mercurynews--2020-08-03--Which Raiders, 49ers and other NFL players have opted out over coronavirus?

More than two dozen NFL players have chosen not to participate in the 2020 season over concerns about the coronavirus .
Here are the players we know have opted out : Valoaga has played 13 career games for Detroit and San Francisco .
Killings has spent time on practice squads in Indianapolis and Green Bay but hasn ’ t played in an NFL game .
James has informed the team that he will opt out of the 2020 season .
James , 28 , was entering the second year of a four-year , $ 51 million deal with Denver .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ season because of torn ligaments in his knee .
Olawale became the third Cowboy to opt out of the season , joining cornerback Maurice Canady and wide receiver Stephen Guidry .
Olawale has been the Cowboys ’ starting fullback the past two seasons .
LaCosse raises the Patriots ’ total number of opt-out players to eight , which is easily the most of any team in the league .
Lee , 28 , became a first-time father in February , and said protecting his newborn daughter , Alia , and family was at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed this offseason with the Patriots after playing the first five years of his career in Jacksonville .
Rams tackle Chandler Brewer has opted out for the 2020 NFL season , according to an official team release .
“ With my history with non-Hodgkin ’ s lymphoma , I am at high risk and will opt out of playing in the NFL this season , ” Brewer said , per the Rams website .
The 6-foot-4 , 330-pound run-stuffing defensive tackle signed a one-year contract worth $ 2.5 million with the Jaguars as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2019 season with Seattle .
Tupou signed a one-year deal with the Bengals after the team made him a restricted free agent in the offseason .
Tupou appeared in all 16 games last season and made seven starts .
Williams has opted out of the 2020 season , Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said .
Williams , 28 , led the Chiefs in rushing last season with 498 yards and five touchdowns .
He scored two touchdowns in Kansas City ’ s Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 32-year-old Solder cited family concerns , including his son facing cancer and his own bout with cancer .
Solder also has a newborn son .
Solder , who won two Super Bowls with the Patriots , signed a four-year , $ 62 million contract with the Giants , with $ 35 million guaranteed , in March 2018 .
At the time , it made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL .
Funchess had first-hand experience with COVID-19 this offseason while caring for family members who contracted the virus .
The 26-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Packers made to their receiving corps , which was viewed as one of the few weaknesses on a team that reached the NFC Championship Game last season .
In need of more speed at the receiver position , the Eagles acquired Goodwin from the 49ers in April .
He was part of the “ track team ” Philadelphia assembled this offseason along with draft picks and fellow burners Jalen Reagor , John Hightower and Quez Watkins .
Family is top of mind for Goodwin .
His wife , Morgan , had a baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pierce is opting out for the 2020 season due to respiratory concerns , according to a source .
The 27-year-old signed a three-year , $ 27 million contract with the Vikings in March and was expected to replace Linval Joseph at nose tackle .
Lotulelei signed a five-year , $ 50 million deal with the Bills in 2018 and has started at defensive tackle ever since , operating as one of the team ’ s primary run-stopping defensive linemen .
Goldman , 26 , has been a stalwart on Chicago ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a second-round draft choice in 2015 .
Chung had agreed to a two-year extension with the Patriots in May that included a $ 2 million signing bonus and base salary of $ 1.1 million .
Chung , 32 , was set to enter his 12th NFL season , 11 of which he ’ s spent with the Patriots .
The 25-year-old defensive lineman played in three games for Houston in 2019 after he was activated from the practice squad .
Smith , 33 , was the oldest offensive lineman on the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depth at offensive tackle .
The Ravens re-signed Smith on Feb. 6 on a one-year , $ 1.07 million deal ( $ 25,000 guaranteed ) .
The No .
6 overall pick in the 2009 draft , Smith spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Bengals .
A three-time Super Bowl champion and team captain , the 6-foot-3 , 260-pound Hightower traditionally calls the defensive signals and was going to be relied upon as much as ever this season after the free-agency departures of linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins Sr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enter his ninth NFL season , and eighth in New England .
He is a core special-teams player who provides valuable depth on offense .
Cannon , 32 , overcame non-Hodgkin ’ s lymphoma after he was drafted in 2011 .
The 26-year-old Vitale , who was the team ’ s most experienced candidate to replace retired fullback James Develin , had signed a one-year , $ 1.3 million deal with the Patriots in May as a free agent .
The 26-year-old Canady signed a one-year deal as a free agent in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meets with George Kittle , hoping for deal soon Chance Warmack , G , Seattle Seahawks Warmack , 28 , was expected to compete with third-round pick Damien Lewis and others for the starting job at right guard .
He signed a veteran-minimum deal with Seattle in March after sitting out the 2019 season to get healthy .
After being Baltimore ’ s primary returner last season , Thomas , 27 , re-signed with the Ravens on March 14 on a one-year , $ 935,000 ( only $ 25,000 guaranteed ) contract but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camp .
Duvernay-Tardif , 29 , was the first NFL player to publicly say he won ’ t suit up this season .
Duvernay-Tardif has been the Chiefs ’ starting right guard for the past five seasons and played every offensive snap in their Super Bowl LIV win over the San Francisco 49ers .
He is a medical school graduate from McGill University in Canada and had been assisting as an orderly in a long-term care facility in the Montreal area during the coronavirus pandemic .

A total of 69 players have opted out of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, nearly half of them linemen.
Twenty-one offensive linemen and 11 on defense opted out before Thursday’s deadline. Players with a medical opt out will receive a $350,000 stipend, whole those voluntarily opting out receive $150,000 as an advance against future salaries.
No team has come close to New England in losing players for the upcoming season. The Patriots saw eight opt outs. Cleveland was next with five players skipping the season.
Only three teams had no one opting out: the Steelers, Falcons and Chargers.
Here are notable players we know have opted out:
Shon Coleman, OT, San Francisco 49ers
Coleman figured to contend as the 49ers’ top backup behind starting offensive tackles Trent Williams and Mike McGlinchey. The 49ers’ next-best options include Justin Skule, Daniel Brunskill and rookie Colton McKivitz.
Acquired in a 2018 trade from the Cleveland Browns, Coleman did not suit up any game that season, then he sustained a lower-leg injury in last year’s exhibition opener to cast him onto season-ending injured reserve. Coleman re-signed in March on a one-year, $962,000 deal.
Coleman overcame acute lymphoblastic leukemia as an 18-year-old, and thus he classifies as a high-risk opt out eligible for a $350,000 stipend.
Travis Benjamin, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Benjamin opted out of the 2020 NFL season, announcing his decision Tuesday night on Twitter. Benjamin is the first member of the 49ers to opt out for the season and his announcement comes one day after general manager John Lynch said he hadn’t yet had a conversation with a player who had planned to opt out.
Benjamin, 30, was expected to compete for a roster spot at wide receiver and, likely, as a returner in what would have been his first season with the 49ers.
Geronimo Allison, WR, Detroit Lions
After signing a one-year deal with the Lions in the offseason, Allison chose to opt out, citing the birth of his infant daughter and his “intense desire to protect the health and well-being of my family” in an Instagram post.
Sam Beal, CB, New York Giants
Beal’s choice means the Giants’ depth at corner takes a hit. The 2018 supplemental draft pick was expected to compete for a starting spot, but without him the Giants may need to look for a veteran option.
Marcus Gilbert, OT, Arizona Cardinals
Gilbert announced his decision on Twitter, citing his position as a high-risk player with high-risk family members. He didn’t specify what condition makes him high-risk. Gilbert was expected to start at right tackle for the Cardinals.
Josh Doctson, WR, New York Jets
Doctson, a first-round pick in 2016, signed with the Jets in January. He has 81 catches and eight touchdowns in his career.
Malcolm Pridgeon, G, Cleveland Browns
Pridgeon is the third guard in Cleveland to opt out, after Colby Gossett and Drew Forbes. He spent the final 15 weeks of last season on the Browns’ practice squad.
Rashaan Melvin, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Melvin, who signed a one-year contract with the Jaguars worth $1.75 million in March, was expected to compete with third-year player Tre Herndon to start opposite rookie first-round pick CJ Henderson.
Lucas Niang, OT, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs lost a member of their 2020 draft class after Niang told the team he would opt out of the 2020 season. The third-round pick from TCU is an offensive lineman.
He figured in the playing picture at guard as a rookie but eventually could be moved to tackle. The Chiefs have several candidates to start at guard, including veteran free agent additions Kelechi Osemele and Mike Remmers and Andrew Wylie, a part-time starter last season.
Russell Bodine, C, Detroit Lions
The Lions had their third player opt out of the 2020 season as veteran offensive lineman Bodine has decided to not play this season. The 28-year-old signed with the Lions in the offseason after being out of the league last year after being cut by New England on Sept. 6. Before last season, Bodine had been a starter every year in the league at center, playing four seasons with the Bengals and one with the Bills.
Albert Wilson, WR, Miami Dolphins
Wilson became the second Dolphins receiver to opt out of the 2020 season in as many days, following the announcement of Allen Hurns on Tuesday. Wilson, 28, had 43 receptions in 2019, which ranked third on the team.
Ukeme Eligwe, LB, Raiders
Eligwe joined the Raiders as a free agent on Dec. 19, and though he was on the 53-man roster last season’s final two games, he was never active.
Allen Hurns, WR, Miami Dolphins
Hurns is the first Dolphins player to opt out so far. Hurns, 28, had 32 catches, 426 yards and two touchdowns last season. He was expected to make the roster as the Dolphins’ No. 4 or No. 5 receiver this season.
Andrew Billings, DT, Cleveland Browns
The Browns signed Billings this offseason on a one-year deal to combat their lack of depth up front last year. He would’ve been Cleveland’s top reserve defensive tackle, behind starters Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi.
Jeremiah Valoaga, DE, Raiders
Valoaga has played 13 career games for Detroit and San Francisco.
D.J. Killings, DE, Raiders
Killings has spent time on practice squads in Indianapolis and Green Bay but hasn’t played in an NFL game.
Ja’Wuan James, OT, Denver Broncos
James has informed the team that he will opt out of the 2020 season. James, 28, was entering the second year of a four-year, $51 million deal with Denver. He was limited to three games last season because of torn ligaments in his knee.
Jamize Olawale, FB, Dallas Cowboys
Olawale became the third Cowboy to opt out of the season, joining cornerback Maurice Canady and wide receiver Stephen Guidry. Olawale has been the Cowboys’ starting fullback the past two seasons.
Matt LaCosse, TE, New England Patriots
LaCosse raises the Patriots’ total number of opt-out players to eight, which is easily the most of any team in the league.
Marqise Lee, WR, New England Patriots
Lee, 28, became a first-time father in February, and said protecting his newborn daughter, Alia, and family was at the core of his decision. He signed this offseason with the Patriots after playing the first five years of his career in Jacksonville.
Chandler Brewer, OT, Los Angeles Rams
Rams tackle Chandler Brewer has opted out for the 2020 NFL season, according to an official team release. “With my history with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, I am at high risk and will opt out of playing in the NFL this season,” Brewer said, per the Rams website.
Al Woods, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars
The 6-foot-4, 330-pound run-stuffing defensive tackle signed a one-year contract worth $2.5 million with the Jaguars as a free agent in March after spending the 2019 season with Seattle.
Josh Tupou, DT, Cincinnati Bengals
Tupou signed a one-year deal with the Bengals after the team made him a restricted free agent in the offseason. Tupou appeared in all 16 games last season and made seven starts.
Damien Williams, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Williams has opted out of the 2020 season, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. Williams, 28, led the Chiefs in rushing last season with 498 yards and five touchdowns. He scored two touchdowns in Kansas City’s Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Nate Solder, OT, New York Giants
In a statement posted to Twitter, the 32-year-old Solder cited family concerns, including his son facing cancer and his own bout with cancer. Solder also has a newborn son. Solder, who won two Super Bowls with the Patriots, signed a four-year, $62 million contract with the Giants, with $35 million guaranteed, in March 2018. At the time, it made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL.
Related Articles Raiders | Sam Darnold’s ‘great’ debut, plus 10 observations from 49ers’ flop
Sam Darnold’s ‘great’ debut, plus 10 observations from 49ers’ flop Raiders | Raiders 34, 49ers 7: Trey Lance sacked four times in rough return
Raiders 34, 49ers 7: Trey Lance sacked four times in rough return Raiders | 49ers at Raiders: 10 players to watch in NFL preseason opener
49ers at Raiders: 10 players to watch in NFL preseason opener Raiders | 49ers-Raiders practice: ‘Bang-bang’ defense takes out Davante Adams
49ers-Raiders practice: ‘Bang-bang’ defense takes out Davante Adams Raiders | Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers get sentimental at Vegas reunion — to an extent Devin Funchess, WR, Green Bay Packers
Funchess had first-hand experience with COVID-19 this offseason while caring for family members who contracted the virus. The 26-year-old veteran was the only experienced addition the Packers made to their receiving corps, which was viewed as one of the few weaknesses on a team that reached the NFC Championship Game last season.
Marquise Goodwin, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
In need of more speed at the receiver position, the Eagles acquired Goodwin from the 49ers in April. He was part of the “track team” Philadelphia assembled this offseason along with draft picks and fellow burners Jalen Reagor, John Hightower and Quez Watkins. Family is top of mind for Goodwin. His wife, Morgan, had a baby girl in February after suffering multiple miscarriages.
Michael Pierce, DT, Minnesota Vikings
Pierce is opting out for the 2020 season due to respiratory concerns, according to a source. The 27-year-old signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Vikings in March and was expected to replace Linval Joseph at nose tackle.
Star Lotulelei, DT, Buffalo Bills
Lotulelei signed a five-year, $50 million deal with the Bills in 2018 and has started at defensive tackle ever since, operating as one of the team’s primary run-stopping defensive linemen.
Eddie Goldman, DT, Chicago Bears
Goldman, 26, has been a stalwart on Chicago’s defensive line since he entered the league as a second-round draft choice in 2015.
Patrick Chung, S, New England Patriots
Chung had agreed to a two-year extension with the Patriots in May that included a $2 million signing bonus and base salary of $1.1 million. Chung, 32, was set to enter his 12th NFL season, 11 of which he’s spent with the Patriots.
Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, Houston Texans
The 25-year-old defensive lineman played in three games for Houston in 2019 after he was activated from the practice squad.
Andre Smith, OT, Baltimore Ravens
Smith, 33, was the oldest offensive lineman on the team and was expected to give Baltimore experienced depth at offensive tackle. The Ravens re-signed Smith on Feb. 6 on a one-year, $1.07 million deal ($25,000 guaranteed). The No. 6 overall pick in the 2009 draft, Smith spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Bengals.
Dont’a Hightower, LB, New England Patriots
A three-time Super Bowl champion and team captain, the 6-foot-3, 260-pound Hightower traditionally calls the defensive signals and was going to be relied upon as much as ever this season after the free-agency departures of linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins Sr.
Brandon Bolden, RB, New England Patriots
Bolden, 30, was set to enter his ninth NFL season, and eighth in New England. He is a core special-teams player who provides valuable depth on offense.
Marcus Cannon, OT, New England Patriots
Cannon, 32, overcame non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after he was drafted in 2011.
Danny Vitale, FB, New England Patriots
The 26-year-old Vitale, who was the team’s most experienced candidate to replace retired fullback James Develin, had signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal with the Patriots in May as a free agent.
Maurice Canady, CB, Dallas Cowboys
The 26-year-old Canady signed a one-year deal as a free agent in the offseason.
Chance Warmack, G, Seattle Seahawks
Warmack, 28, was expected to compete with third-round pick Damien Lewis and others for the starting job at right guard. He signed a veteran-minimum deal with Seattle in March after sitting out the 2019 season to get healthy.
De’Anthony Thomas, WR, Baltimore Ravens
After being Baltimore’s primary returner last season, Thomas, 27, re-signed with the Ravens on March 14 on a one-year, $935,000 (only $25,000 guaranteed) contract but was considered on the bubble entering training camp.
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, G, Kansas City Chiefs
Duvernay-Tardif, 29, was the first NFL player to publicly say he won’t suit up this season. Duvernay-Tardif has been the Chiefs’ starting right guard for the past five seasons and played every offensive snap in their Super Bowl LIV win over the San Francisco 49ers. He is a medical school graduate from McGill University in Canada and had been assisting as an orderly in a long-term care facility in the Montreal area during the coronavirus pandemic.


mercurynews--2020-08-03--H-1B visa: President Trump orders officials to ‘protect U.S. workers’ from contract work

President Donald Trump on Monday ordered the heads of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor to “ protect United States workers ” from any damage to wages or working conditions caused by employment of foreign citizens on the H-1B visa .
Trump ’ s executive order also directs chiefs of federal government agencies to audit their use of foreign contract workers .
Whether changes will be implemented and enforced remains to be seen , said Ron Hira , a Howard University professor who studies the H-1B .
Major Silicon Valley technology companies may be affected , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal government and also obtain workers from staffing and technology firms , Hira said .
A 1976 federal law prohibits foreign citizens from holding jobs in the federal civil service , but many federal contractors employ large numbers of foreign workers .
The order gives the secretaries of Labor and Homeland Security 45 days to take “ appropriate and consistent action.
” The two secretaries must also adopt any measures necessary to ensure that federal-contractor companies employing H-1B workers , including firms placing foreign citizens in other companies , abide by a legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to H-1B visa holders .
U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia , in a meeting Monday with Trump and representatives of U.S. technology workers , noted that a direct employer of an H-1B worker must file an attestation that hiring the foreign citizen won ’ t adversely affect similarly situated U.S. workers .
But companies where those foreign workers are placed do not have to make such an attestation , Scalia said , according to a C-Span broadcast .
The executive order , Hira said , appears to provide “ a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — outsourcers — adhere to the H-1B attestations as though they are direct employers of the client.
” Such a change , if enforced , should prevent abuses such as those reported at Southern California Edison and Disney , where workers allegedly had to train their own H-1B replacements , Hira said .
In Edison ’ s case , the contractor companies attested that their hiring of H-1Bs didn ’ t harm their workers , but they didn ’ t have to promise their H-1B workers weren ’ t harming U.S. workers at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whether companies make good on their attestations has “ never been enforced , ” Hira added .
Under Trump ’ s order , federal agencies must report whether in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 their contractors or subcontractors used temporary foreign labor , and if so , for what work and whether opportunities for U.S. workers were affected .
Each agency head must also report whether contractors and subcontractors performed services overseas that had previously been done in the U.S. , and whether that affected U.S. workers .
Agency chiefs have 120 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their audits , along with recommending any necessary fixes and proposing any actions by the President they may find appropriate , the order said .
The H-1B , intended for jobs requiring specialized skills , is heavily used by Silicon Valley ’ s technology giants , which have pushed to expand the annual 85,000 cap on new visas , arguing they need more of them to secure the world ’ s top talent .
Critics point to alleged abuses by contracting companies and outsourcers , and charge that these firms and major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. workers , drive down wages and facilitate outsourcing .
Hira noted that the U.S. government is by far the largest consumer of contracted information-technology work but data are scarce on how many H-1Bs may be working on government contracts or how much government contract work is being done overseas .
Trump ’ s order Monday followed release of a “ fact sheet ” by the White House that cited the decision by federally owned Tennessee Valley Authority to “ outsource 20 percent of its technology jobs to companies based in foreign countries.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was firing the head of the TVA , an energy , infrastructure and economic development agency .
The TVA in a statement to this news organization Monday said all its employees were U.S. citizens .
But the agency said work in its IT department may be done by “ individuals who may legally work in this country , ” which would include foreign citizens on visas .
The TVA declined to comment on whether its outsourcing involved H-1B workers .
• H-1B : Government issues first-ever official estimate of visa population in U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representatives of U.S. technology workers , including Kevin Lynn , head of advocacy group U.S. Tech Workers and the executive director of Progressives for Immigration Reform , which opposes broad U.S. employment of foreign workers .
The group in recent weeks launched an advertising campaign against the TVA ’ s use of contractors , and Trump acknowledged that one of the TV ads on Fox News had brought the issue to his attention .
Immigration law firm Berry Appleman & Leiden noted in an advisory Monday that the order wouldn ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued an order suspending new employment visas including the H-1B until the end of the year .

President Donald Trump on Monday ordered the heads of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor to “protect United States workers” from any damage to wages or working conditions caused by employment of foreign citizens on the H-1B visa. Trump’s executive order also directs chiefs of federal government agencies to audit their use of foreign contract workers.
Whether changes will be implemented and enforced remains to be seen, said Ron Hira, a Howard University professor who studies the H-1B. Major Silicon Valley technology companies may be affected, as most have extensive contracts with the federal government and also obtain workers from staffing and technology firms, Hira said. A 1976 federal law prohibits foreign citizens from holding jobs in the federal civil service, but many federal contractors employ large numbers of foreign workers.
The order gives the secretaries of Labor and Homeland Security 45 days to take “appropriate and consistent action.” The two secretaries must also adopt any measures necessary to ensure that federal-contractor companies employing H-1B workers, including firms placing foreign citizens in other companies, abide by a legal requirement that they not give hiring priority to H-1B visa holders.
U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia, in a meeting Monday with Trump and representatives of U.S. technology workers, noted that a direct employer of an H-1B worker must file an attestation that hiring the foreign citizen won’t adversely affect similarly situated U.S. workers. But companies where those foreign workers are placed do not have to make such an attestation, Scalia said, according to a C-Span broadcast. The executive order, Hira said, appears to provide “a way to ensure that ‘secondary employers’ — outsourcers — adhere to the H-1B attestations as though they are direct employers of the client.”
Such a change, if enforced, should prevent abuses such as those reported at Southern California Edison and Disney, where workers allegedly had to train their own H-1B replacements, Hira said. In Edison’s case, the contractor companies attested that their hiring of H-1Bs didn’t harm their workers, but they didn’t have to promise their H-1B workers weren’t harming U.S. workers at Edison, Hira said. To date, whether companies make good on their attestations has “never been enforced,” Hira added.
Under Trump’s order, federal agencies must report whether in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 their contractors or subcontractors used temporary foreign labor, and if so, for what work and whether opportunities for U.S. workers were affected. Each agency head must also report whether contractors and subcontractors performed services overseas that had previously been done in the U.S., and whether that affected U.S. workers. Agency chiefs have 120 days to report to the White House on their audits, along with recommending any necessary fixes and proposing any actions by the President they may find appropriate, the order said.
Related Articles Technology | H-1B: Fees to jump, visa-dependent firms targeted, Homeland Security says
H-1B: Fees to jump, visa-dependent firms targeted, Homeland Security says Technology | H-1B: Government issues first-ever official estimate of visa population in U.S.
H-1B: Government issues first-ever official estimate of visa population in U.S. Technology | H-1B visa: Promised major change delayed for third time The H-1B, intended for jobs requiring specialized skills, is heavily used by Silicon Valley’s technology giants, which have pushed to expand the annual 85,000 cap on new visas, arguing they need more of them to secure the world’s top talent. Critics point to alleged abuses by contracting companies and outsourcers, and charge that these firms and major tech companies use the H-1B to supplant U.S. workers, drive down wages and facilitate outsourcing.
Hira noted that the U.S. government is by far the largest consumer of contracted information-technology work but data are scarce on how many H-1Bs may be working on government contracts or how much government contract work is being done overseas.
Trump’s order Monday followed release of a “fact sheet” by the White House that cited the decision by federally owned Tennessee Valley Authority to “outsource 20 percent of its technology jobs to companies based in foreign countries.” The President on Monday said he was firing the head of the TVA, an energy, infrastructure and economic development agency.
The TVA in a statement to this news organization Monday said all its employees were U.S. citizens. But the agency said work in its IT department may be done by “individuals who may legally work in this country,” which would include foreign citizens on visas. The TVA declined to comment on whether its outsourcing involved H-1B workers.
Trump signed the order after meeting with representatives of U.S. technology workers, including Kevin Lynn, head of advocacy group U.S. Tech Workers and the executive director of Progressives for Immigration Reform, which opposes broad U.S. employment of foreign workers. The group in recent weeks launched an advertising campaign against the TVA’s use of contractors, and Trump acknowledged that one of the TV ads on Fox News had brought the issue to his attention.
Immigration law firm Berry Appleman & Leiden noted in an advisory Monday that the order wouldn’t have immediate effects, because Trump in June issued an order suspending new employment visas including the H-1B until the end of the year.


mercurynews--2020-08-04--SF Giants Gameday podcast: Two themes emerge for Gabe Kapler’s club

Through 11 games , the San Francisco Giants have proven that Gabe Kapler ’ s first team isn ’ t all that similar to the final two or three rosters Bruce Bochy managed .
Bochy ’ s clubs were built on pitching and defense and struggled to hit during his final seasons in San Francisco .
In Kapler ’ s first two weeks with the Giants , his lineup is emerging as one of the more intriguing groups in the National League , but his defense has been awful .
The Giants committed two more errors in Monday ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been charged with a third when right fielder Alex Dickerson dropped a flyball at the right field warning track that was ultimately ruled a triple .
Dickerson was involved in another defensive miscue on Monday when he overthrew a cut-off man and watched catcher Chadwick Tromp scramble away from home plate in an effort to corral the errant ball .
Tromp ’ s decision to vacate the plate led to a Rockies run and ended up haunting a team that mounted a ninth-inning rally but fell a run short in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Giants have averaged more than six runs a game over their past six games and have quickly improved against right-handed pitching after a few rough showings early in the year , but their defense has shown no signs that the sloppiness fans saw during the season-opening series in Los Angeles will be going away anytime soon .
Kapler has so many moving pieces on defense that it ’ s hard to keep track and it ’ s especially clear the Giants have struggled to field the ball when infielders are positioned in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with the team ’ s first error on Monday when he had trouble back-handing a ball while playing on the right side of the second base bag .
If the Giants hope to climb above .500 and stay there for awhile , they ’ ll need better pitching and a much-improved defense to do so .
Until then , fans can at least enjoy an offense that ’ s proven more entertaining than expected .
SF Giants Gameday : Listen to the Bay Area News Group ’ s daily San Francisco Giants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kerry Crowley .
We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season .

Through 11 games, the San Francisco Giants have proven that Gabe Kapler’s first team isn’t all that similar to the final two or three rosters Bruce Bochy managed.
Bochy’s clubs were built on pitching and defense and struggled to hit during his final seasons in San Francisco. In Kapler’s first two weeks with the Giants, his lineup is emerging as one of the more intriguing groups in the National League, but his defense has been awful.
The Giants committed two more errors in Monday’s 7-6 loss at Coors Field and should have been charged with a third when right fielder Alex Dickerson dropped a flyball at the right field warning track that was ultimately ruled a triple.
Dickerson was involved in another defensive miscue on Monday when he overthrew a cut-off man and watched catcher Chadwick Tromp scramble away from home plate in an effort to corral the errant ball. Tromp’s decision to vacate the plate led to a Rockies run and ended up haunting a team that mounted a ninth-inning rally but fell a run short in the first game of a 10-game road trip.
The Giants have averaged more than six runs a game over their past six games and have quickly improved against right-handed pitching after a few rough showings early in the year, but their defense has shown no signs that the sloppiness fans saw during the season-opening series in Los Angeles will be going away anytime soon.
Kapler has so many moving pieces on defense that it’s hard to keep track and it’s especially clear the Giants have struggled to field the ball when infielders are positioned in shifts. Third baseman Evan Longoria was charged with the team’s first error on Monday when he had trouble back-handing a ball while playing on the right side of the second base bag.
If the Giants hope to climb above .500 and stay there for awhile, they’ll need better pitching and a much-improved defense to do so. Until then, fans can at least enjoy an offense that’s proven more entertaining than expected.
SF Giants Gameday: Listen to the Bay Area News Group’s daily San Francisco Giants podcast, hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley. We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season.


mercurynews--2020-08-04--Inside the Raiders: Mark Davis makes the wrong move in shutting fans out of Allegiant Stadium

Someone with the Raiders who worked closely with Al Davis once opined , “ Al Davis is the only man I know who truly would cut off his nose to spite his face.
” Al became more and more unreasonable in his later years , and was prone to decisions that would be hurtful to himself and the organization while attempting to exact some sort of revenge or retribution over slights both real and imagined .
I ’ m seeing at least a little of that in the decision of Mark Davis to close Allegiant Stadium to all fans rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the 2020 season starts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic .
Given Al Davis ’ declining health until his death in 2011 and attempts to chase his own Hall of Fame legacy , his actions were somewhat understandable .
And with Mark Davis ’ devotion to his beloved “ Raider Nation ” — it ’ s real , by the way — the decision to shut out season ticket holders in 2020 can be seen as honorable from a health and safety perspective as well as being fair to fans who would have attended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it ’ s honorable doesn ’ t mean it ’ s practical , nor in the in the best interests of either the season-ticket holders or the organization provided experts believe a smaller crowd can be accommodated safely .
Let ’ s assume that Clark County health officials would be OK with the New England Patriots plan of allowing 20 percent capacity and putting fans in socially distant blocks with a facemask requirement .
Twenty percent capacity would be in the 13,000 range .
When Davis moved the team to Las Vegas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a Coliseum exhibition game .
The Vegas opener was going to be his crowning achievement .
Nobody thought Davis could pull it off any more than getting Jon Gruden back on the sideline .
As much as Al Davis accomplished , the stadium issue dogged him from Oakland to Los Angeles and back , and neither the Raiders nor the municipalities involved covered themselves in glory .
So It ’ s natural for Mark Davis to want it all .
The Monday night home opener on Sept. 21 against the Drew Brees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the makings of a raucous party with a full house , pomp and circumstance and a full-throated celebration for the new Raiders .
Davis wants it so bad he ’ ll serve the interests of none of his fans instead of giving them a scaled-down version of the future they helped finance .
In an interview with The Athletic , Davis talked about the very real dilemma of shutting out fans who had paid for seats in the form of personal seat licenses .
Better to just keep them all out for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as pandemics , aren ’ t fair .
If the Raiders allowed 13,000 fans per game , that ’ s 104,000 fans that would see them play in their new stadium .
It ’ s not 520,000 , which would be eight games at full capacity , but it ’ s not zero , either .
It would give the Raiders at least something of a home fan base on game day , and if other teams are going to have fans in the stands , there ’ s at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opposition .
And given that the Raiders average ticket price according to SeatGeek is $ 622 , recouping 20 percent of gate receipts isn ’ t exactly chump change .
Why not hold a lottery , with season-ticket holders guaranteed at least one game or maybe two if they ’ re lucky ?
It ’ s not as if Las Vegas is averse to a roll of the dice provided it ’ s not gambling with the health of its citizens .
Fans may or may not get the exact seat they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better than no seat at all .
Require suite-holders to adhere to social distancing .
Pass out Raiders face masks to everyone .
Be a model for responsible re-opening .
Davis said via text message there were no plans “ at this time ” to revisit the no fans policy should the coronavirus curve flatten in the future for potential home games in front of fans in the second half of the season or should the Raiders make the playoffs .
Whether the Raiders have fans in 2020 or not , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full house at Allegiant Stadium until 2021 at the earliest .
A crowd of 13,000 is far from ideal , but it beats the alternative .
And the last men standing is David Sharpe .
• Which Raiders , 49ers and other NFL players have opted out over coronavirus ?
• Raiders ’ state-of-the-art stadium will be empty in 2020 When linebacker Marquel Lee was waived/injured Monday , it meant every member of the draft class of 2017 had been traded or cut .
That includes Sharpe , who was cut but brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a backup at both offensive tackle spots .
— Gareon Conley ( first round ) was traded to Houston last year for the Texans ’ third round pick ( No .
91 ) .
— Sharpe ( fourth round ) was cut but later re-signed .
— Lee ( fifth round ) , whose days were numbered when the Raiders signed Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski , was cut .
— Trayvon Hester , Jylan Ware and Elijah Hood ( all seventh round ) were cut .
Meanwhile , G.M .
Mike Mayock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and only 21 of 80 players were here before he arrived .

Someone with the Raiders who worked closely with Al Davis once opined, “Al Davis is the only man I know who truly would cut off his nose to spite his face.”
Al became more and more unreasonable in his later years, and was prone to decisions that would be hurtful to himself and the organization while attempting to exact some sort of revenge or retribution over slights both real and imagined.
I’m seeing at least a little of that in the decision of Mark Davis to close Allegiant Stadium to all fans rather than open it for some of them when the 2020 season starts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given Al Davis’ declining health until his death in 2011 and attempts to chase his own Hall of Fame legacy, his actions were somewhat understandable. And with Mark Davis’ devotion to his beloved “Raider Nation” — it’s real, by the way — the decision to shut out season ticket holders in 2020 can be seen as honorable from a health and safety perspective as well as being fair to fans who would have attended albeit in limited fashion.
But just because it’s honorable doesn’t mean it’s practical, nor in the in the best interests of either the season-ticket holders or the organization provided experts believe a smaller crowd can be accommodated safely.
Let’s assume that Clark County health officials would be OK with the New England Patriots plan of allowing 20 percent capacity and putting fans in socially distant blocks with a facemask requirement. Twenty percent capacity would be in the 13,000 range.
When Davis moved the team to Las Vegas, he never envisioned a crowd smaller than a Coliseum exhibition game. The Vegas opener was going to be his crowning achievement. Nobody thought Davis could pull it off any more than getting Jon Gruden back on the sideline.
As much as Al Davis accomplished, the stadium issue dogged him from Oakland to Los Angeles and back, and neither the Raiders nor the municipalities involved covered themselves in glory.
So it’s natural for Mark Davis to want it all. The Monday night home opener on Sept. 21 against the Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints had all the makings of a raucous party with a full house, pomp and circumstance and a full-throated celebration for the new Raiders.
Davis wants it so bad he’ll serve the interests of none of his fans instead of giving them a scaled-down version of the future they helped finance.
In an interview with The Athletic, Davis talked about the very real dilemma of shutting out fans who had paid for seats in the form of personal seat licenses. Better to just keep them all out for the sake of fairness.
But life, as well as pandemics, aren’t fair.
If the Raiders allowed 13,000 fans per game, that’s 104,000 fans that would see them play in their new stadium. It’s not 520,000, which would be eight games at full capacity, but it’s not zero, either.
It would give the Raiders at least something of a home fan base on game day, and if other teams are going to have fans in the stands, there’s at least a shred of competitive advantage there for the opposition.
And given that the Raiders average ticket price according to SeatGeek is $622, recouping 20 percent of gate receipts isn’t exactly chump change.
Why not hold a lottery, with season-ticket holders guaranteed at least one game or maybe two if they’re lucky? It’s not as if Las Vegas is averse to a roll of the dice provided it’s not gambling with the health of its citizens. Fans may or may not get the exact seat they paid for, but it’s better than no seat at all. Require suite-holders to adhere to social distancing. Pass out Raiders face masks to everyone. Be a model for responsible re-opening.
Davis said via text message there were no plans “at this time” to revisit the no fans policy should the coronavirus curve flatten in the future for potential home games in front of fans in the second half of the season or should the Raiders make the playoffs.
Whether the Raiders have fans in 2020 or not, it’s unlikely they’ll see a full house at Allegiant Stadium until 2021 at the earliest.
A crowd of 13,000 is far from ideal, but it beats the alternative.
Farewell, class of 2017
And the last man standing is David Sharpe.
Related Articles Raiders | Sam Darnold’s ‘great’ debut, plus 10 observations from 49ers’ flop
Sam Darnold’s ‘great’ debut, plus 10 observations from 49ers’ flop Raiders | Raiders 34, 49ers 7: Trey Lance sacked four times in rough return
Raiders 34, 49ers 7: Trey Lance sacked four times in rough return Raiders | 49ers at Raiders: 10 players to watch in NFL preseason opener
49ers at Raiders: 10 players to watch in NFL preseason opener Raiders | 49ers-Raiders practice: ‘Bang-bang’ defense takes out Davante Adams
49ers-Raiders practice: ‘Bang-bang’ defense takes out Davante Adams Raiders | Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers get sentimental at Vegas reunion — to an extent When linebacker Marquel Lee was waived/injured Monday, it meant every member of the draft class of 2017 had been traded or cut.
That includes Sharpe, who was cut but brought back and is in competition to be a backup at both offensive tackle spots.
To review:
— Gareon Conley (first round) was traded to Houston last year for the Texans’ third round pick (No. 91).
— Safety Obi Melfonwu (second round) was cut.
— Defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes (third round) was cut.
— Sharpe (fourth round) was cut but later re-signed.
— Lee (fifth round), whose days were numbered when the Raiders signed Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski, was cut.
— Trayvon Hester, Jylan Ware and Elijah Hood (all seventh round) were cut.
Meanwhile, G.M. Mike Mayock has been aboard a little over a year and only 21 of 80 players were here before he arrived.
.


mercurynews--2020-08-04--The Deets: What the 49ers signing Jordan Reed means for George Kittle

Niners training camp has technically already started , though it will be another few weeks until the team is on the field practicing .
Such is 2020 .
But San Francisco made a late addition to the now-80-man roster Monday , signing tight end Jordan Reed to an incentive-laden one-year deal .
With George Kittle ’ s contract negotiations seemingly at a standstill , it ’ s easy to read too far into the Niners signing a former Pro Bowl player at the same position .
But Reed — who only played his rookie season for Kyle Shanahan in Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kittle ’ s place ( a move that could only be made through Kittle ’ s opting out of the season before Thursday ’ s deadline , something I can not foresee happening ) — he ’ s in Santa Clara to play alongside the best tight end in the game .
The signing is the kind of low-cost , high-reward move that cap-strapped Super Bowl contenders have made for decades .
Reed is a dramatic upgrade over the Niners ’ No .
2 tight end , Ross Dwelley , who performed admirably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but was ultimately a liability for the Niners in the two games No .
85 wasn ’ t on the field .
The move also has the potential to change the base look of the 49ers ’ offense .
Kyle Shanahan loves to use “ 21 ” personnel .
That ’ s two running backs and one tight end on the field , with two wide receivers as well .
No one in the NFL ran more 21 looks than the Niners last year , and no one ran it better .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ position in 2020 might be wide receiver .
With Deebo Samuel sidelined with a Jones fracture for an indefinite period of time , the Niners lack a No .
1 option at the position , and it ’ d be aggressive to ask rookie Brandon Aiyuk to fill that void in Week One .
Unless the Niners think Kendrick Bourne or Dante Pettis can take a leap ( there ’ s no reason to think they will ) , San Francisco might be well served to go to a different default personnel set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receivers .
A 22 personnel would put two tight ends on the field with those two running backs ( technically a fullback and a tailback ) .
It ’ d make running the ball — the team ’ s offensive priority — a bit easier and also demand that opposing defenses counter the look with a base 4-3 defense , creating laughable mismatches in the passing game ( good luck covering Reed or Kittle with a linebacker or cornerback ) .
San Francisco ran the second-most 22 personnel looks in the NFL last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fold , I wouldn ’ t be shocked if they led the NFL this year — at least for the first few weeks .
Going to more 22 is not a suggestion I would make if Dwelley remained the team ’ s No .
2 tight end .
That should tell you how much better Reed is than him .
( And he ’ s not bad ! )
All of this comes with a serious caveat : Reed has seven documented concussions in his football career , dating back to college .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a concussion , staying in the protocol for six months .
I ’ m not a doctor , but it ’ s worth questioning if it ’ s safe for Reed to play football ( acknowledging that , of course , football is inherently unsafe for everyone ) .
One more hit to the head could do more than end his football career .
Clearly , Reed and the 49ers are comfortable with those risks and are looking for that big reward .
I ’ m not kidding when I say that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kittle… the 49ers recently extended brass , John Lynch and Shanahan , spoke to the media Monday and gave little indication that they were afraid of Kittle opting out ahead of the season .
As for a new deal , they pushed optimism that something will get done .
That ’ s nice , but these guys are going to get these questions until Kittle is paid .
They should probably get on that .
• Giants 6 – Rockies 7… San Francisco is now under .500 after a disastrous bottom of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where another questionable Gabe Kapler pithing decision and another slew of defensive miscues helped the Rox score five runs after being down 4-1 at the start of the frame .
It sure seems like a theme is developing there .
Mike Yastrzemski , Chadwick Tromp , and Alex Dickerson hit home runs for the Giants , who made a late rally to tie the game , but came up a run short .
There ’ s no denying it — these guys are entertaining but oh so flawed .
I ’ ll take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A ’ s 11 – Mariners 1… This is the laugher that the A ’ s needed .
This is the kind of game that Khris Davis , who has been in a funk since 2018 , it seems , needed .
Oakland broke the game open with an eight-run fifth inning , which included a Davis RBI infield single .
In the seventh , he homered for the first time this year .
Obviously the A ’ s lineup isn ’ t dependent on one player hitting — and Davis is hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a slow start — but if arguably the best power hitter in baseball between 2016 and 2018 can find his old ways , this Oakland lineup stacks up with the best in baseball .
Without him , this team does seem to be stuck in a second tier .
• RIP to The Razor… I ’ m not a Bay Area kid , but when I moved here six years ago to work for KNBR , I quickly found out who Ralph Barbieri was and how important he was to sports fans in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But taking in all the memories of him on Monday , it ’ s clear that “ pillar ” might be understating it .
Insert whatever word you want — he was one-of-a-kind and it ’ s clear he ’ ll be sorely missed in this region .
• The G-League to the East Bay… The NBA ’ s developmental team in their developmental league will be based in Walnut Creek , of all places .
I ’ m told the league ’ s “ Pro Pathway ” team , which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year between high school and the league instead of going to college , will play at the former site of the Contra Costa Times — the Ultimate Fieldhouse .
It ’ s not yet clear if they will host games yet .
More on this later today .
Richard Sherman and Jimmy Garoppolo talk to the media Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. on Zoom… Get your popcorn ready .
Giants at Rockies , 5:40 , NBC Sports Bay Area… The starting pitcher is to be determined , but a solid Yaz peformance is almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 6:10 , NBC Sports California… The first Major League start for Jesus Luzardo .
Now this is must-see TV , folks .

The Big Thing
Niners training camp has technically already started, though it will be another few weeks until the team is on the field practicing. Such is 2020.
But San Francisco made a late addition to the now-80-man roster Monday, signing tight end Jordan Reed to an incentive-laden one-year deal.
With George Kittle’s contract negotiations seemingly at a standstill, it’s easy to read too far into the Niners signing a former Pro Bowl player at the same position.
But Reed — who only played his rookie season for Kyle Shanahan in Washington — isn’t around to take Kittle’s place (a move that could only be made through Kittle’s opting out of the season before Thursday’s deadline, something I cannot foresee happening) — he’s in Santa Clara to play alongside the best tight end in the game.
The signing is the kind of low-cost, high-reward move that cap-strapped Super Bowl contenders have made for decades. Reed is a dramatic upgrade over the Niners’ No. 2 tight end, Ross Dwelley, who performed admirably in Kittle’s absence last year, but was ultimately a liability for the Niners in the two games No. 85 wasn’t on the field.
The move also has the potential to change the base look of the 49ers’ offense.
Kyle Shanahan loves to use “21” personnel. That’s two running backs and one tight end on the field, with two wide receivers as well. No one in the NFL ran more 21 looks than the Niners last year, and no one ran it better.
But this team’s Achilles heel position in 2020 might be wide receiver. With Deebo Samuel sidelined with a Jones fracture for an indefinite period of time, the Niners lack a No. 1 option at the position, and it’d be aggressive to ask rookie Brandon Aiyuk to fill that void in Week One. Unless the Niners think Kendrick Bourne or Dante Pettis can take a leap (there’s no reason to think they will), San Francisco might be well served to go to a different default personnel set that’s less reliant on wide receivers.
A 22 personnel would put two tight ends on the field with those two running backs (technically a fullback and a tailback). It’d make running the ball — the team’s offensive priority — a bit easier and also demand that opposing defenses counter the look with a base 4-3 defense, creating laughable mismatches in the passing game (good luck covering Reed or Kittle with a linebacker or cornerback).
San Francisco ran the second-most 22 personnel looks in the NFL last year. With Reed now in the fold, I wouldn’t be shocked if they led the NFL this year — at least for the first few weeks.
Going to more 22 is not a suggestion I would make if Dwelley remained the team’s No. 2 tight end. That should tell you how much better Reed is than him. (And he’s not bad!)
All of this comes with a serious caveat: Reed has seven documented concussions in his football career, dating back to college. He missed all of last season with a concussion, staying in the protocol for six months. I’m not a doctor, but it’s worth questioning if it’s safe for Reed to play football (acknowledging that, of course, football is inherently unsafe for everyone). One more hit to the head could do more than end his football career.
Clearly, Reed and the 49ers are comfortable with those risks and are looking for that big reward.
I’m not kidding when I say that it’s available.
What we learned
• Speaking of Kittle… the 49ers recently extended brass, John Lynch and Shanahan, spoke to the media Monday and gave little indication that they were afraid of Kittle opting out ahead of the season. As for a new deal, they pushed optimism that something will get done. That’s nice, but these guys are going to get these questions until Kittle is paid. They should probably get on that.
• Giants 6 – Rockies 7… San Francisco is now under .500 after a disastrous bottom of the sixth inning Monday night in Denver, where another questionable Gabe Kapler pithing decision and another slew of defensive miscues helped the Rox score five runs after being down 4-1 at the start of the frame. It sure seems like a theme is developing there.
Mike Yastrzemski, Chadwick Tromp, and Alex Dickerson hit home runs for the Giants, who made a late rally to tie the game, but came up a run short. There’s no denying it — these guys are entertaining but oh so flawed. I’ll take that over boring any day.
Two themes have emerged for the #SFGiants so far this season: The offense is resilient and the defense is giving way too many runs away. https://t.co/HTNN5KM6m5 — Kerry Crowley (@KO_Crowley) August 4, 2020
• A’s 11 – Mariners 1… This is the laugher that the A’s needed. This is the kind of game that Khris Davis, who has been in a funk since 2018, it seems, needed.
Oakland broke the game open with an eight-run fifth inning, which included a Davis RBI infield single. In the seventh, he homered for the first time this year.
Obviously the A’s lineup isn’t dependent on one player hitting — and Davis is hard the only Athletic who is off to a slow start — but if arguably the best power hitter in baseball between 2016 and 2018 can find his old ways, this Oakland lineup stacks up with the best in baseball. Without him, this team does seem to be stuck in a second tier.
Takeaways from the A's win over Seattle:
– Khris Davis homered. The tweak that's helping him get the barrel of the bat out quicker
– A closer look at Ramón Lauraeno's incredible start
– Mark Canha's quiet consistency
– Frankie Montas the locomotive https://t.co/3qmVM8HxBs — Shayna Rubin (@ShaynaRubin) August 4, 2020
• RIP to The Razor… I’m not a Bay Area kid, but when I moved here six years ago to work for KNBR, I quickly found out who Ralph Barbieri was and how important he was to sports fans in this region. He was a pillar.
But taking in all the memories of him on Monday, it’s clear that “pillar” might be understating it. Insert whatever word you want — he was one-of-a-kind and it’s clear he’ll be sorely missed in this region.
• The G-League to the East Bay… The NBA’s developmental team in their developmental league will be based in Walnut Creek, of all places. I’m told the league’s “Pro Pathway” team, which will be comprised of prospects taking a gap year between high school and the league instead of going to college, will play at the former site of the Contra Costa Times — the Ultimate Fieldhouse. It’s not yet clear if they will host games yet. More on this later today.
What to Watch
Richard Sherman and Jimmy Garoppolo talk to the media Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. on Zoom… Get your popcorn ready.
Giants at Rockies, 5:40, NBC Sports Bay Area… The starting pitcher is to be determined, but a solid Yaz peformance is almost guaranteed.
Rangers at A’s, 6:10, NBC Sports California… The first Major League start for Jesus Luzardo. Now this is must-see TV, folks.


mercurynews--2020-08-04--CHP: Fake gun drawn in Highway 101 road rage incident

A Riverside man allegedly pointed a fake rifle at a motorist in an apparent road-rage crash on Highway 101 in Mill Valley on Saturday , the California Highway Patrol said .
At about 7:45 p.m. , a CHP officer clocked a driver in a blue Mazda traveling just under 90 mph in the southbound lanes through Corte Madera , CHP Officer Andrew Barclay said .
The officer chased after the suspect who continued to speed away , Barclay said .
The officer got over Alto Hill and saw the Mazda and a BMW pulled off to the shoulder , Barclay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exited his patrol car , the driver of the BMW drove up to the officer yelling repeatedly , “ he has a gun , ” referring to the Mazda driver .
The suspect drove along the shoulder toward them .
He was ordered out of his car at gunpoint and arrested .
The officer learned the suspect believed he was cut off by the BMW driver .
The suspect chased down the BMW and pointed a black paintball gun that resembles a rifle at the driver , Barclay said .
The suspect eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , running it off the freeway .
The victim had stopped to call 911 , Barclay said .
Kristian Wood , 26 , was booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of brandishing an imitation firearm .

A Riverside man allegedly pointed a fake rifle at a motorist in an apparent road-rage crash on Highway 101 in Mill Valley on Saturday, the California Highway Patrol said.
At about 7:45 p.m., a CHP officer clocked a driver in a blue Mazda traveling just under 90 mph in the southbound lanes through Corte Madera, CHP Officer Andrew Barclay said.
The officer chased after the suspect who continued to speed away, Barclay said.
The officer got over Alto Hill and saw the Mazda and a BMW pulled off to the shoulder, Barclay said.
When the officer stopped and exited his patrol car, the driver of the BMW drove up to the officer yelling repeatedly, “he has a gun,” referring to the Mazda driver.
The suspect drove along the shoulder toward them. He was ordered out of his car at gunpoint and arrested.
The officer learned the suspect believed he was cut off by the BMW driver.
The suspect chased down the BMW and pointed a black paintball gun that resembles a rifle at the driver, Barclay said.
The suspect eventually swerved toward the car and crashed into it, running it off the freeway. The victim had stopped to call 911, Barclay said.
Kristian Wood, 26, was booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of brandishing an imitation firearm.


mercurynews--2020-08-04--Phytoplankton light up the waves at Santa Cruz County beach

Waves filled with bioluminescent phytoplankton put on a blue light show at Seacliff State Beach shortly after midnight on Monday @ @ @ @ @ as microalgae , are similar to terrestrial plants in that they contain chlorophyll and require @ @ @ @ @ and grow .
Most phytoplankton are buoyant and float in the upper part of the @ @ @ @ @ the day penetrates the water .
• 23 gorgeous Bay Area beaches to try as @ @ @ @ @ home • Video shows sharks near unsuspecting surfers and swimmers off California coast • Some @ @ @ @ @ others packed beaches despite coronavirus surge • Letters : Crowded beaches | Whites must fight @ @ @ @ @ not enough | Trump ’ s fitness On sunny days , the organisms swim toward @ @ @ @ @ , resulting in the intensified coloration of the water — and the reason for the @ @ @ @ @ At night , when the phytoplankton are agitated by waves or other movement in the @ @ @ @ @ a dazzling neon blue glow .

Waves filled with bioluminescent phytoplankton put on a blue light show at Seacliff State Beach shortly after midnight on Monday.
Phytoplankton, also known as microalgae, are similar to terrestrial plants in that they contain chlorophyll and require sunlight in order to live and grow. Most phytoplankton are buoyant and float in the upper part of the ocean, where sunlight during the day penetrates the water.


mercurynews--2020-08-04--Nine men who died in Marine training accident came from across California and around the country

Many of the eight men now presumed dead after their amphibious assault vehicle sunk in deep water off San Clemente Island were celebrating milestones in their personal lives as they trained for their military careers .
An 18-year-old from Corona was marking his first anniversary as a Marine , a new dad had a first son back home in Texas and a Portland man would have turned 19 during the 40-hour search-and-rescue effort that was mounted to find the group .
A ninth Marine was found dead shortly after the AAV vanished from the surface .
The eight , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Battalion Landing Team 1/4 , have been missing since Thursday , July 30 , when their AAV took on water and sank during the training exercise .
Military officials called off the search and rescue early Sunday after more than 1,000 square nautical miles of ocean were scoured using multiple ships and aircraft from the Navy , Marine Corps and Coast Guard .
The HOS Dominator , a Navy ship that specializes in undersea search and rescue , has taken over recovery efforts .
Baltierra , 18 , of Corona died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enlistment .
He was just 17 when he entered the Marines in 2019 after graduating from Centennial High and turned 18 while finishing boot camp .
“ Brian was a terrific role model and a terrific kid for us on our campus , we ’ re heartbroken over his loss , ” said Bill Gunn , assistant principal of athletics at Centennial , where Baltierra ran cross-country .
“ On one hand , we ’ re happy that he got to achieve his dream of being a United States Marine , ” Gunn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said , that Baltierra ’ s time was cut short at the beginning of this next phase in his life .
Jared Schweitzer was Baltierra ’ s cross-country coach for four years and his teacher in government and economics .
“ Everyone liked him ; he was just that kind of a kid , ” Schweitzer said .
“ No matter what I asked at practice , he would do it and not complain .
He had a lot of integrity .
He was great to be around.
” On Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a drive-by memorial in Corona to celebrate his life .
Hundreds stopped by .
“ It was beautiful to see how my family ’ s community came together , ” his mother , Evelyn Baltierra , said on Monday .
“ All of the love and support has tremendously helped during this long and painful healing process.
” Barranco , 21 , known as “ Andy , ” was from Montebello .
He was a kind-hearted person with a lot of love to share , said his father , Marco Barranco , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fascination for the military as a young boy .
He loved dressing up as a soldier for Halloween .
“ He used that costume for a long time because he liked camouflage , ” his father said .
“ He wanted to serve his country because he was so proud that it gave his parents an opportunity to realize our dreams .
He wanted to pay back the country for that.
” Marco Barranca last saw his son on July 25 .
The family shared a meal and Andy told them of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was excited to be going there , ” Marco Barranco said .
“ To him , it was a job that he loved to do.
” Barranco said his son ’ s goal was to serve people .
He had planned to become a police officer after finishing his time with the Marines .
“ He liked helping and serving people , and he knew this was part of his overall plan , ” he said .
“ He was a brave kid , and it shouldn ’ t have happened.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a Marine , his mother , Maria Villanueva , said in news reports .
She added that he had just gotten married and had hoped to have a family .
He enlisted on Sept. 5 , 2017 , and after boot camp reported to Marine Corps Security Force training in Virginia .
He reported to Camp Pendleton in March .
Maria Villanueva said she wants her son remembered as a kind , outgoing person .
The 22-year-old Stockton native was the only Navy sailor in the group .
Likely , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his girlfriend , Savannah Henne , wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post .
“ I know he was pushing his Marines out first trying to be the true hero that he ’ s always been , ” she wrote .
“ He didn ’ t need to doc up right then , but I ’ m sure two people are still alive because of him.
” Henne , also a Navy corpsman , called him the love of her life and said the two were planning to marry once he returned .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ purest and sweetest soul ” she had ever met .
The 23-year-old from Harris , Texas , was the oldest among the squad .
He had just become a father and posted a photo of his newborn son on Facebook on May 14 .
Rodd enlisted in the Marine Corps on Jan. 3 , 2017 .
Earlier this year , he returned to Camp Pendleton .
His aunt , Niki Stockdale , said Sweetwood , of Portland , Oregon , was just a day shy of his 19th birthday when he disappeared .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Marine and that ’ s what he did .
A GoFundMe account to help his mother , Tina Sweetwood , travel to San Diego , had raised more than $ 11,000 – the outpouring an example of who her nephew was , Stockdale said .
“ His heart was so big , he just drew people to him , ” she said .
The 19-year-old from Oak Creek , Wis. , contacted his mother , Aleta Bath , hours before he disappeared .
On the day of the accident , he found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone worked and called his mom .
Earlier , he had texted her saying he ’ d lost his earbuds and needed new ones .
When he got the signal , he wanted to make sure she ’ d gotten his request .
He also told her he loved her , and that he was enjoying his job , she said .
Aleta said it was her son ’ s fascination with history , military strategy and drawing that drew him to the Marines .
He spent hours creating maps of make-believe countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people who lived there .
He dreamed up scenarios and histories for all his fictional countries and their militaries .
“ He also really loved the brotherhood of the Marine Corps , ” Aleta Bath said .
“ He ’ d always say : ‘ They ’ re my brothers ; I would die for them and they would die for me.
’ ” The 21-year-old from Bend , Oregon , enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3 , 2019 .
He reported to the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 20-year-old of New Braunfels , Texas , enlisted June 24 , 2019 .
He reported to the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton and was trained as a rifleman .

Many of the eight men now presumed dead after their amphibious assault vehicle sunk in deep water off San Clemente Island were celebrating milestones in their personal lives as they trained for their military careers.
An 18-year-old from Corona was marking his first anniversary as a Marine, a new dad had a first son back home in Texas and a Portland man would have turned 19 during the 40-hour search-and-rescue effort that was mounted to find the group. A ninth Marine was found dead shortly after the AAV vanished from the surface.
The eight, who were based at Camp Pendleton as part of the Battalion Landing Team 1/4, have been missing since Thursday, July 30, when their AAV took on water and sank during the training exercise.
Military officials called off the search and rescue early Sunday after more than 1,000 square nautical miles of ocean were scoured using multiple ships and aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The HOS Dominator, a Navy ship that specializes in undersea search and rescue, has taken over recovery efforts.
Pfc. Bryan Baltierra
Baltierra, 18, of Corona died on the anniversary of his Marine Corps enlistment.
He was just 17 when he entered the Marines in 2019 after graduating from Centennial High and turned 18 while finishing boot camp.
“Brian was a terrific role model and a terrific kid for us on our campus, we’re heartbroken over his loss,” said Bill Gunn, assistant principal of athletics at Centennial, where Baltierra ran cross-country.
“On one hand, we’re happy that he got to achieve his dream of being a United States Marine,” Gunn said. It’s tragic, he said, that Baltierra’s time was cut short at the beginning of this next phase in his life.
Jared Schweitzer was Baltierra’s cross-country coach for four years and his teacher in government and economics.
“Everyone liked him; he was just that kind of a kid,” Schweitzer said. “No matter what I asked at practice, he would do it and not complain. He had a lot of integrity. He was great to be around.”
On Sunday, Aug. 2, the Baltierra family held a drive-by memorial in Corona to celebrate his life. Hundreds stopped by.
“It was beautiful to see how my family’s community came together,” his mother, Evelyn Baltierra, said on Monday. “All of the love and support has tremendously helped during this long and painful healing process.”
Lance Cpl. Marco A. Barranco
Barranco, 21, known as “Andy,” was from Montebello.
He was a kind-hearted person with a lot of love to share, said his father, Marco Barranco, also of Montebello.
Andy Barranco developed a fascination for the military as a young boy. He loved dressing up as a soldier for Halloween.
“He used that costume for a long time because he liked camouflage,” his father said. “He wanted to serve his country because he was so proud that it gave his parents an opportunity to realize our dreams. He wanted to pay back the country for that.”
Marco Barranca last saw his son on July 25. The family shared a meal and Andy told them of the upcoming training on the island.
“He was excited to be going there,” Marco Barranco said. “To him, it was a job that he loved to do.”
Barranco said his son’s goal was to serve people. He had planned to become a police officer after finishing his time with the Marines.
“He liked helping and serving people, and he knew this was part of his overall plan,” he said. “He was a brave kid, and it shouldn’t have happened.”
Cpl. Cesar A. Villanueva
The 21-year-old from Riverside had always wanted to be a Marine, his mother, Maria Villanueva, said in news reports.
She added that he had just gotten married and had hoped to have a family.
He enlisted on Sept. 5, 2017, and after boot camp reported to Marine Corps Security Force training in Virginia. He reported to Camp Pendleton in March.
Maria Villanueva said she wants her son remembered as a kind, outgoing person.
U.S. Navy Hospitalman Christopher Gnem
The 22-year-old Stockton native was the only Navy sailor in the group. Likely, he was responsible for helping others get out, his girlfriend, Savannah Henne, wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“I know he was pushing his Marines out first trying to be the true hero that he’s always been,” she wrote. “He didn’t need to doc up right then, but I’m sure two people are still alive because of him.”
Henne, also a Navy corpsman, called him the love of her life and said the two were planning to marry once he returned. She described him as “the most purest and sweetest soul” she had ever met.
Cpl. Wesley A. Rodd
The 23-year-old from Harris, Texas, was the oldest among the squad. He had just become a father and posted a photo of his newborn son on Facebook on May 14.
Rodd enlisted in the Marine Corps on Jan. 3, 2017. Earlier this year, he returned to Camp Pendleton.
Lance Cpl. Chase D. Sweetwood
His aunt, Niki Stockdale, said Sweetwood, of Portland, Oregon, was just a day shy of his 19th birthday when he disappeared. She said his goal was to become a Marine and that’s what he did.
A GoFundMe account to help his mother, Tina Sweetwood, travel to San Diego, had raised more than $11,000 – the outpouring an example of who her nephew was, Stockdale said.
“His heart was so big, he just drew people to him,” she said.
Pfc. Evan A. Bath
The 19-year-old from Oak Creek, Wis., contacted his mother, Aleta Bath, hours before he disappeared.
On the day of the accident, he found an area on the ship where his phone worked and called his mom. Earlier, he had texted her saying he’d lost his earbuds and needed new ones. When he got the signal, he wanted to make sure she’d gotten his request.
He also told her he loved her, and that he was enjoying his job, she said.
Aleta said it was her son’s fascination with history, military strategy and drawing that drew him to the Marines. He spent hours creating maps of make-believe countries with details down to small villages and the people who lived there. He dreamed up scenarios and histories for all his fictional countries and their militaries.
“He also really loved the brotherhood of the Marine Corps,” Aleta Bath said. “He’d always say: ‘They’re my brothers; I would die for them and they would die for me.’”
Pfc. Jack Ryan Ostrovsky
The 21-year-old from Bend, Oregon, enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 2019. He reported to the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton and was trained as a rifleman.
Lance Cpl. Guillermo S. Perez
The 20-year-old of New Braunfels, Texas, enlisted June 24, 2019. He reported to the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton and was trained as a rifleman.
Register writer Ian Wheeler contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-08-04--Coronavirus tracker: Los Angeles County accounts for 50% of cumulative deaths on Aug. 3

Of California ’ s 58 counties , Los Angeles County accounts for 50 % of the coronavirus-related deaths with 4,701 out of 9,491 estimated deaths in the state since testing began in March .
Riverside County has the second-highest number of total deaths at 737 .
The California Department of Public Health dashboard shows that there have been 1,694 deaths in the state in the last 14 days , 597 of those deaths were in Los Angeles County which amounts to 35 % of the deaths in 14 days .
Nineteen of California ’ s 58 counties on the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California counties .
• Inside the Raiders : Mark Davis makes the wrong move in shutting fans out of Allegiant Stadium • New California youth sports rules : No games or competitions , but limited outdoor training allowed Hospitalizations across the state have declined by 9.4 % in the last 14 days with 7,629 people hospitalized and 2,069 in ICUs .
According to Southern California News Group estimates and research of all 58 county COVID-19 dashboards , there were 7,528 new cases and 99 new deaths reported Monday .
The state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 518,640 and total deaths 9,491 , according to unofficial counts from county websites .

Of California’s 58 counties, Los Angeles County accounts for 50% of the coronavirus-related deaths with 4,701 out of 9,491 estimated deaths in the state since testing began in March. Riverside County has the second-highest number of total deaths at 737.
The California Department of Public Health dashboard shows that there have been 1,694 deaths in the state in the last 14 days, 597 of those deaths were in Los Angeles County which amounts to 35% of the deaths in 14 days. Nineteen of California’s 58 counties on the governor’s monitoring list include all Southern California counties.
Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Health | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds Health | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Health | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Hospitalizations across the state have declined by 9.4% in the last 14 days with 7,629 people hospitalized and 2,069 in ICUs.
According to Southern California News Group estimates and research of all 58 county COVID-19 dashboards, there were 7,528 new cases and 99 new deaths reported Monday. The state’s number of total cases is at least 518,640 and total deaths 9,491, according to unofficial counts from county websites.


mercurynews--2020-08-04--Southern California Apple fire caused by diesel vehicle’s exhaust system, investigators say

The Apple fire that started in Cherry Valley and caused the evacuations that displaced thousands before it raced into the ridges and canyons of the San Bernardino National Forest was caused by burning carbon from the exhaust system of a diesel-fueled vehicle , investigators said Monday , Aug. 3 .
Hot particles from the exhaust ignited brush in perhaps three spots along Oak Glen Road .
“ The determination is reinforced by multiple independent witnesses as well as supporting physical evidence , ” said Cal Fire , whose officers investigated the origin of the fire that started late Friday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle available , Cal Fire/Riverside County spokesman Capt .
Fernando Herrera said .
Rumors of arson spread shortly after the fires started along Oak Glen Road at Apple Tree Lane , with some reporting a fleeing person .
But on Monday , Cal Fire investigators said it was a vehicle malfunction .
They asked for anyone driving in the 9000 block of Oak Glen Road in Cherry Valley at the time the fires started , and who may have seen a vehicle that appeared to have mechanical problems or unusual smoke coming from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymous hotline , 800-633-2836 .
“ Diesel vehicles shoot out that black soot , ” Herrera said .
“ When that is shooting out , it does form some small particles , they can be from a pebble size , even up to a quarter size .
And as those are emitted through the exhaust they are extremely hot , so when they land on any type of dry fuel , it will ignite .
“ In this case , that ’ s what they found , ” he said of the investigators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Apple fire , he said .
The fire had consumed 26,450 acres by Monday afternoon and was at 5 % containment .
Monday night it was measured at 26,850 acres with 7 % containment — with fresh firefighting crews arriving to relieve those who have battled the blaze since Friday afternoon .
MAP : This map shows where the Apple Fire is burning Cal Fire said the Apple fire forced the evacuation of an estimated 2,586 homes in several communities , affecting 7,800 people .
One injury has been reported .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , officials said a Forest Service firefighter sustained a minor burn when hot gas vapor escaped a chain saw he had been using .
One home and two outbuildings have reportedly burned , but damage assessment teams are making a survey .
Riverside County health officials warned about unhealthy air in the fire area , and a state-operated COVID-19 testing site was moved due to the fire .
More resources have been added to the fire to supplement local agencies that were the first to respond , Lisa Cox , a spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
“ We have a lot more resources coming in from outside the county — Oxnard , Santa Barbara , Napa Valley and all these other areas , ” she said , recounting the crews she saw arriving Monday at the Noble Creek Park command center in Beaumont .
Almost 2,300 firefighting personnel from several agencies were at the scene Monday .
“ They are going to come in and relieve those firefighters that are really tired , so they can get some R & R , ” she said .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , staffing is stretched , but not short , she said .
Fire commanders are dealing with a new system for ordering personnel and equipment , and that caused some issues that brought a mention from fire commanders Sunday night that some calls for resources — personnel and equipment — were either not filled or not at the scene yet .
That notation was gone from the fire log Monday afternoon .
“ The limiting factor isn ’ t so much the staff , it ’ s the terrain — we can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put them , ” Cox said .
Scott Gaynor , 54 , who lives with his wife , 12-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter in the Banning Bench area , said Monday afternoon he and his family chose to stay “ home safe , ” with everything in their cars and ready to go , if evacuation became absolutely necessary .
He said firefighters cut a line with bulldozers in the early morning dark Saturday to spare homes in his Bluff Street neighborhood .
“ They did a great job.
” He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time , spraying down his property .
“ I didn ’ t sleep at all Friday night into Saturday , ” he said .
“ I didn ’ t sleep until Saturday evening , because we were just on edge .
Saturday evening , about midnight , we are able to rest and know that it was far enough away from us that we were able to get some sleep.
” He said his home at the 3,500-foot elevation overlooks the San Gorgonio River .
He has views of Mt .
San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the other side of the San Gorgonio Pass .
“ No street lights — at night there ’ s nothing but millions of stars , ” he said of the property he moved to 25 years ago and calls “ God ’ s country.
” Of the cause of the fire announced Monday , he said , “ I ’ d rather it be that , than some kids starting a fire… I ’ d rather it be an accident than on purpose , that ’ s for sure.
” Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday the state secured a fire-management assistance grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help cover costs for fighting the Apple fire .
The grant amount was not immediately available .
Flames have burned through dry vegetation , and high temperatures and low humidity remain in the region .
Much of the area in flames is inaccessible by ground .
Weather conditions were expected to remain much the same Monday , albeit with temperatures a bit cooler and humidity a little better .
Westerly winds are expected to gust between 20 mph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High temperatures of 90 to 98 degrees were forecast for the San Bernardino Mountains below 6,000 feet , the National Weather Service said .
A fire map indicates the blaze is burning in the lower elevations of the forest area .
Evacuation orders , voluntary evacuation advisories , and warnings in the fire areas of Riverside and San Bernardino counties remained in effect Monday .
Sunday , the San Bernardino County Sheriff warned residents of Pioneertown and Rimrock they may be told to evacuate , but emphasized the message was only a warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evacuation orders remained in place because spot fires can happen with a change of wind direction and speed , and for the safety of firefighters and heavy equipment working in the area .
The San Gorgonio Wilderness remained closed Monday , along with the Pacific Crest Trail between the San Bernardino National Forest boundary and Forest Road 1N01 .
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory through Monday night for the Coachella Valley , San Gorgonio Pass and Hemet-San Jacinto Valley due to the fire .
Riverside County said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid strenuous activity , remain indoors with the air-conditioning on , and keep windows and doors closed , and use a clean filtering system to prevent smoke from getting inside , said Dr. Cameron Kaiser , Riverside County public health officer .
The reception and care site for evacuees at Beaumont High School has been arranged to protect users from smoke and also from coronavirus with screening , physical distancing , sanitation stations and other measures , said Bruce Barton , director of the County of Riverside Emergency Management Department .
The Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state-operated COVID-19 testing site in Beaumont , from the Noble Creek Community Center to the Beaumont Woman ’ s Club at 306 E. 6th Street .
Those with appointments have been notified .

The Apple fire that started in Cherry Valley and caused the evacuations that displaced thousands before it raced into the ridges and canyons of the San Bernardino National Forest was caused by burning carbon from the exhaust system of a diesel-fueled vehicle, investigators said Monday, Aug. 3.
Hot particles from the exhaust ignited brush in perhaps three spots along Oak Glen Road.
“The determination is reinforced by multiple independent witnesses as well as supporting physical evidence,” said Cal Fire, whose officers investigated the origin of the fire that started late Friday afternoon.
There was no description of the vehicle available, Cal Fire/Riverside County spokesman Capt. Fernando Herrera said.
Rumors of arson spread shortly after the fires started along Oak Glen Road at Apple Tree Lane, with some reporting a fleeing person.
But on Monday, Cal Fire investigators said it was a vehicle malfunction. They asked for anyone driving in the 9000 block of Oak Glen Road in Cherry Valley at the time the fires started, and who may have seen a vehicle that appeared to have mechanical problems or unusual smoke coming from it, to contact them on an anonymous hotline, 800-633-2836.
“Diesel vehicles shoot out that black soot,” Herrera said. “When that is shooting out, it does form some small particles, they can be from a pebble size, even up to a quarter size. And as those are emitted through the exhaust they are extremely hot, so when they land on any type of dry fuel, it will ignite.
“In this case, that’s what they found,” he said of the investigators. The three fires joined and became the Apple fire, he said.
The fire had consumed 26,450 acres by Monday afternoon and was at 5% containment. Monday night it was measured at 26,850 acres with 7% containment — with fresh firefighting crews arriving to relieve those who have battled the blaze since Friday afternoon.
MAP: This map shows where the Apple Fire is burning
Cal Fire said the Apple fire forced the evacuation of an estimated 2,586 homes in several communities, affecting 7,800 people.
One injury has been reported. During a community meeting in Banning on Monday night, officials said a Forest Service firefighter sustained a minor burn when hot gas vapor escaped a chain saw he had been using.
One home and two outbuildings have reportedly burned, but damage assessment teams are making a survey. Riverside County health officials warned about unhealthy air in the fire area, and a state-operated COVID-19 testing site was moved due to the fire.
More resources have been added to the fire to supplement local agencies that were the first to respond, Lisa Cox, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Forest Service, said Monday.
“We have a lot more resources coming in from outside the county — Oxnard, Santa Barbara, Napa Valley and all these other areas,” she said, recounting the crews she saw arriving Monday at the Noble Creek Park command center in Beaumont.
Almost 2,300 firefighting personnel from several agencies were at the scene Monday.
“They are going to come in and relieve those firefighters that are really tired, so they can get some R&R,” she said.
With fires in Arizona and elsewhere in California, staffing is stretched, but not short, she said.
Fire commanders are dealing with a new system for ordering personnel and equipment, and that caused some issues that brought a mention from fire commanders Sunday night that some calls for resources — personnel and equipment — were either not filled or not at the scene yet.
That notation was gone from the fire log Monday afternoon.
“The limiting factor isn’t so much the staff, it’s the terrain — we can’t even put firefighters where we want to put them,” Cox said.
Scott Gaynor, 54, who lives with his wife, 12-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter in the Banning Bench area, said Monday afternoon he and his family chose to stay “home safe,” with everything in their cars and ready to go, if evacuation became absolutely necessary.
He said firefighters cut a line with bulldozers in the early morning dark Saturday to spare homes in his Bluff Street neighborhood. “They did a great job.” He was out with a water hose at the same time, spraying down his property.
“I didn’t sleep at all Friday night into Saturday,” he said. “I didn’t sleep until Saturday evening, because we were just on edge. Saturday evening, about midnight, we are able to rest and know that it was far enough away from us that we were able to get some sleep.”
He said his home at the 3,500-foot elevation overlooks the San Gorgonio River. He has views of Mt. San Gorgonio and Mt. San Jacinto, on the other side of the San Gorgonio Pass. “No street lights — at night there’s nothing but millions of stars,” he said of the property he moved to 25 years ago and calls “God’s country.”
Of the cause of the fire announced Monday, he said, “I’d rather it be that, than some kids starting a fire… I’d rather it be an accident than on purpose, that’s for sure.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said late Sunday the state secured a fire-management assistance grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help cover costs for fighting the Apple fire.
The grant amount was not immediately available.
Flames have burned through dry vegetation, and high temperatures and low humidity remain in the region. Much of the area in flames is inaccessible by ground.
Weather conditions were expected to remain much the same Monday, albeit with temperatures a bit cooler and humidity a little better. Westerly winds are expected to gust between 20 mph and 30 mph into the evening.
High temperatures of 90 to 98 degrees were forecast for the San Bernardino Mountains below 6,000 feet, the National Weather Service said. A fire map indicates the blaze is burning in the lower elevations of the forest area.
Evacuation orders, voluntary evacuation advisories, and warnings in the fire areas of Riverside and San Bernardino counties remained in effect Monday. Sunday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff warned residents of Pioneertown and Rimrock they may be told to evacuate, but emphasized the message was only a warning.
The U.S. Forest Service explained the evacuation orders remained in place because spot fires can happen with a change of wind direction and speed, and for the safety of firefighters and heavy equipment working in the area.
We know folks are anxious to get back into their homes, but #Applefire evacuation orders are remaining in place for safety reasons because: • Spot fires can occur with a change in wind direction/speed.
• Ensure firefighters/heavy equipment working in the area are safe too. pic.twitter.com/IcBbrLLAez — San Bernardino National Forest (@SanBernardinoNF) August 3, 2020
The San Gorgonio Wilderness remained closed Monday, along with the Pacific Crest Trail between the San Bernardino National Forest boundary and Forest Road 1N01.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory through Monday night for the Coachella Valley, San Gorgonio Pass and Hemet-San Jacinto Valley due to the fire.
Riverside County said residents exposed to smoke and ash should avoid strenuous activity, remain indoors with the air-conditioning on, and keep windows and doors closed, and use a clean filtering system to prevent smoke from getting inside, said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County public health officer.
The reception and care site for evacuees at Beaumont High School has been arranged to protect users from smoke and also from coronavirus with screening, physical distancing, sanitation stations and other measures, said Bruce Barton, director of the County of Riverside Emergency Management Department.
The Apple fire also caused a move for the state-operated COVID-19 testing site in Beaumont, from the Noble Creek Community Center to the Beaumont Woman’s Club at 306 E. 6th Street. Those with appointments have been notified.