will go ahead as planned .
For more information on the fund , visit the state ’ s website , which includes answers to frequently asked questions .

California is home to more than 2 million undocumented immigrants who aren’t eligible to receive unemployment or stimulus checks from the government.
But the state has set up funding to help support them during the coronavirus crisis, providing $125 million through a public-private partnership. It’s been touted as the first fund of its kind to support undocumented immigrants. The state will contribute $75 million to the fund, with the remaining $50 million coming from private philanthropic partners.
A group of 12 immigrant-focused nonprofits across the state will help roughly 150,000 undocumented adults impacted by the virus apply for the funds. The application period begins Monday and runs through June 30.
The one-time payments will be $500 per adult, with a cap of $1,000 per household.
Applicants will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis and must reach out to the organization that is serving their county. They must:
be at least 18 years old and undocumented
be ineligible for federal COVID-19 relief like the CARES Act
have experienced a hardship due to the virus
Catholic Charities is the nonprofit organization covering six counties of the Bay Area. The hotline for residents of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara residents is 1-866-490-3899. You can find hotline numbers for other counties on the state’s website.
Beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, hotline operators will begin assisting applicants with the process.
The program will run through June 30 or until the funding is totally spent.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Nearly one tenth of California’s workforce is undocumented, and Gov. Gavin Newsom noted in announcing the program that the group is overrepresented in sectors deemed essential in the pandemic, such as healthcare, agriculture and food services and manufacturing. He added that undocumented immigrants contributed $2.5 billion in state and local taxes last year, but they cannot benefit directly from state taxes because of their status.
Conservative groups have sued to stop the state from dispensing the public funds to undocumented immigrants, arguing it is barred by both state and federal law. But it appears the fund will go ahead as planned.
For more information on the fund, visit the state’s website, which includes answers to frequently asked questions.


mercurynews--2020-05-15--Three were arrested in Pittsburg homicide, but only one charged with murder

MARTINEZ — Of the three people arrested in connection with the February shooting death of a young man in Pittsburg , just one — the suspected shooter — has been hit with murder charges .
Jose Quintanilla , 24 , was charged this week with murdering 21-year-old David Olivares , of Brentwood .
A second suspect , Sabrina Glenn , 21 , was charged with second degree robbery of Olivares .
A third man arrested in connection with Olivares ’ death , 21-year-old Angel Rodriguez , has been released from jail with no charges filed , police said .
Prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Olivares was shot and killed at Woodland Hills Park .
The shooting happened on Valentine ’ s Day , and authorities say that the motive had to do with a romantic dispute between Olivares and one of the suspects .
Glenn , police allege , lured Olivares to the park , knowing that he was going to be robbed .
Under SB 1437 , a state law that went into effect last year , prosecutors can ’ t charge accomplices with murder unless they ’ re aware in advance that deadly violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quintanilla , an Oakley resident , was also charged with an enhancement alleging he personally shot Olivares .
He is also referred to as “ Jose Quintanilla-Beltran ” in court records .
Both Glenn and Quintanilla remain in Contra Costa county jail .
Glenn ’ s bail has been set at $ 100,000 , and Quintanilla is being held in lieu of $ 4.1 million bail , county records show .
They are next due in court on May 29 .

MARTINEZ — Of the three people arrested in connection with the February shooting death of a young man in Pittsburg, just one — the suspected shooter — has been hit with murder charges.
Jose Quintanilla, 24, was charged this week with murdering 21-year-old David Olivares, of Brentwood. A second suspect, Sabrina Glenn, 21, was charged with second degree robbery of Olivares.
A third man arrested in connection with Olivares’ death, 21-year-old Angel Rodriguez, has been released from jail with no charges filed, police said. Prosecutors have not commented on the filing decision.
Olivares was shot and killed at Woodland Hills Park. The shooting happened on Valentine’s Day, and authorities say that the motive had to do with a romantic dispute between Olivares and one of the suspects.
Glenn, police allege, lured Olivares to the park, knowing that he was going to be robbed. Under SB 1437, a state law that went into effect last year, prosecutors can’t charge accomplices with murder unless they’re aware in advance that deadly violence would be used against the victim.
Quintanilla, an Oakley resident, was also charged with an enhancement alleging he personally shot Olivares. He is also referred to as “Jose Quintanilla-Beltran” in court records.
Both Glenn and Quintanilla remain in Contra Costa county jail. Glenn’s bail has been set at $100,000, and Quintanilla is being held in lieu of $4.1 million bail, county records show.
They are next due in court on May 29.


mercurynews--2020-05-15--J.C. Penney files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

NEW YORK — J.C. Penney Co. Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection on Friday with plans to permanently close some stores and also explore a possible sale , making it the latest brick-and-mortar retailer to crumble as prolonged store closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic drive a final stake through long-troubled businesses .
The U.S. department store chain , known for selling family apparel , cosmetics and jewelry at roughly 850 locations , said it reached an agreement with existing lenders for $ 900 million of debtor-in-possession financing to aid operations while it navigates bankruptcy proceedings in federal court in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consists of $ 450 million in fresh financing , the company said .
The balance is made up of existing debt being “ rolled up ” to be given the same legal status as the new funding that J.C. Penney obtained , people familiar with the matter said .
The retailer said it had an additional $ 500 million in cash on hand before the bankruptcy filing .
While J.C. Penney plans to reorganize and emerge from bankruptcy proceedings after eliminating several billion dollars of debt , it will also explore a sale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new financing , the company said .
Reuters earlier reported that the company was nearing a bankruptcy filing and negotiating the financing .
The company on Friday said it would begin closing some stores permanently in phases and would disclose further details in coming weeks .
People familiar with the matter previously told Reuters that the company initially plans to permanently shutter roughly 200 stores , saying the figure could fluctuate depending on negotiations with creditors .
The bankruptcy filing caps a long decline for the 118-year-old department store chain , which once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fixtures in U.S. malls .
The company at one point employed nearly 200,000 people .
Even before the coronavirus outbreak , J.C. Penney was struggling with nearly $ 4 billion of debt and pressure from both discount retailers and e-commerce companies .
Larger retailers such as Walmart Inc and Target Corp have squeezed smaller rivals by offering bargain-price apparel , including online .
In the footstep of other bankruptcies The coronavirus outbreak , which has resulted in more than 80,000 deaths in the United States , is now forcing a financial reckoning among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporarily close their doors under states ’ orders .
Other retailers already grappling with customers ’ abandonment of traditional stores for online shopping have also resorted to bankruptcy filings .
Earlier this month , both luxury department store chain Neiman Marcus Group and clothing retailer J .
Crew Group Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection after alternative attempts to rework their finances failed .
Stage Stores Inc. , a U.S. department store chain selling mid-priced apparel at hundreds of stores in mostly rural areas , said earlier this week it would liquidate unless it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , J.C. Penney has started reopening its stores in stages as many states have begun to loosen coronavirus restrictions .
But with U.S. unemployment now at the highest level since the Great Depression of the 1930s , there are serious concerns that consumer spending will remain dampened for a prolonged stretch .
Against that backdrop , J.C. Penney faced a looming $ 105 million debt payment in June and $ 300 million of annual interest expenses .
Adding to pressure was an unprecedented span of lost sales and uncertainty whether shoppers concerned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J.C. Penney negotiated with creditors earlier this year for more financial breathing room , hoping to give its new chief executive , Jill Soltau , additional time to forge a turnaround focused on the company ’ s roots as a seller of affordable apparel for middle-class families .
The talks did not bear fruit .
The coronavirus crisis forced J.C. Penney to prepare for a bankruptcy filing to address its strained finances , which on the horizon included more than $ 2 billion of debt coming due in 2023 .
In March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from its credit line .
It later skipped debt payments , triggering grace periods to make good before defaulting that expired this week .
The company made one of those overdue payments before filing for bankruptcy .
Under one plan being discussed , J.C. Penney would emerge from bankruptcy as two separate companies , the sources said .
One would own some of the company ’ s real estate and serve as a landlord to the other entity that would operate the retailer ’ s business , they said .
Creditors , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would control the businesses in exchange for forgiving debt , they said .
The company earlier this month resolved a legal dispute with Sephora , the French beauty chain owned by LVMH that had threatened to end its agreement to sell cosmetics inside J.C. Penney stores .
Days before seeking bankruptcy protection , J.C. Penney paid nearly $ 10 million in bonuses to top executives .
The company said it was “ taking necessary steps to retain our talented management team , ” which made strides on the company ’ s turnaround plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roots to U.S. mainstay James Cash Penney founded the eponymous retailer with partners in 1902 .
Averse to the haggling that was common at the time , he believed prices should be low , set and marked , an attitude that served as a precursor to modern shopping , according to the J.C. Penney Museum in Hamilton , Missouri , the founder ’ s hometown .
The company ’ s first store , opened in Wyoming , was called “ The Golden Rule , ” a reference to what the retailer viewed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its website .
J.C. Penney stores initially dotted Main Streets in rural towns dominated by farmers .
After expanding to operate more than 30 stores , it went public in 1927 .
By the 1970s , J.C. Penney had become a mainstay across the United States .
The following decade , it acquired a bank , and later drugstores before eventually divesting both businesses .
The e-commerce revolution that took root in the 21st century rocked nearly every corner of the traditional retail landscape and eroded J.C. Penney ’ s business much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In recent years , J.C. Penney has closed hundreds of stores and cut thousands of jobs .
The company has also faced fierce competition from discount chains including TJX Cos Inc. ’ s Marshalls and T.J. Maxx chains .
J.C. Penney suffered a significant setback after a failed transformation attempt spearheaded by former CEO Ron Johnson , the one-time pioneer of Apple Inc. ’ s retail stores .
Johnson launched expensive renovations of J.C. Penney locations and eliminated coupons , resulting in a customer backlash that led to plunging sales .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reins in late 2018 after a revolving door of executives , and attempted to return J.C. Penney to its roots as a seller of affordable apparel for middle-class families .
She jettisoned the company ’ s appliance business and mostly abandoned its furniture offerings .

By Mike Spector | Reuters
NEW YORK — J.C. Penney Co. Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection on Friday with plans to permanently close some stores and also explore a possible sale, making it the latest brick-and-mortar retailer to crumble as prolonged store closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic drive a final stake through long-troubled businesses.
The U.S. department store chain, known for selling family apparel, cosmetics and jewelry at roughly 850 locations, said it reached an agreement with existing lenders for $900 million of debtor-in-possession financing to aid operations while it navigates bankruptcy proceedings in federal court in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The loan consists of $450 million in fresh financing, the company said. The balance is made up of existing debt being “rolled up” to be given the same legal status as the new funding that J.C. Penney obtained, people familiar with the matter said. The retailer said it had an additional $500 million in cash on hand before the bankruptcy filing.
While J.C. Penney plans to reorganize and emerge from bankruptcy proceedings after eliminating several billion dollars of debt, it will also explore a sale as part of the terms of its new financing, the company said. Reuters earlier reported that the company was nearing a bankruptcy filing and negotiating the financing.
The company on Friday said it would begin closing some stores permanently in phases and would disclose further details in coming weeks. People familiar with the matter previously told Reuters that the company initially plans to permanently shutter roughly 200 stores, saying the figure could fluctuate depending on negotiations with creditors.
The bankruptcy filing caps a long decline for the 118-year-old department store chain, which once operated more than 1,600 locations that became fixtures in U.S. malls. The company at one point employed nearly 200,000 people.
Even before the coronavirus outbreak, J.C. Penney was struggling with nearly $4 billion of debt and pressure from both discount retailers and e-commerce companies.
Larger retailers such as Walmart Inc and Target Corp have squeezed smaller rivals by offering bargain-price apparel, including online.
In the footstep of other bankruptcies
The coronavirus outbreak, which has resulted in more than 80,000 deaths in the United States, is now forcing a financial reckoning among an array of retailers that had to temporarily close their doors under states’ orders. Other retailers already grappling with customers’ abandonment of traditional stores for online shopping have also resorted to bankruptcy filings.
Earlier this month, both luxury department store chain Neiman Marcus Group and clothing retailer J. Crew Group Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection after alternative attempts to rework their finances failed. Stage Stores Inc., a U.S. department store chain selling mid-priced apparel at hundreds of stores in mostly rural areas, said earlier this week it would liquidate unless it finds a buyer.
Like other retailers, J.C. Penney has started reopening its stores in stages as many states have begun to loosen coronavirus restrictions. But with U.S. unemployment now at the highest level since the Great Depression of the 1930s, there are serious concerns that consumer spending will remain dampened for a prolonged stretch.
Against that backdrop, J.C. Penney faced a looming $105 million debt payment in June and $300 million of annual interest expenses. Adding to pressure was an unprecedented span of lost sales and uncertainty whether shoppers concerned about their health would return to stores.
J.C. Penney negotiated with creditors earlier this year for more financial breathing room, hoping to give its new chief executive, Jill Soltau, additional time to forge a turnaround focused on the company’s roots as a seller of affordable apparel for middle-class families. The talks did not bear fruit.
The coronavirus crisis forced J.C. Penney to prepare for a bankruptcy filing to address its strained finances, which on the horizon included more than $2 billion of debt coming due in 2023.
In March, the company drew down $1.25 billion from its credit line. It later skipped debt payments, triggering grace periods to make good before defaulting that expired this week. The company made one of those overdue payments before filing for bankruptcy.
Under one plan being discussed, J.C. Penney would emerge from bankruptcy as two separate companies, the sources said. One would own some of the company’s real estate and serve as a landlord to the other entity that would operate the retailer’s business, they said. Creditors, many of them Wall Street hedge funds, would control the businesses in exchange for forgiving debt, they said.
The company earlier this month resolved a legal dispute with Sephora, the French beauty chain owned by LVMH that had threatened to end its agreement to sell cosmetics inside J.C. Penney stores.
Days before seeking bankruptcy protection, J.C. Penney paid nearly $10 million in bonuses to top executives. The company said it was “taking necessary steps to retain our talented management team,” which made strides on the company’s turnaround plan before the COVID-19 pandemic.
From rural roots to U.S. mainstay
James Cash Penney founded the eponymous retailer with partners in 1902. Averse to the haggling that was common at the time, he believed prices should be low, set and marked, an attitude that served as a precursor to modern shopping, according to the J.C. Penney Museum in Hamilton, Missouri, the founder’s hometown.
The company’s first store, opened in Wyoming, was called “The Golden Rule,” a reference to what the retailer viewed as its standard for customer service, according to its website.
J.C. Penney stores initially dotted Main Streets in rural towns dominated by farmers. After expanding to operate more than 30 stores, it went public in 1927.
By the 1970s, J.C. Penney had become a mainstay across the United States. The following decade, it acquired a bank, and later drugstores before eventually divesting both businesses.
The e-commerce revolution that took root in the 21st century rocked nearly every corner of the traditional retail landscape and eroded J.C. Penney’s business much as it did those of its rivals. In recent years, J.C. Penney has closed hundreds of stores and cut thousands of jobs.
The company has also faced fierce competition from discount chains including TJX Cos Inc.’s Marshalls and T.J. Maxx chains.
J.C. Penney suffered a significant setback after a failed transformation attempt spearheaded by former CEO Ron Johnson, the one-time pioneer of Apple Inc.’s retail stores. Johnson launched expensive renovations of J.C. Penney locations and eliminated coupons, resulting in a customer backlash that led to plunging sales. He was replaced in 2013.
Soltau took the reins in late 2018 after a revolving door of executives, and attempted to return J.C. Penney to its roots as a seller of affordable apparel for middle-class families. She jettisoned the company’s appliance business and mostly abandoned its furniture offerings.


mercurynews--2020-05-15--Girls, 12 and 14, arrested in BART train robbery

OAKLAND — A 12 year-old girl and and 14 year-old girl were arrested Thursday on suspicion of robbing another girl of her cellphone on board a BART train in Oakland , authorities said .
The robbery happened at about 5:40 p.m. Thursday as train neared the West Oakland station .
Authorities said the victim , a 14 year-old Oakland girl , had her cellphone snatched from her while she was riding the train .
The two suspects , both from Hayward , were arrested within minutes , but the phone was not recovered .
Besides robbery , the two suspects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a witness after they allegedly threatened a witness of the robbery to not talk to police .
Both girls booked at Alameda County Juvenile Hall .
Authorities did not say if the two suspects were related or knew the victim .
On Wednesday , a similar cellphone theft also occurred in Berkeley .
A 15 year-old Richmond boy was arrested at the Ashby BART station on suspicion of robbing a 20-year old Oakland woman of her iPhone 6 while she rode a train .
The suspect was later arrested , but was released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s phone was not recovered .

OAKLAND — A 12 year-old girl and and 14 year-old girl were arrested Thursday on suspicion of robbing another girl of her cellphone on board a BART train in Oakland, authorities said.
The robbery happened at about 5:40 p.m. Thursday as train neared the West Oakland station. Authorities said the victim, a 14 year-old Oakland girl, had her cellphone snatched from her while she was riding the train.
The two suspects, both from Hayward, were arrested within minutes, but the phone was not recovered. Besides robbery, the two suspects were also arrested on suspicion of dissuading a witness after they allegedly threatened a witness of the robbery to not talk to police.
Both girls booked at Alameda County Juvenile Hall. Authorities did not say if the two suspects were related or knew the victim.
On Wednesday, a similar cellphone theft also occurred in Berkeley. A 15 year-old Richmond boy was arrested at the Ashby BART station on suspicion of robbing a 20-year old Oakland woman of her iPhone 6 while she rode a train.
The suspect was later arrested, but was released to his parents. The woman’s phone was not recovered.
Staff Writer Angela Ruggiero contributed to this story.


mercurynews--2020-05-15--Commemorate Memorial Day with a special ‘Parade of Heroes’ online

Although most parades around the nation have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic , there are still ways to commemorate Memorial Day .
One great avenue is to watch “ Parade of Heroes , ” a virtual event organized by the genealogy site Ancestry .
It streams first on Ancestry ’ s Facebook page , www.facebook.com/AncestryUS , at 8 a.m. PT May 25 .
It will then be made available later to stream on www.ancestry.com .
“ There ’ s never been a more important time to honor our ancestors ’ stories of triumph and to preserve the memory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant events in world history , ” said Margo Georgiadis , president and CEO of Ancestry .
“ When we take time to learn about our ancestors , we give power to their stories and pay tribute to their service .
We also can unlock inspiration to become stronger and more resilient ourselves .
This Memorial Day , Ancestry is making it easier for people to discover their personal connections to the war , and commemorate those who served and sacrificed.
” The 45-minute event is hosted by Kathie Lee Gifford and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kelly as well as interviews with veterans and Memorial Day tributes.There will also be a special focus on World War II , due to this year ’ s 75th anniversary of its conclusion , including patriotic hymns performed by the Lincoln Way Marching Band from New Lenox , Illinois , according to Military.com .

Although most parades around the nation have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are still ways to commemorate Memorial Day.
One great avenue is to watch “Parade of Heroes,” a virtual event organized by the genealogy site Ancestry.
It streams first on Ancestry’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AncestryUS, at 8 a.m. PT May 25. It will then be made available later to stream on www.ancestry.com.
“There’s never been a more important time to honor our ancestors’ stories of triumph and to preserve the memory of WWII, one of the most significant events in world history,” said Margo Georgiadis, president and CEO of Ancestry. “When we take time to learn about our ancestors, we give power to their stories and pay tribute to their service. We also can unlock inspiration to become stronger and more resilient ourselves. This Memorial Day, Ancestry is making it easier for people to discover their personal connections to the war, and commemorate those who served and sacrificed.”
The 45-minute event is hosted by Kathie Lee Gifford and will feature a musical performance by singer-songwriter Tori Kelly as well as interviews with veterans and Memorial Day tributes.There will also be a special focus on World War II, due to this year’s 75th anniversary of its conclusion, including patriotic hymns performed by the Lincoln Way Marching Band from New Lenox, Illinois, according to Military.com.


mercurynews--2020-05-16--Horoscopes May 16, 2020: Megan Fox, look at what you have to offer.

Happy Birthday : What you contribute will make a difference .
Look at what you have to offer and where your skills , insight and experience will do the most good .
Less talking and more doing will be the best and easiest way to raise your profile and get things done .
Discipline will be required when faced with adversity .
Offer peace , not discord .
Your numbers are 2 , 9 , 20 , 24 , 32 , 35 , 46 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Gather information , prepare , organize and schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your destination .
Wisdom , coupled with taking appropriate action , will encourage good results .
Don ’ t promise what you can not deliver .
Personal improvement begins within .
Romance is featured .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Avoid gossip , temptation and indulgent behavior .
Take the high road , and you will find it much easier to get things done .
Your intuition won ’ t let you down .
If you or someone else is pushy , someone will scrutinize the motives behind the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21-June 20 ) : You are headed toward a cultural shock if you haven ’ t prepared yourself for the lifestyle changes that are unfolding in your community .
You can share your thoughts openly as long as you are ready to verify the facts behind your beliefs .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Don ’ t overreact if you want to get your way .
Legal , financial or health issues need care and consideration .
Someone you feel responsible for will offer unexpected insight that will allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : You don ’ t have to do what everyone else does .
Use your intelligence , experience and skills to come up with a plan that works for you .
Discipline and hard work will be your gateways to new beginnings .
Fitness and good health are encouraged .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Nothing will unfold as expected .
Learn to adapt to the changing times and to work with what you have .
Look for the positive in every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success you desire .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Keep moving forward .
Size up what everyone is doing , make adjustments that will help alleviate conflict and adhere to the truth as you move forward .
Personal gains will depend on honesty , integrity and hard work .
Romance is on the rise .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Personal matters will turn out different than anticipated .
Working from your home is an excellent way to pass your time .
The further ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to do the things you enjoy doing most .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Join a social media group that encourages you to broaden your outlook .
Gathering information that can help you develop a profitable way to spend your time is favored .
Don ’ t be a follower ; someone will lead you astray .
2 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Observe what ’ s going on around you , and you ’ ll find a way to use whatever situation you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different approach will help you keep others guessing while you make headway .
A financial maneuver looks promising .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Keep plugging away at your pursuits .
Move things around at home to give you the space to pursue a new hobby or goal you set for yourself .
Get in shape , spice up your life and adjust to the change .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Be attentive , listen , make positive suggestions and be a good friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not your money .
The payback will be incredibly helpful when you need something in return .
Distance yourself from troublemakers and manipulators .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are changeable , outgoing and creative .
You are intuitive and empathetic .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Megan Fox, 34; Tori Spelling, 47; Janet Jackson, 54; Pierce Brosnan, 67.
Happy Birthday: What you contribute will make a difference. Look at what you have to offer and where your skills, insight and experience will do the most good. Less talking and more doing will be the best and easiest way to raise your profile and get things done. Discipline will be required when faced with adversity. Offer peace, not discord. Your numbers are 2, 9, 20, 24, 32, 35, 46.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Gather information, prepare, organize and schedule a timetable that enables you to reach your destination. Wisdom, coupled with taking appropriate action, will encourage good results. Don’t promise what you cannot deliver. Personal improvement begins within. Romance is featured. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Avoid gossip, temptation and indulgent behavior. Take the high road, and you will find it much easier to get things done. Your intuition won’t let you down. If you or someone else is pushy, someone will scrutinize the motives behind the pressure. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You are headed toward a cultural shock if you haven’t prepared yourself for the lifestyle changes that are unfolding in your community. You can share your thoughts openly as long as you are ready to verify the facts behind your beliefs. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t overreact if you want to get your way. Legal, financial or health issues need care and consideration. Someone you feel responsible for will offer unexpected insight that will allow you to be less self-critical. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You don’t have to do what everyone else does. Use your intelligence, experience and skills to come up with a plan that works for you. Discipline and hard work will be your gateways to new beginnings. Fitness and good health are encouraged. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Nothing will unfold as expected. Learn to adapt to the changing times and to work with what you have. Look for the positive in every situation, and you will find the success you desire. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Keep moving forward. Size up what everyone is doing, make adjustments that will help alleviate conflict and adhere to the truth as you move forward. Personal gains will depend on honesty, integrity and hard work. Romance is on the rise. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Personal matters will turn out different than anticipated. Working from your home is an excellent way to pass your time. The further ahead you get, the more time you will have to do the things you enjoy doing most. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Join a social media group that encourages you to broaden your outlook. Gathering information that can help you develop a profitable way to spend your time is favored. Don’t be a follower; someone will lead you astray. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Observe what’s going on around you, and you’ll find a way to use whatever situation you face to your advantage. Taking a different approach will help you keep others guessing while you make headway. A financial maneuver looks promising. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep plugging away at your pursuits. Move things around at home to give you the space to pursue a new hobby or goal you set for yourself. Get in shape, spice up your life and adjust to the change. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be attentive, listen, make positive suggestions and be a good friend. Offer your time and wisdom, not your money. The payback will be incredibly helpful when you need something in return. Distance yourself from troublemakers and manipulators. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are changeable, outgoing and creative. You are intuitive and empathetic.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-05-16--Word Game: May 16, 2020

Word Game: May 16, 2020

Can you find 47 or more words in FOURSCORE ?
The list will be published Monday .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — FOURSCORE (FOURSCORE: FOR-SKOR: Four times twenty.)
Average mark 33 words
Time limit 45 minutes
Can you find 47 or more words in FOURSCORE? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — LEGIONS lenis leno lens lesion lien line ling lingo lion loge
loin lone long lose losing egis glen goes gone ingle insole isle ogle noel noes noil
noise nose sego sign silo sine sing singe single sling sloe slog soigne soil sole song
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


Bridge: May 16, 2020

You ’ re declarer at today ’ s six hearts .
North-South have only 28 high-card points , but most are aces and kings , South ’ s long hearts are valuable and North ’ s fifth diamond may be a winner .
West leads the queen of clubs , and you see a spade loser and a diamond loser .
Even if diamonds break 4-2 , you can set up and cash the fifth diamond , but you may need three dummy entries : two to ruff diamonds , one to cash the established winner .
Setting up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dummy has those entries , but you can ’ t spend the king of trumps or the ace of diamonds until you are ready to ruff diamonds .
At Trick Two , duck a diamond .
If West shifts to a spade , win in your hand , cash the A-Q of trumps , go to the ace of diamonds and ruff a diamond high .
Take the king of trumps and ruff a diamond .
Return to the ace of spades to pitch your spade loser on the good diamond .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ K 3 2 D A 9 7 6 4 C 5 4 .
The dealer , at your left , opens one spade .
Your partner doubles , and the next player passes .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Partner has opening values or more with help for the unbid suits ( or maybe a strong hand with a suit he plans to show ) .
He asks you to bid .
You would bid two diamonds if all of your honors were low cards .
With 11 good points , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three diamonds , inviting game .

“Simple Saturday” columns focus on improving basic technique and developing logical thinking.
You’re declarer at today’s six hearts. North-South have only 28 high-card points, but most are aces and kings, South’s long hearts are valuable and North’s fifth diamond may be a winner.
West leads the queen of clubs, and you see a spade loser and a diamond loser. Even if diamonds break 4-2, you can set up and cash the fifth diamond, but you may need three dummy entries: two to ruff diamonds, one to cash the established winner. Setting up a long suit is a basic technique.
THREE ENTRIES
Dummy has those entries, but you can’t spend the king of trumps or the ace of diamonds until you are ready to ruff diamonds. At Trick Two, duck a diamond.
If West shifts to a spade, win in your hand, cash the A-Q of trumps, go to the ace of diamonds and ruff a diamond high. Take the king of trumps and ruff a diamond. Return to the ace of spades to pitch your spade loser on the good diamond.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A 5 4 H K 3 2 D A 9 7 6 4 C 5 4. The dealer, at your left, opens one spade. Your partner doubles, and the next player passes. What do you say?
ANSWER: Partner has opening values or more with help for the unbid suits (or maybe a strong hand with a suit he plans to show). He asks you to bid. You would bid two diamonds if all of your honors were low cards. With 11 good points, you must do more. Jump to three diamonds, inviting game.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S A 5 4
H K 3 2
D A 9 7 6 4
C 5 4
WEST
S J 9 7 6
H 9 6 5
D J 10
C Q J 10 3
EAST
S Q 10 8
H 8
D K Q 8 3
C 9 8 7 6 2
SOUTH
S K 3 2
H A Q J 10 7 4
D 5 2
C A K
South West North East
1 H Pass 2 D Pass
3 H Pass 4 H Pass
5 C Pass 6 H All Pass
Opening lead — C Q
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-05-16--Ask Amy: My employee wants to be fired and is refusing to work

DEAR AMY : I ’ m a small-business owner and have about 10 employees .
During the COVID shutdown I am continuing to pay all my employees their full salary .
Some are at home , while some are able to work in isolated and safe shifts –strictly following the state guidelines for this industry .
One employee is agitating to be fired .
This person is eager to receive unemployment benefits , believing — I suppose — that I would rehire them when the benefits run out .
I can keep my business afloat for around six months before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not judging anyone for taking government money , but I am disgusted by this individual who is gainfully employed but who basically wants things both ways .
• Ask Amy : To this immature woman , any criticism is ‘ mean ’ • Ask Amy : Have women forfeited the right to men ’ s courtesy ?
• Ask Amy : His selfish outing put our family at risk • Ask Amy : I don ’ t want to hear these complaints about my son • Ask Amy : I tried to fix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she blew up at me I have now heard a rumor that the employee went ahead and applied for unemployment , despite still being employed and paid by me .
Now we are in a standoff situation , with me refusing to fire the employee , and the employee refusing to work and refusing to quit ( because then they wouldn ’ t be eligible for unemployment benefits ) .
What ’ s your take on this ?
DEAR EMPLOYER : It seems to me that if the employee is cashing paychecks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for termination “ for cause , ” which would then disqualify them from receiving unemployment .
This is from an article in the National Law Review : “ That employer must consider whether the employee ’ s refusal [ to work ] is reasonable in light of the measures taken to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace , whether the employee has a covered disability that must be accommodated , and whether the employee is entitled to leave under multiple layers of leave laws .
This is a complicated analysis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counsel to assist them at the outset.
” DEAR AMY : About a month ago , at the start of the pandemic restrictions in our area , I was talking with my brother by phone and he voiced concern about my husband ’ s work , which he believed might expose our mother to the COVID virus .
She lives close by , and we visit one another quite often .
My husband , although an essential worker , has little to no contact with others while he works .
He always showers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whenever he gets home , before he greets me or the children .
My brother , believing that these efforts weren ’ t enough , proceeded to shout at me at the top of his lungs , accusing me of everything from not caring about our mother ’ s health to not listening to him .
My husband and kids were in the next room , so I told him I would talk to him later when he calmed down , and then I hung up .
For the next three days he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; eventually I blocked his number .
My mother ’ s view is that “ this is just how he communicates.
” She wants me to let it go .
I ’ m fine with letting it go , but that doesn ’ t mean I want to continue to communicate with him .
This is not the first time he has done this .
When it comes to family events in the future , how should I handle interactions with him ?
DEAR HAD ENOUGH : Hopefully , you will — we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future .
The law of natural consequences states that the natural reaction to being berated is to avoid the person who is berating you .
If your brother has reasonable concerns to share , he should find a reasonable way to express them .
People are panicking right now .
Your brother no doubt feels powerless .
This doesn ’ t absolve him of the need to behave respectfully , however , and now he has lost access to you .
Do not involve your mother in this conflict .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his behavior in order to try to resolve this conflict between her two children .
In the future , you should approach every contact with your brother as an opportunity for a fresh start .
If he can ’ t move forward , and chooses to try to re litigate this issue with you at every turn , then you will know that he is simply not ready , or able , to start over .
DEAR AMY : You asked how people were spending time productively during our national confinement .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fascinating way to spend these long days !
DEAR SATISFIED : Every leaf on every branch of every family tree contains a story .
This is a really nice “ legacy project.
” Good for you .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: I’m a small-business owner and have about 10 employees.
During the COVID shutdown I am continuing to pay all my employees their full salary. Some are at home, while some are able to work in isolated and safe shifts –strictly following the state guidelines for this industry.
One employee is agitating to be fired. This person is eager to receive unemployment benefits, believing — I suppose — that I would rehire them when the benefits run out.
I can keep my business afloat for around six months before running into serious trouble.
I am not judging anyone for taking government money, but I am disgusted by this individual who is gainfully employed but who basically wants things both ways.
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Now we are in a standoff situation, with me refusing to fire the employee, and the employee refusing to work and refusing to quit (because then they wouldn’t be eligible for unemployment benefits).
What’s your take on this?
Employer
DEAR EMPLOYER: It seems to me that if the employee is cashing paychecks and unemployment checks, this would be grounds for termination “for cause,” which would then disqualify them from receiving unemployment.
This is from an article in the National Law Review: “That employer must consider whether the employee’s refusal [to work] is reasonable in light of the measures taken to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace, whether the employee has a covered disability that must be accommodated, and whether the employee is entitled to leave under multiple layers of leave laws. This is a complicated analysis, and employers are well-advised to involve employment counsel to assist them at the outset.”
DEAR AMY: About a month ago, at the start of the pandemic restrictions in our area, I was talking with my brother by phone and he voiced concern about my husband’s work, which he believed might expose our mother to the COVID virus.
She lives close by, and we visit one another quite often. My husband, although an essential worker, has little to no contact with others while he works. He always showers and puts his clothes in the laundry whenever he gets home, before he greets me or the children.
My brother, believing that these efforts weren’t enough, proceeded to shout at me at the top of his lungs, accusing me of everything from not caring about our mother’s health to not listening to him.
My husband and kids were in the next room, so I told him I would talk to him later when he calmed down, and then I hung up.
For the next three days he sent aggressive and threatening texts and emails; eventually I blocked his number.
My mother’s view is that “this is just how he communicates.” She wants me to let it go.
I’m fine with letting it go, but that doesn’t mean I want to continue to communicate with him. This is not the first time he has done this.
When it comes to family events in the future, how should I handle interactions with him?
Had Enough
DEAR HAD ENOUGH: Hopefully, you will — we all will — have family events in the future.
The law of natural consequences states that the natural reaction to being berated is to avoid the person who is berating you. If your brother has reasonable concerns to share, he should find a reasonable way to express them.
People are panicking right now. Your brother no doubt feels powerless. This doesn’t absolve him of the need to behave respectfully, however, and now he has lost access to you.
Do not involve your mother in this conflict. He is her son, and she will defend his behavior in order to try to resolve this conflict between her two children.
In the future, you should approach every contact with your brother as an opportunity for a fresh start. If he can’t move forward, and chooses to try to re litigate this issue with you at every turn, then you will know that he is simply not ready, or able, to start over.
DEAR AMY: You asked how people were spending time productively during our national confinement. I took up genealogy. Talk about a fascinating way to spend these long days!
Satisfied
DEAR SATISFIED: Every leaf on every branch of every family tree contains a story. This is a really nice “legacy project.” Good for you.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-05-16--Harriette Cole: I’ve started having flashbacks of my shameful behavior

DEAR HARRIETTE : I have had a lot of time to think about my life while I ’ ve been stuck at home .
Recently , I have been having nightmares .
Some of the things I did in my youth were just awful .
As I have flashes of scenes when I was rude or downright mean to people , I shudder to think that was me .
But it was .
I think I was just trying to figure out relationships or how to get ahead in my work .
Whatever it was , I am ashamed of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people around me .
I feel like I should contact people and apologize for how I treated them , but I ’ m worried that this could cause them to have to relive these painful moments again .
Or maybe it wasn ’ t so bad for them ?
I ’ m not sure what to do , but right now I feel overwhelmed with disgust over my behavior .
DEAR DISGUSTED : It is good to take stock of your life and to address hurtful behaviors from your past .
Before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurt , though , play the scenario all the way out .
What benefit will your outreach have for them ?
And how best might they receive your amends ?
• Harriette Cole : My husband makes me feel stupid and inadequate • Harriette Cole : How do I tell my boss I can barely use a computer ?
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• Harriette Cole : The man I always wanted finally called , but I ’ m married now • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take possibly infected roommates ?
Some situations should remain buried .
In other cases , you might send a card saying you were thinking about the person and hope they are doing well as you also apologize for hurting them in the past .
In certain instances , it may be right to call and talk to a person directly .
If so , don ’ t dredge up the past .
Just say that you are sorry for what you did that caused them pain .
Know that the first step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
From that posture of humility , you can make the effort to make amends .
Know that you can not control how people will respond .
DEAR HARRIETTE : My teenage daughter is going crazy with makeup these days .
While we are at home , she is having too much fun .
She is trying all kinds of styles , and in a way it ’ s fun , but since she has Zoom classes , her friends are seeing her — and she ’ s getting some blowback .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crazy makeup , kids make comments that are often negative .
Teenagers can be mean , but also I don ’ t think she should go crazy with makeup when she ’ s going to class .
I would rather she did that after class .
When she ’ s talking to her friends on social media and looking nuts , that ’ s one thing .
With the teacher , it is something totally different .
How can I get the point across to her that I want her to express her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her school ?
DEAR WALKING THE LINE : Talk to your daughter about timing .
There is a time and a place for everything .
When she is in class , it ’ s ideal for her to show up ready to do her work without presenting herself in such a way that will be distracting .
Her job is to be an attentive and participatory student .
Ask her what she thinks her responsibilities are to that end .
Let her share her thoughts .
Point out that you think it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creativity , but you recommend that she do so after school hours .
In this way , she doesn ’ t become a source of discomfort for herself or her class .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have had a lot of time to think about my life while I’ve been stuck at home. Recently, I have been having nightmares.
Some of the things I did in my youth were just awful. As I have flashes of scenes when I was rude or downright mean to people, I shudder to think that was me. But it was.
I think I was just trying to figure out relationships or how to get ahead in my work. Whatever it was, I am ashamed of myself for not being more thoughtful to the people around me.
I feel like I should contact people and apologize for how I treated them, but I’m worried that this could cause them to have to relive these painful moments again. Or maybe it wasn’t so bad for them?
I’m not sure what to do, but right now I feel overwhelmed with disgust over my behavior.
Disgusted
DEAR DISGUSTED: It is good to take stock of your life and to address hurtful behaviors from your past. Before you reach out to people you have hurt, though, play the scenario all the way out. What benefit will your outreach have for them? And how best might they receive your amends?
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success Some situations should remain buried. In other cases, you might send a card saying you were thinking about the person and hope they are doing well as you also apologize for hurting them in the past. In certain instances, it may be right to call and talk to a person directly. If so, don’t dredge up the past. Just say that you are sorry for what you did that caused them pain.
Know that the first step is forgiving yourself for your hurtful behavior. From that posture of humility, you can make the effort to make amends. Know that you cannot control how people will respond.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My teenage daughter is going crazy with makeup these days. While we are at home, she is having too much fun. She is trying all kinds of styles, and in a way it’s fun, but since she has Zoom classes, her friends are seeing her — and she’s getting some blowback. When she shows her face all adorned in crazy makeup, kids make comments that are often negative.
Teenagers can be mean, but also I don’t think she should go crazy with makeup when she’s going to class. I would rather she did that after class. When she’s talking to her friends on social media and looking nuts, that’s one thing. With the teacher, it is something totally different.
How can I get the point across to her that I want her to express her creativity as she also remains appropriate for her school?
Walking the Line
DEAR WALKING THE LINE: Talk to your daughter about timing. There is a time and a place for everything. When she is in class, it’s ideal for her to show up ready to do her work without presenting herself in such a way that will be distracting.
Her job is to be an attentive and participatory student. Ask her what she thinks her responsibilities are to that end. Let her share her thoughts.
Point out that you think it’s fun for her to explore her creativity, but you recommend that she do so after school hours. In this way, she doesn’t become a source of discomfort for herself or her class.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.