mercurynews--2020-11-18--Sponsored: Iron Horse Real Estate: Connecting families to the community

Jennifer Van Wegen ’ s passion for her hometown of Pleasanton is evident the moment she starts talking .
It ’ s no wonder she ’ s thrilled to open the new Iron Horse Real Estate office on the city ’ s iconic main street .
Located in the historic building at 550 Main St. , Iron Horse Real Estate is a boutique brokerage where the emphasis is community .
“ We ’ re not only selling homes and properties , we are selling our wonderful communities and the lifestyle , ” Van Wegen says .
“ This is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live and raise our families in , and there are so many great things to say about it.
” Van Wegen chose the name Iron Horse Real Estate because it represents the East Bay and symbolizes strength .
The Southern Pacific Railroad used to travel up and down what we now refer to as the Interstate 680 corridor from Pleasanton through Dublin , San Ramon , Danville , Alamo , and Walnut Creek to Concord .
The rails have since been replaced with the popular Iron Horse Trail that continues to connect these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iron Horse Trail , we connect families and businesses to communities , which includes one of our local favorite restaurants , Salt Craft , ” Van Wegen says .
“ I think Pleasanton is one of the most special places to live , ” despite the number of residents opting to leave the Bay Area and the state during this time , Van Wegen says .
“ This community is hard to beat .
Pleasanton is so unique , and I feel that its character and charm will always attract buyers to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , interior design and modern art , Van Wegen designed her new Main Street location to reflect her desire to literally and figuratively leave her door open to the community .
Van Wegen is convinced that post-pandemic , “ people are going to crave that sense of community.
” Supporting her community and giving back will always be the forefront of her business model and personally meaningful .
She will continue to be an integral part of the vibrant downtown district as a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Pleasanton Downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her local businesses and restaurants .
She has been a proud Gold Sponsor of the PPIE Run for Education , Big Bay Ray Horse Rescue and many other local community fundraisers .
She will also be featuring art from local artists and retail items for sale in her office and continue to support locals .
She looks forward to Iron Horse Real Estate being a stop in the Pleasanton Downtown Association events once they commence again .
Meanwhile , her new office space is welcoming for people to gather and discuss available homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighborhoods , and how Iron Horse Real Estate can creatively partner with fellow local small businesses to give back .
Also a history buff , Van Wegen feels right at home in the building built in the late 1800s and rebuilt around 1937 that originally housed a cobbler and a French steam laundry .
Proud of the building ’ s history , she displays framed photos of the building that dates back to the late 1800s through today .
Iron Horse Real Estate currently has three agents and staff members to serve their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team with an emphasis on local market and community knowledge , cutting-edge technology , combined with some of the strongest marketing and negotiation skills in the industry .
The team blends extensive real estate knowledge , professionalism , honesty and integrity into the business , all to provide buyers and sellers with exceptional service .
Except for time away at college and a short time living in Alamo , Van Wegen was determined to move back to Pleasanton , where she graduated from Foothill High , played soccer , and spent her childhood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barrel racing , and competing in 4H .
Today , she and her husband and their three children live in the heart of Downtown Pleasanton and love walking to the farmers market and participating in community events .
“ I want our children and our clients ’ children to experience the same type of community I did growing up .
”

Jennifer Van Wegen’s passion for her hometown of Pleasanton is evident the moment she starts talking.
It’s no wonder she’s thrilled to open the new Iron Horse Real Estate office on the city’s iconic main street.
Located in the historic building at 550 Main St., Iron Horse Real Estate is a boutique brokerage where the emphasis is community.
“We’re not only selling homes and properties, we are selling our wonderful communities and the lifestyle,” Van Wegen says. “This is the area in which we are fortunate to live and raise our families in, and there are so many great things to say about it.”
Van Wegen chose the name Iron Horse Real Estate because it represents the East Bay and symbolizes strength.
The Southern Pacific Railroad used to travel up and down what we now refer to as the Interstate 680 corridor from Pleasanton through Dublin, San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, and Walnut Creek to Concord. The rails have since been replaced with the popular Iron Horse Trail that continues to connect these vibrant communities.
“Much like the Iron Horse Trail, we connect families and businesses to communities, which includes one of our local favorite restaurants, Salt Craft,” Van Wegen says.
“I think Pleasanton is one of the most special places to live,” despite the number of residents opting to leave the Bay Area and the state during this time, Van Wegen says.
“This community is hard to beat. Pleasanton is so unique, and I feel that its character and charm will always attract buyers to the area.”
A huge fan of architecture, interior design and modern art, Van Wegen designed her new Main Street location to reflect her desire to literally and figuratively leave her door open to the community. Van Wegen is convinced that post-pandemic, “people are going to crave that sense of community.” Supporting her community and giving back will always be the forefront of her business model and personally meaningful. She will continue to be an integral part of the vibrant downtown district as a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Pleasanton Downtown Association. Her fundraising efforts always support her local businesses and restaurants. She has been a proud Gold Sponsor of the PPIE Run for Education, Big Bay Ray Horse Rescue and many other local community fundraisers. She will also be featuring art from local artists and retail items for sale in her office and continue to support locals. She looks forward to Iron Horse Real Estate being a stop in the Pleasanton Downtown Association events once they commence again.
Meanwhile, her new office space is welcoming for people to gather and discuss available homes in the Tri-Valley’s many desirable neighborhoods, and how Iron Horse Real Estate can creatively partner with fellow local small businesses to give back. Also a history buff, Van Wegen feels right at home in the building built in the late 1800s and rebuilt around 1937 that originally housed a cobbler and a French steam laundry.
Proud of the building’s history, she displays framed photos of the building that dates back to the late 1800s through today.
Iron Horse Real Estate currently has three agents and staff members to serve their clients and will continue to grow the team with an emphasis on local market and community knowledge, cutting-edge technology, combined with some of the strongest marketing and negotiation skills in the industry. The team blends extensive real estate knowledge, professionalism, honesty and integrity into the business, all to provide buyers and sellers with exceptional service.
Except for time away at college and a short time living in Alamo, Van Wegen was determined to move back to Pleasanton, where she graduated from Foothill High, played soccer, and spent her childhood on a ranch, riding horses, barrel racing, and competing in 4H.
Today, she and her husband and their three children live in the heart of Downtown Pleasanton and love walking to the farmers market and participating in community events.
“I want our children and our clients’ children to experience the same type of community I did growing up.”
What: Iron Horse Real Estate
Where: 550 Main St., Pleasanton
Contact: Jennifer Van Wegen, DRE # 01947833, Jennifer@IronHorseRealEstate.com 925-858-9332


mercurynews--2020-11-18--FBI releases attack plan of radicalized California college student in 2015 campus stabbing

MERCED — A troubled California university freshman who burst into a classroom in 2015 , stabbing four people before police shot him dead , planned to praise Allah while slitting the throats of classmates and use a gun taken from an ambushed officer to kill more , according to records released by the FBI .
Authorities determined that Faisal Mohammad , an 18-year-old freshman at the University of California , Merced had no connections to organized hate or terror groups and no past behavior to suggest violence .
Still , records released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handwritten 31-step plan for the Nov. 4 attack with names of people to target .
The plan included putting on a balaclava at 7:45 a.m. and saying “ in the name of Allah ” before stepping into his classroom and ordering students to use zip-ties he provided to bind their hands .
Mohammad also planned to make a fake 911 distress call to report a suicidal guy and wait for police outside the classroom before ambushing from behind “ and slit calmly yet forcefully one of the officers with guns.
” He planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and kill classmates before making another fake distress call to 911 to report the shootings .
Step 26 was to read the Quran until he heard sirens , and then “ take calm shot after shot ” with the gun as authorities arrive .
• Officials : Austrian rampage suspect tried to join IS • At least 20 dead in attack on Kabul University Mohammad was shot to death by a campus officer .
The shooting was deemed justified .
The attack on the central California campus occurred a month before a married @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and seriously injured others at a workplace holiday party .
In both cases , investigators said the perpetrators were influenced by the Islamic State group , but not directly connected to it .
Families in both cases said they had no clue of their relatives ’ radicalization .

MERCED — A troubled California university freshman who burst into a classroom in 2015, stabbing four people before police shot him dead, planned to praise Allah while slitting the throats of classmates and use a gun taken from an ambushed officer to kill more, according to records released by the FBI.
Authorities determined that Faisal Mohammad, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of California, Merced had no connections to organized hate or terror groups and no past behavior to suggest violence.
Still, records released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to the Daily Beast publication include a chilling, handwritten 31-step plan for the Nov. 4 attack with names of people to target.
The plan included putting on a balaclava at 7:45 a.m. and saying “in the name of Allah” before stepping into his classroom and ordering students to use zip-ties he provided to bind their hands.
Mohammad also planned to make a fake 911 distress call to report a suicidal guy and wait for police outside the classroom before ambushing from behind “and slit calmly yet forcefully one of the officers with guns.”
He planned to take a gun from an officer and kill classmates before making another fake distress call to 911 to report the shootings. Step 26 was to read the Quran until he heard sirens, and then “take calm shot after shot” with the gun as authorities arrive.
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The attack on the central California campus occurred a month before a married couple in San Bernardino killed 14 people and seriously injured others at a workplace holiday party.
In both cases, investigators said the perpetrators were influenced by the Islamic State group, but not directly connected to it. Families in both cases said they had no clue of their relatives’ radicalization.


mercurynews--2020-11-18--Los Angeles County sets curfew for restaurants, wineries, limits size of gatherings

With coronavirus surging , Los Angeles County Public Health officials tightened restrictions on Tuesday , Nov. 17 , including curfews on restaurants , wineries , bars and cardrooms , while ordering new caps on social gatherings , officials said .
While they stopped short of full stay-home orders , they noted the potential for stricter orders akin to what the region experienced in March , if the numbers get substantially worse .
• The closure of restaurants , breweries , wineries and non-essential retail from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. ; • A cap of no more than 15 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than three households at any gathering ; • A cap of 25 % occupancy on the number of people permitted at indoor retail sites , personal care businesses and offices ; • A cap of 50 % capacity at outdoor restaurants , breweries and wineries ; • The number of customers at cardrooms , outdoor mini-golf courses , go-kart tracks and batting cages will be limited to 50 % of maximum outdoor capacity ; and • Personal care establishments will be required to serve customers only by appointment , and services that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be permitted .
The tightened measures arrive as infections grow at levels not seen since summer in L.A. County — and with the flu season and the holidays looming on the horizon .
The new rules arrived as the county reported 25 new deaths and 2,301 new cases of COVID-19 , bringing the county ’ s totals to 344,523 positive and 7,299 fatalities .
There are 1,126 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized — with 27 % in intensive-care units — the highest number since mid-August .
It ’ s more than a 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when 798 people were being cared for in hospitals .
The daily report did not include the latest numbers from Pasadena and Long Beach , which operate their own health departments .
A new fatality increased Pasadena ’ s death toll to 130 ; 61 new cases brought its total to 3,160 .
Long Beach reported 157 new cases , for a total of 14,487 ; its death toll remained at 266 .
“ Los Angeles County is at a critical moment to save lives and curb the spread of COVID-19 , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ferrer said in a statement .
“ I urge our residents , businesses and community leaders to heed this warning and follow these heightened safeguards so that additional restrictions do not need to be imposed.
” The county ’ s health order will be amended to reflect the new restrictions , which came on a day on which the county reported 2,884 cases as the current five-day average .
Even as the promise of a vaccine increases , the order offers a grim outlook for the near future in the county .
Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ continued surge of cases and hospitalizations.
” On Tuesday , along with the new restrictions , officials noted that they ’ ve established markers for further actions if cases or hospitalizations continue to rise .
If the five-day average of cases in the county reaches 4,000 or more , or if hospitalizations reach more than 1,750 per day , restrictions will include : • Prohibiting outdoor and indoor dining at restaurants , breweries , wineries and bars .
Such businesses would only be able to offer pick-up and delivery .
But if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4,500 , or hospitalizations top 2,000 per day : • A new “ Safer at Home ” order will be imposed for three weeks .
The order would only allow essential workers and those securing essential services to leave their homes .
As sobering as the latest updates were , they came after consultation with the county ’ s Board of Supervisors during a closed-session Tuesday , where Ferrer confided in the five leaders .
“ I was very supportive .
I was very concerned about the numbers going up , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new rules .
Supervisor Janice Hahn echoed her colleague : “ If you found yourself slipping into riskier activities like eating out with friends or having family over , now is the time to go back to exercising the same caution you did back in March and April , ” she said .
But officials were also wary of a widespread shutdown , similar to the initial stay-home orders in March , when the virus originally took hold .
“ We ’ re trying to allow business to function and trying to cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is.
” “ I didn ’ t want everything to shut down suddenly , ” Keuhl said .
“ We ’ re pretty sure if everybody follows ( the health order ) we could bring the numbers back down.
” Public health officials — and county supervisors , who signed off on the limits — are concerned that the flu , coupled with seasonal family gatherings and other large groups getting together , will only hasten the virus ’ spread , which in L.A. County has led to the deaths of 7,275 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also gripping the state and nation .
Varied levels of restrictions have been launched in recent weeks in states around the U.S .
This week , Gov .
Gavin Newsom moved 28 counties — including Orange — back to the most restrictive tier of California ’ s matrix governing business operations and retooled the way counties will be classified in the state ’ s four-tier reopening matrix .
L.A. County has been stuck in the most-restrictive purple tier since the system was instituted .
Case rates among people 18 to 29 have more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the largest proportion of new cases consistently over the past two months , she said .
Case rates among those aged 30 to 45 have nearly doubled .
Those over 80 years old account for most of the hospitalizations , which rose to 1,049 people over the weekend , though officials are most concerned that young people gathering are intensifying the spread .
Some are worried that if the surge rises exponentially , hospitals could be swamped .
Officials at many county hospitals have said they are weathering the worsening outbreak so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County health officials have hinted that new restrictions were on the way , especially with the holidays on the horizon .
Ferrer stressed that people ’ s mindsets must return to where they were earlier in the pandemic .
For residents , that means rethinking holiday plans and cancelling travel outside the region in the coming weeks , Ferrer said .
For those still planning to gather for Thanksgiving , she urged that people do so with no more than two households , celebrating outdoors while wearing face coverings and social distancing as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as much as possible for the next two to three weeks , when possible , ” Ferrer said .
“ Try to use delivery service for grocery and medicines .
If this isn ’ t possible , assign one person to do shopping.
” But the timing couldn ’ t be worse for many L.A.-area businesses , already struggling from the weight of months of hobbling along during the pandemic .
At a season normally all about gathering , gathering is increasingly at the root of spread — and a major hit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who owns Shannon ’ s and the Carvery in Downtown Long Beach , has been keeping his restaurants afloat thanks to his 95-seat patio , which sits on Pine Avenue as a result of the city ’ s Open Streets program .
Since Shannon ’ s stays open until after midnight , a new curfew and reduced patio capacity is expected to be a double hit during already tough times .
“ That ’ s not good at all for us , ” he said .
He said a lot of his crowd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to eat at his place after work .
“ That ’ s a big chunk of our business , ” he said .
“ It ’ s hard — and they keep changing things all the time .
I don ’ t think the recent bump in COVID has anything to do with restaurant dining .
That ’ s controlled , ” he said .
“ We ’ re following all the COVID routines but when you leave the restaurant they ’ re not .
People are walking around the street — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks when people are walking down sidewalks ?
That ’ s ridiculous , ” he added .
Similarly , Robert Molina , who owns Roxanne ’ s in Long Beach , is expecting to take a big financial hit due to the new restrictions .
“ It ’ s hard , it really is .
All this is heartbreaking , ” he said .
When inside dining was restricted , Molina turned the 3,200-square-foot parking lot next to his restaurant and lounge into a sprawling patio with more than 100 seats , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds .
“ It has done wonders .
It ’ s kept us afloat , ” he said .
But he said he will have no choice but to follow the new guidelines .
“ So now it ’ s about adapting again to see what we can do , ” Molina said , adding that he may have to focus more on to-go orders again as well as ramping up production in his distillery , located directly behind the restaurant .
Nevertheless , he has no plans to give up .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this .
We ’ re not going to close .
We ’ re going to keep going until the wheels fall off , ” he said .
A 10 p.m. stop would have an immediate effect on The Raymond 1886 , a fine-dining establishment in Pasadena that is already offering patio dining at 50 % capacity .
Assistant manager Andrew Cohan said it would discourage diners who come in later .
“ There ’ s only so many guests I can seat between 4 and 8 o ’ clock.
” In Monrovia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Restaurant , was already concerned about business at the eatery , which is already down to 40 % of normal .
Most of it comes from outdoor dining .
“ It would really put us down , ” McCoy said , adding that the holidays are her busiest time of year .
Reporters Fielding Buck , David Rosenfeld and Richard Guzman contributed to this story .

With coronavirus surging, Los Angeles County Public Health officials tightened restrictions on Tuesday, Nov. 17, including curfews on restaurants, wineries, bars and cardrooms, while ordering new caps on social gatherings, officials said.
While they stopped short of full stay-home orders, they noted the potential for stricter orders akin to what the region experienced in March, if the numbers get substantially worse.
Effective Friday, the new directives include:
The closure of restaurants, breweries, wineries and non-essential retail from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.;
A cap of no more than 15 people at outdoor social gatherings, and no more than three households at any gathering;
A cap of 25% occupancy on the number of people permitted at indoor retail sites, personal care businesses and offices;
A cap of 50% capacity at outdoor restaurants, breweries and wineries;
The number of customers at cardrooms, outdoor mini-golf courses, go-kart tracks and batting cages will be limited to 50% of maximum outdoor capacity; and
Personal care establishments will be required to serve customers only by appointment, and services that require people to remove masks will not be permitted.
The tightened measures arrive as infections grow at levels not seen since summer in L.A. County — and with the flu season and the holidays looming on the horizon.
The new rules arrived as the county reported 25 new deaths and 2,301 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the county’s totals to 344,523 positive and 7,299 fatalities.
There are 1,126 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized — with 27% in intensive-care units — the highest number since mid-August. It’s more than a 40% increase from two week ago, when 798 people were being cared for in hospitals.
The daily report did not include the latest numbers from Pasadena and Long Beach, which operate their own health departments. A new fatality increased Pasadena’s death toll to 130; 61 new cases brought its total to 3,160. Long Beach reported 157 new cases, for a total of 14,487; its death toll remained at 266.
“Los Angeles County is at a critical moment to save lives and curb the spread of COVID-19,” said L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement. “I urge our residents, businesses and community leaders to heed this warning and follow these heightened safeguards so that additional restrictions do not need to be imposed.”
The county’s health order will be amended to reflect the new restrictions, which came on a day on which the county reported 2,884 cases as the current five-day average .
Even as the promise of a vaccine increases, the order offers a grim outlook for the near future in the county. Public health officials are anticipating the potential for “continued surge of cases and hospitalizations.”
On Tuesday, along with the new restrictions, officials noted that they’ve established markers for further actions if cases or hospitalizations continue to rise.
If the five-day average of cases in the county reaches 4,000 or more, or if hospitalizations reach more than 1,750 per day, restrictions will include:
Prohibiting outdoor and indoor dining at restaurants, breweries, wineries and bars. Such businesses would only be able to offer pick-up and delivery.
But if the five-day average of cases spills over 4,500, or hospitalizations top 2,000 per day:
A new “Safer at Home” order will be imposed for three weeks. The order would only allow essential workers and those securing essential services to leave their homes.
As sobering as the latest updates were, they came after consultation with the county’s Board of Supervisors during a closed-session Tuesday, where Ferrer confided in the five leaders.
“I was very supportive. I was very concerned about the numbers going up,” said L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl of the new rules.
Supervisor Janice Hahn echoed her colleague: “If you found yourself slipping into riskier activities like eating out with friends or having family over, now is the time to go back to exercising the same caution you did back in March and April,” she said.
But officials were also wary of a widespread shutdown, similar to the initial stay-home orders in March, when the virus originally took hold. “We’re trying to allow business to function and trying to cut back where we think the greatest danger is.”
“I didn’t want everything to shut down suddenly,” Keuhl said. “We’re pretty sure if everybody follows (the health order) we could bring the numbers back down.”
Public health officials — and county supervisors, who signed off on the limits — are concerned that the flu, coupled with seasonal family gatherings and other large groups getting together, will only hasten the virus’ spread, which in L.A. County has led to the deaths of 7,275 people since March.
The current surge is also gripping the state and nation. Varied levels of restrictions have been launched in recent weeks in states around the U.S.
This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom moved 28 counties — including Orange — back to the most restrictive tier of California’s matrix governing business operations and retooled the way counties will be classified in the state’s four-tier reopening matrix.
L.A. County has been stuck in the most-restrictive purple tier since the system was instituted.
Case rates among people 18 to 29 have more than doubled in L.A. County, accounting for the largest proportion of new cases consistently over the past two months, she said. Case rates among those aged 30 to 45 have nearly doubled. Those over 80 years old account for most of the hospitalizations, which rose to 1,049 people over the weekend, though officials are most concerned that young people gathering are intensifying the spread.
Some are worried that if the surge rises exponentially, hospitals could be swamped. Officials at many county hospitals have said they are weathering the worsening outbreak so far and have stockpiled protective gear.
County health officials have hinted that new restrictions were on the way, especially with the holidays on the horizon.
Ferrer stressed that people’s mindsets must return to where they were earlier in the pandemic.
For residents, that means rethinking holiday plans and cancelling travel outside the region in the coming weeks, Ferrer said.
For those still planning to gather for Thanksgiving, she urged that people do so with no more than two households, celebrating outdoors while wearing face coverings and social distancing as much as possible.
“Stay home as much as possible for the next two to three weeks, when possible,” Ferrer said. “Try to use delivery service for grocery and medicines. If this isn’t possible, assign one person to do shopping.”
But the timing couldn’t be worse for many L.A.-area businesses, already struggling from the weight of months of hobbling along during the pandemic. At a season normally all about gathering, gathering is increasingly at the root of spread — and a major hit to their bottom line.
Restaurauteurs react
Ron Hodges, who owns Shannon’s and the Carvery in Downtown Long Beach, has been keeping his restaurants afloat thanks to his 95-seat patio, which sits on Pine Avenue as a result of the city’s Open Streets program.
Since Shannon’s stays open until after midnight, a new curfew and reduced patio capacity is expected to be a double hit during already tough times.
“That’s not good at all for us,” he said.
He said a lot of his crowd is made up of late-night diners who come to eat at his place after work.
“That’s a big chunk of our business,” he said.
“It’s hard — and they keep changing things all the time. I don’t think the recent bump in COVID has anything to do with restaurant dining. That’s controlled,” he said.
“We’re following all the COVID routines but when you leave the restaurant they’re not. People are walking around the street — and why don’t they require masks when people are walking down sidewalks? That’s ridiculous,” he added.
Similarly, Robert Molina, who owns Roxanne’s in Long Beach, is expecting to take a big financial hit due to the new restrictions.
“It’s hard, it really is. All this is heartbreaking,” he said.
When inside dining was restricted, Molina turned the 3,200-square-foot parking lot next to his restaurant and lounge into a sprawling patio with more than 100 seats, while staying open until 1:30 a.m. serving late-night crowds.
“It has done wonders. It’s kept us afloat,” he said.
But he said he will have no choice but to follow the new guidelines.
“So now it’s about adapting again to see what we can do,” Molina said, adding that he may have to focus more on to-go orders again as well as ramping up production in his distillery, located directly behind the restaurant.
Nevertheless, he has no plans to give up.
“We made our mind to commit to this. We’re not going to close. We’re going to keep going until the wheels fall off,” he said.
A 10 p.m. stop would have an immediate effect on The Raymond 1886, a fine-dining establishment in Pasadena that is already offering patio dining at 50% capacity. Assistant manager Andrew Cohan said it would discourage diners who come in later.
“There’s only so many guests I can seat between 4 and 8 o’clock.”
In Monrovia, Connie McCoy, manager at LeRoy’s Restaurant, was already concerned about business at the eatery, which is already down to 40% of normal. Most of it comes from outdoor dining.
“It would really put us down,” McCoy said, adding that the holidays are her busiest time of year.
Reporters Fielding Buck, David Rosenfeld and Richard Guzman contributed to this story.


mercurynews--2020-11-18--Whale with mangled tail traveled from Russia to California

It was obvious from the humpback whale ’ s disfigured tail , this sea creature had quite a tale .
Even longtime whale watchers couldn ’ t believe the journey the humpback had been on – crossing some 3,800 miles from Russian waters to Southern California , despite having big chunks of its tail missing .
Newport Coastal Adventure crew first documented the unique whale a year ago off Palos Verdes , but had no idea about its travels .
But a whale ’ s tail is like a fingerprint , no two are the same .
So when whale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month off Catalina , they hoped images captured of the humpback would help tell its story .
Turns out , the photos were a match with images captured in 2015 off the Russian coast .
A humpback from cold-water Russia making its way across the Pacific Ocean to Southern California ?
That ’ s a journey unheard of in the whale world .
“ This is the first humpback I ’ ve ever documented that has been seen in Russia .
Usually we get excited if it is documented in Monterey or Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Girardeau , a photographer who documented the whale .
Whale enthusiasts and researchers are able to identify and track a whale ’ s movements on a website called Happywhale , which documents mostly humpback whales but also other sea creatures to keep a global catalog of when they are photographed in the wild .
Typically , the humpbacks found off Southern California ’ s coast line migrate between here and Mexico , sometimes as far as Costa Rica .
Those with unique tails become favorite visitors , such as Flicka , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dives down for food , or Chief or Snowflake .
Scarlett , who had such bad lice her back turned red , was a local favorite before she died from her injuries after being entangled .
“ Most of the them , we can recognize them on sight , ” Girardeau said .
“ Each summer , there ’ s a few that hang out and you get to know them .
This one came out of the blue.
” The crew aboard the Newport Coastal Adventure charter that spotted the whale wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name .
As they tossed around ideas , two military jets past above the boat .
So “ Top Gun ” seemed a fitting suggestion , especially because it seemed this whale had been in a fierce battle in its younger life .
“ It had killer whale teeth marks all over it , you could tell it survived a pretty brutal attack when it was a calf , ” Girardeau said.
“ We see a decent amount of whales with killer whale marks , this one missing most of its fluke on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a catchy name and entered into the database , they didn ’ t know the whale already had an ID , based on images that had been submitted to Happywhale back in 2015 when it was spotted in Russia .
The match came back Friday , Nov. 13 .
Girardeau couldn ’ t pronounce its Russian name listed on Happywhale , but said he asked some passengers visiting from that region to translate and was told it meant Hunk or Chunk – he ’ s not quite sure .
The whale also has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whale ’ s wounds look fresher in the images taken off the Russian coast , Girardeau said , leading him to think the 35-foot whale is about 6 years old , since killer whales typically attack young calves .
“ It ’ s kind of crazy , the whale ’ s tail tells a story , ” he said .
“ We know what happens in the past , it makes it extra special when we see it , we can tell a story that it survived an attack .
Despite all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trash and all the stuff humans put in the ocean , there ’ s still the natural predators , too.
” Girardeau said he wonders if there ’ s more images from the past five years that could fill in the gaps of its life .
• Dungeness crab won ’ t be on the Thanksgiving menu this year “ Where else has this whale been ?
” he asked , wondering if it was born in more tropical waters such as near the Philippines .
“ There might be someone out there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maybe someone has a photo .
It ’ s like a mystery – where else is this whale going ?
” Having the Happywhale resource is helping to tell the story of these mysterious whales and their journeys , Girardeau said .
“ It ’ s so cool because it makes it fun to document the whales .
Before , we would just know the ones spotted locally .
Now we can see when they visit other countries , now we can find out how old they are , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from now , there might be a whale we ’ re documenting now that will get documented in the future .
”

It was obvious from the humpback whale’s disfigured tail, this sea creature had quite a tale.
Even longtime whale watchers couldn’t believe the journey the humpback had been on – crossing some 3,800 miles from Russian waters to Southern California, despite having big chunks of its tail missing.
Newport Coastal Adventure crew first documented the unique whale a year ago off Palos Verdes, but had no idea about its travels.
But a whale’s tail is like a fingerprint, no two are the same. So when whale watchers spotted the same creature earlier this month off Catalina, they hoped images captured of the humpback would help tell its story.
Turns out, the photos were a match with images captured in 2015 off the Russian coast. A humpback from cold-water Russia making its way across the Pacific Ocean to Southern California? That’s a journey unheard of in the whale world.
“This is the first humpback I’ve ever documented that has been seen in Russia. Usually we get excited if it is documented in Monterey or Washington and then comes here,” said Mark Girardeau, a photographer who documented the whale.
Whale enthusiasts and researchers are able to identify and track a whale’s movements on a website called Happywhale, which documents mostly humpback whales but also other sea creatures to keep a global catalog of when they are photographed in the wild.
Typically, the humpbacks found off Southern California’s coast line migrate between here and Mexico, sometimes as far as Costa Rica. Those with unique tails become favorite visitors, such as Flicka, who likes to flick her tail when she dives down for food, or Chief or Snowflake. Scarlett, who had such bad lice her back turned red, was a local favorite before she died from her injuries after being entangled.
“Most of the them, we can recognize them on sight,” Girardeau said. “Each summer, there’s a few that hang out and you get to know them. This one came out of the blue.”
The crew aboard the Newport Coastal Adventure charter that spotted the whale wanted to give this unique humpback a fitting name. As they tossed around ideas, two military jets past above the boat.
So “Top Gun” seemed a fitting suggestion, especially because it seemed this whale had been in a fierce battle in its younger life.
“It had killer whale teeth marks all over it, you could tell it survived a pretty brutal attack when it was a calf,” Girardeau said.“We see a decent amount of whales with killer whale marks, this one missing most of its fluke on both sides.”
Though Top Gun was a catchy name and entered into the database, they didn’t know the whale already had an ID, based on images that had been submitted to Happywhale back in 2015 when it was spotted in Russia. The match came back Friday, Nov. 13.
Girardeau couldn’t pronounce its Russian name listed on Happywhale, but said he asked some passengers visiting from that region to translate and was told it meant Hunk or Chunk – he’s not quite sure.
The whale also has an ID number: RCHP-15RUCO1508.
The whale’s wounds look fresher in the images taken off the Russian coast, Girardeau said, leading him to think the 35-foot whale is about 6 years old, since killer whales typically attack young calves.
“It’s kind of crazy, the whale’s tail tells a story,” he said. “We know what happens in the past, it makes it extra special when we see it, we can tell a story that it survived an attack. Despite all the things whales have to contend with, trash and all the stuff humans put in the ocean, there’s still the natural predators, too.”
Girardeau said he wonders if there’s more images from the past five years that could fill in the gaps of its life.
“Where else has this whale been?” he asked, wondering if it was born in more tropical waters such as near the Philippines. “There might be someone out there holding the key to this whale. Maybe someone has a photo. It’s like a mystery – where else is this whale going?”
Having the Happywhale resource is helping to tell the story of these mysterious whales and their journeys, Girardeau said.
“It’s so cool because it makes it fun to document the whales. Before, we would just know the ones spotted locally. Now we can see when they visit other countries, now we can find out how old they are,” he said. “Even 50 years or 100 years from now, there might be a whale we’re documenting now that will get documented in the future.”


mercurynews--2020-11-18--Pfizer and BioNTech say final analysis shows coronavirus vaccine is 95% effective with no safety con

Pfizer and BioNTech say final analysis shows coronavirus vaccine is 95% effective with no safety concerns

A final analysis of the Phase 3 trial of Pfizer ’ s coronavirus vaccine shows it was 95 % effective in preventing infections , even in older adults , and caused no serious safety concerns , the company said Wednesday .
The company counted 170 cases of coronavirus infection among volunteers who took part in the trial .
It said 162 infections were in people who got placebo , or plain saline shots , while eight cases were in participants who got the actual vaccine .
That works out to an efficacy of 95 % , Pfizer said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a better than 90 % efficacy — a claim that stunned and pleased health officials and vaccine developers last week — holds up .
“ Efficacy was consistent across age , race and ethnicity demographics .
The observed efficacy in adults over 65 years of age was over 94 % , ” Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech said in a joint statement .
“ There were 10 severe cases of Covid-19 observed in the trial , with nine of the cases occurring in the placebo group and one in the BNT162b2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name for the vaccine .
An independent group has been keeping an eye on results and side-effects .
“ To date , the Data Monitoring Committee for the study has not reported any serious safety concerns related to the vaccine , ” the companies said .
“ The only Grade 3 ( severe ) solicited adverse event greater than or equal to 2 % in frequency after the first or second dose was fatigue at 3.7 % following dose 2 , ” the companies said .
Older adults tended to have fewer adverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pfizer said it will seek US Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorization “ within days.
” “ These data also will be submitted to other regulatory agencies around the world , ” Pfizer said .
They plan to publish the data in a peer-reviewed scientific journal , as well .
“ The rapid protection this vaccine provides — combined with its tolerability profile in all age groups studied so far — should help make this vaccine an important tool to address the current pandemic , ” said Dr. Ugur Sahin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on November 9 that interim data provided initial evidence the vaccine had an efficacy of more than 90 % .
That data was based on the first 94 cases of coronavirus infection among volunteers .
The company said at the time it would need to count more cases of infection in the trial before it could consider the Phase 3 part of the trial finished and seek FDA authorization .
The Phase 3 clinical trial of the vaccine began on July 27 .
Pfizer said of 43,661 volunteers enrolled , 41,135 have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or placebo .
The FDA said it wanted at least two months of safety tracking on volunteers after they got their second shots .
The companies also said they have tried to recruit a diverse pool of volunteers , to match more closely the groups most severely affected by the pandemic .
“ Approximately 42 % of global participants and 30 % of U.S. participants have racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds , and 41 % of global and 45 % of U.S. participants are 56-85 years of age , ” Pfizer said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ States , Germany , Turkey , South Africa , Brazil and Argentina will continue to collect information about efficacy and safety for two more years .
“ Based on current projections , the companies expect to produce globally up to 50 million vaccine doses in 2020 and up to 1.3 billion doses in 2021 , ” they said .
Pfizer has three US vaccine manufacturing sites in St. Louis , Kalamazoo , Michigan and Andover , Massachusetts , plus one in the Belgian city of Puurs .
“ BioNTech ’ s German sites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the companies said .
Many states have expressed concern about the fragility of the Pfizer vaccine , which must be kept at minus 75 degrees Celsius , or minus 103 degrees Fahrenheit — far below the capability of standard freezers .
But the companies said their custom packaging would help .
“ Pfizer is confident in its vast experience , expertise and existing cold-chain infrastructure to distribute the vaccine around the world , ” they said .
“ The companies have developed specially designed , temperature-controlled thermal shippers utilizing dry ice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” they added .
“ They can be used be as temporary storage units for 15 days by refilling with dry ice .
Each shipper contains a GPS-enabled thermal sensor to track the location and temperature of each vaccine shipment across their pre-set routes leveraging Pfizer ’ s broad distribution network.
” Both Moderna ’ s and Pfizer ’ s vaccine use a new and relatively untested vaccine technology that employs genetic material called messenger RNA or mRNA .
The mRNA encodes for a piece of the coronavirus ’ s spike protein– the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it attacks .
When injected into people , it causes some cells to produce little pieces of this spike protein , which the immune system recognizes and develops antibodies and immune cells to attack .
So when a vaccinated person is exposed to the real virus , the immune system is already primed to neutralize it quickly .

A final analysis of the Phase 3 trial of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine shows it was 95% effective in preventing infections, even in older adults, and caused no serious safety concerns, the company said Wednesday.
The company counted 170 cases of coronavirus infection among volunteers who took part in the trial. It said 162 infections were in people who got placebo, or plain saline shots, while eight cases were in participants who got the actual vaccine. That works out to an efficacy of 95%, Pfizer said.
The data show Pfizer’s initial claim of a better than 90% efficacy — a claim that stunned and pleased health officials and vaccine developers last week — holds up.
“Efficacy was consistent across age, race and ethnicity demographics. The observed efficacy in adults over 65 years of age was over 94%,” Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech said in a joint statement.
“There were 10 severe cases of Covid-19 observed in the trial, with nine of the cases occurring in the placebo group and one in the BNT162b2 vaccinated group.” BNT162b2 is the experimental name for the vaccine.
An independent group has been keeping an eye on results and side-effects. “To date, the Data Monitoring Committee for the study has not reported any serious safety concerns related to the vaccine,” the companies said.
“The only Grade 3 (severe) solicited adverse event greater than or equal to 2% in frequency after the first or second dose was fatigue at 3.7% following dose 2,” the companies said. Older adults tended to have fewer adverse events and those they had were milder.
Pfizer will seek EUA ‘within days’
Pfizer said it will seek US Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorization “within days.”
“These data also will be submitted to other regulatory agencies around the world,” Pfizer said. They plan to publish the data in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, as well.
“The rapid protection this vaccine provides — combined with its tolerability profile in all age groups studied so far — should help make this vaccine an important tool to address the current pandemic,” said Dr. Ugur Sahin, CEO and co-founder of BioNTech.
Pfizer said on November 9 that interim data provided initial evidence the vaccine had an efficacy of more than 90%. That data was based on the first 94 cases of coronavirus infection among volunteers. The company said at the time it would need to count more cases of infection in the trial before it could consider the Phase 3 part of the trial finished and seek FDA authorization.
The Phase 3 clinical trial of the vaccine began on July 27. Pfizer said of 43,661 volunteers enrolled, 41,135 have received a second dose of the vaccine or placebo. The FDA said it wanted at least two months of safety tracking on volunteers after they got their second shots.
The companies also said they have tried to recruit a diverse pool of volunteers, to match more closely the groups most severely affected by the pandemic. “Approximately 42% of global participants and 30% of U.S. participants have racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, and 41% of global and 45% of U.S. participants are 56-85 years of age,” Pfizer said.
The 150 clinical trials sites in United States, Germany, Turkey, South Africa, Brazil and Argentina will continue to collect information about efficacy and safety for two more years.
1.3 billion doses expected in 2021
“Based on current projections, the companies expect to produce globally up to 50 million vaccine doses in 2020 and up to 1.3 billion doses in 2021,” they said.
Pfizer has three US vaccine manufacturing sites in St. Louis, Kalamazoo, Michigan and Andover, Massachusetts, plus one in the Belgian city of Puurs. “BioNTech’s German sites will also be leveraged for global supply,” the companies said.
Many states have expressed concern about the fragility of the Pfizer vaccine, which must be kept at minus 75 degrees Celsius, or minus 103 degrees Fahrenheit — far below the capability of standard freezers.
But the companies said their custom packaging would help.
“Pfizer is confident in its vast experience, expertise and existing cold-chain infrastructure to distribute the vaccine around the world,” they said.
“The companies have developed specially designed, temperature-controlled thermal shippers utilizing dry ice to maintain temperature conditions of -70°C,” they added.
“They can be used be as temporary storage units for 15 days by refilling with dry ice. Each shipper contains a GPS-enabled thermal sensor to track the location and temperature of each vaccine shipment across their pre-set routes leveraging Pfizer’s broad distribution network.”
Vaccine maker Moderna released interim efficacy data Monday showing its vaccine provided about 95% protection.
Both Moderna’s and Pfizer’s vaccine use a new and relatively untested vaccine technology that employs genetic material called messenger RNA or mRNA. The mRNA encodes for a piece of the coronavirus’s spike protein– the structure it uses to attach to cells it attacks.
When injected into people, it causes some cells to produce little pieces of this spike protein, which the immune system recognizes and develops antibodies and immune cells to attack. So when a vaccinated person is exposed to the real virus, the immune system is already primed to neutralize it quickly.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


Bridge: Nov. 18, 2020

“ My husband went down at four hearts , ” a fan writes , “ and swore it was unmakeable.
” My fan says her husband ducked the first diamond , won East ’ s diamond return , drew trumps , took the ace of spades and finessed with dummy ’ s jack .
East won and returned a diamond , and South ruffed in dummy and took the king of spades .
“ West discarded , ” my fan says , “ so my husband ruffed dummy ’ s last spade and led a club .
East had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clubs and groaned that the cards lay badly .
It ’ s the same way at home if I ask him to find a lost item : When he says he ’ s looked everywhere , it means he ’ s opened three cabinets and skimmed the floor.
” South can win the second diamond , draw trumps and ruff his last diamond in dummy .
He leads a spade to his ace and returns a club to dummy ’ s jack .
When East wins , he must concede the 10th trick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South gets a free finesse .
If he leads a club , dummy ’ s king scores .
A diamond , if East had one , would yield a ruff-sluff .
You hold : S K J 6 5 H Q 9 5 4 D 10 4 C K J 6 .
The dealer , at your left , opens three diamonds .
Your partner doubles , and the next player passes .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your partner ’ s double obliges you to respond at the three level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 or more points .
You should have game at a major suit .
Since partner may have better support for one major than the other , cue-bid four diamonds to let him choose the trump suit .

“My husband went down at four hearts,” a fan writes, “and swore it was unmakeable.”
My fan says her husband ducked the first diamond, won East’s diamond return, drew trumps, took the ace of spades and finessed with dummy’s jack. East won and returned a diamond, and South ruffed in dummy and took the king of spades.
“West discarded,” my fan says, “so my husband ruffed dummy’s last spade and led a club. East had the A-Q, so my hubby lost two clubs and groaned that the cards lay badly. It’s the same way at home if I ask him to find a lost item: When he says he’s looked everywhere, it means he’s opened three cabinets and skimmed the floor.”
LAST DIAMOND
South can win the second diamond, draw trumps and ruff his last diamond in dummy. He leads a spade to his ace and returns a club to dummy’s jack.
When East wins, he must concede the 10th trick. If he leads a spade, South gets a free finesse. If he leads a club, dummy’s king scores. A diamond, if East had one, would yield a ruff-sluff.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K J 6 5 H Q 9 5 4 D 10 4 C K J 6. The dealer, at your left, opens three diamonds. Your partner doubles, and the next player passes. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your partner’s double obliges you to respond at the three level, hence his hand should be worth 17 or more points. You should have game at a major suit. Since partner may have better support for one major than the other, cue-bid four diamonds to let him choose the trump suit.
South dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S K J 6 5
H Q 9 5 4
D 10 4
C K J 6
WEST
S 8 7
H 10 6
D K J 8 6 2
C 10 8 7 5
EAST
S Q 10 9 3
H J 7
D Q 9 7
C A Q 3 2
SOUTH
S A 4 2
H A K 8 3 2
D A 5 3
C 9 4
South West North East
1 H Pass 3 H Pass
4 H All Pass
Opening lead — D 6
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-11-18--Horoscopes Nov. 18, 2020: Owen Wilson, be the one to make the first move

Happy Birthday : Take the initiative , and turn your thoughts into something tangible .
Be the one to make the first move .
Be innovative and ready to bring about change .
Stop worrying about what you can not change , and start making a difference where possible .
Concentrate on health , finances and consistency .
Step outside your comfort zone , and practice what you preach .
Your numbers are 9 , 15 , 22 , 27 , 34 , 36 , 44 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Avoid no-win emotional situations that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controversy and build better relationships with others .
How you present who you are , what you want and what you are willing to give will be instrumental in what you receive .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Think your plans through , and refuse to let anyone tamper with your choices or the goals you set .
Don ’ t succumb to peer pressure or mind games .
Follow your heart , and make positive adjustments as you advance .
5 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let someone interfere , you ’ ll fall short of your goal .
Taking on someone ’ s problems won ’ t help them or you .
Offer suggestions , but don ’ t take over .
Pay attention to someone you love in order to avoid hurt feelings .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Keep your cool , regardless of what others do .
Focus on bringing about positive change at home and finding a way to handle your money , responsibilities and relationships with others without discord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love and happiness will pay off .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Do what has to be done , and don ’ t complain .
If you raise issues , you will meet with opposition .
Get things done on time , and avoid a pointless debate .
Less talk and more action will keep you out of trouble .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : You ’ ve got what it takes to win .
Take on a challenge , embrace competition and make adjustments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you see .
Run the show , and don ’ t feel you need to impress anyone other than yourself .
5 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Change what isn ’ t working for you .
Take better care of your home , family and the way you handle money matters .
An emotional scene won ’ t help you solve anything .
Be honest , direct and willing to find common ground to avoid setbacks .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Knowledge is power .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about positive change .
Let your heart and your emotions lead to taking action .
Speak freely and passionately about what you want , and live life your way .
4 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Remain focused on home improvements , keeping the peace and letting go of the past .
Carrying emotional baggage won ’ t help you build strong relationships or make better decisions .
Make personal growth , less stress , and better health your priorities .
Romance is featured .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , get approval from those affected by the decisions you make and carry on with your itinerary .
Letting others have a say will encourage them to support and help you achieve your goal .
Someone ’ s uncertainty will help you customize your plans .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Look for better ways to handle or earn money .
Consider your attributes and how you can get them up to speed with the changing world market .
Address uncertainty regarding a contract , a problem you face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Call on old friends , and valuable information that will help change your life will be revealed .
A last-minute change of plans will play in your favor .
A favor you offer will lead to an unexpected reward .
Financial gain is heading your way .
4 stars Birthday Baby : You are sensitive , passionate and possessive .
You are mysterious and secretive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Damon Wayans Jr., 38; Chloe Sevigny, 46; Owen Wilson, 52; Oscar Nunez, 62.
Happy Birthday: Take the initiative, and turn your thoughts into something tangible. Be the one to make the first move. Be innovative and ready to bring about change. Stop worrying about what you cannot change, and start making a difference where possible. Concentrate on health, finances and consistency. Step outside your comfort zone, and practice what you preach. Your numbers are 9, 15, 22, 27, 34, 36, 44.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Avoid no-win emotional situations that are debilitating. Find a way to overcome controversy and build better relationships with others. How you present who you are, what you want and what you are willing to give will be instrumental in what you receive. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Think your plans through, and refuse to let anyone tamper with your choices or the goals you set. Don’t succumb to peer pressure or mind games. Follow your heart, and make positive adjustments as you advance. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Stay on track. If you let someone interfere, you’ll fall short of your goal. Taking on someone’s problems won’t help them or you. Offer suggestions, but don’t take over. Pay attention to someone you love in order to avoid hurt feelings. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep your cool, regardless of what others do. Focus on bringing about positive change at home and finding a way to handle your money, responsibilities and relationships with others without discord. A unique approach to life, love and happiness will pay off. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Do what has to be done, and don’t complain. If you raise issues, you will meet with opposition. Get things done on time, and avoid a pointless debate. Less talk and more action will keep you out of trouble. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ve got what it takes to win. Take on a challenge, embrace competition and make adjustments if you don’t like what you see. Run the show, and don’t feel you need to impress anyone other than yourself. 5 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Change what isn’t working for you. Take better care of your home, family and the way you handle money matters. An emotional scene won’t help you solve anything. Be honest, direct and willing to find common ground to avoid setbacks. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Knowledge is power. Gather information that enables you to bring about positive change. Let your heart and your emotions lead to taking action. Speak freely and passionately about what you want, and live life your way. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Remain focused on home improvements, keeping the peace and letting go of the past. Carrying emotional baggage won’t help you build strong relationships or make better decisions. Make personal growth, less stress, and better health your priorities. Romance is featured. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Discuss your plans, get approval from those affected by the decisions you make and carry on with your itinerary. Letting others have a say will encourage them to support and help you achieve your goal. Someone’s uncertainty will help you customize your plans. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Look for better ways to handle or earn money. Consider your attributes and how you can get them up to speed with the changing world market. Address uncertainty regarding a contract, a problem you face with an institution or your health. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Call on old friends, and valuable information that will help change your life will be revealed. A last-minute change of plans will play in your favor. A favor you offer will lead to an unexpected reward. Financial gain is heading your way. 4 stars
Birthday Baby: You are sensitive, passionate and possessive. You are mysterious and secretive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-11-19--Thousands protest in Thailand over planned reforms

Thailand ’ s parliament on Wednesday voted to move forward with two proposals on amending the constitution but stopped short of backing a motion that included monarchical reform , amid intensifying protests against the country ’ s military-backed government .
A youth-led movement has held regular demonstrations for the past five months , demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha — who seized power in a military coup in 2014 — the dissolution of parliament and changes to the constitution that they say entrenches the military ’ s power .
Protesters have also broken long-held taboos and risked lengthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the monarchy to curb the King ’ s powers and ensure he is accountable to the constitution .
The movement is the biggest challenge to the establishment the country has seen in decades .
The vote came a day after the worst night of violence in the country ’ s five-month protest movement saw live ammunition used for the first time and left 55 people injured .
Thousands of protesters on Wednesday again took to the streets of Bangkok .
Members of Thailand ’ s Senate and the House of Representatives on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of reform to the constitution put forward by the government , the opposition and one proposal from the people .
Among the reforms discussed was the undemocratic power of the Senate , of which all of its members — currently 245 — are handpicked by the Thai military and have the voting power to appoint the prime minister jointly with the lower house .
None of the six proposals included monarchical reform .
The seventh motion was brought by Thai social reform NGO iLaw and has received huge support from pro-democracy protesters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pave the way to rewrite a new charter that would cover every chapter , including the monarchy .
That motion failed to win enough votes for approval , receiving only 212 votes from the joint sitting parliament of 732 members .
It needed at least half the vote and at least a third of the Senate to pass .
Two proposals were adopted that would allow for discussion of constitutional change without affecting the monarchy .
A drafting committee is to be set up after these motions are endorsed by King Maha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rallied outside the parliament building in Bangkok on Tuesday , where they clashed with police and pro-monarchy groups in pitched street battles .
Police used tear gas and water cannons with chemical-laced water to disperse protesters who had cut through wire barricades that separated them from police lines outside parliament .
At least two people were shot with live rounds during the protests , police confirmed on Wednesday .
Police said one civilian was shot in the hip and a pro-democracy protester was shot in the left thigh .
Four others are believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police have not yet been able to talk to them so can not confirm whether their injuries are from live rounds , according to police spokesman Maj. Gen. Piya Tawichai .
They are all being treated in hospital .
Piya said the shots were fired after the police and fire brigade had withdrawn from the area and the two opposing factions had confronted each other just after 8 p.m. local time ( 8 a.m .
ET ) .
Police denied using live rounds or rubber bullets , and said they are investigating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t apply measures deemed unnecessary .
Measures used were matching with the protesters ’ behaviors .
Metropolitan Police Bureau would like to reiterate that , there were no rubber bullets .
Rubber bullets were not used during our operation last night .
And live ammunitions were certainly not used during our operation , ” Piya said in a news conference Tuesday night .
The violence on Tuesday started when a group of protesters tried to cut through wire barricades surrounding the Thai parliament .
Protesters wearing multi-colored rain ponchos , goggles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paint at police .
Police responded by firing water cannon and water laced with a chemical irritant to push the crowds back .
Some protesters carried inflatable yellow ducks and used them as shields against the water jets .
Fights also broke out between groups of pro-democracy protesters and royalist supporters , who wore yellow shirts and had been holding a counter-protest outside parliament .
Pro-democracy protesters broke through police lines and the two sides began hurling stones and debris at one another — the worst confrontation between the two groups since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the evening , police retreated from their positions and protesters took over an abandoned water cannon truck , spraying it with graffiti .
It is at this time that police said the live shots were fired .
As the chaos unfolded outside the parliament building , located next to the Chao Phraya River , several lawmakers left the area on boats .
The palace has not responded to the protests .
But earlier this month , King Vajiralongkorn told CNN and Channel 4 that “ Thailand is the land of compromise.
” Previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ demands have failed .
An extraordinary session of parliament earlier this month didn ’ t produce any results to ease the political crisis ; instead the formation of a national reconciliation committee was proposed .

By Helen Regen and Kocha Olarn | CNN
Thailand’s parliament on Wednesday voted to move forward with two proposals on amending the constitution but stopped short of backing a motion that included monarchical reform, amid intensifying protests against the country’s military-backed government.
A youth-led movement has held regular demonstrations for the past five months, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha — who seized power in a military coup in 2014 — the dissolution of parliament and changes to the constitution that they say entrenches the military’s power.
Protesters have also broken long-held taboos and risked lengthy prison sentences by calling for reform of the monarchy to curb the King’s powers and ensure he is accountable to the constitution. The movement is the biggest challenge to the establishment the country has seen in decades.
The vote came a day after the worst night of violence in the country’s five-month protest movement saw live ammunition used for the first time and left 55 people injured. Thousands of protesters on Wednesday again took to the streets of Bangkok.
Members of Thailand’s Senate and the House of Representatives on Wednesday voted on seven motions that included degrees of reform to the constitution put forward by the government, the opposition and one proposal from the people.
Among the reforms discussed was the undemocratic power of the Senate, of which all of its members — currently 245 — are handpicked by the Thai military and have the voting power to appoint the prime minister jointly with the lower house.
None of the six proposals included monarchical reform.
The seventh motion was brought by Thai social reform NGO iLaw and has received huge support from pro-democracy protesters. Their proposal would abolish the current constitution and pave the way to rewrite a new charter that would cover every chapter, including the monarchy.
That motion failed to win enough votes for approval, receiving only 212 votes from the joint sitting parliament of 732 members. It needed at least half the vote and at least a third of the Senate to pass.
Two proposals were adopted that would allow for discussion of constitutional change without affecting the monarchy. A drafting committee is to be set up after these motions are endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Protesters calling for constitutional reform rallied outside the parliament building in Bangkok on Tuesday, where they clashed with police and pro-monarchy groups in pitched street battles. Police used tear gas and water cannons with chemical-laced water to disperse protesters who had cut through wire barricades that separated them from police lines outside parliament.
At least two people were shot with live rounds during the protests, police confirmed on Wednesday. Police said one civilian was shot in the hip and a pro-democracy protester was shot in the left thigh.
Four others are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds, but police have not yet been able to talk to them so cannot confirm whether their injuries are from live rounds, according to police spokesman Maj. Gen. Piya Tawichai. They are all being treated in hospital.
Piya said the shots were fired after the police and fire brigade had withdrawn from the area and the two opposing factions had confronted each other just after 8 p.m. local time (8 a.m. ET).
Police denied using live rounds or rubber bullets, and said they are investigating the source of the shots.
“We didn’t apply measures deemed unnecessary. Measures used were matching with the protesters’ behaviors. Metropolitan Police Bureau would like to reiterate that, there were no rubber bullets. Rubber bullets were not used during our operation last night. And live ammunitions were certainly not used during our operation,” Piya said in a news conference Tuesday night.
The violence on Tuesday started when a group of protesters tried to cut through wire barricades surrounding the Thai parliament.
Protesters wearing multi-colored rain ponchos, goggles and hard hats threw smoke bombs and paint at police. Police responded by firing water cannon and water laced with a chemical irritant to push the crowds back. Some protesters carried inflatable yellow ducks and used them as shields against the water jets.
Fights also broke out between groups of pro-democracy protesters and royalist supporters, who wore yellow shirts and had been holding a counter-protest outside parliament. Pro-democracy protesters broke through police lines and the two sides began hurling stones and debris at one another — the worst confrontation between the two groups since the start of the protests.
Later in the evening, police retreated from their positions and protesters took over an abandoned water cannon truck, spraying it with graffiti. It is at this time that police said the live shots were fired.
As the chaos unfolded outside the parliament building, located next to the Chao Phraya River, several lawmakers left the area on boats.
The palace has not responded to the protests. But earlier this month, King Vajiralongkorn told CNN and Channel 4 that “Thailand is the land of compromise.”
Previous attempts by lawmakers to address the protesters’ demands have failed. An extraordinary session of parliament earlier this month didn’t produce any results to ease the political crisis; instead the formation of a national reconciliation committee was proposed.


mercurynews--2020-11-19--South Bay pursuit ends in arrest, discovery of loaded AK-47

SARATOGA – A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing an AK-47 following a vehicle pursuit in the South Bay earlier this week , authorities said .
The chase began about 9:10 p.m. Monday when deputies tried to stop a driver for a red-light violation near Saratoga Avenue and Highway 85 in Saratoga , the Santa Clara County Sheriff ’ s Office said in a news release Wednesday .
The sheriff ’ s office said the driver lost control of his Infiniti G35 while exiting Winchester Boulevard and crashed into an embankment .
He then left the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unregistered AK-47 inside the car , the sheriff ’ s office said .
Campbell police officers , meanwhile , found the driver nearby and detained him .
The sheriff ’ s office said the driver was a convicted felon and on probation for grand theft .
The driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries and was later booked into county jail on charges of evading a peace officer , felon in possession of a firearm , felon in possession of ammunition , possession of a short-barreled rifle , possession of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a license , the sheriff ’ s office said .
No other injuries were reported .
Anyone with information related to the case can contact the sheriff ’ s office at 408-808-4500 .

SARATOGA – A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing an AK-47 following a vehicle pursuit in the South Bay earlier this week, authorities said.
The chase began at about 9:10 p.m. Monday when sheriff’s deputies tried to stop a driver for a red-light violation near Saratoga Avenue and Highway 85 in Saratoga, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Wednesday.
The sheriff’s office said the driver lost control of his Infiniti G35 while exiting Winchester Boulevard and crashed into an embankment. He then left the scene on foot.
Deputies found a loaded and unregistered AK-47 inside the car, the sheriff’s office said. Campbell police officers, meanwhile, found the driver nearby and detained him.
The sheriff’s office said the driver was a convicted felon and on probation for grand theft.
The driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries and was later booked into county jail on charges of evading a peace officer, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of a short-barreled rifle, possession of a high-capacity magazine, hit-and-run and driving without a license, the sheriff’s office said.
No other injuries were reported.
Anyone with information related to the case can contact the sheriff’s office at 408-808-4500.


mercurynews--2020-11-19--Warriors go big, draft James Wiseman with No. 2 pick

The Warriors took James Wiseman with the No .
2 pick in Wednesday night ’ s NBA draft , addressing the team ’ s stated need to get bigger and more athletic .
“ It ’ s a great fit for me , ” Wiseman , wearing a grey Warriors hat , said on a video conference call , “ I ’ m just ready to come in there and play my role.
” Though Wiseman , 19 , played just three games at Memphis before a legal battle over his NCAA eligibility resulted in him leaving the program , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workout with his ability to score at the rim and , with a 7-foot-6 wingspan , his upside on defense .
Wiseman , a 7-foot-1 , 240 pound center from Nashville , Tennessee , played a total of 69 minutes at the University of Memphis , which lost the nation ’ s top recruit because its coach , Penny Hardaway , provided financial assistance to Wiseman ’ s family when the player was in high school .
Rather than accept a 12-game suspension and financial penalty , Wiseman withdrew from the program .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve been through a lot , ” Wiseman said about his reaction to getting drafted .
The games he played provided a glimpse into what he could be — a rim protector on defense and lob threat on offense .
He averaged 19.7 points , 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game .
• NBA draft live blog : Warriors go with Wiseman at No .
2 • Kurtenbach : The worst thing the Warriors can do at No .
2 ?
Go big But without much film , Golden State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picture .
That changed when owner Joe Lacob , general manager Bob Myers and coach Steve Kerr visited Wiseman in October for an in-person workout in Miami .
Blown away with his size , speed and strength , Wiseman rose to the top of their draft board .
Prior to the draft , Wiseman worked out only with Golden State and Charlotte , viewing both as favorable landing spots .
Minnesota , which owned the No .
1 pick , already has Karl-Anthony Towns at center .
Wiseman seeks to emulate former NBA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bosh , but he ’ s yet to display the polish of his basketball idols .
Though he ’ s shown a willingness to shoot 3-pointers and space the floor like Bosh , and has flashed the ability to guard effectively on the perimeter like Garnett , most analysts agree that his immediate role will be much more limited .
In Golden State , Wiseman can thrive as a rim-runner , finishing lobs at the basket and rebounding misses from his All-Star teammates Stephen Curry , Klay Thompson and Draymond Green .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rim protection while coaches work with him on becoming a more well-rounded defender .
Over the summer , Wiseman has worked on his jumper and said “ it ’ s gotten way better.
” With reliable centers Marquese Chriss and Kevon Looney already on the roster , the Warriors can afford to bring Wiseman along slowly and take advantage of Curry ’ s championship window .
Beyond that , Wiseman has the potential to become a cornerstone for the Warriors .
“ They got a lot of great players on that team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m ready to go into Golden State with a great mindset , grow as much as possible and adapt and work my tail off .
”

The Warriors took James Wiseman with the No. 2 pick in Wednesday night’s NBA draft, addressing the team’s stated need to get bigger and more athletic.
“It’s a great position for me, great fit for me,” Wiseman, wearing a grey Warriors hat, said on a video conference call, “I’m just ready to come in there and play my role.”
Though Wiseman, 19, played just three games at Memphis before a legal battle over his NCAA eligibility resulted in him leaving the program, he impressed the Warriors during an in-person workout with his ability to score at the rim and, with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, his upside on defense.
Wiseman, a 7-foot-1, 240 pound center from Nashville, Tennessee, played a total of 69 minutes at the University of Memphis, which lost the nation’s top recruit because its coach, Penny Hardaway, provided financial assistance to Wiseman’s family when the player was in high school. Rather than accept a 12-game suspension and financial penalty, Wiseman withdrew from the program.
“I busted out in tears because I’ve been through a lot,” Wiseman said about his reaction to getting drafted.
The games he played provided a glimpse into what he could be — a rim protector on defense and lob threat on offense. He averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game. Related Articles Golden State Warriors | Here’s the Warriors’ schedule for NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament
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But without much film, Golden State couldn’t put together a complete picture. That changed when owner Joe Lacob, general manager Bob Myers and coach Steve Kerr visited Wiseman in October for an in-person workout in Miami. Blown away with his size, speed and strength, Wiseman rose to the top of their draft board.
“We love his character, we love his attitude,” Myers said. “I loved sitting with him, meeting him. He’s the Warriors-type of character we always look for, with a tremendous amount of room for growth.
“We had him No. 1 on our board when all the dust settled.”
Prior to the draft, Wiseman worked out only with Golden State and Charlotte, viewing both as favorable landing spots. Minnesota, which owned the No. 1 pick, already has Karl-Anthony Towns at center.
Wiseman seeks to emulate former NBA champion big men Kevin Garnett and Chris Bosh, but he’s yet to display the polish of his basketball idols. Though he’s shown a willingness to shoot 3-pointers and space the floor like Bosh, and has flashed the ability to guard effectively on the perimeter like Garnett, most analysts agree that his immediate role will be much more limited.
“We think he’s a great immediate help for a position we’ve coveted for a long time and the whole league does value,” Myers said. “Although some people think the whole league’s gone small, we believe there’s still a place for a guy like him and we think he’s got great potential to grow.”
In Golden State, Wiseman can thrive as a rim-runner, finishing lobs at the basket and rebounding misses from his All-Star teammates Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. He’ll also provide an immediate dose of rim protection while coaches work with him on becoming a more well-rounded defender. Over the summer, Wiseman has worked on his jumper and said “it’s gotten way better.”
Memphis center James Wiseman (32) dunks against Oregon during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Portland, Ore., in this Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, file photo.
James Wiseman #32 of the Memphis Tigers walks up court during the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks between the Oregon Ducks and Memphis Grizzlies at Moda Center on November 12, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
MARIETTA, GA - MARCH 25: James Wiseman competes in the dunk contest during the 2019 Powerade Jam Fest on March 25, 2019 in Marietta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images for Powerade)
James Wiseman #32 drives against Armando Bacot Jr. #5 during the Jordan Brand Classic boys high school all-star basketball game at T-Mobile Arena on April 20, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 12: James Wiseman #32 of the Memphis Tigers is introduced before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Moda Center on November 12, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. Oregon won the game 82-74. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 12: James Wiseman #32 of the Memphis Tigers tries to take the ball away from Payton Pritchard #3 of the Oregon Ducks during the second half of the game at Moda Center on November 12, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. Oregon won the game 82-74. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
FILE - Memphis center James Wiseman (32) posts up against Oregon forward Shakur Juiston during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Portland, Ore., in this Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, file photo. At long last, James Wiseman is about to be on a team again. More than a year removed from the end of his three-game college career that was doomed almost before it started because of NCAA rulings regarding his eligibility, the 7-foot-1 left-hander will be one of the first players selected in Wednesday’s, Nov. 18, 2020, NBA draft. It’s hard to envision a scenario where he doesn’t go in the first three picks, which are currently held by Minnesota, Golden State and Charlotte. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer, File)
Memphis' James Wiseman (32) shoots a basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Illinois-Chicago, Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Karen Pulfer Focht)
James Wiseman #32 of the Memphis Tigers and Anthony Mathis #32 of the Oregon Ducks battle for position during the second half of the game at Moda Center on November 12, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. Oregon won the game 82-74. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Payton Pritchard #3 of the Oregon Ducks and James Wiseman #32 of the Memphis Tigers battle for position during the first half of the game between the Oregon Ducks and Memphis Grizzlies at Moda Center on November 12, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
With reliable centers Marquese Chriss and Kevon Looney already on the roster, the Warriors can afford to bring Wiseman along slowly. He’ll compete with them and Green for the majority of minutes at center throughout his rookie season.
“We like to hope that he’s getting minutes and growing on the job, but we’ll see,” Myers said. “He’s going to have to earn that in [training] camp. But we think he’s got the possibility of coming out and giving us those kinds of minutes.”
Now Wiseman, who has high expectations for himself, intends to focus on his role and do what he can to develop into a cornerstone of the franchise.
“I’m focused on success,” Wiseman said. “I mean, Rookie of the Year is something that I do want on my list, obviously, but I just want to go in there and be the best player I can be. Learn as much as possible, grow as a player and learn under the vets and play my role, and everything will come after that.”


mercurynews--2020-11-19--U.S. will ship vaccine for 20 million Americans by the end of the year, U.S. health secretary says

By the end of December , there will be enough COVID-19 vaccines to protect 20 million of the most vulnerable Americans , with a similar number available every month after that , federal officials announced Wednesday .
The team ’ s announcement provided new details and timelines for the distribution program designed to safeguard the country from the deadly pandemic .
Vaccines will be distributed throughout the U.S. within 24 hours of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ’ s “ emergency use authorization , ” said senior officials with Operation Warp Speed , the code for the federal vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Defense and Department of Health and Human Services .
Manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna have reported this week that their vaccines prevent 95 % of cases of the disease .
Company officials say they plan to apply to the USDA for an emergency use authorization “ within days.
” Here ’ s what the federal officials said about the vaccine distribution : “ We ’ ve paid for the vaccines .
We ’ ve worked to ensure that administration costs will be covered by private insurers and the federal government through Medicare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 costs for the uninsured .
No American will face an out-of-pocket cost for getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
” Every state will get a population-based supply “ Distribution of the vaccine will be based on fair and equitable availability of the vaccine pro rata to the population – in other words , the population of the state against the available vaccine .
Distribution will start within one day of the FDA ’ s go ahead , followed by weekly shipments “ We will begin distribution of the vaccine within 24 hours after emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all 64 jurisdictions ( state , local and territorial public health agencies ) .
Then we will begin a weekly cadence of delivery of the vaccine… to ensure that we rapidly expand the availability to the entire country , simultaneously .
“ We are going to execute the plans that the jurisdictions have established , once they figure out the priority and where they want it to go.
” McKesson Corp. and Pfizer are responsible for shipping the vaccine to where it needs to go “ The federal government will use the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world ’ s leading distributors of pharmaceutical and medical products , as well as a direct arrangement with Pfizer to ship the product from manufacturing sites to where the jurisdictions decide it needs to go.
” More than half of the nation ’ s pharmacies and “ pharmacy networks , ” like grocery stores , will have access “ Last week , we reached nationwide agreements to allow administration of the vaccine by pharmacy chains and networks of independent pharmacies that cover more than 60 % of the pharmacies across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live within five miles of a pharmacy.
” “ Already 99 % of skilled nursing facilities across the country have signed up , and 100 % of facilities in 20 states are signed up.
” We ’ re practicing how to distribute it “ We ’ re doing numerous tabletop exercises , now extended it into actual rehearsals , of how to move the product , from manufacturing sites to distribution centers , down to actual administration sites .
“ The CDC ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ) published a playbook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been going through the playbook… to make sure that every detail is covered.
” It ’ ll go all over “ All of America must receive vaccine within 24 hours .
It is incredibly important to have fair and equitable distribution of the vaccine throughout the country simultaneously , so there is no ‘ haves ’ and ‘ have nots.
’ But the federal government needs to see three things from the states “ First , we must have the jurisdictions create good solid ( doctor , pharmacist and facility ) enrollment… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go through and sign ‘ data use agreements ’ … to see who got their dose , where they got their dose and what vaccine did they receive… The third thing is for the jurisdictions to work on their actual rehearsals in the execution of the plan… down at the tactical level.
” Some vaccines require ultra-cold refrigeration .
That is tricky , but not a deal-breaker “ We know where all the ultra-cold storage refrigeration is in the country .
We asked the jurisdictions months ago for this data , so they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also were provided with resources on how to go buy more refrigeration if they wanted to , to increase the distribution capability .
Many states don ’ t require additional refrigeration .
They have enough , or they can supplement it with dry ice .
My message is : don ’ t be afraid of the refrigeration requirement .
The capability exists.
” There isn ’ t yet any long-term vaccine safety data .
But if there were big problems , we would have seen them already .
And after we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ ve seen that over 90 % of side effects occur within the 40 days after completing the immunization schedule… For the overwhelming majority of potential side effects , we will understand the performance.
” Who gets which vaccine , if they ’ re both available ?
“ Take the vaccine that ’ s available , would be my personal recommendation… We are in the fortunate position at this stage that the two vaccines have almost identical performance.
” There are more vaccines in the pipeline “ We have two more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trials , with about 11,000 subjects recruited in one and about 8,000 subjects in the other… The two vaccines will be giving us data on their efficacy in the weeks to come .
”

By the end of December, there will be enough COVID-19 vaccines to protect 20 million of the most vulnerable Americans, with a similar number available every month after that, federal officials announced Wednesday.
The team’s announcement provided new details and timelines for the distribution program designed to safeguard the country from the deadly pandemic.
Vaccines will be distributed throughout the U.S. within 24 hours of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s “emergency use authorization,” said senior officials with Operation Warp Speed, the multiagency federal effort to accelerate vaccine development.
While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must also move to recommend vaccine utilization, efforts are underway to create a concurrent review by both the FDA and CDC, to prevent a delay.
Manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna have reported this week that their vaccines prevent 95% of cases of the disease. Company officials say they plan to apply to the USDA for an emergency use authorization “within days.” The companies’ data may be reviewed together, or separated by several days.
[vemba-video id=”tv/2020/11/18/exp-cnni-qmb-ows-chief.cnn”]
Video: Operation Warp Speed chief on vaccine rollout
Here’s what the federal officials said about the vaccine distribution:
It’ll be free
“We’ve paid for the vaccines. We’ve worked to ensure that administration costs will be covered by private insurers and the federal government through Medicare, Medicaid and our program to cover COVID-19 costs for the uninsured. No American will face an out-of-pocket cost for getting a COVID-19 vaccine.”
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar
Every state will get a population-based supply
“Distribution of the vaccine will be based on fair and equitable availability of the vaccine pro rata to the population – in other words, the population of the state against the available vaccine. And every week that goes by, we are able to create a tighter shot of the actual numbers and the allocations that will be available to each state.”
Army General Gustave F. Perna, Chief Operating Officer, Operation Warp Speed
Distribution will start within one day of the FDA’s go ahead, followed by weekly shipments
“We will begin distribution of the vaccine within 24 hours after emergency use authorization is approved… Distribution will go to all 64 jurisdictions (state, local and territorial public health agencies). Then we will begin a weekly cadence of delivery of the vaccine… to ensure that we rapidly expand the availability to the entire country, simultaneously.
“We are going to execute the plans that the jurisdictions have established, once they figure out the priority and where they want it to go.”
Army General Perna
McKesson Corp. and Pfizer are responsible for shipping the vaccine to where it needs to go
“The federal government will use the contract we have with McKesson, one of the world’s leading distributors of pharmaceutical and medical products, as well as a direct arrangement with Pfizer to ship the product from manufacturing sites to where the jurisdictions decide it needs to go.”
HHS Secretary Azar
More than half of the nation’s pharmacies and “pharmacy networks,” like grocery stores, will have access
“Last week, we reached nationwide agreements to allow administration of the vaccine by pharmacy chains and networks of independent pharmacies that cover more than 60% of the pharmacies across the country. The vast majority of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy.”
HHS Secretary Azar
Elder care facilities say they’re ready for shipments
“Already 99% of skilled nursing facilities across the country have signed up, and 100% of facilities in 20 states are signed up.”
HHS Secretary Azar
We’re practicing how to distribute it
“We’re doing numerous tabletop exercises, now extended it into actual rehearsals, of how to move the product, from manufacturing sites to distribution centers, down to actual administration sites.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) published a playbook back in September, and the jurisdictions have been going through the playbook… to make sure that every detail is covered.”
Army General Perna
It’ll go all over
“All of America must receive vaccine within 24 hours. It is incredibly important to have fair and equitable distribution of the vaccine throughout the country simultaneously, so there are no ‘haves’ and ‘have nots.’
Army General Perna
But the federal government needs to see three things from the states
“First, we must have the jurisdictions create good solid (doctor, pharmacist and facility) enrollment… Second, we must have the states go through and sign ‘data use agreements’… to see who got their dose, where they got their dose and what vaccine did they receive… The third thing is for the jurisdictions to work on their actual rehearsals in the execution of the plan… down at the tactical level.”
Army General Perna
The vaccine roll-out will continue during the presidential handover
“All of the individuals involved in planning at the CDC and on the Operation Warp Speed team are career officials, so they aren’t impacted by any change in leadership. The work with the states is deeply embedded with CDC’s work processes. So in the event of a transition, there’s really just total continuity that would occur.
We’ve made it very clear that when the General Services Administration makes a determination (to coordinate the transfer of power), we will ensure complete, cooperative professional transition and planning.”
HHS Secretary Azar
Some vaccines require ultra-cold refrigeration. That is tricky, but not a deal-breaker
“We know where all the ultra-cold storage refrigeration is in the country. We asked the jurisdictions months ago for this data, so they went and tracked it down. They also were provided with resources on how to go buy more refrigeration if they wanted to, to increase the distribution capability.
Many states don’t require additional refrigeration. They have enough, or they can supplement it with dry ice. My message is: don’t be afraid of the refrigeration requirement. The capability exists.”
Army General Perna
There isn’t yet any long-term vaccine safety data. But if there were big problems, we would have seen them already. And after we’re immunized, health authorities will track us
“We’ve seen that over 90% of side effects occur within the 40 days after completing the immunization schedule… For the overwhelming majority of potential side effects, we will understand the performance.”
Dr. Moncef Slaoui, chief scientific adviser for Operation Warp Speed
Who gets which vaccine, if they’re both available?
“Take the vaccine that’s available, would be my personal recommendation… We are in the fortunate position at this stage that the two vaccines have almost identical performance.”
Dr. Moncef Slaoui
There are more vaccines in the pipeline
“We have two more vaccines that are recruiting for Phase 3 trials, with about 11,000 subjects recruited in one and about 8,000 subjects in the other… The two vaccines will be giving us data on their efficacy in the weeks to come. Maybe in early January, for one of them. And for the other – it could be in the next few weeks, or maybe slightly later.”